Stroke Magazine April Issue 2012 by Stroke Magazine

Contents 10

4 Dechaine Conquers 14 Diamond 10-Ball 17 Hopkins Interview

18 Rally in the Valley 24 Mezz Tour 25 Tri-State Tour

FEATURES

Amy’s Billiards 13 Atlas Billiard Supply 23 BCAPL/CSI/USAPL 27 BCAPL Southwest 27 BEF 9 Big Daddy’s Billiards 11 Bison Billiards 6 Bob Jewett 10 California Billiard Club 6 Capone’s Billiards 11 CSI Tunica Open 27 CueStix International 28 Filmless Art 12 Gate City Billiards 10 Gold Crown Billiards 9 McDermott 2 Mike Massey 7 Monk, the 12 Mueller 3 OTBnTV.com 3,26 Pocketeer 24 Sandcastle Billiards 13 T J’s Billiards 9 Tiger Products 16,26 Winning With Bobby Burnett 23

POOL ON TV All times are Eastern time.

4/08/2012 2:00PM 2011 World Cup of Trick Shots Mohegan Sun Casino Uncasville, CT These schedules have been provided by ESPN. These are tentative dates and are subject to change

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STROKE STAFF PUBLISHER/EDITOR Don “Cheese” Akerlow MARKETING DIRECTOR Mary Akerlow LAYOUTS & DESIGN Wendy Swenson Don Akerlow Mary Akerlow

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ABOUT US

Stroke is a monthly publication, dedicated to the advancement of the sport of pool and to promoting enthusiasm and encouragement among the players Publisher at all levels, regardless of their league affiliation, in addition to recognizing those businesses who support them all. Covering the Eastcoast and adjoining states. Look for Stroke by the 10th of each month. The opinions expressed are those of the author or advertiser and do not necessarily reflect the views of Rackem 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 be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher. © 2012 Stroke

April 2012 - Stroke Magazine 3

Dechaine Conquers Oliveira BY AZB STAFF Home field advantage proved to be helpful at the Joss NE 9-Ball Tour's 3rd Annual New England Pool & Billiards Hall Of Fame Ray Desell Memorial 9-Ball Open held on March 3rd and 4th at Snooker's Billiards in Providence, RI as housepro Mike Dechaine held off a late charge to win the event. Dechaine made his way through the field of 71 players and it looked like it would be another easy tournament for "The Fireball" when he defeated Hunter Lombardo 9-3 for the hot-seat. Hunter then fell to Nelson Oliveira on the one loss side 9-5. Oliveira had lost a match to Jeremy Sossei on Saturday and had battled his way to the finals via the long route. The first set of the double elimination finals was a close one and the players found themselves tied at 7-7 when Dechaine got the chance he was waiting for. An Oliveira scratch on the break let Dechaine to the table with the chance to get to the hill first, but Dechaine was unable to take advantage and clear the rack. Oliveira ended up winning that game and the next to win the first set 9-7. Dechaine came out strong in the second set and lead 3-0 and 4-1, but Oliveira came back and again tied the match at 7-7. This time, the tables were turned, and it was Dechaine winning the final two games for the 9-7 win and first place in the tournament. The second chance tournament on Sunday drew 25 players and Rich Britt defeated Stacie Bourbeau for the hot-seat and again in the finals to earn first place. The Joss NE 9-Ball Tour will be back in action at Trick Shot Billiards in Clifton Park, NY in two weeks (March 17-18) for their next event. Zuglan is now taking entries for the season finale at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY on August 23 - 26. These always fill up and players are turned away. Get your entries in now to avoid missing out. RESULTS 1st $1,600 2nd $1,200 3rd $800 4th $600 5th/6th $400 7th/8th $300 9th/12th $200 13th/16th $100

Mike Dechaine Nelson Oliviera Hunter Lombardo Jeremy Sossei Rob Piersa Mike Davis Tom D'Alfonso Ron Casanzio Bucky Souvanthong, Jarrod Clowery Phil Davis, Joe Dupuis Billy Lanna, Matt Tetreault Stacie Bourbeau, Brent Boemmels

SECOND CHANCE RESULTS 1st $360 Rich Britt 2nd $260 Stacie Bourbeau 3rd $160 Doug Brown 4th $100 Steve Goulding 5th/6th $60 Steve Mack, Dave Gavrich

4 Stroke Magazine - April 2012

Jon Wing & Jason Richko

Wing & Deuel Take Down Cuephoria

110 players show up for the Poison Tour event at Cuephoria in Winter Park Orlando Fl, 2-18-12. 64 players showed up for the Saturdays Amateur event, Jon Wing would be the man to beat as he made his way to the finals with some very strong wins over Walter Blacker 7-4, Jeff Mabry, 7-4, Jarred Schlauch 7-5, Larry Harvey 7-5, Ali Sohali 7-3 and then a bruising win over big money Jason Richko 7-2 to win the hotseat. The one loss side would see George Saunders make a big push, after taking a 7-4 loss to Jason Bowen he would go onto record wins over Richard Knight 5-2, Kevin Paquette 5-2, Ted Lepak 5-4, Chip Dickerson 5-3, Ali Sohali 5-0 and then a 5-3 win over Jeannie Seaver to set up a semi final match with Jason Richko, Richko would put an end to his run with a hard fought 5-4 win to leave Saunders in 3rd.

the one loss side with wins over Michael Hopponen 5-3, Charles Valenciana 5-1, Jeff Mabry 5-1, John Souders 5-1, Jeannie Seaver 5-4, Paul Mullins 5-2, Nick Applebee 5-3, Rich Scahu 5-0 and then a 5-1 win over Tim Parisian to set up a rematch with Deuel. Crosby would go onto beat Deuel 7-3 to force a sudden death one rack shootout. Deuel would win the one rack shootout showing his creative side making a clever 2-10 carom to take back to back titles on the poison tour. The tour would like to thank Faheem Zia and his Cuephoria staff for hosting a great event, the tour and its players enjoyed this new non smoking pool room. Also Predator by poison our title sponsors. Check out www. uspoisontour.com for tour info and dates.

The final would see Jon Wing fly out the gates and take the first 5 racks, just when it looked like it was all over Richko took his first rack and then broke and ran the next 3 to close to 5-4 the next 3 racks were traded but this was all Wing needed to take his first Poison Title with a 7-5 win. Congrats to Larry Giles, Richard Murray, Mike Delawder and Kevin Paquette for finishing 13th-16th place they received paid entry into Sundays event also Cassidy Mulligan received $50 for top female finisher.

AMATEUR PAYOUTS 1st $700 2nd $500 3rd $380 4th, $270 5th-6th $150 7th-8th, $80 9th-12th $50

The 10-Ball open event would draw in 46 players with Corey Deuel proving he is the man to beat at any event. Deuel made his way through to the hotseat swiftly with strong wins over John Filax 6-3, Tony Crosby 6-3, Chris Fields 6-0, Mike Delawder 6-3 and then a hard fought win over George Saunders 6-5 to reach the hotseat to face Tim Parisian. Parisian made his way through with some hard fought wins over Richard Knight 6-3, John Souders 6-2, Rich Schau 6-4 and then Nick Applebee to set up his match with Deuel. The hotseat match was one way Traffic with Deuel running out a 7-1 win. While all this was going on Tony Crosby was making a push on

OPEN PAYOUTS 1st, $600 2nd, $400 3rd, $300 4th, $200 5th-6th, $100 7th-8th, $80 9th-12th, $60

Jon Wing Jason Richko George Saunders Jeannie Seaver Ali Sohali, Julio Del Pozo Chip Dickerson, Larry Harvey Nick Applebee, Jason Bowen, Ted Lepak, Prescott Buckwold Corey Deuel Tony Crosby Tim Parisian Rich Schau Nick Applebee, George Saunders Paul Mullins, Glen Olson Robert Batson, Adam Wheeler, Jeannie Seaver, Mike Delawder

April 2012 - Stroke Magazine 5

3rd sary r e v i Ann

Bison Billiards Williamsville, NY 716-632-0281

9-Ball Tournament

April 28th $1000 Added Guaranteed

 A – B bracket will be used  A shooters race to 8, winners and losers  B shooters race to 6, winners and losers  Entry fee- A $65.00 / B $50.00  Doors open at 11am –registration and free practice  Player auction at 12:30pm

 Tournament starts promptly at 1:30pm  Paying ¼ of the field-prize fund and 1/8th – auction  $5.00 off for Jr.’s, Sr.’s, and Bison league players  Cue stick raffle.(Predator and Poison)  Great food served all day. 20 types of cold beer

www.bisonbilliards.com Or Friend us on face book

6 Stroke Magazine - April 2012

716-632-0281

COLUMNIST

Mike Massey

Mike’s Massive Draw Shot People have asked me forever to explain my technique for drawing the cue ball long distances. Mike’s Massive Draw Shot will reveal my secrets and give you an objective test fro determining the power of your draw stroke.

