SPM Magazine Issue 30

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Garret Troop CEO of SPM Medial LLC

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Sneaky Pete Mafia, a.k.a. SPM Magazine, SPM TV, and SPM Media is about our vast and diverse billiards family. From inception Sneaky Pete Mafia has always been about helping the professional billiards community evolve and gain additional exposure. This is the mission of the work that we are doing. Evolution requires change in one form or another, and the future will always bring change.

To ignore our aspiring professional youth would be to ignore the foundations upon which any industry is built. They are the future. Look at all the brave young children traveling the world with their families supporting them following their dreams. SPM is so proud to follow and cover our junior players and bring you, their stories.

Sneaky Pete Mafia is proud to support these individual’s mission in life, providing exposure to our diverse and vast, worldwide, billiard family. We would like to thank our Sponsors, Advertisers, Partners, and Customers contributions. In doing so we can provide a media foundation that promotes the players and the billiard industry through publicity and coverage.

Garret Troop The CEO of SPM Media LLC

With the overwhelming readership, support of the industry and surrounding communities, Sneaky Pete Mafia’s goal is to become the #1 authority for exposure, information, and entertainment in the billiards industry.

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Developing A Powerful Pre-Shot Routine

By Anthony Beeler Next time you’re at a pro tournament, be sure to check out what top players do before each shot. A good pre-shot routine is an essential part of the game. It enables us to put ourselves into “Dead Stroke” on demand and focus all of our energy into the present moment. This month we will look at many steps you may want to incorporate into your pre-shot routine. How do they do it?

In this article, I’m going to show you how 1.

Free your Mind from Negative Thoughts or Expectations: Before you get down to shoot, you should exhibit a positive attitude. You’ll be free of negativity by not thinking about the score, how you are playing, how well your opponent is playing, or the soundness of your stroke mechanics.

2. Make Quality Decisions: Take your

time and make sure that you pick out the right shot. Examine the angle and review your options. Always think at least three balls ahead. Professionals think through their entire turn (every shot). You will also need to determine the correct amount of speed and spin needed to execute the shot properly. Remember to make all of your conscious decisions from a standing position with chalk in hand. You should also look for potential problems and be sure to avoid them. Once you make all of your decisions you can place the chalk on the table and make a transition from thinking mode into subconscious execution of the shot.

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3. Align: This is the fundamental that requires the most maintenance and you need to make sure you’re perfectly aligned to the shot at hand. You should aim from a standing position then lock your eyes in on the contact point of the object ball as you settle into your stance and position your cue onto the shot line.

4. Practice Strokes: Next, take several slow warm-up strokes to ensure everything is correct. This is your second aiming checkpoint to ensure accuracy. If anything does not look right at any time, you should get up and start the entire process again.

5. Set: The first part of your “stroke” is called “set” and is your third aiming checkpoint. This is where you stop your cue tip around 1/8 of an inch away from the cue ball and take one final look. You should note that it takes the human eye two to three seconds to focus on a target from a still position. Therefore, it is imperative that you come to a COMPLETE STOP to zero in on your target. You will want to note that your eyes will move back and forth, but should be focusing on the cue ball at the end of the “set” position. During practice, you should remain completely still and say, “1…2…3…”

6. Pause: The next thing you should do is move into what many instructors refer to as “pause.” This is where you will slowly pull back your cue and stop at the end of your backswing. When making the transition from “Set” to “Pause,” your eyes should move from the cue ball to the point of contact on the object ball. A good pause helps remove a jerky forward swing and should help you maintain accuracy. As you practice the “pause,” you will want to pull your cue back and say “1…2...” (second stop).

6. Pause: The next thing you should do is move into what many instructors refer to as “pause.” This is where you will slowly pull back your cue and stop at the end of your backswing. When making the transition from “Set” to “Pause,” your eyes should move from the cue ball to the point of contact on the object ball. A good pause helps remove a jerky forward swing and should help you maintain accuracy. As you practice the “pause,” you will want to pull your cue back and say “1…2...” (second stop).

7. Finish: The third part the process is commonly referred to as “Finish.” During “Finish,” you should smoothly accelerate your cue and follow through the cue ball. A good follow through should be around 5 inches past the cue ball. Always remember to keep your eyes 7

on the object ball during this phase.1

8. Freeze: The fourth and final part of the stroke is called “freeze.” During “freeze,” it’s important to keep your body, head, and cue still. This is the evaluative part of the process.

It is here that if the shot is missed, you should try to diagnose what went wrong. As you practice “freeze,” you should remain completely still and say “1…2…3…4…”

Furthermore, most good instructors teach players that their timing in an actual game will be roughly half of the duration of what it was during practice. In other words, during a real game, your “Set” will last around 1.5 seconds, your “Pause” will be around 1 second, and your “Freeze” will last approximately two seconds. Personally, I like to emphasize “set,” and I don’t teach my students to cut it in half. I want their eyes to have plenty of time to focus on the target.

You should continually work to improve your ability to focus specifically on each step.

