Professor-Q-Ball’s Rack forJune/July 2014 Issue 3 • Vol XV
☜Green Room One Pocket Invitationa
6/7
Friday Night International
8/9
OB Plus Shafts A New Era
16
APA Honors Late Co-Founder
17
Team USA Coming to San Diego
20/21
First FBT Jr. Tournament
23
☜2014 BEF Jr Nationals
32
2014 8-Ball Wheelchair Challenge
32
OB Team of Players has New Member
40
☜APA signs Florian “Venom” Kohler
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46
Pool Instructional… Head Position…Mark Finkelstein Chico Billiard Academy…Jacqueline Karol Avoiding Scratches 3…Robert Byrne To Win, To Play, To Love…Tom Rossman Pre Shot Routine…Mike Roque Spinning Speed Shot…Steve Markle A Routine Investgation…Tom Simpson Bar Box 8-Ball…Marty Kaczmarowski DPM Universal Pocket and Carom Billiard Systems 73…Darrel Martineau Departments …
Places to Play National Tournament Directory
10 14 15 15 16 17 22 23 40 33-35 45
USBA Newsletter • 3-Cushion USBA National Championship President’s Desk USBA National Highlights Upcoming USBA Tournaments USBA Tournament Results Professor-Q-Ball’s 3-Cushion Shot Contest 3-Cushion Clinic by Jaspers
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Paul Frankel Gary Tate Ricky Bryant Joseph Ratke Contributing Writers Samm Diep • Tom Simpson • The Monk • Darrel Martineau • Robert Byrne • Tom Rossman • Marty Kaczmarowski • Josh Gilmore • Jacqueline Karol • Ricky Bryant• Steve Markle • Mike Roque • Mark Finkelstein • Geoff Conway SPECIAL AFFILIATIONS Publisher/Editor Graphic Design Photographers
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APA, BCA, WPBA, USBA, AZBilliards.com, ACS, TAP PQB News is a bi-monthly publication dedicated to providing pool & 3-cushion news. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the publisher. Professor-Q-Ball is not responsible for claims made by it’s advertisers. All dates, times and added tournament money is subject to change without notice. All persons interested in submitting articles for publishing consideration, are welcomed.Material submitted becomes the property of Professor-Q-Ball. Submissions may be returned if accompanied by a self addressed envelope. All advertising, articles, and photos must be submitted by the 15th prior to the issue date to be considered for the following issue.
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The Green Room One-Pocket Invitational
O
n May 8-11 was the first Durbin Custom Cues One Pocket Invitational at The Green Room in Jackson, Ms. Special thanks to Mike Durbin for making this possible along with Truett Hawkins, the owner of The Green Room. We had 11 top players make it out for the event. Truett Hawkins, owner of The Green Room in Jackson, Ms added $4,000 to the prize fund. The players each paid $1,000 to play. All matches were race to 4 in a true double elimination format. Players included Jerry Slivka, Daniel Mckenney, Danny Smith, Cliff Joyner, Jeremy Jones, Dennis Spears, Josh Roberts, Justin Hall, Justin Cone, Richie Richeson and Ronnie Wiseman. Cliff Joyner had rallied through the winner side in rare form with some amazing One Pocket play to secure the Hot-seat by defeating Justin Hall. Justin Hall is one of 8 players nominated to represent team U.S.A at this years Mosconi Cup to be held in Blackpool, England. Justin Hall moved to the one loss side and met U.S Open One Pocket Champion Jeremy Jones. Jeremy was in rare form in this competition as he had done color commentary for the $20,000 Appleton v Compton One pocket match the week before and was like a thoroughbred ready to race when he arrived in Jackson.
Tournament Director Dwight Anderson Jeremy would win over Hall and move on to the finals vs a (General Manager at red hot Cliff Joyner. Mid way through the finals with a score of Green Room) 2-1 Jeremy, Cliff Joyner announced that he must take a 30 minute break to compete in a bar table 9 event being held on the opposite side of The Green Room! That break turned into 2 hrs and Cliff found himself under tremendous pressure from the fans, the promoter and the tournament to get back to the One-Pocket Payout-$15,000 finals of the One Pocket. When he returned his game fell flat 1st $6000 and Jeremy Jones prevailed 4-1 and 4-0 to secure the title and 2nd $4,500 the $6000.00 first prize. 3rd $3,000 Tournament Directors Dwight Anderson (General Manager 4th $1,500 at Green Room) and Johnny Sparks ran a very smooth event. Total payout with auction $17,880.00 We appreciate all of the players, the sponsors and the fans that made this event something special! 6 PQB June/July
Jeremy Jones wins One Pocket
Cliff Joyner finished second Justin Hall finished third
Bar Box 9-Ball Open
Also running along side the One Pocket Invitational on May 10-11th was the Bar Box 9-Ball Open that attracted 51 players. The format was a Race to 7 with alternate breaks. Entry Fee was $50; Ladies got 2 games on the wire. Note: There were two ladies and both are school teachers. $1,000 was added to this event. 9-Ball Payout-$3,040 1st $1,350 2nd $750 Jerry Sliva 1st 3rd $500 Daniel McKenney 2nd 4th $250 5-6th $95 Total payout with both auctions $5,330.00
June/July PQB 7
Appleton takes down “Friday Night International” One Pocket 3 Day Challenge
Geoff Conway - Pool Junkie Contributing Writer
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resh of his resounding win at the Accu-stats All Star Invitational 12 days earlier, where Darren Appleton convincingly defeated Thorsten Hohmann, Shane Van Boening, and Dennis Orcollo, in a four discipline Round
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Robin. Darren “Dynamite” Appleton (England) showed up in Memphis for the “Fight Night International” at High Pockets Billiards, for a ONE POCKET showdown with Chip Compton (Oklahoma). Chip who had won the last two “FIGHT NIGHT INTERNATIONAL” events with wins over Brandon Shuff and Larry Neville, was attempting to make this his third consecutive win. Darren I am sure had other plans!!!! The event was scheduled as a $20,000 challenge match ($24,000 was the actual prize) held over three days and to be determined
by winning 7 ahead. The first night (Wednesday 30th April) saw the lag take place at 7 pm for the start of an eight-hour contest scheduled to finish at 3 am!! This One Pocket three-day affair was being “LIVE STREAMED by POOL ACTION.TV under the able control of Ray (Big Truck) Hanson, with commentary by Jeremy Jones and Scotty Rabon!!! Memphis is obviously is a center for ONE Pocket, especially judging by the very knowledgeable fans numbering around seventy, as they scrambled for every available seat in the arena!!!
DAY ONE
Well the crowd was not disappointed as the proceedings started with the match going back and forth for an hour, without either player getting ahead by more than one game. After three hours Chip got a giddy up in his step and suddenly found himself three ahead. Darren dug deep at this point realizing that three is almost half of the goal at hand, and got it back to level. Only to find Chip repeat the process and end up ahead by three again. Chip was clearly giving a message that said I will jump on any mistakes you make and finish of the game!!! This in my opinion is where Darren with his multi World titles (agreed not gained in ONE Pocket) and his two consecutive US Open wins (2010 & 2011) plus numerous other significant titles, showed the grit and determination that earned all of the above titles. As we witnessed him claw his way back into the match, and by 2:50 am turn the score around to 1 ahead in his favor!!! Well the crowd must have been thinking, at this rate we may never be able to determine a winner!!! Well day two is as they say another day!!!!
DAY TWO
Chip Compton Day two started at 6 pm on the 1st May, and soon saw Darren take charge and put another bead on his side at 2
Darren “Dynamite” Appleton ahead, Chip fought back and won the next two games getting it to even. At this point Mr. Compton must have felt pretty good and I am sure he must have thought that he had a great shot at taking the prize. Unfortunately Chip did not foresee the grit and determination that would be coming from his opponent, as the crowd, and the viewers at home would witness Dynamite Darren win the next 7 straight games to win this fantastic match that was over in four hours!!! It was very evident that Darren showed during the second day that patience is a virtue, as witnessed by his determination to play yet another safety play, when he may have wanted to play a high risk shot and go for the quick win!!! In contrast Chip was guilty of showing some frustration as he got further behind the eight ball, as he fired at a risky long bank shots only to hand the racks to his opponent!! This match certainly lived up to the HYPE that proceeded it and all the fans got to witness a great One Pocket match!!! I understand Darren will be back to defend his new title in the not so distant future!!! I must say that having witnessed this match first hand, I can honestly say that I have never experienced or seen such hospitality from a host and his staff!!! Congratulations to Tracy Whitney (Owner), and the amazing staff of High Pockets Billiards, Memphis!!! Congratulations to everybody involved in making this event happen!
