December 2009 Inside POOL Magazine

InsidePOOLmag.com

KwikFire Aims at Tournament of Champions

Putnam & Archer Crowned at Carolina Open

December 2009 Volume IX, Issue 10 USA $3.95 Can. $5.95

IP's Holiday Buying Guide Seminole Tour Finale Goes to

Manalo

Against All Odds

Immonen's

Amazing U.S. Open Repeat

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December 2009 Contents Instructions 10

Grady’s Grad School

12

Beat People With a Stick

14

Tricknology

16

Pro Pool Workout

18

Interesting Two-Railers

What Were You Thinking?

Don’t Be So Pushy …

On Second Thought, Go Ahead Consistent Kicking

On the Cover: Mika Immonen made history at this year's U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships, suffering an early loss and coming all the way back through the one-loss side to win it all. He is only the second player in the history of the event to win back-to-back titles.

For the full story, please visit page 34.

The 8-Ball Debates You Pick the Solutions

Features 20

Champions Crowned at Carolina Open

22

Manalo Makes It Happen

24

InsidePOOL’s Holiday Buying Guide

28

Team USA Downs Team Europe in World Cup of Trick Shots

30

Immonen Aces International Challenge of Champions

31

Fisher Takes Tournament of Champions TitleChampions

34

West Side Story

Putnam and Archer Take Top Honors Page 22

Immonen Makes History With Back-to-Back U.S. Open Wins

2 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

When the canvas for your masterpiece is made of felt, this is your paintbrush.

With ornate Crown Jewel inlays adorning their shafts, the Imperial 22 & 23 Special Editions are about to take the worlds of art and billiards by storm. Handcrafted in Cocobolo, Ebony and Birdseye Maple by famed cue maker J. Pechauer, and designed in partnership with Predator, they are the first Gallery Collection cues to feature Pechauer’s Crown Jewel inlays on the shaft. Available in a limited run of 75 each, they’re of a royal breed to be sure – but these are no idle beauties. Thanks to the Uni- Loc® weight cartridge system and your choice of a 3142 or Z2 Shaft, Imperial 22 & 23 may look like they belong in a gallery, but they’re destined to conquer and rule.

Available at fine dealers, call 1.888.314.4111 or visit www.PredatorCues.com for more information.

©2009 Predator Cues and Uni-Loc, divisions of Predator Group.

Columns 38

Industry Ink

40

On Board With the BCA

44

Billiard Warehouse: The Complete Package

A Healthy Number

Places to Play, Places to Buy

Page 20

Departments 6 8 46

Pool on TV Advertiser Directory League Player of the Month

Regional Roundup 48 54 60 63

Page 31

Northeast Southeast Central Western

Publisher Advertising Sales Director JR Calvert Bill Perry publisher@insidepoolmag.com sales@insidepoolmag.com Editor Sally P. Timko editor@insidepoolmag.com Graphic Artist Dana Keith art@insidepoolmag.com Editorial Assistant Lea Andrews Vice President of Promotions Rodney Andrews randrews@insidepoolmag.com

Technical Consultant Tom Simpson Feature Photo Credits JR Calvert, Fred Stoll Email info@insidepoolmag.com Website www.insidepoolmag.com Toll Free 888-428-7665

4 InsidePOOL Magazine â—Š December 2009

Instructional Staff Johnny Archer, Shannon Daulton, Bob Henning, Jason Lynch, Donny Lutz, Grady Mathews, Matt Sherman, Tom Simpson Contributing Writers Fred Agnir, Lea Andrews, Michael Andrews, Jose Burgos, Rob Johnson, Raymond Linares, Kim Shaw Ken Shuman, Jerry Tarantola, Kevin Vidal Administrative Office PO Box 972, Kittanning, PA 16201

InsidePOOL Magazine Volume IX, Issue 10 (ISSN1547-3511) is published monthly except June and August by Spheragon Publishing, PO Box 972, Kittanning, PA 16201. Single copy price: $3.95 in U.S.A., $5.95 in Canada. Subscription prices: $19.99/yr in the U.S.A., $28/yr in Canada, $39/yr international. Periodicals postage at Kittanning, PA, and additional mailing offices. Submissions of manuscripts, illustrations, and/or photographs must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The publisher assumed no responsibility for unsolicited material. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: InsidePOOL Magazine, PO Box 972, Kittanning, PA 16201.

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

READY, AIM, OBLITERATE. This is Ikon. Nine standard-shattering cues at the intersection of advanced weaponry and classic design, each one blessed with Predator’s exclusive Leather Luxe™ Wrap. With an outer layer that wicks away sweat, a middle layer that absorbs and releases the moisture and a sealer that protects your cue to increase its lifespan, Leather Luxe™ gives “don’t sweat it” a whole new meaning. Predator C4™ technology also gives you the ultimate solid feel for a priceless boost of confidence, and gorgeous, inlay-designed sleeves of exotic wood only add to the feeling that with a cue this stunning and this well made, anything is possible. It almost makes you feel immortal. Unfortunately for your opponents, when they play against an Ikon, they’ll feel quite the opposite.

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© 2009 Predator Cues, a division of Predator Group

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Grady’s Grad School GRADY’S Interesting

by Grady Mathews Two-Railers

With the cue ball at Point X, the two-rail bank just isn’t GRAD SCHOOL workable. The correct shot is to two rail bank the 1 ball to

by Grady Matthews

I can watch a good one-pocket match for hours. I play the game in my mind as I do so. Especially enjoyable to me is stellar end-game strategy. This column features three situations where I show two different positions of the cue ball in Bank or Kick each diagram.

Diagram 1 Three interesting, slightly different end-game kick shots compose this My Pocket month’s column. It was said of “Frisco Jack” that he “moved like a ghost.”

Hopefully these situations will help you in this department.

Q I’ve featured the shot shown in Diagram 1 before but from a different angle. Now the two-rail bank shot selection is even worse. If I’m inP dead stroke I can only make the bank shot about a quarter of the time. I cannot control both balls, and sometimes I’ll even scratch when I make the bank.

Point Q.

In Diagram 2, from Point R, there isn’t an offensive shot.

The correct play is to cut the object ball slightly to the right of straight ahead and knock it to about Point W. Diagram 1

Point X for the cue ball is a different story. A full hit on the object ball sends it beautifully toward my pocket. It is very important to follow the cue ball down to the distant end rail.

In Diagram 3, if the cue ball is at Point H, I like going two rails up and down the table. I draw the cue ball back to the end rail. The fact that I’m close to the object ball makes this easier to do.

E Diagram 3

Diagram 2

My Pocket

S

M XMuch, much better is to kick behind the 1 ball using high, left-hand english and medium speed. Struck correctly, the high english “kills” the cue ball and leaves it about where the 1 ball originally sits.

K

1

The 4-inch distance off the rail that the object ball is, is very important—3 inches is not enough, and 5 inches is a bit too much. Practice this shot a few times, and you’ll get idea of what I’m talking about.

2 shows better Point kick shot a one-rail bank.

With for high,a Diagram In Diagram 1,afrom M,than everything is right right-hand english medium speed, the cue ball diesspeed, near theand end about rail. two-railer.

Withand left-hand english, medium an eighth of a ball hit, the object ball goes nicely towards our If I were to go all-out for the bank shot I couldn’t comfortably draw pocket.

The cue ball travels naturally two rails endsbank up to at the cue ball because it’s right on the rail. I’ll leave a free and crossing about Pointmore P. often than I’ll win the game with the shot. The optimum my opponent distances off the rail for this shot are 5 to 7 inches.

Diagram The shot I 2 like in Diagram 3 is the two-rail kick. The cue ball is almost

frozen on the rail. My only other reasonable option is to shoot a slow-speed My Pocket safety, which is mighty tentative for my taste.

R

W

I don’t have a system to figure where on the first rail I want the cue ball to hit. I just try to not contact one of the points of the pocket. The object ball X is 4 inches off the end rail. A straight high ball and a level cue work best here. This identical shot is the correct way to take this ball out of the pocket, if Pocket R were your opponent’s hole.

I cannot overstress the value of these types of kick shots in the end game of one-pocket. They also come into play with 9-ball and snooker defense.

10 InsidePOOL Magazine September 2009 10 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

H

R

Diagram 3

From Point R, the two-rail bank doesn’t work because the object ball is too far away to draw the cue ball back to the end rail comfortably.

From Point H, it is possible to two-rail the object ball, using high, right-hand english. The cue ball goes three rails aroundE the table and winds up in a safe position. In my opinion, the angle shown here isn’t quite right for this attempt.

“The Better here is Mathews to play issafe banking objectfiball Grady Professor” one by of pool’s most the recognized gures.toward Point S, while drawing the cue ball to the end rail at His success at the table has opened doors for him as technical advisor to Point movie K. producers, commentator on Accu-Stats video productions, proX

ducer of billiard instructional video tapes, and as an author. Grady has won world titles and recently themost proprietor of several Grady “Theone-pocket Professor” Mathews is onebecame of pool’s recognized “Grady’s” poolroom in at Lexington, figures. His success the tableSC. has opened doors for him as technical

advisor to movie producers, commentator on Accu-Stats video productions, producer of billiard instructional video tapes, and as an author.

Grady has won several world one-pocket titles and recently became the proprietor of “Grady’s” poolroom in Lexington, SC.

Play Play Video Video Beat People with a Stick What Were You Thinking?

BEAT PEOPLE WITH STICK Willie A Mosconi’s famous “Rule #1: Don’t miss” is more

by Tom Simpson

by Tom Simpson

You get what you think about. This is good news and bad news. Focus on the results you want, and that focus itself—those thoughts and intentions—seems to somehow help you get those results. The bad news? Players often unwittingly focus on what they don’t want— missing the shot, missing the position, choking, losing. And guess what? That’s what they Non-Trivial Pursuits get.

Rather than speculating on how this can be and to what extent it might be true, let’s just accept, for now, that somehow our bodies work to deliver the results we’re thinking about. Perhaps the whimsical “pool gods” smallestMurphy’s of things can makeisthesmacking biggest of differareSometimes involved.theMaybe Law us …

ences. This is especially true in pool, perhaps our most precise game.

The players are beating are somehow preAs a who teenager at the you swimming pool,performing we playedmore a diving cisely, more effi ciently, more consistently.

What little things are they game. As you ran down the diving board and were about to doing—or might helpwould you? yell either “jackknife” spring upnotoffdoing—that the end, someone

or “pike.” Both dives called for you to bend over and touch Aretoes any and of these habits or tendencies your thencommon open for a vertical entrysmacking into the you? water.

However, the jackknife dive is head first and the pike is feet Head bobbing—Some players tilt but theiryou headdon’t up and down durfirst.

So you’re flying into a dive, have a plan. ing aiming and sometimes during the hit stroke.

Try to get your head When you hear the dive call, your body has to get organized positioned where can see the shot Often and believe but only to produce theyou requested result. it wasit, too late. move Your your eyes—and don’t move them during the hit stroke. body would be confused by the two conflicting intentions, and wind up doing something in-between—a belly flop. We Focusing cue ball—Many players stare at the cue ball thought this on wasthe hilarious. while they drop into their stance and then try to acquire the target line after they are already late. more Align than yourself the distant Frequently in down. pool, Too we see onetoway to actarget and stay sharp on that as you drop. Trust that your body will complish our shot. When you go down on a shot without line up well to what you see and intend.

making that clear decision about which way you’re going to shoot it, what happens? You shoot something that’s in Poor chalking—Whenever you’re going to do something exbetween the two—the billiard belly flop. Not so hilarious.

treme, carefully chalk the edges of your tip. This is where we miscue, and this is when we miscue. Chalk your edges! A good chalk job Decisions must be made in advance. Try to make your contributes to your confidence and your calmness. We assume we are plan while you’re standing. When you’re down, take the good chalkers. Try chalking thoroughly with one color of chalk, and time to clearly intend and set up for just one plan, with as then chalk your normal way with another color. Take a look. You’ll much focus as you can bring to it. Indecision is a killer. be surprised.

Here’s the biggie: When you’re aboutatoplan pull Shooting before ready—Have as complete as the you trigcan ger on your shot, are you worrying about missing?

Are before you bend over. If doubt or a new idea arrives, stand up and doubts tugging at you?

If you think you can miss, you start over. Move and shoot at your own speed. Don’t rush. Don’t are until far more likelyhastosettled miss.into Youtheget what you confi thinkdence about. shoot your body shot and your is What if you’re focused on not missing?

Another bad idea. as good as it can be.

You’re still preoccupied with missing, so what’s likely to happen? You’ll miss successfully. From this perspective, 12 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

than wry humor—it’s a shark! If I can get you thinking “don’t miss, don’t miss, don’t’ miss,” you’re in trouble.

Try these enormous little things:

On the other hand, if you are fully expecting to make the shot, it’srming far more likely you’ll make it. Doubt a killer.

Confi tip position—You, of course, have aisvery specific, precise intention for exactly where you will strike the cue ball. Be sure There whenwill you’re really them,This when to confi rm are that days your stroke deliver the tipseein’ as planned. sounds you know you’re going to make everything you look at.

You on obvious, but you really have to be conscious about tip placement can’t miss. you “can’t because haveyour every shot.Maybe If your stroke systemmiss” allows, come toyou a fulldon’t stop with thetipthought of missing.

Fearless, you welcome each “probat the CB, and visually confirm your tip placement before taking lem” at stroke. the table. You’re filled with confidence, and believe the hit

you’ll excel. You’re making every shot. No question about it. AndFinding of course, youbridge tend to get whatpurpose you think your best angle—The of the about. bridge is to provide an absolute rock that guides your tip to the precise spot where you’re walking back your chairthat after a miss, youAs intend to touch the cue ball.toAny bridge achieves thisconis okay, sider whatgoyou thinking you were downIfon but let’s past were that and work to when find a bridge that helps. youthe use an shot. was yourthe last thought?

Poolbyisyour so demanding that, openWhat bridge, notice skin line formed thumb resting against while shooting, we nger. don’tTryhave roomyour in our awareness the side of the forefi adjusting bridge so that linefor points anything else.

We have bring of ourpart intent to“vee” bear of onyour down your intended sticktoline and all becomes of the thebridge. shot You at hand. we need to strain fight. in Rather, mightNot havethat to pivot your bridge handorslightly your wrist wetoneed to be fully engaged with dan- for find this alignment.

You may findthe thischallenge, gives you abeauty, better groove ger, and glory ofhelps everyyou shot. your stroke and line up more accurately and consistently. If you use a closed (finger loop) bridge, try pivoting your bridge hand slightly outward, holding the shaft firmly in touch with the webbing between your thumb and forefinger. The feeling will be that you are stroking through a tube, against slight resistance. Try these bridge angles and see whether they improve your confidence or accuracy.

“

If you think you can miss, you are far more likely to miss.

“

Dowsing for final aim—We all have habits of how we see our final aim, all, howwhat we “know” wereally are oncontrol it. Yet, we After can we in miss. pool?Often Not we ourmiss the same Not angle, sameNot way. at a We higher we only mightthe not be opponent. thetherolls. theOr,luck. canlevel, control hitting the of partthe of stick, the pocket expected.

Try this: movement whatwewe think about, andOnce our you’ve generalcome to your nal aim, stop moving and see it clearly. Now, make the smallframe of fimind. est aiming adjustment you can make. You pick which direction, or try both. tinypool aiming adjustment, settle, and it. Does it look If Make your that inner player is screaming forsee your atten“more perfect” than your earlier fi nal aim?

Shoot straight and see tion, “No, no, no. You’re not ready. You have doubt. Youwhat happens.

This is aYou’re results-based wayabout to train yourselfYour to correctly have indecision. thinking missing. mind see the shots you tend to see imperfectly.

Your brain has to light up and say is wandering …” it might be a good idea to stop the process yes when the shot is on.

You may have to show it the correct picture and start over. Think “make,” not “miss.” Your body knows a few times. how to do both. That final thought is a commitment. Go

ahead and shoot, and get what you think about, on purpose.

Some of these little things are really big things. Try a little.

Tom Simpson is a Master Instructor in both the BCA and ACS Instructor Programs. He delivers his acclaimed 3-Day Weekend Intensive in Columbus, Ohio, and in selected cities nationwide. As inventor of Elephant Practice Balls®, the Stroke Groover™, and the Ghostball Aim Trainer®, and authorized instructor for Secret Aiming Systems™, Tominnovations Simpson isina training Master Instructor both the BCA & ACS InstrucTom’s have helpedinthousands of players.

Listen to tor an audio description of the Intensive, and read 35 instructional Programs.

He delivers his acclaimed 3-Day Weekendarticles Intensive at in www.NationalBilliardAcademy.com.

Contact: Tom@PoolClinics.com.

Columbus, Ohio, and in selected cities nationwide.

As inventor of

Elephant Practice Balls®, the Stroke Groover™, and the Ghostball Aim Trainer®, and authorized instructor for Secret Aiming Systems™,

Play Play Video Video Tricknology

Don’t Be So Pushy …

TRICKNOLOGY On Second Thought,

by Jason Lynch Go Ahead

by Jason Lynch

All three shots of my shots this month deal with simple push shots.

That is one of the joys of artistic pool— push shots are legal!

Diagram 1

Stroke It, Don’t Poke It

was recently at the Michigan State V.N.E.A. Championship, and one questions that I was asked by a good player was: “How do you hit er draw shot?” Randy, this month is for you. First I will explain the que involved to juice a ball up with low english, and then I will explain s involved in three different shots. All three require a strong stroke fluid follow-through.

fer this to a third ball the gear effect will be opposite or left. After placing the balls as shown, tell your audience that you are playing 8-ball and that you are solids. Place your cue stick against the cue ball and push through the cue ball with extreme right. The spin from the push will throw the stripe out of the way and the solids will split the corner pocket.

The third shot is similar to the second in the set-up of the object balls. The difference now in our fictitious game is that you are stripes. Place your cue stick against the cue ball and push through the cue ball with extreme left as shown and the solids will “gear” out and the stripe will split the pocket. If one of the solids falls with the stripe you can always say that you felt bad for your opponent and decided to make one for them. To stop this from happening, you can vary the angle of the push.

The second of the draw shots is a draw and a kick combined. We’ll put some running english on the cue so it will kick long enough to pocket the These last two shots are a fun way to see the interplay of balls ball that is resting in the jaws of Pocket A. Cue ball placement, believe it that you wouldn’t in work a game but keep or not, is deadnormally straight. The englishencounter does all the forofthepool kick.

You will in mind that if you are hitting a cue ball into a frozen cluster, some want to put bottom right on this shot as is diagrammed. This becomes top the gear can be used in acase normal game.english.

I have thrown the right of english off effect the rail, which in this is running last ball in a frozen set of two as much as one-half diamond on a shot that is four diamonds away from a pocket.

As in any pool shot, the stance, body position, and follow-through the biggestThe impact hit with two of first on shottheis outcome easy. Setofupthe theshot. rackAasball shown, push through ee will not power-draw. For myself, I start with a comfortable stance the cue ball, and the 8 ball will push right into the bottom rightmy bridge hand about 4 inches away from the cue ball. This allows me hand pocket. This shot works best on a 7 foot table since the disow through and hit my mark more easily, since the cue is resting on a tance from the rack to the corner pocket is less. The key to a good that is closer than most of my shots. push shot is to accelerate thru with an increase in speed until well after the cue ball has left the stick. This will ensure the maximum You can never hit low enough on a power-draw shot. I usually drag my reward from the push. The most frequent mistake that people make n the cloth when I am stroking well. Your back hand should be loose shots of is they sort You of jerk the push ight with beforethese the point contact. willthrough, want theand cuethen to slap your becomes a punch stroke. as you snap your wrist to get maximum zip on the cue ball.

Diagram 3

The second shot is a crowd-pleaser a good example he first example is a cross-corner draw shot. Theand angle is what deter- of gear effects on push shots.

When I say a gear effect, I mean the path of the cue ball after contact. If the cue ball hits the head rail,that Now it is time to get serious. The last of the shots for this month will if you on a cue withdraw left english whilePoint it is X). frozen to an the cue ballpush into more of aball straight (away from I line test any player (myself included). This shot takes a snap of the wrist and a object ball, the object ball will be geared to the right.

