Give a gift that doesn’t suck.
G i ve the gift of better play with the new Simonis X- 1™ * . I t ' s q uiet, it's effective , and it keeps The Truest Playing Cloth playing truer longer. The Simonis X- 1™ .
®
A u t h e n t i c . A c c u r a t e . A l w a y s .®
December 2011
Instruction
10 Beat People With a Stick Learning Through Teaching 12 Pro Pool Workout The End-to-End Butterfly 14 Get in Shape Stroke for Shape 16
Confessions of a Pool Hustler Kicking Your Opponent Into Jail
Features
18 Stand-up Double! Ace Appleton a Two-Time U.S. Open Victor 24
Fisher Finally Claims China Title Defeats Kelly Fisher for Haining Cup
26
Top Tyros Crowned U.S. Amateur Champs Winner of Men’s and Women’s Divisions Advance to 2012 Pro Events
28 InsidePOOL’s Holiday Buying Guide 2011
On the Cover:
“Dynamite” Darren Appleton exploded once again at the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships, where he made history this year with his second victory in a row, defeating Shawn Putnam in the finals. For the full story, please visit page 18. 2 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2011
contents 24
Publisher JR Calvert publisher@insidepoolmag.com Editor Sally P. Timko editor@insidepoolmag.com Graphic Artists Laura Luzier art@insidepoolmag.com Allen Hopkins Jr. Editorial Assistant Lea Andrews Advertising Sales Director Bill Perry sales@insidepoolmag.com Technical Consultant Tom Simpson Staff Videographer Alvin Nelson Feature Photo Credits JR Calvert
26
E-mail info@insidepoolmag.com
28
Website www.insidepoolmag.com
26
Instructional Staff Johnny Archer, Shannon Daulton, Bob Henning, Robert LeBlanc, Matt Sherman, Tom Simpson Contributing Writers Fred Agnir, Alison M. Fischer, Rob Johnson, Tres Kane, Mimi McAndrews, Ken Shuman, Jerry Tarantola Toll Free 888-428-7665
Departments 6 6 35 36
Live Streams Advertiser Directory Billiard Education Foundation Player of the Month APA Player of the Month
38 42 44 46
Northeast Southeast Central Western
Regional Roundup
4 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2011
Columns 8 32 34 41 48
I’m Just Sayin’ WWRD? Food on Tour Las Vegas, Nevada Stripes Then and Now SudoCue Puzzle Triangles Word Puzzle Operation Santa Paws
Administrative Offices PO Box 972, Kittanning, PA 16201 InsidePOOL Magazine Volume XI, 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.
pool on tv International Challenge of Champions International Challenge of Champions International Challenge of Champions Tournament of Champions Tournament of Champions Tournament of Champions World Cup of Trick Shots World Cup of Trick Shots World Cup of Trick Shots Women’s Pro Billiards Tour Women’s Pro Billiards Tour Women’s Pro Billiards Tour Women’s Pro Billiards Tour
December 4 December 4 December 4 December 11 December 11 December 11 December 18 December 18 December 18 January 8 January 8 January 8 January 8
4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM
ESPN ESPN ESPN ESPN ESPN ESPN ESPN ESPN ESPN ESPN2 ESPN2 ESPN2 ESPN2
Please visit InsidePOOLmag.com for television schedules.
Advertiser Directory
To contact any of our advertisers, visit their website, send an e-mail, or give them a call.
Iwan Simonis, Inc. www.simoniscloth.com
Inside Front Cover
American Poolplayers Association www.poolplayers.com
37
J&J America Billiards Inc. www.jjcue.com
13
Atlas Billiard Supplies www.cuestik.com
7
Kamui Tips America www.kamuitips.com
36
Baby’s Pro Shop www.babysproshop.com
31
McDermott Handcrafted Cues www.mcdermottcue.com
1
Balabushka Cue Company www.balabushacues.com
Inside Back Cover
Mueller Recreational Products www.poolndarts.com
38, 46
Bebob Publishing www.bebobpublishing.com
39
Pool Player Excuses Towel www.poolplayerexcuses.com
40
Billiard Education Foundation www.billiardeducation.org
35
Road Player Billiards www.roadplayerbilliards.com
38
Billiards Express www.billiardsexpress.com
3
Sterling Gaming, Inc. www.sterling-gaming.com
9
25, 41
Super Billiards Expo www.superbilliardsexpo.com
23
15
Tiger Products, Inc. www.tigerproducts.com
11
Definitive Synergy www.definitivesynergy.com Derby City Classic www.derbycityclassic.com Fury Cues www.fury-cues.com
6 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2011
5, Back Cover
Tom Simpson, Billiard Instruction www.poolclinics.com
41, 43
December 2011 â—Š InsidePOOLmag.com 9
>
Instruction
< by Bob Henning
The End-to-End Butterfly I mentioned in last month’s column, the T As most important thing to know about playing
safeties is that they are usually quite sensitive to small changes in hit, speed, and english. In addition, they are often very sensitive to the positions of the balls relative to each other and to the cushions. This is particularly true with the End-to-End Butterfly. This was one of the last safeties to make the cut to get into my new book, Pro Safeties: The TOP 100 Safety Shots in Pool. I was looking for the strongest and most dependable safeties employed by today’s top players, and this one just made it under the wire. The End-toEnd Butterfly is one of the most exotic of the 100 unique safeties that were named, explained, and categorized in this book, but it can help you to escape from some traps where there are no better options. Mastering this shot will also help you recognize and execute several other types of safeties.
fly is to send the 2 ball three rails to the nameplate and kill the cue ball off of the side rail so that it bumps into the 6 ball—or at least stays somewhere between the 6 ball and the upper corner pocket. This requires a firm stroke and almost maximum english. It is the english that kills the speed of the cue ball off the first rail, and you need to emphasize the spin effect as you stroke through the ball. Hitting the 2 ball too thick can leave it by the lower right corner pocket, so err slightly on the thin side. For a second variation, move the cue ball to the X and the 5 ball as needed to still see enough of the 2 ball. From there, the angle is sharper, so use more force and make sure to bump into the 4 ball or the 6 ball to stop the cue ball. Every pool player’s stroke is unique, and every pool table plays a little differently. For these reasons, start with the cueing in the cue ball graphic and adjust as needed. If this safety still eludes you, move the position of the cue ball or the 2 ball in small increments until you have success.
3 5 2
6
X
Good luck and good shootin’!
9 8
4
Bob Henning The End-to-End Butterfly is a difficult shot to visualize without significant practice. And once you can predict the outcomes from slight adjustments in hit, english, and ball placement, it is still relatively challenging to execute. It is necessary to control both balls and you may have to set it up and shoot it 40 or 50 times before you feel that you know it. In the illustrated layout, the 3 ball blocks a clear shot to the corner pocket, and no other balls are in position for an easier safety. The goal with the End-to-End Butter12 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2011
Bob Henning is the author of The Pro Book, widely considered to be the most advanced training resource for competitive pool players. It brings the latest techniques of the top coaches and trainers of all sports into pool. It is intended for those who wish to prepare physically, mentally, and psychologically for pool competition. Bob is also the author of “The Pro Book Video Series,” a complete, on-the-table training system, and he also released The Advanced Pro Book and The Stroke Zone: The Pool Player’s Guide to Dead Stroke. In addition, he has authored Cornbread Red, a biography of the colorful Billy Burge. Bob recently released a new book titled Pro Safeties: The TOP 100 Safety Shots in Pool.
>
Instruction
< by Matt Sherman
Stroke for Shape year’s “Get in Shape” series has flown by for me. I’d T his like to sum up the advice I’ve given for this season of
to playing in your best style. Most play better as pool robots with the stroke arm their only moving part than as pool dancers.
We began the year with bank shot technique for better shape. Tips included: • Use outside english to widen bank rebound angles and inside english for tightening angles (inside is super helpful for shots taken close to the side pockets). • Sight and plot banks using the edge of the ghost cue ball where it will strike the cushion, not its center, and sight the bottom of the cushions for truer calculations.
I also recommended that the ideal stance resemble a weightlifter’s or golfer’s bent down to work, but balanced and ready for action. Any tension in the final stroke should feel released in the cue and cue tip, not the hand, arm, et cetera. And as always, I recommend a stance routine with your stroke hand on line but your trunk and head off line. Don’t crunch or force over the cue stick any body part as you bend to the shot. Hand on the line equals shot on the line. Chin over the cue stick has nothing to do with whether the ball finds the bottom of the pocket.
pool and add some final shape concepts also.
Most will benefit from the following advice so much that they will go up two or three rankings in local league play.