June/July PQB 9
Head Position
by Mark Finkelstein Pro at Slate and Eastside Billiards, New York City; Instructional Columnist
S
tarting off a new series is always exciting for me. Where do we start? Do we look at how to develop a better swing, or do we look at strategies, interesting shots, or secret kicking systems? All are great places to start, but for this series I think it is best to start at the beginning. The first thing we have to take care of when learning how to improve our pool game is where should our head be when we are down on a shot. Sounds pretty obvious, but unfortunately, it’s not. We have to put our head over our cue stick in a certain place. That place is where we see straight as it actually is. In fact, a lot of missed shots are caused by putting your head in the wrong place. The shot may look right, but if your head is in the wrong place, you will miss!! In this article I’ll give you a two step process to find your ideal head position. It is different for every person. As an example, I did this with 6 pre-teenage boys yesterday and here is the results: under the chin, inside the left eye, inside the right eye (2), under the left eye, and under the right eye. As you can see, there is quite a variance of where people see straight. Let’s see how you see straight. The first way to determine how you see straight is like this:
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First we have to set up something exactly straight. Here we have put the one ball in the middle of the end rail, and we have the cue stick and the cue ball lined up perfectly straight. Make sure this is exactly straight. For you fanatics out there you can use some dental floss stretched out over the diamonds or a laser.
and right. Your goal is to find the exact position that you see the straight line as straight. Right here it helps if you have a friend that can take a picture from in front of you.
Make sure you repeat this process every couple of days for a week or two. Once you have got the average, you will Once you have straight set up, put your know exactly where you have to put your hands on the diamonds of either side of head to see straight. the cue stick and your chin over the stick. Now what you do is move your head left You can save yourself a lot of time by and right, and up and down until you find finding out your optimal head position. the place that true straight actually looks It is always amazing to me watching straight to you. players and seeing someone get down on a shot with their head out of position. I This is the first step in finding straight, know I’ll be back at the table soon! getting a rough idea about where straight is for you. Now lets refine this so that we Good luck and see you on the road. can bring our best head position to the table. Set up the table as follows, making sure everything is lined up exactly in a straight line (I like to use a laser from Home Depot and paper reinforcements from Staples): Now what you are going to do here is get into your stance WITHOUT TOUCHING THE CUE STICK! You want to keep the perfectly straight line. Now in your stance start with your chin position that you found in the first step. Again, without touching the cue stick, you can move your head in three planes, left and right, up and down, and rotating left
For the latest Event News www.pr ofessor qball.com
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Chico Billiards Academy
by Jacqueline Karol • House Pro at Oais Bar & Grill Chico Ca., League Operator & Tournament Director . center left….etc.). Rail Shots (Part 1): Object Balls on the Rail The first article of the series addresses the subject of what to do when an object ball is “frozen” to rail, where there is no space between the ball and the rail. First, let me be clear that this is not a simple topic. Asking for precise instructions on how to hit all types of rail shots would be like asking for one recipe for all types of cakes. The answer depends on the conditions and your goals. What this article will attempt to do is simplify the topic a fair amount and provide some basic guidelines to help improve your proficiency at these types of shots. Begin by pretending that there is no rail there. Just aim like you normally would, at the ghost ball, for example with no left or right English. When should I use English? Depends on where you want the cue ball to end up, the cut angle, and your stroke. For example: On cut angles that are approximately 30 degrees, use a tiny bit of inside English (a half tip) to increase likelihood that the object ball will go into the pocket. And it actually pushes the cue ball off line very slightly so that you don’t hit it too thick. Hitting it too thick (or too much of the ball) is the most common way of missing this shot. On very big cut angles (between 60-90 degrees, for example), use low inside English (see diagram). This time you’re are hitting rail first and the English makes the cue ball collide with the object ball after it hits the rail. On small cut angles (15 degrees for example), if you don’t need to get shape on the next ball (as if it was the last ball on the table), just keep it simple and use center or high. However, if shape on the next ball is required, you should feel confident using any combination of English (High left, high right, low right,
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Some players think that if you’re cutting to the ball to the left (about 45 degrees), use outside English because it puts the opposite English (gear affect) on the object ball helping it go into the pocket. This makes it easier on object balls NEAR the rail at smaller cut angles, but not ON the rail when especially when we are talking about a big cut angle like this. Try it yourself and see what you think. However, inside English is much easier to execute whether the angles are smaller (15 degrees) or huge (90 degrees). What if you are still missing it? Pay attention or have someone watch to see how you are missing it. Are you hitting it too thin or too thick? Maybe you are not aiming properly... Are you aiming at the contact point or at the place where the ball needs to arrive in order to pocket it called the “ghost ball”. Remember to keep your eye on the collision, to give you the greatest chance of making it and at the very least be able to learn from it if you miss. What’s a good drill to practice shooting object balls on the rail? Practice various shots at various cut angles, speeds and English so you will know what’s possible and likely. There is no way around repetition, repetition, repetition… Cushion Push’n Drill Here is a fun drill to try. Begin with the cue ball on the foot spot. Shoot as many in a row as you can without a miss or scratch. If you do miss, put all the balls back on the table and start over.
Avoiding Scratches 3
by Robert Byrne From “Byrne’s Complete Book of Pool Shots” with permission
The Primary Pattern The best chance here to make the 9-ball is to hit the rail first, then the 6-ball, then another rail, and finally the 9-ball. Use very slow speed. If the cue ball hits the 6-ball very thin, it may not get back to the rail, but that is almost impossible when the gap between the 6ball is one ball width or less. The shot as diagrammed is not easy, for the tendency is to hit too much of the 6-ball. If the gap is three of four inches, the shot is much easier. It is also easier from cue ball position G because rolling topspin acts to keep the cue ball close to the rail. Note that a ball on the lip of the lower side pocket, S, can be approached with the ticky pattern by adding more speed.
To Win, To Play, To Love by Tom Rossman • drcue@artisticpool.org Contributing Writer
A
fter five decades of playing billiards in all its forms (pool, carom, snooker, and pyramid) I have come to realize an amazing solution for truly “enjoying the roll” through the paper losses, disappointing rolls, game setbacks, and other cue sport detours. No one is immune from the aforementioned stumbling blocks to the pursuit of victory in our table challenges and personal goals of becoming a champion; however, what makes the journey more palatable is when we understand the purpose and perception of it all. A few years ago I adopted a motto for our game and life experiences as follows: To Win is Great… To Play is Greater… To Love is Greatest… Almost everyone wants to circle a “game won” or move the “bead on the wire” after a hard fought game victory. And, almost everyone desires to continue in this fulfilling manner until the final ball has dropped and the next bracket match is undertaken in a similar manner. An eventual tournament win, and then another, and so the story goes. Oh, Yes — To Win is Great! There are some individuals who just want to play the game
some for the 1st time ever and some who desire the “1st time ever”, but due to physical restrictions may never realize that dream. Then, you have those that continue to actually play the game and slowly, if ever reach champion status, but have a spirit for the game that defies logic – smiling before striking the cue ball and sharing the joy of simply playing the game with anyone who will listen to their gentle persuasion. Oh, Yes – TO PLAY IS GREATER!! And, then, there are a select few who seem to have a special attraction to the game whether they “win or play”. For this unique group of individuals the “click of the pool balls” and the “color of each ball” presents a subliminal attraction and special “love” of the game that resembles the very 1st time the cue, the balls, and the table became part of our life journey. Every shot becomes a favorite shot and every ball missed becomes a “make in disguise” regardless of who is shooting it. This type of person could continue to “play the game”, even if they never “win the game” again. Oh, Yes – To Love is Greatest!
June/July PQB 15
Pre Shot Routine
by Mike Roque From “Build Your Game”365 Days of Instruction, Motivation and Insights for Pool Players" www.bebobpublishing.com - 1- 888-33-BEBOB
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RE–SHOT ROUTINE is a founda• Analyze the Shot – Select the shot tion tool that develops steady and commit to it, then chalk your cue tip. rhythm for consistent play. A good • Visualize the Shot – Focus on the re- body, get into your stance and position the tip. Prepare for the final stroke. solid pre–shot routine primes the body lationship between the cue ball and the At this point, trust your stroke for the upcoming shot and brings a and pull the trigger. specific focus to the final delivery. “If one piece is missing,” It’s essential that it be repeatable then it’s not really complete.” Develop a pre–shot routine and predictable. Kelly Fisher and use it for every shot you take. Baseball players each have their own way of preparing to hit a object ball. See the ball dropping into pitch. What they do isn’t nearly important as doing it the same each time. Your the pocket, and the cue ball stopping as For the latest Event News www.pr ofessor qball.com pre–shot routine will be completely per- intended. • Feel the Shot – Be aware of grip sonal, but it should repeat the same physical and mental steps prior to going down pressure and sense the tip contacting the cue ball. on the shot. Here’s an example: • Focus On the Target – Align your
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Spinning Speed Shot by Steve Markle, Ranked 6th Contributing Writer • SteveMarklePool.com
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ere is a fairly simple yet entertaining shot that I recently selected on the 2013 ESPN World Cup of Trick Shots. I successfully made it on my first attempt and my opponent did as well. The object is to hit “A” ball with right or left hand english into the cue ball. The cue ball will go into pocket “B”. From the use of english after contact the “A” ball will begin to spin. While it is spinning you must shoot the 7 balls into “C” pocket and the other 7 balls into “A” pocket. All 14 balls must be pocketed before the “A” ball comes to a complete stop.
