Rackem Magazine November Issue 2011

WPBA PRESIDENT TALKS 2012 BILLIARD CONGRESS OF WISCONSIN FINALE THE MONK 9-BALL RULES

BACK2BACK

ppleton A n re ar D 2011

2 Rackem Magazine - June 2011

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About Rackem

Don “Cheese” Akerlow

Rackem is a monthly publication, dedicated to the advancement of the sport of pool and to promoting enthusiasm and encouragement among the players at all levels, regardless of their league affiliation, in addition to recognizing those businesses who support them all. Covering the midwest. Look for Rackem by the 10th of each month.

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November 2011 - Rackem Magazine 3

CHAMPIONSHIP WISCONSIN STATE POCKET BILLIARDS KICKING OFF THE SEASON WITH ADDED MONEY EVENTS

$1,500 AMATEUR 9 BALL We are kicking off this year’s pool season with a $5,000 added BCW Finals at Romines High Pockets in Milwaukee, Wi. The tournament line up starts off Thursday with all the best amateurs from the area competing for a $2,100 purse in a double elimination 9 ball texas express shootout! We boiled down to the final eight in no time leaving four players battling on the winner side. Under rated A player Mel Schuette is facing off against soon to be super star 12 year old Sergio Rivas and Chris Gitzlaff is matched up against Young Gun Erick Hinks of Red Shoes Billiards. Gitzlaff caught Hinks taking a nap and took full advantage winning a tough match 6-4. At the same time the Sergio (kid shot) Rivas played hard but it wasn’t hard enough to overcome Mel Schuette’s ability losing the match 6-5.

On the one loss side James Clemente makes a statement beating David Van Scyoc 6-0. On the bottom half of the chart Tyler Styer and Jason Sprague square off. Young Tyler chalks it up to experience catching his second loss tying for 7th place as Jason moves on with a win 6-4. Sergio was waiting for Jason in 5th 6th position and deemed ready winning a tough double hill match, advancing him to Sunday to play James Clemente for 3rd place position. Sergio battled hard but just hangs a nine ball to take the early lead to the hill position and instead James Clemente wins the game following it up with a break and run to clench the win and advance in the tournament 6-4. Sergio Rivas showed great promise and exceptional sportsmanship earning him 4th place and a sweet trophy for good sportsman like conduct. James was then forced to play Chris Gitzlaff of Waukesha WI after Gitzlaff was upset by Mel Schuette. Gitzlaff got an early start and never looked back winning 6-1. Now Gitzlaff has to beat Schuette twice for this prestigious State Title. The Score is 3-1 with Mel Schuette In the lead over Gitzlaff. Mel wins another game bringing it 4-1 and another step closer to clenching the title. Gitzlaff has control of the 6th rack and is fighting back.

Gitzlaff makes a mistake on shape for the seven but wins a safety battle and comes with a great shot to win this game and make the score 4-2. Schuette makes a great shot kicking in the three ball and follows it up with a nice run right down to the nine, sinking it and getting within one game of the win and title. The score is now 5-2. Mel Schuette never lets up winning the last game of the match and takes the title by the score of 6-2.

1st $750 Mel Schuette 2nd $415 Chris Gitzlaff 3rd $300 James Clemente 4th $200 Sergio Rivas 5th $140 Jason Sprague 6th $140 Erick Hinks 7th/8th $75 Tyler Styer, David Van Scyoc

RESULTS

OPEN 9 BALL $2,000 ADDED We are down to eight players in this BCW Open 9 ball final. On the winner sided Tommy Pauwalske and Jim Fitzpatrick are sitting at the hot seat match until noon Sunday. On the one loss side Matt Daiber gets taken out by Ike Runnels 9 games to 3 leaving Daiber with $130 and a 7th place tie. Now Ike advances on to 5th position and waits until 6pm Saturday night to play Mark Berry. On the bottom half of the bracket Terry Romine Jr. sneaks by Tom Karabatsos in a double hill match. Now Terry is sitting tight until Saturday night 6pm to play Gary Johnson.

A flash forward towards the finish line Jim Fitzpatrick ends up with a shot against Tom Paulawske and his two barrels for the Championship and title. The first game starts off a little shaky with some unforced errors but Fitzpatrick grabs a hold and takes an early lead 1-0. Fitz takes the next game as well making it 2-0. Wow! Third rack Fitz has a tough out and is forced to play a safe after some good attempts, Tommy finds a dead one from nowhere and grabs control only to force a safe and put Gitz in a tricky spot with a two rail kick. Fitz misses the kick giving Tommy ball and hand making the score 2-1. Paulawske breaks and makes a ball but has some trouble on the three. He makes the two and sets himself up for a nasty safe witch Fitz misses giving Tommy ball and hand once again.

In the fifth games Paulawske slugs (slugs – giving a bad rack) himself leaving Fitz with an open shot on the one ball. Fitz misses handing the opportunity back to Tommy. Tommy runs to the trouble ball and plays a safe. Fitz misses the ball completely giving Tommy ball and hand once again. He come up short on the six ball and opts to play another safe but this time Fitz can just see it enough to play one back. Tommy fails to execute his safe return and leaves Fitz a shot which he makes to get control and run out making the score 3-2 With Fitz in the lead. Fitz follows it up with another game win making the score 4-2. Tommy takes advantage and gets the games within one making it

4 Rackem Magazine - November 2011

4-3 Fitz. Fitz Stays strong and steady winning another two in a row making the score 6-3. Tommy answers back with a big game making it 6-4 and gets within two. Another great shot with a hint of masse (masse – curves the cue ball around another ball) by Tommy followed up with an attempt at a safe but doesn’t get there and is forced to shoot, once again from behind balls other than the object ball. Tommy doesn’t make a clean hit and give Fitz ball and hand. Fitz cleans them up making the score 7-4. A couple innings exchange hands and the score is now 8-5 with Fitzpatrick in the lead.

Fitzpatrick wins the last game taking the first set 9-5 and gets himself into the final match for it all!

Tommy wins the lag and runs them out to the 8 but hangs up the shot and leaves Fitzpatrick an easy out for the first game. The pockets are a bit wide here at Romines but the cut angle is a little open making it very deceiving and difficult to pocket all shots down the rail.