Once you master the process, you will develop a much stronger mental game. In the words of the late Larry Liscotti, “Once you master the process you will start making more money and less friends.”

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Anthony Beeler is the 2018 Pool Instructor of the Year and is a former BCAPL National 9-Ball Champion. He has numerous top 25 national finishes and is one of only 8 ACS Master Instructors in the world. He is the primary author of the National Billiards Instructors Manual and 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 competition.

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Watch SPM TV on YouTube at: https://www.youtube. com/c/SPMTV2022/videos

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Hayleigh Marion – Warrior Princess: 15-Year-Old Pool Prodigy By Patrick Sampey Wednesday, May 11th, 2022 – I just got off the phone with Hayleigh “Warrior Princess” Marion from Bristol, Tennessee;

“At the young age of 15, she appears to me to already be a seasoned pool player, having been taken under the wing, and guidance of none other than touring WPBA (Women’s Professional Billiards Association) professional Janet Atwell from the age of 8. Atwell is ranked 8th in the WPBA.” At that time, her father, Jamie Marion had taken her with him to Borderline Billiards in Bristol where they live in their hometown, and wanted to play, and Atwell noticed her interest in the game right away – got her into a doubles match against two other players – set her up for the winning shot, and the rest is history. Hayleigh had found her passion in pocket billiards.

She was at home. She had found a mentor and kindred spirit in her new coach/teacher/friend, Janet Atwell.

And Hayleigh has high marks in her school coursework, in advanced courses for the most part, math being her favorite subject. She is currently taking Geometry, maintaining an “A” average in all of her classes, but she said she had a couple of “B’s,” on papers and/or tests, which is not to her liking, always striving for perfection in both her education, and her pool game.

At 15, she really appears to know what direction she wants to go in, and is pursuing her dreams with the focus of a laser. Incredible.

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Photos Coutesy of Hayleigh Marion and family 13

Just last year, Hayleigh played in the Junior National Championships in Vegas, placing first in the 14 and under age group, 3rd in the 16 and under age bracket, and 5th in the 18 and under category; as a result, she qualified for the World Junior 9-Ball Championships last October 6-10th, placing 9th out of 32 players from around the globe. Impressive.

This young lady is making big moves on the billiards scene, and has been featured in InsidePool magazine, Billiards Buzz from AZ billiards, her local paper, the Bristol Herald Courier, and now SPM (Sneaky Pete Mafia) Magazine with this article. Astounding.

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She told me that she’d like to receive a scholarship to a major university. And we talked about some options for her future, like possibly Lindenwood University, in Missouri where legendary player/coach/teacher, and Mosconi Cup team USA player/captain Mark Wilson hails from.

Hopefully some college recruiter sees this; they don’t want to miss snatching up this young billiards savant.

Of becoming a national champion last year, her local paper reported then: “She returned to a hero’s welcome at Borderline Billiards on Main Street in Bristol, where she was met with hugs, cheers, flowers and even a cake lettered with “Congratulations, National Champ.” That support has only continued to grow.

‘The community has been amazing,’ Hayleigh said. ‘Everyone is sharing my posts on Facebook, donating money and giving me as much help as they can. Even just saying thank you is helping me knowing that all these people know my name now. It is crazy.’” – https://heraldcourier.com/sports/billiards-pool-prodigy-virginia-high-freshman-marion-to-play-in-world-juniorchampionships-next-week/article_7a06f4ea-2195-11ec-b2cd-8f14f28d8538.html Janet Atwell is also the owner of Borderline Billiards there in Bristol. She saw her there that first day, wanting to play, and just took to her like an amphibian to water, as did Hayleigh to the game of 9 ball, and the two have become inseparable ever since. Hayleigh gives much of the credit to her success in the fundamentals Atwell instilled in her from the start.

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All the above is to say, Hayleigh comes from an all-encompassing pedigree, straight from the laurels of none other than a WPBA champion, Atwell.

Atwell has helped Hayleigh obtain sponsors like Pechauer cues – well respected cues – at the Super Billiards Expo in 2018, when they began sponsoring her at that time. She has since picked Outsville, iCue, Borderline Billiards, Jam Up apparel, TSP team, Straight Pool Eye, and the League Room as sponsors. Hayleigh plays with all Pechauer cues, including a jump cue, break cue, and playing cue.

From my perspective, Hayleigh is very courteous, courageous, respectful of others, and is leading the way for the youth in pool as a whole in the United States, and what a glowing, translucent horizon ahead with the likes of her at the helm.

“I am Incredibly proud of Hayleigh, on and off the table. She strives to be the best that she can be, at everything she does. She works hard in school and is an honor student. We work hard on fundamentals and I feel her stroke and pre-shot routine is very solid, if not one of the best that I have seen in her division. I think her fundamentals will accelerate her growth as a player.” – Atwell writes in a recent article in InsidePool magazine, https://insidepoolmag.com/ hayleigh-marion-the-game-face-of-a-champion/ 16

All in all, Hayleigh Marion is a billiards soldier, warrior princess, pool prodigy, and consummate class act of the highest order. I count myself lucky to have had a moment to talk with her today and learn about one of the new, bright shining stars of the future of pool. And the future’s so bright, she’s gotta wear shades.

