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4 Stroke Magazine - June 2013
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On The Cover
2013 June
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Corey Deuel
Captures National Snooker Championship Title
by Alan Morris (United States Snooker Association) www.snookerusa.com
resumption he still found it difficult to play himself into the tie. Deuel completely dominated proceedings from then on as a contribution Corey Deuel has made a successful of a break of 36 helped him seal frame five, and runs of 34 and 39 in the transformation to following frame helped him wrap up the match 5-1 for a terrific victory. snooker as the former All credit must go to Deuel as what he lacked in snooker knowledge U.S. Open 9-Ball was made up by using his years of experience of playing professional Pool Champion pool at the highest level, and he must be applauded for making the has now added the positive decision to broaden his billiard playing horizons and take up the 2013 United States challenge of competing in the National Snooker Championship. National Snooker Isaac however will be incredibly disappointed with the way he Championship title competed in the final, as this is the first time he has tasted defeat in this to his collection with Championship and brings to an end a thirteen-match winning run. He victory at Snooker 147 will reflect on what he will be the first to admit was a very below par Bar & Grill in Houston, performance, which allowed Deuel to dominate him in the final. This Texas. loss though will make him even more determined to claim that second It has been an incredible title next year.Both players have now gained automatic selection event for the 35-year-old to represent the United States in the Men’s Event of this year’s from Florida as he was International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF) World Snooker fortunate to qualify from Championships, which will take place in Riga, the capital of Latvia, the group phase after from November 18-30. The winner of this Championship will be suffering two defeats out invited to compete on the multimillion dollar professional 2014-15 of four matches, placing World Snooker Tour. runner-up to the five-time The United States Snooker Association (USSA) would like to give champion Tom Kollins, its thanks to everyone who made this Championship possible, but he slowly forged his especially to the players who came from all across the country, and way into the Championship to the hosts, Mr. Mani Hassan and Mr. Aurangzeb Mahmud, the and gathered momentum proprietors of Snooker 147 Bar & Grill, for their enthusiasm for el, n, Corey Deu io p m a h C with each match played to the sport and for providing the highest quality facilities to play the er .com nook s National S SnookerUSA te © ta o S ot h ed P it reach the final against the Championship on. n hy The 2013 U pionship trop m a h C e th h defending champion, Sargon pictured wit Isaac. The 27-year-old from California was in good form throughout the championship, and looked formidable in his semifinal victory which would have made him favorite to retain his title. Deuel is an impressive performer however, as he calmly approached each attempted pot and methodically thought over many of the safety exchanges. Number one seed Isaac made a very underwhelming start to the final as he found it difficult to take advantage of any chances, and Deuel’s commanding presence helped him win the first two frames comfortably. Isaac is though the more accomplished break-builder of the two, and when he hit a very fluent and precise run of 68 to win the third frame it appeared the tide had turned in his favor as he started frame four in a very confident manner. This upbeat mood for Isaac though did not last long as he offered an opportunity to Deuel to get back into the frame, and he duly took it and won it assisted by a break of 53 to lead 3-1 into the mid-session interval. The interval did not help to settle Isaac, as on Corey Deuel and Sargon Isaac - Photo © SnookerUSA.com
t h e
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June 2013 - Stroke Magazine 5
Just Shoot the 9 – WINS 2013 Spring Session 9-Ball Money Cup
ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY: JANIS SESSIONS 9-Ball Money Cup – Was played on 05/25/2013 at Lucky 7 Billiards located at 4850 South State Rd 7 Davie, FL. There would be 19 teams to qualify. The day would start with the captains meeting lead by Gene Weaver, who is the league operator for the Broward, FL APA. The matches would start around 9am on this Memorial Day weekend.
Henriquez would jump out to very big lead and even a break-n-run. Henriquez only needed to make the 9ball for the win, but missed, leaving it for Ojaivo which added points for his team. Then Ojaivo had his own break-n-run and started to close the gap. Ojaivo would break needing 10 points to win. Ojaivo made one point on the break but didn’t have a good shot on the next ball. Henriquez would be back at the table only needed 2 points for the win. Henriquez played very strong all day and he got the 2 points and the WIN for the Team.
“We all want to take a moment to honor and remember all the soldiers, men and women who have serviced or are still servicing our country. Thank you for keeping us FREE”
By the end of a very long JUST SHOOT THE 9: Janis Sessions (Captain), Laura Clay, Elenor Freeman, JJ Jones, Jose Congratulations to Just Shoot day and going into the the 9 for playing very good all Gonzalez, David Carnevale, Barney Santos, Erick Henriquez “am” on Sunday 4 Teams day and winning the 9-Ball remained undefeated; Storm Money Cup! Riders, Now What?, Just Shoot the 9 and Steph’s Shooting Stars. But only one Team can call themselves the winners and get the 9-Ball Money Cup Trophies and that Congratulations to Now What? who played very good and came in 2nd place. right would go to “Just Shoot the 9”. Thanks to Lucky 7 for opening their doors to host this event. Thanks to Gene for Just Shoot the 9 defeated these Teams: Family of Friends, Corner Pockets and Steph’s running this event. Shooting Stars to put them into the final round. Players check out this link: http://www.improveyourshot.com/ they have some good Now What? defeated these Teams: The Niners, Almost Made It and Storm Riders to articles about pool and players. put them into the final round. Because it was very late (around 1:30am), it was agreed that both teams in the finals would split $2,500 prize money and then play a one game shootout to claim First Place and Trophies. Just Shoot the 9 = Would put up Erick (#19) Hendriques Now What? = Would put up Salomon Ojaivo Both of these players have a skill level of 6 and it would be a race to 48 balls.
