The latest issue of SPM Billiards Magazine, Issue 49, is now out, featuring the Tenacious Pia Filler the only woman to be on the World Nineball Tours 128.
It has been an exciting month with Sofia Mast, The Pink Dagger, winning the Girls Under 19 division championship in Hamilton, New Zealand, and coming out with the Gold Medal after a grueling hill-hill match against Savanah Easton, The Road Runner, who took home the Silver Medal. The last time the USA brought home a Gold Medal for the Team USA girls’ division was in 2006 and 2007 when Mary (Rakin) Tam won for two consecutive years. In the Under 19 boys division, Adrian Prasad took home a Silver medal. A big congratulations goes out to all the fantastic players!
Moving on to Colorado in the Ultimate Pool Tournament, Sofia Mast became victorious again! Sofia won the Colorado Women’s Open and the Colorado Junior’s Open! Ultimate Pool USA puts on a great tournament! I look forward to Ultimate Pool USA coming back to Kansas City in 2025!
Joshua Filler emerged as the champion in the final of the 2024 WPA 9-Ball China Open by defeating Japan’s Hayato Hijikata with a score of 11-6. Filler performed exceptionally in the tournament, winning all seven matches to clinch the title. This impressive achievement represents his third victory at the China Open, demonstrating his unwavering top-tier abilities and extraordinary talent.
Coming soon will be Matchroom’s Hanoi Open and then the Reyes Cup! The WPBA Olhausen Colorado Classic is getting ready to start! There is always a tournament somewhere! Play your best!
HOW TO HANDLE PRESSURE
The ability to play well under pressure is one of the most desired qualities players look to achieve. A player who shoots well in practice but struggles to perform at the same level during tournament play must consider altering the way they approach play.
The first step in dealing with pressure is to recognize and accept the fact that you are going to have to deal with it. To deal with pressure, you must acknowledge it exists and then learn how to handle it. Pressure is created by how we look at each game we play. Often, we create pressure by how we think or act.
The difference in playing a league match or the championship game of the U.S. Open is not in the game itself, because the game remains the same. It is, in fact, the mental attitude of the player that creates the
difference. The difference is in the mind of the player... therefore a consistent approach is essential.
Every single game is important and should be approached as if it is a “must-win” because it is the only one you are currently playing! If you place more importance on one game than another, you will be inconsistent with your pre-game preparation, which can hinder your overall performance.
Perhaps the most harmful six words in pool are, “It all comes down to this!” as in, “This is it, it’s do or die. I must win this game, or I will be out of the tournament!” Emphasizing any one game usually creates unwanted stress and anxiety.
The objective under pressure should not be to do something spectacular; the objective should be to play within your usual limitations. Normal play is possible in high-pressure situations through proper training and preparation. In a high-pressure situation, it is imperative that you focus entirely on the task at hand rather than thinking about negative memories from the past or dwelling on what might happen in the future. You must learn to control the situation rather than letting the situation control you. You must focus on performance, not outcome! Concentration is the key!
Various meditation strategies can help you relax and “free your mind.” A former U.S. Open champion often thought about previous fishing trips. Thoughts of peace and tranquility will help your body relax. Players who are at peace with themselves often perform better than those who must deal with inner turmoil.
Concentration can be learned, just like any other essential playing skill. Players should have a well-thought-out pre-shot routine that is so detailed that there is literally no time for negative thoughts.
Players should practice their pre-shot routine just like they practice running balls or playing defensive shots. Proper performance under pressure is a characteristic that can be achieved by playing in the present moment. It’s essential that you learn how to play your best even when you are under extreme pressure, and this can only be achieved by focusing on the pre-shot process you have practiced time and again... it takes practice and effort, but “clutch play” can be mastered!
Anthony Beeler is the current Billiards Instructor of the Decade and is a former BCAPL National Champion. He has numerous “Top 25” national finishes and is the primary author of the ACS National Billiards Instructor’s Manual. He has also authored the book Unstoppable! Positive Thinking for Pool Players. Anthony currently has the highest established Fargo Rating of any Master Instructor. He has won over 300 tournaments and has defeated numerous professional players in tournament competitions.
CHEATING THE BREAK
The Most Famous “Cheat Code” on the 8 Ball break, of course, is “Corey Deuel’s Pattern Racking Trick.”
Although it’s illegal according to some tournament rules, Corey’s fully aware that most tournament operators do not enforce it.
Corey figured out how to rack to separate one suit of balls and make the other suit “cluster up”! Making his corner ball and leaving his opponent with a pile of “chicken crap”
Now, in Corey’s rack, the balls must be tight, with no space at all between any of the balls. He also breaks at a much slower speed than most to allow his pattern to take fold. Although “pattern racking” is illegal by standard rules, the ordinary pool player, road player, or “league banger” will never know the difference “if you play it cool and rack it at a quick pace.”
In some leagues and tournaments, “The 8 on the Break is a Win,” so of course, you want to hit the second ball squarely, missing the head ball, with center English. This will send Whittie over to the side rail and back to center table and generally sends the corner ball in the rack into the corner pocket. This is the best formula for a Golden Break in the game of 8 Ball. The 8 Ball gets kicked around and generally goes into one of the side pockets or the lower corner. Now, this is especially true on the 7 ft—Bar box. On the regulation 9 ft table, in order for the second ball hit to work, the rack must be dead tight with no gaps.
If the racks tight, and you hit the second ball square, the corner ball is wired to go.
Now, when you get a guy who thinks he’s slick and gives you a “loose rack,” you can play on this. If any of the balls “behind the 8 ball” has any space at all between them, then you want to break from the side where the “space or cracks” are in the rack. These little spaces become “big holes” upon the cue ball contacting the rack of balls, especially with the second ball hit, and give you a much better chance of making the 8.
So, if you get a loose rack on the 7-footer especially, don’t make your opponent “re-rack” just break from the side. The spaces are most noticeable. Your chances of a golden break have just improved with “a weak rack.”
I hope these small bits of information help you to improve your break and lead to many break ‘n runs!
Until Next Time, Happy Shootin’ from “The White Wolf”
POOL SCHOOL IS OPEN
LIFE LESSONS Learned From Playing Pool
Playing pool is far more than just a game or sport. Playing competitive pool can help you develop skills that contribute to success in other areas of your life.
Let’s examine some of those skills.
Communication. Pool gives you the chance to interact personally with other players. Strategic Planning. Learn to evaluate different situations and consider all your options.
Problem Solving. Pool teaches you to identify and deal with difficult situations.
Spatial Reasoning. The ability to understand physical restrictions and limitations.
Problem Solving. Analyzing different situations and developing solutions to deal with them.
Focus and Concentration. Learning to deal with the immediate situation without distractions.
Decision Making. The ability to weigh risk vs. reward and choose the most beneficial option.
Patience. The ability to wait for opportunities and maximize them to your advantage.
Teamwork and Collaboration. Experience working with others toward a common goal.
Personal Development. Learning to put in the time to develop and expand your own skills.
Long-term Development. Understanding how short-term efforts will lead to long-term fulfillment.
It quickly becomes evident that playing pool is much more than hitting balls into pockets. When the game is approached with the goal of competing successfully, as your game skills improve, so do your life skills.
Successful pool players are always trying to learn and develop their game. Successful people are always trying to learn and develop new skills. Being able to do both at the same time is a gift. Practice using your pool skills in life, and practice using your life skills in pool. It’s a win-win for us all.
Until next time
Steve Jennings
ACS/SPF/PBIA Master Instructor
SUMMER 2024: A STRONG FINISH WITH
VNEA & WPBA
BY STEVE OF STEVE RAU PRO BILLIARDS, MANAGER OF “KWIKFIRE” KELLY FISHER AND WEI WEI “THE WAVE” -WEI TZU CHIEN
“As summer 2024 comes to a close, the future looks bright for both the VNEA and Valley-Dynamo. The Fun Shop demonstrated the organization’s commitment to innovation, education, and community-building within the billiards world.”
As the summer of 2024 fades into memory, it’s clear that the season ended on a high note, particularly for billiards enthusiasts and related table games . August proved to be an incredibly eventful month, filled with exciting developments and tournaments in the pool world, thanks to the Valley National Eightball Association (VNEA) and the Women’s Professional Billiard Association (WPBA).
VNEA Fun Shop: A Hub of Innovation and Networking
The beginning of August saw the VNEA Fun Shop, a three-day event held in Fort Worth, Texas. This gathering brought together league operators from around the globe to learn and discuss upcoming plans and ideas for the organization. The event was a perfect blend of education, networking, and entertainment.
STEVE RAU
Highlights of the Fun Shop:
• Tour of Valley-Dynamo Plant: Attendees were given an exclusive tour of the 163,000-square-foot facility in Richland Hills, where Valley-Dynamo manufactures a wide range of table games.
• Historic Stockyards Visit: A night out in Fort Worth’s historic Stockyards district provided a taste of local culture.
• Educational Sessions: The event featured a roster of impressive speakers, including:
• Kelye Stites, owner of Valley-Dynamo
• Nil Gaudet, CEO of CompuSport
• Judy Mehle, VNEA President- Scott Morgan, past President of VNEA
• Marco Sanschagrin, expert on player ranking and growth- Daniel Krupinski, a specialist in streaming technology
Key Topics Covered:
• Social media strategies
• Marketing and advertising techniques
• Player ranking systems
• League growth
The Fun Shop proved to be an invaluable experience for attendees, who left armed with new knowledge and connections to help grow their local leagues.
VNEA WORKSHOP PHOTO PROVIDED BY STEVE RAU
Inside Valley-Dynamo: A Legacy of American Craftsmanship
The tour of the Valley-Dynamo plant was a highlight for many attendees. This American manufacturer has been a cornerstone of the table game industry since 1945, producing iconic brands such as:
• Valley billiards
• Champion Shuffleboard
• Connelly Billiards
• Dynamo air hockey
• Tornado foosball
• Sun-Glo shuffleboard accessories
What sets Valley-Dynamo apart is its commitment to American manufacturing. Every game they offer is produced from start to finish in the United States, a point of pride for the company.
A Glimpse into the Future
During the plant tour, attendees were introduced to Trey Stites, son of owner Kelye Stites. Trey’s involvement signals a bright future for Valley-Dynamo as he takes on significant responsibilities in leading the company forward. The tour also showcased upcoming innovations for Valley Pool Tables, hinting at exciting developments on the horizon.
VNEA: A Support System for League Operators
The success of the Fun Shop can be attributed to the hard work of the VNEA executive team:
• Gregg Elliott, Executive Director
• Mike Wiltse, Office Manager
• Brian Elliott, Director of Marketing and Promotions
With over 65 years of combined experience in the
TREY STITES, MIKE WILTSE, & STEVE RAU PHOTO PROVIDED BY STEVE RAU
CHALLENGE MATCH WITH KELLY FISHER PHOTO PROVIDED BY STEVE RAU
KELLY FISHER & ALLISON FISHER PHOTO PROVIDED BY STEVE RAU
pool industry, this team has created a support system that league operators can rely on for guidance and resources.
Looking Ahead
As summer 2024 comes to a close, the future looks bright for both the VNEA and Valley-Dynamo. The Fun Shop demonstrated the organization’s commitment to innovation, education, and community-building within the billiards world. For VNEA league operators, the message is clear: take advantage of the resources and support offered by the VNEA corporate office in Bay City, MI. Their expertise and dedication can be a game-changer for local leagues looking to grow and thrive.
The combination of rich history, American craftsmanship, and forward-thinking leadership positions the VNEA and Valley-Dynamo at the forefront of the billiards industry. As we move into
the fall of 2024, the momentum generated by this successful summer will propel these organizations to new heights.