Reporting to you with SPM, Patrick Sampey, the Tallahassee Squirrel out until next time. Keep on hitting them balls players, and look for Hayleigh Marion for years to come. Well played girlfriend!

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Mental Strength is Insight

By Tara Donnino Have you ever felt your body get tense during a match? Have you ever felt insecure about a shot? Have you ever missed a key shot you lined up “perfectly” for? Have you ever been annoyed by your opponent? Have you ever felt like you were unstoppable one day and then question whether you belong in a pool hall another day?

Welcome to the mental game.

The impact our mind has on not only our performance, but our perspective, as well, is astounding. There are so many elements that contribute to the way we see the world and ourselves. New pool rooms, the temperature of the room, the volume and style of music, the noise level. Your opponent’s behavior, how you feel you’re performing, versus how you’re actually performing. These are all components that affect your game.

Let me give you an example on how your perspective can completely alter your mentality at the table. Imagine you’re in a tournament and your opponent is outside on the phone taking a while. You start to get irritated that he’s delaying the match.

After 10 minutes, your opponent comes back inside and gets ready to start the match. You show some frustration and your opponent matches that frustration.

You question why on Earth he would be frustrated with you after he’s the one that took so long?

Not only is this scenario distracting from your game, but it’s incredibly consuming.

Your mind is so far away from where it needs to be. You might be stewing on the fact that he’s displaying poor etiquette and now you have a grudge. Rewind to 10 minutes ago, your opponent was just finding out that his wife wants a divorce and his frustration had absolutely nothing to do with you.

Perspective is everything and false assumptions are dangerous. You are the only one at the table when you are shooting. No one else is there. You have the ultimate control! You get to decide everything you want to do. Don’t let who your opponent is, how they’ve been shooting, or any other outside interference come between you and how you’re going to play your next shot.

Another aspect of the mental game that can make or break your performance is your self-talk. First of all, why are pool players so damn hard on themselves? If you spoke to your best friend the way you speak to yourself, would your friend still like you? It takes just as much energy to be encouraging, proactive, and helpful as it does to be destructive, critical, or cruel – you’re just used to one style more.

When your self-talk is negative without any productivity attached to it, you are adding 27

pressure, creating a heavier feeling at the table. Imagine playing wearing a 10lb. jacket.

Would you play as efficiently? Negative self-talk can be a detriment to your decisionmaking skills, confidence, and execution.

The last thing to mention is the preparation. Imagine showing up to a marathon without stretching or training properly. How’s that race going to go?

Mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation. There are many ways to begin practicing how you want your mind to work for you, as opposed to against you before a match and during the match.

A strong mental game can really transform your performance and experience in this sport. The three qualities that stand out the most are: patience, acceptance, and grit.

Embody these. Practice these. Become a well-rounded player. The more aware you are of how your mind works, the more control you’ll have at the table. Always use your thoughts and emotions to your advantage. If you’re ever unsure, ask yourself: Is this helping me or hurting me?

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Introducing Junior Player Riley Adkins

By Kieth Shaner Welcome back my friends to another installment of The Break & Run Times…

Today I am presenting a profile on a young junior player from Ohio. I have known this young man for several years now, back when he was tagging along with his father, and he would let his cue do the talking. He was polite, respectful, and quiet. He always had a friendly smile and nod for everyone, if you got a hello from him, then he was in a talkative mood lol.

Now his cue is still doing the talking, but he does have some things to say to us, ladies and gentlemen let me present to you…

Riley Adkins!

Riley is from West Jefferson, Ohio. He began playing seriously at around age 10 under the tutelage of his father Dee Adkins. “I first started at my dad’s old pool room Player’s.

He got me into it and showed me the right path to try to become one of the best in the world.” Dee Adkins is a past winner of the Derby City Classic Master of The Table (aka The All-Around Championship) and his path for Riley was a good one, as Riley recently took third place in the Junior World 9-Ball Championship in Austria! Riley considers

the World 9-Ball finish his most meaningful highlight to date, but I have a feeling there are going to be more highlights to come.

Riley is not only an outstanding player, but he conducts himself as well as anyone.

Junior or adult, amateur or professional, he represents himself, the game and the sport as a first-class ambassador.

His favorite player is Alex Pagulayan.

Riley says he admires Alex because he is a great person as well as a great player (no argument from this author on that!) and he is quite a character to be around.

I got to witness Riley playing Alex at the DCC one year and wow, did he show great composure playing someone like Alex! He says that he has also been influenced by Shane Van Boening and Billy Thorpe. Shane of course has been the number one player in the US for the past decade and Billy, a Team USA member for the Mosconi Cup and holder of 3 banners at the Derby City Classic, hails from the Dayton area right here in Ohio.

When asked about his favorite events, he names the Derby City Classic, when he was able to go before the changes which forced the event to have a 21 and over age restriction. The International Open, hosted

by Pat Fleming in Norfolk VA, is his current favorite and it is a most excellent choice, as 30

Pat always puts on a quality event.