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6 Stroke Magazine - June 2013
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NOW WHAT?: Lauren Pickard (Captain), Kim Kiersted, Michele Shugart, Amanda Montgomery, Drew Pickard, Brain Kowaiski, Jean Pierre Valdivieso, Salomon Ojaivo
Thomas
RICE
14 year old wins title Kyle Bubet, Kevin Buckley (owner-Gotham City Billiards), Thomas Rice and twin sister Kristin Rice Fourteen year old Thomas Rice wins at Gotham City Billiards’ A/D Tri-State Tour event. After winning his first match against Kim Meyer-Gabia 6 - 0, he suffered a loss to Kyle Bubet 6 - 4. Undaunted by his loss, he persevered to win eight matches in a row and become Tournament Champion. His tournament trail on the loss side included wins over Eddie Perez 6 - 4; Nicholas Chan 6 - 4; Luis Jimenez 6 - 0; Brendon Hollock 6 - 3; Joshua Morancie 6 - 3; Alex Osipov 7 - 4 and due to unforseen circumstances won by default against Gary O’Callaghan to reach the Finals for a rematch against Kyle Bubet. This time it was Thomas who took control and finished 8 to 3 for the victory. Kyle and Gary O’Callaghan are to be congratulated for their stong 3rd and 4th place finish.
A special acknowledgment is deserved by Marco Costello for winning the Break & Run contest. 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. 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5-6 7-8
$1,010 $680 $420 $250 $170 $125
Thomas Rice Kyle Bubet Gary O’Callaghan Alex Osipov Bredan Ince, Joshua Morancie Koka Davladze, Brendon Hollock
Q CITY 9-BALL TOUR JUNE 29TH
ENTRY BASED ON # OF PLAYERS Doors Open 11:30am - Calcutta at 12:15pm Sign ups end at 12:30pm Alternating Breaks - Rack Your Own (no lower 2) Push after break - 3 foul rule - Call the 9 2 Calcuttas - Players race to handicap +1
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June 2013 - Stroke Magazine 7
“The“The Viper” Viper” An Interview by:
An Interview with Top Ranked American Player Vivian Villarreal AKA “The Texas Tornado”
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
This month I am introducing you to one of the best players on the planet and she was born right here in the heart of Texas.  The Interview: VIPER: Where were you born? TORNADO: San Antonio, Texas VIPER: Do you have siblings? TORNADO: I have 2 half brothers and a half sister. I’m an only child. VIPER: What did your parents think of your pool career? TORNADO: My mom at first wasn’t too happy with it, but eventually she realized I had talent. Both my parents felt I could be number #1 in the world. Which they were both so right! VIPER: When you were younger, who did you look up to? TORNADO: I looked up to my father. He passed away May 4th, 2008 and it completely changed my life, I miss him dearly and there is not one day that goes by that I don’t think of him. VIPER: In your opinion, what parts of the world produce the best players? TORNADO: China VIPER: Why? TORNADO: They are so discipline with their athletes. They recruit them from a very young age to where all they do is study in school and practice constantly. Unbelievable athletes! Why
do you think they do so well in the Olympics? VIPER: Who’s your favorite female pool player? TORNADO: Lol well I have to say me!! I don’t have one. VIPER: Where and when did you first start playing pool? TORNADO: At Mollie’s Lounge in San Antonio, TX. It was my grandmother’s bar. I started hitting the balls at the age of 8 years old, standing on a milk carton. Back in the day, my dad was a really good pool player and when I was 8-years old he began to teach me. VIPER: What are your biggest accomplishments in the sport of billiards? TORNADO: My goal was to be #1 in the world and I stayed there for about 5 years. Also, when I won the ESPN World Championships. VIPER: Do you currently have any sponsors? TORNADO: My sponsors are “The Coaster Fan” and soon I will announce additional information. VIPER: Did you ever play in a pool league? TORNADO: No I never played in any league. (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 - June 2013
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The Nine Ball Break
The Monk
Tim Miller
You will have trouble with your break if you don’t have a tight rack. The feedback you receive from the break will not be reliable and you may blame it on the table, damp conditions, cloth or your stroke when in fact your opponent is giving you a sack rack.
hand, I look for the three foul rule. I have been good at that and it causes a lot of frustration on your opponent. I have been known to win on three fouls even when I had a run able rack. I also I look to see if I send the one ball into the nine ball and play a safe at the same time.
When I play a sack racker I break safe. I don’t make a ball on the break. He is left with no shot at all. With this break I use a little force follow to drive the cue ball through the rack. The force follow causes the cue ball to go down table and rest on the bottom rail. The one ball goes to the top rail.
Nine ball is not a break and run game. I have recovered from my “run and gun” days. I use to go for short racks and did quite well. It was a fun way to play. Now, I try to dominate my opponent and leave him a kick shot or the rack when I am finished.
