Stroke Pool Magazine January Issue 2017 by Stroke Magazine

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January

2017

STROKE

Pool Magazine

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6 Khan Undefeated 9 Toys for Tots 18 Mosconi Cup 26 Space City Open

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12 Tom Simpson 15 Anthony Beeler 14 Bob Jewett 13 Stefano Pelinga

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Stroke

Stroke is a monthly publication, dedicated to the advancement of the sport of pool. The opinions expressed are those of the author or advertiser and do not necessarily reflect the views of On The Break News or its staff. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may Publisher be reproduced.

Don “Cheese” Akerlow

COLUMNISTS

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Amy’s Billiards Stuart, FL 23 Bison Billiards Williamsville, NY 23 Brown’s Billiards Raleigh, NC 28 Chinook Winds Open Lincoln City, OR 11 Corner Pocket Billiards Martins Ferry, OH 8 Crooked Cue Billiards Clearwater, FL 23 Diamond 8 Latham, NY 7 Gotham City Billiards Brooklyn, NY 6 Gradys Lexington, SC 7 League Room Parkersburg, WV 6 Lucky 7 Billiards Hollywood, FL 10 Michael’s Billiards Fairfield, OH 23 Q-Master Billiards Virginia Beach, VA 7 Sandcastle Billiards Edison, NJ 17 South Florida BCAPL Davie, FL 8 Steinway Billiards Astoria, NY 6 Union Station Billiards Portland, ME 10 Zingale’s Talahassee, FL 23

January 2017

The Tri-State event on December 18, 2016 at Steinway Billiards located at 3525 Steinway Street, Astoria, Queens, NY drew a field of 42. This was a $1000 added A/D 9-Ball Tournament. Atif Khan undefeated in Tri-State at Steinway Billiards. Atif’s tournament trail included wins over Juan Guzman 7 - 5; Kapriel Delimelkonoglu 7 - 5; Philip Pearce 7 - 5; Akbar Karmoeddien 7 - 6, and Erick Carrasco 8 - 7 to reach the Hot Seat. In the meantime, Elvis Rodriguez, after having lost his first round match to Duc Lam 7 - 4, won the next 8 matches to play Eric Carrasco for a shot in the Finals. Eric prevailed 8 - 3. During the Finals Eric led 3 - 0, then Atif tied the score 3 - 3, the players traded games. At 6 to 6, Atif asserted himself to win 8 - 6 for the win. The next Tri-State event will be on January 7, 2017 Shooter’s Family Billiards in Wayne, NJ. Please provide a thank you to Ozone Billiards, Sterling-Gaming, Kamui Tips, Ron Vitello, Phil Capelle, BlueBook Publishing, Human Kinetics, and Bloodworth Ball Cleaners for their sponsorship leading to this event.

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5/6th 7/8th

$750 $490 $300 $180 $120 $90

Atif Khan Eric Carrasco Elvis Rodriguez David Grant Akbar Karmouddien, Ben Holcome Philip Pearce, Zouraiz Ellahi

KHAN Undefeated STEINWAY BILLIARDS

ATIF KHAN, ERIC CARRASCO

Steinway Cafe & Billiards 9-Ball Tournaments at 8pm Every Monday & Wednesday

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Take Lessons with Earl Strickland and other World Champions Hours: Monday-Sunday 11am-4am 3525 Steinway St. Astoria, NY 11102 (718) 472-2124

January 2017

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Moore Chalks

4th Win

Eric Moore, Shaun Wilkie

Going into the final event of the 2017 Action Pool Tour season, there was no catching Eric Moore’s top spot in the tour rankings. Ahead by nearly 2,000 points, with three victories on the year (in Feb., June, and Nov.), Moore would have been the tour champion even if his closest competitor in the rankings, Brandon Shuff, had competed and defeated him in the finals of the event. Punctuating his finish at the top of the tour rankings, Moore went undefeated through a field of 35, on-hand for APT’s season finale, hosted by Q Master Billiards in Virginia Beach, VA, on the weekend of December 10-11. While there was no drama surrounding who’d be the 2017 tour champion, the season finale did offer two competitors the opportunity to vie for the runner-up position, which would earn that player entry into all three divisions of the 2017 US Bar Table Championships in Las Vegas, as well as hotel accommodations (the winner, Moore, received the same bonus prize, in addition to plane fare). With Shuff not in attendance, that runner-up slot would (no matter where they finished) go to either Shaun Wilkie, who entered the tournament in third place, or Kenny Miller, who entered the tournament in fourth place. They were separated by only 19 points. In effect, that question was answered when they met in the third round of play. After an opening round bye, Wilkie opened his campaign with a shutout over Thomas Williams. Miller, also awarded an opening round bye, opened with a double hill win (9-8) over Christopher Wilburn, who ended up 6th in the tour rankings. Wilkie advanced 9-5 over Miller, who moved west, won a single match (against Nicole Fleming) and was then eliminated by Steve Fleming, who’d end

up 5th in the tour rankings. Wilkie and Moore, now securely in the #1 and #2 positions on the tour, advanced to face each other in a winners’ side semifinal. Reymart Lim, making only his third appearance on the 2017 tour, and cousin Nilbert Lim, making his second, squared off in the other semifinal. In their first of two, Moore downed Wilkie 9-7, as Reymart Lim defeated Nilbert Lim 9-6. Moore claimed the hot seat 9-6 over Reymart, assuring Reymart another (minimum) third place finish to match his effort back in May, when he finished behind Wilkie and Shuff. On the loss side, Wilkie drew Greg Sabins, who’d defeated Steve Fleming, double hill (right after Fleming had eliminated Kenny Miller) and R.J. Carmona 7-3. Nilbert Lim picked up Pat Carosi, who’d gotten by Ray Reyna 7-5 and Christopher Wilburn 7-2 to reach him. Wilkie advanced to the quarterfinals 7-2 over Sabins, and was met by Carosi, who’d ended Nilbert Lim’s weekend 7-5. Wilkie made short work of Carosi, allowing him only a single rack in their quarterfinal match. Reymart Lim, looking to advance to his first final, put up a fight in the semifinals against Wilkie, but fell short 7-5. And so it was, that the top two players on the 2017 Action Pool Tour, squared off in the finals of the tour’s season finale. Moore laid further claim to his already secured top spot in the rankings with a commanding 11-4 victory over Wilkie. Tour representatives thanked the ownership and staff at Q Master Billiards for their hospitality, as well as sponsors Predator, Ozone Billiards, AZBilliards and Hammerbacher Instruction.

GRADY’S BILLIARDS

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• Pool Tables • Great Food • • Full-Service Elevated Bar • Drink Specials • Lottery & Quickdraw • Electronic Darts • • Foosball • Video Games • Pro Shop And More! 9 Johnson Road Latham, NY • 518-786-8048 www.diamondeight.com

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Host of the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships 25,000 square feet Full retail department Two lavishly stocked bars 70 pool tables covered with Simonis 860

Tournaments and Leagues Corporate functions 5612 Princess Anne Rd Private parties Virginia Beach, VA Smoking and non smoking areas Fun for the whole family (757) 499-8900 Q-Masters.com The largest billiards room in the country

January 2017

e l z z a D s r e t s t o h S k c i Tr

Had a blast organizing my first Trickshot tournament and feels amazing to have won it along with my friend and legend Stefano Pelinga! Our opponents Tom Rossman & Abram Diaz were as tough as it gets and played awesome!! More than the win, I am very proud of everyone’s sportsmanship, what a bunch of classy people!! I haven’t had this much fun in a tournament in years! I really hope this is the beginning of something bigger and a fresh start for our sport. On my side I do not regret a thing. I am ready to work another thousand hours to make it happen again next year.

Stefano Pelinga and Florian Kohler Special thanks to all the sponsors who believed in me: Mezz Cues, Iwan Simonis Billiards, Marty Carey’s JumpQ, Rasson Song, Kamui Brand, SkillCon, Sal’s Vinyl Grafx, Delta-13 Billiard Rack - The True Triangle. Also huge thanks to everyone who was involved one way or another, could not have pulled this off without your support!!! Thanks also to Jason Freddie Lynch, Jason Garfield, Mark Estes, Jim Barnard, Marty Carey, Iana Kohler, Tommy Beauregard, Ramin Bakhtiari, Tim Kovacs and the many others I forgot.

SOUTH FLORIDA BCA POOL LEAGUE League Operator: Janis Sessions - 305-903-4029 email: sesh51@hotmail.com Play out of Lucky 7 Billiards in Davie, Florida NIGHTS OF PLAY: Mon - Thurs In-house

Come Join the FUN!

January 2017

Stroke

Stefano Pelinga wrote “Last night Team Europe (myself and Florian) won over Team USA (Dr. Cue and Abram Diaz). After I beat Tom 12-11 and Florian took care of Abram, we started the final match with a 2-point lead. The match was stopped before completing all the shots as Team USA could not catch up even by making all the remaining shots. I’d like to thank Florian for putting together such a nice event that brought me back to the ESPN years, the Rio Hotel and Casino and Skill-Con for hosting the event, Jason Lynch for his tech support and commentary and, last but not least, my fellow champions for their impeccable sportsmanship.

56731 Colerain Pike Martins Ferry, Oh 43935 740-738-0357 www.bhindthe8ball.com

WEEKLY TOURNAMENTS

Tues: Straight 8-Ball $8 entry Fri: Hcp 8-Ball $15 entry Sat: Chip Tourney $15 entry

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South Florida BCA Pool League + K & K Billiards = Lots of Toys 4 Tots

— Article & Photos by: Janis Sessions On December 3, 2016 the South Florida BCA Pool League (League Operator: Janis Sessions) and K & K Billiards (1090 NE 79th St, Miami), which is one of the newest pool rooms in town, held this event. 30 players came out in support for “Toys4Tots Tournament”. The entry fee was $30 and an unwrapped toy. The main goal was to fill the larger boxes with toys, which would be given to the Marines Toys for Tots drive. We did fill 2 large boxes which were delivered to the Marines drop off spot on December 16, 2016. This tournament was 8-ball, race to 5 on the winner’s side and race to 4 on the loser’s side. We had 4 people from the Naples area drive over to play in this event and 4 ladies. By the end of the day, Sandy Baughman was the last lady standing, not

making it to the top 6 players. She got her entry back. Congrats and good shooting to her. Congrats to all the final 6 players who played very well and there were some great matches that were played. This was a great event to run and all went very smooth.