I asked Riley if he enjoys watching pool and being the dedicated player and fan that he is. He says that he does enjoy viewing, especially older matches when players like Efren Reyes and Johnny Archer were in their prime. He says he watches rotation games the most and his favorite events to watch are Derby City Classic, The World 9-Ball and The Mosconi Cup. His favorite rooms to play in are Michael’s Billiards in Fairfield Ohio, near Cincinnati and The League Room in Parkersburg West Virginia. His favorite game is 10-Ball although he is learning one pocket and enjoying the experience of the game.

Riley is by nature and preference a big table player, but he has adapted to the bar box tables as most tournaments he plays in are on the small table. He also prefers

tournaments to head-to-head matchups for the variety of competition they offer him.

But do not take that as a sign that Riley does not take on challenge matches, or you will be out looking for work.

These days, Riley is shooting down the competition with a Ryan Meyer cue, his favorite cue maker. Ryan does outstanding work, and he is a tremendous supporter of young players in our sport.

Speaking of our sport, I asked Riley to give his opinions on the current and future state of pool as I thought a young player coming up as he did can offer a unique perspective. Here is what he had to say, “The current state of pool is not as great as it could potentially be, but I see some good things possibly coming in the future with the moves that Matchroom is making. I also 31

think pros getting involved with the juniors and guiding them on the path that got them to where they are is a very positive and needed part of pool. I see handicap tournaments as the most detrimental aspect of pool. Most players have no desire to get better because it would be tougher to win tournaments as a higher handicap.”

He also says that he believes pool could attract more viewers by having not too tight of pockets and winner breaks when matches are played on TV. He believes the matches would be more interesting for non-pool players, watching for the first time, and seeing packs put together. He also shares this author’s opinion saying “I think advertising the players would help grow the sport. People could have a favorite player like in professional sports like football.”

Outside of pool, Riley enjoys the outdoors, hunting and fishing, usually catching bigger and better than the old man (sorry Dee!). He is also close to his family, traveling a lot with his father as well as his mother, who accompanied him to the Junior Worlds in Austria, and was able to share the experience with her son.

I want to thank Riley for taking the time to share himself and his thoughts with us today. I speak often on pool needing faces to represent it, in order to widen the perspective to the rest of the world and Riley is one of the ones in the center of the frame. It has been a real pleasure watching this young man grow into so much more than just a fine player, and I look forward to seeing him move forward on his journey to being one of the best on the world stage.

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Riku Romppanen at the UK Open 2022

By Patrick Sampey

Friday, May 20th, 2022 – Hello pool fans.

The Tallahassee Squirrel here, aka Patrick Sampey, and I’ve been following this year’s UK Open a bit.

What I find to be the story of the event is the kid sensation Riku Romppanen from Finland, making big comebacks, and showing a seasoned player straight from Martha Stewart’s kitchen it would appear.

The 14-year-old made some big moves,

falling just short of the last 16, and highlighting the fact that billiards is a game for any age. “...Fans were treated to a breathtaking performance by 14-year-old Riku Romppanen who came from 8-4 down to beat Robbie Capito to remain in the competition and meet Skyler Woodward to keep his hopes going. Romppanen’s journey will be one to remember with three wins over his three days but eventually came unstuck to Woodward despite pegging the two-time Mosconi Cup MVP back to 5-5 34

after Woodward led 5-0. The result leaving Woodward with a tie against 2012 World Pool Masters champion Karol Skowerski to reach the Last 16…” – A short excerpt from Matchroom, at: https://matchroompool. com/news/uk-open-day-3-ko-pin-yi-firstmajor-casualty/ Then, on the converse side, you had Ralf Souquet nearly making it to the final 16 of the event at age 53, but being taken out 9-3

by SVB (Shane Van Boening). SVB and Skyler Woodward are the only two Americans left in the prestigious event – SVB chasing

Filipino star Robbie Capito. What an amazing hill-hill thriller with Riku Romppanen, again at just 14 years of age, coming back from a 4-8 deficit, and showing tenacity and grit well beyond his fourteen years alive. Incredible.

Romppanen fought Capito every step of the way, with jump bank shots, defensive lockups, and all-around game-official, with what many pool players call “Jam Up” play.

another world title to add weight to the growing body of evidence that is to say: SVB may be the best cueist the world has or will ever see, the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Times). Although, many still feel that the title goes to Efren Reyes; it is subjective.

So many great players in the event that began with 256 players from around the globe, including my friend from Japan, Naoyuki Oi – yet another top-caliber player on this green Earth.

And I watched the entire match with

kid pushed two-time Mosconi Cup MVP Skyler Woodward to 9-6, where Woodward eventually took the contest, but another close match for the kid. The amazing talent that I’m sure we’ll see for years to come.

You can follow Riku Romppanen at: https://www.facebook.com/RikuRomppanen-102089659089617

Then, after that, I watched as the 35

Junior Player Riku Romppanen at the UK Open Screenshots from Video at UK Open

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Banking Drills You Can Take To The Bank…

Ching! Ching!