Start off by placing 14 balls along the long center line of the table as shown. There must be 7 on the left and 7 on the right. Next place an object ball directly in the center of the line and a cue ball about 2 balls width away. For appearance make sure all balls are in a straight line. When stroking “A” ball into the cue ball most tables will require at least a medium hard stroke. If you are playing on a table with fast cloth use a medium stroke. If the cloth is playing very slow use a hard stroke. Be sure to use a stop shot on the object ball so that you keep the cue ball positioned in the center. Also, I suggest using a stripe as your “A” ball to show the spinning effect more clearly. After contact you may pocket the balls starting with either the left 7 or right 7, whatever you feel more comfortable with. Enjoy this great shot! For more information on Steve visit: SteveMarklePool.com, Facebook.com: Steve Markle Trick Shots , or contact him at: SteveMarklePool@aol.com Contact: 267-918-1284
APA Honors Late Co-Founder with Trophy Designation
LAKE SAINT LOUIS, MO (April 29, 2014) —The American Poolplayers Association (APA) announced yesterday that the U.S. Amateur Championship trophy will now be known as The Larry Hubbart Trophy in honor of Co-Founder and Billiard Hall of Famer Larry Hubbart who passed away last August. Fellow Co-Founder Terry Bell made the announcement during the Annual APA League Operator Convention in Las Vegas. “Larry was one of the greatest players of his era. He was always a gentleman and a credit to the game. He loved pool and dedicated most of his life to the promotion and betterment of the sport. I know Larry would be honored to have his name on this most prestigious of all amateur trophies, and recipients will be proud to display it,” said Bell. The APA also announced the establishment of the Larry Hubbart Memorial exhibit at APA National Headquarters in Lake Saint Louis, Mo. Within this exhibit will reside various awards, artifacts, photographs and articles. Contributions from other’s within the billiard industry are also welcome. The U.S. Amateur Championship is conducted by the APA,
and is the only tournament produced by the APA open to both members and non-members. It’s a double elimination tournament that offers the nation’s top amateur players the opportunity to showcase their skills through a combination of 8-Ball and 9-Ball matches, in the only APA event that does not use The Equalizer® handicap system. The APA, based in Lake Saint Louis, Mo., sanctions the world’s largest amateur pool league, known as the APA Pool League throughout the United States, and as the Canadian Pool League in Canada. Nearly 260,000 members compete in weekly 8-Ball and 9 Ball league play. The APA is generally recognized as the Governing Body of Amateur Pool, having established the official rules, championships, formats and handicap systems for the sport of amateur billiards. The APA produces three major tournaments each year—the APA National Team Championships, the APA National Singles Championships and the U.S. Amateur Championship—that, together, pay out nearly $1.5 Million in cash and prizes annually! In 2010, the APA National Team Championships were recognized by Guinness World Records as the “world’s largest pool tournament.” The APA and its championships are sponsored by Aramith, Action Cues and Pool Dawg. For more information on the APA or the U.S. Amateur Championship, please visit www.poolplayers.com. June/July PQB 17
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Team USA is Coming to San Diego!
America’s finest pocket billiards stars on a mission
The best pool players in the United States are visiting San Diego from May 22nd to 26th as part of the national squad’s preparations for an assault on the Europe v USA Mosconi Cup this December. Unquestionably, the most prestigious as well as widely watched pool competition in the world, it is the Ryder Cup of pool as five man teams representing America and Europe do battle over four days of intense competition. San Diego has been selected as the first stop on the team’s itinerary in their preparation to bring home the Mosconi Cup, following European domination in recent years. The team will make a series of stops across the country in the lead up to the big event, visiting hospitals, doing charity exhibitions, offering instructional clinics, and competing in a series of Mosconi Cup-style matches against the very best local players. San Diego residents who would like to engage with the future of American pocket billiards, and see pool played at the highest level, are invited to visit On Cue Billiards on Saturday May 24th. There will be an instructional clinic from 1 pm to 4pm; and a Mosconi Cup-style match starting at 8pm. On Sunday May 25th there will be a charity fundraiser at On Cue Billiards from 4 - 8pm. This will be the perfect opportunity for fans to come out, meet and play against America’s finest. On Cue Billiards is located at 8308 Parkway Drive, La Mesa, Ca. Tel: 619-463-8759 Mosconi Cup 2014 – Team U.S.A. Roster Shane Van Boening – ViceCaptain Born: July 14, 1983 Resides: Sioux Falls, South Dakota Nickname: ‘The South Dakota Kid’ Captains Remarks: “Any reasonable person who was building a new team would look to have Shane to build around given his professionalism and success. Even more importantly, his character and principles are just the thing for new players to emulate. He sets a great example and I expect to rely on him for leadership this year.” If there is a discussion regarding the best player in the world, Shane’s name is sure to be mentioned. Over the past seven years he has garnered many wins in multiple disciplines. Player of the Year honors, seven Mosconi Cup appearances,
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and tournament titles too numerous to mention. He routinely excels against the strongest players and deepest fields. He exemplifies the work ethic, sportsmanship, and proficiency expected from all members of the team. Team USA could not have a better leader on the table. John Schmidt Born: April 12, 1973 Resides: Hesperia, California Nickname “Mr. 400” Captain’s remark - “I am pleased with what John brings to the table beyond his stellar play. He is passionate about pool and a very approachable person. He is blessed with a keen sense of humor and does not take himself too seriously. He comes up with very thought provoking points for consideration and positive suggestions that will be quite a plus for our team.” John is the senior member of the squad. He is widely acknowledged to be one of the best straight pool players in the world, having run 400 balls (and earning his nickname). He is not a one dimensional player however; and has also won major tournaments in 9 ball (US Open), one pocket, ten ball, as well as 14.1 (World Tournament of 14.1). He has participated in the Mosconi Cup once before (2006), and is excited to prepare for this year’s competition. Corey Deuel Born: Nov 20, 1977 Resides: Cape Coral, Florida Nickname: “The Prince of Pool” Captain’s Remarks - “I felt that he has not only experience but also a youthful exuberance and fresh perspective that were too compelling for him not to not be included. I view Corey as a huge asset to our team.” Corey is recognized as one of the most talented and creative players in the world. He has many tournament victories including the US Open 9-Ball, and has seven previous Mosconi Cup appearances. Brandon Shuff Born: July 8, 1983 Resides: On the road Captain’s Remarks - “This guy has a ton of heart along with a great work ethic, and will be primed for a great year. He puts himself out there by playing many events throughout the US and I am pleased to have him on the team.” Brandon is one of the strongest young American players with many victories in regional tournaments, and individual
victories over some of the best players in the world. He has one previous Mosconi Cup appearance. Justin Hall Born: Nov 28, 1987 Resides: Palm Harbor, Florida Captain’s Remarks - “ I have known of this kid’s talent and all around skills for years, and now is the time that all of his previous success and experience will make the difference.” Justin excels in several different pool disciplines. He has won both the one pocket and the banks divisions at the Southern Classic against the very best players in the world. He exhibits a very well rounded skill set, and will be a great addition to his first Mosconi Cup team. Oscar Dominguez Born: March 26, 1985 Resides: Sylmar, California Captain’s Remarks - “Oscar epitomizes the new face of the sport positivity, work ethic, passion, and great attitude. I played many times against his father Ernesto, and I knew this kid would be an ideal candidate. Beyond being respectful he is just the kind of guy that I would want by my side in combat.” Oscar has appeared in the Mosconi Cup once previously. He has many regional tour victories and a major victory in the 2009 Turning Stone Classic. Admired by his peers for his competitiveness, demeanor, skill, and professionalism he is a great addition to this year’s roster. Justin Bergman Born: August 20, 1987 Resides: Fairview Heights, Illinois Captain’s Remarks - “Justin has been a good player since childhood; able to break and run out a rack on a 9’ table since he was just eleven. Given his recent form he will generate some real excitement and quite possibly shake up the pool hierarchy.” Justin has many regional victories and a major tournament win in the one pocket division at the Southern Classic in 2012. This is his first Mosconi Cup team.
