Colu mnis ts Poma nville Wins NC State Jr 9-Ball Tri State Tour Esteva n 3 in a Row
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Columnists Pomanville Wins NC State Jr 9-Ball
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Tri State Tour Estevan 3 in a Row
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8 Ask the Viper 9 The Monk 10 Bob Jewett
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STROKE POOL MAGAZINE
TOURS 6-7-12-15-20-21-23-25 FEATURES
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JUNIOR PLAYER PROFILE
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2013 April
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North Carolina
JR STATE 9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP The second annual NC State JR 9-Ball Championship was held at Gate City Billiards Club in Greensboro, NC on March 16th. Two brackets were held, (14 & under and 18 & under). Once again we had a strong field of contenders. The 14 and under bracket was won by Garrett Kinney. He defeated Mason Parrish in the finals in a tough battle to the end. Mason earned the right to play in the finals after besting Olivia Templeton hill/ hill in the semi-finals. Garrett, Mason and Olivia have all qualified for the National BEF 9-Ball Championship, Garrett as the bracket winner Mason with his 2nd place finish and Olivia as the top placing girl. The 18 and under bracket was filled with all players that had competed last year. Zack Leonard came out
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victorious beating William Chappell. Zack had defeated Austin Russell (last year’s 14 & under champion) in the semi-finals. This placed him in the finals against William who had won the hot seat match. Zack had to win two matches before William won once as this was a full double elimination tournament and William was unbeaten up to that point. Zack was the defending champion in the 18 & under bracket. Both Zack and William have qualified for the National BEF 9-Ball Championship. All of the particpants in this the tournament played impressive matches and conducted themselves in a highly professional and sportsman like manner. I would like to thank them all for participation.
T J’s Billiards CALL FOR UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS
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Q-CITY 9-BALL TOUR APRIL 27TH
Entry based on Handicap starting at $30 Alternating Breaks - Rack your own - Push after Break - 3 Foul rule - Call the 9 - Two Calcutta’s start & final 25% of field - Players Race to Handicap Calcutta starts at 12:15pm - Sign up ends 12:30pm For more info call Herman 828.593.0559
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April 2013 - Stroke Magazine 5
SOSSEI WINS
NINE STRAIGHT for Joss Tour Win Ron Casanzio, Tim Berlin and Jeremy Sossei
A A
By AzBilliards.com Staff - 2013-03-01
and only set of the finals. The Joss NE 9-Ball Tour will be at Snookers Billiards in Providence, RI this weekend for the 4th Annual N.E. Hall of Fame 9-Ball Open.
fter a first round loss to Matt Tetreault, Jeremy Sossei forged a two day come-back through the one loss side to win the Joss NE 9-Ball Tour's tour stop at Sharpshooters billiards in Amsterdam, NY on February 23rd and 24th. The story on the winner's side of the bracket was the play of Ron Casanzio and Nelson Oliviera. They both made it through the forty nine player field undefeated and faced off for the hot-seat. The hot-seat would go to Casanzio by a 9-3 scoreline. Place On the one loss side, Sossei was mowing down opponents. With 1st the exception of Martin Daigle, not one opponent reached the hill 2nd against Sossei. Daigle will only be able to think about what should 3rd have been as he led Sossei 8-4, but was unable to win the final 4th game before Sossei won the match 9-8. 5th After the loss to Casanzio for the hot-seat, Nelson Oliviera dropped a close 9-7 match to Sossei - and the finals between 7th Sossei and Casanzio were underway. The first set of the finals went to Sossei 9-2, and the second 9th set wasn't much better for Casanzio as Sossei scored a 9-4 victory to complete his 9 match winning streak for first place. The second chance event went to Brent Boemmels, who defeated Dan Menzies 3-0 for the hot-seat and again 3-0 in the first
6 Stroke Magazine - April 2013
Joss NE 9-Ball Tour Stop Open Event
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Amsterdam, NY Playername Jeremy Sossei Ron Casanzio Nelson Oliviera Jason Michas Jeff Smolen Tom D'Alfonso Dave Grau Paul Enslin Kevin Ketz Mark Creamer Matt Tetreault Marco Kam
Prize Money $1,100 $750 $550 $450 $325 $325 $200 $200 $100 $100 $100 $100
Mike Davis
Davis holds off Shuff
By Skip Maloney - AzBilliards.com Staff
Mike Davis made a major move in the Action Pool Tour's 2012-2013 performance ratings with an undefeated weekend on the tour's sixth stop. Davis won three out of every four games he played, going 42-14 over six matches, including two victories over Brandon Shuff; first, among the winners' side final eight and again, in the finals. The 8-ball event drew 38 entrants to Diamond Billiards in Midlothian, VA. Mike Davis opened with a 7-1 victory over Lewis Thomas, followed that with a 7-3 win over Dominic Noe (# 2 on tour rankings), and then sent Shuff west 7-2 to move among the winners' side final four. He was met there by Shaun Wilkie. Tour director Ozzy Reynolds and Dave Hunt squared off in the other winner's side semifinal. Davis and Reynolds downed Wilkie and Hunt, both 7-4 and met in the hot seat match, won by Davis, 7-2. Shuff had moved over, defeating Danny Mastermaker 5-2, and Alan Duty 5-4, to pick up Hunt. Wilkie drewLarry Kressel, who, after being sent to the loss side by Wilkie, survived two straight double hill matches against Dwayne Laub and Leroy Davis to earn the re-match. Shuff dropped Hunt 5-2, and in the quarterfinals, met up with Wilkie, who'd downed Kressel a second time 5-2. Shuff gave up only a single rack in his quarterfinal match against Wilkie, and faced Reynolds in the semifinals. Shuff took Reynolds down 5-2, earning the re-match against Davis. Davis, though, was not to be denied and concluded his undefeated weekend with a 7-2 victory over Shuff. The results left Brett Stottlemyer (who finished in the 13-16 slot) at the top of the tour rankings, with Dominic Noe (finishing in the 9-12 slot) about 200 points behind him. Davis moved into third place, ahead of Dan Madden, Brian Deska (who did not compete), and Reynolds. The seventh stop on the Action Pool Tour, a 10-ball event, is scheduled for March 30-31 at Q-Master Billiards in Virginia Beach, VA.
1st 2nd 3rd
Mike Davis Brandon Shuff Ozzy Reynolds
Action Pool Tour Stop ~ Midlothian, VA $700 $500 $300
4th 5th 5th
Shaun Wilkie Larry Kressel David Hunt
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$200 $100 $100
7th 7th
Leroy David Alan Duty
$60 $60
April 2013 - Stroke Magazine 7
“The“The Viper” Viper” An Interview by:
An Interview with Top Ranked Player Stevie Moore Aka The Blade
Melissa Little
Melissa “The Viper” Little has been a WPBA Touring Professional for over 10-years, she has represented the USA in Four WPA World Championships and has over 20 top-10 WPBA career finishes. Melissa is currently the housepro at the Wynkoop Brewing Company located in Downtown Denver. She teaches monthly clinics, gives private lessons, and has created a juniors program that promotes billiards education to the local youth. For more information about Melissa please visit: www.melissalittle.com Read more articles by Melissa Little at www.onthebreaknews.com
I had an opportunity to share some time with Stevie as he stopped in Colorado for a night prior to him competing in Wyoming Open in late March 2013. I am honored to introduce you to Mr. Stevie Moore… The Interview: Viper: Where were you born? Stevie: Spartanburg S.C. Viper: Where and when did you first start playing pool? Stevie: Arcadia, S.C. There was a gameroom beside my home called Mary’s Quick Stop. I was 9 years old. Viper: What are your biggest accomplishments in the sport of billiards so far in your young career? Stevie: I won my first tournament at 10 years old at Mary’s. Over 100 Southeast Regional Titles 1995 World 9 Ball Bar Table Champion 7 Time Seminole 10 Ball Pro Tour Champion 2007 Derby City World Bank Pool Champion 2008 Steve Mizerak Champion Televised on FSN 2009 US 8 Ball Bar Table Champion 2009 & 2010 NYC Champion 2010 Turning Stone XVI Runner up 2011 New England Hall of Fame Champion 2012 US 10 Ball Table Runner up 2012 Derby City World 9 Ball Runner up 2012 Derby City Fat Boy Challenge Runner up 2012 Super Billiards Expo Players Championships Runner up Viper: Did you currently have any sponsors? Stevie: www.justcueit.com CTE/Pro One Aiming system, Mezz Custom Cues, Mr. Cues II Billiards Atlanta GA, Bermuda High Soaring Jefferson SC, Hamricks Clothing Gaffney SC, Layer3 Communications Atlanta GA, www.steviemoore.com Viper: Did you ever play in a pool league? Stevie: NO Viper: Are you good at any other sports?
Stevie: I’ve always excelled at whatever I put my mind to. Golf, Basketball, Baseball, Fishing Although I put them all aside once
I learned CTE/Pro One to focus all of my attention on my pool game. Viper: Describe yourself in three words? Stevie: Quiet, Loyal, and Driven Viper: If you had to live your young life over again, what would one thing you change about yourself and/or your new pool career? Stevie: I would’ve become a movie star! It pays a little better. lol Viper: Who were/are your favorite professionals? Stevie: Yu Ram Cha, I like her demeanor at the table. She is very determined when she plays. And beautiful too! Viper: How do you prepare for events? Stevie: I practice my break and the straightness of my stroke. Viper: What was the best advice you were ever given? Stevie: CTE/Pro One this information takes all of the pressures off of aiming so I can focus on my stroke. (Viper continued on page 32)
For Juniors Events, Tournament News, Sponsors, Lessons & For My Fans...
The WPBA Touring Profession
www.melissalittle.com 8 Stroke Magazine - April 2013
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Always be ready with a backup plan Following the super billiards expo we prepare for Vegas and the league tournaments. It is always a great time in Vegas, good for the sport, good for the game. Too often however, we wait until the last minute and arrive to “wing it” and hope for the best. When we run into someone who is prepared, we are sent to the slot machines to wait for the team events. I remember a particular trip to Vegas where I was fully prepared to take it all. I drove out there in my motor home. On the way, I stopped in Springfield MO and played a local gentleman. In that set, I ran seven racks of eight ball. I was ready for Vegas. We were playing for a dollar a game and the guy quit, accused me of hustling him.
The Monk
Tim Miller
My next stop was Tulsa. There I did an exhibition and did not miss a shot for close to three hours. Man was I ready for Vegas. I stopped in a little place in Amarillo Texas and ran in to one of their legends. I was ready. During my playing days I only play one set. It is all or nothing unless I am training. In this one set, my legend only got a few kick shots. I was totally ready to storm Las Vegas. Do not miss out on specific training in this game. When I was on the road I did the “Mid Term Exam” every day and if my numbers were 16 or above I was strong enough to play anyone. Take action and measure your progress and we willing to make adjustments. When I was training I mastered the five shots in the 2-7-2 program. I worked on my safeties. I worked on my break. I was ready. And when I came out of the desert and drive across the dam, up over the hill, I could see the lights of Vegas. It is always a thrill. This time, I proved something valuable. In the first set I lost all sense of cue ball speed. I could not control the cue ball and lost. Since I knew I was going to lose, I decided to try an experiment. In my next matches I would only shoot the five 2-7-2 shots found in The Lesson. If I went to the table and one of those shots was not available to me, I would simply hand my opponent the cue ball. It was amazing. I even told some of my friends what I was doing. They were shocked I could run racks and win matches with just those five shots. In one of my earlier videos I ran forty five balls just using those shots. They come up all the time. In every rack you will find one of the 2-7-2 shots. During my run through the loser’s bracket I won nine matches in a row. 2-7-2 is a measurement of perfect speed with perfect stroke. Once you get that perfect speed and perfect stroke you are presented with the five most popular shots in the game. Shooting five popular shots with a perfect stroke puts you in the winner’s circle. I have a mini e book that illustrates the 2-7-2 program. Email me at shippinglog@yahoo.com and I will send it to you FREE OF CHARGE. I want you to be ready for Vegas. Don’t go out there and “wing it”. Enjoy your time on the practice table. Enjoy your training. And may all the rolls go your way.