’
February’s issue highlighted cue ball care with a stroke so gentle impact is barely audible, while gliding smoothly through the cue ball rather than poking at it. (Top pros developed this touch playing carom often and you can imitate their practice.)
Spring’s articles had further advice for shape and strategy, including: • Consider the 8 ball’s position first before choosing high or low balls. • Play for 10- to 15-degree shape angles for upcoming cut shots. • Use a nearly level stroke, and you can practically forget about adjusting for cue ball swerve when using english. • Only four types of balls can shape on any table: (1) easy-topocket balls, (2) balls made easy when others are cleared first, (3) trouble balls, and (4) balls handy for clearing trouble balls. • Learn by competing against not only tough opponents but those who will critique you. • Shoot mostly soft and medium strokes within a tip’s width of center along the vertical axis, and you’ll continually improve week to week and year to year. • Shoot cross-corner banks often to add feel and creativity to your shape skills. This summer and fall, I challenged readers to be honest about their style of play. Do you shoot better jumping and dancing through your strokes or staying down to the table, committed to stillness from follow through until the balls come to rest? Commit 14 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2011
Winter brought advice about good shape overall whether you rank as a billiards beginner or an expert. Be consistent in how you approach each shot. Create the same precise distance from cue tip to cue ball before bending to your stance for every shot. Again, with cue stick and shooting hand on line and that’s all. I also encouraged readers to modify the concept of a “pure pendulum stroke” to something a little different than a grandfather clock’s arm. Pool requires a faster forward stroke, freely moving without slavish imitation to your practice strokes, so relaxed you’d drop the stick to the table if your grip was any lighter. I debated over what final tip to give you for the year. Most will benefit from the following advice so much that they will go up two or three rankings in local league play. Take me seriously! Commit to cue ball shape from an erect position before bending to your stance. You’ve heard that often, but add that any fidgeting, wiggling, or moving the cue tip wrecks your game. If you plan, say, a medium-speed stroke with one tip of bottom right english from a standing position, bend down, set the tip where you promised, and stroke as you promised. I can turn anyone into a strong player by getting their commitment to stroke speed and aim without post-stance fidgeting. They can be their own best teacher since after a miss they confirm their aim was wrong and not their stance or stroke. Good luck!
Matt Sherman Get in shape for pool with Matt "Quick Draw" Sherman, who appears frequently in print and on television promoting billiards and entertainment. His popular site is billiards.about.com, and his Picture Yourself Shooting Pool book and DVD are available at Amazon and other outlets worldwide.
"
As�soon�as�I�arrived�at� the�Open�I�felt�at�home� and�comfortable.
18 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2011
Ace Appleton T
a�Two-Time �U.S.�Open�Victor by Sally P. Timko
here’s no two ways about it: Darren Appleton has made history once again at the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships. In 2010 he was the first Brit to win the title, and this year he joined an elite group the eve of October 22—a group of only three 9-ball players, in fact. The players who have pulled off consecutive wins at the U.S. Open comprise Nick Varner (1989, 1990), Mika Immonen (2008, 2009), and now Appleton (2010, 2011). “I felt good, as I won a big nine-ball tournament in Hungary the week before,” Appleton explained, “so my confidence was good. As soon as I arrived at the Open I felt at home and comfortable.” Appleton arrived at the Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake, VA, along with 249 other players determined to separate the Brit from his title this year. The closest anyone came was Canada’s Jason Klatt in their fourthround match, which was a knock-down, drag-out, hill-hill bout. “My match with Jason Klatt was one of the greatest matches ever, and certainly one of the best I ever played,” Appleton averred. “He ran seven racks on me, so at seven-two down I wasn't looking good. At ten-six down I played some amazing shots. Winning that match won me the U.S. Open, as I really believed it could be my year again.” After moving through his match with Dennis Haar from Indiana with an 11-7 win, Appleton met another daunting challenger: Johnny Archer, who won the Open in 1999. It was a close call, but Appleton pulled off the win 11-9 and then went on to face down Shawn “Big Bubba” Putnam 11-7 to reach the hot seat match. December 2011 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 19
Pool�and�billiards coming�to�you
on�YouTube www.YouTube.com/insidepoolmag
November 2011 â&#x2014;&#x160; InsidePOOLmag.com 21
Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 5th
Allison Fisher Kelly Fisher Bi Zhu Qing Ren Qiuyue Yu Ram Cha Tsai Pei-Chen Zhou Doudou Chen Siming
$50,000 $20,000 $10,000 $5,000
F
ifteen-time world champion and Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher finally snapped off her first win in China at the 2011 Haining Cup in the last week of October, defeating friend and fellow top Brit Kelly Fisher. The event hosted all the top stars of China, including world 9-ball winner Bi Zhu Qing, Fu Xiaofang, and the sensational Siming Chen. Foreign stars such as Ga Young Kim and Yu Ram Cha also participated. A. Fisher crushed the field, with wins over Bi (CHN), former world champ Liu ShaSha (CHN), and Tsai Pei Chen 9-2 in the semifinals. On the other side, Bi crushed Korea’s Yu Ram Cha before succumbing to A. Fisher. K. Fisher overwhelmed everyone in a surprising 9-2 win over Chen.
FISHER
Finally�Claims China�Title Defeats Kelly Fisher for Haining Cup by InsidePOOL Staff
24 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2011
In the finals, K. Fisher took on A. Fisher in their fifth match played in the past 12 months—A. Fisher had won the previous four meetings. K. Fisher took the lead at 4-2, but then it was all A. Fisher as she won the next 7 of 9 games to win the tournament 9-5. This was A. Fisher’s third finals in China in little over a year, but her first triumph in the finals.
“I’ve been close both times before at the World 9-Ball and the China Open, but this is really important for me to win finally here. Kelly and I were delighted to have done so well to get to the finals, though at times our match was shaky,” said Fisher. She is sponsored by Star Tables, a top table manufacturer in China. Between both Fishers, they eliminated almost all the top China bets in the event, proving that Western women’s pool still has a lot of bite. And—more importantly for A. Fisher—that after over two decades of play, she is still a deadly force to be reckon with. “In today’s women’s pool, the competition is by far stiffer than ever in history by a landslide. In modern times the Taiwanese dominated, the Koreans had their moments, and now China. And still Allison, the sport’s most decorated veteran still competing, comes out on top. Three finals in China, of all places, in twelve months? It’s incredible how she always still rises to the top,” said Charlie Williams, Allison Fisher‘s coach and manager through Dragon Promotions. He adds, “There’s no doubt she is still a top, top contender even today. Players still fear ‘The Duchess of Doom.’”
Top Tyros Crowned
U.S. Amateur Champs Winner of Men’s and Women’s Divisions Suzanne Smith
Advance to 2012 Pro Events
T
Ernesto Bayaua
by InsidePOOL Staff
he top amateur pool players in the country came to the Gulf Coast of Florida in early November to compete for the coveted U.S. Amateur Championship title. After three days of intense competition, Suzanne Smith of Edgewood, WA, and Ernesto Bayaua of Houston, TX, emerged as the 2011 U.S. Amateur Champions. This year’s event took place November 4-6 and was held in two locations: Strokers in Palm Harbor and the Crooked Cue in Clearwater. The men’s division began November 4 at Strokers, while the women’s division got underway the following day at the Crooked Cue.
26 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2011
Videos U.S. Amateur
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
Match 1 at 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship
Keith Clark vs Preston Craft 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship
Brian Parks Enoteca Otto Pizzeria
$-$ $
China Poblano
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Noodles and tacos come together in a festive, stylish setting at China Poblano in the new Cosmopolitan. The innovative Chef José Andrés showcases his personal take on Chinese and Mexican food fusion. Signature dishes include authentic carnitas, soy-marinated duck tacos, and guacamole served with mi fen noodles, dried shrimp, and black mushrooms.
$-$ $ vs Houston Rodriguez at the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship
Venetian Resort Hotel Casino Spent the afternoon at Mario Batali’s Enoteca Otto Pizzeria watching street performers and enjoying authentic Sicilian cuisine at the marble counter, or wind your way through the wine cellar for a sit-down meal. Snack on freshly prepared antipasti such as caprese salad or a mixed affetati plate with prosciutto di Parma, cheeses, and house-cured meats. Complete your meal with housemade gelato and sorbetti.
Aureole
$ $ $ $
Raymond Linares vs Bob PowersMandalay at theBay2011 U.S.Casino Amateur Championship Resort and Aureole is the ultimate experience in the theatrics
of dining, combining sophistication, elegance, Match 5 at the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship and world-class American cuisine. Wine angels fly up and down the four-storied wine racks that
contain almostU.S. 10,000 bottles of wine. Classic DJ Kinnee vs Daniel Gambill at the 2011 Amateur Championship Phone: 877-551-7772 | Hours: Suncreations include sea scallop sandwiches in a crisp potato crust and wood-grilled filet mignon with cabernet sauce, and the desserts are works of art.