The next set is well underway and the score is 7-5 with Fitzpatrick in the lead but Tommy has just won the last game and is finishing up a break and run with ease as I type. Paulawske now trails one game 7-6. Tommy just can’t seem to capitalize giving Fitz ball and hand after a scratch on the break.

Fitz gets too close to the three ball and tries a tough combo to the nine but does not succeed. Tommy makes a bad safe on the 5 and leaves Fitzpatrick an open table to get a game closer to double dipping Tommy Paulawske and running away with the title and beautiful crystal cup trophy. The score is now 8-6 with Fitz breaking. You can see Tommy’s tenacity in all of his actions as he approaches the table after Fitz breaks dry. You can feel the importance in every shot from the intensity of both players.

Tommy takes control of game after a safety battle now really needs this game. A long shot on the four is missed but a fortunate roll left Fitz without view of the ball. He will try rail first but misses leaving Tommy a thin slice into the side pocket which he misses leaving Fitz with the out to clench the title becoming the 2011 Wisconsin State Pocket Billiards 9 ball Champion.

1st $1,100 Jim Fitzpatrick 2nd $650 Tommy Paulawske 3rd $450 Mark Berry 4th $350 Terry Romine Jr. 5th/6th $225 Gary Johnson, Ike Runnels 7th/8th $125 Matt Daiber, Tom Karabatsos

RESULTS

OPEN 8 BALL $1,500 ADDED We had a great start today with 27 players all primed and ready for a chance at some good cash and a shot at becoming the Wisconsin State pocket billiards 8 ball Champion on a regulation size 9 foot table. Eight players made it to the money and now the heat is on! Jonathan Demet shows some skill and takes advantage of a couple opportunities winning over Michael Niver 5 games to 2. Ike Runnels also plays strong and beats Matt Daiber 5 games to 2.

On the lower half of the chart Tom Karabatsos plays extremely well knocking out Gary Johnson 5-0.

Bill fowler squeaks through a tough double hill match against super star Tommy (Pow) Paulawske.

Now 4 players remain and are eager for their next win because it is a big one! Demet leads 3-2 over Ike Runnels but breaks dry in the sixth rack. The score is three to three and Ike takes advantage running out the dry break and then finishes the seventh rack due to an unforced error in a tricky situation taking the lead 4-3. Demet breaks dry in the eight rack and Runnels clears the table taking the victory and getting one step closer to the finals.

On the bottom half Tom Karabatsos is upset in a grinding double hill match to Bill Fowler advancing Bill to the finals. It Is now Runnels and fowler playing a match worth a $350 difference. The score is 3-2 with Runnels in the lead during the sixth rack but Fowler has control of the table with two balls to go. His speed was near perfect and he has one more to take this rack and tie it up 3-3. The eight ball goes down and the score is 3-3 with Ike to break. He breaks dry but the out is no gimme by any means. An unforced error (miscue) gives Ike ball and hand and he makes a difficult rack look easy clearing the balls with perfection and getting another game closer to the doe and the title. Bill gets to break and gives them a good pop but once again no balls go down. Ike has three balls to go but is not out yet. He made a great shot on the three ball and clears the table becoming the 2011 Wisconsin Pocket Billiards 8 ball Champion on a regulation 9 foot table.

1st $800 Ike Runnels 2nd $468 Bill Fowler 3rd/4th $280 Jonathan Demet, Tom Karabatsos 5th/8th $125 Michael Niver, Matt Daiber

Tommy Paulawske, Gary Johnson

RESULTS

Chix with Stix by: Don “Cheese” Akerlow

I

t is time again for the Tour Championship of the Women’s Professional Billiards Association (WPBA) to be held. It is returning to the beach - Lincoln City, OR at Chinook Winds Casino. It has been what feels like an eternity since the ladies were last at Chinook Winds and the fans and followers of the WPBA have been waiting for their return.

Tamre’ Geene’-Rogers, president of the WPBA and local president of the Northwest Women’s Pool Association (NWPA) sat down for an interview.

There have been a lot of rumors and questions about the WPBA circulating with in the billiard community, so I thought I would try to clear a few things up with Tamre’. I asked her why the WPBA was doing less events in the last few years and she remarked, “We have fallen off on tournaments, some of it has to do with the economy and we are working hard to put together a strong schedule for 2012.”

The WPBA has loyal sponsors in Diamond Billiard Products, Simonis Cloth, Delta-13, Aramith and of course the APA. Tamre’ said she was always reaching out to the billiard community to form more alliances and seek new sponsors.

I asked Tamre’ if the WPBA is considering pool halls to host their tour events to which she responded, “Part of the difficulty of that is the production side of it. We have to be able to have the trestles and all of the equipment in order to do the filming for ESPN. It is difficult to do that in a pool room setting and also to bring in the bleachers to allow the amount of spectators that come to the events. If you would go into a pool room you wouldn’t have that opportunity to do all of that because some pool rooms just can’t accommodate that type of seating. You have to play on the equipment the pool room has etc. We have Diamond Billiards as our table sponsor. I don’t know the whole story of exactly when they moved because I came in very late to the WPBA but I played during the time that we played in pool rooms and then when they switched, it’s just a much better venue. It’s much easier to do the filming and to accommodate the fans.

For example in Lincoln City, this time, the Opal-APA is having a Regional Tournament down there so we are doing a side by side with them. We do that in a multitude of places. Last year when we were in Niagara in December we had a side by side with one of the Canadian APA Leagues who came down and held a regional event. It worked out great. We love having the APA as a side by side. The APA is not only our sponsor, we support them, they support us but the players really love having the WPBA. They get to shot clock for the

6 Rackem Magazine - November 2011

The

players sometimes. They volunteer and come in to shot clock a match which is exciting for them and we appreciate them doing that. They also get to come in and watch the professionals play and interact with them. A lot of times the players will hold a mini tournament on a Friday or Saturday night and the WPBA players will go in and play.”

I asked Tamre’ to help everyone understand why the WPBA went down to a field of 48 instead of staying at 64 players. She responded, “Sometimes the field is hard to fill on a 64 player field as you start getting declines. You know players have lives as well, sometimes they can come and sometimes they can’t.