The next stop for Kelly Fisher and I was in Charleston, South Carolina, for the inaugural WPBA (Women’s Professional Billiard Association) event at the Palmetto Billiards Academy, located at 2049 Savannah Hwy Unit 30, Charleston, SC 29407. Kelly and I arrived a few days early to host an evening of challenge matches, film two company promotional videos, and record a pitch video for another.
Customers of Palmetto Billiards Academy received a unique opportunity to meet and compete against Snooker and Billiard World Champion “Kwikfire” Kelly Fisher in some 9-ball matches. People of all ages and skill levels came to participate in the challenge matches, where each person received a
KELLY SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS AT CHALLENGE PHOTO PROVIDED BY STEVE RAU
photo op and an autographed 8x10 photo of Kelly Fisher to add to their collection.
Next, we were eagerly awaiting the arrival of Kelly Fisher’s luggage and pool cues to arrive. Somehow, her luggage made it to America, but her pool cues were left in a Dublin airport in the U.K. We had
plans to shoot the promotional videos the next day, but since her uniforms/jerseys hadn’t arrived, we had to wait. Side note: Her pool cues never came, and she had to play in the WPBA tournament without her gear.
While there, we met John Dillon, who was assisting
us in eventually capturing the footage for the promo videos. John is from Australia, resides in South Carolina, and has 30 years of experience in broadcasting. The promotional videos were for two companies, BridgeMate and Palmetto Billiards Academy. The video for BridgeMate is still in the process of being produced, but soon I will be releasing some short reels showing “Kwikfire” Kelly Fisher demonstrating the BridgeMate and the family of products. Larry Holton, the inventor of BridgeMate, has done an incredible job producing the BridgeMate, the RailMate, and the BridgeMate+, which is an over-the-ball mate. The over-the-ball mate received a lot of attention from the customers at my merchandise booth. If you have a person with disabilities, or you know
a player who has shaky hands when they play, or people who are short in stature, the BridgeMate could definitely be the product to help them along.
The next video we filmed was for Palmetto Billiards Academy. Reid Strauss, the owner of Palmetto Billiards Academy, shared with me an invention that Shane Strauss has developed for their customers. It is an assessment tool that Shane’s students and players can go through to better help them understand their struggles in their pool game. Shane will lead their customers through this video assessment tool to help identify where a player should be ranked, to help the customers with their approach and stance at the table, and so much more. It will help the customers of Palmetto Billiard Academy out so much. I know in
JOHN DILLON FILMING KELLY FISHER. PHOTO PROVIDED BY STEVE RAU
the future, there will be additional video modules to go with this new assessment tool.
As the week continued for us in Charleston, SC, the WPBA arrived to prepare for the week’s festivities. Bob and Lonnie Fox-Raymond, along with Angela Janic and tournament director Cathy Tschumper, arrived to begin preparing for the tournament, and shortly thereafter, the WPBA players began to show up to start practicing.
It was a 64-player field and proved to be an exciting tournament. Kelly ended up in the final four, which I thought was good, considering she was not playing with her own gear. The Duchess of Doom, Allison Fisher went on to secure the top spot against “The Zlayer” Kristina Zlateva and Kristina “The Krystal” Tkach came in 3rd place. Margarita Fefilova-Styer and Melissa Helland finished 5th-6th place. April Larson and Kaylee McIntosh finished 7th-8th place. Savannah Easton, Ashley Rice, Sofia Mast, and Brittany Bryant finished 9th-12th place. Susan Williams, Kennedy Meyman, Loreejon Brown, and Caroline Pao finished 13th-16th place. Janet Atwell, Teruko Cucculelli, Monica Webb, Ashley Benoit, Tina Larsen, Kim Housman, Veronique
Menard, and Rachel Lang finished 17th-24th place.
Overall, the feedback received from the spectators and Palmetto Billiards Academy was favorable. People really enjoyed themselves, and Palmetto Billiards Academy was thrilled to have such great talent from around the world compete in their facility.
Kelly and I really enjoyed ourselves and want to thank the great staff, Reid, Shane, John, Rachael, and the customers of Palmetto Billiards Academy for the hospitality.
REID STRAUSS, ALLISON FISHER, KRISTINA ZLATEVA, AND SHANE STRAUSS
PHOTO PROVIDED BY STEVE RAU
To give a quick update on where Kelly Fisher and Wei Tzu Chien are headed next. Kelly is competing at the Joy Heyball Tournament in Slovenia, and Wei Wei is competing in the China Open. And I know for both Australia is coming up.
If you haven’t already, you can follow our journey here: www.facebook.com/steverauprobilliards or online at www.steverauprobilliards.com
Special thanks to Kat Day, editor of SPM Billiards Magazine. You do a great job! Keep up the good work!
STEVE RAU PRESENTING AT VNEA FUN SHOP
PHOTO PROVIDED BY STEVE RAU
A TIMELY BREAK: THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP
Cue sports players are often looking for secrets that can improve their game and perhaps provide an extra 1 or 2 percent im provement, which may just give them the edge over their opponents.
However, a number of elements that are often forgotten or ignored are proven to provide a much higher percentage and form the solid foundations that a competitive player will need to have in place.
My previous article in the last issue of SPM covered the importance of a healthy diet in cue sports and how it can greatly help increase performance. Sleep is an important partner to Diet.
Sleep is a fundamental aspect of human health, yet it can often be overlooked, undervalued, or, for many reasons, discarded in favor of seemingly more interesting things.
There are some reasons why Sleep can naturally be a struggle, such as Health, Insomnia, and the environment. Still, like diet, sleep is generally a controllable factor that we can use to create healthier habits and patterns.
Cue sports, such as snooker and pool, require a high level of focus, precision, hand-eye coordination, decision-making, and physical endurance, and sleep plays a vital role in supporting these areas.
Although we know little to nothing about it when we are asleep, a considerable amount still happens while we are at rest. This process supports and enables our body’s healing and repair, allows us to
process memories and information, and restores our energy.
Sleep deprivation can significantly impair our focus and attention, making it difficult for players to maintain their performance, especially during a match or tournament. This can include our decision-making, as a well-rested brain is far better equipped to analyse shots and situations, helping us decide clearly upon quick solutions.
Our eyes, an important tool in playing and competing well, can struggle with complications caused by lack of rest, such as dryness, itching, blurry vision, and even involuntary eyelid twitches. Other physical issues, such as muscle aches, headaches, and joint pain, add to the potential problems.
The negative effect of these factors on performance often reduces our patience, builds frustration, and encourages low mood or mood swings. It also increases the risk of making errors, feeling uncomfortable, and feeling anxious while playing, taking our concentration away from the elements that we should be focused upon, primarily the shot in front of us.
As with our diet, a good sleep pattern can become harder to find while competing due to long travel hours, jet lag, changes in environments and surroundings, the excitement of competition, and unplanned disruptions.
Many players will explain and talk about the social side of tournaments, where drinking, going out, and being part of a party atmosphere can
be a large part of their trip. However, weighing up the pros and cons of this side can contribute significantly to achieving a player’s goals and targets with either a balance being struck or sacrifices being made. This can seem difficult at times, especially when being encouraged to go out by others or if this has been a behaviour for some time, but the rewards can be fast coming and dramatic.
When aware that we lack rest, we can also start to stress and worry about it, which can feel like a vicious cycle. To sleep, the body needs to feel safe and relaxed, so stressing about not getting enough has the reverse effect that we are after, meaning that we can end up lying there, keeping ourselves awake by trying to force ourselves to sleep. During this time, our perception can be distorted, where we feel that we are gaining far less rest than we actually are, believing that we have been awake for a lot longer, encouraging us to panic further and distort the perception of time.
The more we think about this and worry, the easier it becomes to make our fears a reality, and we start a cycle of building anxiety. This can easily mean that we begin to dread the thought of going to bed altogether, hoping that tonight will be different.
It is important to put things into perspective. Fifty percent of people feel that they do not get enough sleep, and it is thought that a third of the population has bouts of Insomnia, so this is in no way uncommon. However, if managed, it can encourage great improvements in performance.
Some useful ideas to help promote sleep are:
1. Maintain a regular sleep schedule: when not competing, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time, even when traveling, and have a plan for tournaments in place, such as how you would approach early matches compared to later ones. Everyone is different, so determine how many hours you need to feel well-rested. This can vary from person to person, but most adults require around 7 – 9 hours, and while considering your morning routine around breakfast, dressing, practice, etc., aim to have around one and a half to 2 hours before your start time so that you can wake adequately. It’s essential to listen to your body and adjust your wake-up time accordingly. You may need to adjust your sleep schedule if you feel groggy or unrested.
2. Establish a bedtime ritual: Before bed, engage in calming activities such as reading, taking a
warm bath, or practicing relaxation techniques.
3. Create a Relaxing Sleep Environment: Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. When away in hotel rooms, taking our own bedding or investing in our own pillows can help. Avoiding screens such as TVs, Tablets, phones, etc., prevents blue light stimulation that can interfere with sleep. Wearing eye masks and earplugs helps reduce disturbing noise and light.
4. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption can disrupt sleep patterns. Moderate caffeine intake during the day and avoid alcohol close to bedtime. Energy drinks have become extremely popular. However, these can have an extreme effect on sleep and should be limited if not stopped.
5. Manage Stress: Cue sports can be mentally demanding. Practice stress management techniques like meditation, Visualisation, deep breathing, or yoga to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
6. Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, but avoid intense workouts close to bedtime. Exercise can help improve sleep quality, but it’s best to schedule it earlier. Walking is a great way to burn off excess energy and clear our minds before bedtime.
7. Avoid Heavy Meals Before Bed: Eating a large meal close to bedtime can disrupt sleep. If you’re hungry, opt for light, easily digestible, non-spicy snacks.
By having a good sleep routine, especially when combined with a healthy diet and fitness, cue sports players can significantly improve their performance, reduce the risk of errors, and enhance their overall well-being. Adequate sleep is not just a luxury if we can afford it but a crucial component of success in competitive sports.
I hope that you Sleep well and play well.
www.mattandrewsmentoring.org
Delvis
“Del
is a top man and a top coach. He knows me better than anyone.”
— Ronnie O’Sullivan
Introduction
Behind every snooker great is a mastermind. One man who ticks all the boxes is the brilliant coach Dell Hill. A man who Jimmy White, Stephen Hendry, and Mark Selby have sought the expertise of. Hill, who has been likened to Jose Mourinho, is a true snooker mechanic, tweaking players’ techniques at a remote farm in Friskney, Lincolnshire. A friend colossus who stands at 6ft 9in tall and who Ronnie O’Sullivan nicknamed Delvis after a night out at a Liverpool nightclub. If anyone knows expertise, Ronnie does. Del first met him when he was 16 and knew that he would become a Titan of the game. Del describes Ronnie as hard work but the greatest ever.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY ELLIOTT WEST
Hill first stumbled across Ronnie at a pro-am in Blackpool when he was coaching Graham Cripsey, the stunt motorcyclist who lost his thumb on the wall of death. Graham, then a professional, once ranked 34 in the world, dropped off, and Ronnie asked Del to go with him. It was the start of a Road to Damascus moment where Hill found he had a talent. Being able to understand a player’s cue action within five minutes and helping them get through the ball. A coach who started at the top of the game and skin had Jimmy White and Tony Drago asking him for help.
The Craft
Del came from a poor background. The family didn’t have a lot, but his father, Jack, was a gifted billiards player. He used to take his son to Neasden Snooker Club and played alongside the likes of Patsy Fagan and Neal Foulds. His parents divorced, and his mother, Elsie, remarried. However, his stepfather was tragically crushed and killed by a downpipe on a building site.
It was then that Del decided to leave home at the age of 15 and did an apprenticeship, qualifying as a trained engineer. By the age of 17, he was living on the 13th floor of a block of flats in the rough end of Abbey Road. A flat that a mate helped him pay the rent for.