The first step is to have excellent equipment. That means a cue you are completely confident in and a tip that is in perfect condition. I recommend a dime radius because it allows a little more of the tip’s surface to contact the cue ball. This is critical because you will need to strike the cue ball as close to the miscue zone as possible for maximum draw. Place an object ball a diamond from Pocket E. (Note: some of you, including left-handers, may be more comfortable shooting the shot on the opposite side of the table.) Position the cue ball about two inches from the edge of Pocket C. If you find this is too much of a stretch, move the cue ball closer to Pocket A until you feel comfortable. I use a 12-inch bridge, which is almost exactly the distance between the diamonds. Position your tip as low as possible without entering the miscue zone. Use a firm closed bridge. Make sure your shooting arm is very relaxed. You will need to use an extremely hard stroke. Take several smooth warm up strokes to establish your rhythm. On your final stroke, be sure to let your elbow drop as you accelerate through the shot. This will keep your cue level and prevent it from dipping into the cloth. Make sure to avoid putting any right english on the cue ball as this can greatly alter the cue ball’s direction. Let your follow through extend unrestricted. The diagram show several possible results. My personal best is 2 3/8 table lengths. The cue ball will stop at or near the end rail (1 7/8 table lengths) when I hit the shot really pure. A good pro will draw about 1 3/8 table lengths while a good amateur will draw about one table length. (Note: all measurements are from the objet ball’s location.) You should see Larry Nevel play this shot. He might even draw it further than I do. EXPLANATION OF ABBREVIATIONS: SUR: 1.0 SUR: Set up Ratings EXR: 5.0 EXR: Execution Ratings MSR: 70% MSR: Mike’s Success Ratio

Mike Massey

Nine time World Champion, Mike Massey is considered pool’s best trick shot artist. He was voted the “Best in History” and is a member of the BCA Hall of Fame. Mike’s most amazing accomplishments were in two 24 hour poolathons. In one he pocketed 8,090 balls playing with one arm. In the other poolathon he ran 330 racks of 9-ball in Austria on live TV. Mike has consulted or appeared in the movies, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia”, “The Baron and the Kid”, “Justice”, “Chalk”, and “Pool Hall Junkies” Mike is available for exhibitions and clinics. Please contact Mike or Francine Massey at 435.640.5787 or francine.massey@gmail.com

The ideal conditions for maximum draw are almost new cloth and high humidity. The almost new cloth works better than new cloth because on new cloth the cue ball spins too much in place and loses much of its energy. The humidity give the cue ball a boinging action when it bounced off the rails.

MIKE MASSEY

Nine Time World Champion

EXHIBITIONS & CLINICS Contact Mike or Francine Massey 435.640.5787 francine.massey@gmail.com

To order Mike’s book call 888.295.7665 or 714.894.1157 Visit us on the web at www.billiardspress.com

April 2012 - Stroke Magazine 7

Maine State Straight Pool

This March 24th and 25th 22 of Maine’s finest players showed up at Tj’s Classic Billiards for the annual State of Maine Straight Pool Championship. Despite the relatively small turnout for this $500 added event, it was still a very strong field featuring 14.1 legend Tj LaFlamme, 9 Ball State Champ Gareth Steele, 8 Ball State Champ Kyle Peppin, and many other adept players. Missing from the action was Dave “Eagle” Hall who recently suffered a broken arm but showed up cast and all to cheer his friends on. Day one started with some good matchups. Gareth Steele matched up with Rick Beaulieu and knocked him to the loser side early in a close match. Also, Paul Dubois played former state champ Jeff LaFlamme in a long match that Paul eventually won. Meanwhile, former room owner, Tj LaFlamme was crusing through the winners bracket while current room owner Steve Reynolds was doing the same but in a different fashion being behind at least 25 balls in all of his matches. Late Saturday night it came down to Tj LaFlamme vs. Paul Dubois to see who was coming back to play Steve Reynolds for the hotseat on Sunday. In an extremely long 2-3 hour match Paul Dubois got ahead of Tj 84-36, when Tj ran 64 and out earning the $100 high run bonus that Jon Lekas of Total Amusements generously donated. Sunday started off at high noon with the final six players still groggy from a long night of pool. Still going on the loser’s side, getting his monies worth, was Rick Beaulieu who although tired was all business defeating Gareth Steele and Bobby Dennis, setting up a guaranteed third match with Steve Reynolds who lost the hot seat match badly to Tj. Steve Reynolds, having never made it so deep in a State Championship before, was bound and determined to send the exhausted Rick home to get some much needed res and at one point had him 47 to -8 after an accidental third foul. With Steve getting all the rolls and having got off to such a big lead, Rick lost valiantly. In the finals it appeared as though Steve had used all the gas in his tank to get there and Tj cruised to a 150-37 victory winning another state title and $1180 in cash. Room owners, Steve and Tammy Reynolds would like to thank Jon Lekas and George Morril and the Tj’s staff for helping make this tournament such a great success. High Run $100 1st $680 2nd $460 3rd $240 4th $100 5th/6th $ 60

8 Stroke Magazine - April 2012

Tj LaFlame (64balls) Tj LaFlamme Steve Reynolds Rick Beaulieu Bob Dennis Steve Vellieux & Gareth Steele

JUNIOR PLAYER PROFILE: HOME TOWN: Waterville, ME (Maine) BIRTH DATE: May 25, 1997 NICKNAME: Tay SCHOOL YOU CURRENTLY ATTEND: Winslow High School GRADE: 9 FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Math AT WHAT AGE DID YOU START PLAYING POOL? 6 TITLES/HIGH FINISHES: 2011 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Champion, 14-and-under girls’ division 2011 Maine State 8-Ball Women’s Champion 2010 NE Seacoast Women’s 9-Ball Champion OTHER NOTABLE AWARDS: Represented USA in the 2011 WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships in Kielce, Poland Featured on the Cover of Inside Pool Magazine July/August 2010 WHAT KIND OF CUE(S) DO YOU USE? Pechauer LEFT OR RIGHT HANDED: Right SPONSORS: Pechauer Custom Cues, Total Amusements & Tj’s Classic Billiards FAVORITE BAND/MUSIC: Coldplay HOBBIES: Basketball and CrossCountry Memorable pool moment: When I was 9 my parents had just bought our pool hall and were having their first pro event (Joss Tour). My mom put me in it and no one thought I had a chance and I ended up winning my first match hill-hill with everyone at Tj’s watching and cheering me on. FAVORITE FOOD: Lobster FICTIONAL HERO: Spongebob Squarepants REAL-WORLD HERO: Johnny Archer FONDEST CHILDHOOD MEMORY: The year I was in third grade my parents took my sister and I from Maine to California and back by van and we stopped at all the National Parks we could fit in. My favorites were Niagara Falls, Yellowstone and seeing the redwood trees in California. GOALS (PERSONAL AND/OR CAREER): Stay on the honor roll, and get setup for college while I work on my pool and basketball games. I’d like to see how far I can get in each sport.

JUNIOR BILLIARDS... PLAY. SPONSOR. GET INVOLVED WWW.BILLIARDEDUCATION.ORG

Taylor Reynolds

T J’s Billiards

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE DATES ARE BEING SET CALL FOR TIMES 14.1 Airport Rd - Waterville, ME 207-877-7665

GOLD CROWN BILLIARDS

>>> Under New Management <<< (Oldest Pool Hall in Broward, FL) 2233 Hollywood Blvd, FL 33020 (954) 921-8439 Open: Sun-Thurs 11am to 2am Fri-Sat: 11am to 4am

(11) 9 ft. Tables & (1) Golf Table Tues Night - 9 Ball Tournament Variety of Soft Drinks Beer Bucket Specials - Hot Food

April 2012 - Stroke Magazine 9

COLUMNIST San Francisco Billiard Academy www.sfbilliards.com

Bob Jewett S oft and

S ofter

Many beginning players have two speeds of shots hard and too hard. They have hard time with anything below “firm.” This lack of range often causes problems on soft safeties and rolling shots where the least amount of roll-through is needed. Here are two drills to improve accuracy at the low end of your speedometer. They are from the Video Encyclopedia of Pool Practice (VEPP), a series of DVDs that I recently worked on with “Dr. Dave” Alciatore.