I won a race eleven to three and did not make one ball on the break. My opponent felt he was better than me and when I reminded him I have a hard time running racks he wanted to play another match which I won eleven to five. He wanted to double up which was fine with me. I won that race eleven to one. In all the games I won (33) I did not run one rack. I insist on the magic rack. That way we both have an honest rack. I use an above center hit, shooting a little down on the ball, and with my stroke, I feel like I am delivering a slight draw. This action forces the wing ball into the corner pocket. If the wing ball hits the bottom rail I have used to much draw. If it hits above the corner pocket I used to much punch. You have to develop the ability to deliver the exact stroke. When I use that slight draw the one ball hits on the lower side of the side pocket and comes out near the middle. I don’t want to make the one ball. This is the only ball I can control so I want it to remain on the table. If I am playing a match I determine if this is a run able table following the break. If I see any trouble I will try to play safe on the one. It is best to play safe while you have lots of balls on the table. If I lock him up and get ball in
The domination game takes intelligence. You need to read the table and know when to duck. If you miss position, don’t try to hang on as a shot maker to finish your run. Play a defensive shot. I have found better dividends if I leave my opponent a long tough shot. They will go for the tough shot. A long cut shot is very hard to make and there is little chance to control the cue ball. If he misses the shot, he normally leaves it hanging. When you turn the cue ball lose there are six pockets waiting for it. After the opening break, if I push the cue ball, I will push it so he has a long tough shot. I never push it so he has an easy safe to play on me. Nine ball is about strategy. You will win more games when you play smart. If you find yourself winning by lop sided scores you are playing strong and not missing shots. You are “in the game”. I have another incredible e book I will give you at no cost if you email me at monkbilliardacademy@yahoo.com This is one of my e books with graphics you can click on to watch. I will look for you in the finals. 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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June 2013 - Stroke Magazine 9
COLUMNIST
Bob Jewett
San Francisco Billiard Academy www.sfbilliards.com San Francisco Billiard Academy is a BCA Certified Master Academy.
Pure Follow Can you avoid unwanted side spin when playing shots with power? Lots of players have trouble with this kind of shot. It’s easy enough to hit the cue ball in the center when playing softly, but turn up the speed and elbows start moving and hands start swerving. Here is a shot to test if you have this problem and that will provide good practice if you do. In Shot 1 is a fairly common situation where you need to follow a fairly long distance from a nearly full hit on the object ball. If you get just a little side spin on the cue ball, that spin is multiplied when the cue ball hits the object ball. Well, the actual RPMs are not increased, but with forward speed just from the top spin and most of the side spin remaining on the ball, the spin/speed ratio is greatly increased and any small error at ball-to-tip contact is magnified after ballball impact. Your goal is to follow down to the end rail and back. Try to get back at least as far as where the cue ball starts. Most important is to notice whether the cue ball takes an angle off the cushion. It should arrive without any side spin so that it makes a nice “angle in equals angle out” bounce. If you have trouble with the shot as shown, shorten it by moving both balls towards the pocket. Be sure to keep a fairly short distance between the cue ball and the object ball -- that keeps the table from helping you by putting follow on the cue ball with friction. Gradually work up your distance. Set a specific “purity” goal for yourself in terms of how much the cue ball can spin off-line at the cushion. In Shot 2 is an extension of the idea. When shooting a nearly straight in shot as shown, my tendency is to use running English -- in this case left -- to help the cue ball run around the two cushions. Usually that helps you get out of the corner better if you need to take the cue ball up the table. Instead, try the shot without any side spin. You should have just enough angle to contact the second cushion near the pocket. With the shot shown, you should be able to come back without the angle widening much on the second cushion. This shot requires careful aim to hit near the pocket but not on part of the corner of the pocket. When you feel fairly comfortable with no side spin, try a
Bob Jewett
little reverse on the shot. In this case, that would be a little right English with good top spin. See if you can follow the same path as before to the second cushion but with a little “hold-up”, the cue ball should straighten up off the second rail and go towards A. Just a little bit will do it. If you are like me, you have more fun spinning the cue ball than playing the simple shot. Practice the simple way for when the win is more important than the fun.
10 Stroke Magazine - June 2013 www.StrokeMagazine.net
CHALK TALK Sponsored by: Master Chalk
Sharking? THE SKY IS NO LIMIT BY: DON AKERLOW
Talking to opponents, joking with opponents while they are playing or in between their shots and your shot, some are mere friendly suggestions, friendly talk - when does it get to be devious? (This is an experience that happened to me.) I was participating in a Saturday tournament, when I beat a particular player, during that match I had not noticed his presence or the presence of one of his close friends, his buddy, comrade, cohort. It was in the second match when he came back through the losers bracket to play me that I noticed this cohort once again hanging around the table. I noticed when I was down stroking on a long shot and I was up against the rail, this person walked in front of my view, stopped, turned around and left the picture. If I was playing intelligent or even smart pool I would have gotten up, chalked my cue, re-aimed, did all the things that I had to do to get into position, but I didn’t. That’s my fault! Yet again, sharking - does it come in pairs? Do people work with somebody else to perhaps win a match or help their friend. An interesting question. I pondered this on the way home and have been thinking about it ever since. Believe me, no excuse, it was my fault that I didn’t get up and start again. Yet it made me think, how many other times, did they work together? Actually do they team up? So it got me thinking about different tournaments that I’ve seen both of them in. Mind you, the talent of either one of them is excellent, but that is not the point. It did get me thinking though, do they team up? Maybe, but I did go back over in my mind, different tournaments that they played in and being friends you don’t really notice an irregularity with the fact that they are usually always together, when one is playing a match and the other isn’t. So it would for an untrained eye perhaps go by the wayside.
important part of your game. What gives me further credence to this theory on these two particular pool players is that when they have met each other in a final of tournaments, whether coming out of the losers bracket or through the winners, they really don’t play each other. They split the pot. If the pot is $300 to the winner and $200 to the second place, they will split the $500. I have also seen them shoot in the finals one handed, bank eight when it wasn’t or double bank as you would be goofing around with your friend on a practice day. Curious, if nothing else, it does make you wonder. You be the judge. All I know is I’m going to watch a little closer, observe and see if it does seem to work that way. All this could be part of my fertile imagination or maybe not.