However, in 1978, Hill got an ex-council house through the man they called Dodgy Bob. A taxi driver who used to ferry Jimmy White and Tony Meo around to events as teenagers. He became a postman until an inoperable back injury forced him to retire in 1986. An injury that could have left him with a 4-1 chance of ending up in a wheelchair. A once keen golfer at Pinner Hill Golf Club with a handicap of 8.
Working His Magic
The couple decided to move with his post office pension to a secluded Lincolnshire farm. The farm became a calming influence for Hill, his wife, and three sons. Despite his type-2 diabetes, Del was in his element. A farm that Hill has lovingly restored, turning a once-chicken shed that was used by the previous owner to store potatoes into a treasure trove of snooker memorabilia. A farm where the telephone rings off the hook with calls from far-flung countries such as Russia and India. Del has visited Thailand 24 times and shared many a private chat with Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry over a cozy cup of tea in a crucial tournament. Turning a broken gun into a player with six bullets. A coach with an aim of making a player self-sufficient. Once who helped Graeme Dott win his World Championship title in 2006 after reaching the final two years earlier. A 500-1 outsider at the start of the tournament.
Hill’s proudest moment came at the end of a highly-successful spell as the coach of England’s amateur squad, in which they won the Prince of Wales Shield five years consecutively between 2007 and 2011. He says: “In the bar, with the karaoke on, the whole team were singing ‘You’re simply the best.’ I was goose-pimply.”
Elliott West has a blog titled Snooker Loopy which he created and is inspired by his love of the game spanning over 33 years. Check out his website! It is full of great articles. https://greenbaize1972.com
A Change is as Good as a Rest or a Bridge
Over 50 years ago, 55 to be precise, I was watching Snooker on TV in black and white . Yes, all you young techwizz kids out there, TV used to be in Black & White.
There were no mobile phones, and not everyone even had a static telephone, never mind a mobile. We did, but we were only allowed to use it when one of our parents removed the lock and put 10p in a box by the special phone desk. If you knew anyone whose number was 1111, you could call them for free.
Anyway, you get the picture (In black and white, of course)
There was a very aptly named ‘Pot Black,’ a weekly snooker programme that featured one frame of snooker between two of the top 16 stars of that era, including Ray Reardon, Joe Davis, Doug Mountjoy, Alex Higgins, Patsy Fagan, Dennis Taylor, and Graham Miles to name a few. Reardon, who sadly passed away recently at age 91, and Alex Higgins brought a lot of colour to the show, and the first
The show ran until 1986, and it was revived again in 1991 to 1993 and again in 2005. But the golden years for snooker were definitely in the late 70s through the 80s and into the 90s.
When the world championships were held at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield for the first time, Ray Reardon took the inaugural title at the home of snooker as he did when he won the very first Pot Black tournament nine years earlier, and it was the last of his six world crowns.
The game of snooker has remained relatively untouched over the years. Apart from a few little rule tweaks, mainly the miss rule, not much has changed. A new tournament called the ‘Shootout’ was established in 1990, like Pot Black, but with a few changes to the rules. They introduced a shot clock for the first time in snooker, and the players dressed more casually and were allowed to ditch the waistcoats and bow ties for a T-shirt, and a foul gave your opponent ‘Ball in hand.’ It was kind of like a bit of fun coming up to Christmas.
colour episode appeared on BBC2 in July 1969.
So, why all this talk of snooker? It was the love of my life from the age of 7, but as I reached my late 40s, I’d had enough of the silent, dimly lit snooker rooms. I wanted more fun! I had always played pool on a small 6x3 table with the small white, red, and yellows. There aren’t many Brits that haven’t played it at some point, and it’s the law in the UK. My first recollection of American Pool was when I stumbled across the Mosconi Cup. It was quick; there was music, and everyone was going crazy. I thought this looked fun. I want to play this. I was used to 12x6 tables with tight pockets and had made centuries at snooker; indeed, this pool would be easy. Well, I found out it wasn’t, but it sure was a lot more fun than snooker.
Having tried to master pool for the past ten years and failed miserably, I feel a yearning to return to snooker, maybe for nostalgic reasons. But it feels like returning to a girlfriend after a break-up. I’m not going back on the same terms. There will need to be a few changes. Most sports go through periods of transition, changes in rules that rekindle excitement, and to attract new fans, pool did it by changing a few rules, including the break box, moving the 9 to the spot, and shrinking the pockets. I like how they have smartened the players up to introducing dress codes at all big events. I hope they don’t go too far down the snooker route, both with the dress code and the desire for silence during play. It’s not snooker, and it’s more like darts, fancy dress, beerswilling fans holding up funny banners.
Now, I never thought I would see myself typing this, but I honestly believe it’s time for snooker to go more towards pool, not so much on the silence side of things, but there are definitely some facets of pool they could introduce to the game’
Hear me out, please,
1. Introduce a shot clock, one minute, and one extension per rack.
2. No longer ball in the D after a foul, ball in hand.
3. The miss rule needs updating; after three misses, it’s ball in hand.
4. Dress code relaxed, no waistcoats or bow ties, smart trousers and shoes with either a long sleeve or short sleeve shirt, player’s choice, they don’t have to be black or white.
Let’s get a bit of colour out there. I would love to play the game again, my favourite game at the moment is Chinese 8 ball, it combines my two favourite games ever, it’s like having two girlfriends in one, but I promise I will never be unfaithful to either of you.
I like what Ultimate Pool has done with English 8 ball, and the format is also being welcomed in other countries. We saw recent events in the US that were well-supported by American players and fans alike, and they are starting to spread. They also indicate how much life has changed over the past 50 years. We all have phones with our locks on them. We want everything faster: Wi-Fi, cameras, cars, and trains. We don’t have time to waste waiting for photos to load on our phones. I remember coming back from holiday, taking my reel of film to the chemist, and waiting a week only to find out that half of them were just black after forgetting to take the lens cap off, another 25% were overexposed, and the rest were just a fuzzy, blurry mess.
However much I love cue sports, we must move with the times. Unfortunately, like myself, our generation finds it hard to change. We want our game to remain the same for nostalgic reasons, but the game will die along with us unless we make it appeal to those who can fall in love with it in the same way we did and want to keep it alive for their own reasons.
BY
IVAN LEE RANDY GOETTLICHER
ROY PASTOR
DOMINIC ESPOSITO THE DRILL INSTRUCTOR
PHOTOGRAPHY
JEFF SMITH OWNER OF HEIRLOOM PORTRAIT ART
ERIC NARETTO
JOHN LEYMAN
KIM YOUNG
STEVE CAMPANA
JIM BAKER
TOM ROSSMAN AKA DR. CUE
MARK FINKELSTEIN
TOM RICCOBENE
JERRY BRIESATH
LEGIT CUES REVIEW
After reviewing some of the legit carbon cues, I had the opportunity to interview Dale Fawver, one of the brand’s leaders. Dale Fawver and the rest of the company reside in San Antonio, Texas.
Legit Cues is not a custom shop but rather a competitive production company, which is refreshing in a cue world where custom anything seems to be the way of the land lately. Their goal is to provide competitive quality and performance at a moderate rate. Fawver stated they don’t want to be known as the cheapest; we are better than that. I can attest to this personally as one of the things I do while demo-ing a cue is pass it around the community to various skill-level players. The break and jump cues were the most impressive, as even the newest players saw an immediate performance boost with little change in stroke or adjustments. They were definitely the preferred equipment.
The company has its roots in a small cue supply store, and as the owner retired, Dale acquired the brand and continued to improve on what was already showing success. Legit Cues offers all manner of things. They include technology-infused cases, tips, gloves, chalk, and more. Legit cues provide cues and shafts in all standard pins for break, playing, and jump cues. These cues have unique versatility, especially the jump cue. These cues feature a lifetime warranty for original purchasers, as Dale and his associates want to be clear about their promise of quality. The cues in appearance are very modern and straightforward. There are lots of carbon finishes that remind you of modern supercars, and the cues perform as such. In short, Dale Fawver and Legit Carbon Cues are here to stay and grow.
THE DEFENSIVE GAME
Last month, we saw the first of the critical parts every pool player must have in order to possess a well-rounded or whole game: your Offensive Game. This month, we’ll see the next part of the well-rounded players game, viz, The Defensive Game.
Defense should never be used as a last resort or as a “have to” alternative because you can’t find a ball to fire at with some relative degree of confidence. This powerful portion of your overall skill set should be ever ready in your arsenal to control and cripple your opponent while ever maintaining control of the table game in whatever present stage of play it’s at. Few players realize that it is not necessary to make a ball every time you’re shooting to win the game. What is necessary is that you control the table and your opponent at all times. Having trained “Defensive Skills” provides the best chance for you to operate this way all the time.
The first important lesson to remember is that playing defense is “almost always” about controlling one ball, namely, the cue ball or
the object ball. I stress focusing on both when attempting to pocket the object ball. Otherwise, it’s all about controlling where the cue ball finishes, or it’s all about controlling where the object ball finishes.
Philosophically, we play a defensive shot to come back to the table in a better position, and when done right, we receive ball-in-hand. You must strive to have perfect cue ball speed and object ball speed control.
This one drill I’m revealing for this month works on both cue ball and object ball speed control. It’s called PARTING WAYS: This is Drill No. 20 and comes from my book and DVD, 55 Safety Drills. This video book is now only available on DITV. Go to https:// thedrillinstructor.us and join up today.
The Scenario:
1. This safety can be used in 8, 9, and 10 ball games.
2. Choose this shot when you’re uncomfortable or can’t play the bank shot.
Your Strategy:
A. Create distance for your opponent to have a long bank shot at best.
B. Bank the 8 ball into the side rail to land at the center of the bottom rail.
C. Bank cue ball up table to top cushion. Hiding behind the 9 ball is optimum.
Comments:
This is a cue ball speed shot. Play it two ways to master each option. Option 1. Play to get the 8-ball frozen at each diamond on the bottom rail. Option 2. Land the cue ball behind the 9 ball. NOTE: Place the object ball in various locations to develop greater cue ball speed control.
Test additional tips of English to learn total cue ball speed control. Strive for a minimum 7 out of 10 proficiency level.
To find more drills from The Drill Instructor, go to www.thedrillinstructor.us check them out today.
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The Tenacious Pia Filler
TRUE GRIT & DETERMINATION
“Being the only female WNT Pro is simply special and amazing, as I am able to gain extremely valuable experience in competing with the best male players out there. I can definitely say that it has helped the growth of my game.”
—Pia Filler
Pia Filler is known for her tenacity and unwavering dedication to the game, making her truly inspiring and deserving of respect. She has made history in the World Nineball Tour by becoming the first woman to join the 128, competing alongside the top professional male players.
Pia was born and raised in Stolberg, Germany. Although life in Stolberg was generally pleasant, she did
PIA FILLER AT THE WORLD POOL MASTERS 2023 PHOTO BY TAKAIMAGES FOR MATCHROOM
PIA & JOSHUA FILLER AT THE 2023
OPEN PHOTO BY TAKAIMAGES FOR MATCHROOM
not enjoy school. As a child, Pia didn’t have much interest in competitive sports, but Pia started playing pool around 2006 at the age of 8. “My dad had a pool table in our living room, and I began playing on it secretly when my parents were at work. My dad also played in a league, and he eventually took me with him to the bar where he played. He later bought the place, so I stuck with pool,” stated Pia.
Pia’s passion has always been with pool; she was never interested in carom or snooker. The everchanging nature of the game is what fascinates her the most. Pia Filler began to understand that she could compete at a high level in 2020 and go Pro.
Traveling around the world with Joshua, her husband, and a top-level pro player, Pia realized that she needed to work much harder to become
a competitive player to win events. So, during the pandemic, for about 18 months, all she did was practice with Joshua. Watching her progress during those practice sessions, they realized she had become a serious competitor. “Although I won several national junior titles when I was young, I knew I was not a top player back then, as school consumed most of my time and attention,” stated Pia Filler.