The Philippine Experience YOU ARE READY FOR A NEW GAME AND A UNIQUE TRAINING MANUAL FULL COLOR WIRE BOUND FOR ONLY $129.95 http://www.monkbilliardacademy.net/PHILIPPINEEXPERIENCE.html
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April 2013 - Stroke Magazine 9
COLUMNIST
Bob Jewett
San Francisco Billiard Academy www.sfbilliards.com San Francisco Billiard Academy is a BCA Certified Master Academy.
The Kicking Game Are you tired of trying to kick at your object ball, missing it completely and giving up ball in hand? Here is a fun way to spend serious time improving your knowledge of the angles off the cushions. I call the game “Kicks.” The basic idea is that you shoot nothing but kick shots. You have to complete “sets” of shots with the cue ball hitting 1, 2 and 3 cushions before the object ball, with one of each kind of shot in a set. When you complete a set, you get one point and start on a new set. If you already have a 1-rail kick in your current set, you don’t get credit for another, so to continue at the table you need to make a 2-rail kick or a 3-or-more-rail kick. While you can play this as just a drill, it is more fun playing against other players. Each player gets his own ball to kick at so there will be obstacles on the table in multi-player games. The break shot is shown in the diagram. In this game ball in hand means you have to put it on the head string (border of the kitchen) but you can shoot in any direction. Possibilities for each of the three kinds of shots are shown. For a shot to count, it must be a legal hit as in a normal pool game which means after the cue ball contacts your ball, some ball must make a cushion contact. Also, if you scratch, the shot doesn’t count even if you made a good hit. More than three cushions is OK if you are going for three. You never lose a shot you have already scored. If the object ball is near a cushion, hitting the cushion just before the ball does count as a cushion although it might seem a little cheap. If you don’t have a chalk board to keep score on, use coins. A penny, a nickle and a dime on the cushion in “your area” mean that you have completed a 1, 2, or 3 rail shot. Even better would be colored poker chips with yellow=1, blue=2 and red=3 as markers. In solo practice, see how many misses you have when completing five sets of three kicks. In competition, you can have a race to five sets or play by the set. On each shot, you have to try to make a legal hit, so there is no real safety play involved. If this basic game proves too easy for you and your buddies, here are some optional rules to make it tougher: OR1: Add 4-cushion shots to the sets. Use a quarter to mark the score. OR2: For the last shot of
10 Stroke Magazine - April 2013
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Bob Jewett
your set to count, you must pocket the object ball. The best strategy for this case is to save your one-cushion shot for last and start working your ball towards a corner pocket. OR3: Your opponent is allowed to call which shot you must go for. OR4: Each player only gets one shot per turn. This game is similar to a practice drill demonstrated in the Video Encyclopedia of Pool Practice. If you have suggestions for improvements or you like particular optional rules, please drop me an email.
CHALK TALK Sponsored by: Master Chalk
The Psyche of a Pool Player THE SKY IS NO LIMIT BY: DON AKERLOW
Most everyone in the professional world of sports has a trainer. That doesn’t mean that the average barroom pool player needs to go on a diet or eat all the salads or the right type of nutrition, although that may be true, that’s not what I’m talking about. You don’t have to go out and run a couple of miles everyday because you’ll get your exercise going around the table. A trainer is someone who will improve a professional or semi-pro athlete’s game. A pool instructor is someone who can improve your game. In the game of billiards or pool, whether it is played in a bar, on a circuit, in tournaments, leagues or around the world, most of the players that I know have never taken a lesson. Myself, I’ve only taken one and I regret that because I learned so much from that lesson. I regret not taking it earlier in my game.
think after you’ve taken some lessons. Some lessons can be a little bit expensive but find out what you are going to get for the lesson. Maybe you need more than one instructor to teach you different things or you need to move to another instructor so you can learn different techniques. Everybody is different so if you want to improve your game - don’t go out there and buy that $1,000 stick. Invest in yourself and find an instructor that can teach you how to improve your game. Then you can invest in that cue.
These instructors have taken many hours of training to pick out various people’s, I don’t really want to say, “flaws”. Actually it is whether you are stroking; how you’re hitting the ball; how you’re standing; how you’re positioned; how you’re holding the stick; whether you follow through; whether you stand up; whether you poke, not stroke. There are so many variations on what you can do wrong and I’ve done most of them if not all. In my travels around the Northwest, I was asked several times, “Where can I go to find a good instructor, who can teach me how to make my game improve? How can I learn to do trick shots? How can I learn to break? I want to know what I’m doing wrong.” That’s encouraging. There are some people out there that realize that no matter how often they practice, if you don’t practice correctly, you’re not going to improve. Or if you practice the same flaws in your game, over and over again, you’re not going to improve either. Your game may be erratic, it may be spontaneous, and that’s the reason you need to get back to basics. You need to learn what you’re doing wrong in order to move on and improve your game consistency. I would guess probably 90% of the average players has learned as much about shooting the cue ball, applying the english, the diamond system and just how in general to shoot the ball, but he or she is still inconsistent with their game. Finding the flaws in your game from a trained professional is in my opinion the best way to go because they will have you do different drills, different exercises that you can do in order to improve your game. If you don’t know of an instructor ask your friends, ask your league operators, go into a pool hall and ask whoever is working there if somebody can teach you how to improve your game to become more consistent. Then let me know. You can e-mail me at pool@onthebreaknews.com. I’d like to know what you
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April 2013 - Stroke Magazine 11
GA TL
IN
ASKINS
stops loss-side bid by Lewis to win GSBT stop in
MYRTLE BEACH By Skip Maloney - AzBilliards.com Staff
Gatlin Askins stopped a five-win, loss-side challenge by Scott Lewis to win the March 2-3 stop on the Great Southern Billiard Tour. The $1,000-added amateur event drew 39 entrants to Shore Thing Billiards in Myrtle Beach, SC. Lewis was sent to the loss side from among the winners' side final eight, by Phillip (SkiBo) Britt, who moved on to meet Askins in a winners' side semifinal. B.J. Hucks squared off against Mike Slaughter in the other. Askins downed Britt 9-5, and was met in the hot seat match by Hucks, who had survived a double hill match against Slaughter. Askins got into the hot seat with a 7-6 win over Hucks, and waited on Lewis. Lewis' five-match trek to the finals began with a 9-1 victory over Larry McGee, and was followed by a 9-7 win over Wendell Thompkins. He drew Slaughter in the matches that would decide the tie for 5th place. Britt picked up Mike Johnson, who'd defeated Greg Dix 8-7 and Younger Chapman 7-4. In a straight-up race-to-9, Lewis defeated Slaughter, double hill, while Britt was busy eliminating Johnson 9-3. Lewis gave up only a single rack in the quarterfinals against Britt, and gave up only three, in a 9-3 win over Hucks in the semifinals. Askins and Lewis fought to double hill in the single-set final, before Askins prevailed to claim the event title. Tour directors Shannon and Marge Daulton thanked Brent Hudgins and his Shore Thing staff for their hospitality, as well as sponsors Nick Varner Cues and Cases, Andy Gilbert Custom Cues, Tiger Products, Delta-13 Racks, and Steve Lomax Cues.
Great Southern Billiard Tour Stop Myrtle Beach, SC
Place 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 5th 7th 7th
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Playername Gatlin Askins Scott Lewis BJ Hucks Phillip Britt Mike Slaughter Mike Johnson Wendell Thompkins Younger Chapman
Prize Money $700 $400 $300 $200 $100 $100 $60 $60
JUNIOR PLAYER PROFILE
FULL NAME: Karsyn Renae Terry HOME TOWN: Chicago, IL BIRTH DATE: 3/4/99 GRADE: 8th GPA: 3.8+ FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Math POOL ROOM(S) WHERE YOU PLAY: ”Red Shoes Billiards - Alsip, IL and Pressure Billiards - Chicago, IL” What kind of cue(s) do you use? “Shooting cue: Predator P3 with a Predator Z2 shaft and a Kamui Black Soft tip. Break cue: Cutec WTC Break Cue - Weight : 21oz., Phenolic Ferrule, 13mm Hard Leather Layered Tip. Jump cue: J. Pechauer Jump Cue.” AT WHAT AGE DID YOU START PLAYING POOL? 8 years old LEFT OR RIGHT HANDED? Left TITLES / HIGHEST FINISHES: ”2012 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships: 2nd place in the girls 14 & under. 2011 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships: 5th place in the girls 14 & under.” OTHER NOTABLE AWARDS: 2007 Marion Stamps Youth Center Intramural 8 Ball pool tournament: 1st place, as well as received the MVP award. MOST MEMORABLE POOL MOMENT: Sponsor(s): My most memorable pool moment was when I almost beat Jeanette Lee (The Black Widow) at the 2011 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships. I missed a long 9 ball and the rest is history. FAVORITE BAND/MUSIC: Mindless Behavior HOBBIES: Of course playing pool. But I also like to swim, sing, and dance. I participate in the Whitney Young Swim Club. I’m a member of the Mark Skinner Glee Club. And I also take Jazz and Hip-Hop classes at the Hubbard School of Dance. FAVORITE POOL GAME: 9 Ball FAVORITE POOL PLAYER: Allison Fisher FAVORITE FOOD: Chinese Food - Chicken Broccoli REAL-WORLD HERO: Both of my parents FONDEST CHILDHOOD MEMORY: My fondest childhood memory is back in 2004 when my dad lived in Flossmoor, IL and he got Tita, our pet Chihuahua, for Christmas. She was small enough to fit in one of my dad’s hands. When she got a little bigger, I would chase her all through the house and the back yard. It was like she knew it was a game and every time I got close to her, she’d dart away. She was just too fast. GOALS (PERSONAL AND/OR CAREER): My main priority is to continue to maintain a 3.7+ GPA. Next, I want to continue to improve all aspects of my 9 Ball game while also becoming more proficient in other disciplines such as 8 Ball and 10 Ball. I would love to play on the Pro Tour one day. It would be great to be able to say that I have what it takes to play at that level. Ultimately, I want to finish college
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Karsyn Terry and then go to medical school. Then end goal is to be either a Plastic Surgeon (cosmetic or reconstructive), or a Cardiologist. I have a while, so I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? My main priority is to continue to maintain a 3.7+ GPA. Next, I want to continue to improve all aspects of my 9 Ball game while also becoming more proficient in other disciplines such as 8 Ball and 10 Ball. I would love to play on the Pro Tour one day. It would be great to be able to say that I have what it takes to play at that level. Ultimately, I want to finish college and then go to medical school. Then end goal is to be either a Plastic Surgeon (cosmetic or reconstructive), or a Cardiologist. I have a while, so I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.