Results: 1st $480 2nd $200 3rd $80 4th $50 5/6th $30

Anthony Meglino Randy Epperson Pierre Palmieri Rene Barba Gary Kay, Francisco Diaz

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Check out K&K Billiards (1090 NE 79th St, Miami, FL) this is an awesome room. 11 – 7’ Diamonds and 4 – 9’ Diamonds. No Smoking, great food and great atmosphere. A special thanks to the Marines for having a Toys for Tots program. They distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. The program was founded in 1947 by reservist Major Bill Hendricks.

Janis Sessions, Anthony Meglino, Christian Berrios Last Lady Sandy Baughman, Christian Berrios

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Thank you to all the pool players for coming out and supporting the Toys4Tots tournament. Thank you to K&K, owners Christian and Kostia Berrios (father and son) for letting us have this tournament. Thanks to the staff who worked that day and took care of the players.

Kostia Berrios, Pierre Palmieri, Christin Berrios

Stroke

January 2017

1st Tom Theriault

Viking Cues Tour

Cue raffle winner Fred Doiron

A great field of 38 Open players showed up, on a cold windy day at Dooly’s Tracadie in TracadieSheila, New Brunswick, Canada on Saturday Dec 10, for the six stop of the NBBA Viking Cues Tour Open Division. Jean-Guy Belliveau and Tom Theriault proceeded to go across the A-side to meet in the hot seat match. Theriault picked up the 7-4 victory and waited to see who he would face in the event final. Meanwhile, Matt Crawford, who earlier in the day defeated Kyle Richard, gave Richard his second loss 7-6 setting up a match with Belliveau. Richard picked up $200 for his 4th place efforts. Belliveau then defeated Crawford 7-6, Crawford’s third hill-hill match in a row. Crawford received $280 for 3rd. Belliveau then went after Theriault in the final and came up short in tight match 9-7. $530 was the 1st place prize, while Belliveau cashed in for $400.

2nd Jean Guy Belliveau

272 St John St - Portland, ME

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3rd Matt Crawford

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January 2017

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Every Friday Night 8-Ball at 8pm $8 buy-in - Race to 2

Stroke

Next up, the Ladies and the Open division will converge on Dooly’s Main St. in Fredericton on Sat. January 7, 2017. It will be the 7th event for the Open Division and the 6th Event for the Ladies.

Lucky Billiards 4850 South State Road 7

www.lucky7billiards.com

Hollywood, FL 954-239-8254

Home of the Pink Table (pinkie)

14 Pool Tables - 1 Snooker Table - Weekly Pool Tournaments APA - TAP - Player Leagues

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hinook C inds Wpen O 4th Annual

March 9-11, 2017 Chinook Winds Casino Resort Lincoln City, OR

$24,000 Added Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Division Race to 7, Alternate Breaks $15,000 guaranteed for 1st place if FF $10,000 guaranteed for 2nd place if FF FF = Full Field = 128 entries Maximum bracket size - 256

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Division Race to 5, Alternate Breaks $6,000 guaranteed for 1st place if FF $3,670 guaranteed for 2nd place if FF FF = Full Field = 48 entries Maximum bracket size - 64

8-Ball Championships Entry Fees: $200 ($175 entry + $25 gf) Entry Deadline: March 3, 2017 Entry Forms: go to westernbca.org

Schedule of Events

March 8 (Wed), 6p - Calcutta March 9 (Thurs), Noon - Play Starts March 10 (FrI), 7p - 2nd Chance Tournament $2000 added/$100 entry Limited to 64 players Finals will be Saturday, times TBA

Dress Code

Collared Shirts/Slacks/Jeans ok if not torn or frayed. No leggings or shorts.

Questions-Call Mike Jensen at 360-703-4081

Master Instructor, National Billiard Academy, “Beat People With a Stick!”

Tom Simpson

January 2017

It’s a good idea to stop and check some basics from time to time. Unless we’re vigilant, we tend to drift into old habits and go into slumps. When you’re having a slump, or when you’re trying to help someone learn the game, the following are ten of the most common problem areas that cause us trouble, and some simple suggestions for dealing with them. 1. Doubt: Don’t shoot in the Thinking Position; don’t think in the Shooting Position. Don’t go down on a shot until you have a plan. If you go down, and feel you should change your plan, stand up, back away, chalk up, and start over. If you shoot with doubts or without committing to your plan, you’re likely to get what you had in mind – doubtful results. 2. Tip & Chalk: Some players don’t maintain their tip adequately. If your tip is too flat, you will not get as much spin as you expect, and you’ll miscue more easily. Keep your tip rounded and shaped the same all the way around. Chalk the edge of the tip. That’s where it really is needed, and where you will miscue. Actually look at your chalk job before hitting an extreme spin shot. 3. Vertical Axis: Many players gradually develop a habit of using english on every shot. When you hit the cueball anywhere on its vertical axis (in other words, no sidespin whatsoever), it goes straight, in precisely the direction you aimed. Hit even a millimeter to the left or right of the axis, and that cueball is going to squirt and curve. If it hits the target, it’s because the squirt and curve happened to exactly cancel each other out at that distance & speed. And of course, there is also spininduced throw and transfer of spin to the object ball to deal with. Master the vertical axis. Get off the axis only when there is good reason, and you know you’re making the adjustments. It’s a lot easier to deal with a cueball that’s going where you aimed. 4. Undercutting: Because of collision-induced throw (a sideways friction phenomenon between balls), most misses are by undercutting. For example, how often do you see someone miss a table-length, close-to-the-long-rail shot to a distant corner pocket by overcutting and hitting the end rail? Rarely. In fact, I call this “missing on the pro side” because most of us undercut and miss by hitting that side rail. The real fix here is to gain a clear understanding of the “rules” of throw. But since we don’t have space for that here, just plan on cutting a little thinner. The dirtier the balls, the softer you’re going to hit the shot, the further it is from the pocket, and the closer the cut angle is to a half-ball hit (30°), the more throw effect you’ll get, and the more you’ll need to compensate. Overcut a little.

5. Elevation: Because we have knuckles, and because pool tables have rails, we can never get our stick completely flat. It’s important to get as close to flat as practical, though, because as we elevate the butt of the cue, we risk unintentionally causing the cueball to curve. If we strike the cueball with any sidespin whatsoever, it’s going to curve. The more sidespin, and the more elevation, the more curve. Try to keep your stick within a finger thickness of the rail, unless you have reason to elevate. When you must elevate and hit straight, focus on hitting the vertical axis. 6. Unstable bridge: The purpose of the bridge is to provide a solid foundation that will guide the cue to your precisely intended contact point on the cueball. If your bridge is not a rock, your plans are not going to work. Do not move your bridge side to side. Try anchoring the bridge to the table. With an open bridge (no loop over the shaft), press your forefinger firmly into the cloth. With a closed bridge (forefinger looped over the shaft), press your middle finger into the cloth. Nail it down. 7. Unstable stance: If your stance is moving, you’re not going to deliver where you think you’re aimed. Settle into the floor. If you’re not comfortable, or if you have to twist or move to get aimed, get up, chalk up, and try again. 8. Finishing: One of the most common problems is not finishing a shot. Not following through, poking, and jumping up all lead to missed shots and inconsistent ball action. Get your stick through the cueball, and allow it to follow through as far as its momentum takes it. 9. Staying down: Coming up before the shot is complete is a common problem. Your body knows you’re going to jump up, and that affects your stroke. You need to plan on staying down, so your stroke will complete without interference. When possible, stay down and watch the shot until the balls come to a stop. Down until done. 10. Pocket speed: The harder you shoot, the smaller the pockets become, and the more you lose control of the cueball. Pocket speed is the speed that sinks the ball, but without hitting the back of the pocket. Less speed, more control. Shoot only as hard as necessary for the current shot, position requirements, and equipment – and understand the trade-offs.

Stroke

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Far more games are won or lost on these kinds of basics than are won or lost with tricky, advanced shots. In fact, with better basics, we don’t get in trouble and need those fancy shots nearly so often. Simple is good.

TEST YOUR STOP SHOT STEFANO PELINGA stefanopelinga.com Stefano Pelinga (born 1964) hails from Rome, Italy, where he has served since 1985 as a police officer for the Italian government (Polizia di Stato), until his retirement in 2011. He began to play pool at the age of 12, drawing inspiration from his favorite singer and actor, Dean Martin. Stefano, currently a 5-time World Champion in Pool Trick Shots, won several titles in Italy in straight pool and nine-ball throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. In 1990, he devoted himself entirely to “Artistic Pool,” commonly referred to in its practice as “Trick Shots.” Due to his outstanding achievements, Stefano is recognized worldwide as one of the greatest Trick Shot champions in the history of the sport, and has earned a spot in ESPN’s Trick Shot Magic Hall of Fame. Most importantly, on November 17, 2012, Stefano was inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame. In the presence of approximately 500 VIP guests and many sports stars such as Tommy Lasorda, Mike Piazza, Tony Esposito and Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, Stefano was awarded this honor, becoming a member of this group of legendary Italian Americans.

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This month’s shot is what we call a “show shot” as it has been used by numerous artists through several decades during their exhibitions. Most of its outcome depends on the rack we use as a prop. In the past, only wooden racks were available so we usually doctored them by putting a dent on all three corners and on both sides. Later, with the plastic racks (the thick ones though) or the “Delta” racks, this shot became even easier because of the large half-moon shaped holes present on their corners. Let’s get started by placing the rack as shown in the diagram, resting on three balls, one under each corner but making sure that the one we will pocket (the red ball in our diagram) is NOT right under the corner but about a couple of inches closer to the pocket. Let’s place three more balls on top of the rack’s corners. At this point we could add more racks and more balls, building a multistory tower. My good friend and great trick shot champion Bogdan Wolkowski in his shows builds a 15-20 story tower turning this simple shot into a very impressive one, even more so because he shoots it blindfolded. The truth of the matter is that the higher the tower is, the more it weighs, therefore wobbling less, and making this shot easier. Now place your Cue Ball in a straight line with the Object Ball and the pocket, starting at position A. Hit the CB at 6 o’clock using one tip of English (backspin) and aim the OB full to sink it in the close corner pocket. If your stop shot will be appropriately performed, the CB will stop as soon as it hits the OB and rest right under the corner of the rack. The balls swapping will happen so quickly that all the balanced balls will not move, or worse, fall. You can then make a practice drill out of this shot to A improve your stop shot skills by moving back the CB to B, then C and even D position. Obviously, the farther you B will be from your OB, the lower and slightly harder you will need to hit the CB so that C its backspin carries on all the way to the impact point. May everyone have a New Year filled with Peace and Joy! D

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January 2017

San Francisco Billiard Academy www.sfbilliards.com

PBIA certified instruction is available for all levels from beginners to instructor training.