I sent a list of questions for Pia to answer, and here are her replies.
What is it about the game that fascinates you? It’s different all the time, and you’ll never learn out.
When did you begin to realize that you could compete at a high level in the sport?
MORITZ NEUHAUSEN, PIA FILLER, JOSHUA FILER AT 2024 UK OPEN PHOTO BY TAKAIMAGES FOR MATCHROOM MULTI SPORT
I would say that my professional journey started in 2020. I was traveling around the world with Joshua as he was already a top-level pro, but of course, I realized I was not good enough to keep up with the best women in the game. Then, when Covid hit in 2020, I said to Joshua I either stop playing or really need to work very, very hard now to become a competitive player and be able to win events. He immediately said he’d support me and started teaching me. So for like 18 months, all we did was practice, while not being able to travel due to the pandemic. Looking at how my development was going in those practice sessions, we realized that I am now getting a serious competitor. I won plenty of national junior titles when I was young but always knew that I wasn’t a top player and back then, school took all my attention and time.
What was the first big event that you witnessed, and which one was the first in which you participated as a player? It both was the China Open 2017.
Who were some of your favorite players to watch, and who inspired you early in your career?
Jasmin Ouschan and Ralf Souquet have been the two I followed the most as a kid.
How big of a factor is the mental side of the game, and how do you approach it? I would say that pool is at least 50% mental.
Can you describe a practice session with Pia Filler and how you prioritize the different aspects of the game?
My practice sessions are usually a combination of analyzing my last matches in a tournament and working on the mistakes I made there, plus all different aspects of the game, such as different breaks, tactical side, etc.
How long and how often do you practice? That depends on my tournament schedule, but when I’m home, I usually practice for at least 3-4h every day.
Do you change your practice routine as you get closer to an event?
Yes, I do. Can’t say how I change things exactly, as it always depends on the individual situation and
PIA FILLER AT 2024 UK OPEN PHOTO BY TAKAIMAGES FOR MATCHROOM MULTI SPORT
circumstances given.
When you are getting ready for a match, what is a typical warmup for you and why?
Nothing special, just hitting balls to get my arm loose and get a feel for the table and rails.
During an event, if you feel you didn’t play well or something just seemed off in your game, what is your typical approach to breaking down what you did well and what you need to correct on the practice table?
I usually analyze my matches with Joshua, and we talk about different solutions for certain situations,
How important do you think coaches are in the game of pool, particularly with young players?
No matter how good or how young/old you are, you‘ll never make it all alone, and therefore, a coach is always very helpful to get an outside view on things which you might not notice yourself as a player.
What are the fans like in Germany as the sport of pool continues to grow? With the number of events becoming more frequent and the increase
in prize money, is the fanbase and general interest growing as well?
Germany always had a good pool community with plenty of players on a good level. It’s just a different story to do it for a living as there are always only a few, in any sport, that can make a very good living out of it. But yes, I definitely believe that pool is growing faster in Germany nowadays, and we are on the right track.
What’s it like being the only female-ranked player on the WNT?
Being the only female WNT Pro is simply special and amazing, as I am able to gain extremely valuable experience in competing with the best male players out there. I can definitely say that it has helped the growth of my game a lot to play on the super tough conditions (4-inch pockets) and special environment of the huge Matchroom TV Table Arena given at their events.
Do you think that the success of the WNT will have long-term positive effects for women’s pool as well?
I don’t think so. The WNT focuses on a global tour with the best male players, while there it is
PIA FILLER 2023 SPANISH OPEN PHOTO BY TAKAIMAGES FOR MATCHROOM MULTI SPORT
impossible for a female player to make a living out of it. Predator Cues is the Promoter to grow women’s pool with building a whole tour for us with bigger prize funds.
Do you see yourself as one of the major faces for women in pool, and how can pool bridge the gap to connect with the growing fanbase in a more personal way as opposed to just visible skill levels? I have never thought about that. I just work hard every day to improve my game a bit each day and try to take my fans around the world with me on social media channels to give personal insights of what it’s like.
There are currently some disputes going on between various entities in the world of pool, do you think that eventually, the sport will have evolved to a point where everyone can coexist, and the sport will become a much more stable environment for players?
A stable environment would mean that entities would work together and not against each other, in my opinion. If that would happen, we could have a tour with a value of probably 10 million dollars and growing.
What are the differences that you see in the approach to the game that people have in Europe, the US, and Asia?
Europe has better structures than the US and Asia, I believe. We have very structured and professional national and international competitions from a very young age, which is very important to gain experience and build toughness in competition environments.
What is the hardest part of being a professional pool player?
To me it definitely is working nonstop on weaknesses in order to get better. You’re always faced with whatever you’re not good at.
What do you think has improved the most for players over the last five years, and do you think in the next decade, players will be in a much better position in terms of earnings and expenses?
With Predator and Matchroom putting on more events with bigger prize funds, it’s a logical consequence that earnings are increasing for players.
What excites you the most about the future of the game?
That it’s getting bigger and better, viewership is
increasing, and pool hopefully will get back to being televised worldwide and becoming more popular.
Who are some of the up-and-coming male and female players that you think will be among the next generation of stars?
I think we can look out for the following: Felix Vogel, Maks Benko, Bernie Regalario, Savannah Easton & Xin Yu Hong
What is your favorite event to play every year?
I kind of enjoy every event I am playing in. I wouldn’t sign up for an event I feel like I wouldn’t enjoy to play in. Although my main focus is on Women’s World Ranking Events such as World 9Ball, 10Ball, China Open etc.
You’ve had some fine wins in your young career; which one has the most meaning to you?
Winning the World Team Championships alongside Joshua Filler and Moritz Neuhausen, followed by my very first European Championship title (8Ball) in 2022.
Which title would you most like to win?
Women World 9Ball Champion
What’s it like for you as a player being married to one of the most talented players in the game? I never look at it that way.
Who are some of your favorite people to hang out with at events other than your husband?
The Easton Family
What are some of your favorite places that you have visited as you travel the globe as a player?
Dubai, Maldives & Las Vegas
What’s the most interesting meal you have tried in a foreign country?
I always try to have the most popular dish of each country, but I can’t remember that it’s ever been something exotic.
Where is Pia’s ideal vacation destination?
Maldives all day long!
How about Joshua’s?
Same as me, Maldives!
What is it like for the Fillers when they are home and away from the table? Describe a typical day for you guys.
What do you mean away from the table, haha. That almost never happens. Our day usually looks like
this:
1. Gym
2. Practice
3. Office work such as planning/booking travel for upcoming events. Besides that, we like to go out for dinner at our favorite places at home, and during our free time, we like to do stuff like ping pong, badminton, spa days, PlayStation, or shopping.
What does Pia like to do for herself when she’s away from the game and just needs to recharge? If I need to recharge, I just like to do Spa days, walking along the Rhine River at home, and have dinner with friends at my favorite Sushi places.
From the photos I have seen, you have played a part in the Filler Juniors Championship in the Fulda European Tour for the last two years! Tell me what is the most exciting part and how you contribute. - Fillers Junior Open: Me and Joshua are very happy about the opportunity given by Matchroom Pool to support the next Generation of Pool players with a Junior tournament in Fulda over the past two years. From our personal experience when we were young, it’s very important to gain experience under tournament conditions and circumstances to learn and get better. Competing against other players, better players, is what will make yourself better with the right approach. They play on the same tables as the main tournament,
PIA FILLER 2023 SPANISH OPEN PHOTO BY TAKAIMAGES FOR MATCHROOM MULTI SPORT
right next to their “heroes” - this is an unforgettable experience for the juniors. They get a little feel of what it’s like as a professional pool player. It’s great to see them juniors playing their heart out and having fun! Joyful to watch!
Where do I see myself in five years?
I don’t have a crystal ball and cannot predict my future, but I’ll work very hard and be dedicated to becoming a better player each day. By then, I’d like to be a more complete and consistent player and enjoy playing as much as possible. Then, results will
come anyway. Of course, the ultimate goal is to win a Women’s World 9-Ball Championship.
A special thanks to Pia’s Sponsors
Predator Cues
Apex Pool Tables
HOW Tips
Andy Cloth HQ
Onboard Sportswear
Serge Das billiards
PIA FILLER 2023 SPANISH OPEN PHOTO BY TAKAIMAGES FOR MATCHROOM MULTI SPORT
PIA FILLER 2024 EUROPEAN OPEN PHOTO BY TAKAIMAGES FOR MATCHROOM MULTI SPORT
CROWNING ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE US OPEN:
FEDOR GORST, SVB, AND THE CROWN JEWEL OF AMERICAN
POOL
The US Open, like the players who hold its trophy, is a grinder. It has lasted for decades with multiple promotion teams, a myriad of homes, and a name change. It has a list of winners that reads like a Hall-of-Fame roster.
The 2024 US Open Pool Championship ended on August 24th, but there is a beginning before the end. This is the longest-running tournament in America, and it is still active. It is one of the world’s most prestigious and coveted titles, second only to the World Championship. It began as the US Open 9-Ball Championship in 1976 by its first promoter, Barry Behrman. Its first home was Q-Masters in Norfolk, VA, but it eventually moved to the Chesapeake Conference Center and later to the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel. Barry passed away in 2016, and his children Shannon Paschall and Brady Behrman took over with the help of Pat Fleming until they sold the event to Matchroom Pool in 2018 without an Open taking place that year.
With Matchroom now operating the event, they held it in Las Vegas in 2019 before moving the Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, NJ, the following year, where it has stayed ever since. The promotion has continued to grow in talent and prize money; in 2024, Matchroom began using qualifiers to fill the field around their 128 ranking players on the World-Nine-Ball-Tour. This follows a model similar to the USGA’s US Open and other individual-style sports. It was also announced that next year, the first prize would go to $100,000.
The US Open, like the players who hold its trophy, is a grinder. It has lasted for decades with multiple promotion teams, a myriad of homes, and a name change. It has a list of winners that reads like a Hall-ofFame roster. It is now the second most important major on the WNT tournament schedule. Next year, it
will double its first-place prize money to $100,000, which will not only be an incentive to the current stars but, undoubtedly, somewhere, a young person will be grabbing a cue with the goal of one day adding their name to the list of title holders. The US Open Pool Championship has emerged as a bright, sparkling jewel in the continuing evolution of our sport.
The 2024 began the age of the major qualifier for the WNT, which has 128 ranking players. I know some have been critical of the idea of not allowing just anyone to sign up and play, but this is a necessary step as our sport evolves. As a niche sport, we need to rise to where we have a strong,
stable structure in place to further improve the path from amateur player to professional, and I feel this is a building block in that direction. Many players agree, as it helps get the best talent available out to the fanbase, makes the event more competitive, and increases overall competition.
This year’s open had 232 players in the opening bracket from countries worldwide. Every year, it seems that we have more players emerging from not only North America but Europe, Asia, and South America. If you’re not convinced pool is global, then you must still be sitting watching a B&W TV next to a rotary phone. And it’s not just the number of players. It’s the talent level that is growing, and the
matches are more competitive and harder to win
The US Open also has a big impact on Mosconi Cup points, and this year’s cup with player captains makes the selection very interesting. If the captain does not secure a guaranteed spot, then he would have to use a wild card pick on himself, leaving only one available for the last player. This means the fight for points and for showing a strong finish to the captain for the “bubble player” is very important in an event like this one. Another aspect of this event was the fact that two of the biggest contenders played a challenging match against one another a few days before this event. It was a race to 120 games over a three-day period. Would
BARRY HEARN AT THE US OPEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAKAIMAGES FOR MATCHROOM MULTI SPORT
they be too exhausted to perform? Some thought so. Would they be dialed in and ready to play? We would see as the tournament unfolded.