April 2013 - Stroke Magazine 13
14 Stroke Magazine - November 2012
Pomainville By AzBilliards.com Staff
First Joss Tour Win
Norm Pomainville made his way through field of 41 players at Trick Shot Billiards in Clifton Park, NY to win his first Joss NE 9-Ball Tour stop; but it wasn't easy by any means. Pomainville dropped the hot-seat match in a heartbreaking 9-8 match to Tom Acciavati, but bounced back with a 9-6 win over Ron Casanzio on the one loss side. Pomainville squared off against Acciavati in the finals, and won the first set in another hill-hill match. The first set appeared to take all of the wind out of Acciavati's sails as Pomainville dominated a 9-2 match to capture first place. The second chance event on Sunday draw field of sixteen players and Paul Rozonewski went undefeated to win this event. Rozonewski came out on fire and won his first three matches 3-0. A 3-2 win over Dan Menzies got Norm Pomainville, Tim Berlin and Tom Acciavatti Rozonewski into the hot-seat and a 3-1 win over Jeff Smolen in the finals earned Rozonewski the win. The Joss NE 9-Ball Tour will be at Salt City Billiards in Syracuse on March 23rd and 24th for their next event. Tour director Mike Zuglan is taking signups now for the Turning Stone Classic XXI, which will take place at Turning Stone Resort & Casino on September 19th - 22nd. Interested players should contact Zuglan at (518) 356-7163.
a
a
Joss NE 9-Ball Tour Stop Open Event Trick Shot Billiards - Clifton Park, NY 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 7th
Norm Pomainville Tom Acciavatti Ron Cosanzio Jeremy Sossei Kevin Ketz Greg Antonakos Bruce Carroll Chance Chin
$1,100 $800 $600 $450 $325 $325 $150 $150
Joss NE 9-Ball Tour Stop Second Chance Event 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 5th
Paul Rozonewski Jeff Smolen Dan Menzies Ray Jewett Paul Picard Dave Dimeo
$320 $210 $130 $80 $40 $40
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April 2013 - Stroke Magazine 15
the WPBA
Eleanor
Callado
Clenches
Brandon Shuff
Johnny Archer
16 Stroke Magazine - April 2013
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Regional Tour Championship BY: JANIS SESSIONS There are 8 Regional tours that are held across the US and the top finishers would get an invite to the $3,000-added WPBA Regional Tour Championship to Bogie’s Billiards in Houston, TX. Kim White-Newsome was our tour director at Bogies. Kim is a WPBA Touring Professional and this is her pool room home in the Lone Star State. From our Flamingo Billiards Tour in South Florida; Cassidy Mulligan and I would accept the invitation to compete in one of the most competitive events for women who love the game of 9-ball. The event would start on Thursday 03/21/2013 with a players meeting at 4pm, sign in and one round of matches to start after the board was finalized. This is a 4 day event, true double elimination with a race to 9 on the winners’ side and a race to 7 on the one-loss side. Mulligan journey would start on Thursday night and she had to play Angela Martinez. Martinez won 9-4 and Mulligan would come back on Friday to play Amber Stone. Mulligan won 7-3 and would move on to play Kara Murphy; again Mulligan won 7-2, which would end her matches for Friday. My journey started with a bye on Thursday night and I would have to wait until Friday. My first match was with Janet Atwell (WPBA Pro) who won the match 9-0. Atwell played very good and that would end my matches for Friday. For Mulligan and I it was a very interesting and good day on Friday. Still more pool to be played on Saturday and still a lot of great players left. Saturday would come and Mulligan played Ginger Bowen; Mulligan won 7-4 and then played Stephanie Goens; Mulligan won 7-5. Then Mulligan played Meredith Lynch who would take the win 7-3. That would be the end of the tour for Mulligan; but it was not a total loss because Mulligan finished in 13th place and in the money. My next match on Saturday would start around 4pm and I would play Tiffany Mundie. Mundie had won the night before 7-4 over Pauline Mattes. I would win my match over Mundie 7-3 and then play Mindy Williams; I would get another win 7-4. Then wait to play Belinda Lee. We start the match around 8pm or so, Lee would play very strong and win 7-3. For me even thought I lost, I still felt great and very happy with the matches that I won and placed 13th and also in the money. The FLORIDA FLAMINGO’s CASHED….and placed 13th….NICE. We both got our first WPBA check. On Sunday there were still 16 ladies left playing to see who would take the title of 2013 WPBA Regional Tour Championship and a lot of very good matches to be watched. Eleanor Callado had been on the winner side with wins over; Amber Stone 9-2; Angela Martinez 9-3; Kim Pierce 9-3; Janet Atwell 9-5; Suzanne Smith 9-2. Callado got her first loss when Jana Montour won 9-7 which was the HOT SEAT match. Callado would come back from the one-loss side with a win over Susan Williams 9-4. Callado would play Jana Montour again and would win the Championships. Congratulations: Eleanor Callado who is the 2013 WPBA Regional Tour Champion. Congratulations: Jana Montour finished second and played very strong the entire tour. Congratulations: Susan Williams finished third and also played Kim White, Cassidy Mulligan, Janis Sessions very strong the entire tour. Eleanor Callado and Jana Montour’s photos courtesy of Suzanne Smith Susan Williams photo courtesy of Kim White
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 7th 9th 13th
Eleanor Callado Jana Montour Susan Williams Sandy Badger Debbie Cervantes, Suzanne Smith Belinda Lee, Mary Hopkin Natalie Mans, Janet Atwell Shawn Modelo, Meredith Lynch Cassidy Mulligan, Jennifer Kraber Kia Sidbury, Janis Sessions
$2,250 $1,350 $900 $720 $540 $450 $270 $270 $180 $180
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Jana Montour
Susan Williams
FLORIDA FLAMINGO’s CASH at the 2013 WPBA Regional Tour Championship Houston, TX.
April 2013 - Stroke Magazine 17
Men 9Ball Kurt England
Men Team- Danny Mulhollen, Joey Ivock, Mike Mcclain, Pat Calvaresi, Butch Wiemer
EASTERN REGIONAL BCAPL CHAMPIONSHIPS $40,125 paid out!!
Men 8Ball Steve Booth
Dana Campbell, Edie Dean, Amy Theriault, Ida Hardman
18 Stroke Magazine - April 2013
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CHAMPIONSHIPS ell the BCAPL regional championships turned out to be exactly that….a true championship of endurance, mental strength, concentration, and down to the wire action in every event. The men team and 8ball events went hill hill and sudden death where only the 9ball event went hill/hill in the first match up. The women went about their events a little differently and decided not to play out any of the finals to get back on the road and let the king seat drivers take first place. Not what we wanted but understood since the event did take much longer then we all expected due to the lack of space and tables at the last min from the casino. The good news is that we have already agreed to get the additional 40,000 sqft ball room and add 26 tables to our current 30 to give us the opportunity to add some of the 78 players we had to turn aside during the weeks before the event. The event by the numbers: 315 total players, 30 tables, 3 days, 19.5hrs of pool a day, 6 events, $41,125 paid out to the players, $2,137 paid out to the charity “ohio valley breast cancer awareness inc”, no sleep, and some awesome pool playing! The men team was the first final and after mully ’s disposed of the handslappers for the king seat, they met again in the final. The first match was a blow out at 13-4 win for the handslappers to make it into a another round to decide the winner…back and forth teams ran out to keep it tied until it was 10-9 hand slappers needing just 1 game to win…chad Fairchild missed the 8ball and gave mike mcclain a chance to force sudden death. What seemed like a tough out and maybe a possible safe game, mike decided to go for the breakout and win the game to tie it at 10-10. Sudden death is decided by captains picking their best player and lagging for the break. Mike mcclain was picked by mullys and brian frank was chosen by the handslappers. Brian won the lag and had a great break…the 8 got tied up so he played a great safe to only see mike mcclain back cut his object ball
RESULTS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
MULLY’S BILLIARDS $3000/$1000 HAND SLAPPERS $1500/$500 RIVERSIDE ACES $1000/$300 BREAKERS $750 BULLFROGS NO CHANCE $500 POOL HALL JUNKIES $500 SNAP CRACKUM N POP $275 SCHULTZ’S II $275
WOMEN TEAM: 1 FIGHT LIKE A GIRL 2 McTHUNDERSTRUCK 3 ALL RACKED UP 4 BEJEWLED DRAGON MEN 8 BALL: 1 STEVE BOOTH
$1300/$400 $800/$200 $580 $300 $1300/$1600
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
KURT ENGLAND DEE ATKINS ROB STILLWELL ACE AUGFURY JOE HEALY GARY BROWNING SHAYNE MORROW DYLAN LIPATOPANLOP BRIAN FRANK WILLIAM MCCOY ROY RIFE JAROD GRAFFIUS RICHARD NACE BRIAN ALFREDO Joey Ivock
WOMEN 8BALL:
$900/$800 $500/$700 $360/$500 $200/$250 $200/$250 $125/$150 $125/$150 $100 $100 $100 $100 $75 $75 $75 $75
into the side and go two rails through 6 balls and come out perfect for the runout and the $4000 first place money… The 8 ball was also a great event as many hill/hill matches marked the final 16 players. Steve booth waited for an eternity to meet the already 9ball champion kurt England in the final. Kurt came out swinging with a 4-1 win to force the extra match…after Wome n back to back Teruko 8 & 9 Cuccu to back runouts lelli steve ended up winning on a rare miss by kurt to win the final 4-3 and claim his title. Kurt was in the king seat for 9ball for over 12 hrs and after some of his best playing of his life, joe healy from MD worked his way to meet Kurt…even though he played great, kurt was just too much and ended up winning the title 5-2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8)
TERUKO CUCCULELLI LONETTE FOX JULIE SKRIPAC ALBIANA CHAKLOS AMY THERIAULT KRISTEN HANSON SERENA COPENACE EDIE DEAN
$450/$600 $250/$400 $130/$200 $100/$150 $80 $80 $55 $55
MEN 9BALL: 1 KURT ENGLAND 2 JOE HEALY 3 MARK THOMPKINS 4 JOEY ARBUCKLY 5 GENE ROSSI 6 SHANE LYKINS 7 MIKE CUMBERLEDGE
$1400/$1100 $700/$600 $500/$400 $300/$300 $150/$200 $150/$200 $100/$100
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8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
CLINTO MURRAY BRIAN BOWMAN ROGER RILEY BILLY TAYLOR ACE AUGFURY SHANE JACKSON BILL MCCOLLIM STEVE EBERLY PHIL BUSI
$100/$100 $80 $80 $80 $80 $55 $55 $55 $55
WOMEN 9BALL: 1 TERUKO CUCCULELLI 2 DANA GILMORE 3 CARRIE SHANNON 4 LONETTE FOX 5 SERENA COPENACE 6 TARA JUSTICE
$330/$500 $190/$200 $130/$150 $90 $65 $65
April 2013 - Stroke Magazine 19
Predator Tour
Iceman and Wright go UNDEFEATED
“Story by NYC Grind Editor, Alison M. Fischer”
The Predator Pro/Am Tour kicked off the month of March with their fourth tour stop of the 2013 season, held on March 2-3 and hosted by one of the premier pool rooms in Queens, Cue Bar in Bayside, NY. The Amateur 9-Ball division of the event was held over both Saturday and Sunday, and drew in 50 of the New York Tri-State area's top pool players. By the end of day one, only four players remained undefeated to move on to the second day of competition. 11am was the beginning of action on day two… where on the winner's side, Karim Moumen defeated Bryan Toolsee 7-2 in the C/D side, while Steve Wright defeated Archie Wong 7-3 in the A/B side of the bracket. Steve Wright was then up against a newcomer Left to R ig ht: to the final rounds of the Predator Tour, Karim 2n d Pla c e fin is h e r K a ri m M o Steve Wri g ht Moumen, in the hot seat match. With Wright rated as u m e n, 1st Pla a n d 3rd Pla c e c e: : R o m e o Sin g h an 'A' and Moumen rated a 'C', Moumen would be spotted four games on the wire in a race to nine. In this match, Moumen only managed to put up one more game, and Wright won it at 9-5. Going into the second day of one-loss side competition, eight players were left standing with a chance to get redemption. One of those players was Romeo Singh, who had previously lost in the last round of play on day one on the winner's side to Archie Wong. He then moved on to defeat Mike Panzarella 8-6, Rhio Anne Flores 7-6, and turned around his previous loss to Wong, winning against him 7-6 to make it to the quarterfinal. Paired up against Singh in the quarterfinal match would be Brian Toolsee, who had previously lost to Karim Moumen on the winner's side, but bounced back by defeating Joe Torres 7-3. The quarterfinal match would be largely dominated by Romeo Singh, who won by a four-game margin y at 7-3. Pla c e: To n d n 2 i, d n Singh then move on to the semifinal match, where he was Ka c e: D a n ie l la P d r 3 paired up against Karim Moumen, who waited after his earlier t n P ro Eve Im m o n e n L-R Op e n / hot seat match loss. The semifinal would be a la c e: M ik a
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th/6th 7th/8th
Predator continued on page 30
COMPLETE PAYOUTS ABCD Steve Wright Karim Moumen Romeo Singh Brian Toolsee Archie Wong, Joe Torres Rhio Anne Flores, Roy Lim
20 Stroke Magazine - April 2013
st P R o ble s & 1
$1,000 $650 $450 $300 $175 $125
9th-12th 1st: 2nd: 3rd:
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Ray Feliciano, Dave Shlemperis, Mike Panzarella, Bob Toomey $75 COMPLETE PAYOUTS OPEN/PRO Mika Immonen Tony Robles Daniel Kandi
$600 $350 $150
EMIT YOLCU undefeated
Left 2nd place - Keith Diaz; 1st place - Emit Yolcu; 3nd place - Jamie Polito
During the event, Emit defeated Charles Slatter 6 - 1; Kyle Bubet 6 - 3; Linda Cheug 7 - 6; Nicholas Chan 6 - 4, and Keith Diaz 6 - 4 for the Hot Seat. During this time Jamie Polito, after suffering a first round match to Tony Ignomirello 6 - 2, won 9 matches in a row to face Keith for a shot in the Finals. Jamie was worn out after his long ordeal and Keith played solid thoughout the match, prevailing against Jamie 6 - 1. Keith took an early lead in the Finals against Emit until the 12th rack at 6 all. They traded places with Emit finshing 8 to 7. Please provide a thank you to Sterling-Gaming, Ozone Billiards, Poison Cues, Ron Tarr Cues, Kamui Tips, Phil Capelle, BlueBook Publishing, Human Kinetics for their sponsorship leading to this event.