Rotation Caroms This drill will improve several aspects of your cue ball control, including speed, direction, using cushions, and learning the natural angles. Each shot will be a unique challenge as the positions never repeat exactly.

Bob Jewett

The drill starts by breaking a rack of nine ball. After that on each shot the goal is to play a carom from the lowest ball to the next ball in sequence. You get to take cue ball in hand for each shot. In the diagram, you have to get from the 1 ball to the 2 ball. There are lots of ways to do that and part of your job is to find the easiest.

January 2017

This drill can also be used as a two-player game by awarding a point for each successful carom.

For this shot the easiest for me is to play the cue ball from roughly the position shown and hit half of the 1 ball on the right side using medium pace and a rolling cue ball. The hard part is knowing where to place the cue ball to make the shot easy. Knowing that rolling-ball deflection angle, the so-called 30-degree rule, is one of the most fundamental parts of playing position. If you have trouble seeing it, you must practice it separately until it is burned into your consciousness. A few more rules: The cue ball isn’t allowed to hit any extraneous ball before the second ball but rails are OK. If you make the carom, remove the lowest ball from the table if you did not pocket it and give yourself a point. Scratches after the carom don’t matter. The cue ball can’t be placed right up against the lowest ball -- that would allow too many easy 90-degree shots.

B 9

If you want a little more challenge, play that you have to make the carom as planned and extra rails nullify the shot. In the case of the shot diagrammed, you’ll have to decide before you shoot whether the cue ball will hit the cushion by the 2 ball before the 2 or not. Work out some other reasonable ways to get from the 1 to the 2 before reading on. You could put the cue ball on the line between them and draw the cue ball straight back to the 2 ball. You could shoot the 1 ball into the pocket by the 2 with a nearly full shot and follow to the 2. Or, you could shoot from the position shown with a stun shot (no draw or follow on the cue ball when it hits the object ball) and use the 90-degree rule to hit the 2 ball. In your practice shots try a variety of shots as they are all useful. Some times you can play position in this drill. That is, you can shoot one shot in a way that will make the following shot easier. For example, when shooting from the 3 to the 4, notice where the 5 is. If you can go more or less full into the 4 ball off the 3 it will be sent in the direction of the 5 and next shot will be easier. I’d put the cue ball at A and hit half of the 3 with a soft shot.

On some shots you will have to plan to use the cushions. To get from the 5 to the 6 (assuming you haven’t moved the 5 to a better location) you will have to touch a rail. The easiest looks to be the side rail at B and then straight to the 6 or maybe off the end rail at D first. A little harder shot is to play from the 5 to just miss the 7 and hit the cushion at C or D while using the correct side spin (right or left, respectively) to spin into the 6.

Stroke

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REJ

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KEYS TO WINNING ON POOL’S BIGGEST STAGE

Keys to Success

Anthony Beeler is a 2013 BCA National 9-Ball team champion. He also finished 9th out of 1086 players in the 2013 BCA National 8-Ball Championships. He is a certified Level 3 instructor for the American CueSports Alliance and is the founder of Maximize Your Potential Billiards Academy located in Bradfordsville, Kentucky. Beeler is also a fully licensed Kentucky Educator having, received his bachelor’s degree at Campbellsville University and his master’s degree in Education Leadership at Eastern Kentucky University. Throughout his poolplaying career Anthony has won over 300 tournaments and has defeated numerous professional players in tournament competition.

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The 2017 edition of The Derby City Classic is once again going to be perhaps the most entertaining event of the year. The venue at the Horseshoe Casino in Elizabeth, Indiana is always spectacular. Numerous tables, top of the line vendors and stellar match play sets the scene for one of the pool’s greatest stages. If the tournament continues to live up to all the hype, the individual who makes the best decisions will have a fighting chance to lift the all around championship trophy at the end of the grueling 9-day period. I believe that there are 7 keys to winning at the derby. Think about them and you can use them to play more competitively in any tournament venue. 1. Quick Recovery High-level competition causes everyone to make mistakes. Even “lock down” safeties will get returned, which will make things seem “unfair.” When playing in such a talented field, this is inevitable. The champion will be the person who can recover quickly from the frustration of bad breaks and maintain confidence and composure. Every player is going to get bad rolls, the key will be to accept this from the first shot and embrace the challenge. 2. Shot-Making Because the tournament consists of 3 events, each having a shorter race format, the player who can choose and commit to the right shot and execute it, will be in the mix as the weekend approaches. Each game will require a different set of challenges and demand different types of ingenuity. Sound mechanics, position play and defensive execution will allow a player to

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become a serious threat. 3. A Controlled Break Knowing how to break the balls effectively will also be key to success. Whether the game is bank pool, one pocket or 9-ball, cue ball control is imperative. Losing control of the cue ball will equate to games lost over the course of the tournament. Practice your break! 4. Patience As with many past Derby City Classics, finishing high in any event can put a player in the hunt for the all around. With this in mind, you must give every single shot your upmost attention. Taking unnecessary risks will inevitably result in losses. Playing smart pool and being patient enough to keep your opponent locked down will be another key to success. Pace will also factor. With the length of the tournament there will possibly be some very long days. Being able to stay calm and remain patient will be critical. 5. Creativity As with all tournaments, there are many ways to play a most shots. The winner will be the person that is the most creative, imaginative and the one that continually exhibits strong visualization techniques. In essence, just think about what you are going to do, then do it! 6. Being Able to Slow Everything Down When we’re under pressure, most of us have the tendency to speed up. If we allow this to happen it is inevitable that we will make mental mistakes. Staying tension free and maintaining a nice smooth tempo will be an important part of playing well. Top professional players tend to slow everything down to stay in a nice rhythm. When you’re playing in a big tournament, you’ll need to do the same thing. Take extra time in between shots, walk around the table slower, slow down your backswing, and you’ll maintain a good tempo and play quality pool. 7. Health Health and fitness is becoming a much bigger part of most pool player’s practice regimens. It is not just about eating the right foods or strengthening muscles; players are now trying to build physical and mental stamina so they can maintain focus throughout a 10-12 hour day. Any tournament or competition is going to require a sound mental game and these 7 elements highlight the skills that are necessary to win any championship. So think about these skills and adopt them as part of your pool game. Maybe with some practice this will be the year that you snap off the all-around championship in Elizabeth, Indiana.

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Dan McGinnis Double Dips Takes Mezz Christmas Classic

2nd Billy Gallagher, 1st Dan McGinnis, 2rd Ray Lee, Sandcastle owner Ed Liddawi Mezz ABCD 9 Ball Christmas Classic hosted by Sandcastle Billiards in Edison Nj on Sunday December 11th. A strong field of 33 came out to play players like: Dan McGinnis, Billy Gallagher, Jerry Dunne, Muaz Khan, Caroline Pao, Ryan Gilligan, Ray Lee, Jose Almodovar, Gerard Soriano. Owen Stacy and Benny Blanco. Like to thank Ed Liddawi and his wonderful staff for hosting the event Leading the top half of the bracket was Billy Gallagher with wins over Karl K 7-5, Jay Brooks 9-5, Caroline Pao 7-5, and Ray Lee 7-6. Leading the bottom half of the bracket was Dan McGinnis with wins over Frank Bogush 7-3, Hendry Hernandez 7-4, Paul Marel 7-2, and Jose Almodovar 6-2. Playing for the hot seat Billy Gallagher Vs Dan McGinnis this was a good match but when it was all said and done, it was Gallagher coming away with the win 7-4 and sending McGinnis to the one lost side.

In the finals it was Billy Gallagher Vs Dan McGinnins this is a true double elimination McGinnis would have to beat Gallagher twice in order to win the event In the first set it was McGinnis winning 7-4 to force a second set. This was a great match that went to the hill it was Dan McGinnis pulling off the set 7-6 and 2016 Mezz ABCD 9 Ball Christmas Classic. I would like to thank all the players that came out to play and all our sponsors. Title Sponsor: Mezz Cues Miki Platinum Sponsors: Mezz USA, Zan Tips, Turtle Rack Gold Sponsor: Andy Billiard Cloth, Jab Cues & Things, Castillo Leather Goods, Jacoby Custom Cues, Bludworth Ball Cleaner, Enhanced Chiropractic Silver Sponsor: Mike Ricciardella RE/MAX, Billiard Life, Kamui Allen Hopkins Super Billiards Expo and AZ Billiards.

Waiting for McGinnis on the one lost side was Ray Lee this was a one sided match that had McGinnis winning 7-3 to get to the finals.