The economy has hit people really hard so the cost of having to travel to different places was difficult, so we were asked to take a look at the field and to go down to the 48. Now the one tournament that will remain at 64 will be the U S Open. Because it is a U S Open event, we have different guidelines for inviting people to that event. So we made that decision based on some membership input as well so we went down to 48. We made that decision to help fill the field to have the top players. But where the WPBA is at this moment in time we felt that this was the best choice for us to make. Now that’s not to say in the future when we have a schedule of more tournaments that we are not going to look at the opportunity of opening those events back up again. We’ll challenge that when we get to that point again. But with as little events as there are right now and what we are trying to do we felt it was the best move for the WPBA. You’ve got to remember, years ago, when you look back at the history of the WPBA the field used to be a 48 player field and then they opened it to 64 and we’ve just chosen to go back to kind of where we were.

We actually have gone back to winner breaks. We aren’t doing the alternating break and we’ve actually gone back to the double elimination until the TV rounds. Then we have to go to single elimination at that point.”

I have noticed over the years that the amount of tournaments telecast by ESPN has fallen off drastically in the last couple of years, so I asked Tamre’ if she had any “insider” information about the situation. She said, “You know the fewer tournaments you have the less opportunity you have to show on television.

They are committed to running so much per event. Of course, the less tournaments you have the less women’s billiards there will be on TV. I did not too long ago see some really old classic events on there. I want to say a couple of months ago that I saw something but of course we just reran the finals this last week for the U S Open. I don’t see a lot of other billiards on there. I don’t see the trick shots that used to pop up before, different things like that. It is our goal to get as many events as we can. That’s why we are working so hard on

! s n r etu

R A B P W 2012 because the more events we have the more billiards is going to be on television. That’s why it is one of my main focuses, to get events.

Signing casinos to bring us into their establishment. I get emails from fans periodically which I love. I love the fans emailing me because I think it’s great they take the opportunity to sit down and write me a note and many times I hear are there going to be more events? And again all I can say is we are working very very hard to make that happen for them.”

Tamre’ has her work cut out for her, but she is not new to challenges. She has been active in women’s pool in the Pacific Northwest since the NWPA began in 2002. It was organized after the ACW (Association of Cuesports for Women) begun by Linda Carter was discontinued. The NWPA has an established history for the past decade in the Pacific Northwest.

And has grown into giving the women of the area an organization that helps them reach the goal to compete on a professional level in the WPBA. Whether they aspire to become a professional or just better their own game, the NWPA gives the women a structure from which to do that.

In closing I asked Tamre’ if she had anything else she would like to add and she answered, “The only thing that I would like to say is I am really thankful to the women of the WPBA for entrusting me with this role.

Sometimes, I get emotional about it. They have chosen to keep me on this board as president, so to me it means they saw something in me that could help the WPBA. It’s always been a dream of mine to be involved with the WPBA and I never imagined I would ever be president.

That was the farthest thought from my mind of that every taking place. I always wanted to say thank you to the players, thank you to the membership, thank you to the rest of my board members for their support as well. We are just going to continue to plug along. This is going to be a great ride and I really look forward to it.”

And if you ever see Tamre’ be sure to get her a carmel frappuccino.

She said it’s her new favorite. It’s her one vice besides collecting wine.

Tamre’ Geene’-Rogers

COLUMNIST

L

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2011 US Open Lessons

ast time I pointed out that you could learn a lot as a spectator with the safety play of Rafael Martinez as an example.

I took my own advice and went to the 2011 US Open 9-Ball Tournament in Virginia this October. There were many great matches and I picked up a move or two.

In the diagram is a safety that I saw Stefan Cohen from France play. I thought he would play the tough cut on the 7, but instead he perfectly executed this safety shot, leaving both the 7 and the cue ball tight against the cushions. This is the sort of speed control of both balls you tend to find with one pocket experts, but in Cohen’s case I suspect it is from his experience with carom games in which you need to control the speed of all the balls. Cohen is also the former world champion at straight pool.

BY: BOB JEWETT

8

B

A

7

9

Precision safe

REJ

If you see one guy wearing lime green shoes, it’s an aberration or maybe insanity but if you see a dozen, it’s a St. Patrick’s Day parade. Later in the tournament I saw other examples of this safety, so maybe it will be worth your time to practice this shot.

Note that against typical room players, even if the 9 was not there as a blocker the safe would still be effective as long as the shot is left straight in since a successful tablelength draw is not likely.

This comes under the heading of leaving shots your

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Another thing to be noted from this Open was the critical importance of the break shot.

Or maybe not. In the match between Darren Appleton and Alex Pagulayan -- the eventual winner and the third place finisher -- in the first 11 racks the breaker won only 3 times.

Appleton won the last 7 racks in a row to take the match but only 2 of the racks were break and runs. Championship play is rarely a series of run outs, especially with the relatively small pockets of the Diamond tables.

Perhaps the longest string in the Open was by Jason Klatt from Canada who put an unbroken 7-pack on Darren, but Darren managed to claw back for the win. The breaking rule was rack-your-own, break from “the box” (within a diamond of the head spot) and get three balls past the side pockets. In winning the race-to-13 finals, Appleton broke 13 times and made the wing ball (the outer ball on the side he broke from) 12 times. That’s what happens when you have a tight rack. On the other hand, Darren’s opponent in the finals, Shawn Putnam, broke 6 times and made the wing ball only twice. Inexplicably, Putnam broke from the left side all the time while Appleton was having his success from the right side.

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Another more common safe is shown with the letters. Suppose the 7 is gone and the 8 is the next ball in this position. By hitting about half the 8 on the left side you can put the 8 at B and the cue ball at A. Be sure to get the cue ball as close as possible to the cushion to make your opponent’s cueing harder.

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I hope I’ve convinced you to get out more and see what’s going on. The next major event in this area is the Mosconi Cup, which will be in Las Vegas December 7-11. I hope to see you there. I’m the guy with the briefcase and notebook -- say hello.

Allison Fisher Dominates China

H

ARTICLE AND PHOTO COURTESY OF: DRAGON PROMOTIONS

aining, China- 15 times World Champion Allison Fisher finally snapped off her first win in China at the 2011 Haining Cup. She defeated friend and fellow top Brit Kelly Fisher. The event hosted all the top stars of China including World 9-Ball winner Bi Zu Qing, Fu Xiaofang, and the sensational Chen Siming. Foreign stars such as Ga Young Kim and Yu Ram Cha also participated.