Kyle Bubet
While Alex Osipov plowed throught the win side defeating Thomas Rice for the Hot Seat. Kyle, who after defeating Pat Mareno 6 - 0 and suffering a loss to Eddie Perez 6 - 5, did some damage of his own. Kyle proceeded to win eigth matches in a row against Inna Bediner 7 - 2; Dennis Kennedy 6 - 3; a Left 1st place - Kyle Bubet; 3rd place - Thomas Rice rematch against Eddie Perez 6 - 0, Sam Hoffman 6 - 4; Chris DeCaprio 6 - 4; George Poltorak 6 - 2 and Thomas Rice 6 - 2. Kamui Tips, Phil Capelle, BlueBook Publishing, Human Kinetics for their Upon reach the Finals, Kyle automatically received the win for sponsorship leading to this event. the event, owing to the fact that Alex Osipov, on call at work, was forced 1st $600 Kyle Bubet to leave early. Special acknowledgement also goes to Thomas Rice for his 2nd $340 Alex Osipov great performance, giving up only 3 games in his first four matches. The 3rd $230 Thomas Rice next Tri-State is a $750 Added A/D event, to be held on Sunday, March 4th $135 George Poltorak 24, 2013, at the Clifton Billiards in Clifton, NJ. Please provide a thank 5-6 $80 Chris Derewonski, Cchris DeCaprio you to Sterling-Gaming, Ozone Billiards, Poison Cues, Ron Tarr Cues,
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April 2013 - Stroke Magazine 21
“The Aftermath” Dennis Hatch and JohNny Archer
Johnny Archer
Dennis Hatch Bison Billiards March 27, 2013 What an amazing turnout for our exhibition!! First, we want to say a big THANK YOU to Dennis Hatch and Johnny Archer for coming to Buffalo and putting on such an incredible exhibition in our pool hall. Both Dennis and Johnny are stand up professionals who truly know how to put on a great show! Second, we want to extend gratitude and thanks to every one of our customers who supported the event. We sold well over 100 tickets to this event and we couldn’t have done it without everyone, it was a packed house! We truly hope you enjoyed the exhibition and your experience at Bison Billiards!
Kevin, Johnny, Mike, Mike Jr.
22 Stroke Magazine - April 2013
Congrats to Frank C as well for winning the cue raffle, which was a brand new Scorpion cue signed by both Dennis and Johnny. Congrats as well to all participants who were able to play a game of scotch doubles with both professionals.
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MR CUES II ESTEVAN WINS THIRD STRAIGHT STOP
It was a busy March himself a re-match against 9-10 weekend on the Lea in the semifinals. He Simonis Cloth Classic took full advantage of the Tour, with three events, opportunity, defeating Lea in two cities - Atlanta, GA 9-4 and turning for a chance and Murfreesboro, TN. to stop Estevan's bid for Mr. Cues 2 in Atlanta three straight Simonis Cloth hosted two events, a Classic titles. Not to be. $1,000-added, standard, Estevan took the opening set Simonis Cloth Classic of the potential true double combination 9-ball and elimination final 9-6 and 8-ball tournament that drew claimed that third straight 35 entrants. A concurrentlytitle. run $500-added Open/ The 18-entrant 10-ball Handicapped tournament event became a three-match Jesse Middlebrooks, Rick Sweet (Mr Cues II) and Dana Aft drew 18.Bernardo Estevan contest between Dana Aft chalked up his third straight, and Jesse Middlebrook. undefeated victory on the tour in the 8-ball/9-ball event, while Ms. They met first in the hot seat match, which Middlebrook won 5-2. Aft Dana Aft took home the top prize in the Open/Handicapped event. moved over to face Norris Likens in the semifinals. Likens had defeated Estevan was once again among the winners' side final four, this time Jeff Jordan 5-2 to earn the opportunity. Aft, though, hung on to win facing Tony Plescia, as Robert Lea, a strong, local 8-ball player, who had the double hill semifinal 4-3, and got a second, and third crack against throughout the tournament been dominating the 8-ball portion of his Middlebrook. She survived an opening set double hill match, and then, matches, faced Jeff Abernathy. Estevan got into the hot seat match with won a second double hill match to claim the event title. a 9-6 win over Plescia, and was met by Lea, who survived a double hill Tour director Mike Janis thanked the Sweet family of Mr. Cues, struggle against Abernathy. Estevan sent Lea west 9-4 and waited for and their staff, with whom he has been associated for 14 years, as well what turned out to be the return of Abernathy. as sponsors Simonis Cloth, Steve Lomax Cues, Kamui Tips, Silver Cup On the loss side, Abernathy picked up Randy Jordan, who'd defeated Chalk, Tim "The Monk" Miller, Sir Joseph Cue Gloves, Pool & Billiard his brother, Jeff 7-5 and just gotten byBucky Souvanthong, double hill. Magazine, and (a new welcome to) GoPlayPool.com. Plescia drew http://www.azbilliards.com/thepros/2000showplayer2013. The next stop on the Simonis Cloth Classic Tour is set for April php?playernum=2828Jeff Hooks, who'd defeated John Maikke 7-5 and 4-5 at Stix Billiards in Villa Rica, GA. Janis is also reminding players J.R. Rossman 9-4 (Sunday matches were races to 9). Abernathy and to plan ahead for the $5,000-guaranteed payout, 4th Annual Richard Plescia got right back to winning; Abernathy downing Randy Jordan 9-4 Sweet Memorial Tournament, scheduled for June 27-20. For further and Plescia dominating Hooks 9-2. information about any of these events, log on to SimonisTour.com Abernathy then ended Plescia's run 9-7 in the quarterfinals, earning
Results 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 7th
Main Event Bernardo Estevan Jeff Abernathy Robert Lea Tony Plescia Randy Jordan Jeff Hooks Bucky Souvanthong J.R. Rossman
$1,000 $650 $475 $275 $150 $100
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 5th
Open/Handicapped 10-Ball Dana Aft $300 Jesse Middlebrook $200 Norris Likens $150 Jeff Jordan $100 Pat Campbell $50 Faith Thompson $50
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1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 7th
Murfreesboro, TN Billy Young Jeremy Hart Jonathan Pinegar Tab Pranee Eddie Adams Lee Uhles Dale Lorenz Stu Altes
$1,200 $800 $500 $250 $115 $75
April 2013 - Stroke Magazine 23
Get a Grip
BY: SHARI ROSS
To Ref Or Not To Ref, That Is The Question!
So who should be a ref? Do you have the knowledge, eyesight and the basic understanding of physics, if so this job “may” be for you, if not please don’t apply. I guess you can tell that I have found another issue we need to address, who we give responsibilities to and who we let make crucial calls and decisions in our sport. For the last few months I have been asking you to check yourself, now we need to look at those in charge of our fate. Before I dive into the problems I would like to acknowledge the time and energy that these people do give to us when many of the players don’t. Mind you many of the refs are paid but I’m pretty sure if you added up the hours it wont come close to minimum wage. With that now its time for that leap from the high board. We will be looking at a couple aspects of the picking and teaching of said refs. So you know, I have done some asking and was shocked to find out that the refs used at our regional and national events are certified. I have witnessed myself many very evident bad calls that a trained eye would of seen. I hope you are not one of the people that this has happened to, but those people are probably few and far between. I must admit I don’t know how they are chosen but I do know the wrong ones are, for the most part. Lets say you are in a tourney and had a choice to ask an APA 2 or 3, or a Dan Louie or John Doherty to watch a hit what would your choice be? Unfortunately we don’t get that choice. I know I want someone who knows what is possible or not, who knows what the balls should do if it’s a good or bad hit over someone with out the knowledge and perfect eyesight. This is a job that you need all the qualifications for not just a
certificate saying you took a class. There should be some kind of audition to pass before hiring anyone. Also referees should be unbiased, informative and calm I witnessed the exact opposite of this and it needs to be addressed by those in charge. So who does this training? And who tests that they retain and understand this training? I can’t answer these questions but I hope the people who can are reading this. We need to find a way to test and use it before tournaments to check and reinforce what to look at. Whether it’s the path the balls take on a good hit or the path on a bad hit, physics don’t lie, pick one or the other and let the balls tell you what happened. All of the refs should be looking for one, good or bad, so there is no confusion in the there minds of which was which. I do have some ideas of how to test and would gladly share them with those who do the hiring. These bad experiences are ruining other wise great events and are jading the players. We need to start questioning and verifying abilities instead of relying on a piece of paper. This is what the rest of the world does so why don’t we? I am sorry for missing last month and that this article isn’t on the topic I said it would be but after what I witnessed and heard at regionals I couldn’t wait to get this out there. So until next time, when we get back on track, don’t be complacent or a sheep, ask questions and be heard. If we don’t speak up we can not expect things to get better. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RESPOND OR MAKE A COMMENT EMAIL- POOL@ONTHEBREAKNEWS.COM SUBJECT- GET A GRIP
MY GAME - CRAZY 8
These are the rules to a different and challenging game. We play it here at Gold Crown Billiards in Hollywood Fl. I would like others to try it and to get feedback. We have over twenty players and are organizing a weekly tournament. Please feel free to let me know what you think of it. Thank you, Don Hevia THE RACK FOULS—All fouls result in “Ball-in-Hand” The 8 ball is placed in the middle of the rack with the 1 and 15 A player who pockets a ball and fouls must spot that ball. If a player pockets behind the 8 ball. an opponent’s ball and fouls, the ball is not spotted. THE BREAK Any ball off the table is a foul. If the player knocks his own ball off the table, it is If a ball is pocketed on the break, the player has choice of low or high balls. spotted. If a player knocks the opponent’s ball off the table it is not spotted. After the break the second player may push as in Nine-Ball. AUTOMATIC LOSS THE GAME Pocketing the 8 ball and scratching on the break results in a loss. Any early The player who chose low ball must hit the lowest numbered ball on the 8 ball results in a loss. table. Balls must be pocketed sequentially, from 1 thru 7. Nine-Ball rules apply. MISC The player who chose high ball must hit the highest numbered ball on the table. Balls When a table is “open” combos from low to high or high to low are legal. must be made sequentially, 15 thru 9. Nine-Ball rules apply. The pocketed ball is counted, and the player must continue to play the sequence of WINNING THE GAME the pocketed ball. After all of a player’s balls are pocketed and the 8 Ball is called and Jump cues are STRICTLY prohibited. Jump shots with a full cue are legal. pocketed, the player wins the game. The 8 Ball pocketed on the break also wins the game.