Thurs: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. Fri-Sat:
John White vs Aaron Frady at the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship11:30 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. | Phone: 702-677-3390 | Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. | www.venetian.com
www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
Phone: 702-632-7401 | Hours: Mon-Sun: 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | www.mandalaybay.com
John White vs Aaron Frady at the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship Part 2 Adrian Warden vs Keith Clark at the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship Eiffel Tthe ower2011 Restaurant Jeffrey Howell vs Will Hatchcock at U.S. Amateur Championship Paris Las Vegas Enjoy a breathtaking view during your fine
House of Blues
$ $-$ $ $
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino dining at theAmateur Eiffel Tower RestauRich Minichello vs Peter Ziemak at theexperience 2011 U.S. Championship rant. Sitting more than 100 feet above the Strip, you will have the chance to sample some of the most acclaimed French food in Vegas. Perfectly seasoned lamb and foie gras is a specialty of the house. The Eiffel Tower is also the perfect place to sip on a cocktail.
The House of Blues pays tribute to Southern music and cuisine. Feast on Creole and Cajun dishes such as jambalaya and gumbo while enjoying their rock and roll atmosphere. The gospel brunch every Sunday is not to be missed and features live music and an all-you-can-eat Southern-style buffet.
Steve Lenz vs David Uwate at the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship
Seum Kantaluky vs Bruce Choyce at the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship
| Hours: Mon-Thurs: Seum Kantaluky vs Bruce ChoycePhone: Pt 2702-948-6937 at the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Fri-Sun: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | www.eiffeltowerrestaurant.com
Phone: 702-632-7607 | Hours: David Gavrish vs Ken Bradley at the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championships
$ -at $ the $ $ 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship Ron Park vs Steve $Lee
Sun-Thurs: 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. Fri-Sat: 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. | www.houseofblues.com
Dan Gambill vs Chris Walls at the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship
The Golden Steer Steakhouse Peter Ziermak
vs Nicholas Conner at the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship
308 West Sahara Avenue Established in 1958, The Golden Steer Steakhouse continues to offer its patrons the nostalgia and charm it once offered to Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Sammy Davis Jr. This Vegas landmark is famous for its impeccable service, generous portions, and certified Angus beef. They also offer a wide range of starters, seafood, sides, desserts, and have an extensive wine list. Revisit vintage Vegas for a dinner that is sure to please.
Peter Ziermak vs Nicholas Conner Part 2 at the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship Suzanne Smith vs Jamie Toennis at the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship Will Haagensen vs Peter Ziemak at the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship
Phone: 702-384-4470 | Hours: Mon-Fri: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Sat-Sun: 4:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | www.golden.snapsweb.com
David Uwate vs Ernesto Bayuau at the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship Suzanne Smith vs Jamie Toennis in the Finals of the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship $ $-$ $ $
Ron Park vs Ernesto Bayuau in th Finals of the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship
December 2011 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 33
Holiday
11 0 0 2 2
Onyx - LTD® Tips
Beat People With a Stick
Master instructor Tom Simpson’s new book of 110 one-page instructional columns represents over 10 years of his work. Through nearly 20 years of teaching pool and almost 3,000 students, Tom has figured out a useful thing or two. This is unique information, not a rehash of old ideas. To add this to your billiard library, contact the National Billiard Academy at 614-975-8337, or visit www.PoolClinics.com.
APA
Tiger Products’ Onyx - LTD® laminated cue tips are made with the same boar hides as their Sniper tips. Each of the finest layers are then collected and aged with Tigers’ own secret process, turning each layer to black without using a black-colored dye. During this process, they are able to soften the layers to medium hardness while making the leather firmer, making the tip easy to maintain and helping to cut better during repairs. Onyx - LTD® will only be produced in limited numbers per year, since part of the natural process it goes through takes a long time. Sold individually or in boxes of 12. To order, please call 800-584-4375, or visit www.tigerproducts.com.
An APA membership is the perfect gift for the pool player in your life! In addition to weekly league play, an APA membership comes with tons of money-saving discounts, a subscription to The American Poolplayer® magazine, and more. There are even opportunities to qualify for the APA’s national tournaments held in Las Vegas, where over $1.5 million is up for grabs. The best part—an APA membership is only $25. Please visit www.poolplayers.com to purchase a membership to the world's largest pool league today. 28 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2011
Simonis X-1®
Please the pool enthusiast on your shopping list with this unique gift. The patented Simonis X-1® chalk dust removal tool keeps your Simonis cloth playing better longer. The unique structure of the tool lifts the chalk dust out of the cloth, and the low-profile design gets under the rails as well. Keep your playfield in top shape with the totally unique Simonis X-1®! Retails for $89.99. To order, please visit www.simonis-X1.com, or call 800-SIMONIS.
McDermott Pool Cue Kits
Take it easy on Santa this year by giving a McDermott Pool Cue Kit, which feature everything you need to play pool. McDermott has a variety of kits that range in price from $49-$109. The kits include a two-piece, hard rock maple cue with an adjustable weight system and intricate overlays and a pool cue case. Kit accessories vary by price and may include chalk, rule book, shaper/scuffer, instructional DVDs, rule books and more. Prices begin at just $49. See all the kits at www.mcdermottcue.com, or call 800-666-2283 for more information.
Cue Case With Kick-off Stand
In response to popular demand, J&J America has made a bigger model for their popular kick-off stand cue case. These cases feature high-quality material with fashion designs tubes with fine lining to protect the cues, two large pockets, and a zippered jump cue pouch. Now available in a two-butt, three-shaft model or two-butt, four-shaft model, retail prices begin at $150. To purchase, please call J&J America at 562-229-9688, or visit www.jjcue.com.
Hustler Series Cues
New from Tiger Products, Inc., the Hustler Series cues are made from a bacote and maple combination with four solid prongs with a complementing combination of natural maple, black, and maple veneers around the prongs. These cues, which are proudly made in the USA, come with your choice of a black collar or a wood-to-wood joint and can include a solid black Irish linen wrap. The standard shaft is the Ultra-X high-performance shaft (Pro-X or Ultra-X LD shafts are optional with an added charge). Radial Tiger joint protectors are included, and each cue is packaged in a black soft velvet case. Weights are from 18.5-20.5 ounces. The suggested retail price is $399. For more information, please call 800-5844375, or visit www.tigerproducts.com.
Pool Player Excuses Towel
This whimsical towel gives your favorite pool player an easy out with six excuses for why that ball didn’t drop. Adorned with original animal-themed cartoons, this 22-inch by 13-inch towel is made of lint-free flour sack material and has a hanging loop on the back. Retail price is $7.95, with 10% of the profits donated to H.E.A.L. Inc (Helping Every Animal Live). To order, please visit www.poolplayerexcuses.com.
CueSight Precision Training Ball and Laser Cue
Two of the best training aids combine for one low price! The CueSight Precision Training Ball works well in conjunction with the CueSight Laser Cue, which projects the bullseye laser pattern directly on to the training ball, further allowing you detect and correct any noticeable variations with both your stroke and your aim. To order, please log onto www.CueSight.com, or call 800-660-2572. December 2011 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 29
Custom Engraving
Create a gift that someone will treasure forever by personalizing an item. It makes it sentimental and more of a keepsake. CueSight offers engraving on pool cues and other items. Inspire someone with a personalized gift, and they will cherish it throughout the years. CueSight engraves in-house, so there won't be any delays in processing your order. Please visit www.CueSight.com, or call 800-660-2572 for more details.
New Fury Cues
Get yours while they're hot! Fury has unleashed over 50 new models this holiday season. Choose from models ranging from the new John Schmidt Pro Player series, laser-engraved series, and exotic wood models using coconut palm and zebrawood. In some cases there are only a couple of these new models available, so gets yours before they are sold out. Available at www.CueSight.com or by calling 800-660-2572.
The TOP 100 Safety Shots in Pool
McDermott G-Core and I-Shafts
Give the gift of accuracy and performance this year! McDermott G-Core and I-Shafts fit all major joint styles and come standard on G-Series cues, so whether you are looking to purchase a brand-new cue already fitted with a G-Core or I-Shaft or you are looking to add a high-performance shaft to your existing cue, McDermott can help. G-Core pricing begins at $149; I-Shafts start at $249. For more information, please visit www.mcdermottcue.com, or call 800-666-2283.