Jeremy Sossei Born: June 4, 1979 Resides: Watertown, Connecticut Nickname: “The Giant Killer” Captain’s Remarks - “Jeremy is a solid candidate that tends to let his cue do the talking. I feel that he may have been overlooked in the past and I am thrilled to have him as a team member. He will contribute a great deal to the US effort in 2014.” Another of the “young guns” making their first Mosconi Cup Team, Jeremy is one of the strongest players in the northeast. He has many regional tournament victories and strong showings against some of the best players in the world. Mark Wilson – Team Captain Born: June 29, 1955 Resides: Prairietown, Illinois Nickname: “The St. Louis Shooter” Mark has two previous Mosconi Cup appearances as a player (sinking the winning nine ball for the American victory in the very first Cup), and will make his first appearance as Captain in 2014. He is well known as one of the best pool instructors in the world, and has spent his entire adult life studying the game. He most recently has started a successful billiards program at Lindenwood University; making it the first American university to offer scholarships for pocket billiards. Mark Wilson - “It is a privilege to be included in this year’s Cup. We will have a young team that will exhibit the highest possible standard of excellence in play, demeanor, and sportsmanship. We look forward to bringing back the Mosconi Cup in December.” Don Wardell, M.D. – Captain’s Assistant Born: October 21, 1953 Resides: Indianapolis, Indiana Nickname: “Willie Betmore” Captain’s Remarks - “Don will add wisdom and enthusiasm to the team with his leadership and strong work ethic. The team and I are blessed to have such a talented individual who is sincerely passionate about the sport.” Don is a practicing physician with a passion for billiards; and a strong interest in billiards history, sports medicine, training techniques, and biomechanics. He is the co-author with Mark Wilson of the textbook Play Great Pool. . He advises a number of professional players, and is excited to contribute to the preparations for this year’s Mosconi Cup. June/July PQB 21
A Routine Investigation
by Tom Simpson, Master Instructor • PoolClinics.com Contributing Writer
O
ne of my first billiard instructors warned me of a common problem among players. It’s one of those things that, once you hear about it, makes good sense. The advice was “Don’t shoot in the thinking position. Don’t think in the shooting position.” Huh? The thinking position is standing at the table, surveying the situation. The shooting position is down on the shot. The point? Make all your decisions while you’re standing. Once your decision-making is done, physical motion begins and you are in the shooting phase. Your body is setting up for your plan, as best it can. Now if you change your plan during the shooting setup or process, you’re sending conflicting messages to your body. It’s already been at work, supporting your original intent, setting up alignments and musculature to deliver on your plan. But you’re down on the shot and you have a ‘better’ idea. Fine. However, now you’re thinking again. Get up! Go back to the thinking position. Make your decisions and then begin the shooting routine again. Otherwise, you’re fighting your own hardearned shooting skills. Routines are vital in pool. We have pre-shot routines, stroke routines, and subroutines for stance, alignment, whatever. What’s important is that you know what you actually do in each phase, why you do it, are consistent about it, and you re-visit it periodically. Write out your routine, your personal ‘checklist,’ in whatever level of detail you like. Pull it out of your cue case in a time of need and check yourself against your known, practiced routine. I find it helpful to look at shooting pool as a cycle with three phases that
22 PQB June/July
“Beat People With a Stick!” National Billiard Academy 3-Day Intensives • 10 cities
repeat, shot after shot, game after game: Planning, Shooting, Accepting. The Planning Phase begins as you study the table situation. It includes all the things you do and consider as you make your plan – studying the layout, determining your optimum strategy, choosing your pocketing sequence, visualizing ball paths and speeds, identifying and solving problems, weighing defensive options, and so on. Running your analysis & decision-making routines. One way or another, to get respectable results, you’re going to need to settle on a plan and commit to it. Commitment really is what sets your body to the task of shooting. At this point, you know what you’re going to do, and how and why. No more need to think. Now it’s time to do. You trusted your brain. Now, trust your body. Indecision will make you miss. The Shooting Phase commences as soon as you’ve committed to your plan and begin to move your body into position. This routine includes everything you do to see and get on the line of the shot, arranging your body to produce a stroke in the right direction, at the right speed, to deliver the cueball to your precise target. The many little steps we all have in our shooting process should be designed to guide us into the confidence and physical smoothness we need to focus & deliver as precisely as pool requires. If we have doubt or mental chatter, our bodies become confused and deliver a confused result. When you have doubt or have a better idea, get up and clear up. Executing pool shots well takes everything you have. I think that’s why we like it. Does your shooting routine focus you 100% on the shot?
Let’s say the Accepting Phase begins at the moment the cueball is struck. Past that point, there’s nothing you can do about how the shot will unfold. Pool, like golf, is a game of recovery. We don’t always land perfectly on the next shot, and we’re trying to get back in line – or back to the table. Once those balls are in motion, you are going to have to accept whatever happens. Often, it’s a good thing, such as pocketing the ball and getting good shape. Sometimes you miss, get a bad roll, get screwed by the equipment. Stuff happens. Good stuff. Bad stuff. Unbelievable stuff. It’s part of the fun. Accept and move forward with renewed determination. Every shot is a new day. If you’re going to play well, you have to become able to quickly accept whatever just happened, good, bad, or embarrassing. Let’s say a very good thing happened - you made an incredible shot. You’ll need to recover your state of mind. Maybe take a lap of the table. Get over yourself before you shoot again. Sometimes bad things happen – a miscue, or missing an easy shot. You’ll need to get over your error and stop beating yourself up. Otherwise, you’re still back in that bad thing while the current shot really requires your full attention. One thing leads to a mother. Do what you have to do to accept the current situation. Accepting doesn’t mean giving in to despair – or to pride. It means accepting the reality in front of you, so you can move forward into the Planning Phase again, carrying no baggage.
Collin Dowdy Wins 1st FBT Jr Tournament
Boynton Beach, Fla. – Eleven junior players showed up at Slate Billiards in Boynton Beach, Florida, last month for the first Juniors 8-Ball Tournament, sponsored by the Flamingo Billiards Tour. Kids came from as far away as Bradenton and Miramar, many of them playing in their very first event.
Second row, from the left: John McCormick, Eric Matos, Jr., Marc Arias. Evans Matos, Collin Dowdy, Andre Dunbar. Front row: John Matson, Josh Wolff, Carter McCormick, Angelina Estler, Hayden Estler.
The format was a race to three, double elimination, handicapped. The final race matched up local 14 year-old Andre Dunbar and 16 year-old Collin Dowdy. Dowdy, a talented experienced player from the west coast won the tournament handily over Dunbar. Josh Wolff finished third. The top three players won trophies. Although some players clearly displayed advanced skills while others were just learning how to play, everyone had a good time and made new friends. This tournament was held to assess the interest in a Junior Program in South Florida. Flamingo Billiards Tour would like to thank Slate Billiards room owners Mike Bradford and Bill Giffen, and Boynton Billiards. Some of the matches can be viewed at Ustream.com (http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/45257303). More pictures can be viewed at www.pfs.me. Results 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 7th 9th
Collin Dowdy Andre Dunbar Josh Wolff Marc Arias John Matson Angelina Estler Carter McCormick John McCormick Hayden Estler Eric Matos, Jr. Evan Matos
For Instructional videos or the latest Event News Visit www.pr ofessor qball.com
Bar Box 8-Ball
By: Marty Kaczmarowski, APA 7 Contibuting Writer
BREAKING SECRET:
Every table, set of balls and cue ball represent a secret code. It is like having a safe and you need to create your own combination to get inside. Believe me, super speed is NOT the code for every table. Everyone wants to increase speed‌wrong! The type of cloth and the condition of the balls may not react well to power. That medium stroke you have may be the code for your next rack. Some tables love the blast, and others just hate it. Matches are won and lost by the break, so learn how to learn the table and its conditions. PLEASE spend time figuring out the correct speed for your matches. Write it down if you need to. I keep notes on every bar and pool hall and what speed worked well. Knowledge is power and knowing the correct break speed can dominate an opponent.
June/July PQB 23
24 PQB June/July
USBA Officers President Jim Shovak East Islip, NY 516-238-6193 Secretary Tom Paley Fenton, MO 636-861-3437 Treasurer Merrill Hughes Huntington Station, NY 631-338-9698 Steve Andersen Wyoming, MI 616-530-8665 Ricardo Carranco Los Angeles, CA 323-490-8075 Victor Cuzzi Miami, FL 786-366-7293 Pedro Piedrabuena San Diego, CA 213-458-3950 Mazin Shooni Nashua, NH 248-910-4466 James Watson Bronx, NY 347 255-4330
26 PQB June/July
Pedro Piedrabuena Wins 4th Consecutive USBA National Championship By USBA Staff
T
his year’s USBA Nationals was held at Paris Bida (Bida means Billiards in Vietnamese) in Houston, Texas. We were welcomed to the room and treated very well throughout the tournament. The tournament was played on 8 Gabriels tables covered with New Simonis cloth and played with Aramith balls. Preliminaries started with six groups of seven players each, playing round robin format of 25point games. The top three from each group advanced and the two best fourth-place finishers moved on as well. Twenty players were then put into four groups of five and the top two from each group advanced to the final eight. These games were 30-point games. The final eight consisted of three players from New York: Sonny Cho, Miguel Torres and Hugo Patino; the first female in a Nationals, Mercedes Gonzales from Florida; Pedro Piedrabuena from San Diego; Mazin Shooni from Boston; Jae Cho from Colorado and the hometown favorite and regular at Paris Bida, Duc Dao. The finals were 40-point games watched by many on Saturday and Sunday. Pedro Piedrabuena came into the tournament with 3 consecutive National titles under his belt and three previous titles. Sonny Cho, Miguel Torres, Mazin Shooni Hugo Patino and Jae Cho all have previously been National Champions. With Mercedes Gonzales playing well and in her first Final Eight as well as the local player, Duc Dao, it made for a very interesting final two days. Pedro went on to win his 4th consecutive National Championship (7th overall) as he defeated Hugo Patino in the final game 40 – 29. Hugo finishes 2nd and Sonny Cho third. Pedro also had the tournament high run of 14 and best game of 40-points in 8-innings. A big thank you to Paul (Professor-Q-Ball) for all his time and hard work setting up the tournament; Charles Brown and Merrill Hughes, the tournament directors who put in many hours; Yura Ra for setting up the tables and Paris Bida and their staff for being excellent hosts. Also, to all the scorekeepers who volunteered their time in the finals. It was a great 5 days of billiards and the USBA would like to thank all involved for helping to make this a successful 2014 National Tournament. Final match was recorded and can be seen at Professor-Q-Ball’s website at www.professorqball.com as well as www.usba.net The Total Prize Fund is $18,750. 1st Place=$4000 2nd Place=$3000 3rd Place=$2000 4th Place=$1750 5th Place=$1500 6th Place=$1300 7th Place=$1100 8th Place=$1000 9th-12th=$325 each
13th-16th=$225 each 17th-20th=$125 each High Run = $200 Best Game = $200 Complete results & charts for the prelims, semi-finals and final rounds can be found at the USBA website at www.usba.net The USBA wishes to thank all of our sponsors without whose generous support successful events like this would not be possible: Gabriels - Official Table Sponsor Simonis - Official Cloth Sponsor Aramith - Official Billiard Ball Sponsor Tiger Products - Official Cues and Tips Sponsor Professor-Q-Ball - Paul Frankel, Proprietor Bob Jewett-David Levine Congratulations to all the players and to our repeat champion Pedro Piedrabuena.