1st $750 2nd $400 3rd $300 4th $110 5/6th $90

Dan McGinnis Billy Gallagher Ray Lee Jose Almodovar Jerry Dunne, Gerard Soriano

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Europe Maintains Strangle Hold on Mosconi Cup Mark Gray

Article courtesy of: Luke Riches Matchroom Sport Photos courtesy of: Marchroom Sport - JP Parmentier Day 1 - December 6 – Score: Europe 4 – 1 USA Team Europe 5 – 2 Team USA Gray / Ouschan 5 – 2 Van Boening / Morris Niels Feijen 5 – 2 Mike Dechaine Shaw / Appleton 1 – 5 Woodward / Bergman Darren Appleton 5 – 3 Shane Van Boening TEAM EUROPE showed exactly why they are big favourites to retain the 23rd annual Betfair Mosconi Cup as they enjoyed a convincing opening session, winning four out of the five matches to take a 4-1 lead into day two. It was the worst possible start to the event for the Americans who have not won the Mosconi Cup since 2009. Even after just one day they face a mammoth task against a European side that looked confident throughout. Commented European captain Marcus Chamat, “The first day is always really tough. The way they put out their team, they came with their strongest but I feel

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there are no weak links in my team and whatever I came out with today, I had four aces. My point of view was to put Albin out first because he made the winning 9 last year, so I wanted to start off where we ended. That worked out well, and Mark played awesome in the match. Then Niels went to work, and he played great. For the day to end with Darren beating Shane, meant a lot to me, to him and to the team. The last match is always important to get under your belt. Darren fights with his heart just like I did when I was playing, I wanted it so bad and he wants it so bad too. It proved a point.” The Betfair Mosconi Cup is the annual Europe v USA 9-Ball showdown. It runs from Tuesday, December 6 to Friday, December 9, with all sessions getting underway at 18.30 GMT. There are a potential 21 singles and doubles matches with the first team to reach 11 carrying off the famous trophy. With 2,000 rabid fans in the Alexandra Palace, the vast majority of them proEuropean, the atmosphere was wild from the off and the show opened with the customary team match where all ten players compete in consecutive racks.

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Historically, it has been Europe’s strong point and once again they took the honours to draw first blood. There were some errors from the US – Skyler Woodward failed to get out with ball in hand against Niels Feijen – which allowed the Europeans the opportunities to take the point by 5-2. Mark Gray and Albin Ouschan then made it 2-0 as they overran a weak Shane Van Boening and Rodney Morris by 5-2. The American pair missed some balls they shouldn’t have and in this exalted company it was enough for the Englishman and the Austrian to skate to victory. Commented Ouschan, “It is incredible in the arena; I was shaking. I was going to the toilet again because I was pretty nervous! I remember it from last year and to get back here and feel this moment again is huge, unbelievable.” Gray added, “The team match gave us great confidence, Albin played great and won two racks and I had a good out in my rack. That gave us a bit of confidence and you feel you’re in the tournament then. We were straight back on, against Shane van Boening, one of the greatest players in the world, and Rodney Morris. Shane looked a little bit shaky I thought and showed his disgust when Rodney didn’t get him into position and that gives you a little bit of confidence. We always say day one is critical. You can’t win it in day one but you can lose it if you have a nightmare start.” 5-2 was the repeat score line in the third game as Mike Dechaine succumbed to the relentless accuracy of Niels Feijen, who took his first point in his quest for his fifth Mosconi Cup MVP. The American looked solid in the opening exchanges as the match went to 2-2 but Feijen piled it on to take the next three for victory. “In your first match you have to get comfortable with your stroke, with the table, and you need a little bit of luck. My tactical game was solid, it brought me back into it and I had a couple of nice run outs. I started nicely, I won the first rack and he ran a couple. I made a really nice run out for 2-2 and I was breaking well in the match. I created opportunities and came out and won it.” As early as three matches in, the Americans were staring down a barrel as they trailed 0-3 but a stellar performance from Justin Bergman and Skyler Woodward stopped the rot as they beat Jayson Shaw and Darren Appleton 5-1. The American

Alvin Ouschan and Darren Appleton duo looked assured throughout as they clinically went through the racks and kept European involvement to a minimum. In the final match of the first session, Darren Appleton piled on the misery as he got the better of an increasingly lackluster Shane Van Boening, to complete a marvelous evening for the Europeans. Appleton looked shaky in the opening stages as he trailed 2-1, but Van Boening failed to capitalize, as a scratch off the break in the fourth let the Englishman back in. Appleton commented “It is like déjà vu, the last four years we have played each other in the last singles of the first day and I have won them all. He is one of the top two players in the world at this moment in time along with Jayson Shaw. After losing the doubles it was a big game. We had put a lot of work in to get to 3-0 and we wanted to finish the day strongly, and there is always a good sporting rivalry with me and Shane. In another event I might lose that match because I wasn’t feeling great but I dug in and kept grinding.

Team USA: Mark Wilson (Captain), Sky Woodward, Justin Bergman, Shane Van Boening, Mike Dechaine, Rodney Morris

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Day 2 - December 7 – Score: Europe 7 – 2 USA Feijen / Gray 5 – 2 Van Boening / Woodward Jayson Shaw 3 – 5 Rodney Morris Ouschan / Appleton 5 - 4 Dechaine / Bergman Mark Gray 5 – 1 Justin Bergman TEAM EUROPE piled the misery on a floundering American side to take a fivepoint lead into the third day of the 2016 Betfair Mosconi Cup at the Alexandra Palace in London. They won three of the four Wednesday night matches to leave the USA a mountainous task if they were to win the Mosconi Cup for the first time in eight years.

“It feels good to win that point. I won the lag, we haven’t been winning those and when the other team gets the first shot it feels like you’re on your heels. I broke and ran the first game so the heat was on him, so that was massive. Jayson is the hottest guy on the planet, it doesn’t matter where you go - he is the man. Being here wasn’t the reward for me; it was the beginning of a massive week of work. I wanted this; I played all year to get back here. I am retiring at the end of next year so if this is my last Mosconi Cup I want to enjoy it.” The second doubles match was arguably the best of the tournament as Darren Appleton and Albin Ouschan enjoyed a hard fought contest as they overcame Justin Bergman and Mike Dechaine in a final rack decider. The momentum was swinging the USA’s way when Dechaine locked up the Euros in what looked like a match-winning safety. Appleton though, kicked out of the snooker and pocketed the 3 ball to set up a run out for victory and a 6-2 lead.

European captain Marcus Chamat was in no doubt as to how the day had gone; “What can you say, I thought today I would relax, watch some games, but it is very hard not to get involved in every game – the games are so tough and my players are playing so good so I am over the moon, and especially with a score like this. The mood in the group is electric The Englishman commented, “I made a mistake in and we feel like we are on top of the world. The the first rack but after that we played perfect. Mike confidence in the guys and the charisma everybody missed one or two easy chances which gave us a has, it is a dream team. I played the Mosconi Cup chance to get back in the game. At 4-2 you think for so many years and I know a lot of things can you will win but Justin especially played a couple take turns, anything can happen at the Mosconi of great shots – I think he has been by far their best Cup. Today we showed how well the guys are player. We were praying to get an opportunity in the playing and how well the team is grouped together. last game because it was their break and they were We will go back to what we discussed before we Rodney Morris unlucky not to get a shot one the 1 ball. Albin played started – we are here to make history and tie the cup a good push out, they put us back but Albin tied up the 3 and 5, which was our overall and for that we need to win every match, played like the score is 0-0.” insurance. Mike played a good safety and I kicked in the ball but when I looked at the 4 ball for the next shot, I thought it was impossible to make it and get shape on For American captain, Mark Wilson it was another draining day that saw his team the 5. When he made it, potted it clear and landed perfect, it is one of the greatest fall further behind; “We are a little disappointed because we came over here playing shots I have ever seen!” well and we are expecting to win. We have trained and worked hard all year, prepared to win and now we feel like we still deserve to win. We have to come out In what was the final match of the evening, Mark Gray looked excellent in and win tomorrow. To win the Mosconi Cup you have to dominate a day so we will recording his second win of the evening, beating Justin Bergman 5-1. The have to make that day tomorrow.” American, wearing his baggy shirt outside of his trousers, carelessly gave away ball in hand in the opening rack as his shirt touched a ball while cueing over the table. The opening match saw Shane Van Boening continue his miserable run of form as, Amazingly he didn’t tuck it in, and he took the next to level things. Gray though in tandem with Skyler Woodward, the US went down 5-2 to the accuracy of Niels didn’t really make a mistake as he won the next four to dash American hopes. Feijen and Mark Gray. Trailing 1-4 from the opening day, every match was a ‘must Gray said, “I have played in three Mosconis and I have played well in the other two win’ for the US but this was one they didn’t, as both Americans missed balls and but my stats are pretty poor but for me, that is the performance of my Mosconi the European pair looked solid throughout. career and especially against the guy who has probably been their best player. You can tell the future of American pool, especially at the Mosconi, is going to be Feijen said, “It was a dream start for us. In the practice room we focused on starting Bergman and Woodward and some of the youngsters that are coming through. I with a fresh day, I have been on the team when we were down 4-1 and the next day knew I was in for a tough time and maybe we could have gone up 6-4 so we didn’t want them to do it to us. We had to come on paper he is slight favourite but I have out strong, we knew the first point was a big one and I am glad we took it.” really produced. I love the big stage with the bigger crowds, and you don’t get much In the second game, Rodney Morris dug in to upset Jayson Shaw and give the US bigger than Ally Pally with 2,000 screaming some hope as the second day unfolded at the Ally Pally. A win was essential given fans going wild. If you can’t play well the result of the opener and Morris delivered after looking a little shaky in the here, then you aren’t going to play well opening racks. Shaw’s downfall was a couple of dry breaks that gave Morris the anywhere.” opportunity to get to the table and get the badly needed win. Day 3 - December 8 - Score: Europe 10 - USA 3 Appleton / Feijen 5 – 2 Dechaine / Van Boening Shaw / Ouschan 5 – 3 Morris / Woodward Albin Ouschan 5 – 4 Skyler Woodward Gray / Appleton 4 – 5 Bergman / Morris TEAM AMERICA lives to fight another day at the Alexandra Palace as the pairing of Rodney Morris and Justin Bergman won the final match of the evening in the final rack to stall European celebrations at the 2016 Betfair Mosconi Cup. With the Europeans leading 7-2 going into the final session, they need to win all four of

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the evening matches to reach the required 11 points to retain the Mosconi Cup for the sixth time. “We can smell the Cup!” said Euro captain Marcus Chamat. “It is really hard to win every match but we were close. We have Jayson first tomorrow and then Niels so we have a good line-up for the first two matches tomorrow. I wanted Jayson and Albin to play together because I think they are going