Allison crushed the field including wins over recent World 9-Ball Champ Bi Zhuqing(CHN), demolished former World Champ Liu ShaSha(CHN), and devastated Tsai Pei Chen 9-2 in the semi-finals. On the other side, Bi Zhuqing crushed Korea’s Yu Ram Cha, before succumbing to Allison. Kelly Fisher overwhelmed everyone in a surprising 9-2 win over Siming Chen.

In the finals, Kelly Fisher took on Allison Fisher in their 5th match play in the past 12 months. Allison had won the previous four meetings. Kelly took the lead at 4-2, but then it was all Allison as she won the next 7 of 9 games to win the tournament 9-5. This was Allison’s 3rd finals in China in little over a year, but her first triumph in the finals.

“I’ve been close both times before at the World 9-Ball and the China Open, but this is really important for me to win finally here. Kelly and I were delighted to have done so well to get to the finals, though at times our match

was shaky,” said Fisher. Allison is sponsored by Star Tables, a top table manufacturer in China.

Between both Fishers, they eliminated almost all the top China bets in the event, proving that Western women’s pool still has alot of bite. And more importantly for Allison Fisher, that after over two decades of play, she is still a deadly force to be reckon with.

“In today’s women’s pool, the competition is by far stiffer than ever in history by a landslide. In modern times the Taiwanese dominated, the Koreans had their moments, and now China. And still Allison , the sport’s most decorated veteran still competing, comes out on top. Three finals in China of all places in 12 months? It’s incredible how she always still rises to the top”, said Charlie Williams, Allison Fisher’s coach and manager through Dragon Promotions.

He adds, “There’s no doubt, she is still a top,top contender even today. Players still fear the Duchess of Doom.”

Fisher flies to Manila, Philippines tomorrow along with her fellow top pro women for the Yalin Women’s World 10-Ball Championship. For Allison, it’s good timing with a nice momentum built from China.

Photo: The two Fishers both overcame the odds on favorite Chinese to reach the finals together for England (l to r) Kelly Fisher and Allison Fisher

November 2011 - Rackem Magazine 9

IT’S APPLETON AGAIN THE 2011 US OPEN

EVENT CONCLUDES WITH A FLAWLESS PERFORMANCE

BY AZB STAFF ran that rack, then broke and ran the final rack for the match and title.

The final day of the 36th Annual U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships concluded with a flawless performance by the explosive British player “Dynamite” Darren Appleton. He defeated Shawn Putnam in a single-set finals match with a convincing score of 13-6. Appleton is the third player in U.S. Open 9-Ball history to claim back to back titles since Mika Immonen in 2008/2009 and Nick Varner in 1989/1990.

Putnam earned his second place finish defeating a number of world class players including Mosconi Cup MVP Dennis Hatch 11-2. Putnam appeared unstoppable, running the first four racks and jumping to an 8-0 lead before Hatch even won a game. The two friends bantered and even exchanged a fist pump when Hatch played a lock up safety on the 6 ball while down 8-1. Ultimately, Hatch was unable to capitalize on the rare opportunities he received and at 10-2, when Putnam got perfect on the 6 ball with four balls left on the table, he threw in the towel.

This year, 251 players representing over 30 countries arrived to vie for the most prestigious professional billiard title on U.S. soil. Only four entered the final day where each match would now be a win-by-two format that never came into play.

The determined Brit entered the Accu-stats TV arena for his finals match sporting his patriotic England shirt with his country’s bold name and logo on the back. He had already defeated Putnam once in the first round of the finals bracket and felt confident he could do it again.

The first of only two errors by Appleton came in rack seven. While up 6-0, he scratched while playing onerail position from the 3 to the 4 ball allowing Putnam a chance to move his first bead. He would claim that rack and two more bringing the score to 6-3 when the American fans began chanting, “USA! USA!” Putnam cracked a smirk but the cue ball found a way to the pocket on his following break.

Appleton continued his lead throughout the match keeping the cue ball on a very short leash. His patterns were simple, his speed was precise, and his pocketing was deadly. While ahead 11-5, Appleton finally missed a thin cut on the 3 ball that sold out the rack. Putnam ran a few balls but found he was

Darren Appleton (Photo courtesy of Ricky Bryant)

cold from the chair. He missed the 7 ball in the corner but it banked in the side two rails. He did get out but broke and scratched in the following rack. Appleton

Putnam continued his tear in his next match against “The Lion” Alex Pagulayan who made a few uncharacteristic mental errors. Pagulayan received his first loss from Appleton in winner-side finals match. Both players stayed at each other’s heels until Appleton was ahead 7-6. In that rack, Appleton missed a 2 ball displaying the first possible signs of a slight mechanical breakdown. The gentlemen exchanged a few safeties until Pagulayan finally had an offensive shot at the 3 ball. As he shot it a cell phone went off in the top row leaving him with a tricky shot on the 4 ball. “I told you, only when he shoots,” said the playful lion. After much pondering, Pagulayan swung and missed the 4 in the corner.

He would never regain control of the table again after that. Appleton’s break was too effective and consistent and would ultimately earn him the grand prize.

Visit usopen.azbilliards.com for online brackets and photo gallery.

APPLETON WINS CHALLENGE OF CHAMPIONS

How do you follow up your second straight US Open 9-Ball crown? If you are Darren Appleton, you follow it up with a win at the 2011 Challenge of Champions at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Ct.

This event calls for four invited players to compete in two races to five and a one game sudden death playoff if the players split the first two sets.

The final match between Appleton and See did not start off well for Appleton, with See winning the first set 5-2. Appleton came back to force a tie-breaker with a 5-2 win of his own in the second set.

There was no sudden death playoff for Darren in his first match as he posted back to back 5-2 wins over World 9-Ball Champion Yukio Akakariyama.

See won the lag for the sudden death game, but was unable to get a shot on the one after the break. See did take control after an Appleton safety, with a successful jump shot. That control came unraveled though, when See missed a five ball and was forced to sit and watch Appleton run out the remaining balls for the win.

The other semi-final match saw World 10-Ball Champion defeat Mika Immonen in a sudden death playoff after winning 5-2 and then losing 5-3.

Appleton earned $25,000 in the winner take all event.