Left to right Charles Brown (Tournament Director), Pedro Piedrabuena (Champion), Hugo Patino, Mercedes Gonzales, Duc Dao, Sonny Cho, Mazin Shooni, Miguel Torres, Jae Cho and Merrill Hughes USBA Treasurer.
President’s Desk: The 2014 Nationals was a huge success. Players in Houston were thrilled to have the top players in the country converge at Paris Bida for the ultimate competition of the year. Our table sponsor, Gabriels, was thrilled to see the Nationals being played on 8 Gabriels tables covered with Simonis 300 rapide billiard cloth donated by Simonis along with brand new Super Aramith Pro Cup billiard balls. Tiger also did its part by donating 2 beautiful high end Tiger Cues and lots of extra goodies such as tips and shaft cleaners. Our sponsors came through big time. Thank you! Piedrabuena once again showed why he has been the Champion for the past 4 years, averaging almost 1.900 in the finals with an 8 inning game of 40 points, shattering records with a 5.000 average. He may very well be the next Sang Lee who won the Nationals 12 years in a row from 1990-2001. Will the other top players step up their game and break his string? That remains to be seen. There are 4 big events coming up. First, in July, right before the big event at Carom Café, celebrating the 10th anniversary of Sang Lee’s passing, is a clinic and small tournament at Amazin Billiards in Malden, MA featuring World Champion Dick Jaspers. Then the big Sang Lee event. Right after that, Million Dollar Billiards in North Hollywood, CA is having a tournament featuring World Champion Frederic Caudron. In August, a USBA Open TOUR Event in Houston at US Billiards. Keep up-to-date by visiting the USBA website often: www.USBA.net June/July PQB 27
USBA National Higlights Believe It Or Not – A 3-Cushion Rarity!!
During a game between Hugo Patino and Luis Castillo in the Semi-Finals a rare occurrence happened. Hugo a 2009 U.S. National Champion had all 3 carom balls frozen after his shot. This has never occurred before in the history of the USBA 3Cushion Nationals.
Pedro Piedrabuena in USBA record books
In 2006, Mazin Shooni played a 35 point match in 9 innings for a 3.889 average. It was the Nationals Record for best game. In the same game, he had a high run of 18 which still holds till this day as the high run for a USBA Nationals. On Saturday, April 12th, 2014 Pedro Piedrabuena etched his name once again into the USBA record books by playing a world-class 40 points in just 8 innings with runs of 14, 13, and went 10 and out averaging a 5.000. Ironically, his opponent was none-other than Mazin Shooni. Pedro joins a very exclusive club of world-class players who have achieved a 5.000 average in a match lasting longer than the 15-point sets that have been predominant around the world for so many years. Congratulations to Pedro once again for achieving such a monumental milestone!
Left to right- Score Keeper Carlos Villegas – Hugo Patino – Luis Castillo
First time a woman player qualified for the finals
2008 USBA Woman’s Champion Mercedes Gonzales entered the tournament as an open entry and stunned everyone with her performance as she moved from the prelims through the semi-finals all the way to the finals where she placed seventh. Great job Mercedes!
Pedro Piedrabuena
2008 USBA Woman’s Champion Mercedes Gonzales 28 PQB June/July
USBA National Qualifier Results
Jan 25: Carom Café, Flushing, NY: Qualified: Chris Bartzos & Young Gull Lee Feb 9: Miami, FL: Qualified: Victor Cuzzi & Sergio Hernandez Feb 22: Chicago, IL: Qualified: Felipe Razon Mar 8-9: US Billiards, Houston, TX: Qualified: Joel Rivera & Cong Nguyen Mar 14-16: Marshalltown, IA: Qualified: John Jacobson Mar 22: Snookers, Livonia, MI: Qualified: Bassel Elshaar
Other USBA Tournament Results
Feb 28-Mar 2: Ken Higgins Memorial, Allenmore Elks, Tacoma, WA, “A” Level: Neal Olson (1st), Mark Sullivan (2nd), Tim Poole (3rd), John Teerink (4th), “B” Level: Dave Ehlers (1st), Ralph Weiss (2nd) Mar 22-23: Carom Café “C” Tournament, Flushing, NY, Hank Buchanan (1st), Leo Chaparro (2nd), Kelly Woodward (3rd) Mar 29-30: Carom Café “C+” Tournament, Flushing, NY, Johnny Alejandro (1st), Johnny Kim (2nd), Luis Miguel Valdovinos (3rd), Rodrigo Gonzalez (4th) Apr 19-20: Carom Café “B” Tourn., Flushing, NY, Christhian Portilla (1st), Hector Ruiz (2nd), Daniel Jeong (3rd), Mike Chen (4th) Apr 26-27: Carom Café “B+” Tourn., Flushing, NY, Mark An (1st), Jim Watson (2nd), Nayiv Ramirez (3rd), Jim Shovak (4th) Apr 25-27: Mike Kelley Memorial, Marshalltown, IA, George Ashby (1st), Fred Lamers (2nd), John Jacobson (3rd), Joel Jiminez (4th) May 3-4: Carom Café “A” Tourn., Flushing, NY, Song Lim (1st), Sang Jin Lee (2nd), Tae Kyu Lee (3rd), Jae Cheon Seong (4th) May 9-11: Parker Hess Memorial Endorsed Tournament, Ashland Elks, OR “B” Tournament: Jesus Quinonez (1st), Raye Raskin (2nd), Tom Rossi (3rd) “C+” Tournament: Bob Hilton (1st), Alfred Wenzl (2nd), Galen Lee (3rd) “C” Tournament: Ron Hopkins (1st), Dave Ehlers (2nd), Harold Reid (3rd)
Upcoming USBA Tournaments June 20-22: The Dubuque
Contact Mark Williams: 541-
Open, Masonic Lodge,
941-1291
Dubuque, IA
“ USBA Membership”
To become a USBA member and receive the PQB publication for free, fill out and return this form.
USBA Membership • Dues $50
Contact Robert Byrne:
July 25-26: Open Tournament
New Member ____________Renewal __________
563-557-8970
with Frederic Caudron
PRINT PLEASE
Million Dollar Billiards, North
Name: ___________________________________________
July 13-14: Clinic & Mini-
Hollywood, CA
Tournament with Dick Jaspers ,
Contact Ricardo Carranco:
Amazin Billiards, Malden, MA
323-490-8075
Contact Mazin Shooni:
August 8-10: Mike Fahey Me-
City,
248-910-4466
morial
Home Phone: _____________________________________
Address: _________________________________________ __________________State ____ Zip: __________
Elks Allenmore Events Center, July 15-20: Verhoeven
Tacoma, WA
Cell Phone: ______________________________________
Open/Sang Lee 10yr Anniver-
Contact Ed Brasfield: 253-468-
E-Mail Address: __________________________________
sary, Carom Café Billiards,
9839
Flushing, NY
August: USBA TOUR Open
Contact Mike Kang:
at US Billiards, Houston, TX,
917-204-6070 or Charles
Dates not yet official. Contact
Brown: 646-528-3238
Tim Nguyen: 713-545-9451
Referred by ______________________________________
Send completed form and check or money order payable to USBA to Jim Shovak/USBA Secretary 58 Hawthorne Ave. • East Islip, NY 11730.
September: USBA TOUR July 25-27: USBA Tour “B”
Open at College Billiards, San
and “C” Tournaments
Diego, CA,Dates not yet official.
Marti Tracy Memorial, Ashland
Contact Pedro Piedrabuena:
Elks Lodge, Ashland, OR
213-458-3950
June/July PQB 29
Professor-Q-Ball’s 3-Cushion Shot Contest
“The quickest way to get new players to play the game of 3-Cushion Is to reach out to pool players.”
T
he Rack, in Memphis, TN held their 4th annual 3Cushion Shot contest. A $20 entry fee secured your chance to win $250 and included lunch & free table time . It was played on a Gabriel table with Simonis cloth. Room owner Jerry Ramey added $300 based on 12 players, but due to poor weather conditions, only nine players arrived. Jerry added $300 anyway. All diagram shots were placed on the Racks bulletin board for several weeks to give the players a chance to practice the shots, giving the room an opportunity for extra table time. Paul Frankel, tournament director, went over the rules of the Contest and thanked all contestants for accepting the Challenge. Each player was given a 3-Cushion Billiards “World’s Best Game” decal, along with a full color, Diamond System Diagram. Contest Format: There were 8 diagram shots. Each player shoots each 3 times (24 shots total). Each shot is worth 2 points (48 pts), total number of points wins. Three small round dots (stick-ons) are placed on the table, which represented the exact placement of the diagrammed shots. All players had the same shot and same placement of the 3 balls. Then the dots are removed and replaced for the next shot selection. Special Note: After each shot a player takes a straight rail carom shot as the balls come to rest. If they make it, it is worth 1 point and added to their previous scores. This means that the maximum possible score will be 72 points if they made every shot. Half way through the event the shots were tallied so the players knew their score. At the end Jeremy Mercello and Josh Gilmore tied with 37 points each. The tie-breaker was a simple lag to see who can get closer to the other end of the table. The lag is the most important shot in the game. That was worth $250 to Jeremy Mercello, the proud winner. Josh Gilmore took home $175 for 2nd and Jerry Ramey took $100 30 PQB June/July
for 3rd place. Joshua Alan Byars was scorekeeper and did a great job tallying up the points as the players were finishing their shots at the table. Thanks to Josh Gilmore for bringing in his video equipment and helping run the event.Special thanks goes out to Jerry & Mona Ramey, owners of The Rack, for hosting this great event. Also Anthony Short, Paul Frankel & Jerry Ramey for adding to the prize fund.
Josh, Jeremy, Jerry
June/July PQB 31
Predator and Poison Sponsor Scholarship Awards at 2014 BEF Junior Nationals
Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information on the BEF or sponsoring or underwriting any of its On May 19, 2014 (Englewood, CO): The Billiard Education programs and events, visit the BEF Foundation (BEF) is pleased to announce that Predator Group, website at billiardeducation.org or the parent company of Predator Cues and Poison Billiards, is call (303) 926-1036. the official Academic Scholarship Award sponsor of the 26th Predator Group, an internaAnnual Junior National 9-Ball Championships. Their generous tional billiards industry leader, is focused on bringing constant contribution will help award scholarships to the winners of innovation and game-improving equipment to billiards players each of the four age divisions at this year’s nationals (18 & worldwide. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, PredUnder Boys, 18 & Under Girls, 14 & Under Boys, and 14 & ator Group’s core brands include: Predator Cues – professional Under Girls). level cues and shafts featuring classical designs and revolutionIn addition to providing scholarship funds, the team at Predary, performance enhancing technology; Poison Billiards – ator Group will also be presenting playing equipment prizes to recreational cues with cutting-edge designs and Predator engieach division’s winner. The company had previously supported neering for best-in-class playability; and Uni-Loc® – precisionthe organization by underwriting the Team USA shirts for the engineered components for billiards products. For more most recent WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships in Joinformation regarding Predator Group’s products, visit hannesburg, South Africa, and parlays their efforts with their www.predatorgroup.com. generous donations. The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in “We’re absolutely thrilled to support to the Billiard Education 1993 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to promoting Foundation and their good works. It’s our duty as an industry a lifelong love of pool and building the next generation of leader to lend a hand to these brilliant young people. These are players through youth programs and academic scholarships. the next champions and enthusiasts, they’re our industries’ The BEF also produces the annual Junior National 9-Ball future,” said Kyle Nolan, Predator Group Director of Branding Championships and qualifies young players each year for the and Communications. WPA World Junior Championships.
2014 8-Ball Wheelchair Challenge Final Standings
Defending Champion Charlie Hans (SL7) of Middletown, Ohio saw himself in the finals of the Wheelchair Challenge once again, competing against Josh Johnson (SL4) of Rayville, La. The race was 5-2. Josh won the lag, but Charlie would go on to successfully defend his title with a final score of 5-0. Hans took home $1,700 for his win, while Johnson earned $800 for his Runner-Up finish! For more APA National news go to http://www.poolplayers.com
Winner Charlie Hans (top) (SL7) of Middletown, Ohio Josh Johnson (bottom) (SL4) of Rayville, La.finished second. 32 PQB June/July
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PALM HARBOR Strokers
30901 U.S Hwy 19 N. 727-786-6683 14-Pool Tables 6-Dart Boards Full Bar & KitchenCue-Repair available
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714 Park Ave 904 215 1557 16 Gold Crowns 14 9ft Diamonds 2- Bar tables 1- New 3-Cushion Gabriels 1-Snooker 5x10 Darts
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407 737-6606 11351 Lake Underhill Two 9’ Brunswicks in VIP area Room 7 Dart Boards, Full Bar, Deli Food Big Screen & 17- TV’s, 8,000 Sq ft & Patio
STUART • Amy’s Billiards
772 232-9966 1600 NW Federal Hwy 1-Gabriel 3-Cushion 8-9ft Olhausens,6- 8ft Bar boxes, 1-9’ Brunswick-1-9’ National,3-8’ft House Tables,Darts/Beer/Wine/Fo od, Smoking & NonSmoking rooms
WINTER PARK Trick Shots
407 671-7797 7644 University Blvd. 4-9' pool tables, 12-8' tables, Darts, Full Bar & Pro Shop on premises
GEORGIA ATLANTA • Mr. Cues II
3541 Chamblee Tucker Rd 770 454-7665 38-Pool tables, 1-3-cushion 1-Snooker 6x12,Full bar and kitchen,Pro-Shop
BAXLEY Danny’s Billiards
417 E. Parker St 912 278 7099 4-9’ Diamonds, 4-7’ Diamonds, Video games, TV’s
SAVANNAH • Southside Billiards 912-925-5398 13051 Abercom St 3-Cushion Table 1-10ft Snooker,7- 9ft Pool, 8 - 8ft,1-Ping Pong, Darts,Full bar & Food
ILLINOIS ALSIP Red Shoes Billiards 12009 S. Pulaski Rd 708 388-3700 15-Gold Crown,2-Bar Tables, 1-Dart board Full Bar & Restaurant
EAST MOLINE Leisure Time Billiards & Sports Bar
309 752-9559 845 Ave of the City 5-9 foot pool tables,16- Bar tables, 2 sports bars, 11 Dart boards Full Kitchen
RUSHVILLE •Rushville Billiards 119 Lafayette,62681 217 242-6200 5-3-Cushion Tables 2-Snooker 6x12 4-9ft Pool tables Beer
Room Owners Sign Up Now Increase your customer base 3 Cushion available at rooms with a “•” www.professorqball.com
13 Bar tables 2 -9ft Pool tables Full Bar Food Sunsetbilliards.com
16 – Diamonds Bar Tables 3 – 9’ Diamonds, 4 – Dart boards, Full Bar and Restaurant, 16 TV’s
502 969-2222 5004 Preston Hwy Tables, Custom Cues, Accessories & Cue repair
410 665-1906 8809 Satyr Hill Rd 22-9’ Gold Crowns 3-Bar Tables,5-Table Tennis, 1- 3-Cushion Federic Caurdon
KENTUCKY LOUISVILLE Rack 66-SHOWROOM
LOUISANA NEW IBERIA Emeralds Billiards
337-319-0530 2514 W. Old Spanish Trail 24 Bar boxes,8 – 9ft Gold Crowns 5, Full Bar & Rest.
HARVEY • Platinum Billiard
1650 Grenta Blvd. 1-New 3-Cushion Gabriels Element,4- Carom tables Beer, 985 870 2909
MARYLAND CATONSVILLE • Vip Billiards
6541 Baltimore National Pike 410 747-2551 5 – 8’ Hollywood 3-Cushion 12 – 9’ Gold Crowns 8 – 9’ Granite Bed Cosmos Free WiFi,3 Big Screen Satellite TV’s,All Ages, All The Time
IOWA CLINTON Legend’s Sports Bar ELKRIDGE 563 243-4266 • Triple Nine’s Bar 2118 Harrison Dr & Billiards 9-7’ Valley’s 1-9’ Gold Crown,Full Kitchen ,Sports Bar,13-42” TVs, Darts, Video’s
MUSCATINE Sticks N’ Stones Bar & Billiards
563 263-7665 218 Walnut St. 6-Bar Tables.Darts, Jukebox, Snacks,,Full Bar
KANSAS SALINA Sunsett Billiards
1215 W Crawford St 785 826-9992 1-3-Cushion Brunswick
PARKVILLE • Top Hat Cue Club
MASS MALDEN • Amazin Billiard Club
781 605-2389 40 Faulkner St 5-3-Cushion Bertons 2-Pool Table Bertons 10 -Pool Tables, Snooker 6x12 Private room with Gold Crown 5 Showroom on premises
MICHIGAN LIVONIA The Rack 28410 Joy Rd 734-422-7665 13-9ft tables 1 -3-Cushion 1-Snooker 6x12 Snacks, Hot dogs
MINNESOTA FARMINGTON Farmington Billiards
933 8th St Hwy #3 7540 Washington Blvd.#C1 651-463-2636 8-9’ Gold Crowns, 8-7’ Dia410 799-1818 monds,Free Wi-Fi,Beer Food 2-3-Cushion Gabriels 14-9’ Brunswicks, 4- 7’ Pool Tables, Full Bar & Food MINNEAPOLIS
GLEN BURNIE Big Daddy’s Billiards
410 760-1332 7954 B & A Blvd. Ste. 2-G 8-9’ Diamonds, 3-7’ Diamonds,7- 8’ Gold Crowns 1-6x12ft Snooker
LAUREL Bankshot Bar & Grill 3249 Fort Mead RD 301 483 - 8644
ROSEVILLE Al’s Billiards
1319 Larpenteur Ave 651 646-9508 16 – Gold Crowns 1 – 5x10 Brunswick Anniversary, 1-5x10 & 1-6x12 Snooker, 2-7’ Bar tables, Darts & Foosball
June/July PQB 33
MISSISSIPPI BYHALIA Meucci Billiards
662 895-3220 3709 Hwy 302 Byhalia MS 8-9ft Gold Crowns 3-Bar TablesHome of Meucci Custom Pool Cues Cue work on Premises
GRENADA The Sports Center
662-226-1322 893 Springhill Rd 7- Pool tables, 3 Bar tables, Video’s, Beer/food
JACKSON Green Room 444 Bounds St 601-718-7665 12-Bar Table 6-9ft Diamonds Full bar & food
SOUTHAVEN Southaven Recreational
662 342-0230 987 Town & Country 16- Big Tables. 5-Bar Tables,5-TV’s, Darts, Bumper Pool, Food/beer
MISSOURI CAPE GIRADEAU The Billiard Center
26 North Main 573-335-9955 20- Bar Tables, 2-9 ft pool tables,Full Bar & Kitchen
CARUTHERSVILLE The Money Ball
573 717-9191 111 Ward Ave 6-Bar tables 10 ft Snooker 1-9ft Snooker 2-9ft pool tables
POPLAR BLUFF Smokin’ Aces
mobile # 573-712-8816 573 712-2900 515 Hwy 53 8-Bar Tables
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2-9ft Diamonds 4-Dart boards Poker Weekly - Full bar Pro-Shop on Premises
Westwood Billiards 2207 S. Westwood Blvd. 573 686-4880 10-7ft bar tables, 9ft Brunswich, 2 dart boards, 7 TV’s & Full Bar & Kitchen
O’FALLON Action Billiard Club 636 978-7728 977 West Terra, Ln 17-Pool Tables, 1-5X10 Snooker, Darts, Full Liquor and Restaurant
NEW HAMPSHIRE
PORTSMOUTH Legends Billiards
603-433-1154 80 Hanover St 15- Pool tables, 7- Dart boards,Full liquor & Pub menu,Video games 5-Big screens
SOMERSWORTH Buster’s Billiards 369 Route 108 603 692-7926 15 – 9 ft tables, Beer & Wine, Food, 2 Dart Boards, ProSho
NEW JERSEY BELLEVILLE • Guys & Dolls
524 Washington Ave. 973-759-6217 2- New Gabriels 3cushion billiard tables. 34 – 9 foot pool tables, 6 – Big Screens
EDISON Sandcastle Billiards
101 Towsley Rd 732 632-9277 18 - 9’ Tables, Card table lounge, Ping-Pong., Pro-shop
NEW YORK ASTORIA QUEENS Steinway Café Billiards
3525 Steinway St 718 472-2124 26- Tables Full Bar & Menu 1-Ping Pong table
BROOKLYN • Gotham City Billiards Club
93 Ave U 718 714-1002 15 Brunswick, 1 Vitalie, 6 Large screen TV’s Burgers, Pizza &,Large Pro Shop
FLUSHING • Carom Cafe
718 358-8585 34-02 Linden Pl 10-5x10 New Verhoven 3Cushion Billiard tables, 10 4 x 8 carom, 22 Brunswick pool tables,Full Bar & Restaurant
SYRACUSE • Premium Billiards
315 488-4888 10 – 9’Brunswick 2-3-Cushion Gabriel’s 8 Diamond Pro Am 7’ers Bumper Table, Ping Pong. Dart Boards Beer Wine, Full Kitchen
WILLIAMVILLE • Bison Billiards
716 632-0281 Main Transit Plaza 8216 Main St 8-9’ Diamonds, 3-9’ Brunswicks, 6-Bar Tables 2-Dart Boards, 3-Cushion Gabriel
YORKVILLE • Hippo's
315 768-0218 5160 Commercial Dr. E 12-4 1/2x9 Gabriels, 15x10 3-cushion table, 8-3 1/2 7 Valleys, Beer, Wine, Full menu, 8-TV’s
N. CAROLINA NEW BERN Mickey Milligans Billiards 252 637-3711 3411 Trent Rd 6- 9ft Pro Diamonds 3-Steel Tip dart boards Full Bar, Pizza & Snack foodLive entertainment weekly, Tournaments every Sunday
RALEIGH Sharky’s Place
5800 Duraleigh Rd 919 210-1094 6- 9 ft Gold Crowns 2- 7 ft Valley Full bar and Kitchen
WINSTON SALEM Breaktime Billiards & Sports Bar 336 765-7391 420N Jonestown Rd 15-9 foot Pool tables Darts, 1-big screen, fooseball,Full Bar&menu
OHIO FAIRFIELD • Michaels Billiards
6625 Dixie Billiards 513-860-0044 1- 3-Cushion Table 34- Pool Tables Full Bar and Restaurant
OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA CITY • AAA Billiards Supply
405 917-9300 4619 N. West 10th 6- Gold Crowns, 4-Bar tables, 2-5 x 10 Snooker table, 1-3-Cushion Billiard table, 1-6 X 12 SnookerPro Shop & Cue & table repair
OREGON ASHLAND Ashland Elks Lodge 255 E. Main St. 541-482-3911 6-3-Cushion Gabriels Tables
PENNSYLVANIA NORRISTOWN Markly Billiards 610-278-1595 1713 Markly St 9-Gold Crown 9’,4-Diamonds 7’- Light menu
PHILADELPHIA • Drexeline Billiard Club.
610 259-9144 5100 State Rd L-300 2- Cheviotte 3-cushion tables, 16- 4 1/2x 9 Gold Crowns.4 - 4x8 G.Crowns Full line of custom cues & accessories, Tournaments, Inst., Sr.citizen rates
PITTSBURG • Breakers Billiards 412-531-2250 1413 Potomac Ave 2-3-Cushion heated Chevilotte,6 – 9’ Gold Crowns, 8 – 9’ Diamond pros,1- 7’ Bar table Diamond, Full Bar
RHODE ISLAND NORTH PROVIDENCE Rhode Island PROVIDENCE Snookers
401 351-7665 53 Ashburton ST 15- 9’ Gold Crowns 40-HD T.V’s Full service restaurant with 2bars.,Home of the New England Pool Hall of Fame
TENNESSEE MEMPHIS Bubba’s Ale House & Grille
7041 HWY 64 901-937-1911 2-Bar tables 2-Dart boardsFull bar & Food Several Flat Screens (HD) Smoking allowed
Getaway Bar
4632 Winchester Rd 363-3073 6-Bar tables 4-Dart boards Beer & Byob Open 24hrs
HighPocket's
1599 Ols Summer Ave. 901 761-1583 12-4 1/2 x9 Gold Crowns, 1 Snooker table, 8- Bar Tables, Full menu & beer, 8- TV’s, 1 big screen, Videos
Lefty’s Sports Pub 901 763-2679 4497 Summer Ave 2-Bar tables, 2-Dart boards, Beer & Byob
Sharpshooters Billiards
901 386-1188 6959 Stage 18 Bar Tables 4-Gold Crowns, 6 Dart Boards, T.V’s,Jukebox,Video games, food & Beer
• The Rack
901 360 9090 3622 Lamar Ave 8-9 ‘ Pro Diamond 1-3-Cushion Gabriel, 6 bar tables 3-Dart boards, 10-tv’s Food & Beer
MADISON J.O.B Billiard Club
615 868-4270 900 Gallatin Rd. Madison Sq. Mall 30 Pool tables diamonds -In house proshop
MANCHESTER Lucky Break Billiard Club
1766 Hillsboro Hwy 931 954 5400 4-7’Valleys,4-7’Diamonds 3 9’Diamonds,Darts, Bumper Pool Beer & Grill
TEXAS SAN LEON Casper’s Billiards
281 559-1400 137 21st St 18- 9ft Brunswicks Full Service Rest & Bar
HOUSTON • Café 99
832 868-4032 10730 Kingspoint 2-New 3-Cushion heated Gabriel’s,5 TV’S, Beer & Food
Bogies Billiards
3040 FM 1960 RD Ste 101 281-821-4544 8- 9’ Gold Crowns 14 8’ Pool Tables 1-Snooker,Full Bar/Food
• HUY HOANG BIDA
281 568-7746 13090 Bellaire Blvd Suite # B. 2-New 3-Cushion heated Gabriel’sBeer & Food
• Paris Bida
118010 Bellaire Blvd. Suite –A 281 840 7446 2- New Kronos 3-Cushion 6-Gabriels 3-Cushion 6-Carom tables 4-Pool tables- Bar & Food
LEAGUE CITY Legend’s Billiards 201 S. Gulf Frwy 281-332-7716 20 -4X8 Tables 3 -9’ tables,1-Bar table Full Bar & food 1-Steel Dart board
• U.S. BIDA (Billiards)
WASHINGTON
TACOMA Elk’s Club Lodge
Cedar St 253-584-3994 5-3-cushion Verhoeven 9- Brunswick pool table
10905 Bellaire Blvd #E 281 857-7383 8-Verhoevens 3-Cushion 5-Pool Tables 1-Soccer Table
VIRGINIA VIRGINIA BEACH Mike’s Break Room 757-855-2114 3717 Tiffany Lane 5- Pool tables, 19- Flat screens,Rest. Sports Pub
For the latest Event News www.pr ofessor qball.com
June/July PQB 35
36 PQB June/July
Wes Burden
Billiard Table Service & Cue Work
Commerical & Residential Tables
Gabriel & Diamond Factory Authorized Mechanic Tampa Florida
Wes Burden Cell • (813) 416-2255
Service Directory Place Your Business Card Ad in the Billiard Industry Service Directory call (901)756-2594 for details and rates.
June/July PQB 39
DPM Universal Pocket and Carom Billiard Systems Article 73
by Darrell Paul Martineau • www.3cushion.us/ WBIA Head Master Instructor The next few articles will be on Zero Spin English. Graph 73 show you how to play long angle shots. The concept is quite simple. You identify the end rail number you wish to hit. This will be the fourth rail number. Next you subtract the Cue Ball / Object Ball 1 angle from that number. The remaining number will be the hit you will make on the OB1. Practice a few time to get the right speed and cuing. You may purchase caroms Articles and Graphs 25 through 64 on line to be e-mailed to you for $25.00. $45.00 by regular mail in a binder. Hits to Miss Kisses Book. Articles and Graphs 65 - 71 $20.00 e-mailed $30.00 mailed in binder. Outside the U.S. add $20.00 for binder mailing. If you have any questions you can always e-mail me and I will answer you. Darrell Paul Martineau, 5916 Bar Harbour Ct., Elk Grove CA 95758 For more information on this system and my books, tapes, DVDs or lessons on Pool or Carom Billiards please call me at 916-684-4535 or e-mail dpmuniverse @ Comcast . net Web page http://www.3cushion.us/
OB Pro Team of Players Has New Member
W
e are pleased to announce that Mike ‘Fireball’ Dechaine has joined the OB Pro Team of players. Mike was born in Waterville, Maine and now resides in Providence, Rhode Island where he plays out of Snookers Sports Bar & Grill (who also sponsor him) . At the young age of 26, Mike has already been playing Pro for the last 7 years and has won several large events which include the Ultimate 10 Ball Championship in 2011 and the Turning Stone Casino Classic XIX in 2012. Mike has also proudly represented the USA twice in the prestigious Mosconi Cup both in 2011 and 2012. In the last 2 years Mike has proven to be one of the most consistent American players competing today with a string of high finishes in almost every event he competes in. Mike had this to say about the move to OB “Switching to OB has been one of the best decisions in my professional career. OB focuses on two of the main ingredients when perfecting their low deflection shafts, consistency and quality. I am looking forward to this successful relationship.” Shane Sinnott (Director of Sales & Marketing for OB) said this about their newest team member “Mike is a very exciting player to watch and has a very large following of fans, especially in the North East. He has what many people consider to be one of the 40 PQB June/July
hardest breaks in Pool today and it will be exciting for us and for his fans to see how this next chapter in his pool career unfolds now that he is using OB products as the tools of his trade”
OB is headquartered in Plano, Texas and is a leading manufacturer of high performance Pool Cues and Pool Cue Shafts made 100% in the USA since 2005. For more information on OB Cues or OB shafts or to become an authorized dealer, please visit www.obcues.com or like OB on Facebook at www.facebook.com/obcues
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44 PQB June/July
Professor’s National Tournament Directory
JUNE 7 Billiard Center 26 North Main Cape Girado, MO 573 335-9955 $1,000 added Women only tournament $30 entry JUNE 7-8 Tri-State Tour Gotham City Billiards 718 714-1002 93 Ave U Brooklyn $2500 Added
JUNE 21 Red Shoes Billiards Chicago, IL 708 388-3700 14.1 Qualifier 2014 for World Tournament Entry $105 Race to 100 Limited to 16 players
JUNE 21-22 Big Dog Billiards 515 266-6100 Big Dog One Pocket $5,000 added Des Moines Enrty Fee $1,000 JUNE 21-22 OB 9-Ball Tour Legend’s Billiards 201 Gulf Fwy S League City, TX 77573 281-332-7716 $2000 added
JUNE 24-27 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships BCA Summit in Louisville, Kentucky Samm Diep-Vidal (303) 926-1039 or samm@billiardeducation.org. JUNE 25-27 BCA SUMMIT Billiard & Home Recreation Expo Louisville, KY Bcasummit.com
JUNE 26-29 Annual Richard Sweet Memorial Tournament Mr. Cue’s ll 3541 Chamblee Tucker Rd Atlanta, Ga 770 454-7665 $5,000 Guaranteed 4 Different Events
JULY 4-6 Summer Classic The Rack Memphis, Tn Contact Jerry 901 360-6060 9-Ball $5,000 Guaranteed Based on a 128 full field JULY 5-6 Lone Star Tour Bogies Billiards 3040 FM 1960 Road E. Houston, TX 281-821-4544 Prize Money $500 Added
JULY 12 Sandcastle Billiards Edison, NJ 732 632-9277 2014 Qualifier for 14.1 World Tournament Entry $105 Race to 100 JULY 13 - 14 Amazin Billiards 40 Faulkner St,Mass. 248 910-4466 3-Cushion Clinic Dick Jaspers 3-Cushion World Champion See ad on page 31 JULY 15 - 20 Carom Café 3402 Linden Place Flushing,NY 718.358.8585 3-Cushion Verhoeven Open
JULY 16-26 38th 2014 BCAPL National Championships Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino CueSports International (702) 719-7665
JULY 17-20 2014 WPA World Artistic Pool Championships Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino Contact: Mark Dimick 405-7949575
JULY 26 Tour Stop #4 2nd Annual River City Open 6 Pockets Billiards
Men’s & Women’s Event 1819 Bassett Ave SE Decatur, AL (256) 686-3171 32 player max field (Ladies) 128 player max field (Mens) AUGUST 1-3 J.O.B Billiards Volunteer State 8-Ball & 9-Ball Men & Ladies Divisions $50 Entry, Race to 7 See ad on page 3
AUGUST 2-3 Stop #15 3rd Annual Steinway Classic Pro Event-$6000 Added Steinway Billiards Astoria, NY 718.472.2124
AUGUST 30-31ST J.O.B Billiards Senoirs Tournament Open to all Amatuer players 55 or Older 8-Ball & 9-Ball $50 Entry, Double Elim See ad on page 36
AUGUST 30-SEP 1 Stop #16 Snookers Billiards Bar & Grill 401.351.7665 Providence, RI 1st Annual Eastern State Pro Championship 1st Annual Eastern State Amatuer Championship $3500 Added Pro Event $1500 Added Amateur Event
ATTENTION ROOM OWNERS When you subscribe to “Places to Play”
Directory (See pages 33 - 35) your event is entitled to get listed in our Tournament Calendar Guide.
June/July PQB 45
APA Signs Florian “Venom” Kohler
World’s Largest Pool League Signs Internet Trickshot Sensation to Sponsorship Agreement
LAKE SAINT LOUIS, MO (May 8, 2014) — The American Poolplayers Association (APA) is proud to announce a sponsorship agreement with Florian “Venom” Kohler. The APA made the announcement Monday, April 28 at their Annual League Operator Convention in Las Vegas. “We’ve very excited to work with Florian. Obviously he’s generated a huge following online with some of his amazing internet videos, and we believe he can help us continue to introduce the game of pool to people around the world through his incredible talent,” said APA Marketing Director Jason Bowman. Kohler will be an official spokesperson for the APA and APA Pool Leagues and will appear at each of their national championships in Las Vegas. In addition, he’ll be performing exhibitions for APA League Operators throughout the United States tablished the official rules, championships, formats and handiand Canada. cap systems for the sport of amateur billiards. “The APA is by far the top amateur pool league in the world, and one of the top organizations in the sport. I’m honored to work with such an impressive brand. I’m looking forward to helping them introduce the sport of pool to people around the globe,” said Kohler. The APA, based in Lake Saint Louis, Mo., sanctions the world’s largest amateur pool league, known as the APA Pool League throughout the United States, and as the Canadian Pool League in Canada. Nearly 260,000 members compete in weekly 8-Ball and 9 Ball league play. The APA is generally recognized as the Governing Body of Amateur Pool, having es-
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The APA produces three major tournaments each year—the APA National Team Championships, the APA National Singles Championships and the U.S. Amateur Championship—that, together, pay out nearly $1.5 Million in cash and prizes annually! In 2010, the APA National Team Championships were recognized by Guinness World Records as the “world’s largest pool tournament.” The APA and its championships are sponsored by Aramith, Action Cues and Pool Dawg. For more information on the American Poolplayers Association, please visit www.poolplayers.com.