If you transs shot to hit Ball F into the right center of the pocket and hit the cue really good follow-through. I shoot this with bottom right draw. I have seen ead bottom and a smooth snap of my wrist.

Any side english will be Diagram 2 some players hit this low left, for you. balls are I hope that with I pushed you so in do thewhat rightworks direction withThe these simental to the overall draw. set asple diagrammed; does not have tofor be yourself made andand Balls D and are push shots.Ball Try1some scenarios you mayEbe adjustable.

Hint: Place Ball E approximately one ball’s width away from surprised what can happen. the cut of the slate of the side pocket.

Jason Lynch grew up playing pool in Michigan. In his early twenties he started playing in the VNEA and placed as high as 16th in 8-ball and 9-ball.

Good luck, andthe remember: it, don’t it! He has also pockIn 2005, he won Michigan Stroke VNEA speed poolpoke contest. eted 11,100 and 12,011 balls in 24 hours as fundraisers for the American for Life.

2007 he had hisIn best to date, plac-he JasonCancer LynchSociety’s grew upRelay playing poolInin Michigan. hisfinish early twenties ingplaying sixth atin thethe Artistic Open and winning strokeand category. started VNEAPool and U.S. placed as high as 16th the in 8-ball 9-ball.

Jason ranked in the world the WPA. sponsors In 2005, heiswon the14th Michigan VNEAbyspeed poolHis contest.

Heare hasShelti also Pool pockTables, Seybert’s Billiard Supply, Pechauer Cues, Dieckman Cues, OB-1 eted 11,100 and 12,011 balls in 24 hours as fundraisers for the American Shafts, and Leisure Elements. Visit his website at www.michigankid.com.

14 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. In 2007 he had his best finish to date, placing sixth at the Artistic Pool U.S. Open and winning the stroke category.

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Pro Pool Workout Consistent Kicking

PRO POOL WORKOUT

by Bob Henning

Henning

by BobThe first step in training to kick consistently is to eliminate as many variables as possible.

What this means is to standardize as many factors as possible.

Mapping kicks for all of the diamonds as addressed in the last “Pro Pool Workout” makes the playing field systematic, but what about you? How can we systematize the way you execute kicks? What are the variables that are within your personal control? There are two major areas: consistent cueing and consistent speed.

Rolling Ball Caroms

tip on the equator of the cue ball and the left or right edge of the cue tip on the vertical axis. Since the cue ball picks up natural english as it contacts a rail from an angle, it makes sense to start with it in the first place. If the angle to the cushion is very direct, however, say 60° or more, you may find it more consistent to forgo the english and use a A good training aid for practicing rolling ball caro flat cueStroke ball. Whatever specificbydecisions youand make aboutfrom Trainer, endorsed Nick Varner available cueing,ing.com. do makeThe sureheart that of they and logical, thisare aidconsistent is a vinyl circle with a sma so that the youobject are always shooting the same kick with ball and a circle to represent the cue ballthe at con same cueing. black line showing the sliding ball 90-degree reference an

“ ”

lines for cue ball paths for 60, 30, 20, and 10 degrees. It

Theofother variable thatobject you can is the the cue ball to the ball control and the path of speed the cue ba of yourAlthough stroke. designed It wouldprimarily be wise to toshow haveaim twoand reference cue ball pat speeds this for kicking; normal speed and normal full aid can beaused verylag effectively for acaroms.

As every player knows, left or right english takes lag speed is good for most kicks, especially whenThe the carom cue ball intotool contact with a cushion. The is comes a standard in the advanced player’s tool stroke. The box when you want to kick a ball a table length with a full hit. and is often used to make early 9 balls and get out of congested situaspinning ball grabs the cloth and the spin changes the antionsthat in 8-ball, one-pocket, pool.more Thespin carom A normal stroke is good for moving the balls and trying to gle the ball comes offand thestraight rail. The onmost the players are familiar with, however, is the sliding ball carom. make something happen.

The hit on the object ball is cue ball, the more the angle is altered and this is a crucial point in understanding kicking. (Let’s save reverse engsingle variable that determ This carom is based on the predictable 90-degree path that the If you are always cueing the cue ball with lish kicks for another discussion.)

“

the path, but even a very s cue ball, without forward or backward spin, takes after contacting an different amounts of english, it’s going object ball. Once a player has learned how to shoot a stop shot from difference in hit can change Imagine you are kicking into the long rail from a corto be very difficult to learn to kick different distances, the sliding ball—or stop shot carom—is very decuewith ball path by several deg ner pocket cue ball origination to hit an object ball in the consistency. pendable. It is especially effective when the cue ball is close to the middle of the end rail. It is possible to hit that ball by conobject ball and the object ball is close to the carom target. It is a lot tacting railtheanywhere a certain harder tothe uselong when object ballwithin is a long distancerange from that the cue ball is determined by the english applied. From a center-ball and harder yet when the object ball is a long way from the carom

In training, theofgoal is tothe learn thetowards rail a hit to maximum side english, the contact on theisrail could Instead pointing line to of recognize centers arrow target.

In these situations, a rolling ball carom often the shot of points for kicks at a lagging speed. For the firmer kicks, would for teaching a student to aim, point the departure lin vary more than one full diamond. It could be influenced choice. you only know the amount correction required. cueneed ball to paths toward a 9 ballof sitting in the jaws of a corn even more with the addition of either follow or draw.

Firmer kicks will tend to shorten up the angle of the cue an object ball in the small hole and position the cue ball to The rolling ball carom is easier to control than a sliding ball carball, and if your firm speed then the differrespective cue ball lineistoconsistent, the circle representing the cue it is ontothe cue ball contacting the object om because The point ofnot thisdependent example is demonstrate that if you The cue ball will hit the object ball and head straight ence in degrees of adjustment for any specific angle of ap-for th ball during the short interval when any applied backspin has worn off are always cueing the cue ball with different amounts of proach will always be the same. and no forward spintohas rolling ball,with on the other english, it’s going be been very picked difficultup.to A learn to kick Setting these shots up over and over will train your ey hand, stays rolling until it stops.

Regardless of the distance consistency. Therefore, it is important to choose one spe-it travels, be able visualize the path of a rolling cue ball during com the cue ball always contacts ball thewhether same rotation.

The Good lucktoand good shootin’! cific method of cueing and the useobject that for allwith kicks, in tice all of the different cue ball paths, especially the 30-deg only thing that varies is the hit on the object ball and the departure path practice or competition, unless you absolutely have to vary essentially the most predictable Bob Henning is thea half-ball author of hit Theand Pro is Book, widely considered one to to of the cue ball. from it to respond to a specific situation. be the most advanced forright competitive players. these carom training shots offresource both the and leftpool sides of the ob It brings the latest techniques of the top coaches and trainers of all The reason the rolling ball carom is not used as often as the slidsports into pool.

It isluck intended for those who wish to prepare physi ing ball Consider practicing kicking by cueing the cue ball with Good and good shootin’! carom is that most players are not familiar with the different cally, mentally, and psychologically for pool competition. Bob is also apaths specific, consistent, and mild running english. Think of the cue ball will take after contact. The hit on the object the ballauthor of “The Pro Book Video Series,” a complete, on-the-table aisdead-center-ball hitthat on determines the cue ballthe and imagine moving the single variable path, but even a very small training system, and he also released The Advanced Pro Book and The the cue tipinone of a tipthe to the and onedegrees. half This difference hithalf can change cue natural ball pathside by several Stroke Zone: The Pool Player’s Guide to Dead Stroke. In addition, he of a tip north. This should put the bottom edge oftoyour Red, biography thePro colorful Billy Burge.cons complexity keeps many players firmly restricted the cue sliding has ballauthored Bob Cornbread Henning is thea author of of The Book, widely 16carom.

InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009 most advanced training resource for competitive pool pl

“

The 8-Ball Debates You Pick the Solutions

Q. What kind of sticky situations have you faced in 8-ball?

Diagram 2 The 8-Ball Donny: Debates My solution would be to try banking the 4 ball in the side, while

by Matt Sherman and simultaneously Donny Lutz sending the cue ball two rails (with a 4 o’clock hit on the cue ball) to possibly make the 15 for a safety, as the bank may well not go …

Q. Why are there many ofthe8-ball rules?between Matt:so There is also different the kick at the 4sets ball off second diamond

the top left pocket and the side pocket. A different kick would bounce one cushion off the rail played (near the 10only ball).a handful Even more effective cally win a national titleside having pool of times.

APA(where rulesthe allow) is a massé out a few andtoback strikeMore the side also offers possibility of winning theinches paid trip Las to Vegas. ex- of the 4 ball, pocketing the 15 and sending the cue ball behind the 4 ball for a

by Matt Sherman and Donny Lutz perienced players tend to like the BCA, VNEA, APS, etc., where you are lock safe. rewarded a bit more for your skill and not so much for your luck.

In their final 8-ball debate column for InsidePOOL, Matt and Donny Diagram 3 review actual 8-ball tables and invite readers to study and choose their best Having said all that, there’s not much worse than, after a great match, options before comparing to our suggestions.

Solids is the incoming player Donny: Changing rules is a natural part of the evolution of pool. losing on a slop shot. everytodiagram.

When for I began play, way back in the last century, there were no “official” ules. The general rules were shoot your group of balls in first, no defensive Matt: But punishing crime when the 8 finds an uncalled pocket, for Diagram 1 and call every shot. The first 8-ball league rules I be- example, makes 8-ball fun for spectators who like a little luck in the mix. hots (“dirty pool!”), came aware of were those used by the National Pocket Billiard Association, Higher-ranked players take psychological edge in matches, so slop evens which began in 1964. They were similar to current World Standardized the odds, makes hustlers “lucky,” and adds dash to the game. If players Rules, with one glaring exception: You could push out on any shot! Your shoot softly to block pockets on a miss as they ought to, there would be less opponent had the option of taking the shot or giving it back. Made for a slop, so may all my opponents slap ‘em as hard as they like … ascinating defensive game, but a match could last forever!

Rules Supreme

Matt: My Picture Yourself Shooting Pool alerts gamblers to assess ocal rules and to love a poolroom that posts their rules in plain sight. I’ve gambled beneath a busted tin roof in the rain, where local rules matched the ules of golf. I could lift my ball from incidental water without penalty.

BCA rules are superb for universal adaptation, and APA leagues also represent thousands of players who want consistent rules going forward.

I’m tired of hiring Crane, Poole & Schmidt to mediate rule disputes.

Diagram 3 Adapting universal rules here. couldThe also4help World Confederation Matt: Spots are tough ball the is low percentage now andofshould Billiards addas8-ball future Olympic Games.

General of corner pool probeSports reserved a keytoball to the eight. The cinch 14 ballrules in the Yet I’d swim those pool tables again to install a universal set of 8-ball only should andthreat. for new equipment such as off stick videschange, an obvious The carom foronly, the cue ball thetechnology 3 ball to sink the ules, covering all players everywhere. enemy 14 seems best play look—but the 3 ball won’t sink, and limits or limiting cue ballthe position on on thefirst break where needed.

Diagram 1 after the opponent can make the 15 in the side from most anywhere.

Matt: Only the foolhardy will be banking that 5 ball now as solids. With Donny: The National Association the Billiard Conthe 3 and 7 Valley balls quite close8-Ball together while notand touching, the cue ball can Donny: The biggest complaint I hear from players, including APA gress of America have had nearly identical rules since their inception some I’dthey cut the 5 ball downVNEA, the longand railACS to sink the 15.

The cue be played almost atop the 7. players, is that don’t likeinstead slop. BCA, players (cur30 years tweaked theircue rules to eliminate ball will want to follow cross-table three cushions to the far side. ago.

A They good have roll will hold the balloccasionally near the 7 and also drivesome the 3 atop rently about 176,000) also put money into the game, but the financial part The 3 ballissue. now blocks 14 ball leaves stripes a lowallpercentage 10 ball and of the the luck8 factors, such as making theof8the ballgame. on theThe break being always ball, holding onto control opponent’s 15 and 10 is another I have athe hunch thatand a referendum among league players no clear safe options. Solids can then sink the 14 ball or run the solids in a win balls or a loss.

Along with thefast.

American Cue Sports Alliance, they now would favor are going nowhere the World Standardized Rules. the second inning. use the World Standardized Rules. The American Poolplayers Association, Donny: You’re to for the beginner correct shot. If yourplayers, safety ties up the 3, Matt: As I said, BCA or APA, pick something and build consistency wanting to be uniquelyhalfway designed and novice created

This three-rail follow stroke is not difficult and is mostly a function youset will maneuver to“luck openfactors” it up again. Instead, heir own of need rules another which re-introduced into the game simply such hit worldwide.

But real men eatspeed. slop if not quiche. In playing races to 5 in of finding the correct the shot with a tad more force and you will roll the 8 ball to the side rail to ncluding “slop” or no-call necessary on any shot except for the 8 ball.

8-ball (another change I’d like to see), slop is of negligible effect, and tightblock the 10, while leaving it playable. This shot requires the stun or kill ening rules allows longer races to betoplayed ciently.

Donny: The 5 is very close a deadeffi bank ontoLeague the 14. formats Hit theand shot with stroke—lots of draw, but just enough to slow the cue ball down just before I totally agree that poolroom owners would be wise to post the house scoringasystems are another matter, which we will tackle next issue. good firm stroke and ample follow.

I’ve seen this type of shot with high it strikes the 7. Hit about two-thirds of the 7 ball. ules in plain sight. If it were up to me, I’d post the World Standardized left, high right and straight follow. At this angle all three have pretty much ules, the APA rules, and any other rules used in league or tournament the same result: the cue ball follows up the rail to sink the 15 in the side Diagram 2 play. theCoach” far end rail.

Donny and “Thecontinues GrumpytoOld Lutz, BCA Certified Instructor, has re-

Matt: It gets interesting, does it not? You cannot call shots in any case using “reds and yellows” for 8-ball in Europe, and the pros can use slop to play 9-ball for $50,000 on TV, but we can’t slop in 8-ball! Slop allows the weaker player an added chance to even the odds against a strong shooter …

And we also have, as you explained, up to three sets of rules at once. Why not take APA rules only and make them the international standard?

Donny: Because not all players are weak players. Those of us who’ve played league pool for many decades would like to think that we’ve put in he time and shouldn’t have to give every possible advantage to the novice.

The APA is especially good for inexperienced players; you can theoreti18 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

InsidePOOL Magazine September 2009

corded over 200 league and tournament titles including 43 league MVPs.

If hit perfectly, the 14 and 15 drop at the same time—a very pretty Reach Donny at poolcool.zoomshare.com. shot!

Matthew Sherman the Guide Pool andedBilliards athas re “Quick DonnyDraw” “The Grumpy OldisCoach” Lutz, to BCA Certifi Instructor, About.com, a top-fi ve website withtournament over 53 million unique visitors monthly. corded over 200 league and titles including 43 league MVPs. Reach DonnyYourself at poolcool.zoomshare.com.

“Quickinstruction Draw” Sherman His Picture Shooting Pool book Matthew features DVD and is is the Guide to Amazon Pool and and Billiards About.com, a top-fi with over 53 milavailable from otheratoutlets.

Reach Mattveatwebsite billiards.about. com. lion unique visitors monthly. His Picture Yourself Shooting Pool book features DVD instruction and is available from Amazon and other outlets. Reach Matt at billiards.about.com. Donny and Matt live on opposite sides of Gainesville, FL, Donny and andare Matt on opposite sides issues of Gainesville, FL, andmanaged are on opon live opposite sides on many but have somehow to win five doubles recentbut competition. posite sides on titles manyinissues have somehow managed to win five doubles

titles in recent competition.

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Champions Crowned at Carolina Open

Putnam and Archer Take Top Honors

by Lea Andrews hawn Putnam, who warmed up for the Carolina Open by running through the Jacoby Custom Cues Carolina Tour season finale October 3-4, put in a repeat performance when he won the one-pocket division of the 2009 Carolina Open October 7-8. The $600-added event brought a field of 12 to Fast Eddie’s Sports Bar in Goldsboro, NC. Johnny Archer, who last won the Carolina Open in 2004, reclaimed his throne by making an undefeated run through a strong field to earn top honors at the $1,800-added 10-ball division, which garnered 28 players.

S

Putnam suffered a bit of a setback on the winners’ side final four when he came up against Larry Price, who edged him out Shawn "Big Bubba" Putnam scored at the Carolina Open, taking first place in the one-pocket division and the 9-ball warm-up event.

the set 3-2. In the semifinals, Putnam got his revenge against Price 3-1 to face Nevel in the finals, a single race to 3. The two were fairly even to start, knotting up at three games apiece, but Putnam notched up two in a row to earn the title.

There were also warm-up 9-ball and one-pocket events for the players. Again it was Putnam who came out undefeated at the top of the 9-ball event, which drew 27 players Monday. Putnam got past Dave Hunt 5-3 to meet Price in the hot seat match, who’d just edged out Dave Grau 5-4. Putnam’s strong 5-1 victory landed Price in the semifinals. On the one loss-side, TJ Moore notched a 5-0 win over Dustin Wiley and a 5-2 win over Marcos Candelaria to meet up with Grau, while Shane Winters got his own 5-0 win over Shawn Casey and 5-1 win over Larry Nevel to face Hunt. Moore and Winters fell 5-1 and 5-3, respectively, and earned $45 for fifth. Marking up only three games against Grau, Hunt landed in fourth with $75, while Grau moved on to plant Price in third 5-4, for which Price received $110. In the final set, a single race to 7, Grau managed to get to the hill but no further, taking home $175 while Putnam earned $300 for his big win.

In the warm-up one pocket event, which drew 17 players on Wednesday, Putnam allowed someone else to grace the winner’s circle at Fast Eddie’s: Nevel. The two met up in the hot seat match, which Nevel took 2-1. In the quarterfinal match, Winters fell 2-1 to Grau to take fourth and $25. Putnam then shut out Grau, who landed in third with $75. In the final match, a single race to 3, it was all Nevel, who shut out Putnam, earning himself $200 while Putnam received $125.

In the 10-ball division, Archer took down Joyner 9-3 to meet Putnam in the hot seat match. Putnam, who’d just blown through Dave Grau 9-1, got that score flipped on him against Archer, and he moved west to try to fight his way back.

3-2 to move onto the hot seat match. While Putnam went west, Price went up against Larry Nevel, who’d gotten past Cliff Joyner 3-2. Unable to mark up a single game, it was Price who moved to the other side.

On the one-loss side, Earl Strickland put Cary Dunn in seventh 3-1 to face Joyner, while Sam Monday did the same to Ray Vines 3-0 to face Putnam. Monday then found himself on the wrong side of another 3-0 set, while Strickland managed just one game against Joyner. In the quarterfinal match, Putnam got down 2-0 to Joyner but managed to make it 2-2. In the fifth game, Putnam got up 6-1, two balls away from victory, when his opponent began mounting a comeback. Joyner got the count in that rack to 7-6, but it was Putnam who closed it out 8-7 to take

20 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

On the left side of the bracket, Adam Pendley, who’d fallen to Archer 9-4 in the first round, continued steadily through the field. After Keith Bennett forfeited to him for medical reasons, Pendley moved on to Cary Dunn, who’d just put Strickland in ninth 9-7. Holding Dunn to five games, Pendley moved on to Grau. Meanwhile, Michael Fuller was making his own move, getting by Jeff Abernathy 9-5 to face Nevel, who’d just ousted Shane Winters 9-6. Managing just three games against, Nevel landed in seventh, while Fuller moved on to Joyner. Getting past Grau 9-7 and Joyner 9-4, Pendley and Fuller met up in the quarterfinals. There, it was Pendley who came out on top 9-4 to face Putnam in the semifinals, where he held Putnam to five games to earn his spot in the finals.

One-Pocket Results: 1st Shawn Putnam 2nd Larry Nevel 3rd Larry Price

Recent BCA Hall of Fame inductee Johnny Archer earned first place in the 10-ball division of the event, besting Adam Pendley in the final match.