10 Rackem Magazine - November 2011

BY AZB STAFF

J U N I O R P L AY E R P R O F I L E Name: Tyler Styer Home town: Brookfield, WI Birth date: 1/12/95 School you currently attend: Brookfield East High School Grade: 11th Favorite subject in school: Math At what age did you start playing pool? 14 Titles/High finishes: Billiard Congress of Wisconsin State Tournament, 2nd place 2011 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships, 3rd place Other notable awards: Represented the United States in the 2011 WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships in Kielce, Poland What kind of cue(s) do you use? Schon Cues Left or right handed: Right Favorite band/music: Red Hot Chili Peppers Hobbies: Baseball, spending time with friends Memorable pool moment: Finding out I qualified for the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) Junior Championships Real-world hero: Besides both my great parents-- Willie Munson, and my good friend George Middleditch-may he R.I.P (9/15/11) Fondest childhood memory: Spending time with George at the Derby City Classic all week staying up till 3 A.M. telling jokes and playing Card tricks Goals- personal and/or career: Win the all around at the Derby City Classic I would like to thank Terry Romine Jr. I would not be where I am today in the pool room, or as a person with out him. He took me under his wing and lead me to were i am now. I tell him i don't know how to pay him back for everything he's done for me and he just tells me he wants to see me play good. I really appreciate everything he has done for me. Thank you so much.

I would also like to thank Jerry Briesath for teaching me as well. Jerry is a great guy to be around. Spending time watching matches on the tv table at the derby was great. he had an answer for every one of my questions and just smiles when i ask the next one. I've learned a lot from him.

November 2011 - Rackem Magazine 11

COLUMNIST

The Monk’s Nine Ball Rules COVERING SUBJECTS THAT ARE NOT WRITTEN ABOUT

BY THE MONK

Tim Miller

You can go to my web site and read over seventy important instructional articles at no cost to you. www. monkbilliardacademy.net has video clips to show you how to hit the shots.

My special three-day workshop is limited to four students. I do not allow my students to get lost in a large class. I am here to help you at a reasonable price. It is about skill development.

May all the rolls go your way, The Monk

I am working on a project that involves the game of nine ball. Most of the masters will not share the vital concepts that are so important about this game. I promise you, this project will cover subjects that are not written about. The reason they won’t share this information with you is because it took to much sweat and effort to gain the knowledge. They simply do not want to give it away. I hope to have this work completed by mid November.

Let’s establish The Monk’s Nine Ball Rules.

1.

The break is the most important shot in this game. You must respect this opening shot. Your pre shot routine and thought process must be consistent on each and every break. The cue tip on the cue ball must be precise. The aiming must be accurate and the stroke must deliver the cue ball with deadly accuracy and with clear intentions on where the balls are going. The speed you use is vital. Stroke, speed and aiming point are critical parts of a good nine ball break. I charge two hundred dollars for a three hour session on the nine ball break. It would be good money spent.

2.

You must master the nine ball foundation material. I give you a series of shots and strokes and a score sheet. Work on this until you can reach the level of advanced nine ball player. You must understand, if you cannot consistently pocket these foundation shots you will fail to reach the top level status in nine ball. It is as simple as that.

The shots in the game of nine ball come up all the time. I set up a complete series of shots that will enable you to finish your run outs and win more games. Email me and I will send you ten of these foundational shots FREE of charge.

3.

There is no such thing as an easy shot in nine ball. The entire shot sequence must be mastered on each and every shot you face. See the shot, know the stroke and shoot the shot. In nine ball it is not a matter of making the ball. You must play position and be on the right side of your next ball. You must make the ball, set up for the next shot so you can get position on the next ball. In other words, you are always thinking three balls ahead.

4.

Do not make a ball when you cannot get position on the next shot. If you face a situation where you can’t get back to your next ball, play a safe. Do not play yourself into a corner.

5.

Do not try to run a table when you know you have clumps and balls tied up. So often we lose the game of nine ball when we arrive at a tough shot. We knew this was going to happen and yet we still ran to this point. An example of a tough shot is a ball on the rail right next to a side pocket. That is a shot where we sell out with a bank attempt or pinch it down the rail. Pay attention to the killer balls that destroy a good nine ball game. When you are good at kicking and good at safety play, you can offer to let your opponent play himself into a corner. I have done this and ended up seeing him fail on the clump or trouble ball. Better him than me.

6.

Nine ball is not about the break and run. Master the safeties found in my E book Safety Play. Don’t shoot them once. Shoot each safe a hundred times until your success rate is over 90%. Don’t come to me for backing money until you reach this success rate.

7.

Play the game you are playing. Do not get ahead of yourself. Develop the I Came to Win attitude and focus on winning the game at hand. Do not get caught up in the score, or the value of winning or losing. Stay in the present and shoot the shot in front of you as a reflection of who you are.

8.

Develop the ability to be a strong finisher. Run to the finish line in everything you do. Do not walk, do not hesitate do not get ahead of yourself. Be strong when it comes to the last three balls. And don’t try a low percentage shot on the eight. Be willing to play the safe required. Be patient when you are at the table. Play the game the right way.

9.

Master the fine art of composure. When playing nine ball you must be composed at all times. In all shots, be composed. Be composed when walking to the table, when sitting in your chair when facing a critical shot. Simply be composed and not preoccupied with results. Be composed when you win, be composed when you lose.

Make up your mind to become a good nine ball player. Learn the strategies this great game demands. Master the moves and enjoy your time at the table. Check out my special workshop in Canton Ohio. If you would like to organize a workshop in your area, contact me at 1-603-566-6229

Training Materials Classes Workshops Videos Books and more ...

See it all online www.monkbilliardacademy.net 12 Rackem Magazine - November 2011

Pool Leagues Tournaments Karaoke Fri-Sat 9:30pm

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*Tournaments *Cue stick tip and shaft repair *Cue sticks & supplies *Lessons *In house & traveling leagues ISPA, ACS, VNEA

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563-263-7665 www.krugzpoolhall.com

Krug’z Pool Hall

The eighth stop at Krugz Pool Hall was in Muscatine, IA, Saturday, October 22. The $500-added 8-ball handicapped tourney on 7-foot Valley bar boxes drew 29 players. The A-side was completed with Daryl Ostwinkle (rated a “4” on a regional rating system used) upending Rod Flenoi [6] (E. Moline, IL) and Scott Hargens [6] (Cedar Rapids, IA) outpointing John Gorsch [5] (Cedar Rapids, IA) in the semi-finals. Hargens then claimed the hot seat with a finals win over Ostwinkle.