The top players’ secrets are revealed in this new book, which defines the top 100 safeties used by top professionals today. Each one is illustrated in a real game situation and completely explained, named, and categorized. It is easy to use and fits most cue case pockets. You have mastered any safety when you can recognize the general layout, know the strategic aspects of the shot, and can confidently execute it in a match. Learning the top 100 pro safeties presented in this book will give you that mastery. Never leave an easy table again! To order, please visit www.BebobPublishing.com, or call 888-33-BEBOB.
Wave Cases
These two Wave case color combinations are brand-new from Sterling Gaming, Inc. and feature black and red and black and yellow. They are available in 2 x 3 ($130), 3 x 4 ($150), and 4 x 8 ($180) sizes. These limited-edition cases are available at www.CueSight.com or by calling 800-660-2572.
30 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2011
Food on Tour
Editor’s Choice $ $ $ $
Shibuya
MGM Grand Hotel and Casino Inspired by Tokyo’s Shibuya district, this restaurant is the ultimate destination for Japanese food. Shibuya features freshly prepared ingredients, excellent sushi, and over 125 kinds of sake. Signature dishes include braised kobe beef short ribs, lobster and scallops in uni butter, and kampachi sashimi. Traditional and modern cuisines are available a la carte and as multi-tasting menus.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Phone: 702-891-3001 | Hours: Sun-Thurs: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Fri-Sat: 5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | www.mgmgrand.com
$ $-$ $ $
Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House MGM Grand Hotel and Casino Kick dinner up a notch with a visit to Emeril Lagasse’s New Orleans Fish House. Offering a blend of modern Creole and Cajun cooking, some of the specialties of the house include the New Orleans barbecue shrimp and banana cream pie with caramel. The food, awardwinning wine list, and funky architecture will definitely bring you closer to Bourbon Street.
Editor’s Choice
Phone: 702-891-7374 | Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Fri-Sat: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | www.mgmgrand.com
$ $ $-$ $ $ $
Spago
The Forum Shops at Caesar’s Acknowledged as the spark that ignited the Las Vegas culinary phenomenon, Wolfgang Puck’s Spago is a trendsetter in cuisine, style, and service. People-watch on the patio at the Forum Shops while dining on seasonal American cuisine. The menu is enhanced by an international wine list and specialty cocktails. Phone: 702-369-6300 | Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Fri-Sat: 11:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. | www.wolfgangpuck.com
Taqueria Canoñita
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
Phone: 702-796-0063 | Hours: Mon-Sat: 5:00 p.m. – 10:30 a.m. Sun: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | www.delfriscos.com
Price Range: $ Under $10 $ $ $10-$20 $ $ $ $20-$30 $ $ $ $ $30 and up
Phone: 702-414-3773 | Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Fri-Sat: 11:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. | www.venetian.com
Editor’s Choice
Jean Philippe Pâtisserie
$-$ $
Bellagio Las Vegas World pastry champion Jean-Philippe Maury offers light dining such as soups and salads, but the main draw is dessert. Sample superb chocolate truffles or mouth-watering fresh pastries made fresh daily. The highlight of the décor is the floor-to-ceiling chocolate fountain that contains almost two tons of melted dark, milk, and white chocolate. Phone: 702-693-8788 | Hours: Mon-Thurs: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Fri-Sat: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. | www.bellagio.com
32 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2011
$ $ $-$ $ $ $
Venetian Resort Hotel Casino Let the gondoliers serenade you as you sit on the patio of Taqueria Canoñita enjoying an agua fresco and homemade guacamole. This gem of a restaurant offers flavorful, fresh Mexican cooking in the middle of Venice. Specialties include the hearty Tarascan soup and the Santa Rosa barbacoa de puerco.
3925 Paradise Road Del Frisco’s embodies the rich tradition of fine American steak houses, offering awardwinning cuisine, an extensive wine list, and flawless service. They serve only the best hand-cut steaks, chops, and fresh seafood complimented by mouthwatering appetizers and side dishes. Del Frisco’s features live music nightly, outdoor seating, a cigar patio, a sports room, and a wine cellar.
4
$ $-$ $ $
China Poblano
Enoteca Otto Pizzeria
$-$ $
Venetian Resort Hotel Casino Spent the afternoon at Mario Batali’s Enoteca Otto Pizzeria watching street performers and enjoying authentic Sicilian cuisine at the marble counter, or wind your way through the wine cellar for a sit-down meal. Snack on freshly prepared antipasti such as caprese salad or a mixed affetati plate with prosciutto di Parma, cheeses, and house-cured meats. Complete your meal with housemade gelato and sorbetti. Phone: 702-677-3390 | Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. | www.venetian.com
Aureole
$ $ $ $
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Aureole is the ultimate experience in the theatrics of dining, combining sophistication, elegance, and world-class American cuisine. Wine angels fly up and down the four-storied wine racks that contain almost 10,000 bottles of wine. Classic creations include sea scallop sandwiches in a crisp potato crust and wood-grilled filet mignon with cabernet sauce, and the desserts are works of art.
$-$ $
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Noodles and tacos come together in a festive, stylish setting at China Poblano in the new Cosmopolitan. The innovative Chef José Andrés showcases his personal take on Chinese and Mexican food fusion. Signature dishes include authentic carnitas, soy-marinated duck tacos, and guacamole served with mi fen noodles, dried shrimp, and black mushrooms. Phone: 877-551-7772 | Hours: SunThurs: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. Fri-Sat: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. | www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
Phone: 702-632-7401 | Hours: Mon-Sun: 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | www.mandalaybay.com
Eiffel Tower Restaurant
Paris Las Vegas Enjoy a breathtaking view during your fine dining experience at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant. Sitting more than 100 feet above the Strip, you will have the chance to sample some of the most acclaimed French food in Vegas. Perfectly seasoned lamb and foie gras is a specialty of the house. The Eiffel Tower is also the perfect place to sip on a cocktail. Phone: 702-948-6937 | Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Fri-Sun: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | www.eiffeltowerrestaurant.com
$ $-$ $ $
House of Blues
$ $-$ $ $
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino The House of Blues pays tribute to Southern music and cuisine. Feast on Creole and Cajun dishes such as jambalaya and gumbo while enjoying their rock and roll atmosphere. The gospel brunch every Sunday is not to be missed and features live music and an all-you-can-eat Southern-style buffet. Phone: 702-632-7607 | Hours: Sun-Thurs: 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. Fri-Sat: 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. | www.houseofblues.com
The Golden Steer Steakhouse
308 West Sahara Avenue Established in 1958, The Golden Steer Steakhouse continues to offer its patrons the nostalgia and charm it once offered to Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Sammy Davis Jr. This Vegas landmark is famous for its impeccable service, generous portions, and certified Angus beef. They also offer a wide range of starters, seafood, sides, desserts, and have an extensive wine list. Revisit vintage Vegas for a dinner that is sure to please. Phone: 702-384-4470 | Hours: Mon-Fri: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Sat-Sun: 4:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | www.golden.snapsweb.com
$ $-$ $ $ December 2011 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 33
Billiard EducationJunior Foundation Player Profile Tyler Styer Hometown: Brookfield, WI
Favorite band/music: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Birth date: January 1, 1995
Hobbies: Baseball, spending time with friends
School: Brookfield East High School
Memorable pool moment: Finding out I qualified for the World Pool Championships
Grade: 11th Favorite subject in school: Math
Real-world hero: Besides both of my great parents, Willie Munson, and my good friend George Middleditch, may he rest in peace.
At what age did you start playing pool? 14 Titles/high finishes: Second place at the Billiard Congress of Wisconsin state tournament Other notable awards: Third place at the 2011 Junior Nationals What kind of cue(s) do you use? Schon
Fondest childhood memory: Spending time with George at the Derby City Classic all week, staying up till 3 a.m. telling jokes and playing card tricks. Goals - personal and/or career: Win the All-Around Championship award at the Derby City Classic
Left- or right-handed: Right-handed
Support Junior Programs ...
Join now! www.BilliardEducation.org
> Randy Westcott Westcott from Bellevue, NE, joined the APA 14 years R andy ago. He first heard about the APA from some people he
shot pool with at a local bar. He and some friends looked at a few different pool leagues but decided on APA because of The Equalizer® handicap system and the fact that it was very organized. Everyone on his team wanted to improve their game and thought APA was the best venue to achieve that—and that’s proven itself to be the case. “Randy is a great representative for the APA because his focus is on his friends and having fun,” said APA Omaha League Operators Russ and Mary Reynolds-East. “We really respect the job that Randy does as a team captain. He is a great motivator and just wants his players to always do their best. Randy is loyal to his host location, his team, and APA Omaha. We appreciate him and are glad he is one of our players.” Randy has been playing with two of his teammates for 14 years, since he first joined APA. Two other members joined 10 years ago, and three members of the team joined 3 years ago. More than anything, Randy enjoys the many friendships he’s developed over the years while playing in the League. His team’s ultimate goal is to make it back to Vegas for the APA National Team Championships and take home a first-place finish. Their first APA Vegas experience in 2011 was a true delight—they met a lot of great people from different areas of the country. All in all, Randy feels very fortunate to have such good friends and pool players on his team. “It was great to see the team go to the National Team Championships this year because they really played well and were always good sports,” said Reynolds-East. “When nine-ball first started in our area, Randy wasn’t sure his team wanted to play. It was ironic because that’s the format that got them to Vegas. They earned one of the top placements this area has seen in a long time, and we are so proud of them!”