Bob Jewett

San Francisco Billiard Academy is a BCA Certified Master Academy. The academy offers: Private Instruction Basics Clinic Eight Ball Clinic Nine Ball Clinic Introduction to Billiard Instruction BCA Recognized Instructor Course BCA Certified Instructor Course

The bottom drill is one I originally learned from Tom Riccobene, an instructor in Albuquerque, and covered in a 2006 column. The goals is to start with 8 balls on the line and hit each one a slightly longer distance without any ball hitting the end rail. (Take cue ball in hand for each shot.) If you do 8, move on to one more ball. If a ball doesn’t pass the previous ball, start over with one fewer balls. 15 is really tough. The second drill is simpler to set up and score. You start with the cue ball in the jaws of the side pocket and the object ball (15) a short distance away and straight towards the other side pocket. The goal is to make the ball in the side pocket but your score is how many shots it takes to get there. (No cushion contact is required.) You get no score if you fail to hit the 15 on any shot along the way so you have to hit the ball on every shot. A good beginning score is 4 shots to get to the other side. A pro can stretch the drill out for a few dozen shots. To play shots like these, there are several techniques that may help. If you normally have a very low stance, try standing up a little higher. This will help your depth perception to better see the distance between the balls. Try for a specific goal for the ending spot for the object ball. Of course you should have a specific goal in mind on all shots, but on these very short shots try for quarter-inch accuracy. You might not get it right away, but if you never try for it, you will never get it.

NC STATE Jr

Use a shorter bridge than normal. If your usual bridge is 15 inches long, it’s hard to drive the ball less than a table length. A short ball-to-bridge-hand distance will make sure your backstroke is short and that’s the easiect way to turn down the speed.

9-Ball Championship April 21, 2012

$20 entry (includes BEF membership) Race to 5 - double elimination WPA rules - Reg Noon - Start 1pm

Top 2 Qualify from 14 & 18 & Under Div

Carolina

Senior Challenge May 5, 2012

$40 entry (50 years & over) Race to 7/5 - double elimination - 9 Ball Texas Express - Reg Noon - Start 1pm Non-Handicap - Payout based on field

6004 Landmark Center Blvd - Greensboro, NC (336) 856-8800

10 Stroke Magazine - April 2012

You can also elevate a little or use some draw to slow the cue ball down. Experiment with both of these and do a complete crossing with each of these techniques. If you get close to mastery of the single ball drill, you can get a wider variety of shots by alternating very soft and medium pace shots. That is, try to barely move the object ball on the odd shots and move it eight or ten inches on the even shots. Or, you can turn the shot the long way on the table -- try for more than 30 shots.

SHUFF GOES UNDEFEATED Brandon Shuff got by Brett Stottlemyer twice - once in the hot seat and again in the finals - to take first place in the Action Pool Tour stop on the weekend of March 17-18. The event, the seventh stop on the 2011/2012 tour, drew 54 entrants to First Break Cafe in Sterling, VA. Though unblemished by defeat, Shuff's sevenmatch journey to the winners' circle wasn't without its challenges. He chalked up 56 racks against his opponent's 33; a 63% winning percentage, suggesting that he bent a little, but didn't break. He survived a fourth-round, double hill challenge from R.J. Carmona, which put him among the winners' side final four to face Paul Helms. Stottlemyer, in the meantime, was having a somewhat easier time of it. He was awarded a bye in the opening round, and defeated his first three opponents by an aggregate score of 24-6, at which point, he met up with Mike Davis in the other winners' side semifinal.

Sporleder to get into the hot seat. Lim, with three, loss-side wins behind him, defeated Shanna Lewis 4-1 in the quarterfinals, shutout Sporleder in the semifinals, and defeated Sampson twice, both times 4-1, in the double elimination finals.

by Abdulla Mohammed 6-3 and Sean Sporleder 6-4 to reach him. It was Davis and Helms who advanced to the quarterfinals; Davis with a 6-4 victory over Carmona and Helms, 6-2 over Reyes.

Davis moved to the loss side and met up with Carmona, who'd started his loss-side work with a double hill win over tour director Ozzy Reynolds, and then downed Brian Deska 6-3. Helms picked up Rafael Reyes, who'd gotten

In a Sunday, Second Chance Tournament, which drew 11 entrants, Nilbert Lim came back from the loss-side, winning five in a row to double dip hot seat occupant Chuck Sampson. Sampson had defeated Cheryl

Tour Director Ozzy Reynolds thanked First Break Cafe owners, Anthony Luong and Michael Veve, and their staff for hosting the event, as well as sponsors Lambros Cues, Magic Ball Racks (CSI), AZBilliards, and Speve Lingafelter. - BY SKIP MALONEY - AZB STAFF 1st $950.00 2nd $550.00 3rd $400.00 4th $250.00 5th/6th $150.00 7th/8th $100.00 9th/12th $70.00

Big Daddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Maryland 14.1 Straight Pool Aug 17-19, 2012 $300 Pros/$225 Am/Ladies Call Richard for info 7954 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd Glen Burnie, MD 410-760-1332

RESULTS

Shuff defeated Helms 8-3 and moved into his first of two against Stottlemyer, who'd sent Davis west 8-4. The hot seat match was Shuff's second double hill battle, and Stottlemyer's first. Shuff prevailed and sat in the hot seat waiting for Stottlemyer to get back.

Davis and Helms locked up in a double hill, quarterfinal struggle that eventually advanced Helms into the semifinals versus Stottlemyer. Stottlemyer earned his re-match versus Shuff with a 6-2 semifinal victory over Helms that sent him (Stottlemyer) to the finals with an overall 45-20 record; 69% percent, compared to Shuff's record at that point, 48-29 for 62%. Shuff, though, completed his undefeated weekend with a second victory over Stottlemyer, 8-4, which left them both pretty much dead even in overall winning percentage (Shuff - 62.9%, Stottlemyer - 63.6%).

Shanna Lewis was the recipient of a $100 prize as the top finishing female in the main event. Four women (Ann Reynolds, Daisy Blancaflor, and Cheryl Sporleder were the others) actually finished among the 16 players tied for 33rd place, but a random draw, four-person playoff resulted in Lewis' victory.

Brandon Shuff Brett Stottlemyer Paul Helms Mike Davis R.J. Carmona Rafael Reyes Sean Sporleder Brian Deska Ozzy Reynolds Paul Oh Manny Orlino Abdulla Mohammed

April 2012 - Stroke Magazine 11

The Monk

COLUMNIST

KEYS TO SUCCESS!

CONFIDENCE, LUCK AND CONCENTATTION

Much has been written about confidence. In fact, I wrote about this time honored skill in my book I CAME TO WIN. Some say you need confidence to win and others say you need to win to gain confidence. In this case, two different opinions and both are right. Tim Miller

This is not a feel good program. This is the real deal. You will be working with the monk for over four months. You will be working step by step to build the skills at nine ball that your opponent does not have. You will master the important moves this game calls for. You will become a master nine ball player and play better nine ball than you have every played this game before. May all the rolls go your way, The Monk

CALL THE MONK TODAY 1-603-566-6229

My chapter on confidence suggests you learn to play without confidence. Who really controls confidence anyways? And who really controls concentration. How many times do we decide to lose our concentration? We suddenly lose our confidence just when we need it the most. We can agree that confidence and concentration are subject to their own whim. Let’s learn to play without them. Luck is always on the side of the winner. Confidence follows the winner and concentration is more easily acquired by the winner. Without the three however, you cannot win. So they say.

I thought I would miss every single one of them! I had no confidence, no concentration, and did not think I was going to be lucky. I had something better. I had something we all need in pocket billiards. I had the ability to stand over a shot and let the results be whatever they want to be. Since I did not know if I was going to make the shot and I did not know if I was going to miss the shot, I might as well do what I can do and that is to look good shooting the shot. This is why the guy in our foursome thought I had confidence and great concentration skills. I acted like I make these putts all the time. I do that in pool. I act as if it is an easy shot. YOU CAN ONLY DO THIS IF YOU TRULY DON’T CARE ABOUT RESULTS.

For over twenty years I have signed my books “May all the rolls go your own way”. Luck is something that comes to you when you expect it.

The reason you develop the ability to be free from results is because you know the results are not in your control. If they were you would run a thousand racks and win every tournament. THE RESULTS ARE NOT IN YOUR CONTROL.