Yeah, maybe so, maybe this is a vague attempt to justify my losing when he came back and met me in the losers bracket. Perhaps, but it does raise a curious question. Do good players team up to try to shark other players that their friends are playing in a match? I’ve also noticed the other going to his friends match and talking, joking, having a conversation or trying to with the opponent of his friend. Perhaps a more subtle sharking because if you’re involved in a conversation or even thinking about a conversation, you are not concentrating on the game and concentration is the most
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June 2013 - Stroke Magazine 11
Morgan STEINMAN For an amazing 6th title, Morgan Steinman (pictured with her mother) was crowned MCMOA State 8-Ball Champion. This year’s event was held at the The Grand in Billings, Montana over Mother’s Day weekend. Morgan faced a tough field but came through to take home yet another title. Her mother was on hand to witness the win and cheer her daughter on. Morgan won in 2001, 2003(B), 2005, 2009, 2012, 2013. She has tied Linda Asleson and Gail Lave for most Women’s A championships. She earned a “B” Championship in 2003 giving her 6 total titles. Check out Morgan’s titles. http://www.onthebreaknews.com/MCMOA-Index.htm Congratulations Morgan
Left to right: 2nd place - Bogie Uzdejczyk; 1st place - Michael Aro; 3rd place - Koka Davladze
Aro Wins Michael Aro was undefeated at House of Billiards’ A/D Tri-State Tour event. His tournament trail included wins over Wade Alston 8 - 6; Juan Maldonado 6 - 0; Sam Smuke 6 - 5: Thomas Rice 6 - 0; and Koka Davladze 8 - 6 for the Hot Seat. Bogie Uzdejczyk, who was sent to the loss side by Koka, came back to defeat Koka 7 - 4 and face Micheal Aro in the Finals, Michael lead (3 - 0). Bogie began to assert himself and took the lead 7 - 4. Michael worked his way back to hill - hill and won the deciding
rack for an 8 - 7 victory. Koka Davladze and Gerard Nahay are to be congratulated for their stong 3rd and 4th place finish. The next Tri-State is a $1500 Added A/D event, to be held on Saturday, May 18, 2013, at Gotham City Billiards in Brooklyn, NY. Thank you to SterlingGaming, Ozone Billiards, Poison Cues, Ron Tarr Cues, Kamui Tips, Phil Capelle, BlueBook Publishing, Human Kinetics for their sponsorship leading to this event.
12 Stroke Magazine - June 2013
at
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The
House of Billiards
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5-6
Results
Michael Aro Bogie Uzdejczyk Koka Davladze Gerard Nahay Ron Gabia, Thomas Rice
$600.00 $350.00 $230.00 $140.00 $80
JUNIOR PLAYER PROFILE
Kody Kelly FULL NAME: Kody Kelly HOME TOWN: Middleburg, Florida BIRTH DATE: 11/11/99 GRADE: 6th GPA: 3 FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Math POOL ROOM(S) WHERE YOU PLAY: Plays at Park Avenue Billiards WHAT KIND OF CUE(S) DO YOU USE? J Pechauer AT WHAT AGE DID YOU START PLAYING POOL? 2 LEFT OR RIGHT HANDED? Right TITLES / HIGHEST FINISHES: NE Florida State Champ 2 years in a row Won a Mini tournament in TAP national tournament in South Carolina MOST MEMORABLE POOL MOMENT: Beating my dad in a local tournament and finishing in the money SPONSORS: J Pechauer and 89billiardz.com HOBBIES: Playing football with my friends FAVORITE POOL GAME: 9 Ball FAVORITE POOL PLAYER: Jasmin Ouschan FAVORITE FOOD: Sloppy Joes
FICTIONAL HERO: Captain America REAL WORLD HERO: My Dad FONDEST CHILDHOOD MEMORY: Winning a mini tournament in South Carolina GOALS (personal and/or career): To be a Pro Billiards Player and Own a Pool Hall
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June 2013 - Stroke Magazine 13
14 Stroke Magazine - November 2012
WPBA SOUTH CAROLINA STATE 9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP Tiger Smart held their inaugural event on May 25, 2013 at Grady’s Billiards in Lexington South Carolina. The tournament drew fifteen players from four states including Dana Aft, Faith Thompson, Aileen Nguyen, and Christa Lemmons from Georgia, Cheryl Pritchard and Janet Atwell from Virginia, Marianne Merrill and Lisa Cossette from North Carolina, and rounding out the field were JoAnn Barnes, Katherine Spence, Heather Lakatos, Priscilla Harsey, Jackie Corley and Belinda Calhoun from South Carolina. “I was very pleased with the participation for our first event” said
Meanwhile, Janet Atwell, WPBA veteran, is climbing thru the one loss side. She takes out Cheryl Pritchard 7-3, Belinda Calhoun 7-5, and Dana Aft 7-1 to reach the 1one set, race to nine, final. Janet was in a good rhythm and with steely, composed shooting took the match and the title! As second place finisher, Crystal Lloyd wins the qualifying spot and entry for the Ultimate 10ball Championship in Tunica MS next month. Other notable finishers include Faith Thompson and Jackie Corley in 5th-6th.
JANET ATWELL
Belinda Calhoun, Tiger SMART Tour Director. The owner of Grady’s Billiards, Crystal Lloyd, was presented with a certificate of appreciation during the players meeting.
Tiger SMART would like to thank its partners and sponsors: Tiger Products, Inc., Aramith, Simonis, T&S Printing Company, and Billiards Digest for helping to make Tiger SMART’S first event a success. Congratulations to Katherine Spence, Irmo, SC, who won a one year subscription to Billiards Digest. SMART would also like to acknowledge Corey Epps of Channel 19, WLTX for coverage of the event.
Thanks to all the players who participated. Cheryl Pritchard, Associate Tour Director, said, “the South Carolina girls really showed their support for SMART and the WPBA playing extremely well despite being first timers to this format, and they represented South Carolina very well.” 1. 2. 3. 4. 5-6 5-6
Janet Atwell+ trophy $385 Crystal Lloyd+ qualifier spot $275 Dana Aft $170 Belinda Calhoun $110 Faith Thompson $80 Jackie Corley $80
Tiger SMART invites the ladies of the Carolinas and beyond to our next tour stop, the Carolina Classic, June 22-23, in Mooresville, NC at 150 n Out. See you there!
