Stroke Magazine June Issue 2012

BCAPL Results U S Open 10-Ball APA National Singles

Shane Van Boeningins w U.S. Open One Pocket

28

31 5

FEATURES

9 Junior Profile 15 U.S. Open One Pocket 17 Poison Tour

23 JPNEWT 25 Action Pool Tour 27 Flamingo Tour

18 LIVE Streaming

Watch on www.OTBnTV.com ustream.tv/channel/otbntv-live www.facebook.com/otbntv

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ADVERTISERS Amy’s Billiards Atlas Billiard Supply BCAPL/CSI/USAPL BEF Big Daddy’s Billiards Bison Billiards Bob Jewett Capone’s Billiards CueStix International Filmless Art Gold Crown Billiards McDermott Mike Massey Monk, the Mueller OTBnTV.com Pocketeer Sandcastle Billiards Simonis TAP Tiger Products Ultimate Billiards

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ESPN is not listing any Billiard telecasts scheduled for June These schedules have been provided by ESPN. These are tentative dates and are subject to change

CONTACT US:

Stroke P.O. Box 100 Three Forks, MT 59752 Phone 1-406-285-3099 Fax 1-406-285-3098 Email pool@onthebreaknews.com www.StrokeMagazine.net

BCAPL Results U S Open 10-Ball APA National Singles

Shane Van Boeninigns et U.S. OpenwOne Pock

Cover Photo by: Don “Cheese” Akerlow

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

DEADLINE:

25th of each Month - CALL IF LATE

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Contents

ABOUT US

Stroke is a monthly publication, dedicated to the advancement of the sport of pool and to promoting enthusiasm and encouragement among the players Publisher at all levels, regardless of their league affiliation, in addition to recognizing those businesses who support them all. Covering the Eastcoast and adjoining states. Look for Stroke by the 10th of each month.

The opinions expressed are those of the author or advertiser and do not necessarily reflect the views of Rackem or its staff. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher. © 2012 Stroke

June 2012 - Stroke Magazine 3

Ve g a s

Heat

(Photo of Mitch Ellerman courtesy of Fred Stoll of Filmless Art)

as the 36th BCAPL National Cham

4 Stroke Magazine - June 2012

Las Vegas, NV. - The 36th BCAPL National Championships rolled into the Riviera Hotel and Casino Wednesday, May 10th. Approximately 7,000 players congregate each year in Las Vegas to compete in the event known as “The Greatest Pool Tournament in the World.”

Produced by CueSports International (CSI) and taking place over 11 days, the group of events include; 23 BCA Pool League (BCAPL) divisions, three USA Pool League (USAPL) divisions and two professional tournaments (the 13th US Open One Pocket Championship and the 4th US Open 10-Ball Championship).

The BCAPL competition began with three 9-Ball singles events: the Men’s Open 9-Ball Singles, the Women’s Open 9-Ball Singles and the 9-Ball Challenge.

The Men’s Open 9-Ball saw a full field of 256 players compete for over $15,000 in prize money. Daniel McKenney (league #1073) from Texas beat out Matt Beckwith (league #23) from Wisconsin for the $2,100 first place check.

The Women’s Open 9-Ball Singles had 83 competitors. Jennifer Polik (league #1152 and 719) from Michigan reigned as the winner beating Valerie Franiel (league #497) from Alberta, Canada and taking home the $900 first place prize. Both 9-Ball Open events followed a single elimination best two out of three sets per match and are only for open rated BCAPL league players and CSI player members known to be open level.

The 9-Ball Challenge welcomes both league and CSI player members of all ratings. The more traditional double elimination race to 7 format event had 147 entrants. Known to attract a roster of seasoned players, this year’s champion was Arizona top gun Mitch Ellerman. Also a former Jay Swanson Memorial winner, Ellerman pocketed $2,600 and only lost a total of 16 games out of 9 matches beating out Marc Vidal-Claramunt, Nick Malaj, Melissa Little, Ramesh Gokhul, Phil Burford, Heath Bartley and Chad Lovelace.

As the 9-Ball Singles competition concluded, the Scotch events began with the Open Scotch Doubles kicking off May 11th at 7 pm. This year a new Advanced Scotch Doubles division was added and it and the Master Scotch Doubles started Friday, May 12th. All Scotch Doubles divisions will conclude Tuesday, May 15th.

Saturday saw the start of the highly competitive BCAPL Singles 8-Ball divisions. There are 11 total divisions and 2,295 entrants in the 8-Ball singles competition. The Grand Master 8-Ball Singles will conclude today and the other 8-Ball singles divisions will conclude Tuesday.

To view online all of the brackets for the 36th BCAPL National Championships, the 2nd USAPL National Championships, the 13th US Open One Pocket Championship and the 4th US Open 10-Ball Championship visit the CueSports Tournament System at www. ctsondemand.com. You may search a player or team by name or can view by division or tournament.

For more information about the BCAPL visit www.playbca. com.

CueSports International (CSI) is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. In the past seven years CSI has directly paid out approximately Seven Million Dollars 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 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.

CSI leads the billiard industry in the development of technology. For more information on the state-of-the-art software systems for league and tournament management visit www. leaguesys.net andwww.ctsondemand.com.

Complete results can be found at: http://www.playbca.com/Events/2012NationalChampionshipEntries.aspx

ts

Up

mpionship Rolls into Town

Te a m s Wrap Up Las Vegas, NV. - May 25, 2012 – The 36th BCAPL National Championships concluded with the team competitions. The 11 day event which has been called “the Greatest Pool Tournament in the World” was held May 9-20 at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. There were 930 teams competing across eight team divisions.

3rd Womens Advanced/Master Team - NY Dollls (NY) Linda Cheung, Caitlin Fuerst, Supadra Geronimo, Gina Kim-Lipsky, Caroline Pao

1st Womens Open Singles 9-Ball Jennifer Polik (MI)

2nd Mens Open Singles 9-Ball Matthew Beckwitch (MI)

The largest team division was the Mixed Open Team. With $12,500 awarded to the top finisher, play was highly competitive, and with 680 teams this group was also about endurance. Team McDermott from Wisconsin, after a first round bye, won their next eight matches to be relegated to the one loss side by Dick’s Picks from Nevada. However, they heaped their revenge two matches later when they came back to double dip Dick’s Picks in the finals 13-9 and 13-11. In an emotion filled Women’s Open Team final late in the last night of the competition, Texas team How’s My Rack screamed for joy as they outlasted 123 other women’s open teams to take the $3,600 first place prize.

The Mixed Advanced Team division, which is comprised of more advanced to master level players, had 22 teams and was a race to 11. After an early loss in the third round, the Taiwan Typhoon from Taiwan won their next five matches on the one loss side to face Night Magic from Alberta, Canada. The typhoon blew the magic out of the Canadians double dipping them in the final 11-4 then 11-9 to take the $4,000 first place check. The Women’s Advanced / Master team had some well known teams and some new faces in the group. In this division another women’s team from Texas was in the finals as was the case with the Women’s Open Team division. The Nothin’ But Trouble ladies from Texas took on Smokin’ Eights from Las Vegas, a team new to this division. Again Texas women were the victors.

Two divisions which is always popular is the Mixed Trophy Team. This year saw 90 teams compete in this popular division. The West Coast Pirates from British Columbia, Canada, lived up to their name and pillaged their opponents throughout the competition. Only the Crown Unchampions, who came from the one loss side to the finals showed signs of pelting the pirate crew. But in set two, the Canadian team fought back to win. The Women’s Trophy Team was decisively won by the Queen B’s from Kentucky although Crown Ball Busters from California worked hard to (Wrap Up continued on page 6)

June 2012 - Stroke Magazine 5

2nd Mens Senior Singles Antionio Rodriquez (NY)

2nd Womens Master Singles Stacie Bourbeau (MA)

2nd Womens Open Singles Christy Hardin (TN)

2nd Womens Senior Singles Tommie Ann Keyser (MD)

Teams Wrap Up (continued from page 5)

3rd Mens Master Singles Zion Zvi (NY)

Complete results can be found at: http://www.playbca.com/Events/ 2012NationalChampionshipEntr ies.aspx (Photos courtesy of Fred Stoll of Filmless Art)

6 Stroke Magazine - June 2012

de-thrown the “Queens” they fell short with the team from the blue grass state taking home 1st place.

On the last day of the event, 55 teams regrouped to compete in the one day 9-Ball Team compitition. 2011 Men’s Mixed Master 8-Ball 2nd place finishers, Who Needs a Billiards Coach? from Minnesota won this year’s Mixed 9-Ball Team division. Once in a Mil from Iowa defeated Short ‘n Surly from California to win the Women’s 9-Ball division.

As this year’s event wound down and the approximate 300 Diamond tables were loaded back onto the trucks to return another day, talk of the 2013 was on many player’s lips about getting ready for the 37th BCAPL National Championships at its new home, the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino.

To view online all of the brackets for the 36th BCAPL National Championships, the 2nd USAPL National Championships, the 13th US Open One Pocket Championship and the 4th US Open 10-Ball Championship, visit the CueSports Tournament System at www.ctsondemand.com. You may search by player or team name or can view by division or tournament.

For more information about the BCAPL visit www.playbca.com.

CueSports International (CSI) is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. In the past seven years CSI has directly paid out approximately Seven Million Dollars 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 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.

CSI leads the billiard industry in the development of technology. For more information on the state-of-the-art software systems for league and tournament management visit www.leaguesys.net and www.ctsondemand.com.

For your BCAPL Photos contact Fred and Sue at 386-671-0973

3rd Womens Open Singles Rita Karrip (MI)

3rd Mens Advanced Singles Billy Thorpe (OH)

COLUMNIST

Mike Massey

The Chattanooga Choo Choo Shot Mike Massey

Everyone loves the railroad shots. I’m going to show you three versions, two of which are my creations. However my favorite, The Chattanooga Choo Choo Shot, is one I learned from Norm Webber.

You will need three extra cues, two of which must be straight and the same length. The third cue doesn’t have to be so straight. Place the two straight cues into the corner as shown.

Take the third cue and place the butt into the corner pocket.

It also must be opened up as diagrammed.

Now roll the cue ball up into the open part and see if it will turn the corner and roll down between the two closely spaced cues. If the cue ball doesn’t make the turn, keep adjusting the cue until you get it right.