Concentration - Luck - Confidence, are like the lover who decides to show up or not. You never know when they will arrive in a favorable situation.

Let’s not chase those three lovers of mischief. CLC can spend time with us or go out to pasture. We see the shot know the stroke and we shoot the shot.

Let’s learn to play without them.

I hope you will join me in special nine ball training. Go on my site www.monkbilliardacademy.net and click on ROAD PLAYERS NINE BALL.

I faced nine putts of more than four feet for a good score. Make the putt and the hole was a good one. Miss it and it was a disaster. I made all nine putts. A guy in the foursome told me he has never seen a guy putt this good. He did not know that when I stood over the putt

http://www.monkbilliardacademy.net/9-balltrainongprogram.html

12 Stroke Magazine - April 2012

BCAPL Grows To Record Numbers

Henderson, NV. - March 30, 2012 - The CueSports International (CSI) motto, “More Choices for All Players,” is embodied in the diversity of its many products. CSI sanctions about 500 independent leagues through BCA Pool League, offers a uniform nationwide handicap league system through USA Pool League, produces major professional events such as the US Open 10Ball Championships, offers pro and semi-pro events on 7’ and 9’ tables such as the Swanee Memorial and US Bar Table Championships, supports national and world junior competition, promotes high level action and pool media through The Action Report, and leads the industry in the development of software and technology for the future good of the sport. In short, every pool player on the planet can to participate in, and benefit from, a league or event produced by CSI. The leading CSI promotion, the BCA Pool League (BCAPL), has sanctioned more local leagues in each of the eight years that CSI has been involved. Going into the 36th BCAPL National Championships (May 9-20, 2012), the BCA Pool League has grown to 500 active leagues across

the United States, plus Canada, Taiwan and the Bahamas. Players ranging from beginner to grand master level are welcome and enjoy the organization and level of competition that CSI and the BCAPL provides. In addition to the heralded annual BCAPL National Championships, BCAPL affiliated state and regional organizations produce a growing number of events across North America. CSI adds money to numerous regional and state BCAPL sanctioned events including: the BCAPL Texas State Championships, the BCAPL Southwest Regional Championships, Western BCA championship events, the Wisconsin State BCAPL Championships, and the BCAPL Canadian Open Series to name a few. The BCAPL embraces all manner of pool competition, with many different sanctioned league formats in 8-Ball and 9-Ball, and in 14.1 Continuous (straight pool) and One Pocket. The BCAPL does not limit or restrict the type of game played, nor stipulate a particular handicap system. Over 6,000 players of all abilities travel each year to Las Vegas for the BCAPL championships, which has been tagged “The Greatest Pool Tournament in the World!”

U.S. Open 9-Ball

The U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships makes some great changes for 2012 and beyond Hello everyone, we hope all is well. We have some news for everyone along with some exciting changes that we have made. We regret to inform our past champions that they will no longer be receiving paid entry fees into the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships. We have deep admiration and respect for our champions and will continue to express our appreciation to them with our yearly traditions such as the parade of champions, which takes place every five years, as well as during additional traditions that we all enjoy. Only the defending champion will receive a paid entry fee each year, in addition to a free hotel room. We have made many wonderful changes for the 37th Annual U.S. Open and feel that this is a step in the right direction. With these changes, the total purse has been raised to $200,000.00 instead of $178,000.00. We will be adding $72,000.00 with a full field of 256 players, which we know will be full every year now since we have structured the prize fund breakdown extremely well, paying the champion $30,000.00 and now 65th-96th place receiving $1,000.00 each. Since we have discontinued the past champion entries, we have still included the $10,000-$12,000 additional to get to the 72,000 added. Unfortunately, there will also no longer be any discounts on entry fees this year since we are adding more. The entry fee will remain at $500.00 and will be collected by the BCA just like last year. You may begin sending in entry fees Tuesday, April 2nd, to The BCA. Details will be on our website, www.usopen9ballchampionships.com. We would like to thank Rob Johnson, President of the BCA. We are very happy to see the BCA become even more involved with American Professional Pool. In addition, we have decided to seed the top players from around the world and America. We believe that it only makes sense to provide true seeds to the players from each continent, as they have genuinely earned a seed. This will assure that even more foreign players will be coming and the U.S. Open is the only professional tournament that has 256 players. This is a wonderful opportunity and with the help of Ken Shuman, Jay Helfert, and Bill Stock, we will work together to decide to have 32, 48, or 64 seeded players. The seeding will come from the WPA, BCA, ABP, as well as 4 promoter’s discretion seeds from Barry and Shannon. In addition, we will

gladly seed players from the WPBA which will be determined by the number of participants. Along with the added purse and seeding, the U.S. Open will be held at a new location. Our new venue, the Holiday Inn, is located just three blocks away from Q-Master Billiards. The Holiday Inn had a $14,000.000.00 remodel and everything is beautiful. Visit www.hivabeachnorfolk.com to check it out. The U.S. Open rates for single or double rooms are only $79.99, use the code USO. We believe strongly that everyone is going to love the new location and layouts for the tournament. Shannon and I will have the exact ballroom layouts very soon. Our ticket prices and VIP ticket prices will remain the same as they have been for the past 20 years and will stay that way for quite some time. We feel so blessed to have wonderful sponsors that are so giving each year and we hope in the near future to raise the added money more and more. These days professional October 20-27, 2012 pool players need all the help they can get and Here is the full breakdown: we want to help more and hopefully others will 1st $30,000.00 as well. Professional pool in America is not in 2nd $15,000.00 very good shape and we cannot fix it alone. Our 3rd $8,000.00 advice is for promoters to reach out more to the industry leaders. After all, we are all working 4th $6,000.00 hard to put on wonderful events and industry 5-6 $4,500.00 each leaders should take advantage of the opportunity 7-8 $3,500.00 each and the exposure they would receive due to our 9-12 $2,500.00 each efforts. We are all in this together. 13-16 $2,250.00 each We thank you all for taking the time to read our 17-24 $2,000.00 each letter and we hope to have your support at the 25-32 $1,750.00 each 37th Annual U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships! 33-48 $1,500.00 each We thank you all, with love and respect, 49-64 $1,250.00 each Barry Behrman & Shannon Behrman Paschall 65-96 $1,000.00 each By Barry Behrman - 2012-03-29

April 2012 - Stroke Magazine 13

STEVIE MOORE

Shane Van Boening has won the Players Championship at the Super Billiards Expo and has sent yet another strong message that he is the cream of the American crop of pro pool players. When Shane gets close to the finals there is just no stopping him. Even a long trip throughout the one-loss side (Shane lost early to Brian Brekke) cannot cause his game to weaken or his heart to lose spirit. On Sunday Van Boening swept aside the rest of the best as if they were mere mortals trying to exist in the realm of the gods. Raj Hundal got the message first when he just sat and watched as Van Boening picked the meat off of his bones and tossed him to the scrap heap 10-1. Hundal was no more a participant in that match than was the kid in the third row of the stands. Darren Appleton would fare little better. The two-time US Open champion was dismantled and destroyed by the rack-running ability of the South Dakota Kid. Obviously dismayed by Van Boening's ability to control the table and deny an opponent any opportunity to rally, Appleton found himself a 10-2 loser against Van Boening who only appeared to get stronger with each stroke. Van Boening had one more hill to climb. An undefeated and confident Stevie Moore was waiting for him. That confidence would take an early beatdown as Van Boeing wasted no time in establishing a 7-0 lead in the final race to 13 games. Moore stayed cool and fought well enough to bring the score to 12-6, but Van Boening on the hill is a tough task and when Moore fouled early in the final rack to give ball in hand to Van Boening it was the end. Shane Van Boening won his third Players Championship with a 13-6 victory against Moore. Shane is now on track for what could become a record year. Prior to this victory he nabbed both the Derby City 9-Ball and One-Pocket events, taking Master of the Table honors with those wins. The Kid also commands the short track stuff. He won the US Bar Box Championship Open 10-Ball division held by CSI in Reno. All of this comes on the heels of a final quarter of 2011 that presented Van Boening with victories at the Steve Mizerak Championship, Turning Stone XVIII and at the Ocho Open. -- BY AZBILLIARDS.COM