Find Kamui Chalk at your local retailer or at www.KamuiTips.com
While supplie s last.
Sandra & Joel Chue Southeast GA
John & Kelly Croft Peterborough, ON
Jace Layton & Tracy Ahlstrom - Layton Seattle, WA
Marc Lancaster/Kim Ramsey Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, NC
Vicki Catalano Asheville, NC
KT Thompson Charlotte, NC
Karen & Scott Racy San Antonio, TX
Randy Jones Des Moines, IA
Preston & Lisa Granger Lafayette, LA
They were poolplayers just like you. Now they make a living running an APA Pool League.
Do you have what it takes? For more information on becoming an APA League Operator, visit apafranchise.com.
> >>
Regional Roundup Antonakos Aces Joss Tour Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour / Clifton Park, NY by InsidePOOL Staff Greg Antonakos escaped defeat until he reached the finals of the October 8-9 Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour, where he was bested by Chance Chin in the first set. He Chance Chin, Tim Berlin, Greg Antonakos redeemed himself in the second set, though, to take the title over the 36-player field that gathered at Trick Shot Billiards and Sports Bar in Clifton Park, NY. With a total prize fund $3,450, the competition was fierce. Antonakos, who has won at the Joss Tour once before, sent Jeff Smolen packing in the winners’ side final four 9-4, while tour promoter Mike Zuglan eked out a nail-biting 9-8 victory over Bucky Souvanthong. But Zuglan soon followed, as Antonakos claimed the hot seat with a decisive 9-4 win. After whitewashing Angelo Hilton 9-0, Dwight Dixon sent Souvanthong home in fifth place 9-5. Joining Souvanthong was Smolen, ousted by Chin in a close 9-7 match. Chin went on to face down Dixon and advance to the semifinal match 9-5. Zuglan was waiting for Chin, who was determined to reach the unscathed Antonakos and relegated Zuglan to third place 9-4. Chin was geared up for the first set of the finals and dominated the match to win it 9-4. But the second set was another story, as Antonakos turned the tables and took the match and title 9-3. There were 14 players in the second chance event, which had a $780 prize fund. Spencer Auigbelle went undefeated and bested Kevin Ketz 3-1 in the finals.
Main Event Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 7th
Greg Antonakos Chance Chin Mike Zuglan Dwight Dixon Bucky Souvanthong Jeff Smolen Angelo Hilton Geoff Montgomery
$1,000 $750 $550 $400 $250 $125
Second Chance Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th
Spencer Auigbelle Kevin Ketz John Babravich Bruce Carroll Paul Pickard Pete Mitchell
38 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2011
$300 $200 $120 $80 $40
On the Snap for Culhane Tri-State Tour / Jackson Heights, NY by InsidePOOL Staff Ed Culhane dominated the field at the October 9 stop on the Tri-State Tour, only to fight to the hill against Mike Ettl—and win—in the finals. The $1,000-added stop hosted a field of 31 A-D players at BQE Billiards in Jackson Heights, NY.
Ed Culhane, Mike Ettl, Ron Mason
Culhane had an easy time of it, handling Mark Pantovic 7-3 in the winners’ side final four to advance. Meeting him in the winners’ side finals was Ettl, who had just sent to the west side Mike Aro 6-3. Again Culhane had few problems, besting Ettl for the first time 7-3 to await a finals opponent. Pantovic quickly recovered and eliminated Keith Adamik in a hillhill match 7-6, while Aro was whitewashed 6-0 by Ron Mason and tied for fifth place with Adamik. Mason went on to face down Pantovic in the quarterfinal match 8-5. Ettl had a close match with Mason in the semifinals but escaped 6-4 to earn a rematch with Culhane. He took an early lead in the finals and kept it for most of the match, but Culhane finally pulled himself together and made it a hill-hill nail-biter. On the final break, Culhane snapped in the 9 ball for the 9-8 win.
Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 7th
Ed Culhane Mike Ettl Ron Mason Mark Pantovic Mike Aro Keith Adamik Keith Diaz Geovani Hosang
$600 $380 $235 $140 $90 $65
<
Chau Undefeated at Joss Event Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour / Levittown, NY by Lea Andrews
Many tried, but no man managed to >Upcoming Northeast Tournaments take down Manny Chau 12/3 Tri-State Tour Gotham City Billiards on his way to an unde12/4 Mezz Pro-Am Tour Mainfeated Line Billiards Club victory at the first Joss Northeast 9-Ball 12/10 Tri-State Tour Castle Billiards Tour stop of 2011. The 12/10-11 Predator 9-Ball Tour Finale Raxx Pool Room $1,500-added event was 12/10-11 New Jersey 8-Ball Championship Atlantic Billiards heldCity January 8-9 at Cue NineStone in Levittown, NY. Casino 12/15-18 Turning Stone Classic XVIII Turning Resort and Manny Chau
12/18
Tri-State Tour Cue Bar Chau rode a strong 9-3 win over Lenny Savata into the hot seat 1/7-8 Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour FasttoEddie’s Billiards match against Jeremy Sossei, who’d managed edge out tour Café director Mike Zuglan 9-8. Sossei9-Ball cameTour up three games shy against Chau, though, 1/28-29 Joss Northeast Diamond Eight Billiards movingJoss overNortheast to semifinals 9-6.Tour 2/18-19 9-Ball Sharpshooters Billiards
Brooklyn, NY
718-714-1002
$1,250
B-D players
Frazer, PA
610-647-8805
$1,000
Open
East Rutherford, NY
201-933-6007
$500
A-D players
West Hempstead, NY 516-538-9896
$3,000
Open
Egg Harbor, NJ
609-645-7576
$1,000
Open
Verona, NY
800-771-7711
$25,000
Open
Bayside, NY
718-631-2646
$1,000
A-D players
New Milford, CT
860-350-8569
$1,500/$500 Open
Latham, NY
518-786-8048
$1,500/$500 Open
Amsterdam, NY
518-627-4634
$1,500/$500 Open
February 2011 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 39 Februarymock.indd 41
When this SudoCue is solved, the letters in “Triangles” will appear in each row, column, and box—but only once, and not in any particular order. Answer available online at www.InsidePOOLmag.com.
1/19/2011 2:31:28 PM
Courtesy of Sandy Brown December 2011 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 41
> >>
Regional Roundup Daulton Dominates U.S. Open Warm-up Event Great Southern Billiard Tour / Sanford, NC by InsidePOOL Staff It was a grind, but ultimately Shannon “The Cannon” Daulton took home the top Shannon Daulton, Keith Bennett, Jimmie Bullis prize at the October 8-9 installment of the Great Southern Billiard Tour over Keith Bennett. The stop opened up to allow pros as well as amateurs to their U.S. Open warm-up event, hosted by Speak Eazy Billiards in Sanford, NC, and the $1,500-added prize purse attracted a field of 71 hopefuls. Ranked as an AAA player, Daulton raced to 13 against doubleA-ranked B.J. Ussery in the winners’ side final four, sending him to the one-loss side with a 13-8 win. AA-ranked Bennett and A-ranked Tony Morrison raced to 11 in the other winners’ side match, with Bennett routing Morrison 11-3. In the following round, Daulton and Bennett went head to head for the hot seat, where Bennett eked out an 11-11 win. Larry “The Truth” Nevel was taking advantage of the opportunity to warm up for the Open, eliminating Carlos Cruz at seventh place 138. Tying with Cruz was Sam Monday, who was sent home by Mike Fuller 11-4. Nevel went on to dominate Ussery 11-2, while Morrison ousted Fuller at fifth 9-10. In the quarterfinal match, Morrison held Nevel back from reaching the required 13, winning there 9-11. Eagerly awaiting an opponent after his hot seat match loss, Daulton devoured Morrison 13-2 in the semifinals to earn a rematch with Bennett in the double-elimination finals. The first set saw Daulton win over twice as many racks as Bennett did to take it 13-6 and force a second set. There Daulton again dominated, winning this time by the score of 13-8.
Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 7th 9th
Shannon Daulton Keith Bennett Tony Morrison Larry Nevel Mike Fuller B.J. Ussery Sam Monday Carlos Cruz Antonio Slaydon Mike Higgins Steve Page B.J. Hucks
$1,100 $600 $425 $325 $160 $90 $50
Seaver Slays Lucasi Field Lucasi Hybrid Cues All-American Tour by Mimi McAndrews What started out to be a miserable day had a happy ending as Jeannie Seaver won the Flamingo Billiards Tour 3rd Annual “Cues for the Cure” event, which was combined with the Lucasi Hybrid Cues All-American Tour’s October 8 tournament, hosted by Amy’s Billiards in Stuart, FL. Seaver almost didn’t make it to the event. Both she and sister, Vanessa Seaver, ended up in a car accident when the weather and road conditions became unmanageable. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured, at least not enough to stop either from making it to the event, making it to the money, and winning the tournament. 42 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2011
Seaver had a tough first match, but despite the mishap on the way to the event, she managed to pull off a tough hill-hill win against room owner Amy Poulter. After that it Participants in the “Cues for the Cure” was smooth sailing with a cancer benefit 7-2 win over Kelly Cavanaugh and a 7-2 score over Marina Souza to make it to the singleelimination redraw. There Seaver knocked out top player Helene Caukin 7-4 and sister Vanessa 7-3 to make it to the final match. Meeting her there was Jennifer Page, who had just eliminated Cassidy Mulligan in third place. The match went back and forth all the way to double-hill. Just when it looked like Seaver would run out and take the win, with two balls to go she left herself with a tough shot to get shape on the 9. She gave it her all but missed, leaving a tricky but makeable cut shot in the side pocket for Page. But just when it looked Results: like it was over for Seaver, a little too much inside 1st Jeannie Seaver $400 english saw Page fail to 2nd Jennifer Page $250 make the cut in the side 3rd Cassidy Mulligan $100 Vanessa Seaver and miss the ball entirely, giving ball in hand to 5th Helene Caukin $50 Chris Ann Fields Seaver, who easily ran out Robin Boggs the last two balls and Lauren Pickard won the event. Perry Pulls off Lucasi Win Lucasi Hybrid Cues All-American Tour / Virginia Beach, VA by InsidePOOL Staff Dave Perry narrowly escaped a late onslaught by Darrel Nestlerod in the double-elimination finals at the October 15 stop of the Lucasi Hybrid Cues All-American Tour to take the title. The $500-added Darrel Nestlerod, Dave Perry, Jack Davis 9-ball scratch tournament drew 32 players to Inland Reef in Virginia Beach, VA. On the A-side, Perry took his semifinal match over Jack Davis 5-3, while Nestlerod clipped Bill Mason 5-4. Perry took the hot seat in the next round with a 5-2 decision over Nestlerod. On the west side, both Ray Reyna and T.J. Carawan were relegated to seventh place at the hands of Bernard Andico 5-2 and Mike Ewing 5-3, respectively. Both were then eliminated in the next round—Andico by Jack Davis 5-4 and Ewing by Bill Mason 5-3. Davis then ousted Mason at fourth place by a score of 5-4, but Davis could not capitalize furResults: ther, as he was sent home $500 by Nestlerod 5-4. The fi- 1st Dave Perry 2nd Darrel Nestlerod $300 nals went two sets, as $150 Nestlerod upset the un- 3rd Jack Davis $100 defeated Perry 4-5, but 4th Bill Mason 5th Bernard Andico $60 Perry recovered in the deMike Ewing ciding set to take the title 7th Ray Reyna $35 by a 5-2 score. T.J. Carawan
Trobiano Takes Tri-State Win Tri-State Tour / East Rutherford, NJ
Hensley Hammers by InsidePOOL Staff Bristol Field Great Southern Billiard Tour / Bristol, TN by InsidePOOL StaffJohn Trobiano triumphed at the January 8 stop Room owner
of the Tri-State Tour to win the title over Gary Murgia in the final Brent Hensley match. The $500-added 10-ball event garnered 37 players to Castle charged through the Billiards in East Rutherford, NJ. Great Southern Billiard Tour’s October had to come Ron through JanetTrobiano Atwell, Brent Hensley, Park, the one-loss side, eliminating 29-30 event unchalShannon Daulton players such as Guy Iannuzzi hill-hill and Ted Lapadula 7-5 to reach lenged, taking the tithe final four on the west side. On the right side of the chart, Murgia tle over Ron Park in the final match. The $1,500-added bested Ed Culhane in a double-hill match as Ricardo Mejiaamateur dealt a event a field of 50Murgia to Borderline Billiards Bristol, TN. match, 7-5 lossdrew to Jason Egeln. and Mejia met ininthe hot seat
where Murgia emerged victorious with a convincing 7-4 win. Hensley escaped a hill-hill match on the winners’ side final four against Russ Edwards and for went on to play Buffy Jolie, who had 7-5 just Another close match Trobiano as he eliminated Egeln dealt a donut to Wes Covington. In the following hot seat match, to advance to the quarterfinal match against Jake Schwartz, whoit was all dominated 7-2 andSchwartz sent Jolie7-4 west. had justHensley, ousted who Ed Culhane 7-4.the Hematch dispatched to
<<
On the one-loss side, Angelo Inness got past Holden Chin 9-3 to meet up with Zuglan, while Mike “Fingers” Badstuebner notched his own 9-3 win Ussery Greenville by Storm over ScottTakes Murphy to face Savata. But both Inness and Badstuebner landed Southern Billiard Tour /advanced Greenville, SC quarterfinals 9-6 and inGreat fifth place as Zuglan and Savata to the byrespectively. InsidePOOL Looking Staff for the rematch against Sossei in the semifinals, 9-4, Zuglan notched the final game in his hill-hill match against Savata, but he rematch Southern force fell short against Sossei, who advanced to his own in the finals B.J. Ussery stormed 9-3. through the Great Results: Southern Billiard The true double-elimTour’s November Manny Chau $900 10ination final matchB.J. began Shannon Daulton, Ussery,1st 11 tournament Jeremy Sossei $650 to evenly enough, but Han whenChoi2nd Ryan Hollingsworth, take the title$450 undeMike Zuglan Sossei missed a chance to 3rd 4th Lenny $300The Hollingsworth in Savata the final match. tiefeated, it up atbesting six gamesRyan apiece, 5thamateurs Angelo Inness Cup Billiards $125 in $1,500-added event drew 47 to World Chau took control, finishing Mike Badstuebner SC. weekend upGreenville, his undefeated with a strong 9-6 win. Ranked an AA player, Ussery easily handled Wendell Thompkins 11-6 in the winners’ side final four to advance to the winners’ side final match, where he faced Jerry Vernado, who had just sent Hollingsworth west 9-5. Ussery buzzed through Vernardo 11-1 to wait for his next challenger in the final match.
meet up with Mejia and Results: Park was making his way through the left side of the bracket, got through that notching wins overmatch Robert Green and then Covington 9-4. Tying 1st 9-6 John Trobiano $550 as well, this timein7-5. Trowith Covington fifth place2nd was Brian White, who was routed by Gary Murgia $350 biano was9-1. able to went ride his Once on the west side, Thompkins eliminated Brian Davis 9-5, Edwards Park on to3rd eliminate Edwards in fourth place 9-6. Ricardo Mejia $220 momentum through the while Hollingsworth went through Brad Black 9-3. The two then 4th Jake Schwartz $140 final match as he met in the quarterfinals, with a determined Hollingsworth advanc Jolie’s day wasdefeatdone, 5th Jason Egeln $100 Results: ed the race-to-9 ing with a 9-6 win. as Murgia well, forinshe and Park Ed Culhane finals 9-5. 1st Brent Hensley $1,000 faced off in the semifinal 7th Ted Lapadula $70 Park $600 match for the right to 2nd Ron Hollingsworth went Mike Zimny Results: $425 play Hensley, and it was 3rd Buffy Jolie on to earn revenge over 4th Russ Edwards $225 $900 Park who took the match Vernardo in the semifinals, 1st B.J. Ussery $120 9-3. In the finals, Park put 5th Wes Covington where he bested him 9-4 2nd Ryan Hollingsworth $550 $350 up a Undefeated good fight, at but to reach the finals. But Uss- 3rd Jerry Vernado Chau Joss EventBrian White 7th Walt Newsome $85 4th Wendell Thompkins $225 Hensley ended up with ery was well rested and Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour / Levittown, NY Robert Green $135 theLea win and title 7-5. well ready for the chal- 5th Brian Davis by Andrews Brad Black lenge, and it was Ussery Many tried, but $100 who won the final match 7th Brian Bagwell no man managed to Andy Twitchen by a landslide 11-2.. take down Manny Chau on his way to an undefeated victory at the first >Upcoming SoutheastJoss Tournaments Northeast 9-Ball Tour stop of Bar 2011. The 12/3-4 Great Southern Billiard Tour Shore Thing and Billiards Myrtle Beach, NC 843-712-1905 $1,500 Amateurs $1,500-added event was 12/10-11 Florida State Open Championships Hammer Heads Billiard Lounge Holiday, FL 727-277-8324 $2,500 Open held January 8-9 at Cue 12/10-11 Simonis Cloth Amateur Tour Mr. Cues II Atlanta, GA 770-454-7665 $1,500 Amateurs Nine in Levittown, NY. Manny Chau 12/17-18 Great Southern Billiard Tour Speak Eazy Billiards Sanford, NC 919-774-6056 $1,500 Amateurs rode aHybrid strongAll-American 9-3 win overTour Lenny Savata the hot seat 1/14 Chau Lucasi Inlandinto Reef Virginia Beach, VA 757-647-3421 $1,000 Amateurs match against Jeremy Sossei, who’d managed to edge out tour director 2/11 Lucasi Hybridcame All-American Tour shyQ’s SportsChau, Bar and Girl Port Charlotte, FL 941-585-9600 $500 Amateurs Mike Zuglan 9-8. Sossei up three games against though, moving over to semifinals 9-6.