By Dominic Esposito a.k.a.

“The Drill Instructor” This month’s fine entry from The Drill Instructor features two shots and two ways to shoot them for four power drills that can send you to the winner’s circle. Shots 1 & 3 are direct to the corner pocket, while shots 2 & 4 will come in handy if your opponents’ ball is blocking the corner pocket.

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Drill This Cross Bank One Diamond**

A One Diamond Bank Drill

A one diamond bank drill gets you home to the side or corner pocket.

Drill No.1: Cross Bank One Diamond to the Corner Pocket or Side Pocket

For your first time through this drill, place the object ball frozen to the cushion as shown. On subsequent shots, place the object ball once inch away from the cushion, then two inches off the cushion. Work on these three plays until you can score the object ball at least 7 out of 10 times.

Later, you may also reverse this important bank shot by moving the ball up two diamonds and shooting for the side pocket instead.

How to score the ball: 1) Aim for a half-ball hit on the object ball 2) Aim for center ball--no English is required for this stroke 3) Shoot using a 4 to 6 Speed Shot Stroke.

Next: Three cushion side pocket bank played round the table.

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An Impressive Side Pocket Bank Shot

This is an impressive side pocket bank shot.

Drill No. 2: Two Cushion Reverse Bank to the Side Pocket Again, for your first attempt, place the object ball frozen on the cushion. Then shoot with the object ball an inch and two inches from the rail. Keep doing this sequence, frozen-one inch-two inches, and soon you will be 7 of 10 tries for this stunning bank around half the table into the side. You’ll be surprised at how often this bank presents itself.

1) Aim for a quarter-ball hit on the 8-ball this time. If you’re unsure of what a quarter-ball cut shot is, it’s half of the Half Ball it from the first shot.

2) A 5 to 7 Speed Shot Stroke will work for this Three Cushion shot.

3) Go center ball again with your aim

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A Quarter Ball Bank Shot

Take it up a notch with the same quarter-ball hit and make it a Two Diamond bank shot.

Drill No. 3: Cross Bank to the Corner or Side Pocket You can imagine the drill, right? As in the previous illustrations, for your first attempts, place the object ball frozen on the cushion. Next time place the object ball 1” off the cushion, then 2” off the cushion. Work on these until you can make the object ball at least 7 out of 10 times.

Reverse this bank shot and shoot it into the side pocket. Be sure to practice this from both sides of the table as well.

1) Our one diamond bank was a half-ball hit--this one is quarter ball hit going twice the distance with one-half the fraction of the object ball 2) Shoot using a 4 to 6 Speed Shot Stroke.

3) Center ball only does it!

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A common two-cushion play, made simple

A Third Ball Bank Shot

Drill No. 4: Two Cushion Reverse Bank to Corner Pocket Same as before with a subtle difference. Object ball snugly to the cushion for your first stroke. Next time place the object ball 1” off the cushion, then 2” off the cushion. Master this bank until you are confident you can make it 7 out of 10 times. Reverse this bank shot for the side pocket and practice the cut on the other side of the object ball from both sides of the table.

1) This time a one-third hit on the object ball is needed, and you can review ball fractions if you need 2) A medium to hard stroke is needed A one-third ball bank makes this cinch play.

3) This time, topspin will help cinch the angle on this two rail bank shot Want to learn hundreds more drills and shots like these, go to The Drill Instructor Facebook page and sign-up for DITV.

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Frozen Rail Bank Shots

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Meet

Tanner Pruess

By Kat Day

Photo Courtesy of Tanner Pruess taken by Joshua Ramey w/ Bad Roll Inc. 46

Tanner Pruess is a third-generation pool player from South Dakota.

Pruess grew up with a table in the basement and playing Junior-Adult leagues since he was about 10 years old. Through a good mentor and great instructor, Pruess developed into a top amateur that has won VNEA World Pool Championship (Open 9ball 2018, then Intermediate 8ball 2019) along with the Energy Capital 9ball/10ball Tournaments multiple times and 5 South Dakota State Masters Titles.

juniors and adults. Clubs/leagues have hired Tanner Pruess to travel to their city and offer multiple days of group lessons for their members (Aberdeen, SD and Boise, ID).

Pruess recently started offering online training to those that might not be able to travel to Rapid City, SD or possibly traveling to students in a timely fashion. Pruess’s online training classes have taken off and students are progressing well with hard work (around 10 current enrollees). Tanner Pruess is PBIA, SPF, and ACS certified.

Tanner Preuss’s focus has shifted slightly from an emphasis on desire for The most unique thing about Tanner competitive play to the desire to help Pruess is his alignment/aiming instruct both junior and adult players. method he uses and teaches. He has titled it “AlignRight.” AlignRight is “I am among the unique instructors an alignment process and aiming that can perform at a top amateur method used to build consistency and level, but also instruct at a high level confidence in your game! It is so much since I know these systems/routines more than putting your cue on the have been tested in the battlefield.” table. It is about building your stance States Tanner Pruess. from the foundation up and forcing a better perspective to use a primarily Pruess offers private one-on-one objective aiming system. instruction and group clinics for both

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Learn a little more about Tanner Pruess’s interview with Kat Day.