14 Stroke Magazine - April 2012

THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP

SHANE VAN BOENING

RESULTS 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 7th 9th 13th 17th

$20,000 $7,000 $4,000 $3,000 $2,500 $2,000 $1,500 $1,000 $750

Shane Van Boening Stevie Moore Darren Appleton Raj Hundal Mika Immonen, Ryan McCreesh Mike Davis, Dennis Hatch John Schmidt, Brandon Shuff Louis Ulrich, Craig McPartlin Jayson Shaw, Mike Dechaine Ralf Souquet, Corey Deuel Jayson Shaw, Klaus Zobrekis Oscar Dominguez, Shaun Wilkie Brian Brekke, Charlie Williams Jeremy Sossei, Robb Saez

PHOTOS BY: RICKY BRYANT-RB PROMOTIONS

April 2012 - Stroke Magazine 15

16 Stroke Magazine - April 2012

The Man Behind the Super Billiards Expo BY: DON “CHEESE” AKERLOW The 20th Annual Super Billiards Expo (SBE) was held March 8-11, 2012 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Philadelphia, PA. Once again brought to you by Allen Hopkins Productions and run in conjunction with the TAP Rally in the Valley. This has become a huge event! I called Allen to find out his opinion on some of the things that were concerning the players and of course the success of the event. The first Super Billiards Expo was held in Secaucus, NJ at the Meadowlands Convention Center and when I asked Allen how the event has grown he responded, “Enormously! When we started in 1993 we started with 40 pool tables and about 27 booths. Some exhibitors took two booths so it was less than 27 actual exhibitors. We had the open event and I don’t know if I had the kids there then. I know I didn’t have the Seniors or the Super Seniors, didn’t have the Pro-Am. I think it was just the open event.” The SBE moved the next year to the Valley Forge Convention Center and remained there for the next 18 years expanding and taking up more space at the center until they finally had to move to their current location, a facility of over 200,000 square feet. A short 6 mile move down the road to a facility that is twice the size of the Valley Forge Convention Center - plenty of room to grow and plenty of parking. The SBE was informed after the 2011 Expo that the convention center was being closed and has now been renovated into a casino. So there was no possible way that they could stay.

PHOTO CREDIT: RICKY BRYANT RB PROMOTIONS

This is a short 4 day event but is packed with wall to wall pool. According to Allen, “it’s actually like pool heaven. All the best pool players in the world are here, all the best cue makers in the world are here, all the best table people are here.” Allen brought in 180 Diamond tables for the amateur events and 13 Diamond tables for the pro event and practice tables. And attendance was astounding, Allen said there were 979 players in the Open Division, 175 in the Women’s Division, 365 in the Senior Division and 157 in the Super Senior Division for the Amateur Events. Junior events 17 & under had 64 players and the 12 & under Division had 50, not to mention the 32 player ProAm Bar Box Event and 68 players in the Diamond Open 10-Ball Professional Players Championship”. Besides these events you have the WPA World Artistic Championship, Fury 14-1 Challenge and the Challenge of Champions 3 Cushion Tournament. That takes us through all that Allen Hopkins offers, you also have to factor in 160 TAP teams of 8 players each for a total of almost 3200 players. You can see why this could be considered heaven for a pool player. A unique addition for the players that attended the SBE was the phone app created by Allen Hopkins Jr. It was available for both iPhone and Android phones. Allen had my call on speaker, when Allen Jr. spoke about the app. Through the app you locate vendors, find their booth on the floor plan and get their contact information. You could also check out tournament information and brackets and scan the vendors QR Codes for special offers. Allen Jr said he also had a text message feature available. This will be a big plus going forward. Each year the show changes a little from the year before. New problems arise and are addressed, corrected or accounted for in some way. This year being in a new venue was a challenge for the staff of the SBE but they are aware of the problems and are working with the expo center to make things better next year. Some of the issues were lighting, food vendors, restrooms and a secure area for the vendors. I have found in life, when you think you have everything planned down to the last detail, something happens and you have to change and adjust and make the best of the situation. Everything is a work in progress. I can attest to that through the 4 pool magazines that we publish and you can be assured that both Allen and his staff will next year make these problems disappear. Allen had high praises for his staff, the players, exhibitors and the attendees at the show. The town of Valley Forge provided shuttle service from the Radisson (the host hotel) to the convention center during the show. All in all the show was another success and the problems that did arise are being taken care of for next year. If you are looking for more information about the Super Billiards Expo or photos from the event check out http://www.superbilliardsexpo.com or the photos and comments posted on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/SuperBilliardsExpo Hope to see you all there next year!

April 2012 - Stroke Magazine 17

RALLY IN THE VALLEY

The first day of the TAP agenda was a National Meeting with an impressive attendance of licensees, as it was standing room only. This meeting was conducted by Founder, President and CEO Loyd Schonter, covering all details of the present and the future drive for TAP. It is very understandable that most discussions in this room were confidential and for only the TAP family however I am sure the Billiard Industry will be more than impressed with where he is leading the TAP Organization. TAP proudly announced a new relationship at this meeting with McDermott Cues which was attended by their Representatives Larry Liebl Executive Vice President and Jayme Cernika Customer Service and Special Events Manager. They introduced their impressive line to the TAP family. McDermott also contributed $10,000.00 in cues and other McDermott products to the Rally in the Valley events in addition to this they had their Instructor nearby demonstrating the abilities of their cue line. While the National meeting was coming to an end the TAP Singles event was kicking off with record breaking registrations in all brackets. 7 handicap singles had 36 players, 6 singles with 64 players, 5 singles with 80 players, 4 singles with 77 players and the 2 and 3 singles had 42 players. At 8 am on Friday March 9th,

2/3 HANDICAP AMANDA KARRIP 18 Stroke Magazine - April 2012

4 HANDICAP JAMIE SPIKER

the 8-ball and for the first time the 9-Ball â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dream Team Eventsâ&#x20AC;? kicked off totaling 176 eight person teams. This was another record breaking event for team counts. As always at TAP events keeping you warmed up is a must, so the minis ran in the evening of each day to make sure your game stayed in tune. Then Sunday March 11th brought the final rounds only to close up another historical event leaving the TAP player with memories and conversation that will be with them for years to come. A room once filled with players from across the United States and Canada is left with only the footprints of the TAP Pool Player. And as each year goes by that foot print is getting bigger and bigger. For the first time in many years, TAP also had another presence at the expo with a TAP sales and information booth. This also saw heavy activity throughout the entire weekend. People interested in TAP got to see firsthand the new innovations that TAP has done to their handicapping system known as Pool-Net and all of the features that no other league can provide to their members. Prospective TAP licensees were amazed at what they saw and how user friendly the system is. Many times during the weekend people were often heard saying, "That's cool or Talk about Tech Savvy". On behalf of all of us here at TAP, we would like to congratulate Allen Hopkins on

5 HANDICAP KEVIN KARAS

6 HANDICAP ELIAS NASSIF

a job well done and as is customary here at TAP when a licensee does well.... Allen, you and your staff get a huge "Atta Boy" from TAP!! We would also like to Thank All of our Staff and Volunteers for once again making this TAP Event a huge success. Thus showing “One Team, One Goal” truly is our Family motto. Let us not forget McDermott Cues, we are looking forward to our new relationship and happy to have them as a part of the TAP Family. Over $107,000 was paid out with the singles events paid back at 100%.

DREAM TEAM EVENT (8 BALL) ELITE BOARD 1ST POLISH FALCONS LAUREL HIGHLANDS PA 2ND BELLY HOOKED MISSOURI 3RD GEO'S FINEST LAUREL HIGHLANDS PA 4TH NORTHCOAST ROCKS NORTHCOAST TAP OH 5TH HAMMERTIME BEAVER VALLEY PA 6TH ROCK SOLID TAP NH 7TH DREAM KILLAZ NORTHCOAST TAP OH 8TH WHISKEY ALPHA WA CHAMPIONSHIP BOARD 1ST STROKIN & SMOKIN JERSEY BOYS NJ 2ND COLOR OF MONEY CANADA 3RD JULIE'S CAFÉ KEYSTONE TAP PA 4TH SHARKIEZ 2 OH ALDRICH BEST OF THE REST 1ST BAZINGA MIDATLANTIC MD 2ND 16 BALLS KEYSTONE TAP PA 3RD OUR COACH WENT SHOPPING KEY TAP PA 4TH PORTAGE MOOSE LAUREL HIGHLAND PA 9 BALL DREAM TEAM EVENT RALLY 2012 CHAMPIONSHIP BOARD 1ST SMOKIN 9'S - KEYSTONE TAP PA 2ND DEEZ NUTS - JERSEY TAP NJ 3RD IN THE SPOTLIGHT - KEYSTONE TAP PA 4TH T.D.A. - BEAVER VALLEY TAP PA BEST OF REST 1ST COLOR OF MONEY - CANADA 2ND KEYSTONE KUEBALLERS KEYSTONE TAP PA SINGLES 8 BALL CHAMPIONS 2/3 HANDICAP Amanda Karrip - Saginaw, MI 4 HANDICAP Jamie Spiker - Frostburg MD. 5 HANDICAP Kevin Karas - Pittsburgh PA 6 HANDICAP Elias Nassif – Plantation FL 7 HANDICAP Tommy Najar – Kennesaw GA