In the final match, a single race to 15, Archer got out to an early 6-1 lead. But when Archer missed the 7 ball in the eighth rack, Pendley began making a move, coming out on top of a few safety battles in the next few games to pull within one of Archer 6-5. From there it was a dogfight, with the players trading racks until the score seesawed to 12-11 in Archer’s favor. Two key errors by Pendley put Archer on the hill, and in the final rack, Archer played safe after the break. Though he was left with a jump shot, Pendley hit it but didn’t make it, leaving “The Scorpion” to negotiate what was left on the table to become a two-time Carolina Open winner.

10-Ball Results: 1st Johnny Archer 2nd Adam Pendley 3rd Shawn Putnam 4th Michael Fuller 5th Dave Grau Cliff Joyner 7th Larry Nevel Cary Dunn

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by Raymond Linares he 2009 Seminole Pro Tour season found its conclusion at the beautiful Strokers Billiards in Palm Harbor Florida the weekend of October 9-11. The eighth and final stop of the season delivered a field littered with world-champion-caliber talent. The usual SPT competitors included Corey Deuel, Donnie Mills, Mike Davis, Justin Hall, Tony Crosby, and Stevie Moore. But added in the mix was Filipino superstar Marlon Manalo, who ultimately walked away with the $3,000 first-place prize.

The 37-player field that arrived in Palm Harbor also provided a thrilling finish to the race for Player of the Year honors. After every event, the players are rewarded points for their position in the tournament. At the end of the season, the Seminole Pro Tour awards $1,000 in prize money to the points leader, as well as $500 to the runner up. With only 80 points separating first place and fifth place coming in to the event, the title was up for grabs. Everyone knew that the battle for Player of the Year would come down to the final day’s action.

In the hunt was Mike Davis, who was in second place coming into the event. He trailed Tony Crosby by the slimmest of margins: a meager 5 points. Davis, however, struggled with the early play schedule and was eliminated by Jerry Calderon 7-6. Crosby lost a key match at the end of the first day against Donnie Mills. At the beginning of the second day he had to face off against his nearest contender for Player of the Year, Steve Moore. Moore took control of the match early and overcame Crosby by a final score of 8-1.

But his quest for Player of the Year ended in his next match against Calderon 8-3.

Marlon Manalo, Jose Del Rio

22 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

Photos courtesy of Fred Stoll

The final contender for Player of the Year was Deuel. If he had won the tournament, he would have captured the lead by 10 points and made it three years in a row as Player of the Year. However, young Justin Hall put an end to his hopes in a great match 8-4. With Deuel’s loss, Crosby secured the Player of the Year title and the $1,000 prize money. Second-place money went to Moore.

On the winners’ side of the event, Strokers champion from two years ago Manalo was making a tear straight through to the hot seat match. Not wanting to disappoint his supporters, Manalo had impressive wins over James Roberts 7-1, Moore 7-3, Deuel 8-3, and Robert Aravena 8-4.

Mills came through the second half of the winners’ side bracket with strong wins over Raul Alvarez 7-3, Crosby 8-2, and Hall 8-3. In hot seat match,

Photos courtesy of Fred Stoll

Manalo Makes It Happen

Donnie Mills Mills took an early lead over Manalo 4-2. Manalo’s championship resolve led him to charge back and recapture the lead at 5-4. Manalo and Mills exchanged the next two racks to bring the score to 6-5.

Mills stepped up the table in the next game and showed his caliber.

Coming with an incredible shot on the 7, Mills was able to run that rack and the next two. In doing so he captured the hot seat and a shot at the championship title.

Manalo on the west side had to ward off young gun and Seminole Pro Tour favorite Hall. Hall was down the duration of the semifinal match, at one point by a score of 5-1. But he caught fire and started reeling off racks against the Filipino. Bringing his deficit to only one game, at 7-6 Hall was within striking distance.

With Manalo on the hill, Hall came with a tough carom and subsequently followed the cue ball into the corner. The cold roll gave Manalo ball in hand and an easy run-out for the win.

The finals pitted the odds-on favorite for the event, Manalo, against Clearwater’s own Mills. Manalo jumped out to an early 3-0 lead at the beginning of the set, but Mills returned fire by winning the next two games. While breaking in the sixth game, Mills hung the 10 ball and came up dry. This left an easy 2-10 combination for Manalo. His 4-2 lead was further extended after Mills missed a makeable 10 in the corner. Manalo capitalized on this fatal error and never looked back. The Filipino champ broke and ran the next two racks, reaching the hill at 8-2. Mills won the next game, closing the gap to 8-3, and he looked good in the last rack as well, but after hanging the 5, it was all over but the handshake. Mills conceded the final 10 and the title to Manalo, who pocketed his third Seminole Pro Tour title.

Results: 1st Marlon Manalo 2nd Donnie Mills 3rd Justin Hall 4th Jerry Calderon 5th Corey Deuel Rolando Araveda 7th Steve Moore Dan Lavoie 9th Neil Fujiwara Tony Crosby Richie Richeson Jose Del Rio

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InsidePOOL’s Holiday Holiday Buying Buying Guide Guide InsidePOOL’s McDermott Prodigy Cue Finally a children’s cue that looks and plays like a real cue. McDermott releases the perfect gift for your toddler interested in pool just in time for the holidays. This 32-inch cue is perfect for starting out and features two-piece construction, Michigan maple wood, overlay points, and genuine Irish linen wrap. And to make it the perfect family gift, McDermott also offers a matching full-sized adult cue that features green burl clover inlays, detailed ring work, six floating points, and a high-performance Gcore shaft. It’s the perfect gift for your children, nieces, or nephews. The suggested retail price of the Prodigy is $39.95, while the Prodigy adult cue retails for $699.

Please visit www.mcdermottcue.com, or call 800-666-2283 for more info.

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Accu-Stats DVDs The perfect gift for as low as 10 bucks as the world’s greatest pool players are captured in total combat—Accu-Stats dropped all prices on DVDs to as low as $9.95. Accu-Stats offers you one-pocket, bank pool, 8-ball, 9-ball, threecushion, and straight pool matches. Learn from Ortmann as he runs 100 twice and shares his secrets on his 150-ball, straight pool player review. Watch Mika repeat at the U.S. Open and Van Boening, Schmidt, Brumback dominate at the Derby City Classic. Update your favorite VHS matches to DVD for only 6 bucks. To order, please call 800-828-0397, or visit www.accu-stats.com.

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Pool Wars—On the Road to Hell and Back With the World’s Greatest Money Players Read what all the fuss is about. Promoter and tournament director Jay Helfert’s best-selling autobiographical account of the hard-core, some near-death, action-packed stories that have captured the awe of pool fans worldwide. Don’t miss this before it’s out of print. This 168page, soft-cover book retails for $19.95. To order, please log onto www.jayhelfert.com.

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Carom Shot and Straight Pool These books would make great holiday gifts for pool players with a yen for murder and mayhem.

Written by J.J. Partridge, Carom Shot and Straight Pool feature pool-playing sleuth Algy Temple, who solves murders with the guile and precision of a tournament player. Available at Barnes & Noble, Borders, Borders.com, Amazon.com, Chukarbooks.com, and fine book sellers nationally. For more information, please visit www.Chukarbooks. com, member SPNA.

24 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

Players Flirt Beginning November 1 until Christmas you can surprise the woman in your life with a brand-new cue from Players Flirt. As a free bonus with purchase, you will also receive the designer Players Flirt case.

These designer cases are made to look just like her favorite handbag and are the perfect addition to her new cue. Players Flirt cues prices begin at $87.99 and come with a lifetime guarantee, even against warpage. For a list of participating retailers and etailers in your area, please call 800-835-7665.

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EC7 Series – New Inlay Design Models Mezz Cues presents new models with inlay designs of the exotic wood series, EC7. These cues highlight the natural look of beautiful woods such as purpleheart, cocobolo, bacote, curly maple, and others. With the high standard that Mezz represents, you definitely get the bang for the buck with the EC7 series. The EC7 utilizes the United Joint with the high-performance WD700 shaft. These cues start at $410. Please visit www.mezzusa.com or contact Mezz USA at info@mezzusa.com or call 917-324-9911 for more infor1 mation.

1 O L b B re s c o o c F B 9

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Biker Cues Hit the open road with 2 your new cue from Players. These biker cues take inspiration from custom bike designs from the tattoo world. Now exclusively from Players, you can pair your new cue with a free Biker case that looks just like the saddlebag on your bike. Starting November 1 to December 24, show your opponent who owns the open road and the table. Each cue comes with a lifetime warranty that even covers warpage. To order, please call 800-835-7665 to find a dealer near you and cash in this holiday season.

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Lucasi Sports Bag Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah from Lucasi Hybrid. Starting November 1 through December 24, Lucasi Hybrid is giving away a free sports bag with every Lucasi Hybrid purchase. This is over a $100 value. Certain models are excluded. Call 800-835-7665 today for details and to find a dealer near you. Lucasi Hybrid has a lifetime guarantee against manufacturer defects and warpage, even after it is chalked.

10 09

National Billiard Academy Serious pool training—Three-Day Weekend Intensives at the National Billiard Academy. At www.

PoolClinics.com, you can listen to an audio description, read free articles, and learn how to jump balls. BCA Master Instructor Tom Simpson offers classes in Columbus, OH, and selected cities nationwide. Drop a note to info@poolclinics.com to get current cities, dates, and pricing.

Hustlin USA Hustlin USA is the busiest they have been in the history of the company. They are now operating internationally as the worldwide leader in billiard apparel. The newest items in the Hustlin USA line are the Hustlin Imported, Sexy, Major League Hustlin, Lucky 7, and Manufacturing tee shirts. All Hustlin USA tee shirts are made with 100% preshrunk cotton and are priced at $25. In addition, the new Hustlin USA dry-fit mesh polo, priced at $40, is extremely comfortable and great for tournament play. To purchase, 4 onto www.hustlinusa.com, or please log call Hustlin USA directly at 916-560-0008.

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MISCELLANEOUS 36 InsidePOOL Magazine - October 2005

December 2009 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 25

4 T fo R o e q e R y lo ti

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Lucasi Hybrid Big Beulah Buy a Lucasi Hybrid Big Beulah high-impact break cue and receive a Lucasi Hybrid Air Hog jump cue for free. This jump cue gives insane height with ultimate control and is now free with the purchase of a Big Beulah until Christmas at participating retailers and e-tailers. This package retails for $429.98 and is now $299.99—a savings of $129.99. All Lucasi Hybrid products have a lifetime warranty, even against warpage.

For purchasing information, please call 800-835-7665 to locate a dealer near you.

Limited-Edition Lucasi Cues Designed by BilliardWarehouse— made by Lucasi. Inspired by vintage pool cues from the golden age of cue-making, these cues offer classic styling with modern features and playability. They feature exotic woods like birdseye maple, ebony, and cocobolo with abalone inlays. Limited to only 100 each, these cues are certain to become collectibles. Only $249 with free UPS ground shipping. Please call BilliardWarehouse.com at 888809-7665, or visit billiardwarehouse.com for more information.

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Original Cue Stik Cue Holders Wild Eyes Creations presents the Original Cue Stik portable pool cue holders. Made in the USA, these cue holders are 100% hand-poured rubber with a naturally tacky surface that clings to almost any smooth surface. No weights, no clips, and no clamps. They are virtually indestructible and fit in the average pool cue case. This is a simple, lightweight, and unique product in a variety of designs and colors. Rest your cue with style and attitude with the last pool cue holder you will ever need. For more information or to see all of the designs and colors, please check out www.WildEyesCreations.com.

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CueShark Tools CueShark offers all-in-one cue tip maintenance tools that are among the top pool and billiard accessories available on the market today.

Whether you play recreationally at your local tavern, professionally in billiard tournaments, or if you’re simply looking for a unique gift for your favorite pool player, CueShark has a tool for you. To order, please visit www.cueshark.com, or call 877-33SHARK.

New Fashion Leather Cases J&J America introduces some new designs of Vincitore leather cue cases. These cases feature high-quality materials, tubes with fine lining, two large pouches, carrying handles, and a shoulder strap. They hold two cues and four shafts, and models with three butts and six shafts are available. The suggested retail price is $150-$300. For ordering information, please call J&J America at 562-229-9688, or check www.jjcue.com for gift ideas.

26 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

16

Killerspin Killerspin tables and accessories are now available at www.seyberts.com. Each table half folds separately for individual playback positions for warming up or solo play, as well as for a snug fit during storage. The MyT5 features six layers of coating on the tabletop, enriching the quality of play and creating consistent ball bounce. Its safety locking system ensures secure placement during play. The MyT5’s cutting-edge design features a white metal frame and a selection of four table top colors including blue, green, red, and black. For more information, please visit www.seyberts.com.

Team USA Downs Team Europe in World Cup of Trick Shots

by InsidePOOL Staff

T

he World Cup of Trick Shots was held October 29 at Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, CT, where Team USA claimed the title over Team Europe in the fourth annual international team competition in the sport of trick shots. The prize purse was $30,000 for the event, with $20,000 and gold medals to the winning team.

Captain Andy Segal, who recently won the Trick Shot Magic challenge, led Team USA to victory and the gold medal. Other Team USA members were Tom Rossman, Mike Massey, and Bruce Barthelette.

Silver medalists from Team Europe included Captain Stefano Pelinga, Nick Nickolaidis, Luke Szywala, and Ralph Eckert. Their team also won $10,000.

The format for World Cup consisted of eight artistic show shots by both teams in a match. Team members executed a challenge shot of their choice, and their opponents were required to duplicate the shot or lose a point. In the semifinals, with two members from each team, the players alternated shots in four player headto-head matches, performing intricate trick shots meant to stymie their opponents. A sudden death tie-breaker to decide a match required an eight-rail bank shot onto the face of a $100 bill. The championship finals match pitted all eight members of Teams America and Europe in the wildest shootout of the year.

In the first semifinal, Team USA players Rossman and Massey prevailed over Team Europe members Pelinga and Szywala by a score of 8-5. The other semifinal saw Team Europe artists Nikolaidis and Eckert slip past Team USA players Segal and Barthelette 7-4 in a tight match. The winning team in each semifinal carried a one-point bonus forward into the final match.

The finals, featuring alternate challenge shots by the eight players of both teams was a back-and-forth seesaw with Team Europe struggling to narrow the score. Team USA steadily held a slight lead and finally closed out the championship match by a score of 8-5. The overall score for the tournament was a down-to-the-wire victory of 20-17 for Team USA. The standing-room-only crowd gave Team USA a rousing ovation at the conclusion of the championship match. The gold medals and the team check were presented by Mohegan Sun and Fusion Billiard Tables. The presentations brought another round of cheers from the audience.

In addition to the fine tournament site at Mohegan Sun, the event was sponsored by Fusion Billiard Tables, Aramith Tournament Billiard Balls, Simonis Cloth, Mueller Recreational Products, Executive Billiards Delta-13 Rack, and Silver Cup Chalk. The WPA-sanctioned event was produced by Billiards International, Ltd.

28 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

Immonen Aces

International Challenge of Champions

by InsidePOOL Staff

“T

his is the toughest tournament in the world,” said an elated Mika Immonen moments after capturing the 2009 International Challenge of Champions title. The pressure-packed, $25,000 winner-takes-all event was held at Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, CT, October 27. Immonen, originally from Finland, defeated Darren Appleton of England in the final match and was crowned the new “Champion of Champions.” The two semifinals and the championship match were taped by ESPN for telecast beginning December 20.

When questioned, Immonen explained, “I don't know how to feel about it. All I can say that it was anybody’s game when it came down to the sudden death rack. I shot well to get there, but I think the U.S. Open was still wearing me out.

I feel really lucky to have won the Challenge of Champions.”

Having just come off his second consecutive win at the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships several days before, it was no wonder the Finnish sharpshooter was worn out.

Mika Immonen death tie-breaker for the title and the winner-takes-all purse of $25,000. Known for his pinpoint accuracy, Immonen won the lag and closed out the championship match by clearing the table in shoot-the-lights-out style.

Indeed, of the four international champions in the event, Immonen had to fight his way to the title. The semifinal and final matches require the winner to win two sets, race to 5 games each set. In the event of a tie, the pressure becomes intense with a one-game sudden death shootout.

“I'm proud to have finally won it. I felt it was my time,” said Immonen, the 2008 Player of the Year. “I think it might have been the fourth attempt at Challenge of Champions. I had a bitter loss to Reyes in the 2002 finals. The circle has closed in so many ways. I can now play without pressure. I don't have to prove to anyone how good I am. I can just play.

I love it.”

Immonen played Jian-Bo Fu of China, the 2008 Champion of Champions, in a semifinal match, which he won 5-1 and 5-2. Appleton, the 2008 World 10-Ball champion, defeated Niels Feijen, the 2007 Champion of Champions, in the other semifinal match. After battling back and forth, Appleton emerged the winner 5-4 and 5-3.

The crowd gave Immonen a standing ovation when he won the final match. He raised his arms in victory and then accepted the highest single purse in international winner-takesall tournaments. The trophy and the check were presented by Mohegan Sun and Fusion Billiard Tables. The presentation brought another round of cheers from the audience.

Immonen’s final match against Appleton was a nailbiter, featuring flawless run-outs and exquisite safety play.

Immonen easily won the first set 5-2. He then took first two games of set two, but Appleton quickly rallied to a 5-3 comeback to take the set. The split sets led to a one-rack sudden

The 2009 event was the Nineteenth Annual International Challenge of Champions and the thirteenth to be held at Mohegan Sun. Bob Yalen, Director of Sports & Entertainment for Mohegan Sun, was delighted with the support displayed by the crowd of pool fans. “We will continue to host this event,” he said. “The crowds were even more than we anticipated, and the players were amazing. We are extremely pleased.”

Darren Appleton

30 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

In addition to the fine tournament site at Mohegan Sun, the event was sponsored by Fusion Billiard Tables, Aramith Tournament Billiard Balls, Simonis Cloth, Mueller Recreational Products, Executive Billiards Delta-13 Rack, and Silver Cup Chalk. The WPA-sanctioned event was produced

by Matt Braun and Bettiane Braun of Billiards International, Ltd.

Fisher Takes Tournament of Champions Title

by InsidePOOL Staff

“I

feel like I just won an Olympic Gold Medal,” said an elated Kelly Fisher moments after capturing the 2009 Mohegan Sun International Tournament of Champions title. The spirited $20,000 winner-takes-all event was held at Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, CT, October 28. Fisher, originally from England and the 2008 Player of the Year, defeated China’s Xiaoting Pan, the 2007 World 9-Ball champion, 4-3 and 4-2 in the final match and was crowned the new women’s “Champion of Champions.”

The two semifinals and the championship match were taped for broadcast by ESPN beginning December 27.

“We may look cool out there, but the pressure is just incredible,” said Fisher. “You have to play your heart out when every player is a champion. One or two errors, and you lose twenty thousand dollars. Your emotions are just wild during the entire tournament.”

Nonetheless, of the four international champions in the event, Fisher fought her way to the title. She defeated Monica Webb, the 2008 WPBA Nationals champion, in the semifinal round 4-0 and 4-3. The semis and final matches require a player to win two sets, race to four games each set. In the event of a tie, the pressure becomes brutal with a one-game sudden death tie-breaker.

The crowd gave Fisher a standing ovation when she won the final match. She raised his arms in victory and then accepted the highest single winner’s purse in women’s pool of $20,000. The trophy and the check were presented by Mohegan Sun and Fusion Billiard Tables.

The other semifinal match also brought cheers from the crowd. Xiaoting Pan and legendary Allison Fisher, who was recently inducted into the BCA Hall of Fame, split sets 4-3 and 4-3. The tie led to a hair-raising one-rack sudden death shootout. Pan won the lag and the break, and after trading safeties, she ran the table to take the match.

Kelly Fisher’s final match against Xiaoting Pan was neck-and-neck, featuring precise run-outs and fierce safety play. Fisher narrowly won the first set 4-3, then took the first two games of set two. But Pan rallied the next two games to tie the score at 2-2. Fisher quickly ran the next two racks to close out the championship match.

Kelly Fisher is congratulated by Bob Yalen, director of sports and entertainment for the Mohegan Sun.