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Niels Feijen

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to be on the team for many years to come, they are the future of the European team. Jayson wants this so much. He has been watching Mosconi Cup since he was small and this is a dream come true for him to be here and tomorrow he is first up so he can go and finish this up. It would be a perfect end to an amazing year for Jayson to win it tomorrow.” Darren Appleton and Niels Feijen won the opening game of the session as they defeated Shane Van Boening and Mike Dechaine 5-2. Van Boening is enduring a miserable time in London having failed to have won a point from five matches and looked all at sea this evening. Albin Ouschan secured two points for the Europeans as he won his doubles match with Jayson Shaw and then defeated Skyler Woodward in the singles. Neither match was of high quality as all the players felt the pressure, but when Ouschan won a final rack decider against Woodward, it put Europe on the hill. “That was a huge match and it felt almost like the last match from last year; I Day 4 - December 9 - Score: Europe 11 - USA 3 Jayson Shaw 5 – 1 Mike Dechaine THE EUROPEANS needed just one match to retain the 2016 Betfair Mosconi Cup as Jayson Shaw had the honour of potting the winning 9-Ball, as he eased past Mike Dechaine 5-1 to spark wild celebrations at the Alexandra Palace. Team Europe entered the fray carrying a 10-3 lead after dominating the first three days of the competition and they delivered a crushing defeat to an American side that looked out of their depth at times in front of a very vocal 2,000 strong crowd. Shaw, who came into the event on the back of a run of brilliant form, never looked too comfortable over the first three days. However, he came with some terrific shots to banish Dechaine to the sidelines and secure the European’s seventh consecutive victory. A delighted Shaw said, “There were a lot of nerves out there but you have to stay calm and take every ball one at a time. It is easy to get hyped up with everyone screaming. It felt pretty good to make the winning 9-Ball. I had a pretty good year and had a couple of dreams about making the final 9-Ball and it came true. We have five great guys on the team who all fight for each other and support each other, stick together. Now I have played in it, I want to play the Mosconi Cup every year.” For Europe it was a case of strength to strength under captain Marcus Chamat. After last year’s 11-7 win at the Tropicana, the emotional Swede fired his team up to further feats at the Alexandra Palace.

played Skyler in singles and it went to 5-4. I didn’t feel really comfortable in the beginning, I made a couple of mistakes and was unlucky with the break at the beginning, but I was fighting and stayed focused and it was a happy ending for me”, said Ouschan. The final match was a thriller as each team rode their luck in a pressure cooker environment but it was Rodney Morris and Justin Bergman who denied Darren Appleton and Mark Gray the chance to pot the winning 9-Ball. Morris said, “We are fighting hard and Justin played unbelievable. We need to try and hold our nerve because it is crunch time but little victories, we are trying to win each match and get momentum and have some energy for our team. We will worry about winning the lag and getting the advantage, but if you win one it can bring two and you never know – Donald Trump is going to be US president so we know anything can happen! They brought me in for the experience and I will not let these guys get down because that is not what we are about. We are about team unity and, as much as people say we are not united, we are all pulling for each other and, if I dog it, I know my team-mates feel it.” I know they are watching in China, in the Philippines, well we will put these guys on a plane and come over. At the start of the week we said the six of us are in this together, no matter what happens. Everybody is behind each other and this is the best team in the world – we just showed it.” For once Niels Feijen kept his hands off the MVP trophy, as Albin Ouschan’s three doubles wins and a singles win were enough to give the reigning World Champion the trophy in his second Mosconi Cup. “Before I played last year I had watched the Mosconi Cup for over ten years and always looked up to the people who won the MVP so it is a huge pleasure for me to be here with the MVP award in my hands. It has been a huge year and I am speechless. The Mosconi Cup gets bigger and bigger and more intense every year. Hopefully I will be back next year in Vegas and we will win it again. We were probably the best team on paper and we showed it, it was perfect.” The Americans will need to look inwards as they try and regroup for next year. They have now won the Mosconi Cup just once in the past 11 years with bleak prospects for next December in Las Vegas. Shane Van Boening, unequivocally their best player, failed to record a single point, likewise Mike Dechaine who finished second in the year long Mosconi Cup rankings. Their dejected captain Mark Wilson said, “Complete respect for the professionalism of Team Europe, they played great from start to finish and kept us off balance throughout the week. My five guys never quit, did everything I asked of them all week and I have great pride and respect for my team. I believe in them and we will be back. We need to begin working from January forward to compete with the great team that Europe has.”

“It has been an amazing week; how could you top what happened last year, but this year we came out firing,” said Chamat. I used to live in America and I know what these guys are about. They will bounce back, America never gives up but this is probably the best team in the world, ever. Jayson Shaw

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Albin Ouschan Mosconi Cup 2016 MVP

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IN MEMORY OF … Robert Leo Byrne (5/22/1930 – 12/6/2016)

in a book called “Behold My Shorts.” His book, “Memories of a Non-Jewish Childhood” was made into a musical by the talented David Resnick and performed at the Grand Theatre 12 years ago. He considered that one of the highlights of his career. It will be reprised on August, 2017, and he would have so loved to see the new version. His humor was well-known in Dubuque and elsewhere, and because of his billiard videos, was

Clara Byrne, and was one of four rambunctious boys. They drove their mother to distraction, but Bob was always her favorite. She spoiled him unreasonably. Bob went on to get a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado, and for many years edited Western Construction, a trade magazine in San Francisco, then turned to a full-time career in writing. Tom and John Byrne survive him, and he really was unhappy to know that he, being the youngest, would die before they did. His brother Bill preceded him in death many years ago, so Bob was only able to beat one of his siblings in the game of Mortality. Bob was the only one who came back to live in Dubuque (in 1995), a town he loved in every way and promoted every chance he got. As a husband, he was beyond reproach, except for his habit of leaving peanut butter fingerprints all over the house and himself. He was kind, loving, intelligent, tolerant, and always thought “mama was right.” His wife Cindy will miss him beyond reckoning. The years they spent traveling and going to the Dubuque Symphony, art events, Dubuque gatherings of all kinds, made him many friends because of his good nature and ability to come up with a sharp quip just when needed. The life-size cutouts of him in his residence window will continue to stand there, despite any objections from customers of Caroline’s restaurant. Cindy is so glad that she wrote him a fan letter back in 1985 in response to two of his collections of quotations, and that he responded. Postage at the time was only 22 cents, so she got a real bargain. Bob always said he felt like a mail-order husband. People from the writing, billiard, and humor worlds will miss his voice, as will his many nieces and nephews, too numerous to mention, his dog Betty Boop and his son Russell, Russell’s wife Jackie, and his grandchildren, Julia and Tyler, who chose to visit grandpa rather than take a luxury vacation in a tropical climate in winter. Too bad their plans came too late to see him one last time.

BOB BYRNE, DERBY CITY, LOUISVILLE, 2006

Robert Byrne was not only the World’s Leading Authority on Pool and Billiards, having written many books and made numerous instructional videos, but he was also a talented writer of other genres, and a humorist without compare. His columns for the Dubuque Telegraph Herald drew many comments, mostly complimentary, and they were compiled

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recognized all across the U.S. and even the world. He was inducted into the Billiard Hall of Fame in 2001, and has received many other awards and prizes for his contribution to carom sports, including U.S. Amateur and Senior Championships. He left this earth on December 6, 2016, peacefully, painlessly, with his wife and son at his side, never to return except in spirit and his writings. Bob was born in Dubuque in 1930 to Thomas and

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According to his wishes, there will be no services. There will be a party in May where everyone who loved or even liked Bob can come and celebrate his long and happy life. He wanted “drinks and light appetizers for those who wish to attend.” His wife is thinking of going against his wishes and having heavy appetizers. Bob was a practical and scientific thinker who didn’t know what awaited him, but wasn’t afraid. As I scientific thinker, he knew that matter cannot be created or destroyed, and the memory of his personality will never be destroyed. Contributions can be made to the Dubuque Symphony in his name, or whatever charity you desire. Robert Byrne passed away December 6th. --- Written by: Gary Eake

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Mark Wilson Stands Down as USA’s Mosconi Cup Team Captain FOLLOWING THREE YEARS at the helm of the USA Mosconi Cup team, Mark Wilson has stood down as captain after the recent heavy defeat at the Alexandra Palace, London. Wilson was appointed in January 2014 following a run of defeats and was in charge of all team affairs for the next three Mosconi Cups, all of which resulted in losses. Commented Wilson; “The three-year record speaks for itself and while it is personally painful and deeply disappointing, it is the reality. Sport is about winning and a philosophy change is due when the scoreboard reflects a team’s shortcomings. Despite the pain of losing there have been victories towards building the sport and I hold no regrets in terms of the efforts, support, and direction chosen. The tremendous individual people and businesses that have shared the vision and contributed wilfully to create a brighter future for billiards all have my deepest gratitude. I completely respect the opportunity afforded me to be part of the best event that our sport has to offer. All of us look forward to the day that Team USA reclaims the Mosconi Cup.” Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn said, “I’d like to go on record to thank Mark and his team for all the hard work they put in to try and turn American fortunes around in the Mosconi Cup. Mark is a man of great integrity and has a deep passion for the sport and it is a personal disappointment to me that the results didn’t come for him.” Matchroom Sport hopes to announce new leadership details in the New Year. — Luke Riches, Matchroom Sport

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The TAP 2016 Year Denise Hill - our first WPBA Qualifier

4 hcp 8 Ball Singles Nat’l Champion, Andrey Myhal

2/3 hcp 8 Ball Singles Champion, Angela Strickland

7 hcp 8 Ball Singles Champion, Brian Irwin

Another year has come and gone and what a exciting year it has been for TAP. With another sold out Rally this past April and then a fantastic nationals held recently in Charleston, South Carolina, it looks like TAP has the wind at our backs as we sail into 2017. With new licensees coming in from all areas of the country at a strong pace, 2017 looks to become a banner year for TAP and our members. Let’s take this time to take a look at this past year as well as looking ahead to 2017. So take a brief moment from the tables and let us tell you where TAP was in 2016 and where we are going in 2017. TAP ON!