Stage One
The first round went reasonably well, with many bigname players receiving byes. Certainly, the matches were competitive, and we saw Mike Dechaine fall to Lee Van Corteza in a close one. We also saw several hill-hill matches.
In the second round, we saw former champion Corey Deuel fall 9-4 to Naoyuki Oi, Mario He was knocked to the B-Side with a 9-6 loss to Michael Baoanan, and Pijus Labutis took down the legendary and 5-time US Open champion Earl Strickland.
Round three, which secures the wines into the final 64, got interesting as Gorst took his first loss 9-4 to Vitaliy Patsura. Oscar Dominguez, looking for a Mosconi Cup spot, defeated John Morra, and young sensation Jonas Souto Comino topped Denis Grabe 9-2. Albin Ouschan fell to Alex Pagulayan,
Pijus Labutis won over Billy Thorpe, and Joao Grilo emerged as the victor over Robbie Capito. Some strong players must fight for their lives to reach the final stage.
Stage Two
This is where the reality of these events takes place. Single elimination stage in a WNT major. This is where reputations are won, names are established, and history gets made. This is where the hearts show. This is where drama happens. This is where the fans see the players at their best and their worst. This is where emotions can overwhelm a player or propel him to greatness.
The first round of Stage Two began with Oscar Dominguez stopping former World Champion Francisco Sanchez Ruiz. Current World Champion Fedor Gorst defeated defending champion Ko Ping Chung. These two met in the finals last year. Fedor is still looking for his first US Open title. Shane Van Boening, seeking a record-breaking sixth title, was a 10-6 winner over Francesco Candela. Alex
Pagulayan, who won the 2005 event, defeated Alex Kazakis 10-5. Jayson Shaw was a 10-7 winner over Karl Gnadeberg. Duong Quoc Hoang ended the run of young Jonas Souto Comino 10-3, while Jeremy Jones, the former Mosconi Cup Captain, knocked off Mosconi Cup hopeful BJ Ussery.
Ko Pin Yin stayed alive with a 10-9 win over Elliott Sanderson, Moritz Neuhausen sent Denis Grabe to the stands, and the legend Niels Feijen topped young star Robbie Capito 10-5.
Oscar Dominguez, Alex Pagulayan, Konrad Juszczyszyn, and Lee Vann Corteza all ended their runs in the second round. Fedor Gorst, SVB, Filler, Shaw, and Ko Pin Yi all advanced to the Sweet Sixteen. Neils Feijen continued his strong play with
a 10-6 win over Jan Van Lierop, and Albin Ouschan took down the third Ko brother, Ko Ping Han, 10-6. Round three started with Vitaliy Patsura continuing to impress with a hill-hill win over Max Lechner. Shane Van Boening defeated Jayson Shaw 10-5 in a match made for fans of these two great players. They have faced off many times, and it is always a pleasure to see them play. Joshua Filler avoided an upset by Marc Bijsterbosch to emerge with a 10-7 win. Albin Ouschan fell to Ko Pin Yi 10-4, and The Terminator proved to be unstoppable as he defeated Jani Uski 10-6.
The quarter-finals are like moving day at the Masters, setting the stage for that final push to the finish line. Shane Van Boening stepped up first as he faced Vitaliy Patsura. Hungry for that record-
JAYSON SHAW AT US OPEN 2024 PHOTO BY TAKAIMAGES FOR MATCHROOM MULTI SPORT
KEITH SHANER
breaking title, SVB took the win 10-7. Joshua Filler faced the formidable David Alcaide, who played well all week. Filler, however, was not to be denied his place among the semifinalists and topped David 10-3.
Fedor Gorst, who suffered a loss in stage one and had to play a couple of extra matches, looked across the table at 24-year-old Jefrey Roda. Roda has been playing some impressive pool of late, and Fedor had shown earlier that he is vulnerable. Gorst quickly jumped to a 5-0 lead before Roda took rack six to get on the board. Roda tried valiantly to make a game of it, but Gorst was not in the mood to let it get too close, and he closed the young man out at 10-5.
Neils Feijen won 10-5 against the powerful Ko Pin Yi to earn the final spot in the semis.
The semifinals were a dream come true for pool fans. The storylines here alone were fascinating. Shane Van Boening looking to make a recordbreaking sixth championship. Fedor Gorst, who lost in the finals the year before, had the chance to
hold the World Championship, The World Master Championship, and The US Open Championship in a single year. Niels Feijen, with all his titles and talents, had, unbelievably, never been in a US Open semifinal before this year. Joshua Filler, one of the most naturally gifted cueists we have seen, has not seen a major title like this in the last couple of years, and he has not been to the US Open finals in five when he won in 2019. Joshua had a huge run at the 2024 Derby City Classic, winning the Bigfoot TenBall, The Bank Pool Division, The Nine-Ball Division, and The All-Around Master of The Table.
Neils Feijen and Fedor Gorst kicked off the first battle to see who would be in the finals. The first rack started with a safety by Feijen and then a kicked-in two-ball by Gorst. Fedor would then hang a four-ball after missing his position a bit, and Niels would take rack one. Feijen would also take the second game, but after a wet break in the third, he missed a threeball to the corner. Fedor cleaned up and trailed only by one.
Niels makes a nice jump shot in rack four but hooks
NEILS FEIJEN AT US OPEN 2024
PHOTO BY TAKAIMAGES FOR MATCHROOM MULTI SPORT
himself on the six-ball. Gorst takes advantage of it and ties things up at 2-2. Fedor would go on to stretch his lead to 5-2. A safety battle won by Niels gives him rack eight, and he only trailed by two. They continued to exchange racks, but Niels could not get over the two-game gap. Then, with Gorst leading 9-6, he had a golden break to get to the hill and widen the lead to four games. With the score 10-6, he breaks and runs to close out the set.
Now, the semifinal match could easily be a final in any pool event in the world—Shane Van Boening versus Joshua Filler. Something about seeing great players match up excites us all, but here in the US, when the name on the marque is Shane Van Boening, there is always something extra special about it. SVB is the only US player that has been in that elite circle for the past couple of decades. We have seen him up against the best in the world in tournaments and challenge matches, and win
or lose, he is always right there in the thick of it. He might have started off as the South Dakota Kid, but he emerged as Captain America for pool fans, setting the bar high for future US players.
Joshua Filler is an immensely talented player. The 26-year-old German has been a dominant force in pool, already winning a World Championship, a US Open title, a UK Open title, a World Masters Championship, multiple DCC titles, and National and European titles. He is never out of a match until the last ball falls.
Our last semifinal match began with Shane off to a great start, breaking and running rack one. In game two, Shane hung a six-ball as well as hooked himself behind the nine. The six fell in as Joshua came to the table, and the referee correctly replaced the ball in the jaw of the pocket. A great kick shot and a thin cut on the seven and Filler tied the match at 1-1.
JOSHUA FILLER US OPEN 2024 PHOTO BY TAKAIMAGES FOR MATCHROOM MULTI SPORT
SVB flukes a three as things look to be rolling his way, and he retakes the lead at 2-1. A scratch on the break halts the momentum Shane built up, and Filler ties it at 2-2. A nice rail first jump shot, and it looked like Filler would negotiate a tricky rack, but a missed six ball gave the table back to Shane, and he took game five and the lead once again.
Shane looked like he was going to have a clean out but missed the eight and fluked it into the side, and got the win. Shane pushed his lead to 5-2 before Filler secured another win at 5-3. Shane went on to win the three racks, making it 8-3. Filler got an opening and took two in a row to make it 8-5. A missed two ball and an excellent draw shot going from the eight to the nine by SVB put him up 9-5. In rack 15, Shane had a clear out but over-drew the six-ball (the six-ball seemed to come up a lot on the last day) and scratched, giving Joshua ball in hand. Filler is never out of it, and he moved the match to 9-7, trailing only by two racks. Hooked in rack seventeen, Joshua plays a safe and looks to have left SVB in a long tough position. Shane, however, hits
a tremendous shot on the two ball and comes out two rails to land perfect on the three-ball, which was nestled against the nine back up table. I think it was here that Shane really felt the win coming, and he let it all out, winning this rack to get to the hill. Then, in the final rack, he starts off with a great cut down the rail on the one just getting it cleanly by a tight five-ball. The rest of the rack was no match for SVB and his Cuetec cue as he advanced to the finals 11-7. Joshua was right there with congratulations as he knew the potential history in the making.
Luck is always a factor somewhere in a big tournament like this one. You can’t get through without it. Luck played its part in this match for sure, but at the same time, it may be a small indication of the so-called pool gods wanting an epic final game. Shane Van Boening and Fedor Gorst. Either of them winning makes a historical statement on our game and carves out one more notch on a historic career. If you remember, I mentioned earlier the two contenders who played a race to 120 a few days before this event. In case you didn’t know, it was
SHANE VAN BOENING US OPEN 2024 PHOTO BY TAKAIMAGES FOR MATCHROOM MULTI SPORT
Shane and Fedor, with Fedor winning 120-116, an epic match in its own right. It appears it put them both in stroke and got them focused as they again face each other on the big stage. SVB wants US Open number six, and Fedor Gorst hopes to hold the pools triple crown.
The match started a little shaky for both players. In rack one, Shane broke wet, but a miss on the three-ball gave Fedor a chance, and he looked good until he missed the nine-ball. Then, after some safety play, SVB was the first to move a bead on the wire. Then, in rack two, Shane scratched and gave Fedor the table, and the match was even at 1-1. In rack three, Fedor finally had a clean break and run to take the lead. However, they both had uncharacteristic misses back-to-back on the oneball in the next rack. Gorst ended up winning and held a 3-1 lead at that point.
SVB took rack five, looking like the nerves had settled down, but an unfortunate roll on the break
left him tied up with limited options. Shane gets the pushback and makes the two-ball. He plays safe on the three and gets ball-in-hand. However, the nerves show again, and he misses a routine shot on the three and gives control back to Gorst. Fedor shows some pressure himself as he scratches, and when he makes the three, SVB once again comes to the table with BIH. Shane gets out, and the match is tied once again.
A dry break in the next rack, and Fedor leads 4-3. Gorst takes the next rack but can’t stretch his lead further as SVB wins rack nine to make it 5-4. Shane takes game ten as well, and we are tied at 5-5, and it’s a race to 8 for the title.
Shane has a great out in rack eleven and takes the lead for the first time since the opening rack. SVB takes a risky shot on the three-ball, but it doesn’t pass the eight, so he leaves Fedor wide-open. You can feel how much Shane wants this title. Gorst evens it up at 6-6.
FEDOR GORST AT US OPEN 2024 PHOTO BY TAKAIMAGES FOR MATCHROOM MULTI SPORT
The back-and-forth continues until Gorst opens things up at 9-7, but Shane comes right back at him to win the next one and cut the lead to one game. Shane wins the tactical game in the next rack, but the six-ball is bumped and ties up the four, leaving Shane in a delicate position. He manages a good safe, but a great jump shot by Fedor puts the four down. He avoids a position error and, takes the rack, and moves out to a 10-8 lead.
Fedor is first to the hill at 12-8, but Shane takes racks twenty-one and twenty-two to get to double figures and within two of Fedor. He looks to have a great break, but an unfortunate scratch gives control back to Fedor with an open rack where he can keep the cue ball in the middle of the table and have an open shot. Fedor completes the run for the match and the 2024 US Open Champion title!
The pressure and the weight of history that was
bearing down on these players was tremendous, and I hope that fans understand what they witnessed at this event. There have always been great matches, and there will continue to be great matches, but there are certain ones that are special, and I, for one, feel privileged to have witnessed this one.