What made you get into pool?

“I come from a family where multiple members played league pool (Grandpa, Dad, Aunts, and an uncle) in South Dakota. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to grow up with a table in our house where I spent hours and hours enthralled by the game. I remember back to when I was really young and was taken along to watch my dad’s team compete in the state pool tournament. It was fascinating to see 100+ pool tables in one large room and to see the competitive nature of the sport… I was hooked.”

Who is Tanner Pruess?

“I am married to my love, Brittany Pruess. She supports my ambitions and inspires me. I work full time for

M.G. Oil Company as the HR Manager for nearly 1,000 employees. Yet, thanks to my countless hours and supporters along the way, I have become a top amateur pool player with a full-time job. I have been giving pool lessons for nearly a decade and just recently became PBIA, SPF, and ACS certified.”

What type of cue, tip, chalk, gloves, etcetera, do you use?

“I shoot with Keith Hanssen Kues. He is a master cuemaker from Sioux Falls, South Dakota and has become a great friend and support. I just recently switched to HOW chalk and have loved the transition. Kamui Brown Super Soft has been my player tip for about a decade and they deliver a quality product that I can trust. Onboard Sportswear has been making a splash in the apparel scene in the USA recently, so I am excited to check out

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their gear soon!”

What’s your favorite tournament win?

“I have a handful of tournament wins that are my favorite. My handful of South Dakota State Masters Titles are all meaningful. I have won the Energy Capital Classic (Gillette, WY) three times (9/10 Ball). My biggest wins happened at VNEA World Pool Championships (2018 Open 9ball, 2019 Intermediate 8ball).

More recently though, my favorite tournament wins don’t involve me at all as a player. I find more joy in seeing my student achieve success in various tournaments after coming to me for guidance. All the credit goes to them though for the hard work and desire to build their game!

Who has influenced your game?

My dad, Brian Pruess, was the one to influence and develop my game the most early on. After I achieved a good degree of success for a teenager, a master’s team took a chance on me to compete and grow my game with them. One member on that team, Mick Tiefenthaler, really devoted a lot of time and energy to make me one of the top players in South Dakota. Also, right around that time, my dad enrolled me in a 3-day class with Randy Goettlicher. That class really gave me great insight into fundamentals and systems to build my pre-shot routine.

What do you enjoy more – competition or instruction?

Just in the last year or two, I have really found more enjoyment in instructing. Seeing a student hit a good draw shot for the first time or watching a student become confident with Align Right has been so rewarding. I have shifted from 49

competing in most tournaments in the region to only competing in a few of my favorites and giving the rest of my time to instructing.

What is AlignRight?

AlignRight is a system that I named and created from an alignment process and an aiming method which is used to build consistency and confidence.

You may see me line up my shots with the cue on the table; that is one small part of it. It also includes building your stance from the foundation up and forcing a better perspective to use a primarily objective aiming system. I have taught this system to beginning players and advanced players. All levels have found success and confidence in the system!

What kind of players come to you for instruction?

I have worked with a great variety of students – from teaching a kid the very basics of holding a cue for the first time, or a junior player looking to compete at a top level or even an adult master’s player looking to refine their position play. I can provide value

and wisdom to all levels in a calm and patient manner. The common trait with all those different types of players though is a desire to improve and a willingness to put in the hard work!

How much do you charge?

It depends on a few factors, but private lessons and online lessons are $75/hour. I also offer 4-hour group classes for $200/person. I also offer discount for junior players.

How can someone work with you?

Send me a message on Facebook or visit my website (www.

PoolConfidence.com). I offer private and group classes at Breakroom Billiards in Rapid City, South Dakota during some nights and weekends. If traveling is an issue, I also recently began an Online Training Program. I am currently working with about 10 students all over the USA to help them spot their weaknesses and develop a plan to improve. If you can video record yourself shooting pool, I can help!

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Josh Parks Photographer Josh Parks is a 36-year-old photographer that has been taking photos for the last 8 years. Parks started off with concert photography. Then, started to include pool players when he was at a local APA tournament. Parks has been playing league pool for the last ten years, during editing Parks realized he was on a new avenue for his photography. People started noticing Parks photography skills in the amateur pool circuit as they don’t have nice decent pics of themselves. Josh Parks has continued down the billiard photography road and progressed to shooting more leagues and bigger tournaments and players. Parks currently shoots with a Nikon Z6ii Mirrorless camera and gets great results in the billiards industry! Currently, Parks covers the Maryland, DC, Virginia area, but that could always expand!