2016 Nat’l Scotch Doubles Winners Lovejoy and Highsmith

2016 9 Ball National Team Championship .. The Killer Bees

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What a great event our players experienced this year starting out with a over the top welcome party catered spread plus a open bar. Some of the food included roast beef, shrimp and so much more that everyone walked away satisfied. Not only that but our players were treated to a happy hour on Friday and Monday with appetizers and free drinks. When players had the time away from the tables, they caught up on the local sightseeing catching such sites and Fort Sumter, southern plantations, local eateries, Market Street shopping as well as the many other offerings Charleston has

8 Ball Nat’l Team Championship Bracket Winners, Mushrooms Tips

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in Review 6/7 hcp 9 Ball Singles Nat’l Champion, Derek Schwager

4/5 hcp 9 Ball Singles Nat’l Champion, Roger Cobianco 6 hcp 8 Ball Singles National Champion, Shane Frost

5 hcp 8 Ball Singles Nat’l Champion, Trenton White

2/3 hcp 9 Ball Singles Nat’l Champion, Tanner Hines

to offer for visitors. These nationals would have made TAP founder Loyd Schonter proud of his team, and our members. This is what he envisioned TAP would become, the premier amateur billiard league.. This year was our first year that a ladies only double elimination 9 ball tournament was held where the winner received a all expenses paid trip and entry into the WPBA U.S. Open next Aprils at Rivers casino in Pittsburgh, Pa. After some grueling matches that saw the final match come down to the last game the winner was Denise Hill from Tigerland TAP, Louisiana. She out lasted a tough field that included Stacy Allsup who lost her first match and then battled her way back in the losers bracket to win 7 straight matches and then won the first set in the finals only to lose when she hooked herself in the hill-hill game with only 3 balls left. A great performance by all. We at TAP are wishing Denise, our first of hopefully many TAP representatives at the WPBA U.S. Open, good luck next April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. Make TAP proud! — Celeste Schonter, TAP CAO

2016 TAP Nat’l 9-Ball Best of the Rest Champions, Beaver Valley

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2016 8 Ball National Elite Team...Randy’s Friends!..OUR NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!

The 2016 8 Ball Palmetto Dream Team winners, We Can Eat

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January 2017

McMinn Emerges at Space City Open V Written by: Kim Newsome Photos by: RE Visual Concepts (McMinn, Jones), Michael Moon Photography (Hall), Eugene Lee Images (Rocha) Shane “Doomsday” McMinn captured his first-ever Space City Open 9-ball title, plowing through an 87-player field, besting Alex Calderone in the second set of the true double elimination final, 7-2. Justin Hall went unscathed in the 32-player one pocket division, ousting the famed Josh Roberts in the final set, 4-2, taking home his second Space City Open one pocket title. Jeremy “Double J” Jones went undefeated in the 9-ball banks division, taking down Manny Chau in the final set, 3-1, earning himself a third 9-ball banks title. Wrapping up four long days of match play, the ladies 9-ball concluded on Sunday afternoon, with hot seat winner Natalie Rocha defeating Ricki Casper in the second set, 5-0, capturing her very first Space City Open 9-ball title. The 4-day, 4-division, $6,000 added Space City Open V (SCO) was held at Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar in Houston, Texas, December 1st-4th, 2016. In its fifth year, SCO continues to increase in talent and value, and professional players from across the U.S. flew in to take advantage of this annual event. This year’s line-up featured an all-star cast of phenomenal talent going head to head in a test of wills and stamina. New on the scene, Arizona’s Scott Frost and South Carolina’s Josh Roberts, along with resident players Jeremy “Double J” Jones (TX), Justin Hall (FL), Shane “Doomsday” McMinn (TN), Alex Calderone (FL), Sylver Ochoa (TX), Robb Saez (TN ), Manny Chau (Peru), Richie Richeson (MI), and many others, entertained a packed house and hundreds of at-home viewers who tuned in to the live stream provided by PoolActionTV.com. In the 87-player 9-ball field, McMinn took an early hit from Jeremy Jones in the fourth round, 9-4, but came back swinging. While McMinn made his way through the one-loss side, Alex Calderone was doing some damage of his own, taking down Ed Ambros, Tony Barrington, 9-8, and Josh Roberts, 9-6, to reach the winners’ side final four. Jeremy “Double J” Jones ousted Jason Klatt, Blaine Barcus, 9-1, McMinn, 9-4, and Justin Espinosa, 9-8, to reach Calderone. Manny Chau had an impressive run, defeating Scott Frost in the first round, 9-4, Jason Chance, 9-4, Ruben Bautista, 9-5, Ernesto Bayaua, 9-8, and Sylver Ochoa, 9-5. Playing out to meet Chau, Tommy Tokoph took down Lee Clark, 9-1, Bill Blanda, Kenneth

Price, and Bob Eaton, 9-6. On the one-loss side, upsets included Jacob Watson with a stunning victory over Justin Hall, 7-4, and Bob “The Pittsburgh Kid” Guzik, eliminating Bautista, 7-6. Finding himself in unfamiliar territory, Frost secured five consecutive matches on the one-loss side, with wins over Klatt, 7-0, Sergio Rivas, 7-2, Blanda, 7-6, and Barrington, 7-3. Frost fell to Jethwa, 7-3, while McMinn took out Robb Saez, 7-6. Bayaua defeated Watson, and Joey Torres took out Kenneth Price, by the same score, 7-4. As the final eight took shape on the one-loss side, the winners’ side final four was on fire, with Calderone defeating Jones, 9-6, and Chau sliding by Tokoph, 9-8. Back on the west side, Roberts ousted Bayaua, 7-2, and Torres eliminated Espinosa, 7-6, while Ochoa overcame Jethwa, 7-5, and McMinn bested Eaton, 7-0. Roberts went on to win sets against Torres, 7-5, and Tokoph, 7-2, while McMinn took down Ochoa, 7-0, and Jones, 7-4. The hot seat match witnessed an undefeated Calderone make quick work of Chau, 9-4. McMinn dusted off Roberts, 7-6, then Chau, 7-1, for a shot at the title. Both Calderone and McMinn were hungry for their first Space City Open win, leading up to a battle for the finish line. The first set commenced, and it appeared to be anyone’s ball game. McMinn settled in, and pulled ahead to win the first set, 9-7. In overtime, there was little Calderone could do from the sidelines, as McMinn had the break down cold, coasting to a 7-2 win over Calderone, and securing his first-ever, SCO 9-ball title. Former Mosconi Cup Player and Southern Classic All-around Champion, Justin Hall, went through the 32-player one pocket division like a hot knife through butter. Hall blazed through Sonny Bosshamer, 4-2, Jeremy Jones, 4-3, Marvin Diaz, 4-1, and Sylver Ochoa, 4-1, while Josh Roberts took out Scott Frost, 4-0, Aaron Springs, 4-0, Jason Chance, 4-1, and Richie Richeson, 4-0. On the one-loss side, Jones won an incredible five consecutive matches, besting Adam Cooper, 3-0, James Davis, Jr., Tommy Tokoph, 3-0, Chance, 3-1, and Ochoa, 3-2. Following a third round loss to Hall, 4-1, Diaz came back to defeat Jeff Sparks, 3-0, Sergio Rivas, and Richie Richeson, 3-2, to meet Jones. Back on the east side, after a long, drawn-out battle, Hall secured the hot seat, 4-3. Back on the one-loss side, in a surprising upset, Diaz defeated Jones, 3-0, to meet Roberts. Fresh off a hot seat loss, Roberts did what any champion would do, and that’s fight back. He made quick work of Diaz, 3-0, earning himself a rematch with Hall. In the final set, Hall was bit more subdued, but determined to not to let this one slip away. Once again, a seasoned Hall overcame Roberts in the first set, 4-2, going undefeated to win his second SCO one pocket title, becoming the only player to win two titles in this division. Kicking off Space City Open V was the 20-player, 9-ball banks division, witnessing former Mosconi Cup MVP and former U.S. Open Champion, Jeremy Jones, capture his third Space City Open banks title. It was a long row to hoe for Jones, as he took down a list of

n n i M c M e n a Sh

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worthy competitors, including Chris Thompson, Jason Chance, 3-0, Anthony Shea, 3-0, and Denis Strickland, 3-2. Also making his way through the field, Manny Chau defeated Viet Do, 3-1, Gail Eaton, 3-0, and Norman Small, 3-0, to face Jones for the hot seat. On the one-loss side, after suffering a first round loss to Do, James Davis, Jr. came back to win six consecutive matches, eliminating Scott Frost, Jim McCarry, Richie

bested Lois Morgado, 7-3, and Nicole King, 7-6. Ng fell to Rocha, 7-3, and Casper defeated Garland, 7-4. Rocha went on to secure the hot seat, over Casper, 7-4. On the one-loss side, Eaton dusted off Clark, 5-1, and Garland, 5-2, while Roles ousted DeTuncq, 5-4, only to be eliminated by Ng. Eaton ended Ng, 5-4, but fell to Casper, 5-4. Casper earned herself a rematch with Rocha, and she intended to use it for all it was worth. As the first set commenced, the players fought relentlessly, each vying for their first Space City Open title. Rocha and Casper traded game for game, until Casper inched ahead to win the first set, 7-6. The second set was a different story, as Rocha came out of the gate running, and never slowed down. Rocha closed out the final set, 5-0, winning her first Space City Open 9-ball title. The Space City Open extends a heartfelt “thank you” to the venue, staff, sponsors, supporters, and vendors for this event; Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar, along with owners David and Shannon Richardson, the entire Bogies’ staff, assistant tournament director, John Newsome, Mike Fabacher, Ray Hansen and Justin Schwarz with PoolActionTV.com, Simplified Electronics, APA of North Harris County, Vapor Knights, Ozone Billiards, Outsville Billiards who supplied AccuRacks for this event, Crazy Erica, and RE Visual Concepts. Special supporters included Marc McClure, Jeff Kay, David Taylor, Willie Duran, and Floyd Smith, and this year’s vendors, Ron Geyer and Jerry Olivier (cues) with the Custom Cue Connection, Joe Salazar Connoisseur of Custom Cues, and Darrold Stiehl of Champions Cues. 1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Justin Hall