24 Stroke Magazine - April 2013
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The Iceman wins another Predator Open against Robles For the second time in a month, Mika Immonen stopped a loss-side streak by Tony Robles to capture an Open event on the Predator Tour; this one on the weekend of March 16-17. In a concurrently-run Amateur event, Rob Piersa went undefeated to take the amateur title. The $500-added Open event drew 12 entrants to Mr. Cues in Lindenhurst, NY. The $500-added Amateur event drew 55 entrants. In a deja vu, all over again scenario from March 3, Tony Robles lost his first match, albeit on this St. Patrick Day's weekend, he'd been awarded a bye in the opening round. Joey Korsiak sent him west 7-5, and went on to face Liam Monk among the winners' side final four. The Iceman, in the meantime, squared off against Ray Romanski. Korsiak advanced with a 7-3 win over Monk, while Immonen was busy shutting out Romanski. Mika got into the hot seat with a 7-4 win over Korsiak, and once again, found himself waiting on Robles. Robles moved west and after shutting out Darren DeFilippis, downed Asa Shaw 7-3, which set him (Robles) up to face Romanski. Monk picked up L-R Tony Robles (2nd), Mr. Cue owner Scott Murphy, Liam Monk (4th), Mika Immonen (1st) Mark Perel, who'd survived a double hill struggle against Dave Shlemperisand defeated Rich Lang 7-5. Robles then eliminated Romanski 7-0, and in the Iceman gave up one more rack to The Silent Assassin than he'd given up back on quarterfinals drew Monk, who'd defeated Perel 7-3 (Robles had been sent west by March 3 (7-2 that time, 7-3 this time), but the result was the same. Immonen Monk and defeated him in the 5/6 matches back on March 3). completed an undefeated run and claimed the event title. Robles then wreaked his vengeance on Korsiak with a semifinal shutout. The
1st
Mika Immonen
$550 2nd
Tony Robles
$350 3rd
Joey Korsiak
$200
Piersa goes undefeated to take Amateur Event Amateur
L-R Phil Davis (2nd), Shawn Sookhai (4th), Mr. Cue owner Scott Murphy, Rob Piersa (1st), Rikki Ragoonanan (3rd) By Skip Maloney - AzBilliards.com Staff
In the Amateur event, it was Piersa and Phil Davis meeting in the hot seat, once Piersa had defeated Dave Ascolese 7-2 and Davis had sent Scott Murphy west 7-5. Piersa got into the hot seat with a 7-3 win over Davis and waited on his return. Ascolese and Murphy picked up their second loss in a row, when both fell in double hill matches against Rikki Ragoonan and Shawn Sookhai, respectively. Ragoonan had defeated Aaron Moody and Keith Adamik, both 7-4 to reach Ascolese, while Sookhai had downed Brian Toolsee 7-5 and survived a double hill battle againstCarl Yusuf Khan. Ragoonan then eliminated Sookhai 7-4 in the quarterfinals, and had his own loss-side streak ended by Davis 7-3 in the semifinals. Piersa claimed the Amateur title with a 7-5 final victory.
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1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 7th Carl 9th
Rob Piersa Phil Davis Rikki Ragoonan Shawn Sookhai Dave Ascolese Scott Murphy Keith Adamik Yusuf Khan Bill Meyer Aaron Moody Billy Santiago Brian Toolsee
$1,000 $675 $450 $300 $225 $150 $100
April 2013 - Stroke Magazine 25
DYNAMIC DUO The
In this month’s issue of Rackem, our Player Profile features not one but two players. They are the Sister/Brother Duo of Taylor and Tristan Hansen of Madison Lake, MN, who were both selected to the 2012 VNEA Junior Nationals All-Star Team. This award is given out to the players who had multiple high finishes at this year’s tournament in Lincoln, NE. For Taylor, this is her second year in a row for this award. When asked how this all came about, it was best summed up as a story narrated by their parents, Troy and Jana Hansen. It really started about 5 years ago when the kids always inquired how their dad did at that week’s pool league. He would always explain to them how he shot great this time but messed up that time. He would always lay out the runs that he had made or messed up, on the kid’s 8-in-one game table which included a 4 foot pool table. They took genuine interest and always wanted to try it themselves. Their dad always insisted that if they were going to do it, they might as well do it right. He sized them both up with the 4 foot sticks that came with the table by putting electrical tape where they should hold their hands. He explained the stance, grip, bridge and the stroke the best he could and also showed them YouTube videos so they could actually see how it all worked together. Who knew that would set this all in motion. In 2009, they started their first youth pool league at C&N Sales in Mankato, MN. The following year, they added a second league to their schedule while traveling 150 miles each league day to Shooter’s Billiards in Burnsville, MN. This year, in search of even stiffer competition, now has the family traveling 150 miles for each session to the D&R Star League in Rochester, MN. Taylor (14) and Tristan (turning 10 just days ago) opted to play in the 14-20 year old division for the best competition possible. Just when you think they have enough on their plate, enter the MPA (Midwest Poolplayers Association) with a regional tour featuring adult tournaments ranging from the C division to Master’s. They really took to this as this forced them to stay on top of their games. They have humbled many adults and
26 Stroke Magazine - April 2013
made many new friends and fans as they climb this ladder in their quest to be the best they can be. Out in a recreation room above their garage, there is a constant reminder that hard work pays off. They have amassed (52) trophies, plaques, medals and cue sticks as a result, not to mention the money. By practicing countless hours on the 7 & 9 foot tables, they then turn that into friendly but fierce competition amongst each other. This definitely keeps their game at a high level. After a grueling season that extends from October to June, they take a couple of weeks off to vacation, only to return and start a race to 100 in 8-ball and 9-ball in preparation for the next season. This season however, their vacation may be more pool as they try to qualify for the 2013 BEF US Junior Nationals 9-Ball Championships at the Rio in Las Vegas. They have more recently teamed up with local National Master Mike Lowe as he works to take their game to the next level. His snooker table and 3 cushion billiard’s table also add another dimension to their game. As time goes on, they hope to be playing all the games such as 8, 9 & 10-ball, straight pool, 9-ball banks and one pocket. A common goal for these two is to be the best they can be and claim as many National Titles as they can and continuing with the same goals at the adult level. A good collection of Charlie’s is a good thing. One other goal high upon Tristan’s list is to play as the youngest invited player in the “Seco Varani KC Club Open”, which is one of the most prestigious tournaments of the year in MN in honor of one of the game’s premier ambassadors. With numerous goals already accomplished, the ones they obviously cherish the most are from the VNEA
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(continued on page 30)
Kelly Fisher wins Amway Spring Open By AzBilliards.com Staff
Kelly Fisher shows no signs of slowing down after her great 2012 performance. Fisher has started off the year with an undefeated run through the field to win the Amway eSpring Women's World 9-Ball Open in Chinese Taipei. Fisher cruised through her initial group of players with a 4-0 record, winning 28 of 35 total games. That record earned her the #1 position in her group and a first 1st 2nd 3rd 5th
Kelly Fisher Jasmin Ouschan Chieh-Yu Chou, Pei-Jen Tsai Zhu Ting Wu, Ya-Ting Chan Xiao-Ting Pan, Allison Fisher
$34,000 $13,000 $6,000 $2,800
round bye in the single elimination stages of the event. In the single elimination stage, Fisher had wins overChihiro Kawahara, Xiao Ting Pan, Chieh Yu Chou and then Jasmin Ouschan in the finals. Fisher earned $34,000 in prize money for the while, while Ouschan settled for $13,000 in second place prize money. 9th
Yuan-chun Lin, Xiao-Fang Fu, Si Meng Chen Tzu-Chien Wei, Han Yu, Chihiro Kawahara Ga-Young Kim, Doudou Zhou
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April 2013 - Stroke Magazine 27
Lucky
BY: ANDREW MONSTIS
Lucky About Life: PART 2
Lucky asked me to fly out to Kansas, …I landed and got a rental car went over to the tournament, Lucky was there hanging around, walked up to him Lucky said life is but a song with many layers, A man has to walk down many roads to become a man. Not really sure what he meant by that, as many other things Lucky has said it will be clear down the road... ..I caught the tail end of the tournament. The Shooters tournament was a concern for Lucky mainly because since it was a club where people smoked. It was a highly talented tournament, with many skilled players and fun to watch. There was this waitress named Judy what a hard worker getting drinks and order out fast. They had on the menu a Pork loin with Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme stuffing it was great. Judy had the prettiest blues eyes. There were 144 players at the tournament. Warren Kiamco reached first in a brutal field. Lucky decided he had to stay away from Warren because of when they played two years ago in Reno. Lucky felt Warren would likely ruin any potential game with anyone there. Lucky’s goal was to play one of the local players because the action was in most players. …..Lucky was looking for a one pocket game…’Down Town Cheddy Brown’ was able to arrange games, Got one with Guy named Joey. When they meet Joey gestured in hesitation “are you guys serious Cheddy” Joey looking at this old man wondering if he can play pool. “OK” “I like money” Lucky was expressionless but I knew Lucky didn’t want to seem confident or show he was annoyed at the disrespect he was shown. Joey asked if ‘the old man’ wanted a spot… Lucky said “what kind of a spot should I get from you”, Next was ‘the Circle Game’ Joey confident and sizing up Lucky said 10-8 Lucky finally agreed. Joey suggested $50 a game Lucky said $100 a game. How many ears do you need to hear I want to play. They easily agreed to $200 a game. Lucky’s favorite game is one pocket and he plays it like no one else does or can. If you could read Luckys mind what a tale it would tell. Lucky whispered to me….. Glenn Atwell came in and sat with me to sweat the match. He got a little side bet on Lucky. Glenn wanted to bet all his money but I told him not to put too much attention on it. They flipped the coin Lucky won flip and the break. They played an ordinary game each making balls and Joey won. Lucky paid him. Joey broke, it took 25 minutes and Lucky won. After a couple of hours the games went back and forth. They were even. Lucky miscued on the break many times but came out ok. The breaker was not winning the game. Joey wasn’t breaking well either. Glenn pointed out Joey wasn’t playing his top speed he was stalling but so was Lucky… You know Joey thinks that he easily could beat Lucky. The shots were going back and forth. The games were very long. It was hard to watch with so many safeties. Lucky was waiting and waiting for Joey to get impatient and jack the bet. They played basically even for most of the day. The spot was looking to everyone watching as appropriate. Lucky was waiting for Joey to make that move but nothing was happening. Lucky is an old man and he has physical limitations. He whispered to me that this kid must
28 Stroke Magazine - April 2013