February 2011 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 39 December 2011 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 43
> >>
Garcia Double-Dips Ostwinkle Lucasi Hybrid All-American Tour / Davenport, IA by InsidePOOL Staff
Regional Roundup Herbeck Double-Dips Gorsch for Lucasi Title Lucasi Hybrid Cues All-American Tour / Dubuque, IA by InsidePOOL Staff Scott Herbeck bounced back from earlier loss to take down John Gorsch Sr. twice in the finals of the October 8 stop of the Lucasi Hybrid Cues All-American Tour.Held at Cuemasters Billiards in Dubuque, IA, the $500-added 8-ball handicapped tourney on 7-foot Valley bar boxes drew 21 players. On the A-side, Gorsch Sr. marched to the hot seat, including a 4-1 win over Ron Pluym in the winners’ side final four and a hot seat win over Al Birkett 4-3. Birkett had previously bested Mike Rohner 6-3. On the west side, Herbeck recovered from a 6-1 loss to Pluym to eliminate David Duggan 6-4 and Rohner 6-2 to meet Pluym again. After ousting Pluym 6-4 and Birkett in the semifinals, Herbeck gained a shot at the undefeated Gorsch Results: Sr. in the final match. The 1st Scott Herbeck $400 finals went two sets, with 2nd John Gorsch Sr. $250 both sets ending on the 3rd Al Birkett $200 hill 6-3 in favor of Herbeck, 4th Ron Pluym $175 the winner.
Anthony Garcia outlasted the undefeated Daryl Ostwinkle in the finals of the October 15 stop of the Lucasi Hybrid Cues All-American Tour to take the title. The $500-added 8-ball handicapped tourney on 7-foot Valley bar boxes drew 24 players to Sharky’s Billiards in Davenport, IA. Ostwinkle won the winners’ bracket, finishing his run in the semis and finals by outscoring Steve Parlow 4-0 and then Garcia 4-4. Garcia had earlier won his semifinals match over Jamie Miller 6-2. Action on the B-side included Miller eliminating Will Kohl 4-1 at fifth place, and Rich Bideaux tied with Kohl after being bested by Steve Parlow 6-5. Miller then ousted ParResults: low 4-4 but was then elimi1st Anthony Garcia $320 nated himself at third place 2nd Daryl Ostwinkle $220 by Garcia 6-1. Garcia then 3rd James Miller $160 took on the undefeated Os4th Steve Parlow $120 twinkle in the event finals, 5th Rich Bideaux $80 overcoming him in two sets Will Kohl 6-3, 6-2 for the title.
Martin Wins Lucasi Title Lucasi Hybrid All-American tour / Muscatine, IA by InsidePOOL Staff Ronnie Martin took care of the west side of the chart at the October 22 installment of the Lucasi Hybrid Cues AllAmerican Tour to take the title as the last man standing. The $500-added 8-ball handicapped stop was hosted by Krugz Pool Hall in Muscatine, IA, and drew 29 players.
Need a last-minute Ronnie Martin, Jeff Nguyen
The A-side was completed with Daryl Ostwinkle upending Rod Flenoi and Scott Hargens outpointing John Gorsch. Hargens then claimed the hot seat with a win over Ostwinkle. Thereafter Hargens was called away on an emergency, and it was agreed to award him first-place money and second place in the standings. So with the title still up in the air, all attention went to the Bside. Martin eliminated Whitey Walker at seventh place, and Tim Krause tied Walker after Results: a loss to Josh Johnson. 1st Ronnie Martin $255 Martin and Johnson 2nd Scott Hargens $325 continued their winning 3rd Daryl Ostwinkle $165 ways in the next round 4th Josh Johnson $110 by knocking out Flenoi 5th Rodney Flenoi $60 and Gorsch, respectively, John Gorsch at fifth place. Martin then 7th Whitey Walker $35 bested Johnson at fourth Tim Krause place and Ostwinkle at 9th Oscar Perales $20 third place. As the last Mike Henderson man standing, Martin Dave Martin claimed the event title. Daryl Adcock 44 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2011
gift idea
for the pool player in your life?
Purchase A gift subscription at www.insidepoolmag.com
< Baraks and Bosshamer Clench First Lone Star Titles Lone Star Billiards Tour / Houston, TX by InsidePOOL Staff The Lone Star Billiards Tour drew 65 players with 97 entries in 5 divisions at Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar in Houston, TX, for their October 29-30 tournament. The open 9-ball division drew 34 players and was won by David Gutierrez, James Baraks James Baraks, while the 39-player amateur 9-ball division was won by Sonhy Bosshamer. Other winners include Sylver Ochoa in the one-pocket tournament, Courtney Peters in the women’s event, and Nick Calderaro in the juniors’ division. Sunday’s final four undefeated in the open division saw Baraks oust Jason Brown 9-2 and Sonny Bosshamer fall to David Gutierrez 9-5. The ensuing hot seat match was a hillhill thriller until Baraks secured the final game 9-8. The west side’s final four saw Gulyassy oust Fuller 7-4 and Manny Chau defeat Jason Pearce 7-5. Headed for a comeback after a thirdround loss to GutierCourtney Peters rez, Chau won six consecutive matches, but he fell prey once again to Gutierrez 7-1. In the final match, it was all-out war. Gutierrez was determined to redeem himself while the all-too-unshakable Baraks was as steady as a rock. The first set went to Guiterrez 9-6, and in overtime, both players stayed their course. At 6-5 Baraks, Gutierrez broke and the cue ball was kissed into the corner pocket, and Baraks ran out the set 7-5. On the winners’ side final eight in the amateur division, Carl Miranda defeated J.C. Torres, Joey Torres bested Bill Fuller, Jason Pearce ousted Will Felder, and Curt Bovenzi fell to Sonny Bossham-
er. Miranda went on to defeat Torres 4-2 and Bosshamer scrapped Pearce by the same. Bosshamer squeezed by Miranda for the hot seat 4-3. On the one-loss side, Hernandez won Pablo Hernandez, Carl Mirand, Sonny Bosshamer six consecutive matches on the top side after losing his first match to junior player Ron Esman. After his first-round loss to Kerry “The Panther” Ganther, Brian Rosenbaum won eight consecutive matches on the bottom side to meet Hernandez in the quarterfinals. Rosenbaum ousted Hernandez and then Miranda, making it ten consecutive wins until an undefeated Boss- Open Results: hamer blew the wind out $550 of his sail in the final 1st James Baraks 2nd David Gutierrez $375 match 4-0. 3rd Manny Chau $200 4th Jason Brown $125 In the one-pocket di5th Sonny Bosshamer $65 vision, Sylver Ochoa de Mike Gulyassy feated David Gutierrez for $35 the hot seat match, while 7th Bill Fuller Jason Pearce Jason Brown bested Ernesto Bayaua in the quarterfinals, leaving him in fourth. Brown defeated Gutierrez 2-1 but fell in the final match to Ochoa 3-1.