Place the 3-ball up against the left side of Pocket B. Now adjust the cues so when the cue ball rolls down them, It will make the 3-ball and then carom to the right and out of the

way. After you’ve completed this test, place the cue ball and 4-ball on top of the cues as diagrammed. Fold up a small piece of paper and use it to keep the cue ball and the 4-ball in place.

Place the 1-ball and 2-ball as shown. The 5-ball acts as the cue ball. Aim for a half ball hit on the right side of the 2-ball. Use top left english and a medium speed stroke. This works best on most tables. The 1-ball goes into Pocket B, the 2-ball goes into Pocket C. The 5-ball will travel three rails and up onto the cues before turning the corner and rolling down into the 4-ball and cue ball. The cue ball then rolls down the cues and pockets the 3-ball, moving out of the way for the 4-ball and 5-ball, which will both go into Pocket B. EXPLANATION OF ABBREVIATIONS: SUR: Set up Ratings EXR: Execution Ratings MSR: Mike’s Success Ratio

Nine time World Champion, Mike Massey is considered pool’s best trick shot artist. He was voted the “Best in History” and is a member of the BCA Hall of Fame.

Mike’s most amazing accomplishments were in two 24 hour poolathons. In one he pocketed 8,090 balls playing with one arm. In the other poolathon he ran 330 racks of 9-ball in Austria on live TV. Mike has consulted or appeared in the movies, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia”, “The Baron and the Kid”, “Justice”, “Chalk”, and “Pool Hall Junkies” Mike is available for exhibitions and clinics. Please contact Mike or Francine Massey at 435.640.5787 or francine.massey@gmail.com

SUR: 3.5 EXR: 3.0 MSR: 95% Video

MIKE MASSEY

Nine Time World Champion

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

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

June 2012 - Stroke Magazine 7

Dynamic Duos Crowned Winners at the 36th BCAPL National Championships

(Photos courtesy of Fred Stoll of Filmless Art)

Las Vegas, NV. - May 16, To view online all of the brackets 2012 – Scotch Doubles is a unique for the 36th BCAPL National pool event. A successful team in Championships, the 2nd USAPL the scotch doubles division takes National Championships, the 13th two players who understand each US Open One Pocket Championship other’s games almost as well as and the 4th US Open 10-Ball their own. Each must trust the Championship, visit the CueSports other’s abilities and communicate as Tournament System at www. one mind. The best scotch doubles ctsondemand.com. You may search by players learn to play in one rhythm. player or team name or can view by Where one player ends the other division or tournament. takes over.

For more information about the The finals of the 36th BCAPL BCAPL visit www.playbca.com.

National Championships Scotch CueSports International (CSI) is Doubles events saw the best of dedicated to creating more choices for the best, Tuesday, May 15th at the all players. In the past seven years CSI Riviera Hotel & Casino. This year has directly paid out approximately there were three BCAPL Scotch Seven Million Dollars to players. CSI is Doubles divisions with the addition the parent company of the BCA Pool of the Advanced Scotch Doubles.

League and the USA Pool League.

In the Open Scotch Doubles, CSI also produces independent Lisa McNab and Brad Poorman events such as the US Bar Table (league #1120) from Saskatchewan, Championships, the Jay Swanson Canada outlasted the other 321 Memorial, the US Open One Pocket 1st Scotch Master-Wes Largen and Janet Atwell (VA) teams to win the coveted top spot Championship and the US Open winning $3,200. McNab also finished 33rd in the Women’s Open Singles 8-Ball 10-Ball Championship. Visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com and www. division and 5th in the Women’s Open 9-Ball division. playusapool.com for more information about CSI and its divisions.

48 teams formed the new Advanced Scotch Doubles division. The winners of this division’s inaugural year were the husband and wife team of Larry and Andrea Wilson (league #186) from British Columbia, Canada who took home $2,000. In addition to the win in the Advanced Scotch Doubles, Larry Wilson took 5th in the BCAPL 9-Ball Challenge.

The Wilsons overcame another Canadian team in the finals, Russ Whittle and Bev Ashton (league #624). Whittle had a particularly strong day. In addition to placing second with Ashton in the scotch event, he took second in the Men’s Advanced Singles.

The BCAPL Master Scotch Doubles is a favorite among the spectators. The top two teams this year again consisted of some well known names. From New York was the team of Tony Robles Jr. and partner Gail Glazebrook (league #1355) versus Janet Atwell and Wes Largen Jr. (league #1151) from Virginia. A total of 25 teams represented this division. Halfway through the brackets Atwell and Largen Jr. blitzed team Robles Jr. and Glazebrook 7-0. In the finals Robles Jr. and Glazebrook got revenge on that previous loss by taking the first set 7-3. Atwell and Largen Jr. redeemed themselves taking set two 7-3 for the division win and $1,800.

Following the Scotch Doubles event, the team competitions began, with 6 divisions and a total of 875 entries. The halls of the Riviera Hotel & Casino swarmed with colorful matching team shirts representing pool rooms and bars 3rd Scotch Master from around the world. Additionally, the CSI US Open 10-Ball Championship Borana Andoni and Zion Zvi (NY) marked the halfway point of the 6 day pro level event. The Action Report live streams the US Open action at www.theactionreport.com.

Complete results can be found at: http://www.playbca.com/Events/2012NationalChampionshipEntries.aspx

8 Stroke Magazine - June 2012

JUNIOR PLAYER PROFILE

APRIL LARSON

NAME: April Larson DATE: 12/15/11 HOME TOWN: Bloomington, MN BIRTH DATE: 04/28/2000 School you currently attend: Olson Middle School GRADE: 6 Favorite subject in school: Math At what age did you start playing pool? 7 years old TITLES/HIGH FINISHES: • 2011 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships, Runner-up, 14 & Under Girls’ Division • 2011 BEF Artistic Pool Championships, Runner–up, 14 & Under Girls’ Division • 21st Annual VNEA Int`l Junior Pool Championships, 2011 Youth Division, highest female team and 4th place team • 2011 Ultimate Pool Leagues Advanced MVP tournament, 3rd Place • 2011 MN VNEA Youth Singles Tournament, 1st Place, 9-14 Division • 2011 MN VNEA Youth Doubles Tournament 3rd Place 9-13 Division • 2011 MN VNEA Youth 3-Person Team, 1st Place, 9-13 Division • 2011 MN VNEA Youth Singles Tournament, 1st

Place, 9-11 Division • 20th Annual VNEA Int`l Junior Pool Championships, 2010 Youth Team Division, 7th-8th place

• 2010 MN VNEA Singles Youth Tournament, 2nd Place, 9-14 Division • 2010 MN VNEA Singles Youth tournament, 3rd Place, 9-11 Division WHAT KIND OF CUE(S) DO YOU USE? Predator LEFT OR RIGHT HANDED: Right SPONSORS: None HOBBIES: Pool, Pool, Pool…I love Pool, soccer, and swimming MEMORABLE POOL MOMENT: Placing second at the 2011 BEF Junior Nationals and playing the Black Widow.

FAVORITE FOOD: Pizza REAL-WORLD HERO: American Soldiers FONDEST CHILDHOOD MEMORY: Going to California to see my grandparents GOALS (PERSONAL AND/OR CAREER): To be a professional pool player

JUNIOR BILLIARDS...

PLAY. SPONSOR. GET INVOLVED WWW.BILLIARDEDUCATION.ORG

June 2012 - Stroke Magazine 9

COLUMNIST

San Francisco Billiard Academy www.sfbilliards.com

Bob Jewett

San Francisco Billiard Academy is a BCA Certified Master Academy.

The academy offers: Private Instruction Basics Clinic Eight Ball Clinic Nine Ball Clinic Introduction to Billiard Instruction BCA Recognized Instructor Course BCA Certified Instructor Course

Bob Jewett

K e e p i n g Tr a c k How closely do you keep track of your pool game? Keeping something like a diary or a log of various aspects of your game can both help you improve and provide some interesting reading down the road. I started keeping notebooks of matches, shots, tournaments and ideas about pool shortly after I started playing.

Below are some things you may want to take note of.

To help your recording it’s good to have a table diagram. There are several commercial products available -- just look on the internet -- but if you’re as thrifty as I am the diagram will be a start. It’s drawn to scale, so that if you scan it in to your computer you can use the parts to make accurate diagrams with a program like Photoshop. Or, print four tables per page, cut them into quarters and staple them into a booklet. Here are some things to record.

SHOTS YOU MISS -- I think this is by far the most important kind of entry in your log. If you are going to get better you need to work on your weaknesses. This doesn’t just include shots you miss but also position plays and even safeties you botch. Start with the repeat offenders and try to be exact in how you diagram the problem. When you get back to the practice table, figure out a drill that will improve the relevant skill.

SHOTS YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND -- Have you ever been watching a game and said, “Wow! How did he do that?” If you want to be able to astound people in the same way, diagram the shot, take it home and work on it.

Make it your own. If you just can’t get it, seek help. The exact positions may be important, so be careful with your diagram.

PROBLEM POSITIONS -- You may notice that there are certain repeating patterns of balls you never get through. Usually three balls will be enough to set the challenge. Make a note of them. Practice performance -- If you have a practice routine that can be scored in some way, record it.

I have log sheets of my 14.1 (straight pool) practice going back to the 1970s. That was easy to score simply by length of run. For eight ball or nine ball you could use some form of “Progressive Ghost” practice which I’ve described here before and is in the Video Encyclopedia of Pool Practice DVDs that I made with Dr. Dave Alciatore. Your score in that practice is the number of balls you can run 50% of the time during your practice session.

10 Stroke Magazine - June 2012

TOURNAMENT PERFORMANCE AND PROBLEMS -- Do you play in competition? If you make notes about what worked and what didn’t you’ll have a better chance to improve the next time. If you compete outside your home room, pay particular attention to the changes in conditions that affect your game.

MATCH PERFORMANCE -- Finally, if you sometimes match up head-to-head, take a little time after each match to note any of the categories above that came up as well as any financial change. If you watch other players’ pool matches, log those as well.