CRYSTAL LLOYD
Competition was fiercely fought as seven matches went hill-hill or 7-5 in the race to seven, rack your own, alternate break format. Surprise of the tournament was Crystal Lloyd, host of the event, who rifled through the winner’s bracket including impressive wins over Janet Atwell and Belinda Calhoun. The hot seat match with Dana Aft who also cruised through the winners bracket with victories over Pritchard, Thompson and Corley, was the match of the tournament! At hill-hill, Crystal plays a safety on the six-ball where the cue ball stays up, deep in the corner pocket. Dana is completely hooked by the nine. The six, seven, and nine are left. Crystal had to be thinking she had Dana at this point. Dana kicks behind the six and makes it in the side with good shape on the seven! Remember these two players are battling not only for the hot seat but most likely the winner will win the entry and spot into the Ultimate 10-ball. Dana just misses the seven leaving Crystal with a little tester. Winner game, set, and hot seat, Lloyd.
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June 2013 - Stroke Magazine 15
World’s First
Crazy 8 Tournament
Pictured left to right are Don Terrien, owner of Gold Crown. Dave Kennedy, Winner and Don Hevia. We had our first Crazy 8 tournament here at Gold Crown Billiards in Hollywood Fl. Fifteen players took the challenge, Including John DiToro, Anthony Meglino and Flavio “Lambada”. I lost to Anthony for third place and Flavio lost the final to Dave Kennedy. Congratulations to Dave for winning the first of what we hope will be many tournaments to come. Thanks to all who participated.
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T J’s Billiards CALL FOR UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS
14.1 Airport Rd - Waterville, ME 207-877-7665
In Memory Of Cole Dickson
Yesterday, I wanted to wait until it was public knowledge. Today I want to celebrate my friend with my favorite Cole Dickson pool story. I always thought that being a legend meant that you had been washed up, as if he didn’t play the game any longer, so it used to upset me when they would call him a pool legend. My husband and I travel to Vegas for our National BCA pool tourney. One night we were ...sitting in a pool room. A gambling hall if you will. Just watching about ten of these old hustlers. It was like a smoky scene straight from ‘The Color of Money’. I have to admit, it is one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. A conversation about Cole came up and I was giggling to myself because they were talking about my friend and I got to listen. Now grant you, these were men from all over the country so I suddenly got a feeling like I was friends with a shining star. I always knew Cole was renown, but this was different for me. I kept thinking if they say anything bad about him, I am going to get mad because let’s be honest, he did lose his cool every once in a while. But, they didn’t. They said nothing but nice things.
They used words such as ‘greatest pool player ever’ and ‘the most heart in pool’. ‘He once went for a whole year without losing a game’ one of them spouted with his gruff voice. ‘That guy would never quit’, they said. One said “I wish Cole was here to play some One Pocket!” The others would pipe off and say ‘If he were, your wallet would be lighter’. They went on with their own Cole Dickson stories using words like ‘famous, legendary’ and ‘went home broke!’ The room filled with laughter. It was then that the word ‘legend’ took on a whole new meaning for me. To be a pool legend one must touch many lives, for many years with your skill and knowledge. To be legendary in the game of pool means that people will be telling pool stories about you in every random pool hall in every random city for years to come. I wish I could hear them all. There are very few who will ever reach ‘legend status’. For us, Cole, we are grateful for the time we got to spend with you. We will miss you.
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~Jim and Dina Winter June 2013 - Stroke Magazine 17
APA Members
Pocket 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 (May 10, 2013) — More than $500,000 in cash and prizes were awarded to APA members at the APA National Singles Championships held April 24 – 27 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, the Wheelchair Challenge 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, Tom Williamson of Billerica, Mass., defeated Cheri Schroth of Murfreesboro, Tenn. Williamson advanced to the finals after a semifinal round victory over Kathy Tingler of Tyler, Texas. Schroth advanced to the finals as a result of a
8-Ball Classic Champion Blue Tier - Faith Rubin of Fayetteville, NC
18 Stroke Magazine - June 2013
disqualification following the semifinal round. Tingler finished in 3rd Place. In the White Tier, Eddie Conklin, Jr. of Bayonne, N.J., defeated Rodger Doyen of Brandon, Fla. Conklin Jr. defeated Mathis Martines of Greensboro, N.C., in the semifinal round to advance to the finals. Doyen advanced to the finals by defeating Erick Carrasco of Ridgewood, N.Y. Martines and Carrasco tied for 3rd Place. In the Black Tier, David Apollos of Gallatin, Tenn., defeated Jan Mierzwa of Garfield, N.J. Apollos advanced to the finals after defeating Herb Wilburn of Longview, Texas, in the semifinals. Mierzwa advanced to the final round match after a victory over Jessica Schuddekopf of Clifton Park, N.Y., in the semifinal match. Wilburn and Schuddekopf 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 in cash and prizes. Daniel Praty of San Diego, Calif., was awarded the Sportsmanship Award in the 9-Ball Shootout. More than 4,000 poolplayers made it to the Regional Level of the 9-Ball Shootout before the field was whittled down to