1ST PLACE C HAMPIONSH IP BOARD STROKIN

L ELITE BOARD L A B 8 E C A L P 1ST N LAURAL POLISH FALCO P PA HIGHLAND TA

1ST PLACE BEST O F THE REST BAZINGA FROM M ID ATLANTIC VA

More Results on page 20

7 HANDICAP TOMMY NAJAR

E CHAMPIONS C A L P T S R FI L L A 9B STONE TAP PA EY K M O FR ’S 9 SMOKIN

April 2012 - Stroke Magazine 19

PHOTO CREDIT: RICKY BRYANT RB PROMOTIONS

RESULTS

1ST PLACE SUPER SENIORS EVERT SNOW WITH CECILIA STRAIN

ALLEN HOPKINS, 1ST PLACE OPEN DIVISION LEE HOLT

1ST PLACE 17 & UNDER NICK EVANS 1ST PLACE PRO-AM BUCKY SOUVANTHONG

20 Stroke Magazine - April 2012

1ST PLACE 12 & UNDER RICKY EVANS

1ST PLACE SENIORS TONY RODRIGUEZ

PHOTO CREDIT: RICKY BRYANT RB PROMOTIONS

1ST PLACE WOMEN’S LIZ TAYLOR

Megan Smith takes JPNEWT at VIP JPNEWT took its March 17-18, 2012 tour to VIP Billiards in Catonsville, MD. VIP is a new venue added to the JPNEWT tour thithis year With $500 added to the prize fund, eighteen ladies put their skills to the test to compete for top dollar. VIP's own Jess Didier joined in on the event as well as, new comer Danielle Hecht. JPNEWT is growing, adding new members each month this year. From the top half of the bracket, Briana Miller dominated the field as she sent Charlynn Dzambo 7-0, Kathy Friend 7-2 and My-Hanh Lac 7-2 to the 1-loss side. Meanwhile, from the bottom half of the bracket, Megan Smith smashed through Ji-Hyun Park 7-0, Courtney Hall 7-1, Judie Wilson 7-0. Both Briana and Megan faced-off with a hill-hill match sending Briana to the 1-loss side as well. Megan patiently waits for her next opponent from the hot seat. Tour director, Linda Shea, worked her way through several rounds on the 1-loss side (defeating Susan Shinn 7-5, Eugenia Gyftopoulos 7-2, My-Hanh Lac 7-3, and Judie Wilson 7-3) before meeting a close match against Briana Miller. A hanging 9-ball in the pocket caused an upset to Miller, leaving Shea an easy one-nine combo win. This win gave Shea the opportunity to face-off against Megan Smith for first place. However, after a long wait for the finals, Megan maintained focus and didn't loose her fire, taking a 7-3 win over Linda. Congratulations Megan on your top notch performance and win! Other top finishers included Linda Shea, Briana Miller, Judie Wilson, Sharon O'Hanlon and My-Hanh Lac. Well done ladies! The JPNEWT thanks all the players, spectators, and ustream.tv viewers for supporting ladies in pool. A special thank you goes to our sponsor J. Pechauer and VIP Billiards for hosting this event. Many of these girls will play at the WPBA Regional Tour Championships in April.. - KIA SIDBURY

April 2012 - Stroke Magazine 21

STORY

Lucky

#13 Lucky Plays the Pescado Grande

2nd part of this adventure continued from last month …… It was 11 am Lucky had been playing all night and most of the morning. Determined to preserver Lucky was 5 ahead going to ten ahead for $10,000…. Lucky got what looked to be a second wind. Playing now for over 10 hours, you know he is tired. With 5 games to go… a little rustling of the crowd started up when a new guy came in. We did not know who this mystery guy was but the people in Hardtimes knew him…he came over to where we were and watched the match. The games went back and forth again but Lucky creped out another few games and got to seven. His stride was pretty good. Lucky ended the next few games playing safeties in every game getting ball in hand then finishing the racks. After two sessions I had over $30,000 on me, what we won and brought with us for the action. I sensed they were not done. The mystery guy who came in said something about betting some. Obviously he had some money and he wanted some of this tired old man’s action or money. Wow with all this money it was already going to be a nice I thought. Mystery man and Lucky got into a private conversation off to the side. It seemed Lucky was mostly listening to whatever proposition was happening. Eyes and ears wide open. Lucky nodded his head in what looked to be a favorable agreement. Come back and says I am giving him a spot What!! “I am giving Pescado Grande a spot”. Lucky has always told me he never gives a spot unless he really needs to embarrass an idiot-jerk . This match was very civil. So I was puzzled. Lucky said “Christmas is coming up”…. Not sure how he meant that. Either figuratively he will be receiving gifts from this Santa Claus or he will become Santa Claus, weird. “What’s the spot” I asked “The Black Mamba” The Mexican was getting the wild 8ball. $2000 a game pay at ten ahead. This was the first time I had seen “McKinley’s. It was too much money to handle. We talked to the folks that own the place and they were going to let us use the safe to keep some money in. We each put up $20,000. We counted out our money. The mystery man counted out 40 McKinley’s. The economy good for some. We put the money into a bank bag and I was to continue to hold it. With agreement with the house we put our money in another bank bag and put back in the safe. My side bet guy wanted to keep betting $50 a game but go back to paying after each game. I suspected he was running out of money and might quite at any time. We were playing on money already won and none of our own. It would be the time for a robbery for sure. I was truly nervous. Lucky said he thinks he figured out the magic rack. He thinks it make the balls get off to a good start setting off the felt/cloth when cue ball hits the rack. It is easier to make the balls and more of them. Someone was reading an On The Break Magazine. a bundle must have just been delivered by mail to Hard Times. I was concerned that the stories that were published were going to kill Lucky’s action, but no one seemed too alarmed or they didn’t read that section of the paper yet. Lucky had the first break. “Here we go” he said the sweaters must of thought it was said to them but mainly Lucky was saying it to himself over the nebulous magic rack. Lucky starred at the rack for a minute said “no spaces between the balls”. He was really looking at the places the numbered balls were sitting in the rack. Scouting out how to hit the rack and where the balls will go on the table after the break. Lucky positioned himself for breaking, wiggled into a comfortable stance. Making sure his feet and body were aliened. A few practice strokes …. Crackkkk

22 Stroke Magazine - April 2012

BY: ANDREW MONSTIS

!!…. a sound everyone knows as a good break. Cue ball stopped dead in the middle of the table. 4 balls went in. Interesting it was all the even numbered balls, leaving the one ball for an easy start up shot. That is Lucky’s textbook break. It was a simple map to the nineball and the game. Pescado Grande racks. Crackkkk there was that sound again. That was deafening my ears were ringing. Lucky makes the same balls and got the same position. He is dialed in. Pescado Grande racks game 3 and Lucky makes not a ball. Pescado Grande makes a few balls and runs out the rack. Pescado Grande runs out a few more and gets the lead. Lucky would like the break back but noting he can do this magic rack is truly magic for all who get the break. Pescado Grande now has run 6 racks and has a lead, something Lucky wanted. What was early in the morning is now the late afternoon. Lucky had no sleep over 34 hours now. The games went back and forth. No ground was being made. I was confident knowing that any time Lucky could do what Lucky does, turn it on. Pescado Grande starts to creep up and played good to go 9 ahead. Lucky was getting behind, what was lucky thinking we were likely not getting another set. We were on his hill. Pescado Grande breaks and again looks like a run out the money gone. He jawed the 5 ball, what a relief. Lucky got out. We were either on the hill or one off for what was hours. Again what was Lucky thinking. People were actually sleeping in the bleachers. The side bet guy was now sitting next to me so that the money transferred easily. After a while someone who was reading the OTB magazine came over to one of Pescado Grande’s entourage holding up the magazine pointing to a story in it. They suspiciously looked at us. One of them came over to sit by me and started a conversation, where were we from type stuff? I tried to avoid him by concentration on the match. I was thinking we were made. I said I saw him reading On The Break and what he thought of it. He gave me some trite response then moved back over to his group. Lucky knew what was going on said to me don’t worry there is some guy who goes by Lucky Lawrence they probably think I am him. I must have been so nervous that I didn’t notice that Lucky was back to zero with this guy. I said why don’t we quit come back later after you get some rest a win it all. Lucky said the deal was we had to play to a winner or forfeit the bet. He was locked in. They were counting on Lucky’s old age to be a factor no doubt. I was concerned about Lucky s health the reason we were on this quest to begin with. It was now 10 pm I could barely stay awake and I am holding the money zee wiz. Pescado Grande started to argue with his girlfriend and she stormed off. What was that about?? Lucky won the game and broke and made the even balls again. He went on a run of 4 to be 5 ahead.. My side bet guy quit which was a relief. At this point the games went back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, this for an incredible 10 more hours. Eating snacks and drinking pop was getting tiresome. I wanted a good meal and some rest I was constantly fighting not thinking about Lucky health and how nice it would be to be home for Christmas, with my wife and my cat. It was now 8am hour to go until Bank of America which was gratefully next door would open at 9 so we could put the money in the most, safest place we could. Of course that much money would raise a red flag to the bank and IRS, but it would be safe considering where we were. We hadn’t won the money yet Merry Christmas or what…. To be continued….. Copyright 2011 by Andrew Monstis