TRI V CHAU

JOE PALONE

RICHARD NG

Chau wins his 9 Ball Tri-State Tournament Tri V. Chau wins his B/D 9 Ball Tri-State Tournament held at BQE Billiards & Bar in Jackson Hts., N.Y. His tournament trail included wins over Emily Duddy 7 - 1; Kim Meyer-Gabia 7 - 6; last week's winner Al Cacciola 7 - 4; Chris Karp 7 - 6 and Joe Palone 7 - 6 to get into the Hot Seat. On the loss side: Richard Ng, who suffered his first loss to Joe Palone 7 - 6, came back to challenge Joe; but lost 7 - 6. The Final match between Tri V. Chau and Joe Palone teetered back and forth with Tri prevailing 7 - 5 for First Place

honors Third place finisher Richard Ng and forth place finisher Jaydev Zaveri who had his best tournament to date with a 6/2 win/loss record, deserve recognition for their fine performance. The next Tri-State event is a $1000 Added B/D at Amsterdam Billiards & Bar in NYC, NY on May 26th & 27th, 2012. Please provide a thank you to Sterling-Gaming, Ozone Billiards, Ron Tarr Cues, Kamui Tips, Phil Capelle, BlueBook Publishing, Human Kinetics for their sponsorship leading to this event.

ORCOLLO IS NOW A TIGER Tiger Products is pleased to announce the signing of Dennis Orcollo as a player representative. “We are pleased to have Dennis onboard with us,” said Tiger President Tony Kalamdaryan. “He is a great player and a good role model for young players everywhere. We feel that he fits the Tiger mold in his desire to excel in this sport. Dennis is a wonderful player and a great sportsman as well.”

Mr. Orcollo will be using exclusively Tiger products as he competes worldwide in major pool competitions. “I am so glad to be part of the Tiger team. I love my new Tiger cue that I used to win the U.S. Open Ten Ball tournament. I am looking forward to my next tournament and will be ready for all my competitors.” The pool world has a new ‘Tiger’ by the tail!

June 2012 - Stroke Magazine 11

COLUMNIST

The Monk

KEYS KEYSTO TOSUCCESS! SUCCESS!

ENJOY ENJOYYOUR YOURTIME TIMEAT ATTHE THETABLE TABLE Tim Miller

This is not a feel good program. This is the real deal. You will be working with the monk for over four months. You will be working step by step to build the skills at nine ball that your opponent does not have. You will master the important moves this game calls for.

You will become a master nine ball player and play better nine ball than you have every played this game before.

May all the rolls go your way, The Monk

CALL THE MONK TODAY 1-603-566-6229

It is nice to playing pool in an air conditioned pool room back in the states. Those rooms in the Philippines are hot and the cloth is damp.

Not long ago I talked to a pool player who said he was not going to play the Thursday night tournament because the race was too short. Many players tell me they are not going to play because they don’t have a chance to win. “Too many good players in that tournament for me,” they complain.

In the past five years over three thousand rooms have closed their doors. We need to support our local room and we need to promote this game. I played in a local Tuesday night tournament which featured a race to two. Anyone can win that event.

One of the local players, who understands the game, told me he knew he could not win this tournament. “But I can play almost all night for just twelve dollars and I just might beat you in a short race”. I wish players would learn that it is not all about winning. It is more about having a good time. There is a young girl who enters this tournament and when she gets knocked out she stays and plays all night long. She is the darling of the tournament. She enjoys her time in the room and learns more about the game.

Don’t belittle the good players. One statement I do not like to hear is that “so and so is too good for this tournament and all he wants to do is rob it”. I won the last Tuesday night Nine Ball tournament. I played until one o ‘clock in the morning. First place was 85 dollars. That is six hours of playing. This is not robbery at all. Respect the better players and make it a point to learn from them. They worked hard for the game they have and deserve your respect.

Go play in a tournament and look for the three promises of pool.

One, you will learn something.

Two, you will spend time with your friends.

Three, you will perform.

All this for twelve bucks! But you need to pay attention and experience the three promises of pool.

Don’t let your preoccupation with winning and losing cloud the wonderful experience that is waiting for you when you support your local room.

Make it a point to go first class. Always thank the tournament director for his dedicated work. He loves the game and wants to help out. I have met so many wonderful tournament directors in my journey.

Have a good time, learn, perform and look for me in the finals. I hope I am there with you but if not, I still had a good time.

Local tournaments give you a good chance to work on the specifics of this game. On some nights I like to work on my safeties or on another occasion I work on being aggressive. Of course I want to win, but I am not going to ruin a good time by being concerned about winning and losing. With this attitude I have won the last three tournaments I played in. So maybe I am on to something.

Many times we miss shots because we are trying too hard. We need to be natural and just let the shot happen. When you don’t care about results, or at least are not preoccupied with results you almost always do better.

When you draw one of the better players, RIDE THE NINE. It is so much fun to see the look on their face when you crap the nine in.

Go out and surprise the room owner this week.

Get a group. They work so hard to promote this game.

Show up with four other friends and enjoy yourself. I will look for you in the finals.

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

12 Stroke Magazine - June 2012

Sarah Rousey and Randy Goettlicher courtesy of CSI

Challenge the ProsPros CSI CSI Challenge the raising $3,810 for Junior Pool

Las Vegas, NV. - On Tuesday, May 15th from 7-9 pm, the annual CueSports International Challenge the Pros Fundraiser and Raffle in support of junior players took place as part of the 11 day BCAPL National Championships. This year, CSI raised $3,810 during the challenge event and raffle. The raffle was for a donated Ginacue valued at $3,000. All proceeds will be used to help fund junior players to the US Junior National Championships in 2013.

For the second straight year, WPBA Professional and former Junior National Champion, Sarah Rousey, organized this fun event on behalf of CSI. She was assisted Tuesday evening by well regarded coach, Randy Goettlicher, from Master’s Pool School.

Amateur players paid $10-$40 to challenge a professional player a race to two. In addition, to the chance to beat pro, amateur participants received a certificate and a photo with the pro they played.

The professional players who donated their time to the cause were Mika Immonen, Thorsten Hohmann, Stevie Moore, Kim White, Cristina De La Garza, Christopher Lawson, Kenichi Uchigaki, Dennis Orcullo, Nick Nikolidis, Angel Paglia, Max Eberle, Oscar Dominguez, Jennifer Barretta, Hunter Lombardo, and Tom Rossman. A huge thanks to Moore and Hohmann who stayed the entire time playing challenge matches. Brothers Joey and JC Torres from Texas, two of the most accomplished junior players in the US, and sponsored by CSI to the Junior Nationals, also participated in the challenge.

In 2013, CSI will be moving the BCAPL National Championships and all accompanying events, including the CSI Challenge the Pros, to the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino and will be held July 17-27th.

For more information about the BCAPL visit www.playbca.com.

CueSports International (CSI) is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. In the past seven years CSI has directly paid out approximately Seven Million Dollars 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 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.

CSI leads the billiard industry in the development of technology.

For more information on the state-of-the-art software systems for league and tournament management visit www.leaguesys.net andwww.ctsondemand.com.

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June 2012 - Stroke Magazine 13

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Van Boening Takes Down U.S. Open One Pocket

BY GEOFF CONWAY - CONTRIBUTING WRITER AZBILLIARDS.COM Sunday play at the CSI US Open One Pocket Championship saw the last changing of the guard as the permutations of who would make it to the 10 pm final unfolded.

10 AM MATCHES The first matches of the day took place at 10 am, as we saw the last four players on the losers side fighting it out. On the top of the draw we saw Alex Pagulayan matched up against Santos Sambajon with Alex coming out the winner to move into the next round to meet Francisco Bustamante.

At the bottom of the draw we had Charlie Bryant matched up against Ike Runnels with Ike moving to the next round to meet Sylver Ochoa.

1 PM MATCHES In the hot seat match we had the much improved Darren “Dynamite” Appleton dueling it out with this years Derby City Classic One Pocket Champion Shane Van Boening. Unfortunately Shane just made one too many scratches in this match and allowed Darren to come out the winner with a 4-3 score line. This match went with the break, and always had Darren ahead in the match. The last game was exciting for the fans that witnessed some great shot making by both players. Shane would then have to wait for the 7 pm match to see if he could get another stab at Mr. Appleton.

Next we had Alex Pagulayan playing Francisco Bustamante to get to the last two players standing on the losers side of the bracket. Francisco - not surprisingly carried on his winning ways and came through in this match.

The other pairing was Ike Runnels up against Sylver Ochoa, in a match that Sylver had control of throughout, and came out the winner at 3-1.

4 PM MATCHES The final pairing on the losers side of the bracket saw Francisco Bustamante scrapping it out with Sylver Ochoa. Sylver put a stop to Francisco’s winning ways and came out the winner with a score of 3-2.

7 PM MATCH Next Mr. Ochoa had to meet the waiting Shane Van Boening, who once again was poised to find his way back to the winning circle. It was no surprise that Shane put a stop to Sylver’s great play in this event, with Shane winning with a 3-1 score line.

10 PM MATCH They say that the cream always rises to the top. Well, here we had a final with two great young guns of the One Pocket game rising to the occasion. Darren was on top of his game immediately taking the score line to 3-2 in his favor. In the sixth game, by his own admission, Appleton missed an easy run out to allow Shane to level the match at 3-3.

Darren then had another relatively easy run out to win the next game, but missed an easy ball to once again allow Shane to win the game and take the lead at 4-3.

In game eight Darren played a great combo but once again dogged the bank, and that was all she wrote as Shane was left an easy run out to take down the title with a 5-3 score line.

Once again Shane Van Boening has not only proved himself worthy of yet another highly prized One Pocket title, but has shown the pool world just what a talent he has in so many disciplines of the game. He really is a true champion that should be at the top of his games for many years to come. Well done Shane!!!

It must also be noted that CSI once again put on another very slick event, that went without a hitch, and not without the hard work put in by the great team of tournament directors Bill Stock, Ken Shuman and John Lehman.

One must also not forget the “The Action Report” team that put out their live stream broadcasts covering all of the matches throughout the weeks play.

It was also great to see ONE POCKET once again being presented in such a high profile way by CSI, giving the discipline its rightful place in the pool calendar.

SHANE VAN BOENING 1st $7,500 2nd $4,500 3rd $3,200 4th $2,200 5/6 $1,600 7/8 $1,000 9-12 $600

13-16 $300

Shane Van Boening Darren Appleton Sylver Ochoa Francisco Bustamante Alex Pagulayan, Ike Runnels Jr Charlie Bryant, Santos Sambajon Mark Haddad, Jason Chance, Bernie Pettipiece, Jose Parica Mika Immonen, Jeremy Jones, Chip Compton Jr, Christopher Gentile

Photo by: Don “Cheese” Akerlow

June 2012 - Stroke Magazine 15

16 Stroke Magazine - April 2012

Matt Deweese Walk in the Park for

RESULTS

Park Avenue Billiards, Orange Park, Fl was the latest location to host the Poison Tour event, May 19th20th 2012. The event drew a low but very strong 26 man field.