Thereafter Hargens was called away on an emergency, and it was agreed to award him first-place money and second-place in the standings.

So with the title still up in the air, all attention went to the B-side. Ron Martin [6] (Moline, IL) eliminated Whitey Walker [7] (Keokuk, IA) at 7th place,

[L-R] RONNIE MARTIN CONGRATULATED BY TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR JEFF NGUYEN

1st $255 2nd $325 3rd $165 4th $110 5-6 $60 7-8 $35 9-12 $20

and Tim Krause [5] (Clinton, IA) tied Walker after a loss to Josh Johnson [7] (Bettendorf, IA). Martin and Johnson continued their winning ways in the next round by knocking out Rod Flenoi and John Gorsch respectively at 5th place.

Martin then defeated Josh Johnson at 4th place and Daryl Ostwinkle at 3rd place.

As the last man standing, Ron Martin claimed the event title!

Ronnie Martin the highest-finishing ACS member won a free 9-Ball singles entry into the 2012 Lucasi Hybrid ACS Nationals. The ACS wishes to thank sponsors Lucasi Hybrid Cues, Championship Billiard Fabric and Nick Varner Signature Cases. Sponsorship opportunities and tour stop openings are still available for the 2011/2012 All American Tour by contacting the ACS.

Ronnie Martin (Moline, IL) + $50 side pot + Free 9-Ball Singles entry to ACS Natls Scott Hargens (Cedar Rapids, IA) Daryl Ostwinkle (Dubuque, IA) + $20 side pot Josh Johnson (Bettendorf, IA) Rodney Flenoi (E. Moline, IL), John Gorsch (Cedar Rapids, IA) Whitey Walker (Keokuk, IA), Tim Krause (Clinton, IA) Oscar Perales (Muscatine, IL), Mike Henderson (Des Moines, IA) Dave Martin (Burlington, IA), Daryl Adcock (Muscatine, IA)

Results

Results from Cuemasters Billiards The 2011-2012 Lucasi Hybrid Cues All American Tour showcased its second stop at Cuemasters Billiards in Dubuque, IA, Saturday, October 8. The $500-added 8-ball handicapped tourney on 7-foot Valley bar boxes drew 21 players. On the A-side, John Gorsch Sr. (Cedar Rapids, IA) – rated a “4” on a regional handicap system utilized - marched to the hot seat, including a semifinals win over Ron Pluym [6] (Dubuque, IA) 4-1 and a finals win over Al Birkett [6] (Clinton, IA) 4-3. Birkett had previously won his semi-finals match over Mike Rohner [5] (Dubuque, IA) 6-3.

On the B-side Scott Herbeck [6] (Prairie du Sac, WI) recovered from a 6-1 loss to Rom Pluym to eliminate David Duggan [5] (Platteville, WI) 6-4, Mike Rohner [5] 6-2, Ron Pluym [6] 6-4 and Al Birkett [6] in the B-side finals to gain a tourney finals shor at undefeated John Gorsch Sr. [4] The finals went two sets, with both sets ending on the hill 6-3 in favor of Scott Herbeck – the titlist!

John Gorsch Sr. won a free 9-Ball singles entry into the 2012 Lucasi Hybrid ACS Nationals. The ACS wishes to thank sponsors Lucasi Hybrid Cues, Championship Billiard Fabric and Nick Varner Signature Cases.

Sponsorship opportunities and tour stop openings are still available for the 2011/2012 All American Tour by contacting the ACS. 1st $400 + $225 side pot Scott Herbeck (Prairie du Sac) 2nd $250 + $150 side pot + John Gorsch Sr. (Cedar Rapids, IA)

ACS Nationals Singles entry 3rd $200 + $90 side pot Al Birkett (Clinton, IA) 4th $175 Ron Pluym (Dubuque, IA)

RESULTS

Results from Sharky’s Billiards The Tour stopped at Sharky’s Billiards in Davenport, IA, Saturday, October 15, for the seventh stop of the Tour year. The $500-added 8-ball handicapped tourney on 7-foot Valley bar boxes drew 24 players. Daryl Ostwinkle (Muscatine, IA) [rated a “4” on a local rating system used] won the winner’s bracket, finishing his run in the semis and finals by outscoring Steve Parlow [6] (Dubuque, IA) 4-0 and then Anthony Garcia [6] (Cedar Rapids, IA) 4-4. Garcia had earlier won his semifinals match over Jamie Miller [4] (Muscatine, IA) 6-2.

Action on the B-side included Miller eliminating Will Kohl [5] (Clinton, IA) 4-1 at 5th place, and Rich Bideaux [6] (Moline, IL) tied with Kohl by losing to Steve Parlow [6] 5-6. Jamie Miller [4] then ousted Parlow [6] 4-4, but was then eliminated himself at 3rd place by Anthony Garcia [6] 6-1. Garcia then took on the undefeated Daryl Ostwinkle in the event finals, and Garcia outlasted him over two sets 6-3, 6-2 for the title!

Jamie Miller qualified for a free 9-Ball singles entry into the 2012 Lucasi Hybrid ACS Nationals. We wishe to thank sponsors Lucasi Hybrid Cues, Championship Billiard Fabric and Nick Varner Signature Cases. Sponsorship opportunities and tour stop openings are still available for the 2011/2012 All American Tour by contacting the ACS. 1st $320 + $70 side pot Anthony Garcia (Cedar Rapids, IA) 2nd $220 + $40 sicde pot Daryl Ostwinkle (Dubuque, IA) 3rd $160 + Free Singles James Miller (Muscatine, IA)

entry to ACS Nationals 4th $120 Steve Parlow (Dubuque, IA) 5-6th $80 Rich Bideaux (Moline, IA)/

Will Kohl (Clinton, IA)

RESULTS

November 2011 - Rackem Magazine 13

CORNHUSKER OPEN

T

DRIFTERS WAS HAPPY TO ADD $25 FOR EVERY PLAYER! he competition was fierce and exciting in the race to 7 format. Brad Bent worked his way through the winners bracket. Kurt Sabin lost his first match, but stayed calm and collected. He began picking off players on the losers side, finally facing John Bussey for the right to get a shot at Brad. By this point, Kurt was in dead punch, leaving John to collect the third place money.