be training for a marathon or working out every day. They kept playing into the night. You started to think that Joey was waiting for Lucky to get impatient and make him jack the bet, real gamesmanship. I think I nodded out a few times, and woke up only when the crowd said something about a great shot, which I missed. Joey stated “even doesn’t cut it” Joey finally blinked. Joey was sure he would walk all over Lucky. His attitude was, as Cheddy said very confident! Joey said how much will you play for old man, Lucky said “I like to bet” “so what do you have in mind”, Joey looking over at his backers got the nod. Joey said “Whatever you want to play for!! “ If we play for more money what spot should I get. Joey said thought a moment and said the breaks, Lucky said what about the break and 9-7, Joey said no! Breaks and 9-8 for $2000 race to 4. Joey knew he wasn’t breaking that good but saw Lucky miscue several times, I am sure Joey felt like he was stealing offering up the break. Glenn chomping at the bit wanted to side bet more, I told Glenn Lucky might lose the first set. Safe to bet both side now! Joey and Lucky were talking a little smack at each other. Lucky standing ready to break said let this white dove sail….. Lucky broke then miscued again but still laid but still made the classic opening with no shot for Joey. He said “how do you do that old man” Lucky said “ do you believe in magic”. After a few shots and safeties. Lucky made a ball about every other inning. Lucky won the first game. Joey looked at Lucky and noticed that Lucky may have played a little better now. Lucky broke miscued again, reached for the chalk and scrapped his tip with a squeaky noise and stared at the newly coated tip. The balls just laid tough for Joey again. All these miscues and Joey should have gotten better opening shots. Joey studied the cluster and Lucky leaned over and said and whispered in my ear “I accidently gave him a shot. He might not see it”. Joey continued to study the table. He found a shot in the stack and shot into it and a ball went into his pocket. Joey he ran out. One to one…. Lucky knew he made a mistake one he won’t make again. Lucky has played so flawless since I first met him and I saw he didn’t control the game. What was up with that I thought. He wasn’t as perfect at this game or was he? Lucky whispered it wasn’t a bad thing. Lucky broke, the miscue bug was really all over him, what was up I thought, the balls wide open….and a ball in hung in his pocket. The crowd was stirring over all the miscues they had seem by Lucky. The balls were just sitting there wide open, an easy road map. Joey got up from his chair, chalked and bent over to shoot an easy run out and he miscued fouling. The crowd was taken back and not a word was said you could hear pins dropping. It was like rain drops falling from the sky with the sound of silence. Lucky got up and ran out stating with his hanger. Joey staring at Lucky, Lucky could only say “ It ain’t me Babe” two to one! Lucky made a decent break and hadn’t miscued for a change. The game seemed like the usual moves type game. Joey laid down what he thought was a game winning trap on Lucky. You could tell by the way he looked over to his backer Lucky got up and miscued knock the cue ball awkwardly into the stack and unbelievably he made a ball in his pocket. Lucky looked around
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Lucky About Life: PART 2 Continued the room and everyone was staring. The small crowd sensed that something was happening here what it was not exactly clear. I knew then that Lucky was miscuing on purpose no one else had a clue. Lucky composed himself and was able to run out. Three to one. After a bunch of moves and great shots Lucky won the set plus the $2000. Joey showed that he and or his backer were getting impatient they wanted to get the money now!! Joey after a conference with these two guys came back and said Race to 6 for $5000. They had played now for about 16 hours and it was getting day break. Lucky was tired. I could see and Joey was ready to go. Lucky told me that this kid might have the best stamina of anyone he’s played in the past few years since coming back playing. That worried me some because the old man had a longevity gear for his age and might be wearing down the spot remained the same breaks and 9-8. It may have been Joey’s plan to wear down Lucky. The match started in usual fashion Joey a little more aggressive made some good shots and won game one. Then Joey won game two. Lucky won game three that makes the score Joey 2 Lucky 1, In Game 4 a small opening and Joey ran out 3 to 1. Lucky broke and miscued and scratched owing a ball. Lucky fouled on his next shot owing two balls. Joey moved and got out in 3 innings. Score now 4 to 1. It was time for Lucky to break and he was sitting in the chair with his eyes closed. I walked up to him to see if he was breathing, He had fallen asleep. I said to Lucky he still has a match to finish. Lucky rubbed his eyes and stood up walked slowly to the table and broke. A ball trickled in his pocket. He was running out got hooked had to play safe. Joey got out. It was about 20 hours of play now and Lucky was behind hill to one. Lucky’s txt message alert came through his phone. He picked up the phone and read the message. I could see his face go blank. Hesitated a bit then Lucky asked if they could finish in a couple of hours. There was a few who chuckled at the comment, “but how could we do that”, Lucky said let the house hold the money if I don’t come back in 4 hours its yours. They didn’t want to do that. Lucky said “OK then here’s what I want to do, press the bet right now” to $10,000 if you win and $12000 if I win, I have to win from 5 to 1 deficit. Joey being on the hill and his backers smelling blood they could not say no. If I win from here I get a little rest. The backers thought this as an imprudent move by lucky but if he wanted to lose his money fast they were going to oblige. Since it looked like this was going to be the last set $10,000 was better than $5000.
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Lucky came back told me that the message was that a friend Scotty Sinnott passed away. Scotty grew up in Idaho heard he Played a lot in Portland in his later years. Lucky would run into him all over the country decades ago. Where ever there was a 6 by 12 snooker table where he bet it up playing Golf. “One of the smartest golf player a 6 by 12 ever seen”. Lucky was a little upset about the news. He was a friend I hadn’t seen in a long time. Heard he had a neurological condition. I know everyone can’t live forever as shown by all the fallen in the past few years, we are all getting older he told me. That’s the way the world goes around, this darkness is everyone’s old friend. Lucky sat back up from the chair, said “ok are we on” they said “sure no problem” They counted out the money and posted it on the light. Balls were racked. Lucky broke made a ball and ran out. No inning for Joey, Lucky broke Made a ball and ran out score 5 to 3 you know people have seen one pocket players run out two consecutive game before, no big deal. Lucky broke made a ball and ran out, 5 to 4 now the crowd staring at something they likely never seen before. Lucky broke Made a ball and ran out 5 to 5. In a strange sort of way I think everyone including the Backers and Joey wanted to see Lucky run out the set. Lucky got to hill to hill, Glenn Atwell said “Lucky’s made his move, damn! I should have started betting real high”. Lucky broke, it looked like no ball was head for his pocket then a ball hit what was a wired combo aimed at the pocket and knocked a ball in. The room was silent. Lucky stood there, no hangers and no shot to start. Lucky studied it and studied it then scratched his head. The table advantage was visibly on Joey’s side of the table. The run seemed to be over. Then got down and hit the stack kind of hard. A ball came out of the stack. Basically a few balls kind of separated open and that one ball went moving around the table the only ball with any velocity. He let the cannon ball fly, one rail then another and another it was a 4 rail shot. It went through where the stack was clumped and right into the pocket, what a shot. All easy shots left. Lucky shot balls so fast no one knew what hit them. Lucky reach for the light said thank you guy, Lucky said pick up our stuff were out of here. Everyone one was so shocked it was like they all stopped breathing and turned into statues in a early morning fog. Lucky said “I need some rest”. Joey said how did you do that? Lucky just said “The answer was: blowing in the wind” my friend.
Lucky
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April 2013 - Stroke Magazine 29
DYNAMIC Junior Nationals. They are as follows: Taylor: 2010 Youth Female Singles - 4th (9-13 division) 2011 Youth Female Singles - 2nd 2011 Youth Team - 4th (9-13 division) 2011 Youth Highest Placing All Female Team 2011 National All-Star Team 2012 Youth Female Singles – Champion 2012 Youth Team - 3rd 2012 Youth Highest Placing Mixed Team 2012 National All-Star Team Tristan: 2011 Youth Male Singles - 4th (9-13 division as a 7 year old) 2011 Youth Team - 7/8th 2012 Youth Male Singles - 5/6th (9-13 division as an 8 year old) 2012 Youth Team - 3rd 2012 Youth Highest Placing Mixed Team
2012 Youth Speed Pool - Champion 2012 Youth Scotch Doubles - Champions (with partner Cameron VanOverbeke) 2012 National All-Star Team As Taylor and Tristan continue this long journey, they are determined to keep this all in perspective. Faith, family and friends are at the top of the list followed by their schoolwork. No School, No Pool. They also want to be known as ambassadors of the game. They hold many raffles to raise money for their adventure and hope to pay it forward to others in youth pool and keep this sport alive. The kid’s would like to thank all those that support them throughout, whether it is by supporting their raffles or just wishing them well and giving them pointers. They will try their best to make us all proud. They would also like to thank their sponsors: Fantom Cues, John Stich at Midwest Poolplayers Association and Roger at Sward Custom Cues for all they do to make this happen. Also, thanks to Mike Lowe for taking over as their new coach and mentor. Nobody envisions the true potential here more than Mike and he shows it with his enthusiasm at every lesson. And last but not least to Daxs Balenger, who is their biggest fan, was their coach at Shooter’s Billiards and to this day is one of Tristan’s Adult/Youth partners.
Iceman and Wright close match, but Moumen would end up winning it at 7-5 after Singh scratched while making the nine to stay in the match. In the finals, Karim Moumen would have another shot to take on Steve Wright in their second meeting of the tournament… where Moumen would win three games to Wright's nine, as he finished off an undefeated run through the event at Cue Bar. After having placed fourth in the previous Predator Tour stop, the Empire State Championships, Steve Wright kicked things up a notch to win his first event of the season. Wright spoke briefly about what he believe lead to his success in this event. "Determination was the key factor for me," said Wright. "I was determined to do better than at the Empire State Championships, where I took 4th. I figured if I can make it that far, I have the ability to win it." Congratulations to Steve Wright on his win, along with Karim Moumen on a standout finish in second, and 3rd and fourth place finishers Romeo Singh & Bryan Toolsee. The Predator Pro/Am Tour's fourth stop of the 2013 season was hosted by Bayside, NY pool room Cue Bar in Queens. On the second day of the event, the one-day Open/ Pro 10-Ball event was held with a field of eleven players. Despite the small field for this event, it was not short on talent…and as is often the case on the Predator Tour, some visiting international players highlighted the action. One of these players would go through the winner's bracket to go up against Mika Immonen in the hot seat match, Denmark's Daniel Kandi. While Kandi is a multiple national title holder for snooker in Denmark, he is actually most well-known for a different talent. Daniel Kandi is also an internationally acclaimed trance/electronica DJ currently touring the US, and appeared at one of NYC's hottest night clubs Pacha on Friday night. Kandi would make it to the hot seat match of this event after defeating Raphael Dabreo 7-2, Jennifer Barretta 7-5, and Vikram Dasavi 7-2. Former US Open 9-Ball Champion Mika Immonen would also work his way to the hot seat match after wins over Gregg McAndrews, 7-1, Mike Esposito 7-0, and Liam Monk 7-6. In their match for the hot seat, Immonen and Kandi fought back and forth to tie at 4-4, when Kandi broke and ran out to lead 5-4. But, an error in the next rack swung the momentum back in Immonen's favor, and he went on to win the match at 7-5 and stake out his spot in the finals. Another foreign newcomer to the tour was the player who knocked Tony Robles to the one-loss side in the first round of the event… Liam Monk. Hailing from Essex, England, Monk has been a longtime snooker player, but picked up American pool merely three weeks ago. After defeating Robles 7-0, he had another win against Mark Perel 7-3 before losing a close battle to Mika Immonen at 7-6.