Meet Josh Parks Photographer and Pool Player 52

Photo of Josh Parks by Chris Reinhold

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Savannah “The RoadRunner” Easton

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Left - Joselito Martinez Right - Jesus Atencio 55

Lyno Liu 56

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Kelly Fisher 59

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Jesus Atencio 61

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Savannah Easton 63

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Jeffrey De Luna a.k.a. ‘The Bull’

By Patrick Sampey

Photography by Corby Dayhoff Thursday, May 19th, 2022 – I’ve been speaking with Jeffrey De Luna, sensational pool player of the Philippines, and he’s a straight shooter metaphorically and literally.

What would you like fans such as myself to know about Jeffrey De Luna? – I asked.

“What you see is what you get.” – Jeffrey De Luna.

A billiards insider has told me that “The Bull,” De Luna has been beating players using nothing but the bridge and playing perfect pool with the handicap against top world players, which is an astounding feat in and of itself. And The Bull is as strong as any 66

of the top players worldwide. He is one of the “young guns” of pool, as I call them, but make no mistake, he is a seasoned professional pool player of the highest caliber.

And The Bull has an all-guns-blazing way in which he attacks a rack of rotation, practicing and playing pool eight hours a day, grinding.

And he plays 100 racks of rotation, 9 ball or 10 ball rotation, but The Bull never plays drills, and man, with a game like his, all this player needs to do, is run out rack after rack of some of the most offensive juggernautedition game-official billiards hath ever witnessed in modern times – in any times. Perfect pool robots couldn’t play the game better it would seem.

different styles, different games etc – we are very opposite. In pool you have to have your own character, and efren is efren… and he is a legend!

I was named ‘The BuLL’ because of my strong break, fearless and hardworking. We all know that it is the key to a winning game. I’m not perfect and still working on so many things on how to improve my game more and more. But when I play I don’t care. I will just play whoever I meet.

You have to enjoy the game and be passionate about it. Above all, a win is a win. I’m hungry to have a Big title soon.”

The above response prompts me to ask The Bull a more pointed question:

That’s true, what you say, like how Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant or LeBron James, different winning players from different eras in that particular sport, with differing styles, and attributes. Do you feel like the best players play to their strengths? I would love to He began the game at eight, the see you win the US Open, the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Times), Efren World 9 ball championship, or Reyes, being his mentor. some event of that magnitude.

What are your ultimate goals But the Bull is not Reyes, nor Reyes in the game of pocket billiards? the Bull, and their styles are as different as Earth, Wind, and Fire – but What would you like to achieve still the base elements of each player’s through the course of your pool game impeccable. career?

Jeffrey “The Bull” De Luna stands atop the heap of world pool players as one of the sport’s greatest assets, cue artists, players, and professionals; he is the “real deal” if ever there was one. Quite frankly, his game is so outof-this-world otherworldly, just call him a billiards interstellar being! He is not of this Earth.

Jeffrey ‘The Bull’ De Luna: “As you would know I started playing when I was 8, and of course at that age who would not want Efren ‘Bata’ to be his mentor? However, as I grow older you’d realize that we have

“My ultimate goal is of course to be a World Champion, and It will in God’s perfect time. Sometimes you are well prepared mentally & physically; sometimes you think U have given your best, but you still lose, and it is hard to understand why. Players need 67

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Jeffrey De Luna Photography by Corby Dayhoff 69

luck as well. I do not believe in such perfection. There are no perfect games for a week of competition. You will always make mistakes, but just don’t quit. Cos Quitting means time to retire.” – Jeffrey De Luna.

What do you feel the mindset of a champion such as yourself is?

A professional pool player of your caliber? Can that mindset be taught?

“One should be very passionate about what he is doing. Discipline is a must and hardwork.” – De Luna.

What would you do to change the rules of any game of pool if you could? What game? What rule or rules?

“I enjoy the game. I have nothing to change.” – Said Jeffrey De Luna.

Have you ever broken a ball you hit and/or the cue ball?

“In the Philippines, yes, maybe because it’s fake. But the balls that we used in the competition of course not…But now, with the quality of balls we used I don’t think any player can break it.” – De Luna.

What was one of your favorite match wins in a tournament? What tournament and against who?

“My favorite match is when I played the 3x gold medalist in the Asian games, and he was so hot that time – none other than The prince of pool Yang Ching Sun. That feeling when I was just a 21 year old and won that match. It gave me so much inspiration and motivation to keep playing.” – Jeffrey De Luna.

And For Practice, again The Bull doesn’t do drills: “I do 100 racks and record it by point system…For me drill is for consistency…

You play everyday it will be different angles and balls…So I do the actual rotation and just record the points…Rotation for 9 balls or 10 balls…We call it rotation…And it was a great practice to stay in the usa too, cos u get to learn a lot of discipline like one pocket and banks.” – De Luna says of his practice regimen.

So then I ask: “What do you think of Shaw’s 714 to beat 626 of Schmidt? Do you want a crack at the high run in 14.1 continuous?”

And Jeffrey replies, “I know how to play. Why not if given a chance?”

When asked of his sponsors, Deluna says, “I am sponsored by JFlowers cases…

Exceed cues and Mezz cues are my Major sponsors for my playing cues, break cue, and jump cue.”