Brad started slow in the first set of the final. Kurt jumped to a big lead and forced a second set. The alternate break format really came into play in the second set. The players went back and forth before a crucial miscalculation

by Brad allowed Kurt to pull out to a two game lead. He finished off the set to claim first place.

The Cornhusker Open is an annual $100 entry tournament that will next be held on October 13, 2012.

RESULTS

CORNHUSKER OPEN 1st Kurt Sabin, Lincoln 2nd Brad Bent, Beatrice 3rd John Bussey, Lincoln

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presents

CueSports International (CSI) sponsored 13 young players to the 2011 US Junior National 9-Ball Championships. Produced by the Billiard Education Foundation (BEF), the event was held at the Huskies Den at Northern Illinois University July 6-10.

The players CSI proudly supported this year were: Sheldon Barber (Gallup, NM), Shawn Begay (Gallup, NM), Chad Behnke (Farley, IA), Levi Behnke (Farley, IA), Chris Byers (Tualatin, OR), Mikey Evans (St. Peters, MO), Ricky Evans (St. Peters, MO), Danny Olson (Broomfield, CO), Manuel Perez (Kansas City, KS), Sergio Rivas (Milwaukee, WI), Kirk Short (St. Clair, MO), Joey Torres (Tomball, TX) and JC Torres (Tomball, TX).

CSI wishes to congratulate the following players for placing in their divisions: Danny Olson (1st Place in the Boys 19 and Under), Chad Behnke (4th Place in the Boys 19 and Under), Shawn Begay (2nd Place in the Boys 14 and Under) and Joey Torres (4th Place in the Boys 14 and Under). Over 100 junior players participated in this year’s BEF produced event with the hope of winning titles, scholarships, prizes and compete in the World

Pool Billiard Association (WPA) World Junior 9-Ball Championships which were held in Kielce, Poland September 1-4.

In addition to competing in this year’s junior nationals, several CSI sponsored players have also successfully competed in the BCAPL Nationals.

Long time participants in the BCAPL National Championships, Chad and Levi Behnke hail from the well known pool and billiard Behnke family. The young brothers have cashed in several BCAPL national divisions including the Men’s Open Singles and Mixed Open Team representing their family’s pool room, the Dakota Cue Club.

In 2011 Danny Olson, at age 18, had a banner year. In addition to winning the US Junior National 9-Ball title, he won the Men’s Advanced Singles and was a member of “the Wrecking Crew” which finished 9th in the Mixed Open Team division at the 35th BCAPL National Championships this past May at the Riviera Hotel & Casino.

Chris Byers, in his first year at the BCAPL nationals became noticed quickly. At age 17 Byers was a member of “Abracadabra,” the 1st place Mixed Open Team finishers and out of 1328 entries, finished 2nd in the highly competitive Men’s Open Singles division.

CSI is proud to be able to support these tremendous young talents and the BEF in their goals and the US Junior National 9-Ball Championships.

CueSports International is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. In the past seven years CSI has directly paid out approximately Seven Million Dollars to players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events such as the US Bar Table Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial, the US Open One Pocket Championship and the US Open 10-Ball Championship. Visit www. playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com and www. playusapool.com for more information about CSI and its divisions.

November 2011 - Rackem Magazine 15

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PRESS RELEASES

Mosconi Cup Teams Set

W

TEAM USA ith The 2011 partyPoker.net Mosconi Cup set to kick off at 11am on Thursday 8th December, the team selected to represent America at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas will be Shane Van Boening, Shawn Putnam, Mike Dechaine, Johnny Archer and Rodney Morris.

These five have finished at the top of Matchroom Sport’s ranking system that comprised ten events across the USA over a 12 month period. With a total of 26 appearances in the transatlantic tussle between them, there is plenty of experience on hand, with Mike Dechaine being the sole debutant.

Following a career best finish at the weekend’s US Open in Chesapeake, Shawn Putnam, who was a member of the winning side in 2005, crashed the top three to guarantee an automatic spot. He ultimately displaced Johnny Archer, but “the Scorpion” and Rodney Morris garnered sufficiently high finishes at the Open to maintain their top five positions and hold off Dennis Hatch, who

narrowly missed out.

With the top three in the ranking assured their spots, Matchroom Sport decided to go with the top five after an epic year-long battle among the top players in the USA, and named Morris and Archer as the “wild cards”. The team will now attempt to win back pool’s most prestigious team trophy after defeat in London last December.

The US Mosconi Cup Ranking consisted of 10 events throughout the United States, and culminated in the US Open. Points were allocated as per the BCA Points List and each event was weighted depending on total purse, size of field and number of topranked players competing.

Only players finishing in the last 32 of each event were allocated points and players were allowed to drop their worst finish of the ten event series. At the conclusion, after the 2011 US Open, the top three players were automatically granted entry to the Mosconi Cup side.

TEAM EUROPE DARREN APPLETON’S second successive US Open title – only the third man in history to successfully defend the biggest title in American pool – saw him move to second spot in the final European rankings and secure a second successive PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup appearance.

He will be joined by countryman Chris Melling who has enjoyed a fabulous season, with 14 times Mosconi Cup veteran Ralf Souquet (Germany) claiming the third automatic spot. The remaining two “wild card” spots go to the Dutch duo of Nick Van den Berg and Niels Feijen, who have ten Mosconi Cup appearances between them.

Following a 13 event series over 12 months taking in 12 different countries around the world, the top five players in the ranking will now reconvene at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas to defend the title they won so well in London last year.

World 10 Ball champion Huidji See gave Feijen a run for his money but

came up just six points short as ‘The Terminator’s 17th place finish in Chesapeake saw him over the line.

There are two changes from last year$B!G(Js victorious side – Melling comes in for Karl Boyes, while Feijen replaces Mika Immonen. The team will once again be captained by Dutchman Johan Ruijsink.

The PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup is the annual Europe v America pool showdown. In existence since 1994, the event features two five-man teams doing battle in a series of singles and doubles matches over four days of compelling action.

Tickets for the Mosconi Cup are priced at $35 per day or $120 for the four day season passes and booking charges will apply.

Currently the Mosconi Cup is sold through Ticketmaster (1-800-745-3000) or MGM Resorts Contact Center (1-866-740-7711).