30 Stroke Magazine - April 2013
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Monk then had a rematch against Tony Robles, which turned out very differently from their first duel… as Robles was firing on all cylinders and did not give Monk many opportunities to get his foot in the door, ending in a 7-2 win for Robles. Leading up to that match, Robles started off on the one-loss side with a 7-1 win over Jerry Tarantola and won a close fight against Gregg McAndrews 7-6. Robles' win over Monk would land him in the quarterfinal against one of New York's top emerging young talents, Raphael Dabreo. Dabreo had strong showing at Cue Bar, as he bounced back from a first-round loss to defeat Mike Esposito 7-3, Mark Perel 7-0, and Vikram Dasavi 7-6. But, Dabreo's run would end in the quarterfinal, as he was eliminated by Robles at 7-1. Tour owner Tony Robles then moved on to the semifinal, where he was met by Daniel Kandi. In this match, Robles hit a high gear with his break, and ran out racks with his signature 'Silent Assasin' swagger that had been lacking in some of his recent tour appearances. Robles would with the match by a score of 7-3, and Daniel Kandi would finish in 3rd. In a match-up seen in years past in the finals of the Predator Tour, it was Robles vs Immonen once again. Robles took an initial 2-1 lead in this match, but Immonen then tied it at 2-2. The big momentum shift of the match would happen in the following game, as Robles missed a routine six ball, and Immonen ran out to lead 3-2. From that point on, Immonen never looked back, and Robles did not capitalize on the few opportunities he had. Immonen won the next six games to take down the win at 9-2. Although Mika Immonen recently took a hiatus from competing, he is now back in action and working hard to prepare for the 2013 touring season. Immonen was pleased with how he played at Cue Bar. "It felt good to catch a gear," said Immonen. "I've been teaching a lot, which has been helping my game. It helps you to practice what you preach." Next on the horizon for Immonen will be a trip to Gavle, Sweden for the Interpool Open at the end of the month, and after that he will be focusing on Bonus Ball, set to kick off Las Vegas in April. Congrats to Mika Immonen on his win, along with Tony Robles for a very solid performance to take second, and Daniel Kandi for his third place finish in his first appearance on the tour. Tour owner Tony Robles would like to acknowledge Cue Bar for their support of the tour, along with tour sponsors Predator Cues, The National Amateur Pool League, Delta-13, NYCgrind, and PoolOnTheNet.com. The next Predator Pro/Am Tour stop will be held on March 16-17 at Mr. Cue Billiards in Lindenhurst, NY on Long Island.
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Press Releases
2013 World Games
Broomfield, Colo., March 13, 2012 - The Billiard Congress of America is honored to announce that Monica Webb, Jeanette Lee, Johnny Archer, and Brandon Shuff have accepted invitations to represent the United States of America as they compete at the 2013 World Games in Cali, Columbia this summer. In an effort to increase pro-player travel stipends for this prestigious event, the BCA has reduced the rate of the official billiard rules mobile application from $2.99 to $.99. The new price is in effect immediately and will only be discounted for a limited time. 50 percent of all proceeds from the sale of the official billiard rules mobile application will go to assisting the American players' travel expenses. In a collaborative effort to increase the travel stipend the Billiard Congress of America is also seeking members of the billiard industry to donate to the travel fund for the Americans competing at the 2013 World Games in Cali, Columbia. The Billiard Congress of America has requested that each industry sponsor donate a minimum of $200, with 100 percent of their donation going to the travel stipends for the 2013 World Games in Cali, Columbia. "The Billiard Congress of America is reducing the cost of the official billiard rules app and is reaching out to the industry hoping we can come together and collectively send America's best pool players to bring home the Gold from this year's World Games," said Billiard Congress of America Chairman Mike Serra. "The BCA would like to thank the American Poolplayers Association, Championship Cloth, Iwan Simonis, Tweeten Fibre, CueSports International and CueStix International for already expressing
interest and support for the industry wide fund raising campaign." The Billiard Congress of America's official mobile rules application is available for both the iPhone and Android platforms and contains the World-Standardized Rules of Pocket Billiards (8-Ball, 9-Ball, 10-Ball, 14.1 Continuous Pool, Black Ball, and more). The official billiard rules app is designed for players and enthusiasts who want instant access to the World-Standardized Rules, regulations and table specifications. The app also allows users the opportunity to email the Billiard Congress of America directly from the application with a rules question. This mobile application also gives players a new way to seek answers from certified BCA and World-Standardized referees. To support the pro-player travel stipends as an industry sponsor and send America's ambassadors to the World Games this summer in Cali, Columbia, click here, complete and return the form to the Billiard Congress of America. Depending on your service provider, click iPhone or Android to support the pro-player travel fund for only $.99 and download your mobile rules app today. The mobile application is powered by the Professional Billiard Instructors Association (PBIA). The PBIA is the largest recognized international body of billiard instructors, and is dedicated to growing cue sports through quality billiard instruction to individuals at all levels of proficiency to ensure that pool-playing students have a positive playing experience. For more information about the PBIA visit www.PlayBetterBilliards.com.
Eligibility Expansion Announced
CueSports International, Henderson, Nevada (March 3, 2013) – The BCAPL (BCA Pool League) National Championships will be held July 17-27, 2013 for the first time at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. The move allowed the producer, CueSports International (CSI), to expand the overall group of events due to the addition of approximately one third more convention space than ever available before, but CSI is also able to expand some divisions. CSI announces that the BCAPL Men’s Senior Singles, Men’s Super Senior Singles and Women’s Senior Singles will include the following eligibility changes: MEN’S SENIOR SINGLES A player that is senior age (55 years of age prior to the start date of an event) and also ranked as an Advanced player may participate in the Senior division but must spot an Open level player one game (6-5). Players that are senior age and rated as a Master or Grand Master are not eligible to participate in the senior’s division. They must play in their appropriately rated division. MEN’S SUPER SENIOR SINGLES Men that turn 65 years of age prior to the tournament start date are eligible to participate in the Super Senior division. Regardless of a players rating, if they are of Super Senior age they are eligible to participate. There is no handicap involved regardless of rating.
WOMEN’S SENIOR SINGLES A player that is senior age (50 years of age prior to the start date of an event) and also ranked as an Advanced player may participate in the senior division but must spot an Open level player one game (5-4). Women that are senior age and rated as a Master or Grand Master are not eligible to participate in the senior division. They must play in their appropriately rated division. THERE IS NO WOMEN’S SUPER SENIOR DIVISION. Women that turn 60 years of age prior to the tournament start date are eligible to participate in the Women’s Senior division regardless of player rating. As in the past, any senior age player may choose to play in the Open division if they are not rated as an Advanced, Master or Grand Master. CueSports International is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. In the past 8 years CSI has directly paid out $8,000,000 to players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events such as the US Bar Table Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial, the US Open One Pocket Championship, the US Open 8-Ball Championship and the US Open 10-Ball Championship. Visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com, and www.playusapool.com for more information about CSI and its divisions.
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April 2013 - Stroke Magazine 31
Press Releases
Cues On A Plane! By Jerry Forsyth - 2013-03-06
The days of putting your cue in the baggage hold of an airplane and hoping to meet up with it again at your destination are coming to an end on April 25. According to including ESPN: In a revision to its prohibited items list, the Transportation Security Administration will now allow certain sporting equipment and small knives to be carried on to flights. The changes, which take effect April 25, were made to conform with international standards and to allow officers to "better focus their efforts on finding higher threat items such as explosives," according to a TSA statement. Through TSA’s layered approach to security, and to align more closely with International Civil Aviation Organization standards, effective April 25, 2013 TSA will allow knives that do not lock, and have blades that are 2.36 inches or 6 centimeters or less in length and are less than 1/2 inch in width, novelty-sized and toy bats, billiard cues, ski poles, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks and two golf clubs as part of their carry-on baggage.
“The Viper”
Available on March 15th, 2013
Onyx-Ltd Tips From Tiger Now Contain Orange Color Layer By Tony Kalamdaryan
Requested by you the players, we have just created the new Onyx-Ltd tips that comes with a special orange color layer (3rd from the bottom) to do two very important things. First to warn you when it’s time to replace the tip, second making sure our tip looks different than all other black color tips in the market today. When your local repairman installs the tip, make sure all genuine Onyx tips have the orange color layer in it. Visit with us at www.tigerproducts.com
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Viper: What is one thing that you enjoy most while playing pool? Stevie: It allows me to express myself. Viper: If you could say one thing to a young up-coming player what would it be? Stevie: Learn CTE/Pro One Aiming and get stroke instruction. Viper: What’s your Favorite game? Stevie: 8 Ball Questions from Melissa’s Facebook page: Jonny Tsunami from Toledo, OH: With professional pool struggling what should be done to give the sport a boost? There is just not much money in pro pool. Stevie: Someone needs to win the lotto. Robert Rigg from Sioux Falls, SD: What is his biggest moment as a player? Stevie: Beating Efren Reyes in semi’s and finals of 2007 Derby City Banks. I have a 3-1 winning record against the Magician. Twice-in banks and once in 9 ball. He beat me a round of banks that year too. Played him three times in that tourney. Crazy Christina Petersen Piona from Suisun City, CA: His favorite road story? Stevie: One time in Nashville my road partner took his welding beanie off and started pouring baby powder on his head while running around the table and screaming ‘I’m in stroke junior’. ‘ Junior I’m in stroke’. It was one of the funniest things I had ever seen. I have so many stories about my trips with him. I wish I could share them all. Jason Christopher Hunt from Newark, NJ: ask him why he’s always copying my hairstyle... he knows what I’m talking about…lol Stevie: Cause you so stylish Jason. You know this man! Manny Talavera from New Castle, IN: How is Earl Strickland as a coach? Has he helped your game? Did you go to a 70-inch cue like Earl? Stevie: Earl is one of the most talented and knowledgeable players to have ever played the game. No doubt he has helped my game on numerous occasions. My cue is 64”. I changed the length of my cue after hitting balls with Earl’s cue.