Local Matt Deweese would prove to be just too much for everybody on this occasion, making his way to the final with strong wins over Matt Wilson 7-6, Cal McGann 7-4, Jason Wells 7-0, Dave Pencar 7-1 and then a 7-0 white wash over Don (Iron Mike) Griffin to take the hotseat.

The one loss side would see Cal McGann looking strong after taking a 2nd round loss to Matt Deweese, McGann would go on to defeat Luke Collins 5-1, Dave Ross 5-1, Mike Delawder 5-1, Bobby Garza 5-4 Dave Pencar 5-1 and then Jason Bowen 5-0 to set up a semi final match with Don Griffin. With a place in the final at stake both players were making the most of their chances taking the match all the way with Don Griffin eventually coming out a 5-4 winner.

Matt Deweese & Don Griffin (Iron Mike) The final would see Griffin get his chance at revenge but Deweese had nothing else in mind but taking home AMATEUR PAYOUTS the 1st place prize and the beautiful Glass Poison Tour Trophy. This match 1st Matt Deweese $600 would prove to be a much tighter affair with both players trading racks 2nd Don Griffin $400 early on, Deweese would however eventually end up taking it down with 3rd Cal McGann $300 a strong 7-5 win. Congrats to Matt Deweese for taking his first Poison tour 4th Jason Bowen $200 title.

5th-6th Dave Pencar, Lincoln Seifert $100 The 10-ball event drew 21 players with another home town player Dave Grossman proving to be too strong, as he made his way to the OPEN PAYOUTS hotseat match with strong wins over Ramel Brown 7-4, Warren Sandifer 1st Dave Grossman $500 7-6, Don (Iron Mike) Griffin 7-3, Tom Mittnight 7-6 and then a strong 7-3 win 2nd Stoney Stone $500 over Tony Crosby to capture the hotseat.

3rd Tony Crosby $300 On the one loss side Stoney Stone was looking very dangerous after 4th Tom Mittnight $100 taking a 7-3 loss to Tony Crosby, Stone would go on to defeat Ramel 5th-6th George Mclanahan $75 Brown 6-5, Jason Bowen 6-4, Matt Deweese 6-3, Tom Mittnight and then Tony Crosby 6-4. Grossman was not feeling great after a couple of hours hanging around and with the time approaching 1am both Players agreed to do a split. Grossman however would be the undefeated player on the day.

We would like to say a big thank you to Park Avenue Billiards and our title sponsors Poison Cues. We also have just announced a one day $1000 added amateur event only, at Stoker’s Billiards Palm Harbor Fl, 16th June. Check out our new site at www.poisonpooltour.com for more info.

g Comin k Tour Y ew or stern N

We

$250 Added Guaranteed

Bar Box 8-Ball 1st Saturday of the Month $35 entry includes green fee - Double Elimination - Race to 3 Doors open Noon - Calcutta 2pm - Starts 2:30pm

June 2012 - Stroke Magazine 17

Dangero U. S. Open 10-Ball

Photo by: Don “Cheese” Akerlow

Las Vegas, NV. - May 24, 2012 – The last day of the CSI 4th US Open 10-Ball Championship, held May 14-19 at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, was a battle of three world champions, all from the Philippines, and a young gun from the United States. Three matches were scheduled, the quarter, semi and final.

The quarter final was between 25 year old US player, Mike Dechaine, and recent BCA Hall of Fame recipient Francisco Bustamante. In the past two years Dechaine ramped up his game from feared New England player to participant on the pool world stage. In 2011 he was a member of the US Mosconi Cup team and won the Ultimate 10-Ball Championship.

Bustamante is a legend, a multiple world champion and one of a handful of players whom other professional players hope to challenge at least once in their career, win or lose, just to say they did. On this day, Bustamante prevailed against rising star Dechaine 9-4 at the premier CueSports International (CSI) event. Dechaine took home 4th place and $4,800.

Now it was down to three, all former world champions. In the semi-finals Bustamante was pitted against fellow countryman, Alex Pagulayan. After a two year hiatus from pool competition, Pagulayan has been playing as fearless as ever. In this match he started off in the lead as Bustamante struggled, but not for long, as Busty caught a gear and beat Pagulayan 9-7 relegating “The Lion” to a 3rd place finish and $6,500.

Waiting in the hot seat was Dennis “Robocop” Orcollo. In the finals against Bustamante, Orcollo dominated from the first rack. The CSI US Open 10Ball Championship final race was to 11. The winner was required to win two ahead with a maximum cap of 15 games to win. The final match took less than two hours with Orcollo quickly taking the win 11-5 and $15,000.

At age 33, Orcollo is currently one of the best players in the world. Ranked #6 on the World Pool Billiard Association men’s list, he first burst on to the world pool scene in 2002 as a relative unknown, taking his first world championship. His list of wins in the past 10 years has been highly regarded.

In addition to the CSI 4th US Open 10-Ball Championship, it includes the 2011 DCC 9-Ball Division, the 2011 World 8-Ball Championship, the 2010 World Pool Masters, the 2009 Predator International 10-Ball Championship, the 2008 Qatar World Open 9-Ball Tournament, the 2006 US Bar Table Championships 8-Ball Division and the 2006 Reno Open, just to name a few.

The 4th US Open 10-Ball Championship was sponsored by CueSports

ous PHOTO: (L TO R) DENNIS ORCOLLO, FRANCISCCO BUSTAMANTE, ALEX PAGULAYAN

International (CSI), Simonis Cloth, Aramith, OB Cues, Mueller Recreational Products, and the Magic Ball Rack with live stream coverage by The Action Report (TAR).

In 2013, the 5th US Open 10-Ball Championship will be moved from May to July and held at a new venue, the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas in conjunction with the 37th BCAPL National Championships.

To view online all of the brackets from the 36th BCAPL National Championships, the 13th US Open One Pocket Championship and the 4th US Open 10-Ball Championship, visit the CueSports Tournament System at www.ctsondemand.com. You may search by player or team name or can view by division or tournament.

For more information about the BCAPL visit www.playbca.com.

CueSports International (CSI) is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. In the past seven years CSI has directly paid out approximately Seven Million Dollars 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 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.

CSI leads the billiard industry in the development of technology. For more information on the state-of-the-art software systems for league and tournament management visit www.leaguesys.net and www.ctsondemand. com.

1st $15,000 Dennis Orcollo 2nd $8,500 Francisco Bustamante 3rd $6,500 Alex Pagulayan 4th $4,800 Mike Dechaine 5/6 $3,450 Dennis Hatch, Kenichi Uchigaka 7/8 $2,400 Oscar Dominguez, Sal Butera 9-12 $1,750 Raul Hebles-Berraquer, Rain Chiang, Corey Deuel, John Morra 13-16 $1,300 Stephan Cohen, Johnny Archer, Raj Hundal, Rodney Morris 17-24 $975 Hunter Lombardo, Charlie Bryant, Mitch Ellerman,

Shane Van Boening, Diego Simon Parra, Mike Davis Jr,

Manny Chau, Earl Strickland 25-32 $750 Darren Appleton, David Alcaide Bermudez, Jeremy Jones,

Tony Robles Jr, Simon Pickering, Angel Marchena Gonzalez,

Robb Saez, Jose Parica

Trio June 2012 - Stroke Magazine 19

20 Stroke Magazine - June 2012

PRESS RELEASE

THE BEST OF THE BEST ARE UNITED!

Verviers, Belgium – May 21, 2012 – IWAN SIMONIS S.A./Belgium, world leader in the manufacture of billiard cloth, is pleased to announce the acquisition of SALUC S.A./Belgium, world leader in the manufacture of phenolic billiard balls, ARAMITH balls.

Amateur and professional billiard players everywhere love both of these products, and both Simonis cloth and Aramith balls are sanctioned for use in the majority of championship tournaments and by tournament organizers worldwide.

The union of these two premier and highly complementary Belgian billiard products, IWAN SIMONIS cloth and ARAMITH balls, will bring increased strength and stability to the sport as well as help to increase visibility and elevate the level of play globally.

SIMONIS: Since 1680 - The most specialized textile producer for the truest playing billiard cloth ARAMITH: Since 1923 - Producer of the most technically perfect billiard balls made from true phenolic resin

June 2012 - Stroke Magazine 21

Andrzej KaldanUNDEFEATED A ndrzej Kaldan goes undefeated at A/D 9 Ball Tri-State Tournament held at Gotham City Billiards in Brooklyn , N.Y. His tournament trail, included wins over Eddie Perez 6 -1; Inna Bediner 7 - 3; Jaydev Zaveri 6 - 5; Rick Shellhouse 6- 5; Randy Mackin 6 - 2 and, Basdeo Sookhai 7 - 6 to get into the Hot Seat. On the loss side, Basdeo defeated the ever tough Daniel Dagotdot 8 - 4 , to reach the Finals. Due to the late hour and the player's fatigue, both players agreed to split the event with Andrzej taking top honors. Third place finisher Daniel Dagotdot and KIm Meyer-Gabia forth place, are to be complemented for their strong performance each with a 6 & 2 win/loss record. The next Tri-State event is a $500 Added A/D at Castle Billiards in East Rutherford, NJ on Saturday, May 5, 2012. Please provide a thank you to Sterling-Gaming, Ozone Billiards, Ron Tarr Cues, Kamui Tips, Phil Capelle, BlueBook Publishing, Human Kinetics for their sponsorship leading to this event.

1-2......$900/$610 3rd......$370 4th......$250 5-6......$150 7-8......$110 9-12....$90 ...........

Payouts

Andrzej Kaldan, Basdeo Sookhai Daniel Dagotdot Kim Meyer-Gabia Dave Shlemperis, Randy Mackin Keith Adamik, Luis Novas Beau Baer, Boris Manzheley, Jaydev Zaveri, Rick Shellhouse

ULTIMATE BILLIARDS IS PRESENTING THE 2012 SUNSHINE STATE ACS 8-BALL CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH $3,300.00 ADDED PRIZE MONEY SCOTCH DOUBLES, MEN’S & WOMEN’S SINGLES, AND 5 PERSON TEAMS EVENTS Eligibility is open to all league players in sanctioned sessions of the 2011-2012 League Year. All players must meet Amateur status requirements. ACS, APA, BCAPL, VNEA, sanctioned league players are eligible. For all related applications, info and rules please visit www.ultimate-billiards.com for a downloadable application and rules packet.