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310 men and women competing for 9-Ball crowns in each of three Skill Level Tiers. Nearly 6,400 APA members advanced to regional competition of the 8-Ball Classic, and 489 of those 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, Faith Rubin of Fayetteville, N.C., defeated Joe Fickett of Chicago Ridge, Ill. Rubin defeated Freida Swain of Lapeer, Mich., in the semifinals to advance, while Fickett defeated Summer Turner of St. Augustine, Fla. Swain and Turner tied for 3rd Place. In the Yellow Tier, Steven Davis of Minneapolis, Minn., defeated Clayton Fulcher of Loganville, Ga. Davis advanced to the finals by defeating John Falco of Benton, Ark., earlier in the day in the semifinal round. Fulcher defeated Douglas Moe of Easton, Conn., in the semifinals. Falco and Moe tied for 3rd Place. In the Red Tier, David Templeton of Jackson, Mo., defeated Wilson Chung of South San Francisco, Calif. Templeton defeated Charles Swan of Pickering, Ont., in the semifinals to advance, while Chung defeated Matthew Witschonke of Seattle, Wash. Swan and Witschonke tied for 3rd Place. In the Purple Tier, Dustin Gunia of Omaha, Neb., defeated Nathan Moore of Warren, Mich. Gunia defeated John Scudder of Portland, Ore., in the semifinal round. Moore advanced after defeating Ever Valasques of Hyattsville, Md. Scudder and Valasques 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 cash and prizes. Michael Andrew of Oshawa, Ont., was awarded the Sportsmanship Award in the 8-Ball Classic. In the annual Jack & Jill Doubles Championship, held during the Singles Championships, Long Shots (Jaime Guajardo & Amber Kwasigroch) of Joliet, Ill., defeated Ride the Rail (James Giorella & Evaughn
9-Ball Shootout Champion White Tier - Eddie Conklin, Jr. of Bayonne, NJ
8-Ball Classic Champion Purple Tier - Dustin Gunia of Omaha, NE
Hall) of Athens, Ga. The victory earned them a $5,000 payday. As Runners-Up, Ride the Rail took home $3,000. The Jack & Jill Doubles field included 256 teams. The Wheelchair Challenge made its debut at the National Singles Championships after being held in August during the National Team Championships for many years. In the finals, Charlie Hans of Middletown, Ohio defeated Ron Bates of Coldwater, Mich., to take home $2,000 in prize money. Bates received $1,000 as the Runner-Up. Forty-two players competed in the Wheelchair Challenge. (Continued on page 20)
8-Ball Classic Champion Yellow Tier - Steven Davis of Minneapolis, MN
Jack & Jill Doubles Champions Long Shots (Jaime Guajardo & Amber Kwasigroch) of Joliet, IL
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Wheelchair Challenge Champion Charlie Hans of Middletown, Ohio
June 2013 - Stroke Magazine 19
APA National Singles Championships
Continued from Page 19
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.
9-Ball Shootout Champion Green Tier - Tom Williamson of Billerica, MA
8-Ball Classic Champion Red Tier David Templeton of Jackson, MO
9-Ball Shootout Champion Black Tier - David Apollos of Gallatin, TN
20 Stroke Magazine - June 2013
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Miller Goes Undefeated Feliz takes Ultimate 10-Ball Qualifier
By Kia Sidbury
Raxx Sports Bar & Grill West Hempstead, NY May 18th & 19th The J. Pechauer Northeast Women’s Tour (JPNEWT) took its second 2013 stop to the Raxx Pool Room, Sports Bar & Grill in West Hempstead, NY during the weekend of May 18-19, 2013. With $1500 added, twenty ladies fought a good fight to qualify for the upcoming Ultimate 10-Ball Championships in Tunica, MS. Briana Miller starts her tour year off with a bang as she goes undefeated at this qualifier event. Miller sent the following players west as she traveled to the hot seat: tour director Linda Shea 7-3, Borana Andoni 7-4, Shanna Lewis 7-4, and Yomaylin “Smiley” Feliz. Meanwhile, Feliz was causing damage as well before being sent west by Miller. She went through Kia Sidbury 7-4, Colleen Shoop 7-3, and Nicole Nester 7-2. From the 1-loss side Feliz defeated Linda Shea7-5 for a final chance at Miller. In the finals, Feliz fought a good fight and was determined to take down Miller. She was successful in extending the race to a modified 9 and played a double-hill match, but Miller took the match and qualified for the Ultimate 10Ball Championships. Although Miller qualified, she will not be available to compete in the championship. Feliz accepted the spot. The JPNEWT thanks all the players for participating in this event and spreading the word to other in your circle. Special thanks go out to Holden Chen of Raxx Pool Room for hosting this event and supporting women in billiards. Continued thanks go out to J. Pechauer Custom Cues for your continued support and sponsorship. Future tour stops can be found at http://www. jpnewt.com/tour_schedule.asp.
Results 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5/6th
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Briana Miller Yomaylin Feliz Linda Shea Nicole Nester Dawn Fox Shanna Lewis
$580.00 $380.00 $260.00 $180.00 $100.00
June 2013 - Stroke Magazine 21
Mika and Hunter Co-Champions at Sandcastle
was Mika Immonen coming away with the win and sending Eddie Abraham to the one lost side. Waiting for Eddie Abraham on the one lost side was Hunter Lombardo this match was all Hunter from the start winning easily 6-3 to get to the finals. In the finals it was Hunter Lombardo Vs Mika Immonen, Hunder Lombardo would have to beat Mika Immonen twice to win the event both players decided to be co-champions. I would like to thank Ed Liddawi for hosting the event all the players that came out to play and the following sponsors Mezz Cues, Kumi chalk Gamblin Clothing, Allen Hopkins Super Billiards Expo, Jab Cues & Things Billiard Life USA, Inside Pool Magazine, and Mike Ricciardella Re/Max Pros. 1st Mika Immonen $525 2nd Hunter Lombardo $525 3rd Eddie Abraham $200 4th Zion Zvi $150 5th Michael Wong $100 5th Ryan Duttkin $100
The Mezz Pro-Am made its way to Sandcastle Billiards in Edison Nj on Sunday April 21 2013.