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5/6 7/8

$1,300/$3,380 $900/$2540 $500/$1700 $320/$840 $180 $100

LADIES 9-BALL 1st 2nd 3rd 4th

es Jeremy Jon

ha Natalie Roc

$1,100/$1,060 $740/$700 $460/$430 $300

ONE POCKET

Richeson, Aaron Springs, 3-0, and Strickland, 3-0. Sergio Rivas was dealt a first round loss by Strickland, and also came back to win six consecutive matches, booking wins over C.J. Escalera, Do, 3-2, Shea, 3-1, Thompson, 3-0, and Small, 3-1. On the east side, Jones took the hot seat wheel, defeating Chau, 3-0. Back on the west side, Davis ended Rivas, 3-0, but fell to Chau, 3-0. The rematch between Jones and Chau ended all-too quickly for Chau, as Jones pulled ahead, winning the first set, 3-1. Jones crushed it, losing a total of three games throughout the 9-ball banks event, defending his 2015 title, while securing his third SCO banks title. Wrapping up the event, 20 women battled it out on

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9-BALL BANKS

Sunday for over $2,200 in cash, in the Ladies 9-ball division. Natalie Rocha came out firing, ousting Brandi Humber, 7-1, Gail Roles, 7-3, and Marie Clark, 7-3, while Ming Ng defeated Monica DeTuncq, 7-0, and Kim Pierce, 7-6. Ricki Casper made her way to the winners’ side final four with wins over Gail Eaton, 7-6, and Alicia Huff, 7-1, while Teresa Garland

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$575/$530 $375/$340 $175/$190 $100

OPEN 9-BALL 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5/6

$2,300/$4,300 $1,300/$3,230 $860/$1,880 $680/$1,250 $520/$620 7/8 $430/$310 9-12 $250 13-16 $170

Jeremy Jones Manny Chau James Davis, Jr. Sergio Rivas Justin Hall Josh Roberts Marvin Diaz Jeremy Jones Sylver Ochoa, Richie Richeson Tommy Tokoph, Sergio Rivas

Natalie Rocha Ricki Casper Gail Eaton Ming Ng

Shane McMinn Alex Calderone Manny Chau Josh Roberts Tommy Tokoph, Jeremy Jones Sylver Ochoa, Joey Torres Ernesto Bayaua, Andy Jethwa, Justin Espinosa, Bob Eaton Jacob Watson, KenPrice, Scott Frost, Robb Saez

Space City Open VI will take place November 30th-December 3rd, 2017. For more information, visit SpaceCityOpen.com and Facebook @SpaceCityOpen.

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January 2017

d e t a e f e d n U l e i n a AdriniaTnriDState Tour event

l-r: 3rd Quinn Chen;

1st Adrian Daniel,

The TriState Tour had an 8-Ball tournament on November 27, 2016 event at Clifton Billiards in Clifton, NJ. 22 players came to this $1000 added event. Adrianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tournament trail included wins over Rafael Then 5 - 2; Pashk Gjini 5 - 2; Erick Carrasco 5 - 3; Allison LaFleur 7 - 5; and Quinn Chen 5 - 1 for the Hot Seat. After suffering a 3rd round loss to Allison LaFleur 7 - 3, Frank Sieczka wins 5 matches in a row to face Adrian Daniel in the Finals. The Finals between Adrian and Frank was like a seesaw, until Adrian took the lead 4 - 2. Frank tied it up at 4 - 4; but Adrian pulled out the next game for a 5 - 4 victory. The next Tri-State event will be on December 11, 2016 at Rockaway Billiards, Rockaway, NJ. Please provide a thank you to Ozone Billiards, Sterling-Gaming, Kamui Tips, Ron Vitello, Phil Capelle, BlueBook Publishing, Human Kinetics , and Bloodworth Ball Cleaners for their sponsorship leading to this event. Results 1st $450 2nd $210 3rd $120 4th $80

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Adrian Daniel Frank Sieczka Quinn Chen Marcos Sanchez

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http://brownsbilliards.com 5500 Atlantic Springs Rd Raleigh, NC (919) 878-9092

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CONGRATULATIONS TO HARRY COOPER !!

Alabama Cue Club Heflin, AL First off Congratulations to Harry Cooper !! WHERE ELSE YOU GONNA GO AND WIN THIS KIND OF MONEY WITH JUST A STICK!! This man clawed through the losers bracket of 45 players to win the biggest monthly 9 ball tournament in Alabama! 1. Harry Cooper 4 $3,150 2. Scott Haynes 7 $1,900 3. Shawn Capps 4 $950 4. Rose Lopez 5 $375 5-6 Henry Kofer 7 Mike Jones 9 $100

HARRY COOPER

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January 2017

Han Yu Wins WPA Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World

9-Ball Championship

After getting away to a good atrong and leading 3/0, Chihiro missed an easy 1- 9 combination shot which allowed Han to the table for her first real chance in the match, and she ran the balls to make it 1/3. In rack five with the chance to run the rack, Chihiro had left herself a really difficult shot, and, after losing the previous rack, it seemed as though this shot on the 7-ball would be expecting too much, but as clean as anything into the pocket it went and now she led 4/1. Han broke off in the next, played a push, was sent back in and fouled, Chihiro cleared to now lead 5/1.

In rack eight, Han broke the balls and was left without an easy safety. Instead, from the wrong side of the table, she cut the 3 ball onto the 9 to make a fantastic combination to win the rack, now 3/5. Chihiro replied with a nice break and run to lead 6/3. Not to be phased, Han replied with her own break and run to trail 4/6. Rack eleven, Han missed a shot at the 2-ball and Chihiro ran the remaining balls to lead 7/4. It appeared that the writing was on the wall; Chihiro was playing very well, great control of the cue ball with her positional shots, her only blemish really was the missed 1 - 9 combination in the fourth rack. Han won the twelfth rack, and in the thirteenth Chihiro scratched on the break and Han ran out, now the gap had closed to just one, 6/7.

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Han Yu photo by Alison Chang In rack fourteen, Han broke and made three balls, and played another great 2 - 9 combination to level the scores at 7/7. In game fifteen, Chihiro made three balls on the break, but no shot at the 3 ball so played safe. Han faltered and gave Chihiro a great chance to get back to the lead. In clearing up, she got herself a little out of ideal position for the 7-ball and tried to force the shot, with the ball refusing to go into the pocket. Han was left with a bank shot, which she made and, for the first time in the match, Han moved into the lead. In the final rack, Han broke the balls and ran out to win and become the 2016 world champion. Her last few shots were relatively easy if one were playing socially down at the club, but for the world title she was starting to feel the nerves set in. Many a deep breath was taken before and after each shot. Both players should be very proud of their performance, there was very little between them. Chihiro was very gracious in her defeat, which must have been hard to do as she must have thought she had the title in her keeping at one stage. This is the second time that Han Yu has won the world championship, and she was a very popular winner here tonight. She is a great ambassador for the game.

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Winter Wonderland Holiday Tournament On December 11, 2016, 42 players from several states showed up to play in our “Winter Wonderland” Holiday Tournament at Amazin Billiards in Malden, Mass. The races started with Paul Rota winning 4 matches before meeting up with Tony Ruzzano. They battled for the Hot Seat Match fiercely going back and forth, with Tony prevailing. On the bottom half of the Winner’s side, Bill Cote plowed through until meeting Tony for the Hot Seat Match. Tony claimed the Hot seat winning 6 matches to get there. Ran Tamba took his first loss in the first round, then won 7 before meeting Paul Rota on the one-loss side. Ran then claimed 5/6th Place-Great job. Paul beat Ran, but Ran definitely gave Paul a run for his money. On the bottom half of the one-loss side, Mike Sousa was representing the C player class/category. He started out with a loss to Catherine Ong, (the winner of “Bob’s Tournaments” just a few weeks ago) at Amazin Billiards (Owner, World Class Player, Mazin Shooni), then moved on 6 matches until he faced Austin Ross.

l-r: Bill Cote, Ralph Caton, Tony Ruzzano

Newcomer, Matt Treglia, lost to Tony Ruzzano first round but won 4 matches, losing to Ran. Thumbs up! We would also like to Congratulate Diane Masters for claiming Top Female, and Linda Huynh, a very close second. These Ladies battled it out in a onegame tie breaker for a $50.00-cash prize from Sponsor Mz. Tam. Great job to Catherine too and Lida, a newcomer to the Tour. A gracious thank you to all the players and sponsors: J Pechauer, Simonis, Mz. Tam Custom Pool Solutions, Narragansett Beer, Volturi, Nerium, PoolDawg. We could NOT do it without YOU!! Best wishes and shoot well no matter where you compete,

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Results & Payouts 1st: $625 Tony Ruzzano 2nd: $375 Bill Cote 3rd: $250 Paul Rota 4th: $200 Austin Ross 5/6th: $125 Ranulf Tamba/Mike Sousa 7/8th: $50 Patrick O’Conner /Rob Diehl Other Winners: Winner of the $730.00 Pechauer Cue: Ty Speedwell Top Female: Diane Masters-$50.00 cash Top Male: Tony Ruzzano-$25.00 PoolDawg Certificate Christmas Giveaway: Matt Treglia-$25 PoolDawg Certificate Christmas Goodie Bag: Diane Masters (silent auction)

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January 2017

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WEEKLY TOURNAMENTS

If you have any changes to your weekly pool tournaments EMAIL: billiards@OnTheBreakNews.com DATE CITY Mondays Astoria, NY Warren, MI Warren, MI Dayton, OH Hilliard, OH Akron, OH Tuesdays Edison, NJ Bowling Green, KY Martins Ferry, OH Wednesdays Tallahassee, FL Clearwater, FL Astoria, NY Lexington, SC Martins Ferry, OH Virginia Beach, VA Raleigh, NC Thursdays Edison, NJ Williamsville, NY Bowling Green, KY Lansing, MI Warren, MI Vernon, IN Parkersburg, WV Fridays Decatur, AL Hollywood, FL Greensboro, NC Raleigh, NC Lexington, SC Martins Ferry, OH Portland, ME Fairfield, OH Saturdays Decatur, AL Hollywood, FL Greensboro, NC Lexington, SC Parkersburg, WV Rural Hall, NC Leitchfield, KY Martins Ferry, OH Grand Rapids, MI Grand Rapids, MI Battle Creek, MI Battle Creek, MI Reynoldburg, OH Sundays Clearwater, FL Edison, NJ Edison, NJ Virginia Beach, VA Jackson, MS Orlando, FL Syracuse, NY Portage, MI Livonia, MI Vernon, IN Dayton, OH Columbus, OH Fairfield, OH Mansfield, OH