The 2009 event was the Twelfth Annual International Tournament of Champions. Bob Yalen, Director of Sports & Entertainment for Mohegan Sun, was delighted with the brilliant play and the crowd of pool fans. “We will continue to host this event,” he said. “The crowds appreciate watching champions go head to head, and the players were a credit to the sport. We are extremely pleased.”

In addition to the tournament site at Mohegan Sun, the event was sponsored by Fusion Billiard Tables, Aramith Tournament Billiard Balls, Simonis Cloth, Mueller Recreational Products, Executive Billiards Delta-13 Rack, and Silver Cup Chalk. The WPBA-sanctioned event was produced by Billiards International, Ltd. December 2009 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 31

Why Pay More For Less Technology?

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These technologies bring you more accuracy... greater ball control... a more solid hit... less vibration... reduced deflection... a smoother stroke... and an increased level of comfort. Your confidence will surge as you hit the ball harder... more accurately... and with more control than ever before. Discover all the remarkable technological innovations that are part of every Lucasi Hybrid.

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MOORI 11-LAYER TIP FOR MAXIMUM CONTROL AND CONSISTENCY Eleven layers of the highest-quality pigskin leather are cut to a uniform thickness and checked for hardness, then laminated together with a special vacuum-sealing process to create a tip with a uniform response... giving you more feel and feedback in every stroke... dramatically reduces deflection... and bringing you maximum control and consistency.

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CUE BUTT TECHNOLOGY Lucasi Hybrid’s unique four-piece butt construction brings increased durability to your cue, reduces vibration, and gives you a solid hit, helping you take a straighter, more accurate shot every time.

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Shaun Wilkie Wilkie took second place at the championships series Ten Ball National Championship granting him entry into the NCS 2010 US Open 10 Ball Championship.

Liz Lovely On Winning the 19 & under at the 2009 Junior National

Jauslinn Arnold On Placing 2nd using a Lucasi Hybrid cue at the 19 & under at the 2009 Junior National

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West Side Story

Immonen Makes History With Back-to-Back U.S. Open Wins

by Lea Andrews

W

hen defending U.S. Open champion Mika Immonen lost to road player Chris Bartram in the second round of the 34th Annual U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships, which was held October 18-24 at the Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake, VA, his chances of becoming only the second man ever to hold back-to-back Open titles seemed slim—just reaching the single race-to-13 finals would, after all, take winning 13 elimination-round matches straight. “After I lost that second [match], I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would come back and win this tournament,” said a stunned Immonen following his historic win, which came at the expense of 2002 champion Ralf Souquet. “It’s just inconceivable. But I guess I did it.”

Following first-round play on Sunday and Monday, some of the 216-man field’s biggest names found themselves in the second round without ever putting together a cue. Mosconi

34 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

Cup 2009 Team USA members Oscar Dominguez and Johnny Archer both received byes, as did Shawn Putnam, Charlie Bryant, Jose Parica, Gabe Owen, and Nick Varner, the other back-to-back winner (1989, 1990). Meanwhile, Immonen had to get to the second round the oldfashioned way with an 11-6 win over Jerry Fitchett to face Bartram, who also shot his way to the matchup, getting past Sho Tsuken 11-8.

After Immonen’s scratch on the opening break, Bartram got ahead 2-0, 3-1, and 7-3, but Immonen managed to tie it up at eight games apiece. Talent and luck were both on Bartram’s side in the final racks, and he got to the hill with a 2-9 combination and a 1-9 combination, and

Play Play Video Video Mika “Iceman” Immonen of Finland made history at this year’s U.S. Open, becoming only the second player to win back-to-back titles.

though Immonen took the next rack after Bartram left a safety on the 2 ball open, he couldn’t close out the one after, which turned into a safety battle after Immonen missed position on the 6 ball. It was Bartram who came out on top, making a difficult shot on the 6 to get out and earn the right to stay on the east side, while Immonen’s west side story began.

Long Day’s Journey Into Night Immonen breezed through his first opponents, holding Rick Glasscock to just one game and Tom McGonagle to three to face Stephen Folan, who managed nine games, but in those early rounds, Immonen’s face wasn’t the only unlikely one in his western neck of the woods. Keeping him company were 2004 runner-up Thorsten Hohmann, who’d fallen 11-9 to Jason Klatt, and Mike Davis, who’d marked up eight games against Eric Moore.

Though he was disappointed with the outcome of the final match, Ralf Souquet was gracious and modest after a grueling week of play.

And then there were those familiar names that disappeared from the field all too quickly.

John “Mr. 403” Schmidt and Shaun Wilkie went two and out, and Roberto Gomez, a member of a strong Filipino contingent that included Warren Kiamco, Jose Parica, Lee Van Corteza, and Ramil Gallego (1994 champion Efren Reyes and 2005 champion Alex Pagulayan were conspicuously absent) took down Oscar Dominguez in round one 11-8—he was out soon after thanks to Matt Clatterbuck 11-9.

Niels Feijen, who was on the left side courtesy of Gallego 11-8, took out Raj Hundal in the third round 11-7.

While players were dropping off the board on the left side, others were still going strong on the right—among them, of course, Souquet, Immonen’s eventual opponent in the finals. After blowing through his first three opponents, Souquet’s first real challenge was Abdullah Alyousef, who managed eight games. In the next round, after being tied up 4-4 with Steve Moore, Souquet didn’t allow him to hit the string again. “Well,” acknowledged a modest Souquet, “he didn’t want to win it. Let’s put it that way,” he laughed. “He had some chances – he scratched twice, both times on the second-to-last ball.

He could’ve won a lot more games. It could’ve been a much tighter game, because I didn’t play very well. I made several mistakes throughout the match. So did he,” conceded Souquet, “but I managed to get over my weak points and finish the match with quite a comfortable score.”

Five-time champion Earl Strickland was moving steadily along, as well, prevailing over Michael Yednak 11-2, Erik Hior-

Karl Boyes was the best of the Brits at this year’s Open, coming in tied for seventh place with Moore. liefson 11-5, Zion Zvi 11-4, and Rafael Martinez 11-10, but to get to the final eight on the winners’ side, he had to face Corteza with a very vocal pro-Corteza crowd standing watch. Strickland succumbed to caustic cheers and Corteza’s strong play 11-5, though Corteza, who is almost as modest as Souquet, offered an explanation. “Almost every time he broke the balls, Earl didn’t make anything, so he gave me a lot of chances,” said Corteza.

British player Imran Majid faced fellow Brit Scott Higgins in the later rounds, and the battle of the Brits ended with Majid on top 11-9, planting him squarely into the winners’ side final eight versus Corteza. Joining Majid were 1996 champion Rodney Morris and Kim Davenport, who’d brushed aside Putnam, Gomez, and Mike Dechaine in a style reminiscent of competitions past, when he was spending more time on the tournament scene. Karl Boyes of Great Britain had some stellar victories as well, having taken care of the USA’s Archer and Bryant. The big obstacle left between Boyes and the final eight came in a small package that packed a powerful punch: Parica. It was Boyes’ spot that was in the cards, though, and he dealt Parica an 11-4 blow to face Donnie Mills.

The Iceman Cometh Moving through Hohmann 11-7, Beau Runningen 11-10, and Higgins 11-10, Immonen was headed straight for Charlie Williams, who’d begun his journey on the west side by ending 2004 champion Gabe Owen’s journey 11-5. “Iceman” showed “The Korean Dragon” that he, too, could breathe fire, burning up Williams’ chances 11-7.

After surviving back-to-back hill-hill wins over Johnny Archer and Boyes, Kim Davenport succumbed to Corteza 11-6.

December 2009 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 35

Moving along at the same time were 2007 champ Shane Van Boening and Archer, who had one match scheduled to begin 15 minutes after the ceremony for his induction into the BCA Hall of Fame was scheduled to end. Despite the close call, Archer dominated Stan Tourangeau, who managed to mark up two games only after Archer had already marked up nine, and Archer took the next two to close it out 11-2. “It felt good,” said Archer of his first win following his induction, which he called “a great experience.”

At the same time, Moore faced Keith Bennett, who got to a 9-3 lead, though Moore rallied to tie it up at 9, and the two traded off to make it hill-hill. In the final rack, Moore found himself sharked on the 5 ball by the red light on a spectator’s camera. “I got up and I got back down, and she did it again,” recalled Moore after the match. “I got up and I told her about it, but when I got back down, I was still thinking about it.” He missed. But he got out after Bennett scratched on the 7, and though his next match against Yukio Akagarivama was called nearly instantly and he found himself down several games once again, he made another comeback to win hill-hill.

On the east side, Bartram had some big wins to reach the undefeated final eight, but he couldn’t take down the mighty Souquet, who took care of him 11-8, sending Bartram to Immonen

“I was literally going to take my break right then,” said Mills, who feared a miscue. “But I went ahead and went with it.” His decision earned him the match and the right to play on the final day 11-9.

Back on the west side, Immonen earned his revenge on Bartram 11-6, then won 11-5 over Moore— who’d held Boyes to three games—to face Donnie Mills had an exceptional tourna1996 champion Mor- ment, coming in third after being on the ris. Davenport had wrong end of hill-hill matches against two phenomenal hill- Souquet and Immonen. hill wins to face Corteza—first over Archer (ending with a 9 on the break), then over Boyes, who’d advanced 11-4 over Van Boening. In the wee hours of the night on the penultimate day of play, Corteza conquered Davenport 11-6, and Immonen iced “Rocket” 11-9.

Play Play Video Video

On Saturday afternoon, Souquet faced Mills in the match for the hot seat and got out ahead of him 9-5, but his scratch on the break put him in the chair until the score was tied at 9, at which point he came to the table only to face a two-rail kick shot. Mills closed out the rack to reach the hill first 10-9, but he made nothing on the break. Souquet was out, and a break and run earned him the hot seat.

Almost immediately, Mills had to face Immonen, who’d put Corteza in fourth 11-8 after coming back from being down 8-5.

“It’s not a good habit to get into, but it’s good to be able to come back from a deficit,” said Immonen, who finished the match out with a break and run. “It’s nice to end with style,” he added.

Steve Moore had some close calls and several hill-hill matches before he ended up falling to Immonen and going home with seventh place. once again. Corteza sent Majid over to Moore 11-7, while Mills delivered Boyes to Van Boening 11-3, and with a decisive score of 11-2, Morris defeated Davenport, who went to face Archer, his friend and co-owner of The Marietta Billiard Club in Georgia.

The final four on the winners’ side were now fighting for the right to play the hot seat match. Souquet stayed ahead of Corteza 6-1, 7-3, 9-4, and 10-6, and won 11-7, whereas Mills soon found himself down 8-4 against Morris. “In the past, I would’ve given up when I was down 8-4,” Mills later admitted, “but one thing I’ve learned about pool by playing a lot is that I knew there was a good chance the momentum would shift my way, so that’s why I just stayed confident and focused. And luckily the momentum did come my way.” Mills took six straight racks to get on the hill, though he made nothing on the break in the next rack. Morris played safe on the 1 ball and was out with ball in hand, but he then broke dry, leaving a difficult but doable layout for Mills, who pocketed ball after ball down to the 9, where he found himself nearly frozen to the rail.

36 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

Against Mills, Immonen opened with a break and run but soon found himself down 5-2 and 7-4, but when Mills scratched on the 8 ball, Immonen made it 7-5, and three break and runs in a row gave him the lead 8-7. Mills tied it up at 8 after Immonen left a safety on the 1 ball open, but Immonen took the next two to get on the hill 10-8. But he missed a delicate safety on the 1 in the next rack, hitting the 9 instead and leaving Mills out, and it was hill-hill after Immonen kicked at the 3 ball and left it hanging. Mills had been breaking very well all day, and it seemed there was a good chance Immonen would not get out of his chair again. But the cue ball found the side pocket on Mills’ break, and Immonen navigated a tricky rack down to the winning 6-9 combination.

The Crucible The final set was a single extended race to 13, meaning Immonen’s earlier loss was, in essence, erased, and the winner would be whichever man could withstand the pressure of the audience, the cameras, the competition, and the $25,000 difference between first and second prize. Souquet got on board first after Immonen made nothing on his opening break, but Immonen fought back to get up 3-1. The two traded racks, and when Immonen missed a routine 8 ball, Souquet got within one at 4-3, then tied it up with a

Immonen, meanwhile, was understandably pleased by the end result of the tournament, comparing it to last year’s win while signing autographs amid a crowd being treated to victory champagne by host Barry Behrman. “It’s an amazing feeling to be able to match somebody like Nick Varner’s record—he’s a legend,” confided Immonen. “The first win feels great because it’s the first one, but [this year] I made history, and it feels just as great.” After a pause, he added, “I might be even happier.”

The Philippines’ Lee Van Corteza ended up in fourth place thanks to Immonen, who came back from an 8-5 deficit to win their quarterfinal match 11-8. break and run and took the next three racks to gain a comfortable three-game lead. It disappeared quickly, though, as Immonen tied it at 7, going on to gain his own three-game lead.

In their little pas de deux, it was Souquet’s turn to tie it back up, and he did just that—the two champions were both three racks away from a second U.S. Open title. In the next rack, Immonen managed to hit Souquet’s safety on the 1 and get safe himself, and while Souquet was able to hit the 1, he left Immonen out. Immonen took care of the 1 ball in the next rack but left himself a very thin cut on the 2 in the side—so thin, in fact, that he missed it completely. Souquet had ball in hand, but the 4, 5, and 7 were tightly grouped and his out was in no way a guarantee—after a 4-7-5 combination and a 4-7 combination, it was looking pretty likely, though. He pocketed the 4 for position on the 6, which he hit firmly and confidently for two-rail position on the 8.

The cue ball’s path, though, was just ever so slightly off, and instead of hitting the side rail, it fell in the side pocket. Now the score was 12-10 instead of 11-11, a big swing. Immonen was breaking on the hill. When the balls stopped rolling, the 8 was in a pocket, the 9 was near one, and Immonen was looking at a 1-9 carom. As the entire arena looked on, including Nick Varner, who had a front row seat, Immonen used a bridge to hit the 1 ball perfectly, sending the cue ball into the 9 ball.

Applause began even before the cue ball hit the 9, because the knowledgeable audience could see what the outcome would be, but as the 9 actually dropped in the pocket, the crowd erupted and Immonen fell to the ground in momentary stunned elation. When he arose, he shook his very worthy opponent’s hand before letting out a victorious shout.

Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 7th 9th

13th

17th

25th

Mika Immonen Ralf Souquet Donnie Mills Lee Van Corteza Rodney Morris Kim Davenport Karl Boyes Steve Moore Johnny Archer Shane Van Boening Imran Majid Chris Bartram Y. Akagariyama Charlie Williams Mike Dechaine Jose Parica Corey Deuel Demitrius Jelatis Chris Melling Marlon Manalo Earl Strickland Scott Higgins Jeremy Sossei Keith Bennett Kenichi Uchigaki Niels Feijen Beau Runningen Ramil Gallego Darren Appleton Mike Davis Roberto Gomez Tomoo Takani

$40,000 $15,000 $10,000 $7,000 $6,000 $5,000 $4,000

$3,000

$2,000

$1,250

Looking to add another U.S. Open title to his resume, “Rocket” Rodney Morris settled for a fifth-place tie.

Epilogue Though Souquet was happy with the way the tournament went up to the finals, he was understandably disappointed by the end result, especially that fate-twisting shot on the 6 ball. “I didn’t want to take the chance that the cue ball would jump the table— that’s why I played it with a level cue and hoped the spin would take it past the side pocket,” explained Souquet. “Unfortunately, it didn’t. Afterwards you always know better. I thought it was the right shot—obviously it wasn’t,” he said with a wry smile.

December 2009 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 37

B

Billiard Warehouse: The Complete Package

by Lea Andrews

illiard Warehouse owner Greg Savoie is a pool player. In a way, he’s just like most other players—he loves the game, and he wants to improve. In fact, he’s enlisted the help of fellow North Carolina resident Kelly Fisher, whom Billiard Warehouse sponsored for the 2009 Tournament of Champions, to do just that. “She’s a magnificent teacher, and she’s helped my game tremendously,” said Savoie, who was acquainted with Fisher well before his lessons began. “It was interesting how I thought my fundamentals were my strength, and I found out that my fundamentals were what was holding me back.” He’d made the same wrong assumption that so many higher-level players make.

What sets Savoie apart from other pool players is his vision, his innovation, his ability to find something that’s missing from the pool community and fill it. It began years ago when he started building websites for custom cuemakers such as Ray Schuler, Mike Lambros, and Paul Drexler in exchange for cues that he loved and wanted but otherwise couldn’t afford. As he was building sites for other people, the thought of building a site for himself made its way into his head. “This was back in 1998, and at the time, there wasn’t a whole lot of competition for online billiard stores,” he explained. That fact, combined with the knowledge of cues that Savoie brought to the table, was what catapulted Billiard Warehouse to the forefront of billiard supply quickly and has kept them there for over a decade.

Personalized Service, Personalized Products

Billiard Warehouse’s easy-to-navigate website, www. billiardwarehouse.com, which boasts over 10,000 pages worth of billiard supply products, makes click-and-receive customers commonplace, which is great for business, though it’s not what Savoie thrives on. “We have plenty of orders that just come through when someone orders a product online. We’ll process the order, send them a tracking number, and the goods will arrive to them. And that’s fine—we love doing that,” said Savoie, who heads the company along with his wife, Annette. “But we also look at it like, with some orders like that, we don’t have the opportunity to do anything. They ordered something, it showed up, they’re happy.

That’s fine. But when someone calls and they’re looking for something specific, they have questions, and that’s when we have the opportunity to earn the business, to make them a long-term, lifelong customer.”

When a customer has questions about choosing a pool cue, the call goes straight to Savoie, who first determines what level the player is on through a series of questions.

“That’s always the starting point,” he said, “and I try to get a feel for what direction they need to go in. I ask what their preferences are as far as what they’ve played with, what their experience is, what cues they’ve tried, what they’ve liked 38 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

and so forth, and from there, I get a feel for where to start,” Savoie revealed.

One of the options Savoie deems most important is shaft diameter. While a thin shaft may give a player the ability to put more extreme english on the cue ball, it’s less forgiving than a thicker shaft and may not be suitable for a novice.

“For example, long, straight-in shots will appear much more difficult with a thinner shaft than with a thicker shaft,” said Savoie. “And for a beginner, the forgiveness in a shaft may be more significant than the accuracy of being able to use specific amounts of english.”

The next step for Savoie is determining the price range the customer wants to be in. “One of the questions I’ll ask is the importance of playability versus aesthetics. In a certain price range, you’ll have cues that are very simple but are higher quality than a cue that has more attractive designs to it,” Savoie pointed out.

Depending on the cue, the customer could end up going on to choose a wrap, joint, tip, or even a specific type of wood, since Billiard Warehouse sells not only production cues—many of which, such as Viking, McDermott, and Shmelke, still come with options—but also custom cues, such as Carolina Custom Cues. “You can go on our site, pick out a design you like, and then you can also choose the wood for the points, wood for the forearm, the veneer colors, the wrap, the joint—everything. You can choose inlays—ivory, turquoise, abalone, mother-of-pearl—and you can have that cue made specifically for you, to your exact specifications, and you can have a Predator shaft made with matching ringwork.”

But Savoie recognizes that even after all the choices are made, the cue needs to feel right in the customer’s hands, so Billiard Warehouse offers the Try-A-Cue Guarantee. Explained Savoie, “You can purchase a cue, and you can try it, and you can play with it for up to five days from the time you receive it, and if you don’t like it for whatever reason— it doesn’t agree with your game, you don’t like the way it looks, the way it hits, for whatever reason you don’t like it—

Billiard Warehouse: The Complete Package king, and Pechauer, as well as several brands of custom cues, such as Capone, Lambros, and Schuler. But players’ needs go far beyond pool cues, and Savoie’s company sees to all of them: tip tools, table covers, balls, furniture, books, clothing, and more. Custom options are available on many products, including table lighting and cases. For example, if a customer chooses a Giuseppe case, he or she may decide to have it embroidered. A customer may perfect his Toltec light choice by selecting shade and bar color.

you can just call us, let us know that you want to return it, and then you just return it for full credit towards whatever else you might want.”

The BW Line

Savoie’s cue expertise has even translated into Billiard Warehouse’s own traditional, vintage-style line of Lucasi cues that he’s designed himself: the BW LTD line, which sells for under $250 and features points, veneers, leather wraps, and abalone inlays. “We’ll have somewhere between twenty-five and one hundred made, so the people can have something that looks really nice, that’s good quality but is not going to be something they see everywhere they go,” said Savoie.

Billiard Warehouse also has its own brand of cues, BW cues, and at $149, the BW jump/break cue has been their best-selling product so far. “It’s not too fancy—it’s basically a Sneaky-Pete-style design—but it’s just total performance,” said Savoie of the three-piece cue, which comes with both a dedicated break shaft and jump shaft. “The specifications for what jumps really well and what breaks really well is a little bit different,” explained Savoie. “On the break shaft, which is very thick—thirteen and a half millimeters—we have a phenolic ferrule with a very, very hard leather tip, which gives you a very solid break with very good control.

The jump shaft is also thirteen and a half millimeters with a very stiff taper, and it has a short, melamine ferrule with a phenolic tip.” Savoie went on, “With the APA and the BCA looking at banning phenolic tips, you have the best of both worlds. You have a shaft with a hard leather tip that’s legal for all competition and that jumps well and breaks well, and then you have the jump shaft that, where it’s legal, jumps even better.”

Of course, sometimes the perfect product is what’s in the picture, but whether it’s custom or production, it’s going to be the perfect price, as well. “We’re very aggressive price-wise,” said Savoie. “We follow the MAP pricing that’s made by the manufacturer, but when a customer calls and they’ve found a better price, in nearly all cases, we match it for them.”

At Billiard Warehouse, customers find excellent products and excellent service. “We realize you need to be priced competitively to compete in this market and we do that. At the same time, we believe that just because you want to buy at discount prices, it shouldn’t mean that you’re not going to get high-end service and high-end products and everything you’d want from a high-end dealer,” Savoie divulged.

“That’s been the basis of the company from the start: to be a source of otherwise hard-to-find information for people and to offer a large selection of products. We have a very strong repeat business and a lot of loyalty, and we look at it like if we have the opportunity to earn someone’s business, to bring something more to the party than just ordering something online, then we have the opportunity to earn that customer for life. And that’s worked out very well for us.”

An Array of Perfect Products

Billiard Warehouse sells over 30 brands of production cues, among them bestsellers like McDermott, Predator, ViDecember 2009 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 39

On Board With The BCA

by Rob Johnson

A Healthy Number

49

,000,000. That’s a big number. And, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, 49 million equals the number of billiards/pool participants in the U.S. So, as we look forward to 2010, the Billiard Congress of America’s (BCA’s) message to the industry is a simple one: While the industry has suffered a nearly devastating blow during this economic downturn, billiards remains a healthy, fantastic participation sport.

And, as the only trade association committed solely to billiards, it’s the BCA’s charge to help promote and grow the sport. We take this responsibility seriously and strive every day to be a meaningful partner with our members in the billiard industry. As such, the BCA is looking forward to 2010 amid a series of recent changes aimed at enhancing our membership benefits and growing the sport.

We have hired a new membership and communications coordinator, Shane Tyree, with the responsibility of identifying new benefits for our membership. Shane comes to the BCA from the publishing industry, and when he’s not working tirelessly on membership benefits, he’s sharpening his pool game to become the best pool player in the office.

We have also hired a new staff accountant, Lynda Bradt, who brings years of experience in non-profit, small business accounting. And Lynda’s not a bad pool player, either.

The BCA is also committed to revamping the BCA instructor program. By creating a top-notch instructional program, the front-line ambassadors of the sport, we believe we can have a direct impact on growing the number of people playing pool. You’ll be hearing and seeing more about the BCA instructor program in the coming months. Visit www. bca-pool.com for more information on the program.

This fall we also made the decision to move the 2010 BCA Expo to July 14-16 in an effort to make it easier on retailers to attend the Expo after the busy Fourth of July weekend. The Expo has also been moved to Wednesday through Friday to allow attendees to return to their businesses for their busy weekend sales.

We also had the opportunity this fall to celebrate a couple of the best players in the game, as we inducted Allison Fisher and Johnny Archer into the BCA Hall of Fame. The BCA Hall of Fame was created over 40 years ago to recognize people that have enriched the sport and the industry, and as such we welcome and congratulate both Johnny and Allison. Additionally, we would like to thank the United States Billiard 40 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

Media Association and Barry Behrman for supporting and organizing the BCA Hall of Fame induction ceremony during the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships. The attendance and support at this year’s banquet demonstrated that billiards is as popular as ever.

To finish, I recently came across a quote from the Hall of Fame college football coach Lou Holtz, which is quite applicable as we end 2009 and look forward to 2010. It reads, “Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.”

We have all been affected by the economy and have all had to make difficult decisions to move ourselves and companies forward. Let’s continue to focus on the future of the billiard industry—it is, after all, our collective responsibility to promote this great sport.

I wish you all a successful holiday selling season and a very happy new year, and I look forward to your continued support of the BCA in 2010.

Places to Play, Places to Buy LaBaron’s Billiards and Game Room Supply LaBaron’s Billiards and Game Room Supply has been committed to offering quality gameroom furnishings at reasonable prices. Located in Sterling Heights, MI, LaBaron’s has been family-owned and operated since 1971. Owners Gregory and Linda O’Connell have based their success on the satisfaction of their customers. LaBaron’s has survived in today’s difficult market, because they stay in touch with the consumer by paying attention to details.

LaBaron’s offers fine products made by industry leaders such as Olhausen Billiard Manufacturing, Inc. Their 7,000-square-foot showroom proudly displays over 20 distinct models of Olhausen pool tables, all made in the USA. LaBaron’s also offers a wide variety of bars, bar stools, theater seating, billiard lighting, game tables, pool cues, and hard-to-find billiard accessories.

LaBaron’s customers range from amateur players to local professionals—whatever their needs, LaBaron’s stocks hundreds of pool cues, including Viking, McDermott, and Lucasi. LaBaron’s also stocks pool table parts. They employ their own service professionals—with over 20 years of experience in the billiard industry, they are knowledgeable on all billiard tables and specialize in antique models. LaBaron’s also caters to the area’s dart players and stocks hundreds of dart sets and dart accessories, making them Southeastern Michigan’s largest dart supplier.

The shopping experience at LaBaron’s begins with an education for the consumer. Whether it is for a $10 pool cue purchase or, a $10,000 pool table purchase, their experienced sales professionals assist the customer on the best decision that reflects their needs and lifestyle. LaBaron’s takes pride in the offering their customers unique and distinctive gameroom furnishings from trade professionals such as California House, Primo Craft, and Amisco, to name a few. LaBaron’s helps their customers create gamerooms designed to bring together families and friends—that’s what LaBaron’s reputation was built on. When a customer is pleased with the service and products offered to them, they pass along a referral, and from this LaBaron’s has built a very strong clientele base of returning customers. From pool tables to game tables, wall art to wall racks, LaBaron’s complements gamerooms with furnishings that are an extension of the customers’ personalities.

Obelisk Billiard Sports Bar and Grill The Obelisk Billiard Sports Bar and Grill, or “OBC,” as it's known by the regulars, is furnished with 21 billiard tables (16 nine-foot, 5 seven-foot), presenting ambitious challenges for players of every skill level. The club is located in the Denbigh Village Shopping Center in Newport News, VA, at the intersection of Warwick Blvd. and Denbigh Blvd., next to Burlington Coat Factory.

The OBC offers guests a full-service restaurant featuring food guaranteed to please any appetite. It is open seven days a week and is committed to bringing you an enjoyable billiard experience.

Expect exceptional playability, a helpful staff, and superior service from the moment you arrive.

The OBC seeks out young players today and has many new young prospects to become professional players. They sponsor teams that play in the APA (American Pool Players Association), VBA (Virginia Billiards Association), a Youth League, and in-house BCA Leagues.

Special events that the OBC schedules every year include monthly 8-ball tournaments that pay out $3,600 plus a trophy and an annual invitational 14.1 championship that pays out $1,780 in cash, a trophy, and a cue for the high run. The OBC also offers professional classes or clinics for players who want to improve their game. These have been given in the past by players such as Jim Rempe, Nick Varner, Charlie Williams, Tony Robles, Rodney Morris, and Yu Ram Cha. They will be hosting the Virginia State Straight pool championship in the early part of 2010.

The OBC abides by a strict set of house rules and tries to keep a level of good sportsmanship and a clean and well-kept place where you can enjoy yourself and play pool.

44 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

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location,” said Jefferson County league operator Jason Bowman.

APA Player of the Month December APA Player of the Month The APA Player of the Month for December is Rikki Cunningham of Greensboro, NC. He is a member of the Triad APA Pool League and is rated a skill level 4 in 8-ball and 5 in 9-ball. In August, Rikki set a new world record for the longest marathon billiards match. Cunningham began playing the match on August 7, 2009, at 7:00 a.m. He ended his 72 hour and 18 minute marathon on August 10, 2009, at 7:18 a.m. This new world record was set in an effort to collect funds for the three children and wife left behind by one of Rikki’s closest friends. Jerry Urbina, a former Marine, was electrocuted and died on the campus of UNCG on July 6, 2009, in a tragic work-related accident.

Rikki raised $2,239.48 for Jerry’s family. “You don’t have to be a world class athlete, you just have to be extremely determined,” Rikki said.

News14 Carolina and News2 WFMY both covered the event. Hundreds from the community played a large 44part in setting this 2009 record. Eighty opInsidePOOL Magazine September ponents came to Shooter’s Sports Bar and Billiards to help Rikki reach his goal. Together they played 575 games. Cunningham crushed the old record of 52 hours and 2 minutes, raising money for his friend’s family and making memories to last a lifetime.

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46 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

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Regional Roundup

Northeast

Hatch Slashes Joss Competition Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour / Clifton Park, NY

Chau Double-Dips Wilkie to Win Blaze 9-Ball Tour / Boothwyn, PA

by Lea Andrews

by Jose Burgos

Dennis “The Hatchet Man” Hatch cut through each of his opponents on his way to undefeated victory at the October 3-4 Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour stop. The $2,000-added event drew 41 players to Trick Shot Billiards in Clifton Park, NY.

Manny Chau fought his way through the one-loss side of the chart to take first place at the October 4 installment of the Blaze 9-Ball Tour. The event was hosted by Riley’s Billiards in Boothwyn, PA, and featured a $1,000-added prize fund.

Having given up just five games total in his earlier matches, Hatch arrived in the winners’ side final four to meet Dave Grau, who’d just edged out tournament director Mike Zuglan 9-8. Hatch gave up four games to Grau to face in the hot seat match Chris Orme, who was coming off a 9-3 win over Jeff Smolen. Although Orme managed more games against Hatch than anyone else had, seven was only enough to earn him a ticket to the semifinals.

Over on the left side of the bracket, Chance Chin planted Zuglan in ninth 9-3 to face Dan Hewitt, while Bruce Carroll did the same to Paul Rozonewski 9-7 to face Adam Kielar. While Chin and Carroll both moved on 9-7 and 9-8, respectively, it was Carroll’s last win, as he fell 9-2 to Grau in the next round. Chin, who’d breezed past Smolen 9-3, notched up just four games against Grau, who moved on to fight Orme for the rematch with Hatch, but it was Orme who earned it 9-3.

In the true double-elimination final match, Orme needed to fight hard to push the second set, but Hatch was unstoppable, and he took first with a decisive 9-3 victory.

Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

7th

9th

Dennis Hatch Chris Orme Dave Grau Chance Chin Jeff Smolen Bruce Carroll Dan Hewitt Adam Kielar Ron Casanzio Mike Zuglan Paul Rozonewski Dan Varano

$1,400 $980 $750 $550 $400 $200 $100

Chau Cashs on DMIRO Tour Team DMIRO 10-Ball Tour / Salisbury, MD

by Michael Andrews

Manny Chau snapped off the Team DMIRO 10-Ball Tour U.S. Open warm-up event the weekend of October 10-11, defeating Shaun Wilkie in the finals. The event was hosted by Break Time Billiards in Salisbury, MD, and featured a $2,000-added pot.

Early on in the event, Gene Albright was noticed. After playing four matches he only lost six games total, as he defeated Kenny Bruce 7-2, David Choi 7-2, Dima Kavhn 7-1, and Jason Kochenour 7-1. Albright made it to the final eight and ended up in fourth place after Wilkie defeated him 7-6 and then Shuff sent him home 7-4.

Wilkie took control of the pro side and bested Brandon Shuff 7-4 in the first round, automatically advancing to the final eight. He then defeated Albright and Chau to win the hot seat. Wilkie waited in the hot seat for Chau, who defeated Shuff 7-1 in the semifinals.

48 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

Shaun Wilkie took control of the top half of the bracket with wins over Derek Schwager 7-2, Chau 7-3, Chris Riley 7-3, and Eddie Abraham 7-3. Leading the bottom half of the bracket was Matt Krah, defeating Betty Dougherty 7-2, Sam Quinzi 7-4, Rob Krull 7-3, and Freddy Scott 7-5. Krah and Wilkie matched up for the hot seat, and it was Wilkie who pulled away late to win 7-4.

The big story of the event was Chau, who took control of the one-loss side to make it all the way back into the finals. He eliminated Sharon Ohanlon 7-0, Jay Brotherton 7-2, Bob Stought 7-2, Joey Testa 7-5, Eddie Abraham 7-1, Kevin West 7-4, and then Matt Krah 7-1 to meet Wilkie.

In the true double-elimination finals, Chau had to defeat Wilkie twice to win the event. The first set was a good match, with Chau winning 7-5. In the second set everything went Chau’s way, and he held off a late run from Wilkie to win the match 7-4.

Manny Chau, Chris Riley, Shaun Wilkie Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

Manny Chau Shaun Wilkie Matt Krah Kevin West Eddie Abraham Freddy Scott

$823 $475 $300 $150 $90

The final set was a battle in which Chau eked past Wilkie 9-8 for the title. Wilkie missed an 8 ball to win, and Chau ran that rack and won the next two in order to defeat Wilkie.

Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

7th

Manny Chau Shaun Wilkie Brandon Shuff Gene Albright Josh Keller Jason Kochnor Mike Andrews Kaloyan Rusanov

$915 $650 $390 $260 $130 $65

Regional Roundup

Northeast

Murgia Scoops Comet Billiards Field Tri-State Tour / Parsippany, NJ

Feliz All Smiles on Tri-State Tour Tri-State Tour / Queens, NY

by InsidePOOL Staff

by InsidePOOL Staff

Gary Murgia topped the 35-player field that came out to play October 10 on the Tri-State Tour, taking home first place over Steve Thomas. The tour was hosted by Comet Billiards in Parsippany, NJ, and offered a $500-added prize purse.

Thirty players showed up for the October 17 installment of the Tri-State Tour, but it was Yomaylin “Smiley” Feliz who walked away the big winner, taking her first title on the tour. The event was hosted by Master Billiards in Queens, NY, and featured a $500-added prize purse.

While Murgia eked out a 7-6 nail-biter over Jason Hunt to advance to the hot seat match, his opponent there, Thomas, cruised to a 6-3 win over Ted Lapadula. In the hot seat match, it was all Murgia, as he sent Thomas to the one-loss side of the chart 7-4.

Also on the west side, Hunt and Lapadula were soon sent packing, as Ben Sadowski ousted Hunt 7-5 and Emerson Verano took care of Lapadula 7-5. Verano and Sadowski then met up in the quarterfinal match, and it was a tight race, with Verano emerging the 7-6 victor.

Verano was soon given walking papers of his own, though, as he faced off against Thomas, who wanted his rematch with Murgia and won the close match against Verano 7-5. His momentum was stopped short in the finals, however, when a well-rested Murgia was able to claim the first-place prize 7-4.

Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

7th

Gary Murgia

Steve Thomas Emerson Verano Ben Sadowski Ted Lapadula Jason Hunt Raj Vannala

Dave Fitzpatrick

Going unchallenged through the entire event, Feliz matched up with Duane Toney and sent him to the left side of the chart 7-4 to reach the hot seat match. Her opponent there was Nicholas Chan, who was just coming off a 6-5 defeat of James DeGiosafatto.

Chan fell short against Feliz 7-4 and went west to try and stage a rematch in the finals.

Toney had no more luck, as he met up with Diana Rojas on the one-loss side and was sent packing 6-2. DeGiosafatto experienced the same, as he lost 6-2 in his match with Paul Everton and went home tied for fifth place with Toney. Rojas and Everton clashed in the quarterfinal match, and this was a close one, but it was Everton who pushed through with a 6-4 victory. Everton kept the momentum going with another decisive 6-4 win over Chan in the semifinals, but he fell short against his final opponent, as Feliz was able to pull off a hill-hill, 7-6 win for the title.

$700 $450 $270 $165 $100

Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

$75

Yomaylin Feliz Paul Everton

Nicholas Chan Diana Rojas

James DeGiosafatto Duane Toney

$650 $330 $190 $100 $50

Testa is Tops on Blaze Tour Blaze 9-Ball Tour / Vineland, NJ

by Jose Burgos

Joey Testa took home first place at the October 11 stop, besting a field of 30 to earn top honors on the Blaze 9-Ball Tour. The $1,000-added stop was hosted by Q-Ball Billiards in Vineland, NJ, and was attended by players such as Matt Krah, Josh Brothers, Manny Chau, Eddie Abraham, and Brandon Shuff.

Krah led the top half of the bracket, notching victories over Brandon Shuff 7-2, Raphael Saldana 7-3, Jay Brotherton 7-4, and Mark Stewart 7-4. Testa took control of the bottom half, scoring wins over Garrett Bell 7-0, Abraham 7-5, Chuck Pendrak 7-0 and Brothers 7-2.

In the ensuing hot seat match between Krah and Testa, it was Testa who pulled away late to win the match 7-4 and send Krah to try his luck on the west side of the chart. Waiting for Krah was Brothers, and their match was a hill-hill nail-biter that saw Krah win 7-6 to earn a rematch against Testa.

Krah had to defeat Testa twice in the double-elimination finals to win the title. In the first set it was all Krah, who won easily with a 7-1 blowout, but in the second set Testa returned the favor by besting Krah by the same score to win the event.

Joey Testa, Jose Garcia, Matt Krah Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

7th

Joey Testa Matt Krah Josh Brother Mark Stewart Manny Chau Chip Klein Bill Gallagher Jay Brotherton

$1000 $525 $315 $150 $100

$60 December 2009 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 49

Regional Roundup

Northeast

Miller Mops Up for First JPNEWT Win J. Pechauer Northeast Women’s Tour / East Rutherford, NJ

by Lea Andrews

The 14-year-old Briana Miller, an ever-present force on the J. Pechauer Northeast Women’s Tour, made an undefeated run though the field to notch her first-ever JPNEWT win. The site of Miller’s victory was Castle Billiards in East Rutherford, NJ, where 23 ladies gathered October 10-11 for the $1,500-added event, a qualifier for the 2009 WPA Women’s World Championship in China.

Miller took down WPBA player Fran Crimi 7-3 to land in the hot seat match, where she met up with Erin McManus, who’d gotten by another pro, Megan Smith, 7-3. After managing to notch up just four games against Miller, McManus went west.

Briana Miller, Erin McManus

On the one-loss side, Brenda Heras edged out Supadra Boonpasook 7-6 to face Colleen Shoop. Meanwhile, Ji-Hyun Park Thompson notched her own hill-hill win over Gail Glazebrook to face Olga Gashkova. Heras and Park Thompson both moved ahead 7-2 to face Crimi and Smith. While Heras was able to get past Crimi 7-4, Park Thompson stayed behind as Smith put her in fifth 7-5. The quarterfinal match was Heras’ last, though—Smith held her to four games to meet up with McManus in the semifinals.

There, Smith came out on the wrong end of another 7-4 match, allowing McManus her rematch with Miller.

In the modified final race, McManus was fighting to reach seven games first, at which point the race would extend to nine, while the race would end at seven if Miller got there first. The two stayed knotted up for the first part of the set, but Miller began pouring it on and didn’t let up, clinching her win 7-4. Miller, who is heading to Nicaragua in November to represent the United States in the WPA Junior World 9-Ball Championship, chose to pass the Women’s Worlds invite on to McManus.

Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

7th

Briana Miller Erin McManus Megan Smith Brenda Heras Fran Crimi Ji-Hyun Park Thompson Colleen Shoop Olga Gashkova

50 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

$800 $550 $350 $250 $170 $120

Iceman Snows Predator Competition Predator 9-Ball Tour / Queens, NY

by Jerry Tarantola

World number-one-ranked player Mika Immonen made another first-place appearance at the Predator 9-Ball Tour, winning over Mike Dechaine in the finals. “Iceman” was joined by 40 other strong players at BQE Billiards in Queens, NY, the weekend of October 10-11.

Jose Parica was tearing up the field until he went head to head with reigning U.S. Open champion Immonen. In a gritty battle, it looked like it would be Parica to pull out the "W," as he reached the hill first 8-6, but an error on a safety attempt gave the set to Immonen.

After the loss to Immonen, Parica was fired up and played a near-perfect set against Cleiton Rocha en route to a 9-4 score and then ousted top New York player Oscar Bonilla 9-6. This win lined up Parica to play the loser of the hot seat match in the semifinals.

The hot seat match was a battle between Dechaine and Immonen, and they had recently dueled for the hot seat at the Galveston World Classic 10-ball event. In this rematch, it was again Immonen who earned the hot seat with a 9-4 win.

In the semifinal match between Parica and Dechaine, the 22-year-old young gun was able to capitalize on his big break and shot-making skills to overcome the battle-tested veteran 9-4. But the final match between Immonen and Dechaine was all Immonen, as the Finn took control early and never gave his opponent much to work with. In a clinic by the reigning number-one player in the world, Immonen took the set 11-5 for the win.

Fourteen players turned out for the Sunday BCD secondchance tournament at BQE Billiards. In this event, Predator Tour tournament director William "Finn" Finnegan cruised through the winners’ bracket to secure a spot in the finals. A semifinal showdown between Naldo Troncoso and Ariel Rivera saw a hill-hill battle that ended with Rivera advancing to the finals. It was Rivera’s third consecutive appearance in the finals of the Predator BCD events, but it was Finnegan's day to shine, as he won by final score of 5-3.

Open Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

7th

9th

Mika Immonen Mike Dechaine Jose Parica Oscar Bonilla Cleiton Rocha Holden Chin Lionel Rivera Mike Wong Tony Robles Dave Deserio Antonio Guerrero George Sansouci

BCD Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th

William Finnegan Ariel Rivera Naldo Troncoso Diana Rojas

$1,000 $675 $500 $375 $230 $150 $100

$200 $130 $80 $45

Regional Roundup DeFranzo Goes Undefeated on Dominiak Tour Dominiak Cues Northeast 10-Ball Tour / Windsor Locks, CT

by Kevin Vidal

Regional Roundup

Northeast

Mitchell Mows Down Strokers Field

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by Lea Andrews

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inaugural Satellite Tour event, had an even better showing at the

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Tiger Bay Area Amateur Tour / Palm Harbor, FL

Bruce DeFranzo took home the title at the October 24 stop of the Dominiak Cues Northeast Amateur 10-Ball Tour, defeating Steve Stephanie hadaastrong good showing WPBA’s Parise in the final match. The stop was hosted by Pool Table Magic in Windsor Locks,Mitchell, CT, and who hosted field of at 29the players.

Regular tour players Tim Haley, Brandon Charin, Jonah Okun, Mike Wheeler, Gene Hunt, and Pete Brown were in attendance, as well $400-added Tiger Bay Area Amateur Tour event the following as many new faces, including Steve Parise, Bruce DeFranzo, Eli Schallhorn, and Lou Roy. This stop also saw three female players in the weekend on July 18. Balancing her tour director and playing duties field taking advantage of the free entry for all women, with Janet Tycks took home the top female finisher honors over Renee and Mary perfectly, Mitchell went undefeated through the field of 20 ladies Lou Hunchak. Brandt Davies was the lone junior, also taking advantagewho of the free entry for junior players under 18. arrived at Palm Harbor, FL’s, Strokers Billiards for the sev-

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enth stop of his the tour, alsoseat sponsored Sterling Gaming,

The top half of the winners’ side brackets saw tour newcomer Parise make way which to theishot matchby with closely contested Stroke-It andsteadily Lucasi Hybrid Cues. matches over Lou DaSilva, Lou Roy, Brown, and Lee Lemieux. DeFranzo wasWear, going through the bottom half of the winners’ side chart and continued to the hot seat match with wins over Chuck Hill, Rich Andle, and Brandon Charin. DeFranzo displayed his shotup Following a 5-2 win over Amy Chen, Mitchell arrived in the making skills in the hot seat match, coming out on top of Parise to advance to the finals. hot seat match along with Stacey Lantz, who was coming off a 5-3

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Former tour stop winner Charin made his way through the west sidewin to over meetSamantha up with Parise and play for a spot in the single race-to-5 Vir Huber. Mitchell, who up to that point had won finals. Charin had been sent to the one-loss side earlier by DeFranzo, soevery both match he and5-2 Parise were looking to avenge that earlier loss. This except for one that was 5-1, continued the trend, match went back and forth with Parise coming out on top, setting up the sending Lantz west 5-2. rematch between DeFranzo and Parise in the finals.

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Results:

the one-loss side, the top three in this season’s tour

Both players showed excellent shot-making and safety skills from the On1st Bruce DeFranzo leaders $225 were fighting to stay through to the end. Points leader start of the match, but with the score at 3-3 Parise left himself a thin cut standings on 2nd Steve Parise $140 and two-time event winner Michell Monk moved past third-ranked the 10 ball and could not control the cue ball on the shot, scratching in the 3rd

Brandon Charin

$100two-time winSabra MacArthur Beahn 6-3 to meet up with a fellow side pocket. This opening left DeFranzo with ball in hand on the 10 ball.

4th

Mike Wheeler

$70 ner, number-two-ranked Melissa Morlan, who’d gotten by Sheilla Now leading 4-3 he smoothly ran out the final game when he had the open5th

Lee Lemieux

$30 on to a 6-1 Coleman 4-2.

It was Monk who prevailed, moving ing and took home the title.

Chen. Meanwhile, Jonah OkunNiki Rasmussen backed up a 6-2 win win over

Winters Strikes Again on Joss Tour Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour / Williamsville, NY

over Barbara Ellis with a shut-out win over Lisa Parsons, who was herself coming off a very strong 4-1 win over sharpshooter Jeannie Seaver. Rasmussen, though, couldn’t get past Huber, and she landed in fifth with a score of 4-3.

On a roll, Huber didn’t let Monk stand in her way, moving past her 4-3 to greet Lantz in the one-loss semifinal match, where

by Lea Andrews Results: she earned her spot in the finals with a 4-1 win. Mitchell, who’d 1st all dayShane Winters $1,400

Shane Winters, who topped the field at the Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour playedseason very strongly 2nd

Dennis Hatch

$930 opener in September, reclaimed his crown by going undefeated at stop number three. long, wasn’t quite up to her Results: The $2,000-added event drew 36 players to Bison Billiards in Williamsville, NY, on 3rd

Hendrik Drost

$750 par in the final set, but by tak1st Stephanie Mitchell $300 October 17-18.

4th

Mark Hatch

$600 ing advantage of any unlikely 2nd Samantha Huber $225 in winhand that5th came herDerek Williams $400

Arriving in the winners’ side final four, Winters met up with last ball stop’s 3rd Stacey Lantz $150 way, against she continued her 5-2Bucky Souvanthong ner, Dennis Hatch. Prevailing 9-7, Winters moved on to the hot seat match 4th Michell Monk $100 trendthrough once more, closing Hendrik Drost, who’d posted a 9-7 win over Derek Williams. After blowing 7th outDan5th Cee $200 Amy Chen $50 her first win of 2009 Drost 9-2, Winters cooled off in the hot seat to wait for his finals opponent. in justDan Kolacz Niki Rasmussen one set.

On the left side of the bracket, Bucky Souvanthong got past Jim Hoffstetter 9-4 to face Dan Kolacz, who was coming off a 9-5 win over Jeff Smolen. Souvanthong didn’t let Kolacz hit the string at all, putting Kolacz in seventh and earning himself the right to face Hatch.

Meanwhile, another Hatch, Dennis’ uncle Mark, was making his way through the field. A 9-4 victory over JB Brotherton put him up against Dan Cee, who’d just ousted tournament director Mike Zuglan after a battle that went hill-hill. After Putting Cee in seventh 9-5, M. Hatch greeted Williams over from the winners’ side by putting him in fifth 9-6. The quarterfinal match was a battle of the Hatches, uncle versus nephew, who’d won hill-hill over Souvanthong. Family ties didn’t keep nephew Hatch from playing his game—he allowed uncle Hatch just one game and moved on to the semifinals. There, he met up with Drost, whom he held to five games to face Winters in the finals.

The two champions stayed fairly tight for the first several games of the true double-elimination final match, tying up at five games apiece. It was then, though, that Winters stepped it up, becoming this season’s two-time winner 9-6. Winters wasn’t the only winner, though. Vicki Shara’s raffle ticket won her a custom, engraved, collectible Joss cue valued at $1,200.

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“More For The Player” Coming To Your Area Soon

www.amateurpoolleague.com December 2009 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 51

Regional Roundup

Northeast

Eglesias Undefeated in Edison Tri-State Tour / Edison, NJ

by InsidePOOL Staff

Thirty-two players converged upon Gotham City Billiards in Edison, NJ, October 31, for the Tri-State Tour’s B-D event. Tony Eglesias won the lion’s share of the $750-added purse when he triumphed over Robert Kight in the final match.

Eglesias went undefeated through the field. In the winners’ side final four, he matched up against Duane Toney and sent him to the left side with a decisive 7-4 victory and going on to face Kight for the first time in the hot seat match. Kight had just bested Chris Luethi 7-4, but he was out of steam and was sent to the semifinals by Eglesias 7-1.

Toney rebounded on the one-loss side, eliminating Mike Gasper 7-2, while Luethi wasn’t so lucky against Ricky Deng. Deng ousted Luethi 8-2, but against Toney, he fell short and went home in fourth place after Toney advanced 6-3.

A hill-hill match between Kight and Toney ensued to see who would make it to the finals and who would end up in third place. It was Kight who advanced 7-6 to a rematch with Eglesias. But that was as far as he went—Eglesias was on a roll, and Kight only managed to win two racks before his opponent won the match 7-2.

Vidal and Glazebrook Take Top Predator Honors Predator 9-Ball Tour / New York, NY

by InsidePOOL Staff

Eastside Billiards in New York, NY, played host to the October 24-25 Predator 9-Ball Tour stop. This event drew some of the strongest players in the Tri-State area, including Sean “Alaska” Morgan, Mhet Vergara, and Jorge Rodriguez, with Marc “Spain” Vidal going all the way to the winner’s circle.

Morgan and Vidal played a spectacular match that including everything from strong breaking, good safety play, and picture-perfect run-outs. In the end, Vidal edged out a 9-8 win for the hot seat over Morgan.

Tony Eglesias, Robert Kight

Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

7th

Tony Eglesias Robert Kight Duane Toney Ricky Deng Mike Gasper Chris Luethi Gerard Gromley Gary Murgia

Open Results: 1st Marc Vidal 2nd Sean Morgan 3rd Ken Kerner 4th Frankie Hernandez

5th Mhet Vergara

Jorge Rodriguez 7th Dave Pinkston

Jason Hunt

$720 $390 $225 $120 $70 $50

$900 $600 $400 $300 $250 $200

After a hill-hill lost to Vidal, Ken Kerner was out for blood, winning his next two matches against Vergara and Frankie Hernandez to set up the semifinal match against Morgan. Both players were itching for a rematch with Vidal, but Ken found himself behind rather quickly in the match, and Morgan sealed Kerner’s exit from the tournament, defeating him 9-4.

In the final race to 11, Morgan’s break consistently failed to make a ball on the break, while Vidal seemed to be the break and run specialist. The two traded racks in the beginning, but with Morgan’s break disadvantage haunting him, it was only a matter of time before Vidal took control of the match. Vidal closed the match 11-5 for the win and title.

Gail Glazebrook was in dead stroke on Sunday as she dominated the 15-player B-D event. She started the day by defeating both Eddie Culhane and Rene Villalobos to set up a match against Ariel Rivera, who has reached the finals of the last three B-D events and won two of them. It was a back-and-forth battle, but with Glazebrook on the hill 5-4, she took a gutsy 5-9 combo and split the pocket for the 6-4 victory and a chance to play Dave Weinstein, the winner of the last BCD event at Eastside Billiards.

Glazebrook dominated this match, torching Weinstein 6-1 to earn her spot in the final. Weinstein and Rivera faced off in the semifinal match. Weinstein brought his A-game to this match, making very few mistakes and defeating Rivera 5-3 to earn another chance at Glazebrook.

B-D Results: 1st Gail Glazebrook 2nd Dave Weinstein 3rd Ariel Rivera 4th Ramilo Tanglao

52 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

$160 $110 $75 $45

A few strong outs by Glazebrook got her to the hill first. At 6-4, she made an on-the-rail, full-table-length backward cut shot on the 9 ball to seal the win. This was Glazebrook’s first B-D win of the year.

Marc Vidal, Sean Morgan

UPCOMING NORTHEAST TOURNAMENTS

n Chips Away at the Midwest Competition

Results:

Chip Compton $2,200 James Davis, Jr. $1,500 James Baraks $850 Gabe Owen $600 ws Dustin Gunia $450 Jeremy Jones 12/5 Tri-State Tour Master Billiards Sunnyside, NY 718-706-6789 $750 he full field of the 128 players who gathered July 17-19 for the Midwest 9-Ball Tour stop at Shoot7th John Gabriel $300 in12/5-6 Olathe, KS,Blaze only one man,Tour Chip Compton, made it Sandcastle through unscathed.

The $4,000-added main 9-Ball Edison, NJ 732-632-9277 $1,000 Billiards Joe Johnson Evelyn and Danny Dysart, was run alongside a $1,000-added one-pocket event, as well as a ladies’ 12/5-6 CNY 9-Ball Tour Salt City Billiards North Syracuse, 315-454-8643 9th NYDustin Dunham $250 $600 Chad Vilmont 12/6 Dominiak Cues 10-Ball Tour Buster’s Billiards New Milford, CT 413-212-6390 Prizes Steve Rector n’s 9-4 win over Nick Hickerson landed him in the finalRaxx four on the Room winners’ side, where he West was met 12/12-13 Predator 9-Ball Tour Finale Pool Hempstead, NY 516-538-9896 $3,000 Nick Hickerson nia, who was coming off of a hill-hill win over Steve Rector. With a 9-5 win over John Gabriel, Jer12/17-20 Turning Stone Classic XIV Turning Stone Casino Verona, NY 13th Jody518-356-7163 McLaughlin $200 $25,000 J” Jones met up in the final four with James Davis, Jr., who’d edged out Chad Vilmont 9-8. Davis’ Mike Henderson 12/19pitted him Tri-State Sandcastle Billiards Edison, NJ 732-632-9277 $750 Jones against Tour Compton, who’d sent Gunia west 9-4.

David Matlock 12/20 Blaze 9-Ball Tour Skyline Billiards Brooklyn, NY 718-627-3407 $1,000 Gary Lutman ne-loss side, Gabe “The Babe” Owen was making a run for the finals, moving through Vilmont 9-2, 12/20 Dominiak Cues 10-Ball Tour Snookers Billiards Springfield,17th MA John413-212-6390 Hennessy $100 Prizes and Gunia 9-6 before running into James Baraks in the quarterfinals. Baraks had been on a strong Beau201-933-6007 Runningan 12/26 Tri-State Tour Castle Billiards East Rutherford, NJ $500 wins over Hickerson 9-6, Joe Johnson 9-2, and Jones 9-4, and he didn’t stop there. His 9-7 win over Jeremy Fournier m 12/27 in the semifinal match against Davis, who’d fallen 9-6 to Compton in the hot seat match. Sunnyside, NY Blaze 9-Ball Tour Master Billiards 718-706-6789 $1,000 Shane McMinn 1/3 Dominiak Cues 10-Ball London Billiards Worcester, MA Prizes Joey 413-212-6390 Gray as ready to take another shot at Compton, though, and he put Baracks in third with a score of 9-5, Bob 315-488-4888 Ferguson 1/9-10 CNY 9-Ball Tour Korky’s Pool Hall Fairmont, NY $600 ticket to the finals. Taking an early lead in the true double-elimination finals, Davis made the posKim Thompson econd set appear likely.

After getting up 3-0, though, he soon found himself tied at 4, then up 5-4, 1/9-10 Tri-State Tour Master Billiards Sunnyside, NY 718-706-6789 $1,500 Demetrius Jelatis urned out to be his last. In true champion fashion, Compton took five games straight, ending with 1/16 Dominiak Cues 10-Ball Tour Pool Table Magic Windsor Locks, CT 413-212-6390 25th Randy Enlow $50 Prizes -winning break and run.

David Heinonen Lawrence Meek rday, while the 9-ball event was going full-force, the finals of the one-pocket event, which kicked off Dan Olson h 52 entrants, were playing out with Gabe Owen coming through the one-loss side to take the win in Jerrod Frideres nst Danny Harriman, 3-0 and 3-1. On Sunday, in the finals of the 15-entrant ladies’ event, Brittany Shawn Turner first with a 7-6 win over Michelle McDermott.

Ryan Cobb Jon Williams

-Ball Tour / Olathe, KS

ert, Evelyn Dysart, Michelle McDermott

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

One Pocket Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 7th 9th Chip Compton, Evelyn Dysart, Mike Durbin, Junior Davis

Gabe Owen Danny Harriman John Gabriel Beau Runningan Jeremy Jones Joey Gray Junior Davis Chip Compton Mickey Brandt Dan Olson Brian Jones Calvin Lawton

Ladies’ Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Brittany Colbert Michelle McDermott Jessica Frideres Julia Gabriel

B-D Open

Amateurs Amateurs Open Open A-D Open Amateurs B-D Open Amateurs Amateurs A-D Amateurs

$850 $600 $430 $300 $200 $100 $75

$500 $380 $245 $100

www.InsidePOOLmag.com 57

December 2009 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 53

Regional Roundup

Southeast

Two in a Row for Monk Flamingo Billiards Tour / Stuart, FL

Results:

by Lea Andrews

Michell Monk, who came out on top against Helene Caukin in the finals of the inaugural Flamingo Billiards Tour event, found herself in familiar territory against a familiar opponent at the second stop. Monk was among the field of 16 ladies who gathered for the $250-added event at Amy’s Billiards in Stuart, FL.

1st 2nd 3rd

5th

Michell Monk Helene Caukin Robin Boggs Jeannie Seaver Amy Poulter Niki Rasmussen Tracy McCreary Christine Nevins

$365 $225 $100

$65

Monk and Caukin first met up in round one, with Monk moving forward in the winners’ bracket while Caukin made her way through the left side. Later, after a redraw going into single elimination, four ladies from the one-loss side met up with four undefeated ladies.

Niki Rasmussen, who’d just edged out Emily Wilmoth 7-6, faced Monk, while Christine Nevins, who’d gotten past Cassidy Mulligan 7-5, faced Jeannie Seaver.

Robin Boggs, playing in her first tournament following a three-year hiatus, met up with room owner Amy Poulter after breezing past Christie Cloke 7-1 on the left, and Caukin blew by Sabra MacArthur-Beahn to meet Tracy McCreary.

Putting Rasmussen into the four-way tie for fifth 7-1, Monk moved on to Seaver, who’d done the same to Nevins 7-2. Meanwhile, Boggs held Poulter to Helene Caukin, Amy Poulter, Michell Monk four games to face Caukin, who’d held McCreary to just three games. Monk and Seaver, the only undefeated players left, battled it out to hill-hill, and with a very strong 7-1 win over Boggs, Caukin joined Monk in the finals once again with the same outcome. After the score tied up at two games apiece, Monk moved ahead steadily, reaching the hill 6-2. Caukin took the next game to make it 6-3, and in the alternate-break format, Monk dropped the 6 and the 7 on the break in the final rack and played safe on the 1. When Caukin couldn’t get to the 1, Monk took ball in hand to run to a 4-9 combination, which she pocketed to remain the only winner on the Flamingo Tour.

Results:

Smith Rebounds for GSBT Win Great Southern Billiard Tour / Duluth, GA

by Lea Andrews

Danny Smith didn’t let a late loss to Kim Bennett deter him from coming back out on top of the Great Southern Billiard Tour field October 3-4. Smith and Bennett were among the field of 40 who gathered at The Pool Room in Duluth, GA, for the $1,500-added event.

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

7th

Danny Smith Kim Bennett Jeff Hooks Casey Joiner Arlo Walsman John Maikkee Curtis Hale Billy Tyler

$1,000 $500 $300 $200 $100

$40

AA-ranked Smith went hill-hill with Arlo Walsman, edging him out 11-10 to face Bennett in the hot seat match. A-ranked Bennett, who’d breezed by B-ranked Casey Joiner 9-3, managed to reach his goal of 9 games against Smith, who fell one game shy of his own goal of 11.

On the one-loss side, Jeff Hooks put fellow A player Mitch Bethea in ninth 9-3, while Curtis Hale did the same to A-ranked Dustin Byrd 9-4. John Maikke notched up a strong win over A-ranked Stanley Lingerfald 9-1 to face Billy Tyler, who was coming off a 9-3 vicDanny Smith, Kim Bennett tory over B player Jose Tovar. Maikke held Tyler to four games to meet up with Joiner, while Hooks got by Hale 9-7 to meet Walsman.

Hooks moved on to the quarterfinals 9-9, leaving Walsman, who’d needed 11 games to win, in fifth. Joining him there was Maikke, who’d fallen hill-hill to Joiner 7-8. Another hill-hill match awaited Joiner in the quarterfinals, but he came up on the wrong end of this one, landing in third 9-6. It was then Hooks’ turn to come out on the wrong end of a hill-hill match in the semifinals against Smith, as Smith, with his 11-8 win over Hooks, earned his chance to avenge his loss to Bennett.

In the first set of the true double-elimination final match, it seemed the outcome could go either way, but Smith managed to push the second set 11-7. In the second set, Smith emerged more dominant, taking control and clinching first 11-6.

54 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

Regional Roundup

Southeast

Big Bubba Scores Big Win on Jacoby Tour Jacoby Custom Cues Carolina Tour / Goldsboro, NC

Results:

by Lea Andrews

Shawn Putnam may not be familiar with the Jacoby Custom Cues Carolina Tour, but he’s no stranger to the winner’s circle, which is exactly where he found himself at the tour’s season finale. The $2,000-added event, held October 3-4 at Fast Eddie’s Sports Bar in Goldsboro, NC, drew a field of 19 that was heavily saturated with big names gearing up for the upcoming Carolina Open.

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

Shawn Putnam B.J. Ussery Delton Howard Keith Bennett Earl Strickland Cary Dunn

$1,500 $750 $400 $150 $75

Following a 7-5 victory over tour hotshot Keith Bennett, Putnam faced Delton Howard in the hot seat match, who was coming off a 7-5 win over Cary Dunn. Another 7-5 victory landed Putnam in the hot seat, while Howard went west to try for a rematch.

On the left side of the bracket, Earl Strickland, who’d fallen to Howard 7-3 in the first round, met up with Larry Nevel, who’d found himself on the one-loss side after coming up short 7-6 against Dunn. Strickland held Nevel to four games to face Eddie Doug Ennis, Shawn Putnam, Little, who’d allowed Shane Winters just two games. Meanwhile, Jeff Abernathy got B.J. Ussery, Jamie Frowein past Sam Monday 7-4 to face B.J. Ussery, who’d just blown by Mac Harrell 7-1. It was Strickland and Ussery who forged ahead 7-4 and 7-1, respectively, to greet Bennett and Dunn over from the winners’ side. Managing just three games against Bennett, Strickland landed in fifth, as did Dunn, who got just two against Ussery. Both victims of Putnam’s, Bennett and Ussery, whom Putnam had sent west 7-2, were vying for a finals rematch, and as Ussery dropped Bennett in fourth 7-5, he was one step closer. After edging out Howard 7-6, he was there.

In the single race-to-9 final set, Putnam jumped to a 6-1 lead, but a scratch on the break in rack 8 left Ussery out, and Ussery’s break and run in rack 9 put the score at 6-3. Putnam made it 7-3 after Ussery missed a 2-9 combination, but Ussery navigated a tricky rack after Putnam made nothing on the break in the next game to make it 7-4. The two traded games to get Putnam on the hill 8-6, and in rack 15, after Putnam played safe on the 2 ball, Ussery, who mistakenly thought he could see the very edge of the ball, gave up ball in hand, and Putnam ran out to take first 9-6.

An early bird tournament on Friday drew 16 players, with Nevel earning first and $150 with his 7-3 win over Winters, who took home $90. Abernathy earned $50 for third, while Howard got $30 for fourth. On Sunday, Heather Thompson edged out Jamie Frowein 7-6 in the finals of the ladies’ division, while Dylan Letchworth took first in the juniors’ division. The final set of the second chance tournament was a blowout, with Nevel coming out on top 7-0 over Sean Frowein. Another big winner was Roger Harper, who won the raffle and walked away with a limited-edition Jacoby Cue worth $850.

Faulk Flows Through Fast Freddy’s Field Great Southern Billiard Tour / Jacksonville, NC

Results:

by Lea Andrews

Those looking for Shannon “The Cannon” Daulton’s familiar face at the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships had disappointment coming their way, as he was busy running the show at his own Great Southern Billiard Tour stop, where he was witness to Larry Faulk’s undefeated run through the field. Faulk was one of the 40 competitors who arrived at Fast Freddy’s Billiards in Jacksonville, NC, for the $1,500-added A/B amateur event October 17-18.

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

7th

Larry Faulk Ray McGinn JR Poste Phillip Britt Glen Maready Don Strickland Vernon Ringold Mickey Hucks

$1,000 $500 $250 $125 $85 $50

AA-ranked Larry Faulk sailed 10-4 past A-ranked JR Poste, who was racing to 9, to reach the hot seat match. There, he met up fellow AA-player Ray McGinn, who’d gotten by another AA-player, Phillip Britt, 10-6. The battle of the talents that ensued was fierce, but it was Faulk who notched up the final rack to take the hot seat 10-9.

On the other side of the bracket, Glen Maready blew by Donald Arnold 7-1 to face Vernon Ringold, who’d moved past Calvin Roberts 7-5. Meanwhile, Don Strickland did the same to Vernon Rogers 9-4 to face Mickey Hucks, who’d made it past Greg Little 9-8. Maready and Strickland put their opponents in seventh 7-5 and 9-4, respectively, to welcome Poste and Britt to the west side. Both were a bit too welcoming, though—Maready landed in fifth 9-5 courtesy of Poste, while Strickland got there courtesy of Britt 10-6. In the quarterfinal match, Poste was looking to make his way to a rematch with Faulk in the finals, while Britt was looking for a semifinal rematch with McGinn on the way to the final match. It was Poste who prevailed 9-7 to fight it out with McGinn for the right to play the Faulk rematch. Both men fought hard, pushing the score to hill-hill in the weighted race before McGinn dropped the final 9 to move back over to Faulk 10-8.

Unfortunately for McGinn, the final match of the true double-elimination event was quite unlike the hot seat match, where he’d come up just one game short of victory.

This time, it was all Faulk, who marked up game after game to earn first place with a very decisive 10-1 victory.

December 2009 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 55

Regional Roundup Pendley Pounds the GSBT Field Great Southern Billiard Tour / Duluth, GA

by Lea Andrews

Adam Pendley, who recently finished second to Johnny Archer at the Carolina Open, showed the crowd that he has the heart of a winner by bouncing back from an early loss to Eugene Browning to take down the field at the Great Southern Billiard Tour stop October 24-25. The $1,500-added amateur event drew 61 players to The Pool Room in Duluth, GA.

Following his loss to Browning, who’s returning to the scene he once dominated following a ten-year hiatus, Pendley made his way through the left side of the bracket while the final four on the winners’ side were coming through. Marty Jennings made his way into the hot seat match following a 9-7 win over Ron Gilbert; meanwhile, his father, Jim, was vying to meet him there but came up short against Danny Smith 11-6. The elder Jennings, who’d been racing to 9, moved west, while his son fought a tough hill-hill match against Smith but fell 11-8.

Southeast Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

7th

9th

Adam Pendley Danny Smith Marty Jennings Jim Jennings

Ron Gilbert

Jason Steman Alan Wong

Matt Reed Arlo Walsman Jeff Tabet Eugene Browning Scott Lewis

$1,000 $600 $400 $200 $100 $75 $35

On the one-loss side, Pendley was clearing a steady path to the finals, getting past Jeff Tabet 9-4 to face Alan Wong, who’d edged out AA-ranked Arlo Walsman 7-10. Making a move at the same time was Jason Steman, who got past AA-ranked Scott Lewis 9-8 to face Matt Reed, who’d ousted Browning 9-8. As Steman and Pendley moved past Reed and Wong 9-6 and 9-3, respectively, the two moved on to J. Jennings and Gilbert. Pendley shut out Gilbert, but it was the end of the road for Steman, who fell 9-7 to Jennings. In the quarterfinals, Jennings missed getting a crack at his son in the semis by three games, landing in fourth 9-6, while in the semis, M. Jennings came up four games short of avenging his father’s loss to Pendley and earning a rematch with Smith, finishing in third 9-5.

In the true double-elimination finals, as in the rest of the tournament, Smith was racing to 11, while Pendley was racing to 9. In both sets, though, Pendley maintained an edge and refused to allow the spot to come into play at all, taking first with two strong 9-7 wins.

Delawder and Kennedy New Winners on KF Cues Tour KF Cues Tour / Gainesville, FL

by Lea Andrews

Mike Delawder, who finished second in the amateur division of the KF Cues Tour season opener, earned his first tour win at the second stop, while 1992 U.S. Open 9-Ball champion Tommy Kennedy went straight from the 2009 U.S. Open to earn his own first tour win in the open division. The $1,000-added amateur event, held October 24 at The Art of Billiards in Gainseville, FL, drew 41 players, while the $1,000-added open event, held October 25, drew 33.

Following his 7-3 win over Don Kriesler, Delawder landed in the hot seat match against Ted Lepak, who’d sent Daniel Plumber west 7-4. On the one-loss side, Matt Bauries backed up a 5-2 win over Trevor Moore with a shut-out over Chip Dickerson to face Plummer, while Julio Del Pozo notched his own shutout over Mike Webb and 5-2 win over Jim Oddy to face Kriesler. Bauries fared well, moving into the quarterfinals 5-2, while Del Pozo did not, landing in fifth 5-3. Taking care of Kriesler 5-4, Bauries moved on to the semifinals, where he faced Lepak, who’d fallen 7-4 in the hot seat match. Bauries earned his spot in the finals 5-3 and held his own against Delawder for the first part of the set, but Delawder moved out ahead and stayed there, claiming first with a strong 8-4 win.

Amateur Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

7th

9th

Mike Delawder Matt Bauries Ted Lepak Don Kriesler Julio Del Pozo Daniel Plumber Jim Oddy Chip Dickerson Mike Webb Jimmy Bird Elvis Rodriguez Trevor Moore

Open Results:

$550

$130

$390 $290 $190

$90

$60

B. Lepak was one of several players, including runner-up Bauries, who competed 1st Tommy Kennedy $600 in both divisions. Bauries’ 7-4 win over Moore 2nd Justin Hall

$400 landed him in the hot seat match against Justin 3rd

Matt Bauries

$280 Mike Delawder Hall, who’d sent Dickerson to the left side 7-4.

4th

Trevor Moore

$190 Against Hall, Bauries managed just four games, 5th

Chip Dickerson

$90 moving west to face Kennedy, who’d been on

Richie Richeson that side since his first-round hill-hill loss to Jim 7th Butch Croft

$60 Sandaler. Kennedy had gone on to oust Bob

Neil Fujiwara Albert, Bill Dunsmore, and Ted Lepak before dropping Kriesler in ninth 7-1. Backing that up with a 7-5 win over Butch Croft and a hill-hill win over Dickerson, Kennedy moved on to the quarterfinals against Moore, who was coming off his own hill-hill win over Richie Richeson. Kennedy held Moore to three games to face Bauries in the semifinals, where he eventually found himself down 6-5. His delicate 1-9 combination made it hill-hill, but in the final rack, a hidden 2 ball a table-length away made his chances of victory appear slim. A perfectly-struck jump shot put the 2 in a pocket, though, and the cue ball went four rails for position on the 3 ball—Kennedy was in the finals 7-6. There he came back from a 5-2 deficit against Hall to earn his first KF Cue Tour win 8-6.

56 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

Regional Roundup Chases Brushes Away the Competition Tiger Bay Area Amateur Tour / Holiday, FL

Regional Roundup

by InsidePOOL Staff

Results:

Southeast Gallego Comes Back to Win in Winchester Viking Cue 9-Ball Tour / Winchester, VA

by InsidePOOL Staff

World

The Viking Cue 9-Ball Tour returned to Blue Fox Billiards in

Bettina Chase 1st Bettina Chase $225 Winchester, VA, the weekend of October 17-18, hosting 103 playtook home top hon2nd an Alarming Michell Monk Win

$150 ers, some of whom were in town for the 34th Annual U.S. Open ors atWilliams the OctoberPulls 3rd

Shanelle Loraine

$100 9-Ball Championships.

The plummy $3,000-added prize purse was Tiger Canadian Results: 10 stop of the Tiger Women’s Pool Tour / Ontario, CAN a big draw as well, and Ramil 4th

Jamie Toennies

$75 1st NaomiGallego Williamsof the $270Philippines + qualifier walked Bay Area Amateur away with the lion’s 2nd Brittany Bryant $490 5th

Stacey Lantz

$50 Tour, bywinning over InsidePOOL Staff 3rd Bonnie Plowman $290 share after his defeat

Nicole Winters Michell Monk in the Amateur Results: 4th Grace Nakamura $170 of Manny Chau in the final match.

The stop 1st

Eric Charlton $700 The Tiger Canadian Women’s Pool Tour held its fourth stop July 18 at Shooters Billiards in 5th Denise Belanger $90 finals. was hosted

by HamNorth York, Ontario, Canada. Owner John White once again supported the ladies’ tour by hold2nd

Clyde Newill

$500 Veronique Menard merhead Billiards in Holiday, FL,spot andforbrought participants to up in October. ing the second WPBA qualifying the Pacifi15 c Coast Classic coming A total made 3rd Rick Castillo $300 Gallego vie forofthe $300-added prize purse.

23 ladies arrived Saturday morning, with Naomi Williams leaving with the top prize. a comeback in the 4th Ryan Jones $200 first set of the finals, 5th

ChaseRound started off on her road to her first tour victory with a Russ Obaker

$150 one matches were shortly underway when, out of the blue, the fire alarm bells went off. Luckily the alarm stopped and the playreturning from a 6-1 4-2 win over last month’s champ, Niki Rasmussen.

Still on fire,

Chris Hansen ers continued their games. On the A-side semifinal bracket, Naomi Williams went up against Bonnie Plowman, sending her packing 7-1. deficit to win the first 7th she followed that up with wins over tournament director Stephanie Jordan Grubb $100 set 9-8 Grace and then pro- won over Belanger Mitchell, Shanelle andfilled Monk.

The B-sideLoraine, bracket was with talented ladies and matches to be watched.

Nakamura 7-4, and Bryant Dan Madden ceeding to win ousted Menard in a hill-hill match. Bryant then faced off against Nakamura.

In this match, Bryant was on fire and defeated Nakamura

Both Monk and Loraine focused on eliminating the rest of second set 7-5. With this outcome, the WPBA spot automatically went to Williams, as the she was the last remaining player Results: eligible for the WPBA spot.

Open the field and returning to battleandChase once again.

Loraine accom7-3. Plowman.

On his jourHowever, with that decided still two matches left, Bryant then faced off with Bryant won in a dominating fashion, posting 1st Ramil Gallego a $1,500 plished that7-1. feat against Stacey Lantz, who finished in fifth place score ney he had best2nd

Manny Chau

$900 along with Nicole Winters, and then against Jamie Toennies, who ed defeat Clyde 3rd Jerry Calderon

$600 had to settle fortrue a fourth-place finish.

Now it was Monk whoWilliams was twice.

In the double-elimination finals, Bryant needed to defeat Bryant Newill 9-5,bested JasonWilliams in the first set 7-5, and in the next 4th

Brandon Shuff

$430 doing set, theshe eliminating.

After 5-1 sending half theWilliams board to one-up andTrigo took a commanding lead. However, didthe not give fought9-1, for every shot, making combination after combination Ryan on the 9 ball and knotting score 6-6. Bryant wasafter running out, but sheJones missed 9-1, a slightand cut of the the side pocket. With a loss side, she ousted Lorainethewith a up hill-hill victory Loraine 5th8 ball into Brian Deska $200 scoreon of the 7-6, final Williams won the Don Broos Custom Cue Pacific Coast Qualifier. scratched 8 ball.

Matt Clatterbuck Ryan McCreesh 7th Scott Tollefson $150 9-7. Chau then

This set up a double-elimination rematch between Monk and

Mike Davis delivered him to Chase. The first set was a long, drawn-out battle with Monk mainthe one-loss side 9th Ryan McCreesh $100 taining her focus and winning hill-hill. The next set stepped up the of the chart after

Steve Wigglesworth pace a bit, and Chase was able to claim her first win with a score of a hill-hill bout, 4-3.

Justin Daniels and Gallego

Chuck Cuneo then ousted Matt Clatterbuck 7-5, Brandon Shuff 7-2, and Jerry Calderon 7-2 to earn his way to the finals and a rematch with Chau. Chau went undefeated to the finals, besting Eddie Deska 9-6, Scott Tollefson 9-2, Chuck Cuneo 9-3, Gallego 9-8, and Calderon 9-2.

The amateur division of the event brought in 57 players, and Eric Charlton of Roanoke, VA, went undefeated to win the event Naomi Williams after making his way through the top half of the bracket, besting Reggie Smallwood 5-3, Paul Peters 5-3, Kevin Kleinsmith 5-1, Kevin Irons 5-4, Russ Obaker 5-2, and Clyde Newill 5-1 in the match for the hot seat. Charlton defeated Newill hill-hill to take home first place.

888-245-7665 December 2009 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 57

Regional Roundup

Southeast

Davis Demolishes Jacoby Field Jacoby Custom Cues Carolina Tour / Greensboro, NC

Results:

by Lea Andrews

While the $1,000-added Jacoby Custom Cues Carolina Tour’s season opener turned out to be a bittersweet finale for the patrons of the host location, Shooters Bar & Grill in Greensboro, NC, which closed its doors November 1, it was also another undefeated victory under Mike Davis’ belt.

Davis was among the talented field of 15 who descended on the poolroom for its last hurrah on October 31-November 1.

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Mike Davis Arnold Hamlet Eddie Little Scott Lewis

$1,000 $500 $175 $75

Davis met up with Scott Lewis on the winners’ side final four, getting through him 7-2 to face Eddie Little, who’d had his own 7-2 win over Arnold Hamlet. Little managed just three games against Davis in the hot seat match, though, and moved west.

On the left side of the bracket, Jeff Abernathy backed up a 7-3 win over Delton Howard with a shut-out win over Jerry Hilton to face Hamlet, while B.J. Ussery breezed by Adam Stanton 7-2 to edge out Paul Mullins 7-6 and face Lewis. Both Hamlet and Lewis earned their spots in the quarterfinals with 7-5 wins, and it was Hamlet who advanced over Lewis to the semifinals 7-4. Earning his revenge over Little by taking the final rack in their hill-hill battle, Hamlet moved on to the single race-to-11 finals.