A Strong field came out to play players like: Mika Immonen, Eddie Abraham, Zion Zvi, Hunter Lombardo, Michael Wong, Danny Gokhul Travis McKinny, Jennifer Barretta, Ed Culhane. Leading the top half of the bracket was Eddie Abraham with wins over Victor Nau 6-2, Ed Culhane 6-3, and Michael Wong 6-1. Leading the bottom half of the bracket was Mika Immonen with wins over Danny Gokhul 6-5, Hunter Lombardo 6-4 and Ryan Duttkin 6-3. Playing for the hot seat was Eddie Abraham Vs Mika Immone this was a great match that went hill hill it
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TABLE TALK
BY: MICHAEL GLASS
Fundamentals
You hear players talk about them all of the time, usually when helping a player who has a horrendous bridge, stands up during their shots, or has some other glaring problem. If they are receptive to suggestions, there is no shortage of players willing to give them a few pointers. Sometimes, you’ll hear a pro talk about needing to “work on their fundamentals.” It’s hard to believe when you see a player like Shane Van Boening or Jasmin Ouschan make shot after shot, perfect and precise, that they need to work on the basics. But they do. We all do. Recently, I watched a One-Pocket match on YouTube between Scott Frost and Tommy Tokoph; two very accomplished players. I decided to see if these phenomenal players made any fundamental mistakes: did they ever drop their elbow? Did they stay down on their shots? Did they follow through? What I discovered was rather interesting, and clearly illustrates the need to occasionally go back to the drawing board and work on your basic skills, no matter how good you are. Go ahead and load up the video on your favorite device, and follow along if you like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P5GRB5Jf5M Overall, Scott Frost seemed to have the best fundamentals. He stays down on his shots, usually until the ball drops into the pocket. Sometimes he has to get out of the way (for a bank, for example), and he does so at the very last possible moment. He is very disciplined as a rule, which I believe is why he is so difficult to defeat. It’s no wonder he’s called “The Freezer!” He’s as cold as ice.
even though he made the ball he was aiming at, he followed it with the cue ball. Now, forward the video to 6:08. Tommy makes a great shot, but if you watch his cue stick, you’ll notice that he swerves it, perhaps to subconsciously add a little more spin to the cue ball. In a game of One-Pocket, cue ball position is very important, and it’s very difficult to control it unless you are giving it the exact spin and speed that you need to position for your next shot or leave your opponent safe. By swerving his stick, he didn’t control the cue ball well, and you can see that he didn’t get a good position for his next shot. As a result, his next shot is extremely difficult. He misses and sells out. Definitely not something you want to do playing The Freezer. Let’s move ahead a bit to 14:35. As he is taking his practice swings, notice his back arm. It’s a little too far forward, preventing him from following through properly. He pokes at the shot. Plus, he stands up immediately after his shot, and he drops his bridge hand from the edge of the table. The result was that he sold out again, leaving Scott a straight shot into his pocket. Would that have happened if he hadn’t stood up, or followed through? Maybe not. But if his fundamentals were more sound for that shot, he may have been more focused and hit it the way he intended, without selling out. Let’s look at one more shot: 29:51. Here, Tommy stands up and drops his bridge hand off the rail immediately after the stroke. As a result, he misses his shot, and scratches in the side; a very devastating outcome in a One-Pocket game against a player like Frost.
However, I have evidence that he is human, after all. Notice at 5:05 in the video, he scratches on the shot. While it is true that the cue ball went in off of other balls, I believe he let it get away from him. Now, watch the shot again, but this time pay attention to his cue stick. It pops up into the air right after the shot. He gets practically no follow-through.
Remember, these are top-notch players. They have logged countless hours at the table, in practice and competition. However, even players of this caliber must constantly be at the top of their game, and focus on the basics. Tournaments can be grueling, and when you are worn out from playing a 4 hour match until 3 in the morning, what do you suppose is the first casualty? That’s right...
Granted, Scott was shooting over another ball and had to jack up. However, when the shot is particularly difficult, it’s even more important to keep the fundamentals in mind. He ends up popping the cue ball into the air, landing on another ball, and
Fundamentals.