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Do you have customized preparations for each event? For example, do you adjust your practice table to match the pocket size of the upcoming event, do you find the same brand table? Any other preparations?

“Honestly speaking, I just do my everyday programming, which is running in the morning, then practice 5 to 8 hours in the afternoon. I don’t really choose tables the same as the competition tables that we used, as it is hard to find an exact table. I just practice my stroke and break ‘cause that is really important.

That is the key to winning a match.” – De Luna Said.

Pool is very much an individual sport, but do you have a “team” that assists you, if so - what do they help you with? How does this help you? Do you use a coach?

“No, I don’t have a team/coach. I am just comfortable being on my own, and I just do my best to improve more in terms of playing pool. That’s why I travel a lot, to expand my knowledge in the game.” – De Luna Said.

Photograhy by Corby Dayhoff

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Photo Credit Delfin-Dioquino 73

You are known to demand high standards of yourself at the table.

Do you replay difficult spots/misses in your head and practice these particular situations later?

“Yes I do! So I won’t be making the same mistake again.” – Said De Luna.

Not everybody is a natural “bubbly” personality like you, but do you feel it’s important that the profiled players, “put on a show” for the audience watching at home or on TV? “People might think that I’m doing it intentionally, but honestly that’s me!

That’s okay and I’m comfortable playing that way. I am just being me not for a show or anything else. Players have different styles, and I am unique in my own style.” – Said De Luna.

Photo by Corby Dayhoff

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Photo by Corby Dayhoff

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Eric “Last Word” Roberts

By Brian Pauley

Eric Roberts Photo by Corby Dayhoff

T

here are times where sports deliver stories that not even Hollywood can script. In the bottom of the ninth inning of game 1 of the 1988 World Series an injured Kurt Gibson came to the plate with one runner on base to pinch hit. He was not scheduled to play in game 1, or any game of the 1988 World

Series. On a full count, Kurt hit a walk off home run off of soon to be hall of famer Dennis Eckersley. The crowd erupted and while Gibson limped around the bases, Jack buck spoke the now famous line, “I don’t believe what I just saw!” Gibson did not play another game in the series and that was his only at bat.

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Another famous event would be the so called “Miracle on Ice.” The 1980 Winter Olympics emanated from Lake Placid New York and the Gold Medal game in Hockey pitted the four-time defending gold medal champions Soviet Union against the underdog team USA, which was comprised of college players.

The odds of team USA winning were 1000-1. As the final seconds ticked off the clock with the US leading 4-3, Al Michaels yelled out the line of his career, “Do you believe in miracles?”

Pool saw a similar story this year at the Predator Las Vegas Open. Eric “Last Word” Roberts has been a round pool almost his whole life. Rising through the junior ranks and now competing as an adult, the pool world is well aware of what Mr. Roberts can do. Eric was scheduled to play in the Predator Las Vegas Open in a stacked field.

The World 10 Ball event was right after the Predator Las Vegas Open so many of the world’s best players got in the Las Vegas Open as well. Eric did not have an invite to the World 10 Ball event, so his plan was to stay out in Vegas and hang out with friends and play in some mini tournaments. During the Las Vegas Open, Eric matched up with US #1 ranked player “The South Dakota Kid” Shane Van Boening. The format is two sets of race to four 10 Ball with a modified spot shot shootout if players split sets. On paper, Shane should win this match every time. At this level however, anyone has a punchers chance.

Eric had more than a punchers chance at took Shane hill-hill in both matches.

This was the talk of the tournament and all of social media. Word got back to the tournament director who then personally invited Eric to play in the World 10 Ball event since there were a number of players that could not attend due to Visa issues. Eric was excited about the opportunity but since he only planned on playing in the Las Vegas Open, he didn’t have the $750 for entry into the World 10 Ball event. What happened next is another sports story that Hollywood wishes they thought up.

Eric put out a post on Facebook about his situation and asked the pool community that he has been active in for so long to help him pay the entry free and have a chance to play in such a prestigious event. Within 15 minutes, Eric has the $750 to enter the event! When asked about how this made him feel, Eric said, “It was unbelievable because as soon as I posted it I got ten messages. Fifteen messages. Twenty Messages. Thirty Messages. It was unreal the support I had from all these people I have known throughout the years in the pool industry. Its just unreal that they helped me out that quick and I am extremely thankful for it.”

But the story does not end there. Eric won his first match in the world 10 ball even, but lost his next match. Eric then went on a streak of winning 4 matches in a row, including a hill-hill match on the stream table. The even format was double elimination until the final 32 players, where it became a single elimination bracket. Eric made it to the final 32, but could not win his first match in that round. Eric still went home with a decent payday finishing 17-32 out of 128, in an event that he wasn’t supposed to play in.

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Eric was presented with a great opportunity and he made the most of it. We look forward to seeing Eric compete in more big tournaments and to see him progress as we have literally watched him grow up in this industry.

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Eric Roberts Photo by Corby Dayhoff 81

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Watch SPM TV on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/c/SPMTV2022/videos

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