You DO NOT have to be a Florida resident or member of a Florida League. You must be a sanctioned member of the applicable leagues.

Schedule of events Thurs. July 12, 2012 postmarked deadline for registrations No checks accepted. Only, money orders by mail or cash at the door. Early registrants must pay at time of application with a money order, no checks. A $25.00 late fee must be included with entries postmarked after July 12, 2012.

22 Stroke Magazine - June 2012

Thurs. July 26, 2012 6PM Scotch Doubles---------------------Fri. July 27, 2012 9AM Scotch Doubles continue Fri. July 27, 2012 Singles Registration Play starts at 12 PM------------Sat. July 28, 9AM Singles Continue and Team registration begins Teams start at 12PM Sat July 28, 2012 Sun. July 29, 2012 Team play continues until completion.

Every week at Ultimate Billiards we have a weekly handicapped 9-Ball tournament with an entry of $12.00 or $7.00 depending on the player’s ability.

The House adds $3.00 per player. There is one hour, of free practice included in the entry. Registration is Sat. 11:30 Am with start at 12:45 PM. Double elimination and $12.00 players go to 7 on winners side and 5 on losers. $5.00 players go to 5 on the winner’s side and 4 on the loser’s side %25 of the field is awarded prize money. Over $2,000.00 awarded since Mid March.

Ultimate Billiards 4112 Okeechobee Road, Fort Pierce, Fl.34947 772-464-7665 (772-GO4-POOL) See Ad Page 26

First Break to US Open

O

n the weekend of May 5-6, 2012, the J. Pechaurer Northeast Women's Tour (JPNEWT) headed to First Break Cafe in Sterling, VA. First Break Cafe is a new venue added to the JPNEWT tour schedule. After dominating the East Coast Regional Tour Championship, the JPNEWT ladies had another opportunity to earn a paid spot in the upcoming 2012 WPBA US Open in Tulsa, Oklahoma. For this event, $1000 was added and drew twenty-one ladies to battle it out on diamond tables.

On day one, the winner’s bracket was dominated by Linda Shea and Megan Smith. On day one, Shea put a stop to Cindy Haefner 7-2, Nicole Vincent 7-1, Sharon O’Hanlon 7-5, and Pauline Mattes 7-2. Meanwhile, Smith took care of Cheryl Pritchard 7-1, Ji-HyunPark 7-0, Nicole Nester 7-5, and a hill-hill victory over Tricia Tennant 6-5.

Day two began with Linda Shea vs Megan Smith from the winner-side and from the 1-loss side Briana Miller vs Tricia Tennant and Cheryl Squire vs Pauline Mattes (earlier defeated Kathy Friend 7-3, Cheryl Squire 7-5, and Eugenia Gyftopoulos 7-3). Linda win over Megan 7-4 put her in the hot seat. From the b-side, Briana eliminated Tricia7-2 while Pauline did the same against Squire 7-4. Mattes swept through Miller 7-1 putting her in the semi-finals against Smith. Megan wasted no time to get a second chance at Shea in the finals as she defeated Pauline 7-2. Down to the finals as Shea held firm to form, preventing a modified race to 9; she defeated Smith 7-5 to win this event.

Other top finishers were Megan Smith, Pauline Mattes, Briana

Miller, Tricia Tennant, and Cheryl Squire. Although Mattes finished third, she accepted the qualifier spot to the US Open; she will represent her home pool hall, First Break Café. Another notable mention is Tricia’s first time in the money since joining JPNEWT. Congrats to a job well done ladies.

The JPNEWT thanks all the players, spectators, and ustream.tv viewers for supporting ladies in pool. A special thank you goes out to our sponsor J. Pechauer Custom Cues. Last but not least, thank you First Break Cafe and Pauline Mattes for sponsoring this great event! First Break’s venue, service, staff and food were great!

June 2012 - Stroke Magazine 23

Raymond Linares, Javier Chirino, Chris Gentile, Jason Sheeman

was the latest event to host the Poison Cues Tour event. The $1000 Added amateur event attracted 62 players with 5 ladies taking advantage of the $20 entry fee.

Miami would have a large contingent of players showing up for this event which was made a extra special with the top four places all receiving a beautiful glass trophy’s supplied by Javier Chirino.

Chirino was also looking like the man to beat as he would make his way through to the hotseat with strong wins over Doug Johnson 6-2, Justin Gilsinan 6-4, Prescott Buckwold 6-3, Paul Mullins 6-0, Jeff Mabry 6-4 and then hard fought win over Raymond Linares in the winner’s side final 7-3.

The one loss side would see Tim Baron make a strong push after taking a 6-2 loss to Chris Gentile, Baron would go on to take out Jay Zink 5-4, Derek Virgilio 5-1, Paul Mullins 5-2, a 5-4 win over David Uwate would be his last as Jason Sheerman would end his run with a 5-3 loss to leave Baron in a Respectable 5th place. Sheerman would now have the task of taking on the Florida Amateur State Champion Chris Gentile this would also end his run as Gentile would come out on top with a 5-2 win leaving Sheerman in 4th spot, Gentile backed this win up with strong 5-0 win over Raymond Linares to put himself in the final.

The finals would be another great match with both players showing why they got there with strong shot making and good safety battles, However Chirino did not want to give his trophy up and would eventually come out a 7-4 winner and take the 1st place trophy and $700 1st place prize fund.

The Poison Tour also paid out more than quarter of the field for 1st this event along with four glass trophy’s for the top four finishers.

2nd Congratulations to Kira Brown for her top lady finish receiving $50 3rd Sunday’s $1000 Added open 10-Ball event would attract 42 players 4th with over 30 amateurs coming back from Saturday’s event taking 5th-6th advantage of the two day $40 discounted entry fee.

7th-8th Hunter Lombardo would be the man to beat on the day as he 9th-12th cruised his way to the finals with strong wins over Tim Baron 6-4, 13th-16th John Ditoro 6-1, Kira Brown 6-4, Mark Coats 6-0 and then a strong Top Lady 7-3 win over Tony Crosby in the winners side final to capture the hotseat,.

On the one loss side Raymond Linares was proving to be a 1st handful after taking a first round loss to David Uwate 6-2 he would 2nd go on a strong run with wins over Lincoln Seifert, Robert Raiford, 3rd Prescott Buckwold, Chettan Chhabra, John Ditoro and then Mark 4th Coats before running into a determined Anthony Meglino who 5th-6th stopped his run with a 5-0 win Meglino would then go on to lose a 7th-8th

24 Stroke Magazine - June 2012

Hunter

Lomba

rdo & T ony Cro

sby

tight 5-4 match to Tony Crosby which would set up a Lombardo Crosby Final.

The final would be a classic with neither player wanting to give an inch it

take the Trophy’s

would go all the way with Crosby taking it 7-6 to set up a 1 rack sudden death shootout. The shootout is designed to give the hotseat winner that 2nd chance and also guarantees 2nd place will have lost twice.

Crosby would go onto win the one rack shoot out after a positional error from Lombardo leaving Crosby a quick 2-10 combination to take down the event.

The tour would like to thank Cunningham’s pool room and its staff for hosting a very successful event.

Also our Title Sponsors Poison Cues for supplying some of the best hitting pool cues on the market.

Our next event will be 19-20th May at Park Avenue Billiards, Orange Park (Jacksonville).

AMATEUR PAYOUTS Javier Chirino Chris Gentile Raymond Linares Jason Sheerman Tim Baron, Jeff Mabry Vann Mangum, David Uwate Scott Nodell, Lincoln Seifert, Glen Miller, Paul Mullins Derek Virgilio, Prescott Buckwold, Zeno Rawley, Sam Kantar Kira Brown

$700 $500 $300 $200 $130 $90 $70 $50 $50

PAYOUTS Tony Crosby Hunter Lombardo Anthony Meglino Raymond Linares Mark Coats, David Uwate John Ditoro, Javier Chirino

$700 $450 $300 $200 $100 $75

Matt Krah

Jacqueline Rivera High Woman

Shaun Wilkie

Krah downs Wilkie twice to win Action Pool Tour

S

By Skip Maloney - AzBilliards.com though, prevailed for the re-match against Krah. Wilkie put up more of a fight in the finals, but the result was the same. Krah took the only set necessary 7-5 to claim the event title.

RESULTS

haun Wilkie and Matt Krah started strong on the May 5-6 stop on The Action Pool Tour; Krah opening with a shutout, Wilkie chalking one up in the second round. They battled on through three more rounds before meeting in the battle for the hot seat, and later, in the finals. Krah took both matches to claim top honors in the event that had drawn 55 entrants to VIP Billiards in Catonsville, MD. Wilkie moved among the winners' side final with a slightly better match record than Krah (28-7 to Krah's 28-10). As Wilkie took on Brett Stottlemyer, Krah faced Chuck Sampson. Krah advanced to the hot seat match with a 7-4 win over Sampson, as Wilkie sent Stottlemyer west 7-3. Krah took the first of their two 7-2, and waited in the hot seat for the rematch.

Stottlemyer moved over and picked up Alan Duty, who'd defeated Dan Madden 5-2 and Manny Orino 5-3. Sampson drew Donny Perryman, who'd survived a double hill battle versus RJ Carmona and soundly defeated Rick Glasscock 5-1. Stottlemyer resumed his winning ways with a 5-3 victory over Duty, but Sampson fell victim to another successful, double hill victory by Perryman.

Stottlemyer downed Perryman 5-1 in the quarterfinals, and put up a double hill fight in the semifinals against Wilkie. Wilkie,

Place 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 5th 7th 7th 9th 9th 9th 9th

Playername Matt Krah Shaun Wilkie Brett Stottlemyer Donny Perryman Alan Duty Chuck Sampson Rich Glasscock Manuel Orino Daniel Madden Rafael Reyes R.J. Carmona Mike Slagle

Prize Money $950 $550 $400 $250 $150 $150 $100 $100 $50 $50 $50 $50

June 2012 - Stroke Magazine 25

Zimny & Flores split pot

M

ike Zimny goes to the hot seat after 2 hill-hill matches against Tri v. Chau and Kim Gabia. On the other side Annie Flores wins 5 in a row including the best match of the day against Kim Meyer-Gabia.after being down 3 zip, she battled back to win the hill-hill match. Because of the late hour, Zimny and Flores decided to split the pot and give Zimny the victory since he had no losses.

PAYOUTS 1/2 3rd 4th 5/6

$600/$350 $200 $100 $75

Mike Zimny/Annie Flores Kim Myer-Gabia Pat Mareno Ed Culhane, Mike Aro KIM MYER-GABIA, MIKE ZIMNY, ANNIE FLORES

2012 Sunshine State ACS Championships Open to all ACS, APA, BCAPL, and VNEA league players

July 26th thru 29th Scotch Doubles, Team, and Singles Contact: Robbie Morito 813.263.4144 Justine Stewart 813.986.4344

$3300 Added Ultimate Billiards

4112 Okeechobee Rd, Ft. Pierce, FL 34947 772.464.7665 www.ultimate-billiards.com Cue repair onsite by Ted Harris 26 Stroke Magazine - June 2012

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Chris Fields WINS FIRST FBT EVENT!

Winter Park, FL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The room was full with players and spectators as the Flamingo Billiards Tour Qualifier got under way Saturday at Cue-Phoria Billiards & Cafe in Winter Park, Florida. Twenty-four of the top 9-Ball women competitors from around the state came to play.

The format was a modified double elimination, playing down to the final eight, four from each side. The four on the one-loss side redrew one of the four from the winners bracket.

Chris Fields got off to a rough start, losing her first match to Kim Richeson, 7-1, but made it to the redraw by defeating Chelsea Hardwick, who was in town and is a regular player on the Miss Cues Regional Tour. Field also got past Cassidy Mulligan and Laura Clay. Also making it to the redraw from the one-loss side was Jeannie Seaver, who initially lost a close match on the hill to Nicolle Cuellar. Not to be stopped, Jeannie knocked out Jane Freeman, Stephanie Mitchell and Kelly Cavanaugh to make it to the final eight. Also making it to the redraw from the one loss side was Kira Brown, who went west after losing to Kim Richeson, but fought her way back with wins over Janis Sessions, Vanessa Seaver and Kelly Coyle. Tour Director Mimi McAndrews also made it to the redraw after losing to Richeson, but defeating Barbara Ellis, who played a strong game all day, and newcomer Darlyne Petrovit.

Filling the final eight bracket from the From left to right in the picture: Room owner, Faheem Zia, Crystal McCormick, 3d Place, Nicolle Cuellar, 2nd place, Jeannie Seaver, 3d place. In the back, Chris Fields, winner, and winners side was Crystal McCormick, who house pro Adam Wheeler. won over Stephanie Mitchell, Chelsea Reeves, and Laura Clay. Also on the winners side was hosts, and to Boynton Billiards for their continued support.

Shanelle Loraine, who sent Janis Sessions and Kelly Cavanaugh west. Kim The next stop is at Slate Billiards in Boynton Beach, Florida, June 23, Richeson also came from the winners side, beating Kira Brown, Fields and 2012. For more information, visit www.flamingobilliardstour.com.

McAndrews. Nicolle Cuellar stayed on the east side sending Susan Roberts, Jeannie Seaver and Kelly Coyle west.

In the redraw, Brown drew Cuellar, but lost hill-hill. McAndrews matched up against McCormick, but couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get in stroke with McCormick easily taking the match. Seaver ended the day for Richeson, and Fields won a tough ($250 added, modified double elimination) match over Loraine, who has been playing a much improved game this year.

The semi-finals matched Cuellar against McCormick, but McCormick Chris Fields-----------------------------------------------------$370 seemed to be having stamina problems on this night, and Cuellar took Nicolle Cuellar ------------------------------------------------$250 advantage, making it to the finals by winning 7-2. Fields, who had never won Crystal McCormick - -----------------------------------------$125 a match against Seaver, the favorite to win the event, beat the odds and won the match 7-5.

Jeannie Seaver - ------------------------------------------------$125 With the momentum going her way, Fields was not going to stop at this Kira Brown ------------------------------------------------------ $75 point. She played strong and won her first Flamingo Billiards Tour event over Cuellar 7-2. Not too disappointed, Cuellar won the qualifier!

Shanelle Loraine ----------------------------------------------- $75 Many thanks to room owner Faheem Zia and house pro Adam Wheeler at Mimi McAndrews - -------------------------------------------- $75 Cue-Phoria (www.cuephoria.com), for inviting the FBT and for being great

Results

Kim Richeson -------------------------------------------------- $75 June 2012 - Stroke Magazine 27

Las Vegas

Womens Standard 8-Ball Team Champions - Inland Reef 1 (VA) (L-R) Michelle Carawan, Tavonia Millender, Beverly Michelle Carawan, Teresa Price, Jennifer O’Brien and Ashley Hoover

ACS Nationals in THE AMERICAN CUESPORTS ALLIANCE (ACS) CONDUCTED ITS MOST SUCCESSFUL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS TO DATE WITH A RECORD $36,500 IN ADDED PRIZE MONIES DRAWING PLAYERS FROM THROUGHOUT NORTH AMERICA TO TWENTY-THREE DIVISIONS OF COMPETITION AT THE 2012 LUCASI HYBRID ACS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN LAS VEGAS. Over 90% of attendees chose the host hotel, the Tropicana Las Vegas, for lodging – primarily attracted by early-bird hotel rates and discounted entry fees. The Tropicana Las Vegas is near the center of the action on the Las Vegas strip, and the dates – May 5-11 – and the gorgeous setting of this renovated property have quickly won over the players as a great site for pool action! The biggest highlight of these Championships was San Antonio TX capturing four of the nine team titles up for grabs!

Singles action began at the first of the week with handicapped 9-ball. Dustin Gunia of Omaha, NE, improved on his 4th place performance in 2011 by outperforming fellow Nebraskan – Chris Siefken (Lincoln, NE) – in the finals for the title by a 10-4 margin. On the distaff side, Susan Orr (Las Vegas, NV) took two sets in the final against Richmond, Kentucky’s Samantha Patton (2-5, 5-2) to earn her crown! Results from the many

28 Stroke Magazine - June 2012

divisions of 8-ball singles included: Dustin Gunia performing a rare double by outpointing Glenn Atwell (Clay Center, KS) 7-4 in the finals ofMen’s Advanced Singles 8-Ball; Jessica Frideres (Fort Dodge, IA) adding to her growing list of ACS Nationals titles with a come-from-behind, two-set finals decision over undefeated Kawania Watson (San Antonio, TX) in the Women’s Advanced 8-Ball Singles – 7-3/7-4; Richard Louapre (Jersey City, NJ) double-dipping undefeated Robert Nelson (Sycamore, IL) 5-4/5-3 for theMen’s Open 8-Ball Singles championship; Susan Orr scoring another title with a 4-2 finals defeat of Mandy SchneiderHood (Houston, TX) for the Women’s Open 8-Ball Singles laurels; undefeated Joey Glover (Virginia Beach, VA) outdistancing David Field (Calgary, AB) in the first set of the finals – 5-3 – for the Men’s Standard 8-Ball Singles division success; and Bernadine Crowchild (Calgary, AB) besting Arlene David (Virginia Beach, VA) by a 4-1 margin for the Women’s Standard 8-Ball Singles glory.

In the senior-aged 8-ball singles divisions, Dennis Brown (Creston, BC) took down Claude Gragg III (Arlington, TX) in the deciding set of the finals, 5-3, for the Men’s Senior (55+) 8-Ball Singlescrown; Shawn Modelo (Antioch, CA) captured her third straight Women’s Senior (50+) 8-Ball Singles title by clipping Susan Kornerly

(Two Rivers, WI) 4-3 in the finals; and Keith Parker (Henderson, NV) needed only one finals set to take the Super Senior (65+) Singles 8-Ball Singles title from Charles Smith (Whitesboro, TX) by a 5-2 margin!

The two Scotch Doubles 8-Ball divisions included the powerhouse duo of Dustin Gunia and Jessica Frideres (each winners of their respective Advanced Singles 8-Ball divisions) defending their 2011 title in the Advanced Scotch Doubles division with a narrow 7-6 finals win over Susan Orr/Ricky White (Las Vegas, NV); while the Canadian team of Anne Sinclair/ Michael Therrien (ON)needed just one set as well to claim 4-2 victory over Grand Junction, Colorado’s Sandra Walsh and David Miles in the Open Scotch Doubles category.

Mens Open 8-Ball Singles Jason Kane (NY), Richard Louapre (NJ)

With the ACS schedule in the latter portion of the week allowing non-conflicting accommodation of entry into both 9-ball and 8-ball team competitions, there was still plenty of competition to keep every player involved – especially those out of the money who automatically qualified for free second-chance team divisions!

In the Men’s Advanced 8-Ball Team division, Dick’s Pick[Greg Kuhl, Donnie Branson, Rocky Phipps, Fred Boggs, Lyn Wechsler and Jimmy Moore] (Las Vegas, NV) defended its 2011 title by eclipsing Virginia’s Brass Bell 13-8 in Womens Standard 8-Ball Singles Mens Senior 8-Ball Singles Womens 9-Ball Singles Arlene David (VA) Bill Mason (VA) Samantha Patton (KY) the title match. TheWomen’s Advanced 8-Ball Team division showcased Knaw edged out the boys for the title. ACS Again, The Tribe was Kaw Min [Becky Mowdy, Brandy Phillips, Judy would like to especially thank our title sponsor – down again at 9-12, but won the last four games Griffith, Sherry Griffin and Jan Aust] (WA) battling for the Championship by another 13-12 margin!

Lucasi Hybrid Cues, as well as Gary Benson and to a final’s win over Ontario’sEenie Meenie Miney his tournament direction staff at High Country In the Women’s Standard 8-Ball Team division, Moe. At this point, Team Mireles from San Promotions, as well as the exhibiting vendors and Virginia’s Inland Reef 1 [Michelle Carawan, Antonio, TX started collecting titles. In the Men’s the host site – the Tropicana Las Vegas! The ACS Tavonia Millender, Beverly Michelle Carawan, Open 8-Ball Team competition, undefeated Team Nationals is already looking to returning to the Teresa Price, Jennifer O’Brien and Ashley Hoover] Mireles [Frank Ferrer, Shane Manaole, Pat Powers, took the undefeated route to the finals and repelled Tropicana May 11-17, 2013! The ACS is a national Jacob Jimenez, Rick Robles, Gerard Jimenez, Lupe non-profit, member-governed association which El Paso’s Twinz by a 10-7 margin for the crown.

Sanchez and Eric Aicinena] outdistanced New The 3-person 9-ball team divisions were swept will sanction any local pool league (whether playerYork’s Foreign Policy 13-9 in the title match. The run or owner-operated) via a $10 annual sanction

by San Antonio TX! Once-defeated Team Mireles Women’s Open 8-Ball Team division showcased fee. Contact the ACS at 1-888-662-1705 or www.

Too [Rick Robles, Shane Manaole, Pat Powers and the Virginia team of Footers Femme Fatale [Alena americancuesports.org for complete information on Gerard Jimenez] took down Las Vegas’sRay’s Babys Joyce, Tiffiny Ebner, Diana Wirt and Marcia sanctioning your league! in two sets by 19-17/19-11 margins for the Men’s Schomburg] recovering from big deficits in two sets Advanced 9-Ball Team title. Another San Antonio The ACS currently sanctions leagues in 38 of the finals (2-7/4-7) to claim the top prize by 10team, Vito’s Ladies [Mary Ida Gamez, Elizabeth states and enjoys reciprocal relations with its sister 8/10-7 scores over Iowa’s No Balls Just Racks.

Blancas, Kawania Watson and Sophie Lopez], organization in Canada (Canadian Cue Sport The Men’s Standard 8-Ball Team division captured the Women’s Open 9-Ball Team laurels Association – CCS). Twelve state associations witnessed a similar rebound for eventual winner, with a 10-8 victory over Eenie Meenie Miney Moe are affiliated to ACS; and the ACS offers a Lucasi The Tribe (BC) [Tyler Chan, Doug Narcisse, [ON]. In the Men’s Open 9-Ball Team category, Hybrid Midwest ACS Championships each January Charles Narcisse, Adam Beeds and Bill Armstrong]. Team Mireles [Frank Ferrer Jr., Jacob Jimenez, Lupe at the Riverside Resort & Casino in Iowa. The In the first match of the tournament, The Tribe Sanchez and Eric Aicinena] struck again with a 19ACS produces a national amateur Lucasi Hybrid faced Las Vegas’s Dick’ Pick and trailed 8-12 before 13 finals decision over New York’s Foreign Policy All American Tour each Fall thru Spring and recovering for a 13-12 win. Dick’s Pick was not (victims in the MOT8 finals as well!). offers certification for both instructors and referees deterred and marched through the B-side of the In the 8th Annual ACS National Artistic Pool dedicated to the sport. bracket for another shot at The Tribe in the finals.

Championships, Connie Eddins of Santee CA.

Womens Open 8-Ball Team Champions - Footers Femme Fatale (VA) (L-R) Alena Joyce, Tiffiny Ebner, Diana Wirt and Marcia Schomburg

Mens Standard 8-Ball Singles Michael Nichols (VA), Joseph Glover (VA)

June 2012 - Stroke Magazine 29

STORY

Lucky

#15

We headed up north from our California trip. Lucky was able to make enough money towards his medical expenses. He was doing OK in this stretch, health wise. Good enough that he wanted to make a stop or two before back to the Lucky Q Ranch. We talked about the US Bar Table Championships in Reno but first hit the Northwest for a day or two.

We pulled in to my old haunt Classic Billiards. Lucky said it used to be a fair amount of action in there but dropped off. We walked in and Manny Chau and Mark Vidal were taken off the locals. “The most action there in a while” I said. They hung around a couple of days got a few grand out of the place. Everyone seemed to get up and play not knowing they had no chance.

Little Chris and Alberto did slow them down some on the winning. The pool room junkies tried to get Brad to the Bone to play these two roadies, but Brad politely told them all that his money was for them not the road players…

Lucky was hanging around waiting for the right time to play. On the third day Lucky came in to play only to find out they didn’t show up and left town. Lucky missed the opportunity to make a few from the road team.

Lucky saw Detroit John and he acknowledge him with a head nod and a surprised look. I told Lucky that Detroit John, (Jewelry John as some call him) always wanted to play Lucky again. They played years back when John was on top of his game. John played well that stormy fall day and at one point in the match against Lucky John ran 7 twice, A real show of his top gear. But Lucky prevailed.

Detroit a little embarrassed about that encounter with Lucky has always denied it, ever since. Even his friends who watched that day have thought that he’s trying too hard to repudiate the story. He has always rationalizing the whole thing. John has been heard saying “he’s a player that doesn't play as good as is thought to be, anyway”.

John had privately said he could beat Lucky now!

John didn’t care how good he really was. “Bring him on” was his motto. The truth of it was that John had not played much the past few years. Detroit has had a high gear but is game was not there right now. Still john wanted to play Lucky, well it was Noble!! Lucky standing near the table, John said “Want to play some!!”

Well, Lucky didn’t really want to play John, he was worried that he would be exposed as too good a player and all the action would stop. He didn’t want John’s money. John was very helping and generous to all his friends and folks in the pool room. Went it was inevitable they were going to play at Detroit’s

30 Stroke Magazine - June 2012

BY: ANDREW MONSTIS

Detroit John insistence, Lucky had a plan and it was not to let Detroit John beat him. Lucky was anxious about Detroit’s groupies, Brad to the Bone, Alberto, Sunami, Damascus Shorty and Angie the Striper, that they all might spread the word on Lucky. He didn’t want a crowd. I arranged the match at night when few people would be there. John was there warming up with Gary Crane. He brought his stern peripheral demeanor with him. Even though he had a real teddy bear personality. Lucky thought he was a nice guy trying to act shatterproof. You could see John wanted to play Lucky bad. Lucky was going to make Detroit play hard for it. Play by the set and not less than $1000.

John wanted to play by the game and Lucky wanted to play by the set. John wanted to play this man so bad he gave into the set race to 9 for a $1,000.

Detroit John got the first break. You could see the determination in his eyes. His excitement was evident. He broke and ran out; broke again and ran out. John truly was on fire and in stroke. He was as soaring as you can get playing good pool. He broke and ran out three more times and the score was 5-0.

Everyone was wondering where this game came from it had been years, years that he was able to do this.

Detroit was showing everyone how pool was to be played. John hadn’t even taken off his jacket, and his shirt was hanging out from underneath, and his eyes were glazed. John was pumped. He looked at Lucky and said, half-joking and half-serious, “I am going to thrash you and send you back to wherever you came from.” Lucky just calmly reached for a cinnamon stick to replace the one he was chewing on and then smiled. He said later he was a little perplexed at John’s patterns but was impressed with how he split the cup on every one of his shots. John feeling it ! made some comment like, “Might as well pay me now,” and then broke his 6th rack. He did not make a ball, acted like it was nothing and his lead was safe. He went over and sat in the chair looking at Lucky like Popeye with one eye squint and repeating biting his lip.

Lucky got up, stretched, back a little stiff, hobbled to the table, studied the table. John said before he was going to shoot “hey I don’t remember that you were left handed”. Lucky who never says anything too payers said “did you eat your spinach today” Lucky lined up the ball off handed. I knew lucky played right handed and wondered what the heck Lucky was doing.

Lucky calmly proceeded to run out that game and the next one and the next. As Lucky ran out each game off handed, you could see John’s smugness slowly fade away.

Lucky slowly ran out the set you might of thought he was playing Glenn Atwell. John said, “You can’t make me quit. Rack ‘em”. This time we’ll play to 11.

Lucky came over and asked me if he should run out another set on my friend. I said “I thought your plan

to make him work for it” He’s not working just sitting in the chair. Lucky said he changed his mind. I guess Detroit’s demeanor did that. Lucky said “I want to make a believer out of him, I guess” So Lucky ran out game after game after game before you knew it Lucky was shooting on the hill at the last 9 ball and missed it.

There was a little spark in john’s eye like he had hope.

It didn’t last long. Instead of reaching for his cue John pulled up his pants, tucked in the one flap of his shirt tail, reached in his pocket and handed Lucky some money, all the time giving me the fish eye. I shrugged my shoulders said Pisano….

Since we were friends, all I could say to John was, “Hey, I told you, he was tough and he was “that good.”

Lucky said, “Done for now?” John was a little hot but not mad, wanted to give it another try but? “No Lucky”. John did start out playing like a champion again. It was great to see. John said after that first set, now I don’t have to listen to Brad wanting to give me lessons. Lucky and John sat down and started talking about playing pool in Detroit and playing at Plush pockets. Lucky told a story about beating some guy named Ronnie from Canada. I wasn’t listing to what they were saying. It all seemed to mello out and they were laughing and smiling. Some of those Detroit stories must have been good.

Later that night Lucky gave me $2,000 dollars to give back to John. “John was a real nice guy and a straight up shooter”. When I saw John later and tried to give him his money back. A Deja Vu he didn’t want the money back just like years when they played. I said “if you don’t take this money I would go to the casino and bet it all on the craps tables, one roll”. He said, “Well, OK. I’ll take the money.”

To this day John still avoids saying he ever played and loss to Lucky. Everyone who was present when they played think it suspicious his always talking about as it never happened. He’s still says Lucky is a myth, fantasy and a ghost. Recently John said “There is no one that’s that good,” meaning running out two sets without missing on him. It was Lucky’s advantage to have John spread the word “He doesn’t exist”. Actually, did help keep Lucky from being too visible at the local tournaments or pool rooms. Thanks to John if he had told about playing Lucky might not have gotten another game.

We had plan to go to Seattle area. A friend Askar was going to steer us into action but we turned around went south. Lucky had a big urge to go to the Bar Table championships at the Grand Sierra. The North Dakota Kid was smashing the competition. Lucky Played him some 10 years ago. He’s real good action now……Lucky wasn’t ready to go back to the ranch.

EIGHT BALL CHAMPION • PURPLE TIER

NINE BALL CHAMPION • WHITE TIER

Miami, FL

Norton, MA

CARY CASS

MIKE SOUSA

APA Members take home more than $500,000 in cash and prizes at

National Singles Championships

World’s Largest Pool League Crowns Seven Amateur Champions in Las Vegas LAKE SAINT LOUIS, MO

More than $500,000 in cash and prizes were awarded to APA members at the APA National Singles Championships held April 25 – 28 in Las Vegas at the Riviera Hotel & Casino.

The National Singles Championships consisted of both the 8-Ball Classic and 9-Ball Shootout Singles Championships and the Jack & Jill Doubles Championship.

The final round of the 9-Ball Shootout featured three championship

matches, one for each Skill Level Tier, with two shooters in each match competing for $10,000 in cash and prizes.

In the Green Tier, James Rockwell of Columbus, N.J., defeated Kevin Hazlip of Orange Park, Fla. Rockwell advanced to the finals after a semifinal round victory over Sophina Placencia of Waianae, Hawaii. Hazlip advanced to the finals after defeating Courtney McIntosh of Round Rock, Texas.

Placencia and McIntosh tied for 3rd Place.

In the White Tier, Mike Sousa of Norton, Mass., defeated Mike Hernandez of San Antonio, Texas. Sousa defeated Christopher Garza of Brownsville, Texas, in the semifinal round to advance to the finals.

Hernandez advanced to the finals by defeating Sandra Ante of Florence, Ky. (APA continued on page 32)

June 2012 - Stroke Magazine 31

EIGHT BALL CHAMPION • YELLOW TIER

PATRICK PORTER (continued from page 31)

Burlington, NJ

Garza and Ante tied for 3rd Place.

In the Black Tier, Dustin Morris of Minneapolis, Minn., defeated Levent Ertoz of Mountain View, Calif. Morris advanced to the finals after defeating James Key of Southaven, Miss., in the semifinals.

Ertoz advanced to the final round match after a victory over John Torockio of Derry, Pa., in the semifinal match. Key and Torockio tied for 3rd Place.

Each of the three Champions received a prize package worth $10,000. Runners-Up in each tier took home a prize package worth $5,000. Third Place finishers each received $3,000.

More than 3,600 poolplayers made it to the regional level of the 9-Ball Shootout before the field was whittled down to 292 men and women competing for 9-Ball crowns in each of three skill level tiers.

Nearly 6,300 APA members advanced to regional competition of the 8-Ball Classic, and 469 of those

32 Stroke Magazine - June 2012

NINE BALL CHAMPION • GREEN TIER

JAMES ROCKWELL

players advanced to the championship in Las Vegas.

In the finals of the 8-Ball Classic, four champions each took home a prize package worth $15,000 for their performances.

In the Blue Tier, Connie Kraft of East Peoria, Ill., defeated Ryan Raftery of Toledo, Ohio. Kraft defeated Stefanie Macaluso of New Port Richey, Fla., in the semifinals to advance, while Raftery defeated Ruth Chappell of Coats, N.C. Macaluso and Chappell tied for 3rd Place.

In the Yellow Tier, Patrick Porter of Burlington, N.J., defeated Kenneth Suttles of Kodak, Tenn.

Porter advanced to the finals by defeating Joshua Rose of Summit, Miss., earlier in the day in the semifinal round. Suttles defeated Bradley Lancaster of Bakersfield, Calif., in the semifinals. Rose and Lancaster tied for 3rd Place.

In the Red Tier, Joseph Magsaysay of Jackson, Mo., defeated Gabriel Valdez of San Diego, Calif.

Magsaysay defeated Travis Fehlauer of Fayetteville,

Columbus, NJ

EIGHT BALL RUNNER-UP • BLUE TIER

RYAN RAFTERY Toledo, OH

EIGHT BALL RUNNER-UP YELLOW TIER

NINE BALL RUNNER-UP GREEN TIER

Kodak, TN

Orange Park, FL

KENNETH SUTTLES

KEVIN HAZLIP

N.C., in the semifinals to advance, while Valdez defeated Josh Norris of Oklahoma City, Okla. Fehlauer and Norris tied for 3rd Place.

In the Purple Tier, Cary Cass of Miami, Fla., defeated Armando Leal of San Antonio, Texas. Cass defeated Marc Horsting of Hanover Park, Ill., in the semifinal round. Leal advanced after defeating Joseph Coleman of Joelton, Tenn.

Horsting and Coleman tied for 3rd Place.

First place winners received cash and prizes worth $15,000. Each Runner-Up received cash and prizes worth $9,000. Third Place finishers each received $4,000.

In the annual Jack & Jill Doubles Championship, held in the MiniMania Room during the Singles Championships, Jason Fortun and Kim Nguyen of Terrytown, La., defeated Sean Higgins and Line Thibeault of Lewiston, Maine. Fortun and Nguyen took home $5,000, while Higgins and Thibeault received $3,000 as Runners-Up. Sportsmanship Awards were presented to Jina Watterworth of Lapeer, Mich., and Mike Tucci of Fresno,

NINE BALL 3RD PLACE BLACK TIER

JOHN TOROCKIO Derry, PA

EIGHT BALL 3RD PLACE BLUE TIER

NINE BALL 3RD PLACE WHITE TIER

Coats, NC

Florence, KY

SANDRA ANTE

RUTH CHAPPELL

Calif., for outstanding conduct throughout their matches in the 9-Ball Shootout and 8-Ball Classic, respectively.

The APA, based in Lake Saint Louis, Mo., sanctions the world’s largest amateur pool league, known as the APA Pool League throughout the United States, and as the Canadian Pool League in Canada. Nearly 270,000 members compete in weekly 8-Ball and 9 Ball League play. The APA is generally recognized as the Governing Body of Amateur Pool, having established the official rules, championships, formats and handicap systems for the sport of amateur billiards.

The APA produces three major tournaments each year—the APA National Team Championships, the APA National Singles Championships and the U.S. Amateur Championship—that, together, pay out nearly $1.5 Million in cash and prizes annually!

The APA and its championships are sponsored by Aramith, Action Cues and PoolDawg.

For more information on the American Poolplayers Association, visit www.poolplayers.com.

EIGHT BALL 3RD PLACE PURPLE TIER

JOSEPH COLEMAN Joelton, TN

JACK & JILL 1ST PLACE

BEASTMODE LA

EIGHT BALL 3RD PLACE BLUE TIER

STEPHANIE MACLUSO

Port Richey, FL

JACK & JILL 2ND PLACE

GRUESOME TWOSOME ME

June 2012 - Stroke Magazine 33

Presents

Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice

Click on the MAP link online to get directions to each location DATE CITY LOCATION PHONE Jun 2 Buffalo, NY Bison Billiards (716) 632-0281 Jun 2 Conyers, GA Classic Billiards (770) 679-5278 Jun 2-3 Norristown, PA Markleys Billiards (610) 278-1595 Jun 2-3 W Hampstead, NY Raxx Pool Room (516) 538-9896 Jun 2 E Rutherford, NJ Castle Billiards (201) 933-6007 Jun 9 Rochester, NY Six Pockets (585) 266-1440 Jun 9-10 Providence, RI Snookers Billiards (401) 351-7665 Jun 9-10 Virginia Beach, VA Q Masters actionpooltour.com Jun 16 Pittsburgh, PA Breakers Billiards (412) 531-2250 Jun 23-24 Manassas, VA Whetzel’s Billiards (703) 330-5661 Jun 23-24 Lexington, KY Diamond Billiard Pub (859) 317-9513 Jun 30 Pelham, AL Poppa’s Billiards (205) 664-2949 Jun 30 Buffalo, NY Bison Billiards (716) 632-0281 Jul 7 Conyers, GA Classic Billiards (770) 679-5278 Jul 7 Buffalo, NY Bison Billiards (716) 632-0281 Jul 20-28 Tunica, MS Southern Classic (p18) southernclassictournament.com

Jul 20-22 Tunica, MS CSI (702) 719-7665

Jul 21-22 Herndon, VA Breakers Sky Lounge actionpooltour.com Jul 23-25 Tunica, MS CSI (702) 719-7665

Jul 26 Ft Pierce, FL Ultimate Billiards (772) 464-7665 Jul 27-28 Ft Pierce, FL Ultimate Billiards (772) 464-7665 Jul 27-28 Ft Pierce, FL Ultimate Billiards (772) 464-7665 Jul 28 Pelham, AL Poppa’s Billiards (205) 664-2949 Aug 4 Conyers, GA Classic Billiards (770) 679-5278 Aug 11-12 Catonsville, MD VIP Billiards actionpooltour.com Aug 17-19 Glen Burnie, MD Big Daddy’s Billiards (410) 757-3488 Aug 25 Pelham, AL Poppa’s Billiards (205) 664-2949 Aug 30-Sep 3 Scottsdale, AZ BCAPL playbca.com Sep 8-9 Glen Burnie, MD Big Daddy’s Billiards actionpooltour.com

EVENT / RULES ENTRY ADDED TIME 8-Ball Bar Box $35 (incl g.f.) $250 Guar Noon 9-Ball $75 $1,000 Guar 1st Call JPNEWT Call $500 Call Open/Pro Call $1,000 Call Tri State Tour ABCD Call $500 Call Western NY Tour Call Call Call Joss Tour Call $2,000 Call Action Pool Tour Stop $90-$40 Online Online Western NY Tour Call Call Call JPNEWT Call $500 Call Miss Cues Ladies Tour Call $250 Call 9-Ball Open $30 $300 1PM Western NY Tour Call Call Call 9-Ball $75 $1,000 Guar 1st Call 8-Ball Bar Box $35 (incl g.f.) $250 Guar Noon 9-Ball Banks Online $10,000 total Online One Pocket Online Online 9-Ball Online Online 8-Ball - Men’s Open Division $50+$25 fees $3,000-1st w/64 Noon 8-Ball - Women’s Division $50+$25 fees $500-1st w/16 Noon 8-Ball - Men’s Sr (55+) Division $50+$25 fees $1,000-1st w/32 Noon 8-Ball - Juniors Division FREE (w/8) Prizes-Entry Noon Action Pool Tour Stop $90-$40 Online Online 9-Ball - Men’s Open Division $50+$25 fees $3,000-1st w/64 Noon 9-Ball - Women’s Division $50+$25 fees $500-1st w/16 Noon 9-Ball - Men’s Sr (55+) Division $50+$25 fees $1,000-1st w/32 Noon 9-Ball - Juniors Division FREE (w/8) Prizes-Entry Noon Sunshine State 8-Ball Sc Dbls $85/$110 $300 6PM Sunshine State 8-Ball Sngls $60/$85 $750 ea. div.

11AM Sunshine State 8-Ball Teams $110/$160 $750 ea. div.

9AM 9-Ball Open $30 $300 1PM 9-Ball $75 $1,000 Guar 1st Call Action Pool Tour Stop $90-$40 Online Online MD State 14-1 Straight Pool Varies Call 6PM 9-Ball Open $30 $300 1PM Southwest Regionals Varies $6,000 Online Action Pool Tour Stop $90-$40 Online Online

TM

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