Congratulations to our adopted son, Fedor Gorst, as he bears the title as well as the triple crown of pool. Congratulations to Shane Van Boening, for although he did not secure that sixth crown of his own, he will forever be a monarch of American pool and royalty wherever he travels. I have no doubt that he will be back next year, and the pool gods may decide that the mantle of US Open Champion shall be his to wear and further cement his legend in the annual of our great sport.
Congratulations to Matchroom and the WNT on once again presenting us with an epic Major Event and The Crown Jewel of American pool.
FEDOR GORST & EMILY FRAZER AT US OPEN 2024
PHOTO
2023
2022
KO PING CHUNG
FRANCISCO SANCHEZ RUIZ
2021
CARLO BIADO
PHOTOS BY TAKAIMAGES FOR MATCHROOM
2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2007
2020
JOSHUA FILLER
2017
JAYSON SHAW
SHANE VAN BOENING
2011, 2010
2009, 2008
DARREN APPLETON
MIKA IMMONEN
2005
ALEX PAGULAYAN
2002 RALF SOUQUET
2001 COREY DEUEL
2000, 1997, 1993, 1987, 1984
STRICKLAND
EARL
THE SILVER FOX
So, in the world of cases, there are many different choices by brand and design. There are tubes and butterflies, hard and soft. The first line of order is protection. Does the case meet its primary goal? Most cases do that adequately.
The new Jacoby case, The Silver Fox, is a highquality cue case designed to honor the legendary billiards player David “SILVER FOX” Jacoby. It is a butterfly case style that has been on the market for a long time. It has loads of pocket space and has a place for everything. The cues are in the main body compartment, which holds four butts and eight shafts. This is a standard-size case for most pool players who are true game enthusiasts. The pockets open up entirely like a butterfly. The branding and
authentic Jacoby feel are present all over the case and are visually pleasing to this new brand and those who have followed it for years.
The zippers run smoothly and seem never to snag. The pockets have enough room for everything you need. It has a specific place for your jump handle within the large butterfly pocket. It has two smaller tube pockets for your joint or butt extensions. It has a giant D ring that attaches two backpack straps for hauling your case.
The case is built well. There is some stir that this is a Cuetec case, and I have to say that this type of case has been around for a very long time, and Jacoby isn’t the first to use it. They have made some significant changes to the second edition. This is a
THE JACOBY SILVER FOX
well-built case at the price point of $295.00. The case has the Custom Jacoby logo embroidered, and you can get it in many different colors, adding a little flair.
I just love all the pocket space there is. I always seem to travel heavy and have a lot of tip tools and joint protectors, which have been a holder for that built into the case’s internal pocket. There is also room for an extra cue call and microfiber cloth to clean up your shaft. There is room for gloves, cue claws, lip balm, and everything you need on the road to success. Cases are so important because they carry the part that connects us to the game the most: our cues.
So, this has room for growth, and they are utilizing it. The next rendition will look slightly different, but it will set the stage for a great case at a decent price we can all afford. If you look at the cases on the market in this price range, they set the standard for elegant protection. This is the ultimate cue case for any billiards enthusiast!
You can find the Jacoby Silver Fox at: https://jacobycustomcues.com/JacobyCMS/ cases/570-853-jacoby-butterfly-case-black. html#/10-color-red Watch the Video on Jacoby
See on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ J2QJHEP3Nb8?si=ohxfO_MqbRUOl2N1
TRICK SHOT ARTISTS GATHER IN VIRGINA 2024 PREMIER BILLIARDS
MASTERS ARTISTIC POOL CHAMPIONSHIPS
From July 19th to July 20th, artistic pool players once again descended on the Clubhouse Sports Bar and Billiards in Lynchburg, Virginia, to compete in the 2024 Premier Billiards Masters Artistic Pool Championships. Players from seven different states were vying for the eight individual discipline titles and the event champion. West Virginia’s Theo “The Bloodshark” Mihellis was the defending champion and looked to be the first player since 2018 to win back-to-back Masters Artistic Pool Championships. The last person to do so was the 2023 WPA World Artistic Pool Championship runner-up William “Billie Joe” DeYonker, who won in 2017 and 2018. Even though the event had a smaller field due to some last-minute player exits, the field was still strong, with everyone having a shot to be Masters Artistic Pool Champion.
Day 1 of the event saw players go through all eight disciplines of artistic pool. Players shoot five shots of their choosing from a possible fifteen of each discipline. The five shots have different point values assigned to them, ranging from 6 points to 10 points. Players get three attempts at each shot, with the point value decreasing by one for every attempt. A player receives zero points if the shot is missed all three times. Round one pairs the Trick & Fancy (set up shots) and Special Arts (speed and timing shots) disciplines. Current number one ranked player Tim “The Dragon” Chin and returning player Dan “The Spear Thrower” Hosier both scored a 37/40 in Trick and Fancy. Dan and Tim engaged in a tiebreaker for the discipline title. The initial tiebreaker shot is the classic “Just Showing Off” shot from the 1970’s Miller Lite beer commercial. Tim shot first and missed all three attempts, which meant Dan had three attempts to make the shot and win the
discipline title. Dan stepped to the table and made the classic shot on his first attempt, securing him the title. Steve “Blue Shark” Markle fired a 35/40 in special arts to take the Special Arts title. Round two features the Draw and Follow disciplines. Not content with one discipline title, Steve Markle went two disciplines in a row and won the Draw title. His bid for three disciplines in a row was quenched when “The Michigan Kid” Jason Lynch outscored the field in follow to take his first discipline of the event. Halfway through the event, Theo Mihellis and Dan Hosier sat at 105 points and tied for first.
Round 3 starts the second half of the preliminary rounds, which features the Bank/Kick and Stroke disciplines. Bank/Kick is very table-dependent, and many variables can affect the shots. It rained through the day, which gave players a challenge. Jason Lynch rose to the challenge and won his second discipline in a row with the same score he won the following discipline, 30/40. After winning the stroke discipline, Dan joined Jason and Steve with multiple discipline titles. Through six disciplines, three players all won two titles. Would any of the three take the last two discipline titles, or would anyone else from the field take one?
Round 4, the final preliminary round, is the fan favorite Jump and Masse. This is what people think when they say trick shots. The jump discipline started with a bang, and Steve Markle and Dan Hosier shot an impressive 38/40. Dan once again had to do a tiebreaker shootout. The initial tiebreaker shot is the classic Evil Knievel jump shot, which sees a player jump over seven blocker balls evenly spaced along the 1st and 3rd diamond line between the corner and side pockets and making two balls. Both players made the shot on their first
attempt. When there is still a tie after the initial tiebreaker shot, the ten-point shots are drawn randomly to continue the tiebreaker.
The shot drawn first is known as the “The Six Pack.” Players shoot six balls out of the triangle one-handed and cannot touch the triangle or disturb any of the balls. Like the first shot, both players made the shot on the first attempt. The next shot drawn was “The Derby Horse Race,” which sees players shoot an object ball down the table to pocket the ball on top of a stacker ball. After striking the object ball, the player hits the cue ball a second time, jumping it over the object ball to make the stacker ball. The object ball falls behind and makes the top ball. It takes great speed control and focus. Steve made the shot on his third attempt, meaning Dan had three swings at this shot. Unfortunately, Dan missed all three attempts, which left Steve Markle with another discipline medal. The masse title did not have as much drama as the jump title, with Steve Markle winning the discipline outright. Steve set a personal best by winning four of the eight discipline titles.
There was still one tiebreaker left. Tim Chin and Jamie “The Bayou Bullet” Moody had the same score after the prelims and needed to see who got the six seed and who got the seven seed. The preliminary tiebreaker is a sudden death shootout. Players lag for order and then pick any shot in the 120-shot program. Jamie won the lag and chose to let Tim shoot first. This way, Jamie would know what to do after Tim shot. Tim chose the classic but difficult “Circular Draw” shot. Tim missed all three attempts, leaving the door open for Jamie. Jamie got close on his first two attempts but came up dry. In the final attempt, Jamie hit the shot of the day and made his third attempt. This is also the first time Jamie hit “The Circular Draw” in competition. Day one was completed, and the single elimination bracket was set.
Day 2 was the playoff rounds. A playoff match sees players switch off, leading out in the eight disciplines of artistic pool. Each player leads four shots and rebuts four shots. After this part, each
TOP FOUR PLAYERS (L-R) STEVE MARKLE, DAN HOSIER, THEO MIHELLIS, AND JASON LYNCH.
PHOTO BY DEANNA ZEHRING
player has a maximum of four “wildcard” picks from anywhere in the program. The player cannot duplicate a discipline in those four picks. Once a player is mathematically eliminated, the match is over. Dan Hosier earned a bye through the quarterfinals as the number 1 seed. Jason Lynch (4) went up against his road partner Brian “Superman” Pauley (5) for only the second time in competition. The road partners had a great time playing, but only one could win: the veteran Jason Lynch 6738. Steve Markle (3) squared off against Jamie Moody (6) in a match of two veteran players and good friends. Steve got past Jamie 63-30 and moved into his third straight semi-finals. The third quarter-final match pitted Tim Chin (7) against defending champion Theo Mihellis (2) in a “rubber match.” Both players have defeated each other in past tournaments, so this was the tiebreaker. Both players played like the champions they were, but only one could win. Theo broke the tie between him and Tim with a 77-61 score.
The first semi-final match was the number one seed Dan Hosier (1) against Jason Lynch (4), which ended up being a historic match. Dan Hosier started with the equivalent of a two-shot lead. With Jason down in the match, he began picking shots he could make easily to get back in the match. Shot by shot, the match started to get closer and closer. Jason had the last shot of the match and was down 8 points. He needed to come up with something big. Jason picked one of his bread and butter shots in “The Circular Draw.” Jason missed both of his first attempts. The third attempt was worth 8 points. Dan would win the match if he did not make the final attempt. Jason composed himself and made the shot on his final attempt to tie the score at 76-76 and force only the second sudden-death playoff in Artistic Pool history.
Sudden death is an extension of the playoff round. Players can pick from four remaining disciplines for their sudden death shots. Dan shot first, choosing a 6-point stroke shot, and made it on his second attempt. Jason followed behind and made it on his second attempt, tying the match again. It was Jason’s pick, and he also picked a 6-point stroke shot. Just like Dan, he made his on the second attempt. If Dan were to make the shot on the first attempt, he would win the match. Dan stepped to the table and missed the first shot precisely as Jason did. Dan was left with one attempt for the match. Just like Jason, Dan made the shot on his second attempt and tied the match up again. The only other sudden-death playoff match only went one shot. Dan and Jason went to the second sudden death shot. Dan picked
a 10-point bank/kick shot and made it on the third attempt. This gave him an 8-point lead. Jason came up and uncharacteristically missed all three attempts at one of his favorite shots. Jason had to once again come with a big shot. Jason decided on a 10-point masse shot. Needing to connect on at least one attempt, Jason missed all three attempts, giving Dan the match 94-86 and a spot in the finals.
The second semi-final match was dubbed “The Shark Tank” and featured Theo “The Bloodshark” Mihellis (2) vs Steve “Blue Shark” Markle (3). Not only do both players have the word “shark” in their nickname, but they were also the last two winners of the US artistic pool tournaments from the year prior: Steve at the 2023 National Artistic Pool Championships and Theo at the 2023 Masters Artistic Pool Championships. The match started off close, with players going shot for shot. For most of the match, no one had more than a one-shot lead. This match was a barn burner, as advertised. Steve took the lead seven shots in and kept it until Theo’s second wild card pick. While down 7 points, Theo came with a difficult 10-point trick and fancy and made it on his second attempt. Steve missed all three attempts, giving Theo a 2-point lead with only four shots to go. Both players made Steve’s third wildcard pick, but Steve required one more attempt, giving Theo a 3-point lead. Theo’s third wildcard pick was a 9-point stroke that he made on the first attempt. Unfortunately, Steve missed all three attempts, leaving him down 12 points with two shots to go. Steve had to come up with something big. Steve picked a 10-point follow shot that he needed to hit. He got very close on his last two attempts but came up dry. Theo won the close match 71-59 and advanced to his second straight finals match.