Visit www.ticketmaster.com and search “Mosconi Cup”

November 2011 - Rackem Magazine 17

Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice DATE Nov 5 Nov 5 Nov 5-6 Nov 5-6 Nov 9-13 Nov 10-13 Nov 10-13 Nov 12 Nov 19 Nov 19-20 Nov 25-27 Dec 1 Dec 3 Dec 10 Dec 10 Dec 10-11 Dec 17 Jan 7 Jan 7 Jan 21 Jan 26-29 Feb 18

CITY Lees Summit, MO Blue Springs, MO Midwest City, OK League City, TX Las Vegas, NV Olathe, KS Olathe, KS Coon Rapids, MN Mission, KS Cape Girardeau, MO Wichita, KS Muscatine, IA Kansas City, MO Coon Rapids, MN Blue Springs, MO Houston, TX Olathe, KS Lees Summit, MO Kansas City, MO Blue Springs, MO Coon Rapids, MN Muscatine, IA

LOCATION Side Pockets Side Pockets Jamaica Joe’s Legends Billiards Bally’s Casino Shooters Shooters CR’s Sports Bar Clarette Club Billiard Center Shooters Krug’z Pool Hall Brass Rail CR’s Sports Bar Twin Strokes Bar & Grill Bogie’s Billiards Shooters Side Pockets Brass Rail Side Pockets CR’s Sports Bar Krug’z Pool Hall

PHONE EVENT / RULES ENTRY ADDED (816) 524-2400 Rated 9-Ball $15 $800 (816) 224-5454 KC Rated 9-Ball Tour $30+$10 g.f. $300 w/32 (405) 736-0590 OK Bar Table 9 Ball $50 $2,500 Guar (281) 332-7716 Tiger Amateur Tour Call $1,000 (800) 984-7665 TAP National Championships Varies Call (913) 780-5740 Midwest 9-Ball One Pocket $60 $1,000 (913) 780-5740 Midwest 9-Ball Bar Table $65/$55 $4,000 (763) 780-1585 8-Ball on 7’ - MPA Event Varies $1,000 (913) 384-0986 KC Rated 9-Ball Tour $30+$10 g.f. $300 w/32 (573) 335-9955 9-Ball Handicapped-Bar Tables Call $3,500 Guar (316) 262-0072 Midwest 9-Ball - Handicapped $20 $2,000 w/128 (563) 263-7665 8-Ball $30 $500 (816) 468-6100 KC Rated 9-Ball Tour $30+$10 g.f. $300 w/32 (763) 780-1585 8-Ball on 7’ - MPA Event Varies $1,000 (816) 224-6188 KC Rated 9-Ball Tour $30+$10 g.f. $300 w/32 (281) 821-4544 Lone Star Tour Call $2,000 (913) 780-5740 KC Rated 9-Ball Tour $30+$10 g.f. $300 w/32 (816) 524-2400 Rated 9-Ball $15 $500 (816) 468-6100 KC Rated 9-Ball Tour $30+$10 g.f. $300 w/32 (816) 224-5454 KC Rated 9-Ball Tour $30+$10 g.f. $300 w/32 (763) 780-1585 Upper Midwest Bar Table Call $5,000 (563) 263-7665 8-Ball $30 $500

TIME 12:30PM 12:30PM 11AM Call 6PM 8PM 8PM 10AM Noon 11AM 2PM 1PM Noon 10AM 11:30AM Call 2PM 12:30PM Noon 1PM Call 1PM

WEEKLY TOURNAMENTS Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice DATE

CITY

Thursdays

Fridays

Saturdays

Muscatine, IA Oshkosh, WI Coon Rapids, MN Farmington, MN Muscatine, IA Tulsa, OK Oshkosh, WI Farmington, MN Tulsa, OK

Wednesdays Oshkosh, WI

LOCATION Varsity Club Krug’z Pool Hall Varsity Club CR’s Sports Bar Farmington Billiards Krug’z Pool Hall Q-Spot Billiards Varsity Club Farmington Billiards Q-Spot Billiards

Presents

18 Rackem Magazine - November 2011

PHONE (920) 651-0806 (563) 263-7665 (920) 651-0806 (763) 780-1585 (651) 463-2636 (563) 263-7665 (918) 779-6204 (920) 651-0806 (651) 463-2636 (918) 779-6204

EVENT / RULES 9-Ball Beginners Pool/Darts (2nd Shift) SE 9-Ball Intermediate 8-Ball on 7’ Diamonds 8 or 9-ball rotation 9-Ball Race to 4 or 5 8-Ball 7 & under 9-Ball Open - Break Pot 8-Ball Bar Box Hdcp 9-Ball 7 & under

ENTRY ADDED TIME $8 Call $5 1AM $10 Call $16 $75 7PM $10 $50 w/16 6:30PM $5 8PM $5 9 PM $15 $5/player Guar. Call $20 entry $25 every 8 2PM $10 (incl. g.f.)

9 PM

Live Streaming of Pool Tournaments Call 4 Info 406.285.3099

16th Annual Jay Swanson Memorial 9-Ball Tournament February 4-5, 2012 Hard Times Billiards, Bellflower, CA $3000 Added Guaranteed $4000 Added w/ Full 192 Field

19th Annual US Bar Table Championships

February 12-19, 2012 Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, Reno, NV $25,250 Added Open & Women’s 8, 9 & 10-Ball Divisions All Around Point Bonuses

Play in “the Greatest Pool Tournament in the World” The BCAPL National Championships May 9-20, 2012 Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV and Starting July 17-27, 2013 Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino Las Vegas, NV

State & Regional Events

Added Money from CSI to Each Event

May 10-13, 2012 Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV $10,000 Added

13th US Open 10-Ball Championship

May 14-19, 2012 Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV $25,000 Added BCA Point Event

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State-of-the-Art National Website

The BCA Pool League and USA Pool League are divisions of CueSports International (CSI)

CueSports Tournament System (CTS) www.ctsondemand.com

Developed by CSI for the betterment of pool and pool players!

Real Time Tournament Brackets ~ Online Event Registration Player Text Notifications ~ Search by Player or Team ~ and More!

LEAGUESYS! www.leaguesys.net

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Join CueSports International on CSI wishes to thank the following companies for their continued support: