Professor-Q-ball by Paul Frankel

Professor-Q-Ball’s

Publisher/Editor Graphic Design Photographer

Rack for December/January 2009/10 Issue 6 • Vol X www.professorqball.com

☜US Open 9-Ball

Contributing Writers Willie Jopling • Sandy Schuman Samm Diep Tom Simpson • The Monk • Bob Jewett • Darrel Martineau • Tom Ross Robert Byrne • George Rippe • Eric Yow • Conrad Burkman • Tom Rossman Marty Kaczmarowski

6-7

Mika Wins Second 9-Ball Title

Hall of Fame Inductees

8-9

SPECIAL AFFILIATIONS

Allison Fisher and Johnny Archer

Dr. Cue Classic Artistic Cup III Cue Dean-“E”TM Talent Search

18 19

☜ WPBA

APA, BCA, Viking Tour, WPBA, USBA, Joss Tour, AZBilliards.com, Southeast Tour, 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.

Kelly Fisher Tournament of Champions

Virtual Pool Review for iPhone

World Cup of Trick Shots

☜ The Rack • Mid-South PVA 9-Ball

Pool Instructional… Outside English…Tom Ross One Pocket Tips…Wllie Jopling Another First Rail Safety…Bob Byrne Is there a Big Difference between Low Deflection and Maple Shafts…The Monk Another Interesting Rail Jump…Eric Yow Rest- A special Foundation for your Game…Tom Rossman Break the Glass Ceiling…Samm Diep Forcing Your Way Around…Tom Simpson Bar Box 8-Ball…Marty Kaczmarowski DPM Universal Pocket & Carom Billiard Systems # 44… by Darrel Martineau Departments … Places to Play National Tournament Directory Tournament News Around the USA

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USBA Newsletter • 3-Cushion Olhausen Open Carom Café B & C Events Burbanks Elk Qualifier President’s Desk Cue & Cushion Fall Event Regional Qualifier Blue Note Lounge The Principles of Defense…Robert Byrne Rip’s Tips…George Rippe Upcoming USBA Tour Events Obituary • Aaron Steinberg 4 PQB December/January

Paul Frankel Gary Tate Diana Hoppe Conrad Burkman

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Liu Shasha is New Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World 9-Ball Champion! by Jerry Forsyth WPA Press Officer

he pool world has a new World Champion and she is only 16 years old. Liu Shasha of China has defeated Karen Corr of Great Britain 9-5 to claim the title and set her career in motion in grand style.

When the last day of the Kappa 2009 Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World 9-Ball Championship in Shengyang, China began there were four undefeated players all seeking the same prize. The two semi-final matches could not have been closer. First, Karen Corr defeated Fu Xiofang of China 9-8 to earn her berth n the final set. Then Liu Shasha edged her fellow Chinese citizen Pan Xiaotang by the same 9-8 margin to get her ticket punched for the honor of playing Corr in the finals. Before the final match a playoff was held between Pan Xiaotang and Xiaofang to determine our third place finisher. Pan controlled this match throughout and took that spot with a very convincing 9-1 victory. Then a crowd of over 1,000 very excited fans took their seats to watch the final battle. It appeared that Corr would walk away with the title. She was the master of the table early on and rarely gave Shasha a glimpse of daylight. At one point she led our race to nine games by the score of 5-1. Shasha was obviously nervous and off her game. But then, assuming that she had to

(top)Large crowds watched the event held in Shengyang, China (bottom) Pan Xiaotang takes third place honors

(top) Sixteen year old Liu Shasha defeats Karen Corr(left) for the World 9-Ball Title

be aggressive to have a chance at victory, she put her nerves down and began her march. She won the next game to make the score 5-2, then broke and ran five racks in a row to lead 7-5. The penultimate rack had a bit of back and forth but Shasha won that as well and then on the final break she made four balls on the snap and easily made the clearance to take her 6th break and run of the match and earn the gold! Congratulations to our youthful champion and to all of the organizers who worked so hard to make this event a grand success. Every detail was handled with care and the event ran as smoothly as any ever witnessed.

December/January PQB 5

Mika Double Dips the World at Open by Jay Halfert ika Immonen pulled off a stunning come from behind victory to win his second consecutive U.S. Open title. Following an 11-9 second round loss to Chris Bartram, Mika won fourteen matches in a row, concluding with a 13-10 victory over Ralf Souquet in the finals. Along the way he had to overcome some tough opposition and extremely difficult conditions. This was an Open filled with adversity for all the players. Tough equipment in the form of Diamond Pro Tables, serious competition with 216 world class players hailing from twenty six countries, long matches and late nights with play extending past 3 AM several times. Plus long waits between matches with nothing to do and nowhere to go. It was a long way to Q-Master Billiards and the only practice tables around. At the tournament site, practice was limited to early mornings and a few scattered minutes between rounds. And then there were the racking wars that took place on match after match. In this loser’s rack format, the players must both agree on a satisfactory rack before the next game begins. Sounds simple in formula, but not always so workable in reality. A very common theme was to observe both players head down over the rack, perusing it from every conceivable angle. They would both be pointing at real or perceived gaps between balls. With the breaker unhappy, the racker would start all over again, placing the balls in the triangle and moving them into position, tightening them up and finally removing the triangle. Now the fun would begin once again. The breaker would study the rack, using both hands held flat above the rack to block the table light. He would proceed to inspect the rack as carefully as a scientist examining a specimen under a microscope. If any flaws were found, he would call the racker back to the table to show him the problem. The debate might rage on and on for several minutes before finally an acceptable rack was agreed upon by both players. It was usually with some reluctance that the breaker finally accepted what to him was a still flawed rack. In extreme situations, one of the three tournament officials was called in to assist in providing an agreeable rack for both players. Oftentimes this only served to prolong the agony. The time spent racking the balls was often of much longer duration than the actual time spent playing the previous game. What

6 PQB December/January

Mika with his Throphy and check for $40,000, Ralf Souquet gracious in defeat finishes second, taking home $15,000 these racking wars accomplished was to extend many matches past the three hour mark and cause some very late nights for many players. Even more disconcerting was that some players who completed late night matches might be scheduled to play again at 11 AM. This may have been Shane Van Boenings undoing as he was reluctant to go to sleep at 5 AM, fearful of not being able to wake up for his early morning match. He stayed up all night and was not in top form for his match with Karl Boyes, losing badly 11-4. All this and more make the U.S. Open the toughest test in professional pool. It takes stamina, endurance and perseverance to gain this title. Lesser players fall by the wayside in the quest to be the Open champion. It could well have been the fate of Immonen as well. He was critically behind in several matches and somehow found the will to continue and a way to win. Beau Runningen had Mika down 10-8 and shooting. He lost 11-10. Scott Higgins from Great Britain had Mika behind 8-2! He lost 11-10. No less than Rodney Morris had Mika down 8-4. He lost 11-9. And Lee Van Corteza had Mika stuck 7-3 and then 8-5. Mika won the last six games in a row for an 11-8 victory. How many players could have overcome this amount of adversity and still found a way to win? I’m guessing only one in this field of 216 could have done it and he’s the Open champion again. This was Mika’s finest hour and greatest triumph in what is shaping up to be a Hall of Fame career.

2009 Results 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th/6th 5th/6th 7th/8th 7th/8th 9th/12th 9th/12th 9th/12th 9th/12th 13th/16th 13th/16th 13th/16th 13th/16th 17th/24th 17th/24th 17th/24th 17th/24th 17th/24th 17th/24th 17th/24th 17th/24th 25th/32nd 25th/32nd 25th/32nd 25th/32nd 25th/32nd 25th/32nd 25th/32nd 25th/32nd 33rd/48th 33rd/48th 33rd/48th 33rd/48th 33rd/48th 33rd/48th 33rd/48th 33rd/48th 33rd/48th 33rd/48th 33rd/48th 33rd/48th 33rd/48th 33rd/48th 33rd/48th 33rd/48th 49th/64th 49th/64th 49th/64th 49th/64th 49th/64th 49th/64th 49th/64th 49th/64th 49th/64th 49th/64th 49th/64th 49th/64th 49th/64th 49th/64th 49th/64th 49th/64th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th

Mika Immonen Ralf Souquet Donnie Mills Lee Van Corteza Rodney Morris Kim Davenport Karl Boyes Steve Moore Johnny Archer Shane Van Boening Imran Majid Chris Bartram Y. Akagariyama Charlie Williams Mike Dechaine Jose Parica Corey Deuel Demitrius Jelatis Chris Melling Marlon Manalo Earl Strickland Scott Higgins Jeremy Sossei Keith Bennett Kenichi Uchigaki Niels Feijen Beau Runningen Ramil Gallego Darren Appleton Mike Davis Roberto Gomez Tomoo Takani Omar Al-Shaheen Jason Klatt Abdulla Al-Yusef Dennis Haar Rafael Martinez Huidji See Dave Grau Michael Fuller Eric Moore Tommy Kennedy Jeremy Jones Jason Kirkwood Shawn Putnam Charlie Bryant Jonathan Pinegar Marvin Davis Erik Hjorliefson Robb Saez Vincent Facquet David Grossman Zion Zvi Thorsten Hohmann Al Lapena Warren Kiamco Mike Wong Scott Tollefson Manny Chau Gene Albrecht Ricky Yang Stan Tourangeau Tony Morrison Matt Clatterbuck Tony Crosby June Almoite David Alcaide Lee Heuwagen Meshari Alkhashan Rory Hendrikson Chad Pike Brandon Shuff Jason Robichaud Daryl Peach Stephen Folan Adam Smith Gabe Owen Thomas Giddens Randy Labonte Blair Levandowski Tony Chohan Douglas Jones Jerry Tarantola Nick Kruger

$40,000 $15,000 $10,000 $7,000 $6,000 $6,000 $5,000 $5,000 $4,000 $4,000 $4,000 $4,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $1,250 $1,250 $1,250 $1,250 $1,250 $1,250 $1,250 $1,250 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $850 $850 $850 $850 $850 $850 $850 $850 $850 $850 $850 $850 $850 $850 $850 $850 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700

Then there is Ralf Souquet, simply the best tournament player of the last fifteen years, and a sure thing for the Hall of Fame. The always stoic Souquet is the quintessential pool player; precise, calculating, unerring. He strolled through the winners bracket with eight straight victories. He was tested briefly by a member of the strong Kuwaiti contingent, Abdullah Alyousef, before prevailing 11-8. Heralded money player Chris Bartram, who earlier had defeated Immonen, took Souquet to 8-8 before losing the last three games. And in his most severe test, the relative unknown Donny Mills reached the hill first at 10-9, and then broke empty. He never returned to the table as Ralf ran out the final two racks to win 11-10. Undefeated after eight matches, Souquet waited patiently while Mills and Immonen fought to see who would play him in the finals. Donny had won seven matches in a row prior to playing Ralf for the hot seat. In so doing he became the talk of the tournament. Players like World Ten Ball champion Darren Appleton, Eurotour number one Karl Boyes and perennial favorite Rodney Morris all felt the sting of Big Donnyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cue. He trounced Appleton 11-5 and thumped the mighty Boyes 11-3. Rodney put up more of a struggle before falling 11-9. Even after losing 11-10 to Souquet, people continued to talk about the unflappable Mr. Mills. Donny is well deserving of his new found recognition. He has long labored in anonymity on the Florida and Seminole tours with hardly a blip on the national charts. He did manage a 9th place finish here last year which earned him some limited attention. But this year became his real unveiling to the greater pool world. The losers bracket final between Mika and Donny was full of twists and turns. Donny jumped ahead of Mika 7-4 (what else is new?) and appeared to be running out for an 8-4 lead when he lost the cue ball in the side pocket. Mika took full advantage of this opportunity and made one of his patented goal line spurts to reach the hill first at 10-8. An empty break brought Mills back to the table and two quick run-outs later it was tied up 10-10. For the first time in the entire tournament Donny scratched on the break. That was all Mika needed to close out the match and gain his berth in the finals. The finals seemed somehow anti-climatic after the two great see US Open page 9 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th 65th/96th

Qi Liu Nick Varner Nick Kruger Qi Liu Nick Varner Joey Korsiak Hisataka Kamihashi Ronnie Alcano Ronnie Wiseman Tom Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Alfonso Tim Colvin Tom Ford Michael Badsteubner Ryan McCreesh Majid Alezemi

$700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700 $700

December/January PQB 7

2009 Hall of Fame Inductees BCA International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo, Las Vegas

llison Fisher and Johnny Archer, the most dominant male and female pool players of the past 15 years,were elected for induction into the Billiard Congress ofAmerica (BCA) Hall of Fame in voting conducted bythe United States Billiard Media Association(USBMA). Archer, 40, and Fisher, 41, were honored atthe BCA International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo in Las Vegas, June 23, and were formally inducted into the BCA Hall of Fame on Oct. 22 during ceremonies at the Chesapeake Marriott in Virginia. Archer is a four-time world 9-ball champion and winner of 25 pro tour titles, while Fisher is a threetime world 9-ball champion and winner of 53 Women‚ Professional Billiard Association (WPBA) Classic Tour titles.