32 Stroke Magazine - April 2013
Kenny Spicer from Saint Joseph, MO asks: what systems he uses most. I already know what his number one is, but would like to know which others he thinks helps his game the most. Stevie: I had no system before CTE/Pro One. I need no other system. CTE/Pro One connects you with the geometry of the table. This is the only way to play pool in my opinion. There is no guessing or feel involved. Ken Margetts from Montrose, CO asks: Wish I could be there to talk with him in person, but lately he’s been a huge supporter of CTE/Pro One and I would just love to hear more about what he’s has to say about it? Stevie: I learned Pro One May of 2010 and it has been the best information I have ever learned to help my game. It allows me to have objectivity. It gives language to what my eyes have seen for 25 yrs but could never repeat on a consistent basis. It has given me a pre-shot routine that is the same every time. It connects me with the geometry of the table. It allows me to focus on cue ball and stroke when I shoot instead of the object ball. Randy Sregeant from Janesville, WI asks: My question would be for ave. A to AA player, when a player is stuck at this level and never seem to get better no matter how much you practice, how do you get to the next level. Also in 8 ball, been losing games on the break, have good break but balls don’t fall, how do you improve the break. Melissa, you could probably answer this question. I wish someone would. Stevie: Get a different perspective. Instruction is what helped me. Make sure the outside rows of balls are frozen from the head ball down to the corner balls. A special “Thank-you” to Stevie Moore for taking time out of his travelling schedule to participate in my Ask the Viper. Till next month you can find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wpbaviper
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WEEKLY TOURNAMENTS
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CITY Levittown, NY Somerville, MA Brookhaven, MS Warren, MI Warren, MI Dayton, OH Hilliard, OH Akron, OH Edison, NJ Branford, CT Bowling Green, KY Columbus, OH Tallahassee, FL Butler, PA Monroe, MI Livonia, MI Livonia, MI Dayton, OH Columbus, OH Williamsville, NY Mooresville, NC Levittown, NY Bowling Green, KY Lansing, MI Warren, MI Vernon, IN Columbus, OH Columbus, OH Columbus, OH Springboro, OH Jackson, MS Port Clinton, OH Grand Rapids, MI Grand Rapids, MI Adrian, MI Portage, MI Columbus, OH Wheeling, WV Hollywood, FL Ft Pierce, FL Mooresville, NC Port Clinton, OH Leitchfield, KY Holland, MI Grand Rapids, MI Grand Rapids, MI Battle Creek, MI Battle Creek, MI Columbus, OH Canton, OH Reynoldburg, OH Wheeling, WV Mooresville, NC Jackson, MS Jackson, MS Orlando, FL St Claire Shores, MI Portage, MI Livonia, MI Vernon, IN Columbus, OH Dayton, OH Columbus, OH Fairfield, OH Mansfield, OH Springboro, OH
LOCATION Leisure Time Billiards & Cafe Good Time Emporium Brookhaven Billiards Ultimate Sports Bar Hall of Fame Airway Bankshots Crown Billiards Sandcastle Billiards Branford Cue & Brew Cue Time Sportsmen’s Zingales P J s Cones & Cues Snookers The Rack Airway Player’s Bison Billiards 150 n Out Billiards Leisure Time Billiards & Cafe Cue Time Coaches Ultimate Sports Bar Phat Guy Birds 8 Ball Sports Bar Player’s Sportsmen’s Whiskey Barrel Rack Rack Attack Billiard Cafe The Break Room The Break Room Good Times Play Time 8 Ball Sports Bar Corner Pocket Billiards Lucky 7 Billiards Ultimate Billiards 150 n Out Billiards Rack Attack Billiard Cafe Scooters on Main St Guppies The Break Room The Break Room Brickyard Brickyard 8 Ball Sports Bar Fiddlestix Scotty’s Corner Pocket Billiards 150 n Out Billiards Rack Rack Clicks Billiards Pepperbottoms Play Time Snookers Phat Guy Birds 8 Ball Sports Bar Airway Cushions Michael’s Sundown Whiskey Barrel
PHONE (516) 796-4600 (617) 628-5559 (601) 754-4422 (586) 751-2222 (586) 939-8880 (937) 274-1230 (614) 777-0022 (330) 644-3985 (732) 632-9277 (203) 483-1388 (270) 782-2740 (614) 279-5888 (850) 224-8644 (724) 285-7307 (734) 241-5533 (734) 422-9510 (734) 422-7665 (937) 274-1230 (614) 239-7665 (716) 632-0281 (704) 660-5363 (516) 796-4600 (270) 782-2740 (517) 882-2013 (586) 751-2222 (812) 346-0870 (614) 436-2948 (614) 239-7665 (614) 279-5888 (937) 829-7948 (601) 372-6576 (419) 732-7225 (616) 454-0899 (616) 454-0899 (517) 263-9490 (269) 323-2295 (614) 436-2948 (304) 905-0312 (954) 239-8254 (772) 464-7665 (704) 660-5363 (419) 732-7225 (270) 230-1879 (616) 396-1071 (616) 454-0899 (616) 454-0899 (269) 968-0692 (269) 968-0692 (614) 436-2948 (330) 498-8422 (614) 755-9407 (304) 905-0312 (704) 660-5363 (601) 372-6576 (601) 372-6576 (407) 275-6064 (586) 419-4144 (269) 323-2295 (734) 422-9510 (812) 346-0870 (614) 436-2948 (937) 274-1230 (614) 882-5986 (513) 860-0044 (419) 564-4538 (937) 829-7948
EVENT / RULES ENTRY ADDED 9-Ball Call 8 Ball $15 8 Ball $5 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 Open 9-Ball $30 Calcutta 8-Ball $12 8 Ball $5 Call Open 9 Ball-Ladies play free $10 Call 9-Ball Handicap $10 8 Ball $6 8 Ball $10 Call 8 Ball $13 Call 8 Ball $10 Call 8 Ball $10 Call 8 Ball $8 200% payout 9-Ball Handicap-SE $15 (incl g.f.) Call 9-Ball Handicap-Round Robin $15 $$$ 9-Ball $Call 9 Ball $5 Call 8 Ball $5 Call 9 Ball $20 $100 w/32 Open 9 Ball $5 Call Open 9 Ball $10 Call 8 Ball $7 100% payout 3 Cushion $15 Call 9 Ball $15 $200 8 Ball $10 8 Ball $10 9 Ball $5 Call 8 Ball $5 Call 8 Ball - Race to 1 $10 Call 8 Ball $15 Call 8 Ball $8 Call Pool Tournament $12 Calcutta 8-Ball-Race to 2-DE $5 Match w/20+ 9-Ball Open-Handicap $7-$12 $3/player 8-Ball Race to 2-DE $5 $$$ 9 Ball $10 8 Ball 8 Ball $15 9 Ball $5 Call 8 Ball $5 Call 8 Ball $20 Call 9 Ball $20 Call 8 Ball $8 5 Chip Elim. 8 Ball $7 Call 8 Ball Call 200% payout Pool Tournament $12 Call 10-Ball Handicap-Race to 5 $15 $$$ 9 Ball $10 9 Ball $10 Mixed 8 Ball & 9 Ball $7 8 Ball $10 Call 9 Ball $15 Call 8 Ball - bank the 8 $10 Call 8 Ball Call Call 8 Ball $5 $$$ Alt 8 & 9 Ball Call Call 9 Ball $10 Call 8 Ball $6 Call 8 Ball $7 1/3 pot 8 Ball $10 $3/player
TIME Call 7PM 7PM 7PM 8PM 7PM 8PM 7:30PM 7PM 7PM 8PM 8PM 8PM 7:30PM 7PM 7PM 8PM 7PM 7PM 7PM 7PM Call 8PM 7:30PM 7PM 7:30PM 7PM 7PM 7PM 5PM 8PM 8PM 7PM 7PM 7:30PM Call 8PM 7:30PM 8PM 11:30AM 7:30PM 8PM 7PM 6PM 6PM 6PM 1PM 7PM 7:30PM 7PM 3PM 7PM 2PM 6PM 8:30PM 2PM 6:30PM 4PM 2PM 7:30PM 7PM 7PM 8PM 8PM 5:30PM 2PM
Call to see how to list your weekly pool tournaments 406.285.3099
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April 2013 - Stroke Magazine 33
Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice
DATE Apr 6 Apr 6 Apr 6-7 Apr 11-14 Apr 13 Apr 13-14 Apr 18-21 Apr 20-21 Apr 27-28 Apr 27 May 3 May 4 May 4 May 4-5 May 5 May 4-5 May 24-26 May 25 Jun 1 Jul 4 Jul 5 Jul 6-7 Jul 7 Jul 6 Jul 17-27 Jul 17-27 Jul 17-27 Jul 17-27 Jul 17-27 Jul 17-27 Jul 17-27 Jul 17-27
MOSCONI C WINS STATS RESULTS HISTORY RECORDS
UP
NIELS N FEIJE MVP AS TEAM PE EURO S NATE DOMI
Click on the MAP link online to get directions to each location CITY Hickory, NC Williamsville, NY Manchester, TN Cheboygan, MI Mooresville, NC Albany, NY Columbus, OH W Hempstead, NY New Milford, CT Greensboro, NC Clarksville, TN Hickory, NC Williamsville, NY Talahassee, FL Talahassee, FL Warren, MI Providence, RI Matthews, NC Williamsville, NY Atlanta, GA Atlanta, GA Atlanta, GA Atlanta, GA Williamsville, NY Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV
LOCATION Randolph’s Billiards Bison Billiards Lucky Break Ice Pavillion 150 N Out Billiards Golden Cue Billiards Hollywood Casino Raxx Pool Room Fast Eddie’s Billiards Gate City Billiards Hooligans Sports Bar Randolph’s Billiards Bison Billiards Zingales Zingales Ultimate Sports Bar Snookers Billiards Rack’em Pub & Billiards Bison Billiards Mr Cues II Mr Cues II Mr Cues II Mr Cues II Bison Billiards BCAPL BCAPL BCAPL BCAPL BCAPL BCAPL BCAPL BCAPL
PHONE 828-326-7005 716-632-0281 931-954-5400 231-627-3126 704-660-5363 518-459-9442 614-989-0680 516-538-9896 860-350-8569 828-593-0559 931-645-2364 828-326-7005 716-632-0281 850-224-8644 850-224-8644 586-751-2222 playbca.com 704-847-7665 716-632-0281 770-454-7665 770-454-7665 770-454-7665 770-454-7665 716-632-0281 playbca.com
playcsipool.com playcsipool.com playcsipool.com playcsipool.com playcsipool.com playcsipool.com playcsipool.com
EVENT / RULES Q-City 9 Ball Tour 8-Ball Bar Box 9-Ball Top Gun Shootout Q-City 9 Ball Tour Joss Tour Ohio State BCAPL Teams Joss Tour Joss Tour Q-City 9-Ball - Handicapped 9-Ball Handicap Showdown Q-City 9 Ball Tour 8-Ball Bar Box 9-Ball Second Chance 9-Ball Jimmy Wietcha Mem. BCAPL New England 8-Ball Q-City 9 Ball Tour 8-Ball Bar Box Richard Sweet Mem 8-Ball Richard Sweet Mem 9-Ball Richard Sweet Mem 10-Ball Richard Sweet Mem 9-Ball 8-Ball Bar Box 37th BCAPL National Champ. U.S. Open One Pocket-Limit 64 U.S. Open 10-Ball-Limit 96 U.S. Open 8-Ball-Limit 96 USAPL National Champ. 9-Ball Challenge World Artistic Pool Champ. Jr National 9-Ball
ENTRY Varies $35 (incl g.f.) $35M/$20W Varies Varies Call Call Call Call Varies $20 incl g.f. Varies $35 (incl g.f.) $65 $30 $25 online Varies $35 (incl g.f.) $5 $5 $10 or $20 $10 $35 (incl g.f.) Varies Online Online Online Online Online Online Online
ADDED Call $250 Guar $2,000 Guar $5,000 Call $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 Call $1,000 Call $250 Guar $3,000 $500 Call $2,000 Call $250 Guar $500 1st $500 1st $1,000 1st $500 1st $250 Guar Online $10,000 $25,000 $25,000 Online Online Online Online
TIME 11AM Noon 3PM (CT) Call Noon Call Call Call Call Noon 7PM Noon Noon 9AM Call 10AM online Noon Noon 8PM 8PM Noon Noon Noon Online Online Online Online Online Online Online Online
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34 Stroke Magazine - April 2013
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