Product Review Informative, unique, concentrating on situational shots. It’s like you are having a private lesson. He answers your questions before you know you have them. Easy to understand and follow! You can’t get more for your money. I recommend it! A must have to improve your game. “Winning with Bobby Burnett” - Call Bobby at 831-455-8014 or email winningwithbobbyburnett@ yahoo.com

April 2012 - Stroke Magazine 23

ALASKA FREEZES OUT THE COMPETITION Playing for the hot seat was Alaska Vs Randy Schwager this match was all Alaska as he won easily 7-3 and sending Randy Schwager to the one lost side. Waiting for Randy Schwager on the one lost side was Jeff Beckley this was a rematch from earlier that day this was a great match that went hill hill when it was all said and done it was Randy Schwager winning 6-5 and getting to the finals In the finals it was Randy Schwager Vs Alaska, Randy Schwager has to beat Alaska twice in order to win the event. It only took only one set for Alaska and to beat Randy Schwager 6-4 and to win Mezz Pro-Am 2nd Stop. I would like to thank all the players that came out to play and al the sponsors. PHOTO: Winner Alaska 2nd Randy Schwager 3rd Jeff Beckley Mezz Pro-Am made its way to Mainline Billiards in Frazer Pa on Sunday March 4th. A strong field 35 Players came out to play, Players like Alaska, Randy Schwager, Jeff Beckley, Matt Krah, Eddie Abraham, and Lee Holt to name a few. Leading the top half of the bracket was Alaska with wins over Lou Loupy Patrikios 7-6, Ed Huckleberry 7-5, Tom Bow 7-4, and Eddie Abraham 7-2, Leading the bottom half of the bracket was Randy Schwager with wins over Mark Horn 7-6, Bob Milane 7-1, Pam Cimarelli 7-2, and Jeff Beckley 7-3.

RESULTS 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 7th

$800 $400 $375 $200 $130 $100

Alaska Randy Schwager Jeff Beckley Eddie Abraham Lee Holt/Bob Stoudt Lou Patrikios/Vinnie Cimarelli

MAIDHOF WINS AT DREXLINE

Mezz Pro-Am made its way to Drexeline Billiards in Drexel Hill Pa on Sunday March 18th. A strong field of 36 came out to play payers like: Darren Appleton, Shaun Wilkie, Bob Maidhof, Joey Testa, Matt Krah, Mike Miller and Adam Kielar to name a few.

Leading the top half of the bracket was Bob Maidhof with wins over Bob Burt 7-5, Mark Nanashee 7-0, Jayson Shaw 7-6, Eric Perry 7-2, and Shaun Dobson 7-5. Leading bottom half of the bracket was Shaun Wilkie with wins over Matt Krah 7-1, Adam Kiear 7-1, Kenny Rutman 7-6 , and Darren Appleton 7-5. Playing for the hot seat was Shaun Wilkie Vs Bob Maidhof, this was a one sided match with Bob Maidhof winning easily 7-1. Waiting for Shaun Wilkie was Darren Appleton this was a rematch from earlier that day this was a great match that went hill hill and for the second time in the day Shaun Wilkie defeats Derren Appleton 6-5 to get to the finals. In the finals it was Shaun Wilkie Vs Bob Maidhof, Shaun Wilkie would have to beat Bob Maidhof twice to win the event but this day belonged to Bob Maidhof as he won easily 5-1 to win the event. I would like to thank all the players and the sponsors for their ongoing support. PHOTO: 4th Joey Testa, winner Bob Maidhof, 3rd Darren Appleton, 2nd Shaun Wilkie

RESULTS 1st $800 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 7th

24 Stroke Magazine - April 2012

$500 $360 $200 $150 $100

Bob Maidhof Shaun Wilkie Darren Appleton Joey Testa Rob Hart/Shaun Dobson Eric Perry/Josh Brothers

REYES WINS 9 BALL EVENT

3nd Place, Tony Ignomirello ; 1st place Arturo Reyes

Arturo Reyes wins Tri-State event at $1000 Added A/D 9 Ball event held at CUE BAR in Bayside, N.Y. His tournament trail of 7 wins and 1 loss, included wins over Raphael DaBreo 8 - 3; Jim Parisi 7 - 5 ; Keith Adamik 7 4; Bryan Jeziorski 7 - 5; and Wesley Kennedy 7 - 5 before suffering a loss to Alex Osipov 7 - 5. Tony Ignomirello, who lost in the third round, won six straight matches to face Arturo for a shot in the Finals. It was not to be Tony’s day as Arturo won the match 7 - 5, with Tony finishing a solid third place. As the match between Arturo and Tony progressed, Alex poised in the Hot Seat received an urgent call. Due to an undisclosed emergency Alex had to leave, so the finals were settled with one sudden death game and Arturo claiming the prize. The next Tri-State event is a $500 Added A/D at Castle Billiards in East Rutherford, NJ on Saturday, March 3, 2012. Please provide a thank you to Sterling-Gaming, Ozone Billiards, Ron Tarr Cues, Kamui Tips, Phil Capelle, BlueBook

CHEN UNDEFEATED

Though he finished undefeated, at around 4 a.m. on a Sunday morning, Quin Y Chen’s journey to the winner’s circle of the Tri-State Tour stop on March 3, was not without its challenges; specifically, Emily Duddy, who met him, first, in the hot seat, and chalked up as many racks in the double hill battle against him as three of Chen’s four previous opponents combined. She’d return to challenge him again in the finals, and again, he prevailed to capture the event title. The $500-added, A-D handicapped event drew 55 entrants to Castle Billiards in East Rutherford, NJ.

Emily Duddy and Qian Y Chen 1st $830 2nd $420 3rd $260 4th $180 5th $90 7th $70 9th $50

Qian Y Chen Emily Duddy Mike Rodriguez Joe Palone Steven Way, William Zarzour Eddie DaCosta, Scott Simonetti Ed Culhane, Borana Andoni George Osipovitch, Chris DiCaprio

After an opening round bye, Chen (racing to 6) faced four opponents to get into the hot seat match against Duddy, and didn’t give up more than three racks against any of them. He gave up two each to Eddie Perez and Cory Sohlman, before Michael Rodriguez managed three against him. He gave up two more among the winners’ side final four versus William Zarzour and moved into the hot seat match. Duddy, by contrast, (racing to 7, and in one case, 8) opened strong with a 7-1 victory over Chris Peralta, but got locked up in a second round, double hill fight against Bogie Uzdejcyzk. She survived that battle and then downed two Tri-State regulars, Ed Culhane (7-4) and Scott Simonetti (8-4), to join Chen among the winners’ side final four. She survived a second double hill fight against Steve Way 7-6 to face Chen in the battle for the hot seat. They faced each other for the first time, with an aggregate score total of 24-9 (Chen, 72%)

Publishing, Human Kinetics for their sponsorship leading to this event.