The finals featured the two top-seeded players from the event. Dan Hosier (1) against defending champion Theo Mihellis (2). Theo had a commanding 21-5 lead through four shots, which was unexpected considering how well Dan played in all events. Dan started making more shots, but Theo was in top form and didn’t miss many. Halfway through the match, eight shots in, Theo increased his lead to 43-18. With the “wild card” section of the match coming up, Dan needed to come with some big shots. Dan missed both his next and Theo’s shot while Theo made both of them. They both made Theo’s second wildcard shot, leaving Theo a 43-point lead with four shots left. Dan had to make a 10-point shot to keep the match going. He picked a challenging 10-point jump and shot. He got close all three times but
unfortunately did not connect, giving Theo his second straight Masters Artistic Pool Championship win and second overall artistic pool championship.
THEO MIHELLIS PHOTO BY DEANNA ZEHRING
FEDOR GORST
MAKES HISTORY AS THE NEW US OPEN CHAMPION
FEDOR GORST WINNING THE 2024 US OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
PHOTO BY TAKAIMAGES FOR MATCHROOM MULTI SPORT
JACK MITCHELL
Fedor Gorst has won the 47th US Open Pool Championship at Harrah’s Resort, Atlantic City, after defeating five-time US Open champion in a historic finale live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the USA.
Final Result
Fedor Gorst 13–10 Shane Van Boening
Fedor Gorst and Shane Van Boening, who had clashed just a week prior in a gruelling race-to-120 marathon, were fated to meet again in the historic 2024 US Open Championship final. This marked the first all-American US Open final since 1999, with both players on the brink of making history.
The pressure was palpable as the two Americans stepped into the arena, each acutely aware of the stakes. Van Boening, winning the lag, was first to secure a rack, but Gorst quickly seized upon a dry break in the second rack, running up the score to take an early 3-1 lead.
A missed 2-7 carom by Gorst in the next rack handed Van Boening the chance to close the gap to level the score 3-3. However, another dry break from Van Boening allowed Gorst to regain his two-rack advantage. The momentum swung again when Gorst’s failed safety on the 5-ball brought Van Boening back to the table, allowing him to edge ahead 6-5. Gorst quickly evened the score after Van Boening faltered on the 3-ball in the twelfth rack.
Gorst then pressed his upper-hand, forcing Van Boening into a scratch after a jump shot attempt to escape a tricky hook. Yet, when Gorst missed a bank shot on the 7-ball, Van Boening took full advantage, bringing the score level once more. The back-andforth continued, with Van Boening haunted by another scratch, allowing Gorst to regain the lead.
The drama escalated as Van Boening pounced on a dry break from Gorst in the sixteenth rack. He attempted to snooker Gorst on the 4-ball, but Gorst, displaying his trademark resilience, executed a brilliant jump shot to foil Van Boening’s strategy and retain his advantage.
Close to reaching the hill, Gorst made an uncharacteristic error on the 2-ball, giving Van Boening another lifeline. Van Boening then played a cunning safety on the 5-ball, drawing Gorst into a foul. A tense safety exchange ensued, with Van Boening emerging victorious, only to miss the crucial 6-ball, allowing Gorst to reach the hill.
Just when it seemed Gorst was poised to close out the match, a self-inflicted hook on the 2-ball offered Van Boening a glimmer of hope. He capitalised on this, claiming two racks and narrowing the gap. However, a cursed scratch from Van Boening sealed his fate. With chalk still on his chin, Gorst returned to the table for one final, decisive run. Determined to atone for his loss in last year’s final, the World Champion flawlessly cleared the table to finally be crowned champion with a 13-10 triumph.
Van Boening’s dream of a record-breaking sixth title ended in heartbreak, but history was nonetheless made. Fedor Gorst not only won his first US Open Championship title, he became the first player ever to hold the titles of US Open Champion, World Pool Masters, and World Pool Champion simultaneously.
Next World Nineball Tour Event
The World Nineball Tour heads to the Ox Billiards, in Seattle, USA for the Seattle Nineball Open between September 6-8th.
Next Matchroom Major
The World Nineball Tour descends on the Vietnamese capital for the Mansion Sports Hanoi Open Pool Championship, held between October 8-13th at the Hanoi Indoor Games Gymnasium in partnership with the City of Hanoi and the country’s number one sports agency Vietcontent.
Sign up to ticket alerts here
For all the latest news and announcements follow Matchroom Pool on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
THE TRAIL OF THE WHITE WOLF
THE STORY OF RICK PRINCE BORN IN AUGUSTA, GEORGIA IN 1961
Rick Prince is the son of a business owner, Bill Prince, who owned various liquor stores and bars. His father and Charlie Blue Eyes’ Rick’s grandfather were both avid players of the sport of pool and strong road players, the hustlers! He picked up his first cue stick at seven years old. His neighbors had a pool table; he could be found at his neighbor’s shooting pool every day of the week. His father and grandfather were his mentors, inspiring his game. They inspired him so much that he fell in
love with the sport!
On Rick’s tenth birthday, his father surprised him with a 10-foot Brunswick Gold Crown pool table. When he walked into their den, it was with an enormous red bow. During the following weeks, his house became the ultimate place for his friends to hang out. They played pool day in and day out from there on.
Rick’s father, Bill Prince, was one of the world’s greatest and most influential people while he was learning to play pool. He would always make time for him to play the game. His father often came home from work, and they played until late at night. They played so much pool that he found himself going straight to school after playing pool the night before. Those days were very special and memorable to Rick.
When he was around 10-11, his father and grandfather realized that Rick had the potential to be a great pool player. They relished it and invested more time in Rick’s game to improve his overall knowledge and skills of the game.
Through their guidance, at 16, he was taken to one of their establishments, the Cypress Lounge, for match-ups. Rick started to play players for big money. The matches were always played after hours while the business was closed for the night. At 16, he was beating the hell out of adult players and enjoying the feeling. He was most definitely winning more than he was losing.
The big time at 16, his pool skills and strength in the game were being tested. The City of Augusta is known for its golf. Every year, they hold the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. The Garden City of the South became a magnet for road players and hustlers alike. They would come into the city from everywhere, hoping to cash in on all the action. Rick’s father was his manager and backer at that time. His father would identify a “Mark” and allow them to play a private match with the kid, Rick. At that time, there was a lot of action and money changing hands. Those were exciting days and very memorable moments in his life, playing road players under the tutelage of his father. Prince said, “I had to play the hustlers and go to school the following day. There were times when I went straight to school after playing.”
At those moments, he made a lot of money for his father, who usually threw him a bone of $20.
By the time he was 18, he was getting ready to graduate High School. Rick was drawing road players to Augusta to challenge him on the table in many different types of games. He was playing 3 to 4 nights a week, gambling into the morning hours. During this time, his father hired him as a bouncer at one of his establishments. This job allowed him to hone his skills and continue his training. There was a pool table located in the bar to which he had
total access. Time had passed, and he continued to perfect his overall game by playing great players. His level of play had increased so immensely that he had to give up weight now. Usually, he would spot a ball or give up the breaks. This presented another challenge to overcome: he gladly took their money.
All his training, practice, guidance, and skills finally culminated in the next path on his adventure, “The Trail of the White Wolf.” Playing on the road as a road player, he graduated once again. He was leaving home for the first time in his life for many weeks at a time. During these days on the road, the love of the game and his skill set came to fruition. He had learned how to identify the marks; he always chose who he wanted to play and beat, who he played for the cash! During those road trips, he learned there were plenty of hustlers out there. The art of the hustle was to out-hustle the hustler. These travels gave him valuable insight into winning on the road. Rick Prince explained, “Yeah, you pick up a lot of things on the road.”
After graduating High School, Rick Prince joined the United States Marine Corps. He spent seven years in the Corps. Rick is a decorated Combat Veteran and proudly served his country. He served in Afghanistan and Kuwait as a Gunnery Sergeant in the Corps. His time in the service was a building block. He became well-disciplined and more focused, coupled with a fierce fighting mentality. This culminated in enhancing his overall approach to the game by making him a seasoned combat warrior.
After completing his military service, he moved to Jacksonville, Florida. This is where he found employment working for the Outlaws biker club. He was hired as their lead bouncer and cooler. When Rick told me this, I could only imagine the movie with Patrick Swayze, “Roadhouse.” He had a staff of bouncers under his leadership and guidance. This job gave him the freedom to play pool anytime he wanted. The best benefit was he could hustle pool while working. Imagine being paid to work and enjoying the game you love while making even more money.
“At first, it was hustling pool and working, but it got so lucrative for me that I just laid off working and started hustling. I was about 26 years old when I put everything down but the pool cue,” stated Rick Prince.
As a bouncer for the Outlaws, Prince sustained two gunshot wounds and was stabbed multiple
times. One stabbing was nearly fatal! After these incidents, he continued to play pool on the road. He then started to venture out by entering large tournaments. Surprising himself, he was winning in those tournaments. Up to this point, he was a oneon-one player, a proverbial road player.
Struggles on The Trail of the White Wolf!
A different path on the Trail of the White Wolf. During all this road time, Rick found himself at a low point in his life. He had come to the reality that he was addicted to cocaine and alcohol. He was dumping $300 a day on cocaine and drinking like a fish. He was also romantically involved with a girl who happened to be a coke addict.
Rick received a call late one night that his girl was held up in a “Dope House,” and a group of black guys were demanding $400 for her release. She had been there and snorted $400 worth of coke. He acted immediately and tried to find a friend who would help him rescue her from the situation. Even though no one soul would help him cover his six, he strapped up and went alone (Lone Wolf Howling). When he arrived at the house, he went through a window and noticed his girl on the floor. Her face and head were covered in blood. They beat her face with their fists until she bled. There were three men in the house when he entered. Immediately, he was charged by two of the men. The third culprit ran out the front door. He aimed and discharged his pistol, shooting the first man in the head. Then he shot the second man in the chest. The kidnapper returned fire and hit Rick in the kidney. Rick immediately fired back and wounded the guy a second time in the shoulder. Rick rapidly gathered his girl and proceeded to the hospital. They were both admitted to the emergency room and treated for their wounds. Rick was later arrested and charged with murder.
Twenty-five thousand dollars later, his mouthpiece lawyer got him off on manslaughter, and he served seven years in prison. After being released from prison, Rick hit the streets again playing pool. In just a short time back in action, he had developed a reputation as a heavy hitter. He was winning just about every local tournament he entered. Before long, the offers to go professional, along with sponsors, were coming in.
The Trail gets tougher!
During all this time, he got married to a recovering coke addict. He was also a recovering addict and
had been clean for five years. Being married now, he thought it was time to get a job. He found employment as a meat cutter. He has also been working as a ballroom dance instructor during these years. As luck would have it, the dance studio had a snooker table. Once again, Rick was back at the table, honing his skills in the art of snooker while learning about dance routines and timing. These added skills of dance increased his game of timing!
During this period, his stepson was living in Florida with his biological father and was struggling with a crack cocaine addiction. Rick and his wife offered him the opportunity to come and live with them. Together, they thought they could provide help and get him clean from his addiction.
That fateful night on the Trail! On January the 8th of 2009!