Game one of the final set went to Davis, but game two went to Hamlet after Davis hung up the 9 ball. The score knotted again at 3 and at 4, but Davis got up 6-4 and 7-5, and a break and run put him up 8-5. Hamlet came out on top of a safety battle in the next to make it 8-6, but when he didn’t make anything on the break in the next rack, Davis made it 9-6, then 10-6 following a safety-riddled game. After Hamlet overcut the 9 ball in the next game and Davis missed a bank, Hamlet played safe, but Davis made the long, thin cut to earn first place 11-6.

In the early bird tournament on Friday night, Kris “Chavez” Bowers earned first place and $100 for his narrow 7-6 victory in the finals over Kevin Boggs, who took home $25. The ladies’ tournament on Saturday came down to a mother-and-daughter finals, with Adrianna Cody getting by her mother, Trish Cody, 7-2, while the juniors’ division win went to Zach Leonard. In the second chance tournament on Saturday, Scott Lewis earned $100 for his 7-2 win in over Carey Nealey, who earned $60. Delton Howard earned $115 for coming out on top of eight other entrants in the break contest, while the break and run jackpot, which started out at $500 but went unattained at this stop, will grow for the next stop. The final big winner of the weekend was Johnny Miller, whose winning raffle ticket sent him home toting a Jacoby cue worth $600.

Fisher Wins Second KwikFire Tour Stop KwikFire Tour / Rock Hill, SC

by Kim Shaw

The newly titled Kwikfire Tour held its second event at the Silver Dollar Saloon in Rock Hill, SC, the weekend of October 24-25. Many local fans came to watch 29 players compete, including 10 APA players and 6 top WPBA professionals, including Allison Fisher, Kim Shaw, Gerda Hofstatter, Monica Webb, and Line Kjorsvik. But it was Kelly “KwikFire” Fisher who walked away with the first-place prize.

The biggest upset of the tournament was in the first round when Terry Faulk beat Monica Webb hill-hill. Faulk said after the match that both she and Webb missed opportunities, but she was happy with the way she played throughout the event.

Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

7th

9th

Kelly Fisher Allison Fisher Line Kjorsvik Kim Shaw Gerda Hofstatter Monica Webb Val Finnie Lisa Davids Kim Jones Patty Sutherland Katie Cowan Holly Sholes

$1,016 $701 $473 $335 $210 $140 $70

Sunday’s matches saw A. Fisher and K. Fisher square off in the hot seat match, as A. Fisher had just bested Kjorsvik 9-7 and K. Fisher sent Shaw to the west side 9-4. The newly inducted BCA Hall of Fame member prevailed 9-7, sending K. Fisher to the one-loss side.

On the left side, Kim Shaw played solid pool to win decisively over Webb 9-3, while Hofstatter and Kjorsvik played it close, with the Norwegian finishing strong to win 9-7.

Kjorsvik continued to play well, defeating Shaw 9-4 in the quarterfinals, but she came up short in the semifinal match against K. Fisher and went home in third place 9-2.

Kim Shaw, Kelly Fisher, Kevin Shaw 58 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

In the final match, both Fishers produced the highest quality of play and at 7-6 K. Fisher, A. Fisher made a 2-9 combo to make it 7-7. K. Fisher broke and made an easy 3-9 combo to reach the hill first. A. Fisher played a solid rack to make it hill-hill, but K. Fisher broke the final rack, and after making the 7 ball on the break, cleared an open table to win the tournament.

Kelly Fisher, Allison Fisher

Regional Roundup

Southeast

Mitchell Bests Road Partner in Flamingo Finals Flamingo Billiards Tour / Fort Pierce, FL

by InsidePOOL Staff

Gas money was no problem on the ride home for Stephanie Mitchell and Sabra MacArthurBeahn as the two took home the top prizes in the $250-added Flamingo Billiards Tour stop held October 24. The pair had road-tripped together across the state to Ultimate Billiards in Fort Pierce, FL, where Mitchell found herself in the driver’s seat by defeating MacArthur-Beahn 7-5 in the finals.

Sabra MacArthur-Beahn, Gary But the road wasn’t easy for either player. MacArthur-Beahn had a shaky start with a loss Gilsinan, Stephanie Mitchell to Shanelle Loraine 7-2, but she grew stronger as the day wore on, defeating Janis Sessions 7-4 and Mimi McAndrews 7-1. After topping Amy Poulter 7-4, MacArthurResults: Beahn’s dead stroke was catching everyone’s eyes.

1st Stephanie Mitchell $370 Mitchell bested Vanessa Seaver 7-3 and McAndrews 7-3 before being sent to the 2nd Sabra MacArthur-Beahn $250 left side after a hill-hill bout with Niki Rasmussen 7-6. But she quickly rebounded by 3rd Christie Cloke $130 defeating Robin Boggs 7-2.

Jeannie Seaver 5th Michell Monk $80 On the modified double-elimination redraw, Jeannie Seaver defeated Helene Caukin 7-4, Christie Cloke squeaked by Emily Wilmoth 7-6, and MacArthur-Beahn Emily Wilmoth defeated Michell Monk 7-4. In a rematch of their previous double-hill set, Mitchell Niki Rasmussen and Rasmussen paired up and again went hill-hill, but this time Mitchell prevailed.

Helene Caukin When the dust settled, three of the four winners’ side finalists were now on the other side of the rail.

In the semifinals, MacArthur-Beahn matched up with Cloke, who made an impressive showing in just her second regional tour event.

Each player capitalized on 9 ball combos early in the match, but with the score 4-3, MacArthur-Beahn caught stroke and went on to win the next three games and the match.

For the third time in a long afternoon, Mitchell found herself in a hill-hill situation as she matched up with Seaver. The game started badly for Seaver with an inadvertent hand foul that affected the 1 ball’s roll. Seaver fouled on both 1 ball safes by Mitchell, and the match ended on the three-foul rule.

In the finals, MacArthur-Beahn went up 4-1 with well-timed safety play setting up long run-outs. After a long day of doublehill matches, Mitchell ran the table in the sixth and eighth racks, caromed the 9 ball early in the ninth, and capitalized on MacArthurBeahn’s rare misses to take the next two racks. With Mitchell suddenly on the hill 6-5, MacArthur-Beahn made two balls on the break and left the 4 ball hanging. Later, with the 4 ball deep in the pocket and the 5 ball causing shot and shape problems, MacArthur-Beahn missed a kick at the 4 and gave up ball in hand. Mitchell made short work of the rack, running five balls and taking the match 7-5.

UPCOMING SOUTHEAST TOURNAMENTS 12/5 12/5-6 12/5-6 12/5-6 12/12-13 12/12-13 12/19-20 12/19-20 1/2

Toys for Tots Scotch Doubles Florida State Championship Great Southern Billiard Tour KF Cues 9-Ball Tour Great Southern Billiard Tour Jacoby Custom Cue Carolina Tour Great Southern Billiard Tour KF Cues 9-Ball Tour Lucasi ACS All-American Tour

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Play Play Video Video December 2009 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 59

Regional Roundup

Central

Wilder Double-Dips Strack to Win Lucasi Hybrid All-American Tour / Decatur, IL

by InsidePOOL Staff

The Lucasi Hybrid All-American Tour traveled to Decatur, IL, October 24, at Brick House Billiards, where Michael Wilder took home first place. The $500-added event featured 35 players in a double-elimination 8-ball format on 7-foot bar boxes.

On the A-side semifinals, Wilder dominated Mike Dunklin 5-1, while Milton Strack eclipsed Mike Verkruyse 5-3. Strack then took the hot seat by besting Wilder 5-3. With eight remaining players, on the B-side Marco Jyawook and Larry Parke respectively eliminated Scott Boyd and Tom Gallagher at seventh place by identical 5-4 margins. Both Parke and Jyawook continued through the next round by upending Verkruyse 5-3 and Dunklin 5-4, respectively. In the B-side semifinals, Jyawook bested Larry Parke 5-3, but Jyawook in turn completed his day at third place at the Michael Wilder hands of Wilder 3-5. In the finals, Wilder had to defeat Milton Strack twice, and he succeeded in doing so by scoring 5-4, 5-1 wins for the title.

Marr Mauls OB Cues Ladies’ Field Results: OB Cues Ladies’ 9-Ball Tour / Arlington, TX 1st Michael Wilder $350

by InsidePOOL Staff 2nd Milton Strack $250 3rd Marco Jyawook $150

The OB Cues Ladies’ 9-Ball Tour held its seventh stop of the 4th Larry Parke $100 2009 season at Rusty’s Billiards in Arlington, TX, the weekend of 5th Mike Verkruyse $75 October 24-25. Forty-one players arrived on Saturday morning to

Mike Dunklin compete in the $2,000-added event, with Lisa Marr going all the 7th Scott Boyd $50 way through to the finish.

Tom Gallagher

After late play on Saturday night, only 8 ladies returned in 9th Dave Gentry $25 the main event on Sunday morning. On the winners’ side matches,

Joe Ramsey Amanda Lampert defeated Melinda Bailey, while Marr bested de Mark Reynolds feated Deanna Henson. Finishing in seventh were Cristina De La

Curtis Conley Garza and Kim Pierce, both out of Austin, TX, while local area Radowitz Rakes in BCW Victory players Melinda Bailey and Ashley Nandrasy finished in a fifthBilliard Congress of Wisconsin / Madison, WI place tie. Henson finished fourth, while Orietta Strickland moved up one spot from her last event to capture third place.

by InsidePOOL Staff

Fifteen of Wisconsin’s best amateurs showed up at the November 1 installment of the Billiard Congress of Wisconsin’s new tour, with Tom Radowitz taking home first place. The $400-added event was hosted by the Brass Ring in Madison, WI.

The field was whittled down to the final three players. Radowitz earned the hot seat, taking wins over 14-year-old Tyler Styer 6-1, Haven Ben 6-4, Jon Giles 6-5, and Francis Rave Sr. 6-5 on the way. On the one-loss side, young gun Giles went toe to toe with Rave. Both competitors did their best, and it came down to who remained in control of the game. The score seesawed to hill-hill, and though it looked like it would be all Rave when Giles scratched, Rave in turn scratched on the 7 ball, and Giles cleaned up the last two for the win.

The final match pitted Radowitz against Giles, who had to win twice to take the title. They traded the first two racks, and then Radowitz took the lead 2-1. Soon he held a 5-3 lead, but as he offered Giles several chances throughout the match, it soon came to a hill-hill match. When all was said and done, Radowitz walked away with the title and first place.

Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

Tom Radowitz Jon Giles Francis Rave Sr. Dean Durge Bob Treffeisen Duncan Kaufman

$330 $200 $150 $50

Jon Giles, Tom Radowitz 60 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

For the hot seat match, Marr sent Lampert to the west side of the bracket 7-3, which she captured over Strickland to earn a rematch. Marr was trying to avoid a repeat of the last stop, when Lampert took the win against her in a two-set finals. Marr managed to stay in control and won by a margin of 7-4. With this win, she not only took home $750 for her efforts, but she also clenched the tour champion spot for the second year in a row.

In the second chance event, 21 players competed on Sunday morning. Tara Williams took the top honors, finishing just after the main event. Michelle Cortez finished second, while Borana Andoni finished third.

Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

7th

9th

13th

Lisa Marr Amanda Lampert Orietta Strickland Deanna Henson Melinda Bailey Ashley Nandrasy Cristina De La Garza Kim Pierce Monica Anderson Tara Williams Borana Andoni Christy Powell Nancy French Julie Comitini Michelle Cortez Shirley Fields

$750 $550 $400 $265 $150 $100 $70

$50

Regional Roundup

Central

Bideaux Bests Them All on Lucasi Tour Lucasi Hybrid All-American Tour / Davenport, IA

Lucasi Hybrid Tour Holds Nebraska Invitational Lucasi Hybrid All-American Tour / Bellevue, NE

by InsidePOOL Staff

Rich Bideaux went undefeated at the October 17 stop of the Lucasi Hybrid All-American Tour, defeating Dan Kuhl in the finals. The $500-added event was hosted by Miller Time Billiards in Davenport, IA, and featured 22 players in a double-elimination 8-ball format.

Bideaux, rated a 6 on a regional handicap system, took the undefeated route to the hot seat that included A-side victories over Rodney Flenoi 6-5 in the semifinals and Dan Kuhl 6-4 in the finals.

On the one-loss side of the chart, Ron O’Meara Jr. eliminated Mason Parks at seventh place 6-1, while Danny Pena tied Parks with a 3-6 loss to Steve Parlow. Josh Johnson and Steve Parlow tied at fifth place in the next round, courtesy of losses respectively to O’Meara 5-6 and Flenoi 5-6. Staying true to the handicapping, O’Meara recorded another 6-5 win over Flenoi to stay Flenoi at fourth place. Kuhl, in turn, ended O’Meara’s run at third place via a 5-3 B-side finals win. The tournament finals went to the hill again, as Bideaux gained the title in the first set with a 6-4 win over Kuhl.

Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

7th

Rich Bideaux Dan Kuhl Ron O’Meara Jr. Rodney Flenoi Josh Johnson Steve Parlow Mason Parks Danny Pena

$350 $210 $160 $100 $40

1st Jessica Frideres, Dustin Gunia 2nd Becky Anderson, Pedro Castro 3rd Charlie Jones, Scott Jones

$210 $120 $60

8-Ball Women’s Singles Results: 1st Jessica Frideres 2nd Becky Anderson 3rd Dot Cyr

The Lucasi Hybrid All-American Tour highlighted four separate events October 23-24 at Fort Crook Billiards in Bellevue, NE, at the Nebraska Invitational.

The final four in the men's 9-ball singles witnessed Pedro Castro defeating Cirino Caniglia 7-4 in the winners’ bracket semifinals, while Jerrod Frideres joined Castro by outpointing his wife, Jessica Frideres, 7-5. In the winners’ finals, Castro knocked off Frideres 7-5 to take the undefeated seat. One the one-loss side, Dustin Gunia eliminated Caniglia 7-4 and claimed a position in the finals by ousting Frideres at third place 7-5. Gunia continued his hot pace in the finals against Castro by taking two close sets 7-6, 7-5 for the title.

The women's 8-ball singles event came down to a playoff between Jessica Frideres and Becky Anderson, both with 3-1 match records in the event. Frideres clipped Anderson on the hill 4-3 in the deciding set to claim the division win.

In the men's 8-ball singles, Pedro Castro went looking for revenge against Dustin Gunia, and he found it. Castro again claimed the hot seat in this division as well, finishing with A-side semifinals and finals wins over Gunia 5-4 and Alfredo Carillo 5-3, respectively. Gunia tried to repeat his results from the previous 9-ball event by eliminating Zack Willis 5-3 in the B-side semifinals and Carrillo in the B-side finals 5-4. In the finals however, Castro put the stopper in and toppled Gunia 5-3 for the division win.

The scotch doubles 8-ball division went to form, as the team of Pedro Castro/Becky Anderson eliminated Glenna Jones/Scott Jones 4-3 in the B-side finals. Dustin Gunia/Jessica Frideres teamed up to take the finals with a 4-2 win over Castro/Anderson.

$20

Scotch Doubles 8-Ball Results:

by InsidePOOL Staff

$150 $125 $100

9-Ball Open Singles Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Dustin Gunia Pedro Castro Jerrod Frideres Cirino Caniglia

$220 $165 $105 $50

8-Ball Open Singles Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Pedro Castro Dustin Gunia Alfredo Carrillo Zack Willis

$230 $175 $105

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December 2009 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 61

Regional Roundup

Western

Northeast

Ranola Runs Down the AWBT Competition Arizona Women’s Billiard TourComet / Phoenix, AZ DeGiosafatto Shoots Down Billiards

Tri-State Tour / Parsippany, NJ

APA Pla

APA Player of t

Field

by Lea Andrews

by Lea Andrews

Though Filipina superstar Iris Ranola was the sure favorite to win the season finale of the Arizona Women’s

James DeGiosafatto Jr. came throughsome the one-loss to claim first among in the Tri-a small but strong field of 11. Tour points leader Stacy Billiard Tour, she did have heftyside competition The APA Player of the Month for September is Kenny Vaugh State Tour’s second stop of the new season. The $500-added C-D event drew 25 Novack, was so far in NJ. front she couldn’t be caught, was absent, butGenevieve, among those who isgathered Bull ShootMo. Vaughn one of theat inaugural members of t players to Comet who Billiards in Parsippany, son County APA and is a skill level 7 shooter in 8-ball.

In addition to p ers Billiards in Phoenix, AZ, for the $300-added WPBA regional tour event were tour powerhouses Ashea Erdahl, the APA, Vaughn also runs Kenny’s Bar & Grill in Barnhart, MO, with h C+-ranked loss Williams. took him out of the spotlight, and as the fiHeather DeGiosafatto’s Torpin, andearly Susan Dorthia. Vaughn hosts a number of tournaments and leagues in his loca nal four on the A-side emerged, C+-ranked Ryan McCarthy seemed the likely winner.

Vaughn has been playing pool since he was 5 years old and is excite His 6-4 win over C+-ranked Dave Shlemperis placed him in the hot seat match against APA inErdahl, his location and in squeaked Jefferson County.

“We have aLee lot of po Ranola breezed past MillerMichael to fight for the Daily hot seat the against who’d past Barbara Duane Daily, who was coming off a 6-5 winSara over C-ranked Rodrigues. here in Jefferson County, so it’s great that we now have a chance was treated to another 6-5 match but on the wrong end this time andseat moved 7-6. Holding Erdahl tocame fourout games, Ranola took her as winner of the winners’ side and awaited an opponent to co the world’s largest pool league,” said Vaughn. His poolroom has a stabl over to the left side of the bracket. for the finals. customers who love the sport and are excited about the opportunity to to Las Vegas to compete in the APA National Team Championships. “K Over on the one-loss side, DeGiosafatto was making his move. A 6-3 win over been instrumental in getting the APA going in his location. Anyone w C-ranked Antonio Navarro, a 7-4 win against D+-ranked Rick Shellhouse, and a 6-1

Meanwhile, on the one-loss side, second-place points leader Williams breezed past Donna Taylor 7-2 to pool in Jefferson County knows Kenny’s, and we’re proud to host leag win over Shlemperis landed him in the quarterfinals against C+-ranked T.J. Smithers, Miller, whilewins, Torpin blew Johnson-McCauley to meetsaid up Jefferson with Lee. The Williams-Miller battle County league operator Jason Bowman. who’dface just had some strong himself: 6-3 by overTerri Ed Miller (C), 6-3 over Duane 7-1 location,” with Williams onThe toptwo 7-6, moved to face Torpin, who’d held Lee to four games. Torpin’s score Toneyended (C+), and 6-2 over Rodrigues. wentand backshe and forth, withon DeGiosafatto coming outflipped on top 6-5 face in Dailey the semifinals. though, as she landed in fourth 7-4 courtesy of Williams, who advanced to a got ontoher theinquarterfinals,

T

with Erdahl. In theirwest first encounter, Williams had come up just shy of victory 7-6, and though in Itsemifinal was Daileyrematch who had earlier sent DeGiosafatto 6-4, and in this match, their second encounter, looking to go DeGiosafatto got his revenge, movingErdahl on to thewas finalscertainly with a convincing 6-3 win.

Theon to a rematch with Ranola, Williams wasn’t going to modified final set featured one player coming straight out of a match and one player give it to her. She took control of her own rematch 7-3 to earn the right to face Ranola in the finals. coming out of a chair, as McCarthy had had to wait a couple of hours for an opponent to come through. McCarthy played well in the finals, but not as well as the way he’d Ranola could afford to advantage give up ofthe set of his theway, true double-elimination final match, but allowing an opplayed getting there, and DeGiosafatto, taking thefirst rolls coming closedponent out the win 8-6. to reach seven games was simply not on her agenda at this tournament. Williams hit the string just twice in the finals as Ranola cruised to victory 7-2.

Results:

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

James DeGiosafatto Jr.

Results: Ryan McCarthy Dailey 1st Duane Iris Ranola T.J. Smithers 2nd Susan Williams Michael Rodrigues 3rdDave Ashea Erdahl Shlemperis 4th Heather Torpin

$500 $230 $150 $200 $100 $130 $55

62 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2009

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