LOCATION Steinway Billiards Ultimate Sports Bar Hall of Fame Airway Bankshots Crown Billiards Sandcastle Billiards Cue Time Corner Pocket Zingales Crooked Cue Billiards Steinway Billiards Grady’s Pool Room Corner Pocket Q-Master Billiards Buck’s Billiards Sandcastle Billiards Bison Billiards Cue Time Coaches Ultimate Sports Bar Phat Guy Birds League Room 6 Pockets Billiards Lucky 7 Billiards Gate City Billiards Club Brown’s Billiards Grady’s Pool Room Corner Pocket Union Station Billiards Michael’s 6 Pockets Billiards Lucky 7 Billiards Gate City Billiards Club Grady’s Pool Room League Room Scotty B’s Scooters on Main St Corner Pocket The Break Room The Break Room Brickyard Brickyard Scotty’s Crooked Cue Billiards (1st Sun) Sandcastle Billiards Sandcastle Billiards Q-Master Billiards Rack Clicks Billiards Premium Billiards Play Time Snookers Phat Guy Birds Airway Cushions Michael’s (every other Sun) Sundown

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EVENT / RULES ENTRY ADDED 9-Ball - Handicapped $25 9 Ball $20 $100 w/32 Open 9 Ball $10/$20 Call Open 9 Ball $5 Call 9 Ball $10 Call Open 9 Ball $8 Call 9-Ball Hdcp/DE/Race to 5/4 $25 Call 8 Ball $5 Call Straight 8-Ball $8 Call 9-Ball Handicap $10 8-Ball $5 Call Open 9 Ball Am/Pro $20/$40 8-Ball 7’ Tables race to 5 $15 $100 w/16 9-Ball $10 Call Handicapped 9-Ball-Locals $15 Call 8 Ball-Sc Doubles-Max skill 12 $20 9-Ball - Handicapped Call 10-Ball Handicap-SE $15 Call 9 Ball $5 Call 8 Ball $5 Call 9 Ball $20 $100 w/32 Open 9 Ball $5 Call 9-Ball SE $12 incl g.f. Call 9-Ball $13 9-Ball $5 Matching w/20+ Scotch Doubles 8 Ball/9 Ball Call 8-Ball Round Robin $15 $100 w/32 9-Ball Handicap $20 $200 w/16 8-Ball $15 Call 8 Ball - Race to 2 $8 Call 8-Ball $1 $5/player 9-Ball $13 8-Ball-Race to 2-DE $5 Match w/20+ 8 Ball/9 Ball (1st Sat) Round robin Call 9-Ball Handicap $20 $300 w/24 8-Ball (except last Saturday) $7 incl g.f. Call FREE POOL 8 Ball Chip Pool $15 Call 9 Ball $5 Call 8 Ball $5 Call 8 Ball $20 Call 9 Ball $20 Call 8 Ball Call 200% payout 8-Ball ‘B’ Only Mod. Rnd Robin $10 $200 w/32 9-Ball - Ladies (1st Sun) Call 10-Ball (3rd Sun) Call Handicapped 9-Ball-Locals $15 Call 9 Ball $10 Mixed 8 Ball & 9 Ball $7 9 Ball - 10-Ball Break Pot $20 9 Ball $15 Call 8 Ball - bank the 8 $10 Call 8 Ball Call Call Alt 8 & 9 Ball Call Call 9 Ball $10 Call 8 Ball - Race to 3 $10 Call 8 Ball $7 1/3 pot

TIME 7PM 7PM 8PM 7PM 8PM 7:30PM 7PM 8PM Call 8PM 1PM 7PM 6:30PM 7:30PM Call 7:30PM 7PM 7PM 8PM 7:30PM 7PM 7:30PM 7PM 8PM 8PM 8PM 8PM 8PM 7:30PM 8PM 7:30PM 8PM 8PM 7PM 7PM 7PM 7PM Call 6PM 6PM 1PM 7PM 3PM 6PM Noon Noon Call 8:30PM 2PM 7PM 4PM 2PM 7:30PM 7PM 8PM Call 5:30PM

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January 2017

Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice DATE Jan 5-8 Jan 7 Jan 7 Jan 7 Jan 7-8 Jan 7-8 Jan 7-8 Jan 12-15 Jan 12-15 Jan 14 Jan 14 Jan 14-15 Jan 21 Jan 21 Jan 21 Jan 28 Jan 28 Feb 4 Feb 4 Feb 4 Feb 5 Feb 10 Feb 11 Feb 11 Feb 12 Feb 11 Feb 11 Feb 18 Feb 18 Feb 18-19 Feb 26 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar 9-11 Mar 9-11 Mar 11-12 Mar 18 Mar 18-19 Apr 22-23

CITY Verona, NY Virginia Beach, VA Williamsville, NY Portland, ME Greensboro, NC Astoria, NY Tallahassee, FL Madison, TN Tallahassee, FL Virginia Beach, VA Williamsville, NY Mobile, AL Virginia Beach, VA Van Wert, OH Williamsville, NY Parkersburg, WV Austintown, OH Astoria, NY Williamsville, NY Virginia Beach, VA Portland, ME Franklin, PA Franklin, PA Franklin, PA Franklin, PA Franklin, PA Williamsville, NY Virginia Beach, VA Williamsville, NY Portland, ME Astoria, NY Virginia Beach, VA Portland, ME Lincoln City, OR Lincoln City, OR Virginia Beach, VA Virginia Beach, VA Portland, ME Virginia Beach, VA

LOCATION Turning Stone Casino Q-Master Billiards Bison Billiards Union Station Billiards Gate City Billiards Steinway Billiards Zingales JOB Billiards Zingales Q-Master Billiards Bison Billiards Runway Billiards Q-Master Billiards Cate’s Diamond Mine Bison Billiards League Room Ice Breakers Steinway Billiards Bison Billiards Q-Master Billiards Union Station Billiards VFW VFW VFW VFW VFW Bison Billiards Q-Master Billiards Bison Billiards Union Station Billiards Steinway Billiards Q-Master Billiards Union Station Billiards Chinook Winds Open Chinook Winds Open Q-Master Billiards Q-Master Billiards Union Station Billiards Q-Master Billiards

PHONE 800-771-7711 757-499-8900 716-632-0281 207-899-3693 336-856-8800 718-472-2124 727-488-0536 615-868-4270 727-488-0536 757-499-8900 716-632-0281 251-634-8006 757-499-8900 567-259-3052 716-632-0281 304-893-9640 330-979-5551 718-472-2124 716-632-0281 757-499-8900 207-899-3693 814-493-5039 814-493-5039 814-493-5039 814-493-5039 814-493-5039 716-632-0281 757-499-8900 716-632-0281 207-899-3693 718-472-2124 757-499-8900 207-899-3693 360-703-4081 360-703-4081 757-499-8900 757-499-8900 207-899-3693 757-499-8900

EVENT / RULES Turning Stone XXVII 9-Ball One Pocket Race 3/2 Bar Box 8-Ball USB Series 9 Ball One Pocket A-B/C-D 10-Ball - Dbl points FL State Open 10-Ball Race to 7 9-Ball Race to 11 Limit 128 RTC 9-Ball GSBT 9-Ball Bar Box 3-5-7 Hndcp 8-Ball Race to 5 Limit 64 One Pocket Race 3/2 9-Ball Scotch Doubles Race to 7 Scratch 10-Ball - 9’ tables 9-Ball 8-Ball Scotch Doubles Limit 32T A-B/C-D 9-Ball Benefit for Bella Bauer One Pocket Race 3/2 USB Series 10 Ball 8-Ball Sc Dbls Race to 2 Limit 64 8-Ball Men’s Race to 3/2 Limit 128 8-Ball Women’s Race to 3/2 Limit 64 9-Ball Men’s Race to 4/3 Limit 128 8-Ball Women’s Race to 4/3 Limit 64 4th Annual Bison Billiards Shoot Out One Pocket Race 3/2 8-Ball Bar Box - 6 & Under 8-Ball State of Maine A-B/C-D 8-Ball - Dbl points One Pocket Race 3/2 USB Series 8 Ball CWO 8-Ball Men CWO 8-Ball Women 9-Ball - Race to 6/7 One Pocket Race 3/2 9-Ball State of Maine Barry Behrman Mem. 9-Ball Open

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January 2017

Stroke

ENTRY ADDED TIME $150 Members $25,000 Call $30 Call Call $35 Call Noon $40 $250 11AM $150 No added 1PM Call $2,000 Call $90 $5,000 Call $100 incl g.f. $6,000 Guar 6:30PM Call $11,000 w/64 Call $60M/$30W-Jrs $500 Noon $25 incl g.f. Call Noon $25 Call 1PM $30 Call Call $40 incl g.f. $200 w/ff 12:30PM $50 incl g.f. Call 10AM $30 incl g.f. $$$ Call $50/team $500 w/32 Call Call $1,000 Call $40 incl g.f. Call 10AM $30 Call Call $40 $250 11AM $40/T incl g.f. Call 6:30PM $30 incl g.f. Call 10AM $30 incl g.f. Call 10AM $30 incl g.f. Call 11AM $30 incl g.f. Call 11AM $35 incl g.f. $500 triple elim 10AM $30 Call Call $20 incl g.f. Call Noon $60 $500 Call Call $1,000 Call $30 Call Call $40 $250 11AM $200 incl g.f. $18,000 Noon $200 incl g.f. $6,000 Noon Varies $$$ 11AM $30 Call Call $60 $500 Call Call Call Call

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Stroke

June/July 2016

ACHIEVE PEAK PERFORMANCE TIP TOOLS CHALKERS

METAL TIP TOOL TTSØ1

ACRYLIC TIP TOOL TTSØ2

COMPACT TIP TOOL TTSØ3

MULTI-TOOL MAGNETIC CLIP CHALKER In black, burgundy, purple or white

Features a tapper, shaper, trimmer & burnisher In black, blue, gold or red

TTSUM

QCSMC

800.645.9803

www.cuestix.com

qualiﬁed dealers welcome - free catalog