He came home from work and noticed the smell of burning cocaine and the aroma of alcohol. He confronted his wife and his stepson about the situation. They surprisingly proceeded to attack him with a hunting knife, and he was stabbed 16 times in the head and neck. He was rushed to the hospital by a medivac helicopter. During the flight, he lost consciousness and flatlined twice in near-death situations. Once he arrived at the hospital, he lost consciousness and flatlined again. During his stay, an attending nurse came into his room and was frightened when she saw him. She frantically dropped her tray and ran out of the room, screaming. Rick just laughed! Moments later, his attending physician informed him that he was paralyzed due to the nature and severity of the wounds. They would not be able to repair his neck to its proper condition or function.
Adding insult to injury, his wife and stepson claimed he attacked them, and they acted in selfdefense. She claimed her son was a hero and saved their lives. Rick already had a previous charge of manslaughter and served seven years. Due to this, there was no defense. He had little to stand on. He decided to take a plea bargain and served another year in prison.
The Divine Inspiration on the Trail of the White Wolf
During his stint in prison, he found another doctor. This was the only doctor who could perform miracles—Jesus Christ! Rick had found a new relationship with his savior and prayed every day! He
had the support of his AA and NA group members, friends, and family alike. They were all praying for him and his rehabilitation!
While imprisoned, his life changed positively. He continued his quest for a college education and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. He also made the president’s list and was elected as the prison’s Vice President of the Men’s Club.
In the prison system, he worked with the warden to reduce overcrowding. They collectively reduced the overcrowding by limiting and removing beds within the prison. This improved the overall welfare and quality of life for those still incarcerated. These positive achievements he accomplished while at such a low point in his life are commendable. The spirit of a warrior once again!
Rick had another milestone to overcome: his paralyzed arm. Due to his neck being injured, his arm was useless to him. During his prison time, he supported his arm for 11 months by placing his hand in his pocket, thereby immobilizing its movement. The arm crushed his thoughts and dreams of ever becoming a professional pool player. Then, a revelation happened to him. One night, while sleeping, he woke up around 3 am, feeling like someone was standing over him. He sat up on the edge of his bunk. He then reached up to scratch his head with his useless, paralyzed arm. He thought he was in a dream. Suddenly, his internal lights came on, realizing it wasn’t a dream. He fell to his knees, sobbing. He immediately began giving grace and thanks to his lord, Jesus Christ! The Lord had blessed him with a miracle. His arm was no longer paralyzed and had become his strongest arm. All of this happened while he was incarcerated. It was a well-received gift from the lord above, which Rick has never forgotten or taken for granted. He continued with the everyday struggle to enhance the strength of his arm and relentlessly continued his faith in his lord Jesus Christ. Rick was on the road again in a different light, completely rehabilitating mind, body, and soul!
Reflection
During his life, Rick has experienced many complicated situations and complex challenges to overcome. He told me he has cherished all his games, both wins and losses. They have made him the man he is today. Humble with faith and the spirit of the wild! From the beginning, he desired to be the best version of himself. All those years playing on
the road, he had learned to play and perform to his best. He practiced so much on all his skills to reach his fullest potential. Rick believes you must set the stage in every event from the mark to the backer. Knowing when to give a spot and when not to. How to set them up for the fall, ensuring another round of action, to increase the odds of winning the money.
Rick Prince has mastered many shots as well as strategies and techniques. Prince believes each pool game has differences, whether 8, 9, 10 ball, or one pocket. He found that mastering banks, kicks, and safety play would lead you to the win. Some people believe the art of safety play is dirty pool. However, in today’s complex games, it is most definitely a valuable weapon. During Prince’s time, he has played both, no ball in hand and ball in hand. The latter is now the most common way to approach or play the game of pool. He mastered this key hurdle by learning to kick a ball and prevent his opponent from getting ball in hand. His proficiency in kicking, on average, is an 80 to 90 percent hit rate, and then sometimes he pockets them.
Rick describes the inconspicuous player. He says that when on the road, a low profile is preferred. If you challenge the best, beat and smoke them, your action in that town is blown. It’s now time to move on. In today’s modern world of cell phones with cameras, you could diminish your ability to get action for miles around. This is why keeping a low profile allows you to maintain the action and make more dough!
The Bear Meets the Wolf
Rick has even tangled with a bear. While he and his wife were at home one night, a bear came through their sliding glass doors and attacked his wife. He, without hesitation of personal danger, went into action immediately. He started to stab the bear. He stabbed the beast 14 times before he struck the fatal blow to its brain, ending the creature’s life. The wolf had saved himself and his wife from the bear’s wrath, protecting his pack. Now, imagine something like that happening to you. Would you have that warrior instinct or ability to survive? I believe all of Rick Prince’s military training and combat experience came to a new light that evening. I also think his faith in the lord contributed to his fighting skills. Rick was like Samson and the Lion!
The Trail of White Wolf and the Den
Rick Prince’s life has had many twists and turns, not
to mention life-threatening experiences. During his life, whether on the battlefield or the streets of the country he so well defended, he has been shot, stabbed, paralyzed, fought in combat, and killed a bear in protecting his pack!
Rick is semi-retired and living with his family in Los Animas, Colorado. He chose the life of pool at a young age. On his way to being a professional, he mastered all the skills of a highly skilled road player. But as his life would have It, his dreams of becoming a pro were crushed.
His faith in the Lord Jesus Christ led him to select a new path to self-redemption and a newfound declaration of life. Rick has attended the seminary and is in the priesthood, spreading the faith as he travels today.
Rick’s son, Ricky Prince, runs a wolf sanctuary where he raises wolves and rescues those in need. The Los Animas Company, in Colorado.
Rick has his half-breed wolf and German Shepard called Two Feather, which is at his side faithfully. Two Feathers is there whether walking around the town or at pool events. There is no reason to wonder why Rick Prince is called The White Wolf.
Prince has been happily married for 15 years to his
lovely wife, Angie. She is also an avid pool player in her own right. She plays in the APA 9 ball league and has achieved two MVP titles. She is also the trusted moneyholder during all actions within the pack. Isn’t it great to have such a great wolf pack and a faithful, loving mate?
Rick has reentered life with a vengeance for the game, winning over 50 tournaments since that dreadful night in 2009. Prince has also won the LA Classic 28 consecutive times. Rick Prince has donated 20% of all his tournament winnings to his son’s wolf sanctuary.
Rick Prince: The White Wolf
Rick is currently writing and generating his book, which will be released soon. If you’re looking for more content and exciting stories, you won’t be disappointed. He’s a man who has challenged the pool world with veracity, tenacity, and conviction. It must be a good read and a bestseller!
I personally want to thank Rick for his service to his country and for defending the United States Constitution, not to mention his life as the White Wolf and his contributions to the pool community.
Semper Fi, my brother in arms!
FA-QUE TIP OFFERS NEWEST DESIGN FOR CUE TIPS
Pttt! Phhtt! Nnnkk! Tpp! Have you ever really listened to the sound your cue tip makes when it contacts the cue ball? Hmm? Maybe you have! You’ve wondered why your cue tip doesn’t make the same sound as other players on your team. Next time you shoot pool, pay closer attention to the sound differences you hear when the cue tip strikes the cue ball.
In this article, I will share with billiards enthusiasts a new type of cue tip to add to your pool-playing arsenal. Introducing Dustin Hester, inventor/tip creator of “FA-Que” tips, four aligned quartered cue tips. Like golf balls and fishing lines, billiards products are earnestly being developed, bringing state-ofthe-art, performance-enhancing products to our fingertips. No two tips are the same. We shape, we chalk, we shoot!
The essentials of increasing your shot-making percentage are simple: the tools of the trade, preshot routine, and a plethora of shooting tips, drills, etc. But… right on the tip of that list is the tip of your shooting pool cue stick. The most critical part of your cue stick. It is imperative that we choose a tip that compliments your shooting style. The billiards market offers various types of cue tips.
Tips are made of leather, layered, composite, milk dud, and phenolic with added materials depending on the manufacturer. They range in hardness from super soft, soft, medium, medium-hard, hard, and extra hard to elite phenolic.
If you don’t have the right cue tip, none of the other fundamental elements fall into place. Billiards is a game of preciseness, exactness, and honed hand/ eye coordination. The “FA-Que’ tip encompasses the primary elements that harness those qualities, resulting in a higher shot-making percentage. Hester stated, “I attribute this to increased confidence and
reassurance in your shot-taking.” Hester is a 23-year veteran pool player who started at a young age, typically shooting with house cues.
Heavily used house cues are bent, chipped, and beat up. Cue tips are out of shape, pitted, or sometimes broken off house cues. Hester inspected those cues for straight sides and curves. Hester stated, using so many house cues, “I wanted to add more to the tip to ensure better grab on English shots, and I wanted to be able to find the spot every time without having to re-examine the stick before each shot.” His tips are constructed with four punched-out nodules at a cross-hatch that is filled with cowhide leather versus the rest of the tip that is made with buffalo tooling leather. This design gives you more action and control along with less chance of miscue. Hester confirms, “It allows you to sight in where you want to direct visually.” It is a very unique tip, the only one of its kind. Hester follows the innovative invention of Francois Minguad, a French infantry captain, who is credited with inventing the first known cue tip while incarcerated in a Paris prison for political outspokenness in 1807. He cut a leather tip from a horse’s saddle and attached it to his mace, also known as an early type of billiards cue. Minguad used his tip to revolutionize the game of billiards, allowing the cue ball to be finely manipulated by the application of spin techniques in shooting, which he invented, such as the screw shot, follow shot, masse shot, and stop shot, among others.
One could almost say that Minguad would marvel at the newest design of Hester’s “FA-Que.” The word “cue” came from the word queue, an Old French word for tail. Hence, the improvisation for the term “cue tip” after Minguads’ time playing on a pool table while imprisoned. So, from 1807 to 2022, we briefly learn of the metamorphosis of the cue tip, the elementary component that has evolved the mace into the billiards cue sticks used worldwide.
Hester’s state-of-the-art, cutting-edge tip design may give you more accurate English shots with added shape placement versus traditional hard cue tips. This new design has been field-tested but still needs to be put to heavy use for player feedback on a larger scale. This “FA-Que” has only been “made to order” since 2022. Pool players are vehemently scouring the market for any groundbreaking apparatus that can give them an edge over their opponents. This cutting-edge tip design may give you more accurate English shots with added shape placement versus traditional hard cue tips with only one surface leather option. The four-nodule design is like no other cue tip. If you favor the hard tip, the “FA- Que” incorporates two leather types never offered in hard cue tips for shot enhancement. If you favor soft and medium cue tips, the second surface leather design may invite you to re-evaluate your cue tip selection.
The variables to consider when choosing the ideal cue tip for YOU can be insurmountable. You will find the one that is right for you through trial and error as long as you take advantage of opportunities to use other players’ cues, take shots on tables while at a gaming store, take practice strokes at a vendor’s booth, or try out cues at friends houses to get a feel for the various cue tips offered from brand to brand. Good luck in your search for your “soul tip!”
“FA-Que” tips gives you another reason to enjoy the game of pool! Dustin Hester invites you to contact him at e-mail: withcare32@aol.com phone number:702-249-378
I leave you with this quote from billiards legend Earl Strickland: “Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.”
Many times we can play a carom and play a safety but how do we gauge our cueball?
Below, we know from practice that 3 tips of spin going straight to the rail will bring us 3 diamonds wide across table. You will pick up additional english off the 1 allowing a play at the 9.
Aim just below center at the side of the 1, then pivot for maximum left.
Mess around and adjust bridge length to insure proper contact on the 1 ball so your tangent takes you straight to the rail.
Keep in mind if you keep hitting the one ball too thick, it means your bridge length is too long, so you can shorten it and that should keep you from a thick hit on the 1 ball.
Center mass energy and linear energy are adjusted by moving bridge hand shorter or longer when using backhand English. This changes the two energies crossing the cue ball and therefore changes the amount of deflection.
When you aim and then pivot with English with the backhand and you hit your original target line, that means there was an equalization of energies that occurred.
This is why backhand English is such a useful tool.