Allison Fisher “The Duchess of Doom” Fisher was born Feb. 24, 1968, in Peacehaven, Sussex, England. She began playing snooker at age seven and won her first title at 15. In a dozen years playing professional snooker, Fisher won 18 titles, including 12 world championships (four of those in doubles competition). She moved to the U.S. in September 1995 to try her hand on the WPBA Classic Tour, and promptly won two 9-ball titles in three months. Fisher won an astounding 20 Classic Tour titles in the next four years. She also won the WPA World 9-Ball Championship in 1996, 2001 and 2002. During Fisher’s reign, she earned Player of the Year honors from both Billiards Digest and Pool & Billiard Magazine 11 times in 12 years. “It’s wonderful to be recognized like this‚“ Fisher said‚ “I had a great career in snooker as well, but was never recognized for it. I’ve had a great career in 9-ball, and this is the icing on the cake. Being recognized among the greatest players is something 8 PQB December/January

that is there forever. It’s a great honor.“ To be eligible for consideration in the Greatest Player category, a player: a) must be 40 years old by January 1 of the year of their induction; b) must have a professional playing career of at least 10 years; and c) must have recorded significant achievements in U.S.- based events.

Johnny Archer “The Scorpion” Born in tiny Twin City, Ga., Nov. 12, 1968, Archer was drawn to the game by a small coin-op table in the arcade of a local Minute Mart. He began playing more frequently at a small room called‚ Chester’s‚ in nearby Matter, and it was Chester, himself, who took Archer under his wing and eventually introduced him to tournament play in 1984 at the Tennessee State Open in Chattanooga. Archer, 15 at the time, never looked back. “My parents tried to keep me in school, but they couldn’t change my mind.‚ Archer joined the pro tour full-time, but took six years before he won his first tour title, the 1991 Sands Regency Open. The following year, Archer won five titles, including the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) World 9-Ball Championship, and was named Billiards Digest Player of the Year. Archer would go on to win 12 Professional Billiard Tour (PBT) titles over the next four years, including two of his four world crowns (back-to-back PBT World 9-Ball championships in 1993 and 1994). Archer once again won the WPA World 9Ball Championship in 1996. In all, Archer has won more than 60 tournaments. He has also been a member of Team USA in

the Mosconi Cup 12 times. “This is really a great honor,‚“ said Archer. ‚“The Hall of Fame has the greatest players in the world, and to be in the same group with them is a blessing.‚“

US Open from page 7 Kim Davenport is showing remarkable improvement from his severe eye injury six years ago. He won a 11-10 thriller over business partner Johnny Archer before running out of gas and losing back to back matches to Lee Van Corteza and Rodney Morris. He finished tied for 5th, an excellent showing. Lee Van Corteza or Van Van as he is known to his countrymen, had an excellent tournament as well. He cruised through six opponents before losing to Souquet 11-7. He took out Davenport 11-6 before being eliminated by Immonen 11-8. His only losses were to the top two players this week. Van Van is a player’s player. He doesn’t care what table he is on, what time of day it is or who he is playing. He just gets up there and fires away, glad for the opportunity to do his thing. Corteza also made the shot of the tournament to win his match with Imran Majid. Following a well played safety by Majid, Van Van was staring at a long very thin cut on the nine ball or possibly a bank shot. After some time considering his options he went for the cut shot and hung the nine in the corner pocket. Wait a second! The cue ball hit the point on the side pocket and began to meander slowly back toward the nine, resting comfortably in the jaws of the pocket. Somehow SIDE NOTES: the cue ball had just enough steam to reach the nine and tap it In spite of playing winner breaks, there were dozens of hillhill matches. The argument for alternate breaks fades when you ever so gently. That was enough to knock it over the edge and into the hole for a victory 11-7 over the downcast Majid. see how many matches still go the limit.

matches that had preceeded it. There were a few early errors before Mika settled down and took a 10-7 lead. A foul by Mika brought Ralf back to the table for a run-out to make it 10-8. In the next game, Mika was running out but fell tough on the eight and had to try an eight-nine combination. He missed and Ralf cleaned up to draw within a game at 10-9. Ralf then made a break and run to tie the match, 10-10. A terrific safety battle ensued on the one ball in the next game before Mika found an opening and ran out. It was 11-10. In game twenty two Mika fouled on the two ball, giving Ralf ball in hand. Ralf was running out when he unexpectedly scratched on the seven ball. That’s all she wrote. Mika wipes up that game for a 12-10 lead and makes a ball on the break in the next game. He is left with an awkward billiard from the one to the nine which he studies for some time. Finally he takes the bridge from referee Scott Smith and lines up the shot. Perfecto! We have our 2009 U.S. Open champion - Mika Immonen! Mika has now made the finals in his last nine tournaments! An astonishing record of success.

December/January PQB 9

Outside English by Tom Ross Contributing Writer

arly in our pool educations we learn to pocket a ball as shown in the diagram’s Shot A. Here we see a ghost cue ball frozen to the striped object ball so that the line of centers, the solid line, goes directly to the center of the pocket. And we learn that making a shot depends entirely on meeting up with an object ball in that fashion. Many books teach this method, and a few companies sell high-tech devices that help us learn it. One small problem with the idea is that, stated simply, it is mostly false. In a nutshell, making contact on the solid line only works to pocket straight-in shots—that is, in the absence of left or right-hand english. And since most instructors, regardless of experience, encourage students to avoid english early on, too many beginners suffer needlessly with missed shots. For shots that are not dead, straight-in, the vast majority of pool shots in other words, the cut angle demands a different contact point on the object ball, depending mostly on the direction from which the cue ball travels. In Shot A, if the cue ball came from the X and hit the striped ball on the solid line, unavoidable friction would come into play, enough perhaps to move the object ball past the pocket to the X on the side rail. Likewise, the same, solid-line contact point on the striped ball, with a cue ball coming from Y with no english, would move the object ball past the pocket to the left and toward the Y on the top rail. Another way of stating the phenomenon is that, when we cut a ball with no english on the cue ball, we must cut it thinner than the conventional method dictates. We see that illustrated in Shot B, where to pocket the striped ball with no english, you would have to hit the object ball as shown, with the line of centers moving 10 PQB December/January

away from the pocket. Over cutting the object ball as shown allows the friction between the two balls to move the object ball to the left and into the pocket. Many pool players do not want to know about different contact points and instead nurture a false belief that grows from adhering to the picture we see in Shot A with the solid line for any shot at any angle. How can a player believe something that can easily be proven false and still make balls? One popular answer is to introduce outside english, or english away from the direction of the cut. We know that left-hand english throws an object ball to the right and right-hand english throws an object ball to the left. So, picture a cue ball in Shot A coming from X, with right-hand english, and making contact with the striped ball on the solid line of centers. The right-hand (outside) english throws the stripe left while the friction from contact pushes it toward the right. In some cases the two forces offset each other equally to make the conventional picture work to pocket the ball. Because it can make a false belief work, outside english exerts a strong hold on many players early and can make some of us afraid to shoot a shot without it.

Not only do I understand how offsetting the influence of friction on the object ball can make pocketing balls seem easier, I tend to apply outside english on many cut shots in order to “help” them to the pocket. However, becoming addicted to its use for all cut shots can be dangerous as shown in Shot C. Here we have a simple cut on the first solid ball into the bottom left corner with natural position for the second solid ball into the bottom right corner. Players who must use outside english to pocket balls face a very touchy problem with this shot, especially on a table that plays a little fast. Because of the slight cut angle, the cue ball will bounce off of the object ball with controllable speed, making a short bounce from the side rail easy enough for a good shot on the next solid. However, the almost full hit on the object ball helps the cue ball retain more spin. So, when the cue ball hits that rail with more right-hand english than anticipated, even at a slow speed, that outside spin can easily make the cue ball spring off the cushion and take off up table, well past the next shot as shown with the dotted line. Even though outside english can seem to make shot making easier or at least more reliable, it comes with some complexity that we must learn to manage. We should also keep in mind that, while it does work to counteract the shot’s friction, it still demands a precise hit on the object ball as well as the ability to predict its effect on the shot and then compensate for that effect. What we must do is learn to pocket balls at all cut angles with all possible cue-ball hits to make the shots and play position in any situation. We must not let a stubborn belief lead to an english addiction that controls our game.

December/January PQB 11

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One Pocket Tips by Willie Jopling Contributing Writer

ere are a couple of one-pocket tips when the situations illustrated in this diagram come up. Pocket A is your pocket and two balls are spotted. The cueball is on your side of the table. You would like to bank the 2 ball in or towards your pocket A, but you would also be safe if you miss. Here is my rule. If the cue ball is below the balls like cue ball A. Then use top inside English. If the cue ball is straight across from the balls like cue ball B, use center ball or a little bottom. Hit both of these shots just hard enough to bank the 1 ball. The results of the hit with cue ball A, will be as illustrated. The 1 ball will bank to your side of the table and the cue ball will go to the head rail and back up on your opponent’s side. Then try the bank with cue ball B, using a little bottom English. I think you will like the results.

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Another Rail First Safety by Robert Byrne From “Byrne’s Complete Book of Pool Shots” with permission

he game is nine-ball. It is extremely difficult to make the 6-ball and get shape on the 7-ball at the other end of the table. Something to consider in the given position is a rail-first safety. A thin hit on the 6-ball will move it toward the center of the left end rail and send the cueball three of four rails to the right end rail.

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Is there a Big Difference between Low Deflection and Maple Shafts? by “The Monk” Contributing Writer • www.monkbilliardacademy.net

have found that with the low deflecAt a tournament in Aukland New tion shaft I am able to pocket balls Zealand he handed me a cue and asked better. In other words, I get away me to try out. I have been using it ever with some mistakes. I miss the shot and it since. He told me the secret is in the still goes in the pocket. joint and in the selection of the maple One time while I was practicing at my shaft. local pool hall I decided to check how I had him make me twenty more cues much damage a missed shot cost me. Was sort of like this one and I now have three Mastery of the four strokes, Cue Ball I losing game because of a missed shot or left. I know that a good cue maker can be Speed and you need to Master self. If you was it because of missed position? In the difference between winning and have not mastered those four stages it twelve racks I missed nine shots. I ran losing. Don’t listen to the guy who says a does not matter what kind of shaft you three racks. In seven have. of the nine missed No one has really The maple shaft does not allow you to get away with a bad shot, shots, I would have found the ultimate but it does give you a better feel… run the rack had I secret in cue making. It not missed. My conmay have something to clusion was that had do with our spiritual In not missed those shots I would have good player can play with any kind of cue. nature. I shot with one of my students run nine racks. Your equipment means everything. cues and it was the worse cue I ever shot

Definition of a Missed Shot A shot you know you can make and yet you watch it jaw in the pocket and remain on the table. Based upon this article you would think I now shoot with a low deflection shaft. I do not, I use a maple shaft. The reason is because my ultimate cue does not come with a low defection shaft but it still shoots great so I won’t rock the boat and change. My cue maker is from the Philippines.

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Make sure you have the tip on your cue that works for your kind of game. My game is to play position so I focus on Cue Ball Speed. My cue tip needs to be a medium so I can feel the amount of spin I put on the cue ball. The maple shaft does not allow you to get away with a bad shot, but it does give you a better feel for how much spin you are using, thus your position play improves with a good maple shaft. There are four dynamics you must master in this game and a good cue will help you. You need; Shot making,

with. She told me that when she picked it up she fell in love with it and just had to have it. Then she ran four racks and out on me. What works for one does not always work for another. •••

For the l atest E vent N ews www. pr ofessor qbal l . com

An Interesting Rail Jump by Eric “The Preacher” Yow! WPA Masse World Champion

n this issue I want to describe for you an interesting jump shot that I discovered recently while playing around with my Eric Yow Jump Cue ( online at www.JOERACKEM.com). One thing I love about the game of pool is that it is always advancing in so many ways. Technological advancements continue to improve the equipment we use, the tables we play on, and the tools we utilize. Also, as your abilities improve throughout your progress, you are able to learn new strategies, different shots, and different strokes that perhaps you didn’t know were possible. In artistic pool, we ‘create’ shots that others might have thought impossible or unlikely at best, then perform them for a live audience. Some of these fantastic shots can be reduced to simple principles applicable to regular gameplay. The big masse shots I shoot with the Eric Yow Masse Cue aren’t likely to come up in a game, but the simpler versions certainly will. If you practice them, you will be glad you have the masse cue and the ability to make the shot, when it comes up. The shot I wish to teach you today is a shot that could easily For more information on Eric Yow! Cues, yow@ericyow.com or visit Joe Nielsen’s Billiards at www.JOERACKEM.com. come up in a game and is makeable with a few adjustments to fine tune your aim. Here, we are combining a kick shot with a jump shot. However, the physics involved is so much more complex than the mere geometry a novice pool player might consider. The cue ball is placed so that there is little room to effect a jump shot over the obstructing wall. While the Eric Yow Jump Cue can jump a ball from as close as 1 millimeter away, most jump cues cannot, and it is not a practical shot when you want to get distance like we do here. So, the answer to the riddle is to jump off of the long rail in such a way as to send the cue ball with a kick shot traveling all the way down table to the far corner to pocket a ball. What you must do first is find your aim point. However, it is not the same aim point as an ordinary kick shot because the cue ball is in flight at the point that it strikes the rail. So, you need practice to gauge the height at the point of impact. Practice with the exact same set up and the same elevation, perhaps a 45 degree dart stroke. I place the cue ball one ball from the rail. Use a center ball hit and strike with medium-soft power (or medium if you use a less effective jump cue). With a full cue, use a touch of follow or more elevation. Practice hitting the rail just below the equator of the cue ball. You’ll also find you can use draw to curve around more objects on the table! For more on the Eric Yow Jump Cue visit www.JOERACKEM.com or email me at yow@ericyow.com.

December/January PQB 17

Champions Crowned at Dr. Cue Classic Artistic Cup III

ick “Quick Nick” Nikolaidis raced to the “artistic” victory circle on November 20, 21, and 22, 2009 at The Bank Shot Bar & Grill in Laurel, MD. Nick displayed burning focus, poise, and brilliant skill shot execution in the process. Ray Hansen of Cue and A Promotions did a live stream at the event, which was the 1st time an “artistic pool” event has ever been covered online. You may view all round play, the awards ceremony, and Cue-Dean-“E” at: www.ustream.tv/channel/drcue2009. A determined group of 27 Artistic Pool Playing Artists came from every corner of the US, Canada, and France to participate in the “sport and show” arena of the Dr. Cue Classic “Artistic” Cup III. This signature event of the Dr. Cue Classic Artistic Pool “Sport & Show” Tour showcased some of the greatest pro players under the APTSA umbrella and top amateur players from several league tour stops held in 2009 at respective National and / or International events of the BCAPL, VNEA, ACS, and APA, plus several “at large” entries. Pros and amateurs played side by side in special 3 person – player groupings with 7 foot tables and high percentage make rate shots creating an equalizer effect for all competitors. Over $15,000 in guaranteed payout values and a rather large player / audience prize fund produced player and fan friendly opportunities in a reunion style billiard atmosphere. The APPA (Artistic Pool Playing Artists) crusader force showcased a “class” act of billiard skills from each of the 8 magnetic disciplines of “artistic pool” – 1) Trick / Fancy Shots, 2) Prop, Novelty, and Special Arts, 3) Draw Shots, 4) Follow Shots, 5) Bank / Kick Shots, 6) Stroke Shots, 7) Jump Shots, and 8) Masse Shots. When the challenge of 40 “classic” preliminary shots and playoff shootout matches were over, there would be an Overall event champion, 8 Discipline champions, and 2 Sportsmanship recipients (see below). Below is a brief recap of the event. For a complete result, please visit www.artisticpool.org. Place

Player / Nickname / Home Base

Nick “Quick Nick” Nikolaidis (Canada) 203

Jamey “The Sharpshooter” Gray (CT)

195

Andy “Magic Man” Segal (NY)

222

1900+ Cup

Mark “Dr. Popper” Dimick (OK)

187

1500 + Cup

Steve “Steller” Geller (ND)

193

1200

Jeremiah “Daddy-O” Owens (IL)

186

900

Chris “Juggler 314” Kelly (NY)

186

600.00

Chris “Tricky Shot” Woodrum (VA)

179

400.00

9 Steve “Leapin Preacher” Lillis (NJ)

189

250

Jamie “Bayou Bullet” Moody (TX)

186

250

Charles “Spitball Charlie” Darling (MO) 184

250

Points

Prize $3000 + Cup 2400 + Cup

Donald “Douge” Helbig (MD) 184 250 Payout Note: All 27 players were paid a minimum of $100 for completion of the program. Note: Event tiebreaker rules used to break same scores in preliminary rounds. Playoff Shootout Matches: 1st Round — Chris Kelly, Chris Woodrum, Mark Dimick, and Jeremiah Owens defeated Jamie Moody,

18 PQB December/January

Winner Quick Nick left, Tope four finishers with Dr & Mrs Cue. Steve Lillis, Donald Helbig, and Charles Darling in respective matches. Andy Segal, Jamey Gray, Mark Dimick, and Nick Nikolaidis defeated Chris Kelly, Chris Woodrum, Steve Geller, and Jeremiah Owens in Round 2 matches. Round 3 revealed Jamey Gray over Andy Segal and Nick Nikolaidis over Mark Dimick. Nick Nikolaidis continued his winning way as he defeated Jamey Gray in the final match. Discipline Champions Trick and/or Fancy Shots Dainius Stipinas30 out of 30 points Prop/Novelty/Special ArtsAndy Segal 28 out of 30 points Draw Shots Donald Helbig 30 out of 30 points Follow Shots Mark Dimick 30 out of 30 points Bank/Kick Shots Steve Markle 30 out of 30 points Stroke Shots Bill Meima 29 out of 30 points Jump Shots Chris Woodrum 30 out of 30 points Masse Shots Andy Segal 29 out of 30 points Note: Discipline champions received $50 each, plus a special victory medal award. Sportmanship Recipient Awards By vote of players: Rodney “Preacher” Fontaine By vote of directors: Jeremiah “Daddy-O” Owens Note: Sportsmanship recipients each received a special victory medal award & select prize. Results compiled / verified by… Tom “Dr. Cue” and Marty “Ms. Cue” Rossman November 24, 2009 Dr. Cue Classic Artistic Pool Tour / Event Directors

Cue Dean-“E”TM Talent Search Star Performers Crowned

ason “The Michigan Kid” Lynch becomes next Table Trotter of Pool One of the most unique events ever to take place in the billiard industry occurred November 21, 2009 at The Bank Shot Bar & Grill in Laurel, MD. In Search of Cue-Dean“E”TM was done in association with the Dr. Cue Classic Artistic Cup III, APPA (Artistic Pool Playing Artists), and The Foundation of R.A.C.K. This was the 1st time an “artistic pool” event has ever been streamed – Cue & A Promotions Ray Hansen, aka, “Big Truck” traveled from Texas to film each act of this amazing “show” entertainment concept, as well as each Artistic Pool “sport” round from the Dr. Cue Classic Artistic Cup III from 11/20 to 11/22. View all performer acts and Cup III event at: www.ustream.tv/channel/drcue2009 After 5 months of online and mail-in auditions from around the world the “FINAL 8” performers took stage once again to “showcase their specialty talents”. A random draw determined the Round 1 order of performances below. 3 primary judges (Paul Danno, Susan Shinn, and Steve Lillis) and 3 audience response judges (Maggie Mullins, Dainius Stipinas, and Gina Sharetts) reviewed each audition and awarded points on a 7-10 scale. Steve “Steller” Geller (ND) – “Steller” Singing Attachment to Select Billiard Shots Florian “Venom” Kohler (France) – Awesome Billiard Shot Creations – European Style Paul “Professor-Q-Ball” Frankel (TN) – Magic Moment Presentation with “Mousetrap” Prop Bill “The Mynah Bird” Meima (NJ) – Comedy Around Table Like You Have Never Seen Peyton “Almost Famous” Thomas (NY) – Specialty Improvisation with International Flair Charles “Spitball Charlie” Darling (MO) – Mark Twain Improvisation with “Spitball” Shots Rick “The Barber” Hawkinson (IN) – “One of a Kind” Table Antics in Blues Brothers Style Jason “The Michigan Kid” Lynch (MI) – Unique Table Presentation with “Twist of Humor” Round 1 Scores (7 minute maximum audition with 6 judges): Bill Meima (59), Jason Lynch (55), Rick Hawkinson (54), Florian Kohler (54), Paul Frankel (53), Charles Darling (53), Steve Geller (51), Peyton Thomas (48) – Top 4 move to second round! Round 2 Scores (5 minute maximum audition with 3 judges): Jason Lynch (29), Rick Hawkinson (27), Florian Kohler (25), Bill Meima (25) – Top 2 move to final round! Round 3 Scores (2 minute maximum answer with 2 judges) : Jason Lynch (10) and top, Ray Hanson & Dr Cue doing live stream of event. Rick Hawkinson (9) – Both finalists gave wonderful “heartfelt” answers as evimiddle, Winner, Jason Lynch denced by all in attendance and the final judging scores. bottom, Overall Winners Note: Final Score (R2 + R3 Scores) – Jason Lynch (39) and Rick Hawkinson (36) Questions Used for Top 2 Finalists: Rick – “What do you suggest to the youth of our sport for developing their interest in artistic pool?” Jason – “What does “trick shots and so much more” mean to you or as referenced to artistic pool?” Select Cues / Prizes / Monetary Values to Talent Performers: Over $15,000 in prize fund value, including a McDermott Table Trotter Cue and Custom Case from Frank’s Center for 1st and a McDermott Table Trotter Cue for 2nd. Beautiful Cue-Dean-“E”TM plaque, APPA decal, and award certificate for each position of finish were awarded. A special thanks to all players, fans, & stream/event sponsors for the Cup III event and the Cue-Dean-“E”TM Talent Search! Event Note: This was done in honor in honor and memory of Dr. Cue’S special friend for over 38 years – David Dean Edwards. Dave passed away several years ag from brain cance He loved the Cue Dean-“E”TM moniker and Dr. Cue’S magnetic“table trotter” style of “E”ntertainment, “E”ducation, and “E”nergy around the pool table. Dave and “Dr. Cue” had the same middle name Dean”. Special Note: Anyone wanting to contribute to brain cancer research on behalf of Dave or others stricken with this diseasemay do so by contacting Dr. Cue – drcue@artisticpool.org or by calling 765.760.7665 Event Promoters: Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman (Original “Table Trotter” of Pool) Marty “Ms. Cue” Rossman (Gets “Dr. Cue” to Table on Time) December/January PQB 19

Rest… A Special Foundation for Your Game by Tom Rossman • drcue@artisticpool.org Contributing Writer

here is a unique type of “busy-ness” that goes with our “Dr. Cue” and “Ms Cue” on the road business, such as, laying out the routing schedule, planning each logistical detail, packing unpacking and repacking, performing, teaching, doing challenge matches, driving, eating, sleeping, breathing and on and on and on. I have told many people that I get plenty of “rest” in my “down the road” position in the passenger seat. While Marty drives nearly 90% of the time I take short naps during a journey, convinced that I am resting. “Rest”,ah, yes! Such a beautiful word, “rest”. Upon a recent tour visit to Maryland, Marty and I visited some of our friends we had been staying with for over 20 years, whenever we were doing shows in that part of the country. During this current stopover, we discovered the real meaning of the wonderful and refreshing “gift of rest”. Adequate sleep, eating properly, watching TV, catching up on some lagging business projects, but in a more leisure agenda, and enjoying of other “restful” amenities right in our back door, so to speak, all became a healing formula for a new focus, renewed vigor to our work and lives together. A coupling with daily spiritual nourishment in prayer, reading, and meditation made for a complete and wholelistic

20 PQB December/January

feeling of oneness within our minds, bodies, and spirits. I knew that God must have surely created a miraculous special time in our schedule, to allow this to happen. In light of this much-needed education for what “rest” is really all about, I propose to each of you, try it, you’ll like it. In over 35 years of teaching players of all skills, I have found a “common thread” among most. That binding agent deals with focus” or lack of it. Most players lose enhanced concentration very easily, are sidetracked from their assigned duties in a specific match and seem to wander aimlessly from shot to shot on occasion for some illusive reason. I am now convinced that proper “rest” is the key to finding your mental and physical focus…with a renewed “zest in spirit” for playing. In your regimen of sequential practice, competitive play , and/or the “busy-ness” of your daily activities take time to “rest”. That is a precious “gift”. I pray each of you experience “rest” in a very special way. Your vision for the game will be much keener, your decisions will be much wiser and your skills will improve more quickly. Enjoy this special foundation for your game and life, my friends… REST!

Break the Glass Ceiling! by Samm Diep Contributing Writer • blog.SammsPocket.com • House Pro at Table Steaks East in Aurora,CO

he term “glass ceiling” most commonly refers to situations where advancement is stopped at a lower level due to some form of discrimination. In the case of this article, we often times hold ourselves back from advancing because we’re stuck in a place where we have been for so long. We want to improve but we hold ourselves back. We lose to players that we look up to. We tell ourselves, “I’ve never beaten him before. He’s better than me.” In turn, we are the ones discriminating against ourselves and our own abilities.

As we improve, we may leave some of our peers behind. We will also inevitably face players that were at one point better than us. By now, we may be pretty even with them or in some cases even better than them. Regardless of how much we admire their game, we can’t lose sight of our own abilities. Remembering how great they are and how much we idolize them only reinforces that glass ceiling. The truth is: we might be able to beat them but if we still look at ourselves as that timid beginner player, then we stand no chance.

that you’ve become. Keep practicing, keep competing, and keep breaking through.

Please be sure to visit www.pooltipjar.com You can take polls, view article archives, and read tournament and training updates. Samm Diep, “Cherry Bomb” House Pro at Table Steaks East in Aurora, Colorado Author of “You Might Be A D Player If… (101 Classic Moves That All Pool Players Can Appreciate)” www.SammsPocket.com Pooltipjar.com

The only way to break through the invisible barrier we’ve created is to compete, compete, and then compete some more. Hiding out in your basement for two years shooting nothing but drills might give you the knowledge and skills, but it will not give you that competitive edge and tournament toughness required to beat your hero. How well competition pressure is handled is what separates the ball-bangers from the masters. The first couple times we play the local champ, we get our butts handed to us. We go back and practice. The next time, maybe we make some really nice runs but miss the money ball. We go back and practice that shot. In the next tournament, we run a few more racks but still lose. We go back and work on our break shot. Until, eventually, we finally beat them. If we continue the hard work, the day will come. We may not beat them again the next time after that, but we now know they’re beatable. They all are. Congratulations, you’ve just taken the first step towards breaking the glass ceiling. Glass ceilings can be set by us, our peers, our family, or any of those random thoughts that creep into our subconscious. We’ll never break through if we don’t believe in ourselves and accept our own improvements. It’s not who you were, it’s the player December/January PQB 21

Kelly Fisher Wins the 2009 Tournament of Champions Title

feel like I just won an Olympic Gold Medal,” said an elated Kelly Fisher moments after capturing the 2009 Mohegan Sun International Tournament of Champions title. The spirited $20,000 winner-take-all event was held at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, October 28. Fisher, originally from England and the 2008 Player of the year, defeated China’s Xiaoting Pan, the 2007 World 9Ball Champion, 4-3 and 4-2 in the final match and was crowned the Women’s “Champion of Champions.” The two semifinals and the Championship match were taped for broadcast by ESPN beginning Dec. 27. “We may look cool out there, but the pressure is just incredible,” said Fisher “You have to play your heart out when every player is a champion. One or two errors and you lose $20,000! Your emotions are just wild during the entire tournament.” Nonetheless, of the four international champions precise run outs and fierce safety play. Fisher narrowly won the in the event, Fisher fought her way to the title. She defeated first set 4-3, then took the first two games of set two. But Pan Monica Webb, the 2008 WPBA Nationals Champion, in the rallied the next two games to tie the score at 2-2. Known for semifinal 4-0 and 4-3. The semi and final matches require a player to win two sets, race to four games each set. In the event her shotmaking, Fisher quickly ran the next two racks to close out the Championship match. of a tie, the pressure becomes brutal with a one game sudden The crowd gave Fisher a standing death tiebreaker. “We may look cool out there, but the pressure ovation when she won the final The other semifinal also is just incredible,” match. She raised his arms in brought cheers from the crowd.

Xiaoting Pan and legendary Allison Fisher , the 2009 BCA Hall of Fame inductee, split sets 4-3 and 4-3. The tie led to a hair-raising one rack sudden death shootout. Pan won the leg and the break, and after trading safeties,she ran the table to take the match. Kelly Fisher’s final match against Xoiating Pan was neck-and-neck, featuring

22 PQB December/January

victory and then accepted the highest single winner’s purse in Women’s pool of $20,000. The trophy and the check were presented by Mohegan Sun and Fusion Billiard Tables. The event was the Twelfth Annual International Tournament of Champions. Bob Yalen, Director of Sports & Entertainment for Mohegan Sun, was delighted with the brilliant play and the crowd of pool fans. “We will continue to host this event,” he said. “The crowds appreciate watching champions go head-to-head, and the players were a credit to the sport. We are extremely pleased.” The event was sponsored by Fusion Billiard Tables, Aramith Tournament Billiard Balls, Simonis Cloth, Mueller Recreational Products, Executive Billiards Delta-13 Rack and Silver Cup Chalk. The WPBA sanctioned event was produced by Billiards International, Ltd.

www.USBA.net USBA Officers President Bob Jewett 1000 Kiely Blvd Apt 86, Santa Clara, CA 95051 408-615-7479 president@usba.net

Secretary/Treasurer Jim Shovak 58 Hawthorne Avenue East Islip, NY 11730 516-238-6193 jimshovak@usba.net

Eastern Region Directors Mazin Shooni 2006 USA Champion 135 Broad Street Unit # 3A5, Hudson, MA, 01749 cell phone: 248-910-4466 work phone: 603 623 5330 mazinshooni@yahoo.com Henry Ugartechea 3795 NW 5 Terr Boca Raton, FL 33431 561-929-8100 henryugartechea@comcast.net Charles Brown cbrown54@speakeasy.net

Central Region DirectorsGeorge Theobald 1N260 Prince Crossing Rd. West Chicago, Illinois 60185 (630) 231-9444 gtheobald4@comcast.net Bill Johnson 734-368-3315 williamharryjohnson@gmail.com George Ashby 8X USA Champion 206 E. State Street Jacksonville, IL 62650 217-440-0069 pooltabledoctor2@verizon.net

Western Region Directors George Aronek 19120 Nordhoff St. Northridge, California 91324-3654 AGQcase@aol.com Ken Higgins 19342 47TH Ave NE. Seattle, Washington 98155-2954 206-355-5498 ken.higgins@hushmail.com Bruce Warner (310)738-5429 bw-@ix.netcom.com

Pedro Tops the Field at the Olhausen Open by Steve Andersen with help from the dictator (KS)

n Michigan, they say if you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes. But after 3 days it was still either raining or getting cold enough to snow at The Olhausen 3C Open on October 9-11 in Wyoming, Mi. Regardless of the weather outside, the who’s who of 3 cushion billiard players were warming things up inside. Mehmet Goren and Erdem Kilicoglu, countrymen from Turkey, made the trek and showed everyone why Turkish players are so hard to beat. The tournament was held at an private club called The Carom Club which is located in a suburb of Grand Rapids. The event was played on four heated Olhausen tables with new Simonis cloth and Aramith Pro Cup balls. Olhausen donated a beautiful heated table to swell the prize fund to over $11,000. The tournament weekend started on Thursday with George Ashby sharing systems and shot selections during an information-filled workshop from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Copious notes were taken as George interacted with the group. I could out their names but I don’t want to stifle their action at their respective rooms. One of them was a B players who will go nameless (Gilbert Najm) and made it to the final 8 to tangle with the A players. With 28 players, there were 4 flights of 7 players, with the top ranked players seeded into each flight. With so much deep talent, there were no easy flights. Jim Shovak, the scheduled tournament director was grounded in New York because of wind shear. I felt bad for his situation until I heard his wife in the background audibly say “YES!” as the champagne cork popped. Our new soon-to-be fearless leader, Dennis Dieck-

Pedro, Mazin and Sonny man took the reins in Jim’s absence. Steve Elzinga ran the live-stream all 3 days and did an excellent job. He received so many compliments on the crystal clear picture with very few hiccups. For a 3C event, the viewership was high with an average of well over 200 viewers at any given time. Helping Steve during the event was Curly Christiansen from Curly Cues. Many of the players helped with commentary during the feed which added some diverse perspectives. It was an exciting walk down Memory Lane, with six US Champions at the tables and two famous players from the past in the audience as Pedro Piedrabuena rose above the 28-player field to win the Olhausen Open Tournament at the Carom Club in Wyoming, Michigan. Photos and newspapers from years ago made the rounds as the Carom Club provided warm hospitality to ward off the cold northern Michigan air. It was a treat to meet the old timers and watch the current players. Spectators were treated to some fierce play from US Champions Hugo Patiño, Pedro Piedrabuena, Mazin Shooni, Sonny Cho, Carlos Hallon and George Ashby; while two venerable old-timers looked on: ‘71 US Open Champion Bob Ameen and Bob Letherby. The tables proved a challenge at times, but the players rose to the occasion. With the level set so high, spectators hardly knew which match to watch. There was Adrian see Pedro 31

December/January PQB 27

Frank Kerastos & Billy Kim Win at Carom Café B & C Events

n November 6-8, Carom Café in Flushing, NY hosted a USBA Tour Event that featured a separate “B” and “C” Tournament held simultaneously. There were full fields for both events, 49 players for the “B” tournament and 24 players for the “C” event, 73 players in all which resulted in 28 new or renewed USBA Memberships. “B” Tournament Format: 7 groups of 7 players each to 20 points. The top 2 in each group advanced to the next round plus one auction winner and one lottery winner for a total of 16 players. Then the 16 players were divided into 4 groups of 4 players each to 25 points. The first place finishers of each of the 4 groups would then play single elimination matches to determine 1st through 4th place overall. The 2nd place finishers of each of the 4 groups would then play single elimination matches to determine 5th through 8th place overall. The 3rd place finishers of each group did not play again and had a final placement of 9th through 12th. The 4th place finishers of each group did not play again and had a final placement of 13th through 16th. “C” Tournament Format: 4 groups of 6 players each to 15 points. The top 2 in each group advanced to the next round plus one auction winner and one lottery winner for a total of 10 players. Then the 10 players were divided into 2 groups of 5 players each to 20 points. The first place finishers of each of the 2 groups would then play single elimination matches to determine 1st through 2nd place overall. The 2nd place finishers of each of the 2 groups would then play single elimination matches to determine 3rd through 4th place overall. The 3rd place finishers of each group did not play again and had a final placement of 5th through 6th. The 4th place finishers of each group did not play again and had a final placement of 7th through 8th. The 5th place finishers of each group did not play again and had a final placement of 9th through 10th. The “B” semifinalists were divided into 4 groups with 4 players each. From these groups, Ramirez, Kerastos, Lee and Yoon won their semifinal groups. Lee, Cristiano, Park and Shin finished 2nd in their semifinal groups. Kerastos defeated Lee and Ramirez defeated Yoon to set up the final match between Kerastos and Ramirez. Kerastos won the final match 25-18 averaging .962 in the final match. The “C” semifinalists were divided into 2 groups with 5 players each. From these groups, Sanchez and Kim finished 1st in their groups and Padios and Park finished 2nd in their groups. Padios (3rd place) defeated Park (4th place) 20-16 and Kim (1st place) defeated Sanchez (2nd place) 20-10. 28 PQB December/January

Douglas Lee (3rd), Frank Kerastos (1st) & Nayiv Ramirez (2nd)

George Padios (3rd), Ademil Sanchez (2nd) & Billy Kim (1st) “B” Tournament Prize Payouts: *The top 4 finishers also each have $250 towards any USBA Open Tournament within the next 12 months. 1) Frank Kerastos $ 2,240 2) Nayiv Ramirez $ 1,740 3) Douglas Lee $ 1,340 4) Hyuk Yoon $ 1,040 5) John Cristiano $ 890 6) Sun Shin $ 840 7) Jun Park $ 740 8) Ira Lee $ 690 9) John Kim $ 490 10) Drew Dangelmayer $ 490 11) Adolfo Alzate $ 490 12) Jim Shovak $ 490 13) Kalu Gaviria $ 240 14) Richard Vitzthum $ 240 15) Christian Portilla $ 240 16) Han Jun Shin $ 240 “C” Tournament Prize Payouts: *The top 4 finishers also each have $150 towards any USBA “B” or Open Tournament within the next 12 months. 1) Billy Kim $ 925 2) Ademil Sanchez $ 690 3) George Padios $ 540 4) Ester Park $ 440 5) Herman Nie $ 290 6) Seong Sil Park $ 290 7) Rodrigo Gonzalez $ 240 8) Merrill Hughes $ 240 9) Nick Bonavita $ 190 10) Carlos Castillo $ 190

Bruce Warner Wins Burbank Elks Qualifier

n keeping with its long-standing tradition, the Burbank Elks held its Regional Qualifier Tournament on November 6-7, 2009. The tournament was played on five heated Verhoeven tables. Tournament Directors were George Aronek and Bruce Warner. The eight entrants, from California, Colorado and Nevada, were Khalil Diab, Gary Cohen, Peter Banyai, Pete Folsom, Raye Raskin, Jerry Karsh, Bruce Warner and Don Schall. The tournament was played as a round robin among all the players, with each match being played to 40 points. Tie breakers after won-lost were total points and head-to-head, in that order. Going into the seventh and last round of play, Bruce Warner was the only player with one loss, while three other players had two losses—Gary Cohen, Peter Banyai and Raye Raskin. Peter Banyai defeated Raye Raskin in their final round robin match. Gary Cohen defeated Khalil Diab in their final round match, and in the process Gary ran 10, the high run for the tournament. Because of the tie-break rules and the fact that Gary and Peter Banyai had won their final matches, unless Bruce defeated Pete Folsom in their final round match, Bruce, Peter Banyai and Gary would each have two losses, but Gary Cohen would win the tournament with the most total points. But it was not to be. Bruce Warner won his match with Pete Folsom to become the tournament champion.

The 2010 USBA National Championship Tournament will be held at the Elks Lodge in Tacoma, WA. Expected dates are February 17-21, 2010. More details will be forthcoming.

Official USBA Candidates Selected Below is a list of all the official candidates for office. All current USBA Members will receive mail-in ballots by October 1st. You will also be able to cast your vote(s) online through the USBA website on October 1st. Details will follow soon. Voting will end on December 31st. I have placed the candidates’ names in alphabetical order within their region. Northeast Region: Merrill Hughes (New York) Mazin Shooni (Mass.) Southeast Region: Henry Ugartechea (Florida) Mid-America Region: Steve Andersen (Michigan) Juan Elizalde Sauz (Texas) Bill Johnson (Michigan) Felipe Razon (Illinois) Southwest Region:

Aaron Steinberg Passes Away

Gilbert Najm (California) Mike Walo (California) Bruce Warner (California) Northwest Region: Darrel Stutesman (Wash.) Secretary/Treasurer: Jim Shovak (New York) President: Dennis Dieckman (Michigan)

• 10/29/09

Aaron Steinberg of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was a good friend of Bill Maloney’s and a long-time competitor in 3-Cushion events. He was also a finalist in the 2006 National Championship. He will be sorely missed.

President’s Column Watching the Greats When was the last time you saw top players in person? The experience you get by actually attending a major championship is well worth the time and effort. The recent World 3-Cushion Championship was a good example of an event not to be missed. Lausanne, Switzerland, is a fairly long trip for US fans, but a stop-over in London or Paris can be added to the flight at little extra cost for some great additional sightseeing. Lausanne itself has mountains, a lake and the Olympic Museum and lots of other attractions. The Lausanne organizing committee took care of every detail. The lobby of the tournament site was set up with a “billiard village” including tables for all varieties of cue sports for the visitors to try for free. This included snooker, 5-pin billiards, pool, regular carom and a 5-foot-long minicarom table. Great meals at reasonable prices were provided in the “village,” and there were free shuttles between the hotels and the tournament. Traditional Swiss alpenhorn serenades enhanced the final day of matches. A real highlight for me was watching a semifinal match between two former world champions while sitting next to two other former world champions who were discussing the game. It’s hard to get candid insights like that from a DVD. The next major tournament in the US will be the US Nationals in Tacoma in February. The Elks’ Club always makes visitors feel welcome. For a little longer trip, you should consider the Crystal Kelly Invitational in Nice, France in June or the 2010 World Championships in the Netherlands next October. For dates and other info, visit the USBA website. Take time to build memories. December/January PQB 29

Cue & Cushion’s Fall 3-Cushion Billiard USBA Event

ue and Cushion saw its own Mazin Shooni capture first place during its Fall 3-Cushion Billiard USBA Event Nov. 13 to 15. New York’s Sonny Cho nabbed second place, with the one-armed Erdem Kilicoglu of Turkey placing third. Thirteen players competed roundrobin style in two groups, with three from each flight advancing to the finals for another round-robin competition. The games were sponsored by David Levine and Jim Shovak of New York, and Cue & Cushion. Cues donated by Professor Q-Ball and Cue and Cushion were won by local residents. Flight A: Saw Sonny Cho go undefeated. Tim King of Hooksett showed off some fine playing, dropping only one game to Cho. Jamil Isreal and Rick Kirk both came all the way from Michigan to finish third and seventh respectively. Dan Kolacz of New York, who brought along his new baby, went three and three. Ben Parker of Massachusetts had two wins - against Kirk and Shovak, who didn’t play up to his usual standards and had one win against Kirk. In the end, it was Cho, King and Isreal who advanced to the finals. Flight B: Saw Kilicoglu and Shooni both drop a game, with Kilicoglu upsetting Shooni 25-20. Ellis Lawrence proved a force to be reckoned with, edging out Dru Dangelmayer of Hooksett to advance to the finals. Newly advanced to B player status, Dru showed some phenomenal play this tournament. Bob Ferrara of Massachusetts gave Kilicoglu his only loss, beating him 25-22 in 27 innings, while George Allee of Deerfield, NH bested Ferrara 25-21. Kilicoglu, Shooni and Ellis advanced to the finals. The play intensified as the stakes got higher during the final round. Shooni wowed the locals with superb play, going undefeated in a performance highlighted by high averages and fierce concentration. Cho and Kilicoglu battled it out, with Cho de-

Kilicoglu, Mazin and Cho livering a second loss to the Turkish great to capture second place. Detroit’s Isreal placed fourth, while King and Lawrence placed fifth and sixth respectively. The games were run by Jim Shovak, with assistance from scorekeepers Patricia Kirk of Michigan, and Tony Ferrara and Beau Lirette of Massachusetts. Despite the cold and rainy weather, the tournament attracted a good-sized audience. Spectators traveled from Massachusetts, New York and Michigan to watch the games and enjoy the local hospitality. The players appreciated John Roy of Massachusetts’ truck, which proudly bears the vanity license plate: “USBA.” The proceedings were captured by the talent of Steve Booth of New Hampshire. Booth produced hundreds of first-class photos of the event. To view results and Steve’s photos, visit www.usba.net/2009CueCushion-ABC-11-13.asp

November 13-15 Regional Qualifier Blue Note Lounge, Marshalltown, IA John Jacobson, Lupe Cruz, George Ashby and Fred Lamers Qualify into the 2010 Nationals 20 players Top 4 finishers qualified 30 PQB December/January

The Principles of Defense by Robert Byrne Contributing Writer • from Byrne’s “Advanced Techniques in Pool & Billiards” with permission

n Diagram, the shooter has the choice of using right English with slight draw to score on the red off three rails, or using natural running english for a four-rail shot as diagrammed. This way is best because the white ball is cut slightly thinner, thus making sure that it will be banked to the short rail near (a). Banking the white to (a) rather than (b) is the key to a safe leave as well as to position, for if the white hits (a) and (b) and ends up near (c) you will be in perfect shape.

Robert Byrne has a new book, “Behold My Shorts - The Best of Robert Byrne”. To see him in his polka-dot shorts, go to: http://www.thonline.com/store/bookBrowse.cfm To view his new book’s Press Release, go to: http://www.usba.net/BreakingNews/Byrne PressRelease-11-2-09.pdf

Pedro from page 27 Viguera putting on impressive play after a long absence; Turkey’s Erdem Kilicoglu’s awe-inspiring control despite the handicap of having one arm; Turkey’s Mehmet Goren displaying his phenomenal stroke; newcomer Gilbert Najm from Los Angeles qualifying to compete with the A players in the finals; Patiño running an exciting high run of 13; Cho wowing the audience with his mesmerizing speed; Shooni entertaining the crowd with his show-stopper shots; and Piedrabuena with his unflappable skill of the game. There were some glaring upsets. In group B, Dave Mason beat Mike Bengals 25-21. In group C Gary Scharf beat Jamil Israel 25-22. In group A Bassel Elshaar beat Carlos Hallon 2521. Many close matches like Carlos Hallon over Gilbert Najm 25-24. Bill Johnson over Mercedes 25-24. Adrian Viguera over Sonny Cho 25-22. In the end, it was Piedrabuena (1st), Shooni (2nd) and Cho (3rd) who took home the top prizes. The high caliber of play should help promote the game of three-cushion as thousands of viewers around the world watched the event live via webcam. The final 8 was no big surprise to anyone with the exception of the aforementioned dark horse, Gilbert Najm. The list comprised of George Ashby, Sonny Cho, Mehmet Goren, Gilbert Najm, Hugo Patiño, Pedro Pedrabuena, Mazin Shooni and Adrian Viguera Go to http://www.ustream.tv/channel/olhausen-open to view some exciting matches. A lot of work went into this tournament and I’ll refrain from mentioning names in fear of forgetting someone. But you know

who you are. Maybe we’ll do this again next year! The next time any of you are at the dollar store, look for a microfiber mitt in the most obnoxious color and send it to Jim Shovak for helping to micro-manage the event from afar. Prizes: 1) Pedro Piedrabuena $ 3,000 2) Mazin Shooni $ 2,400 3) Sonny Cho $ 1,850 4) Adrian Viguera $ 1,350 5) Hugo Patiño $ 1,000 6) Mehmet Goren $ 700 7) Gilbert Najm $ 500 8) George Ashby $ 400 High Run in the Finals: Hugo Patiño: 13 $ 100 Best Game of Finals: Pedro Piedrabuena: 1.875 $ 100 Sponsors: -Iwan Simonis,-Aramith (Saluc),-Adam Cue Company USBA Tour Sponsors: David Levine, Jim Shovak, Bob Jewett, Professor-Q-Ball (Paul Frankel), Creative Billiard Shirts, Marty Isserlis, Michael Kang, Andrew Janquitto, Dean Harrell, Pedro Piedrabuena, Robert Byrne, Tom Resk, Sonny Cho, Mazin Shooni, Dr.Cue Promotions (Tom Rossman), Bruce Warner, Mike Walo, Jim Watson, Tommy Thomsen, Tom Haskin, Jamil Isreal, Bob Roach, Mike Melloy, Don Sperber, Norm Brust, Ed Friedman and Pat Young. December/January PQB 31

“ USBA Membership” To become a USBA member and receive the PQB publication for free, fill out and return this form.

USBA Membership • Dues $50 New Member______________Renewal __________ PRINT PLEASE Name: ___________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________

Rip’s Tips Good Looking Time Shot Freeze the red & yellow balls on the cushion as shown. Set the cue ball perpendicular to yellow ball, (give or take 2 or 3 inches), and hit the yellow ball with cue ball using 10 o’clock English and a medium firm stroke. You should make this shot fairly easily and have some fun doing so.

City, ____________________State ____ Zip: __________ Home Phone:______________________________________ Cell Phone: _______________________________________

“George Rippe is a former billiard room proprietor and artistic billiard enthusiast,” He can be reached at 978 975-9958

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Send completed form and check or money order payable to USBA to Jim Shovak/USBA Secretary 58 Hawthorne Ave. • East Islip, NY 11730. USBA UpComing Events 2009- December 4-6: Regional Qualifier - Dick Takano Memorial- Tacoma Elks, WA Contact: Darrel Stutesman: 253-584-3994 2009- December 4-6: Regional Qualifier - Hall of Fame Billiards - Warren, MI Contact: Bill Johnson: 734-368-3315 2009- December 5-6: Regional Qualifier - Carom Cafe - Flushing, NY Contact: Min Jae Pak: 718 358-8585 2009- December 5-6: Regional Qualifier - Doral Billiards - Doral, FL Contact: Henry Ugartechea: 561-929-8100 2009- December 11-13: USBA TOUR - “Open” - Eight Ball Billiards - Maywood, CA Contact: Hector Ocampo: 323-304-3156 2010- January 15-17: Regional Qualifier - US Billiards - Houston, TX Contact: Lan Vo: 832-867-7568 2010- January 22-24: Regional Qualifier - Pendennis Club - Louisville, KY Contact: Paul Frankel: Bus. 901-756-2594 or Cell 901-210-7251 2010- January 22-23: Regional Qualifier - World Class Billiards - Peabody, MA Contact: John Magulas: 978-535-7000 2010- February 17-21: USBA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - Tacoma Elks, WA Contact: Jim Shovak: 516-238-6193

32 PQB December/January

iPhone Review - Virtual Pool One of the most beloved PC pool games makes a clean bank on the iPhone and iPod Touch by Filip Truta, Softpedia, Apple News Editor Reprinted with permission (news.softpedia.com/cat/Apple/)

eleris, the company behind the best known pool game out there, has released a version of Virtual Pool for the iPhone and iPod touch. Touted as “one of the best looking and playing VPM versions yet,” Virtual Pool Mobile gives the expression “ball on” a whole-new meaning on the iPhone, with superb 3D graphics, realistic physics, great controls, and endless re-playability. Having played Celeris’ Virtual Pool as a kid on my 233MHz computer, and seeing what the iPhone was capable of, I knew that a port wasn’t far off. I was extremely pleased not only to find that Celeris had indeed confirmed my expectations earlier this year, but also that the game looked and played beautifully on Apple’s smartphone. Moreover, Celeris did the right thing and released a Lite version of the game. Admittedly, this version is as “light” as Lite gets: it only offers a small taste of the game – 6-Ball game and a stripped-down Career Mode. Still, it’s just enough to make you want to fork out three bucks for the full game, which offers online play, 8-Ball, 9-Ball, Straight, Rotation and the full career mode. VPM uses the iPhone’s touchscreen to enable the player to aim, apply spin to the cue ball, and shoot. The control system is perfect for fans of the genre, as it allows them to tweak their position millimeter by millimeter. By sliding one’s finger faster or slower up and down the screen when they’re ready to shoot, one can apply just as much force as they need, not only to pocket the ball in sight, but also to line up their shot for the next one. Different views are available, to please any kind of player, as well as an Over Head view for those really tricky shots when the ball is touching the cushion, or when one is dealing with what is known as “an angled shot.” To progress through the game, you need to earn cash. You start out small, and work your way up by knocking other players out of commission. The first batch of opponents includes the temperamental, frustrated types, so they’ll choke

under pressure. If your game isn’t brilliant, just wait for a mistake on their behalf. It’s enough to put the last ball in order to win a game. Also handy, when you’re having an off day, is the Aim Aid feature, which can be toggled on and off. By using the feature, less experienced players will be able to learn where exactly the impact between the cue ball and the object ball needs to occur for the ball to go in. If the backgrounds come between you and your game, there’s an option to disable “room graphics” under the settings tab. This will not only free your eyes, but it will also free some memory, which VPM can use to smoothen the graphics and ball movement. There’s a lot more to be said about Celeris’ Virtual Pool Mobile port, but you don’t need anyone telling you how good of a game it is. Just download VPM onto your device and see for yourself. Start with the Lite version and work your way up not only to the most powerful opponent, but to all the VPM players out there in Virtual Pool Online (full version). Virtual Pool (Mobile) main features: • Touchscreen interface to aim, apply spin and shoot in a full 3D virtual world. • State of the art physics engine delivers a stunning simulation of billiards. • 6-Ball play in first room of Career Mode (Full version offers 8-Ball, 9-Ball, Straight, Rotation and the full Career Mode). Review Information: Application: Virtual Pool Lite Developer: Celeris Version reviewed: 1.97 Lite Review device: 1st generation iPhone (8GB) running OS 3.1.

December/January PQB 33

Forcing Your Way Around by Tom Simpson • PoolClinics.com Contributing Writer

ere’s a useful category of shot that comes up all day long, but most players don’t know about it. Many have seen it played and shook their head in disbelief, thinking it was a fluke. This shot doesn’t look possible. Sometimes I’ll set it up in class, asking the players to think about how to make the shot work, based on what they’ve learned about ball behavior. We try to take the mystery out of things like this. The solution involves cueball squirt, spin-induced throw, cheating the pocket, and the chutzpah to shoot the shot even though it often looks “wrong”. Players are sitting there with their jaws hanging open when they witness the cueball action on this shot. Fortunately, it’s easier than it looks. Two minutes later, they’re smiling as they shoot it. Don’t worry. It’s not necessary to understand the physics of this shot to make it work for you. The situation: You are straight-in on the ball in the diagram. The cueball is a half-ball forward of the spot (to avoid shooting out of the dent that’s usually on the spot). The OB is anywhere between the two positions shown, on the straightin line. Take care to line up the balls precisely to the straight-in line, so you can believe the results you get. The challenge: You want to get position on a ball at far end of the table somewhere. You could draw the CB, but it’s difficult to draw with accuracy, and you could scratch in the side. Or perhaps that path is blocked by another ball. Normally, on a straight-in shot, you can’t get the CB much off the line of the shot, and still make the ball. We’re going to force the cueball forward and around the corner, and get way off the line. The solution: Force the Corner. The diagrams below illustrate the exact same shot. Diagram 1 shows forcing one direc34 PQB December/January

tion around the corner, while Diagram 2 shows forcing the opposite direction. Which path you choose is determined by which route is more appropriate for your position needs – or which route is available. The CB paths for the two shot directions are mirror images of each other, so there is an area around the center of the table where they overlap. Either route can get you to that area. How to shoot it: You’re going to need a lot of english, high and inside, as shown. You’ll find you have to shoot harder than you might expect. You’re hitting the OB quite full, taking a lot of the speed out of the CB. Here’s the easy part. To aim, simply make believe the shot is straight-in, but shift your stick over, parallel to the straight-in line, and hit the english and speed you’re trying. It may look wrong. Shoot it anyway and see what happens. Note: If you’re using a low-squirt shaft, you’ll probably have to aim a bit inward from the parallel shift. In all cases, point your stick through the two balls and notice where in the pocket area it’s pointing when you attempt the shot. With a little experimentation, you’ll find exactly where to aim. Your target will work for all of the OB locations in the range shown. More speed may necessitate a slight aim change to the outside of your standard target. Elevating your cue will also lead to complications. Keep it simple, and Force the Corner with conviction. Why it works (for those who care): The diagrams reveal that the CB is not contacting the OB on the line to the pocket. The CB is not quite moving in the direction it was aimed. This is due to cueball squirt (sometimes called deflection). The CB contacts the OB at the new angle. This slight angle allows the CB to

keep some speed and almost all of its spin as it drives forward, curving into the rail. The spinning CB accelerates off the cushion, opening the angle. Meanwhile, the OB is thrown back a few degrees toward the straight-in line by spininduced throw. Finally, since the pocket is roughly two balls wide, we “cheat the pocket” a little by pocketing to the side of center pocket. What next: Go shoot this shot. Experiment with speed and spin to learn where the CB goes. Note the consistency of the second rail hit. Try lining up the shot at other straight-in angles to the corner pocket. How does the path change? How can you adjust when the shot is not quite straight-in? Force your way around sometimes. This shot is a pleasure to shoot and a joy to behold.

December/January PQB 35

36 PQB December/January

38 PQB December/January

Wes Burden Billiard Table Service & Cue Work Commerical & Residential Tables Gabriel & Diamond Factory Authorized Mechanic Tampa Florida

Wes Burden Cell â&#x20AC;˘ (813) 416-2255

Service Directory Place Your Business Card Ad in the Billiard Industry Service Directory call (901)756-2594 for details and rates. December/January PQB 39

Places to Play Across the U.S.A. Receive 20 issues of PQB’s National Pool & 3-Cushion News, and your listing in Places to Play for $95/year. Call us at (901)756-2594. CALIFORNIA BURBANK • Burbank's Elks Lodge #1497 818 848-5508 2232 N. Hollywood Way,5 Verhovens, 1 snooker 1 Pool table

MAYOOD • Eight Ball Billiards 323-562-9092 5250 S. Atlantic Blvd 14 Billiard tables (Verhovens) 21 Gold Crown pool tablesFull Restaurant, Dominos, 5 TV’s

MILPITAS • Edgie's Billiards. 408 942-9500 235. S.Milpitas Bvld. 6 Chevilliottes, 23Brunswicks, 1 Snooker

SACRAMENTO Hard Times Billiards 916 332-8793 5536 Garfield Ave 33-Pool Tables 6 Dart boards, 2 Fooseball 8 TV,s, Videos, Ltd food

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MIAMI • Doral Billiards Sports Bar

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• New Wave Billiards 305 220-4790 1403 S.W. 107 Ave 6-3-Cushion tables – Wilterminas, 3-9’ pool tables, Full Bar/ltd menu

NORTH TAMPA Strokers Tampa 813 814-2277 11236 W. Hillsborough 23 - 9’ Tables, 10 – Dart Boards, HD Flat Screens,Full Bar/Food

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407 869-5118• 280 E. Hwy 434 4-9' Proline, 10-8Proline, Darts, Videos, Big Screen Full Bar & Food,Pro Shop

CAPE CORAL Diamond Billiards Sports Bar 239 573-7665 1242 Pine Island Rd 21 Diamond tables

Trick Shots

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Bar/Food-Pro Shop

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Trick Shots 407 298-5112 Old Winter Garden Rd 16- 8' Black Crowns, Huge Screen, Darts, Full

40 PQB December/January

1600 NW Federal Hwy 8- 9 –OLHAUSEN, 19- BRUNSWICK, 4-Bar tables, 1-Gabriel 3Cushion heated Beer & Wine amysbilliards.com

WINTER PARK Trick Shots 407 671-7797 7644 University Blvd. 4-9' pool tables, 12-8' tables, Darts, Full Bar & Food Pro Shop on premises

GeORGIA DULUTH • The Pool Room 770-418-9086 3550 Mall Blvd 23 pool tables,1 6x12 Snooker, 1 billiard table heated , Full bar & restaurant steel & soft tip darts

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SAVANNAH Southside Billiards 13051 Abercorn St 912-925-5398 8-8 Foot, 9-9’tables,big screen TV, 2-7’Diamonds,1-5x10 Snooker 3 Dart boards, Full bar and food

VILLA RICA Stix Bar & Grill 451 W. Bankhead Hwy 770 456-1616

8-7ft pool tables, 2-9ft, Darts, 11 Flat Screens tv’s Full Bar & Restaurant

ILLINOIS GALESBURG Billiards On Main 309-342-7665 156 East Main St. 8 Gold Crowns , 6 Bar tables, 2 Dart boards, Full bar/ Restaurant

EAST MOLINE Lesure Time Billiards &Sports Bar 309 752-9559 845 Ave of the City 5-9 foot pool tables,16Bar tables, 2 sports bars, 11 Dart boards Full Kitchen

RIVERGROVE • Cue Phoria Billiards 708 452-9105 8917 W. Grand Ave 22-9’ Diamond ‘Vintage pool tables 3-7’ Diamond Smart tables 1-3-Cushion Gabriel heated, 7-electronic dart games, 22 HD TV’S & 2 Large screens, Full Bar & Food, Proshop/ Repairs

ROCKFORD Rockford Billiards Café 1436 N. Main 815 962-0957 6- 9ft Gold Crowns 11- 7ft Valleys, 2 Dart boards, Full Bar & Food

IOWA CLINTION Legend’s Sports Bar 563 243-4266 2118 Harrison Dr 9-7’ Valley’s 1-9’ Gold Crown,Full Kitchen ,Sports Bar,13-42” TVs, Darts, Video’s

DES MOINES Big Dog Billiards 515-262-6523 2200 E. Euclid Ave 14 - 9 foot Diamonds, 18 – 7 foot Diamonds,1 – 3Cushion 5x10, 4- Fooseball table,3- Big Screens & Full liquor bar

KANSAS OLATHE

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MASS. PEABODY • World Class Billiards & Pub 978 535-7000• Rte 1 South W. 12-Diamond Tables, 4-3Cushion Billiard Tables, Darts,Videos, Snack Bar Beer & Wine,16 TV’s

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Fast Eddie’s 318 741-0010 1701 Old Minden. Rd. 27 8’ Pool Tables, 2 7’ Pool Tables, 3 9’ Pool Tables, 6 Big ScreensDirect tn sports

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MICHIGAN NILES Roundtable Bar 269-683-9738 3024 N. US 31 6 – 7ft Diamonds,Full Bar & Food

WARREN • Hall of Fame Billiards 5775 E.13 Mile RD. 586-939-8880 17-Gold Crown IV 8-Bar Box,1-6X12 & 5X10 Snooker,5-Dart Boards,4 Mega Touch,Golden Tee,Full service Rest. & Bar,Pro Shop on premises, 2heated Verhoven 3 cushion tables

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LAUREL Bank Shot Bar & Grill 3249 Fort Meade Rd 301 483-8644 16 Hi Def Tv’s,13k square ft,16 7’ tables, 3 9’ tables, Bar separated from tournament room, 4 dart boards in private dart room, private party facility,Private parking for 400 patrons

1319 Larpenteur Ave 651 646-9508 16 – Gold Crowns 1 – 5x10 Brunswick Anniversary, 1-5x10 Snooker, 1-6x12 Snooker, 2-7’ Bar tables, Darts & Foosball

MISSISSIPPI GRENADA The Sports Center 662-226-1322 893 Springhill Rd 7- Pool tables, 3 Bar tables, Video’s, Beer/food

SOUTHAVEN Southaven Recreational

WAYNE Shooters Family Billiards

5x10 3-cushion table, 8-3 1/2 7 Valleys, Beer, Wine, Full menu, 8TV’s

MISSOuRI CAPE GIRARDEAU The Billiard Center

2230 Hamburg Tpke 973 248-0800 10- 9 foot Brunswick 1-Bar table, Video games, 4-Screen TV’s, Internet Juke box, Pro shop on premises

N. CAROLINA FAYETTEVILE King Street Billiards

573 335-9955 26 N. Main 21-Valleys, 3-9- foot tables, 1-Snooker, Full bar & Kitchen Darts,Big Screen

New yORK BROOKLYN • Gotham City Billiards Club

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93 Ave U 718 714-1002 14 Brunswick tables,1 heated billiard table, 10 TV’s inc.large screen HDTV, Finger food, burgers, pizza and large pro shop.

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ST CHARLES Side Pocket 636-724-9300 1439 Bass Pro Drive 18-Valley Black Cats,4Gold Crowns,Full Restaruant

NH HOOKSETT • Cue & Cushion Billiards 1271 Hooksett Rd 603 623-5330 10 Gold Crown Pool Tables, 2 Chevillotte Billiard Tables, Full Bar,Online Video Games, Darts

New JeRSey ATLANTIC CITY Atlantic City Billiards 609 645-7576 6701 Black Horse Pike Egg Harbor Twp 22 -9’Cold Crowns, 1 Snooker 6x12. 5x10 Carom Verhoven heated, 7-TV’s, Pro shop, Hot Food & Snacks

BELLEVILLE • Guys & Dolls 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, PingPong. Pro-shop

FLUSHING • Carom Cafe 718 358-8585 34-02 Linden Pl 10-5x10 New Verhoven 3-Cushion Billiard tables, 10 4 x 8 carom, 22 Brunswick pool tables,Full Bar & Restaurant

HEMSTEAD Raxx Bar & Grill 516 538-9896 510 West Hempstead 29- 4 1/2 x9 pool tables, 1 dart board, 542’ TV’s, 1-Big Screen, Full Bar & Food

L.I.C. • Master Billiards & Café 718 706-6789 39-01 Queens Blvd 7- Chevilotts 3Cushion 3-SnookerTables, 22-Pool Tables, Food & Beer

NEW YORK CITY Eastside Billiards 212 831-7665 163 E 86 ST 16-9ft Pool tables 1-Coin op, Darts, Fooseball, Full Bar with food,Internet Juke Box and Lounge

WOODSIDE • Gabriel Billiards 6 New 5x10 Gabriel 3Cushion, Imperator tables, 5-Gold Crowns 9’, Full liquor and food

YORKVILLE • Hippo's 315 768-0218 5160 Commercial Dr. E 12-4 1/2x9 Gabriels, 1-

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GOLDSBORO Fast Eddies Sport Bar 1308 Parkway Dr 919 759-0071 13 – 9 Gold Crowns Dart boards, Full Bar & Food

MONROE Burrkats Billiards & Grill 1615 Lynn St 704 226-0948 14-9’ Tables, 6-Bar table,Full liquor & Kitchen, Pro-Sho

SANFORD Speakeazy Billiards 919 775-1166 1221 D.North Horner Blvd. 14 - 4 1/2 X 9 Gold Crowns, 1 - 3 1/2 X 7 Valley, Video games & fooseball table, Very unique poolroom with a large billiards memorabila collection.

WILMINGTON Break Time Billiards / Ten Pin Alley 127 S.College Rd. 910 395-6658 29 Pool Table,1Snooker table,1 coin opt, 24 Bowling Lanes 20-tv’s Arcades Videos, 2 Bars & Restaurants

WINSTON SALEM Breaktime Billiards & Sports Bar

OHIO PORT CLINTON Rack Attack Billiards Café 221 Madison St 419-732-7225 10- Diamond pro am’s Darts, TV’s Full bar and food

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, 1-3Cushion Billiard table,Pro Shop & Cue & table repair

TULSA Magoo’s 918 663-3364 5002 S. Memorial 19 3 1/2 X 7 tables, 35 4 1/2X9, 1 Snooker Table Beer, Wine and Liquor, Full Restaurant

PueRtO RICO CAROLINA Billiard Palace 787-791-0039 9- Pool Tables, Big Screen & TV’s, Full Bar /food

PENNSYLVANIA BOOTHWYN Rileys Concord Billiards 610 859-8058 3601 Chichester Ave 15 Gold Crowns, Internet, 1 Big Plasma screen, Pizza /Hot Dogs

PHILADELPHIA • Drexeline Billiard Club.

336 765-7391 420N Jonestown Rd 15-9 foot Pool tables Darts, 1-big screen, fooseball,Full Bar&menu

610 259-9144 5100 State Rd L-300 2- New Cheviotte 3cushion tables, 16- 4 1/2x 9 Gold Crowns.4 4x8 G.Crowns Full line of custom cues & accessories, Tournaments, Inst., Sr.citizen rates

Breaktime Billiards & Sports Bar

PHOENIXVILLE Classique Billiards

336 744-9404 5093 University Pkwy 14-Bar Tables, 8-9Pool tables, 1-8 foot table Darts, Game room, Big screen TV

275 Schuykill Rd 610 935 2939 20 pro tables,11 Gold Crowns

RHODe ISLAND PROVIDENCE Snookers

401 351-7665 145 Clifford St 14 - 41/2X9 pool tables,State of the art TV’s,3 Full liquor bars, Live music

NORTH KINGSTOWN David Van Lokeren 401-294-2988610 Ten Rod Road 1-Heated Verhoeven and is opened by appointment only

S. CAROLINA GREENVILLE Palace Billiards 864-234-0428 • 56 Airview Dr 12- 9 foot, Beer, Video’s, Relaxing Atmosphere

teNNeSSee CHATTANOOGA Diamond Billiard Club 423 877-5882 3600 Hixson Pike ste K 8 - Diamond Bar tables, 2- Diamond 9’,10 TV’s, 2 Golden T, Full Service Rest/ Bar

MEMPHIS HighPocket's

J.O.B Billiards Club. Home of Champions 615 868-4270 931 Gallatin Rd. Madison Square Mall 30 Pool Tables, (18 new smart tables) 18,000Sq. Ft.Full in house pro shop, Pool & Dart Leagues, Amat & Pro Tourn.

teXAS SAN ANTONIO Fast Eddie’s 210 520-3325 7616 Culebra Ste #103 20 8’ Pool Tables , 3 9’ Pool Tables, 3 Big Screens & 10 TV’s

SAN LEON Casper’s Billiards 281 559-1400 37 21st St 18- 9ft Brunswicks Full Service Rest & Bar

HOUSTON Fast Eddie’s 713 947-0800 12344 Gulf Freeway 26 8’ Pool Tables , 4 9’ Pool Tables, 5 Big Screens, 15 Reg TV’s

VIRGINIA MIDLOTHIAN Diamond Billiards

901 761-1583 12-4 1/2 x9 Gold Crowns, 1 Snooker table, 8- Bar Tables, Full menu & beer, 8TV’s, 1 big screen, Videos

804 794-8787 Midlothian Turnpike 14 – 9’Pool tables 4 – 42” Flat Screens Full Bar & Restaurant

Sharpshooters Billiards

WINCHESTER Blue Fox Billiards

901 386-1188 6959 Stage 18 Bar Tables 4-Gold Crowns, Snookers Table, 6 New Dart Boards, T.V’s,Jukebox,Video games, food & Beer

1160 Millwood Pike 540 665-2114 14- 9ft Diamond Pro Full Bar & Food 3 dart boards Pro shop on premises

• The Rack 901 369-9501 3622 Lamar Ave 9- 9 foot Pro Diamond tables, 1 Gabriel 3Cushion Table, 6 bar tables,Food & Beer, 2 dart boards, 6-TV's.

MURFREESBORO Fat Willies Billiards Sports 615 848-1801 244 River Rock Blvd. 10-Gold Crowns -29’foots, 1 Bar table, Big Screen, Wide selection of wine

NASHVILLE

wISCONSIN BELOIT • Carom Room 608 365-1811 614 East Grand Ave 23 - Tables, 7- 9’ Gold Crowns, 14 Bar tables, 1 5x10 Snooker, 1-3cushion Verhoven Full bar and food

MILWAUKEE • Wisconsin Billiards 414 344-5666 2715 W.Wisconsin Ave 10- 9’ Gold Crowns, 4 Bar tables, 1-Snooker 5x10, 1-3-cushion Billiard,Full Bar, Pizza, Pro Shop

December/January PQB 41

Team USA Downs Team Europe in the World Cup of Trick Shots

he World Cup of Trick Shots was held October 29 at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. Team U.S.A. claimed the title over Team Europe in the Fourth Annual international team competition in the sport of Trick Shots. The prize purse was $30,000 for, with $20,000 and Gold Medals to the winning team. Captain Andy Segal led Team USA to victory and the Gold Medal. Other Team USAmembers who were awarded the Gold Medal were Tom Rossman, Mike Massey and Bruce Barthelette. Silver Medalists from Team Europe included Captain Stefano Pelinga, Nick Nickolaidis, Luke Szywala, and Ralph Eckert. Their team also won $10,000. The format for World Cup consisted of eight artistic show shots by both teams in a match. Team members executed a challenge shot of their choice, and their opponents were required to duplicate the shot or lose a point. In the semifinals, with two members from each team, the players alternated shots in four player head-to-head matches, performing intricate trick shots meant to stymie their opponents. A sudden death tiebreaker to decide a match required an eight rail bank shot

Bar Box 8-Ball By: Marty Kaczmarowski, APA 7 Contibuting Writer

umerous situations arise where shooting the opponent’s ball in may be the right move. Here in the diagram, I take away the “break out ball” even though I have solids. This gives away ball-in-hand, but leaves the other player with a big mess.

42 PQB December/January

(left to right) Bruce Barthelette, Andy Segal, Tom Rossman and Mike Massey onto the face of a $100 bill. The Championship Finals match pitted all eight members of Team America and Team Europe in the wildest shootout of the year. The players on Team USA displayed their brilliance to emerge as the top trick shot artists in the world. The International Championship was poetry on green felt, with Team USA defeating Team Europe by a score of 20-17 to take the Gold Medals and $20,000. Team Europe, whose members were otherwise on their game, claimed Silver Medals and $10,000 second prize. In the first semifinal, Team USA players Rossman and Massey prevailed over Team Europe members Pelinga and Szywala by a score of 8-5. The other semifinal saw Team Europe artists Nikolaidis and Eckert slip past Team USA players Segal and Barthelette 7-4 in a tight match. The winning team in each semifinal carried a 1 point bonus forward into the final match. The finals, featuring alternate challenge shots by the eight players of both teams was a back-and forth seesaw with Team Europe struggling to narrow the score. Team USA held a slight lead and finally closed out the Championship match by a score of 8-5. The overall score for the tournament was a down-tothe-wire victory of 20-17 for Team USA. The standing-room-only crowd gave Team USA a rousing ovation at the conclusion of the match. The Gold Medals and the team check were presented by Mohegan Sun and Fusion Billiard Tables. The presentations brought another round of cheers from the audience. In addition to the fine tournament site at Mohegan Sun, the event was sponsored by Fusion Billiard Tables, Aramith Tournament Billiard Balls, Simonis Cloth, Mueller Recreational Products, Executive Billiards Delta-13 Rack and Silver Cup Chalk. The WPA sanctioned event was produced by Billiards International, Ltd.

DPM Universal Pocket and Carom Billiard Systems Article 44 by Darrell Paul Martineau • www.3cushion.us/ WBIA Head Master Instructor All of my systems have a standardized {HIT} system. There are twelve {Hits} These hits, meaning how much object ball is hit by the cue ball, are numbered 0 through 12. 12 being the full ball. Numbers 3, 6, and 9 are one quarter, one half and three quarters respectfully. The “Hit“ values never change and can be used for every shot on the table. The system tells you what hit to use. This system segment is called “ THE TEN SYSTEM SEGMENT “ It will require you to learn Diamond angles and Cue Ball / Object Ball angles, but it is really worth your time since a great number of shots can be made with this knowledge. The graph shows that one corner is 10 and the other corner is 8. These are 4 to 5 rail shots starting with the end rail you wish to return to. The graph shows you one of the shot patterns. See article 41, 42and 43 in Professor Q Ball’s last three editions for three more patterns. Many of you can see the line to make the 10 angle so just use your ability to achieve that. The formula to know the exact hit is as follows. The 10 angle is represented by the # 1. Take the QB/OB angle measured on the end rail, in graph 44 it is 2. Add it to the 1 + 2 = 3 Then divide it by 2 The answer is 1.5 hit. Which is a 6mm hit about one half the width of your tip. If the QB/OB angel were 3 then 3 + 1 = 4 divided by 2 = 2 this is a 8mm hit. If you wish to go to the opposite corner just add one tip of left spin English. Once you reach 4 or more angles measured on the end rail you can go forward with the shot instead of going back off the first object ball. There is much more to this system but you now have a working knowledge to experiment on your own. Next Article I will show you how to play the shot using the side, end, end, side. Form the outside of the object ball. If you have any questions you can always e-mail me and I will answer you. If you would like articles 1 through 43 with their graphs please send $25.00 for a bound copy shipping is included. 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/

D.P.M. Universal Billiard Systems for Carom Billiards Secrets of Three Cushion Billiards ~Doctoral Edition 220 pages, 90 full-page graphs step by step instructions $39.95 I am at the table explaining how to use the book Sold Together Doctoral Book & Tape set or DVD set 3 hours $90.00 2003 Millennium Digest Editions of “Doctoral” This book extends the knowledge learned in the Doctoral And contains information on how to miss KISSES Tape or DVD “ Hits to Miss Kisses “ 87 min. Miss all Kisses Plus special graphs and instructions Sold together Millennium Book & H. to M. K. tape or DVD & graphs $70.00 Tape or DVD Ball to Ball caroms [Straight Rail] 73 min $30.00

DPM Universal Billiard Systems for Pocket Billiards Secrets of Pocket Billiards [pool] Kick Shots & Banking Over 100 pages 50 full page graphs Plus Tape or DVD. I am at the table showing how to use the book 75min. $55.00 I also give clinics, private lessons on either Carom billiards or Specialized pocket billiards. Two hours $50.00 Four hours $90.00 $150.00 per day [ 7 hours ] or 4 days $500.00 All prices include Priority Shipping. Out of U.S. add $15.00 Air Mail. Three or more items deduct 10% pool or billiards mix. Send check or money order to: Other payments methods available

Can be paid with Western Union or Money Gram Darrell Paul Martineau, 5916 Bar Harbour Ct., Elk Grove, CA 95758 For more information Ph. 916-684-4535 e-mail dpmuniverse @ comcast.net Web page www.3cushion.us/ December/January PQB 43

44 PQB December/January

December/January PQB 45

r sy s. d

Tournament News from Rooms Around the U.S.A. League Directors • Email results/pictures to paul@professorqball.com Submissions become the property of Professor-Q-Ball National Pool & 3-Cushion News

Mid-South PVA 9 Ball RACK Championship

he Rack of Memphis was home to the Mid-South PVA 9 Ball Championship, where strong field of 9 wheelchair players came to compete for the event’s championship title. This event was first added to the NWPA schedule of events in September after it was confirmed that a long-standing Memphis event would not be held this year due to the closing of the tournament venue. The short notice for the creation of a new Memphis event may have hindered some players from traveling to Memphis, but those who came were in for a highly competitive event. The field consisted of top ten ranked NWPA players Charles Interrante (#2), Jeff Dolezal (#3), Bill Frisby (#5), and John Reynolds (#9) along with Scott Manning (2008 Mid-South PVA Champion, and #13 overall), Joe Dowling (#14), Carl Flemons (#20), Zacharis Allen (#23), and Jeffery Anderson (#29). Following the player’s meeting and tournament draw, play began straight away on the 9 foot Diamond tables. In the first round of play, John Reynolds of Tulsa, Oklahoma was paired up against Scott Manning of Arab, Alabama. The match went back and forth, with both players trading games early. With the score tied 5-5, Reynolds caught a few breaks and some rolls and edged ahead for a 7 – 5 win. Reynolds had no trouble in his next round, defeating NWPA Jeff Dolezal of Fairfax, Virginia easily, 7 games to 2. Dolezal had advance to round two with a win against Charles Interrante of Pottstown, Pennsylvania. The win over Dolezal put Reynolds in the no-loss side final against Joe Dowling of Old Greenwich, Connecticut. Dowling had advanced to this level by defeating Carl Flemons of Somerville, Alabama, 7 games to 2 in the first round of play, followed by a nail biter of win over Bill Frisby, winning 7 games to 6. On the one-loss side, Jeffery Anderson of Duluth, Minnesota ended the chances of Flemons, with a match win of 7 games to 4. In the next round, Anderson had to work hard to get past Zacharis Allen of Madisonville, Kentucky but eventually won with a score of 7 games to 5. He then paired off against Dolezal, with Dolezal coming out on top, 7 games to 4. Anderson finished the event tied for 5th/6th. Manning sent Interrante packing with a 7 game to 2 win but he ended up finishing in 5th/6th in the next round after Frisby defeated him, 7 games to 46 PQB December/January

above, The Rack owner, Don Samples, Winner, John Reynolds and Memphis PVA Vice President Truman Suttle left, Bill Frisby 6 in a hill-hill match. On the 15th, Dolezal and Frisby battled it out, with Frisby sneaking out 7 games to 6 win in another hill-hill match. Dolezal finished the event in 4th place. On the no-loss side final, Reynolds made short work of Dowling, winning 7 games to 2. Dowling then faced off for a rematch with Frisby to see who would meet Reynolds in the championship match. Frisby was determined that it would be him, and won with a convincing score of 7 games to 2. Dowling finished the event in 3rd place. Reynolds and Frisby were now set to play the championship match, would be a single race to 9 as decided at the players meeting. Once the match began, Reynolds took early control of the match and was never in any real danger. He won the match and the tournament championship, 9 games to 5. Frisby took home 2nd place honors. A second chance event was held with Scott Manning taking 1st place, Zacharis Allen finished 2nd, and Jeffery Anderson was 3rd. Local player Leo Lawson finished 4th and Carl Flemons and Houston Lewis tied for 5th/6th. The event would not have been possible without the generous support of the Mid-South PVA, Don Samples and The Rack, Viking Cue, and Paul Frankel. Special thanks to Shawn Interrante, Bob Hunt, Shelbie Hunt, and Kathy Dolezal for their assistance during the event.

Order of Finish John Reynolds Joe Dowling Jeffery Anderson Charles Interrante Carl Flemons

1st 3rd 5th/6th 7th/8th 9th

Bill Frisby Jeff Dolezal Scott Manning Zacharis Allen

2nd 4th 5th/6th 7th/8th