PAYOUTS

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th/6th 7th/8th 9th/12th

$780 $510 $310 $200 $120 $90 $70

Arturo Reyes Alex Osipov Tony Ignomirello Bryan Jeziorski Wesley Kennedy, Ramon Feliciano Ed Hugh, Tyronnie Harlee Justin Muller, Gary Murgia, Pat Mareno, Jerica Dela Cruz

to 36-21 (Duddy, 63%). Chen took an early lead in the hot seat battle, but Duddy fought back to knot things at double hill. A fateful decision on a 6-ball in the final game (difficult bank, or safe; she chose safe), left Chen with a difficult shot. A kick-bank dropped the 6-ball, and he ran out from there to claim the hot seat. On the loss-side, Michael Rodriguez was in the midst of a fourgame winning streak that would propel him into the semifinals versus Duddy. He got by George Osipovitch and Eddie DaCosta, both double hill, to draw Zarzour, coming over from the winners’ side final four. Steve Way drew Joe Palone, who’d defeated Culhane 7-3 and Simonetti 8-6. Rodriguez downed Zarzour 6-4, as Palone was eliminating Way 7-5. Rodriguez got his shot against Duddy with a 7-5 victory over Palone in the quarterfinals. Rodriguez got off to a quick start in the semifinals against Duddy, advancing to the hill at six games, before Duddy mounted a comeback that eventually tied the match and then, won it. It was already 3 a.m. on Sunday morning, but Chen and Duddy opted to tough it out and play the final match. Chen won it 7-4 to take top honors. Tour representatives thanked the ownership and staff at Castle Billiards, as well as sponsors Sterling-Gaming, Ozone Billiards, Ron Tarr Cues, Kamui Tips, Phil Capelle, BlueBook Publishing, and Human Kinetics. BY SKIP MALONEY - AZBILLIARDS.COM

DAVLADZE TRIUMPS IN GOTHAM CITY Koka Davladze wins Tri-State event at $1250 Added B/D 9 Ball event held at Gotham City Billiards in Brooklyn, N.Y. His tournament trail of 6 wins and 1 loss, included wins over Tony Ignomirello 8 - 7; Edie Perez 7 - 4 ; Quin Y. Chen 8 - 5; and Tyronnie Harlee 9 - 7; before suffering a loss to Nicholas Chan 7 - 4 for the Hot Seat. From the loss side Koka Joe Palone 7 - 1, to face Nicholas a second time in the finals. Koka finished the Finals in solid fashion with a 9 - 4 victory. Both third place finisher Joe Palone and Trevor Heal are to be congratulated for a strong showing with a 6 win/ 2 loss performance. Enough can not be said about the great equipment and hospitality of the Kevin and Isabel Buckley at Gotham Billiards. The next Tri-State event is a $750 Added A/D at Port Richmond Billiards in Brooklyn, NY on March 24, 2012. Please provide a thank you to Sterling-Gaming,

Ozone Billiards, Ron Tarr Cues, Kamui Tips, Phil Capelle, BlueBook Publishing, Human Kinetics for their sponsorship leading to this event.

1st $810.00 2nd $540.00 3rd $330.00 4th $220.00 5th - 6th $130.00 7th - 8th $100.00 9th - 12th $70.00

Koka Davladze Nicholas Chan Joe Palone Trevor Heal Chris Karp, Tyronnie Harlee Quin Y. Chen, Carl Yusuf Khan Mike Strassberg, Kevin Tufaro, Dan Swayze, Raul Reyes

April 2012 - Stroke Magazine 25

Presents

Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice

Click on the MAP link online to get directions to each location DATE Apr 1 Apr 7 Apr 7 Apr 14 Apr 14 Apr 14-15 Apr 14-15 Apr 15 Apr 19-22 Apr 19-22 Apr 19-22 Apr 19 Apr 20-22 Apr 21-22 Apr 21-22 Apr 21-22 Apr 21 Apr 22 Apr 22 Apr 25-27 Apr 27-29 Apr 28 Apr 28 May 5 May 5 May 12 May 9-20 May 10-13 May 14-19 Jul 20-22 Jul 20-22 Jul 20-22 Jul 20-22 Jul 23-25 Jul 23-25 Jul 23-25 Jul 23-25 Aug 17-19 Aug 30-Sep 3

CITY Flushing, NY E Rutherford, NJ Buffalo, NY Cheekatowaga, NY New York, NY Albany, NY Catonsville, MD Swansea, MA New Town, ND New Town, ND Columbus, OH Billings, MT Billings, MT Vero Beach, FL N. Syracuse, NY Norristown, PA Greensboro, NC Bayside, NY Providence, RI Mtn View, CA Mtn View, CA Buffalo, NY Brooklyn, NY Greensboro, NC E Rutherford, NJ Staten Island, NY Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Tunica, MS Tunica, MS Tunica, MS Tunica, MS Tunica, MS Tunica, MS Tunica, MS Tunica, MS Glen Burnie, MD Scottsdale, AZ

LOCATION PHONE EVENT / RULES ENTRY Carom Cafe (718) 358-8585 Tri State Tour Call Castle Billiards (201) 933-6007 Tri State Tour Call Bison Billiards (716) 632-0281 8-Ball Bar Box $35 (incl g.f.) Pocketeer (716) 822-7665 9-Ball Open $50 (incl. g.f.) Eastside Billiards (212) 831-7665 Tri State Tour Call Golden Cue Billiards (518) 459-9442 25th 9-Ball Open Call VIP Billiards (410) 747-2551 Action Pool tour Call Willaby’s (508) 675-4644 Ride the 9 Tour Call Four Bears Casino (701) 421-0604 8-Ball Classic Men div $60 Four Bears Casino (701) 421-0604 8-Ball Classic Women div $40 All Star Sports Facility (614) 989-0680 7th Annual Ohio State BCAPL Varies MCMOA (406) 208-3506 State 8-Ball 4-person Team $200/team MCMOA (406) 208-3506 State 8-Ball Singles M/W Qual. at bars Cunningham’s Billiards (772) 562-1171 Poison Pool Tour Call Salt City Billiards (315) 454-8643 CNY Tour-Handicap Races $30-$80 Markleys Billiards (610) 278-1595 JPNEW Tour Call Gate City Billiards (336) 301-5873 NC State Junior 9-Ball-BEF Qual. $20 Cue Bar (718) 631-2646 Tri State Tour Call Snooker Sports Bar (401) 351-7665 Ride the 9 Tour Call CA Billiard Club (650) 965-3100 One Pocket $125 CA Billiard Club (650) 965-3100 10-Ball $125 Bison Billiards (716) 632-0281 9-Ball 3rd Anniversary A-$65/B-$50 Gotham City Billiards (718) 714-1002 Tri State Tour Call Gate City Billiards (336) 856-8800 Carolina Senior Challenge $40 Castle Billiards (201) 933-6007 Tri State Tour Call Port Richmond Billiard Club (718) 727-0800 Tri State Tour Call BCAPL (702) 719-7665 BCAPL Nationals Varies CSI (702) 719-7665 U S Open One Pocket Call BCAPL (702) 719-7665 U S Open 10-Ball Call CSI (702) 719-7665 8-Ball - Men’s Open Division $50+$25 fees CSI (702) 719-7665 8-Ball - Women’s Division $50+$25 fees CSI (702) 719-7665 8-Ball - Men’s Sr (55+) Division $50+$25 fees CSI (702) 719-7665 8-Ball - Juniors Division FREE (w/8) CSI (702) 719-7665 9-Ball - Men’s Open Division $50+$25 fees CSI (702) 719-7665 9-Ball - Women’s Division $50+$25 fees CSI (702) 719-7665 9-Ball - Men’s Sr (55+) Division $50+$25 fees CSI (702) 719-7665 9-Ball - Juniors Division FREE (w/8) Big Daddy’s Billiards (410) 757-3488 MD State 14-1 Straight Pool Varies BCAPL playbca.com Southwest Regionals Varies presents

ADDED TIME $1,000 Call $500 Call $250 Guar Noon $1,500 1st w/64 Noon $1,000 Call $2,000 Call Call Call Call Call $10,000 w/128 5PM $3,000 w/64 5PM $1,764 Call Call 6:00PM Call 7:00PM $2,000 Call Call Noon $500 Call Call Noon $1,000 Call Call Call $4,000 Call $10,000 Call $1,000 11AM $1,500 Call Call Noon $500 Call $750 Call $800,000 payout Call $10,000 Guar Call $25,000 Guar Call $3,000-1st w/64 Noon $500-1st w/16 Noon $1,000-1st w/32 Noon Prizes-Entry Noon $3,000-1st w/64 Noon $500-1st w/16 Noon $1,000-1st w/32 Noon Prizes-Entry Noon Call 6PM $6,000 Online

April 19-22, 2012 MCMOA State 8-Ball Championships LIVE from Billings, Montana The Leader In Live Streaming 26 Stroke Magazine - April 2012

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