Amateur Results: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 7th
Sonny Bosshamer Brian Rosenbaum Carl Miranda Pablo Hernandez Joey Torres Jason Pearce Chuck Adams Bill Fuller
Current ladies’ point leader Courtney Peters captured first place after a second-round loss to Terry Petrosino, who finished secOne-Pocket Results: ond. Robyn Petrosino and Teresa Garland finished third 1st Sylver Ochoa 2nd Jason Brown and fourth, respectively. Junior player Nick Calderaro captured his first LSBT junior 9-ball event while Ron Esman finished a respectable second, with Kody Thompson third, his highest finish to date.
$400 $325 $200 $125 $40 $25
$300 $150
Ladies’ Results: 1st Courtney Peters 2nd Terry Petrosino
$90 $60
Juniors’ Results: 1st Nick Calderaro 2nd Ron Esman 3rd Kody Thompson
$60 $30 $15
>Upcoming Central Tournaments 12/3
Lucasi Hybrid All-American Tour
Pyramid Club
Addison, IL
630-688-1719 $500
Amateurs
12/3
Lucasi Hybrid All-American Tour
Krug’z Pool Hall
Muscatine, IA
563-272-8733 $500
Amateurs
12/10
Lucasi Hybrid All-American Tour
Legends Sports Bar
Clinton, IA
563-243-4266 $500
Amateurs
12/10-11 Lone Star Billiards Tour
Bogie’s Billiards and Games
Houston, TX
713-825-1411 $3,000
Open
12/17
Lucasi Hybrid All-American Tour
Sharky’s Billiards
Davenport, IA
563-359-7225 $500
Amateurs
1/14
Lucasi Hybrid All-American Tour
2nd Avenue Corner Pocket
Cedar Rapids, IA
319-366-0979 $500
Amateurs
2/4
Lucasi Hybrid All-American Tour
Cue Master Billiards
Dubuque, IA
563-557-0875 $500
Amateurs
2/11
Lucasi Hybrid All-American Tour
Pyramid Club
Addison, IL
630-688-1719 $500
Amateurs
2/9-12 BCAPL Tri-State Championship
French Lick Resort
French Lick, IN
260-413-1604 $2,000
Members
2/18-19 Lucasi Hybrid All-American Tour
Starship Billiards
Decatur, IL
217-872-8882 $500
Amateurs
December 2011 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 45
> >>
Regional Roundup Wagner Wins at Stinger’s Arizona Women’s Billiard Tour / Glendale, AZ by Tres Kane
Rebecca Wagner
four prior 2011 AWBT Results: events. In a tense match, $225 Williams triumphed 4-2 1st Rebecca Wagner 2nd Susan Williams $150 over Allsup to advance to $120 the finals against Wagner. 3rd Stacy Allsup 4th Jaye Succo $100 The final match held no 5th Sondra Faith $50 surprises, though, as WagTerri Johnson-McCauley ner won 6-4 to claim her 7th Jodie Villegas $30 third title of the year. Sara Miller
Stinger’s in Glendale, AZ, hosted the fifth stop on the 2011 Arizona Women’s Billiard Tour the weekend of October 8-9. A total of 21 ladies came out to play, but it was Rebecca Wagner who ended up in the winner’s circle, taking her third title of the year so far.
The final four on the winners’ side had Arizonan Susan Williams trying to make her way through three road partners from Las Vegas—StaFinal eight cy Allsup, Sondra Faith, and Wagner. Allsup bested Williams 5-2 only to be sent west with a 5-2 loss to Wagner, who had just defeated Faith 5-2, in the hot seat match. On the B-side, because the matches had moved so swiftly Saturday, the race was increased to 4 instead of 3, allowing the players a little more room to get into their matches. Newcomer Jaye Succo had wins over Jodie Villegas 4-3 and Faith 4-0, with Faith finishing in fifth place. Terri Johnson-McCauley had a 4-1 victory over Sara Miller but was unable to get past Williams, who sent her home in fifth place 4-2. Williams defeated Succo in the quarterfinals only to face the two ladies, Wagner and Allsup, who between them have won all
>Upcoming Western Tournaments 12/8-11 PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup
MGM Grand Hotel and Casino
1/28
Lucasi Hybrid All-American Tour
Greenfields Pool and Sports Bar Lakewood, CO
Las Vegas, NV
2/4-5
Jay Swanson Memorial Tournament Hard Times Billiards
www.matchroompool.com N/A 303-989-9820
Invitational
$1,000 Amateurs
Bellflower, CA
702-719-7665
$3,000 Open
2/12-19 U.S. Bar Table Championships
Grand Sierra Resort Casino
Reno, NV
702-719-7665
$25,000 Open
2/17-19 World PPA Reno Shootout
Grand Sierra Resort Casino
Reno, NV
702-719-7665
TBA
Open
Lincoln City, OR 360-477-1867
TBA
Members
3/12-18 Western BCA Regional 8-Ball Tourn. Chinook Winds Casino Resort 3/24
Lucasi Hybrid All-American Tour
46 InsidePOOL Magazine ◊ December 2011
Greenfields Pool and Sports Bar Lakewood, CO
303-989-9820
$1,000 Amateurs
International Cuemakers Association “A commitment to excellence”
PRATHER CUE PARTS
“As Always” ALL components for complete cue building. Visa, M/C, Amex, Discover, and PayPal 800-364-6913 200 South Main Street Mooreland, OK 73852 www.prathercue.com, sales@prathercue.com Call for our free component and cue catalogue
www.internationalcuemakers.com
True Heart Billiards Cues 519-220-0298 www.Trueheartbilliardcues.ca 24 oz. Cannon Break Cues 24 oz. By Dick Gahm 513-484-8651 Break Shafts Available Balanced Weight Power Break Games Co.
NITTI CUES www.nitticues.com Original designs by K. F. Cues www.poolcues.com.tw The Cannon Break Cue
“Guaranteed To Improve your Break” or your money back Games, Inc. 55 Millville Avenue Hamilton, OH 45013 Dick Gahm (513) 484-8651
CUE LATHES & INLAY MACHINES Starting at $850. Also sold separately: 2 HR cue repair and building video - $50. Point and inlay video - $50. Cue building book $69.95. Lathe pins, concaved live centers, chucks, wrap motors, and other parts to convert your lathe for cue-making or repair. Tapered shaft and butt blanks. WWW.CUESMITH.COM Phone: 770-684-7004 Ask for Chris, or write “Cue Man Billiards” 444 Flint Hill Road, Aragon, GA 30104
CUE LATHES Starting at $895 NEW ONLINE STORE NOW OPEN!
FACTORY DIRECT PRICING Repair Lathes - Tapering Machines Pantograph Inlay Machines CNC Machines – Lathe Accessories Leather Wrap Machines – UV Curing Booth UNIQUE PRODUCTS, INC. 3129 25th St. #215 Columbus, IN 47203 812-376-8887 www.uniqueinc.com
SHURTZ CUSTOM CUES 316-269-3844 www.shurtzcue.com
Live stream stream
eat�Southern�Billiards�TourFast�Eddies�Sports�Bar,�Goldsboro,�
Speak�Eazy's�Billiards�Sanford,�NC Michael's�Billiards,�Fairfield,�OH
ley�Forge�Super�Billiards�Expo,�King�of�Prussia,�PA Seminole�Pro�To
California�Billiard�Club,�Mountain�View,�CA
hampions�Sports�Bar,�Fredrick,�MD Planet�Pool�Tour Mezz�To
Let us
e�Breaker's�Sports�Bar,�Youngstown,�OH Fiddlesitx�Cafe,�Canton
iamond�Player's�Championship
Capone's�Billiards,�Spring�Hill,�
ryland�State�10-Ball�Championship
Snooker's�Billiards,�Providenc
mate�10-Ball�Championships Hammerheads�Billiards,�Holiday,
amond�Billiards,�Midlothian,�VA VA�State�9-Ball�Championship
eat�Southern�Billiards�Tour Fast�Eddies�Sports�Bar,�Goldsboro
your next
Speak�Eazy's�Billiards�Sanford,�NC Michael's�Billiards,�Fairfield,�OH
production!
ley�Forge�Super�Billiards�Expo,�King�of�Prussia,�PA Seminole�Pro�To
California�Billiard�Club,�Mountain�View,�CA
hampions�Sports�Bar,�Fredrick,�MD Planet�Pool�Tour Mezz�To
e�Breaker's�Sports�Bar,�Youngstown,�OH Fiddlesitx�Cafe,�Canton Contact Inside Pool Video at 888-428-7665 or info@insidepoolmag.com. iamond�Player's�Championship
Capone's�Billiards,�Spring�Hill,�
ryland�State�10-Ball�Championship
November 2011 ◊ InsidePOOLmag.com 45 Snooker's�Billiards,�Providenc
48 InsidePOOL Magazine â&#x2014;&#x160; December 2011
Visit www.InsidePOOLmag.com for the answers to this puzzle.