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D’Alfonso Wins Fast Eddie’ Joss Tour Stop By AzBilliards.com Tom D'Alfonso avenged his only loss and defeated Ron Cosanzio twice in the finals to win the Joss NE 9-Ball Tour stop at Fast Eddie's Billiards Cafe in New Milford, Ct. D'Alfonso and Cosanzio were the last players left standing on the winners side of the board in the 49 player field, but it was Cosanzio who scored a 9-6 win to take the hot-seat and send D'Alfonso to the left side. D'Alfonso's stay on the one loss side would be a short one as he quickly eliminated Nelson Oliviera 9-4 to earn another shot against Cosanzio in the finals. The first set of the finals was close all the way, but the match was decided in the 15th game when Cosanzio scratched while running out the rack for an 8-7 lead. Instead, it was D'Alfonso who would take the 8-7 lead and then go ahead to win the match 9-7. The scratch late in the first match by Cosanzio might have taken the wind out of his sails as he would also fall in the second set of the finals 9-2 and D'Alfonso would be the final event winner. The second chance tournament on Sunday saw eighteen players compete for $860 in prize money. The event would be won by Eric Tang, who could not be beaten all day. Tang beat Bob Vanduzee 3-2 for the hot-seat and then beat Bill Cote 3-0 in the finals. The Joss NE 9-Ball Tour's next stop will be at Snookers in Providence, RI on June 1st - 2nd. Tour director Mike Zuglan is also still taking sign-ups 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. 24 Stroke Magazine - June 2013
RESULTS
Main Event 1st Tom D’Alfonso 2nd Ron Cosanzio 3rd Nelson Oliviera 4th Scott Ireland 5th Redgie Cutler 5th Jeremy Sossei 7th Mike Dechaine 7th Travis McKinney 9th Vincent Rocheford 9th Bob Vanduzee 9th Brent Boemmels 9th Vinny Zuniga Second Chance 1st Eric Tang 2nd Bill Cote 3rd Bob Vanduzee 4th Brent Boemmels 5th Vinny Zuniga 5th Steve Mack
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GUZMAN TAKES 10-Ball
BY NYC GRIND FOUNDER & CONTRIBUTOR, JERRY TARANTOLA
The Predator Tour’s Amateur 9-Ball and Open/Pro 10-Ball events were hosted by Bayside, Queens pool room Cue Bar (CueBarBayside.com) for the pool tour’s seventh stop of the season on May 4-5, 2013. Cue Bar features a nice combination of great equipment, good food, and a modern design layout, including a DJ booth and couches that are converted pool tables. The host room and Predator Tour owner Tony Robles rolled out the red carpet for the nice mix of big-name talent, ever-improving amateurs, and breakthrough players. The Predator Tour’s tournament director William Finnegan, penciled in a total of PHOTO BY NYCGRIND.COM L-R Zee Shan Safdar, Darwin Vergara, 42 players who participated in the Darwin, who is Filipino, was introduced to the Amateur 9-Ball event on Saturday. game by his father, Open level player Mhet Vergara. NYC Grind contributor Brian Leong was on site Mhet and his closest friends are part of a circle of some for the event for both days of the event, check out his of the greatest Filipino players to ever play the game, photos at the links below. allowing Darwin the ability to watch and learn from The final six Amateur 9-ball players were called many of the greats in the game while growing up in back on Sunday to play alongside the Open and Pro Queens, NY. players, who would play call-shot 10-ball. There were Mhet Vergara shooting at Cue Bar on Day 2 of a few veteran players who brought out a renewed love the Predator Tour - Photo by Brian Leong and excitement for the game, and one player who A number of Filipino legends, including Efren really stood out from the rest, in terms of energy, Reyes, Francisco Bustamante, Jose Parica, Santos excitement, and growing a strong fan following. Sambajon, Warren Kiamco, and Dennis Orcollo That player was the event’s lone junior helped him develop and encourage his innate ability. competitor, Charles Darwin Vergara, who played the Darwin has also worked with some of the great game with a relaxed confidence and showcased his American players including Earl Strickland since he impressive arsenal of pool knowledge and talent. While made his new home here in New York. Darwin is Darwin (as his friends know him), has been around the currently sponsored by Steinway Billiards, where he game as long as he can remember… his upbringing is practices approximately four times a week in a very unique and remarkable. unstructured and free-form manner. While Darwin is plugged in to technology and Darwin Vergara was at Steinway Billiards enjoys sports and digital games, he has a deep respect watching the action between Warren Kiamco and understanding for the art and skills needed to be & Francisco Bustamante vs Jayson Shaw & Earl a champion in the game of pool. By the time the dust Strickland settled at stop #7, it was clear in my mind that this kid I’ve had the chance to watch Darwin grow and has what it takes to be a great player that can make a evolve both as a young person and as one of the top positive impact.
junior talents in the game today. He’s currently ranked as a ‘B’ player at age 16, and after watching him play in this event, it’s clear that the hard work is paying off…and helping to remind many of the veteran players what this game is truly about. It’s clear that Darwin looks at the game as an art form, and embraces the challenges he’s up against with a positive attitude while digging deep to attempt difficult shots at times. Through a combination of powerful yet elegant stroke, advanced knowledge for his age, and an overall fast and loose style… Darwin is having fun competing, growing, and learning. One ongoing concern for our Juan Guzman industry’s growth and development in the future has been the sport’s ability to gain the interest of the youth. Pool is a game/ sport that is more accessible than many sports, and there are a lot of talented people doing what they can to support young players and our sport’s future. The BEF (www.billiardeducation.org) recently teamed up with Allen Hopkins and his amazing staff at the Super Billiards Expo to contribute to what’s exciting and hopeful around the game, while Tony Robles and other top pros also invest time into supporting the youth in different ways. Darwin’s strong support system of family and friends who came out to watch him seemed to fuel his drive to win, helping him make it to Sunday undefeated. On Sunday, Darwin Vergara defeated always-tough Zee Shan Safdar 7-3 earning a spot in the finals by way of the winner’s bracket. While Darwin Vergara’s breakout play was a major highlight of the weekend, veteran tour player Juan Guzman (ranked as an ‘A’) was quietly earning “W” after “W” on the one loss side. Juan ended up winning a total of nine consecutive matches after a second-round loss to Steve Kallo (B). Juan had a gritty battle with Tom Hagan in the quarterfinal before edging out with a 7-5 win, and followed it up with a
(Guzman continued on page 31)
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June 2013 - Stroke Magazine 25
Corteza Cashes In! By Ted Lerner WPA Press Officer Photos Courtesy of Jin Li, www.top147.com
(Shanghai)--Playing with his trademarked calm and cool demeanor, all the while exhibiting a deadly stroke and a fierce, quiet fortitude, the Philippines Lee Vann Corteza staked his claim to stardom today as he defeated Taiwanese veteran Fu Che Wei to win the 2013 China Open 9-ball in Shanghai. The win means that the China Open title, one of pool’s biggest tournaments, remains in the Philippines at least one more year, as Corteza’s win follows countryman Dennis Orcollo’s victory in 2012. The victory, besting a quality field of 64 top players from around the globe, is easily Corteza’s biggest to date in a professional career that has spanned nearly two decades. For the last five of those years, Corteza’s pedigree had already been established far and wide. Everywhere he has played fellow players and fans could see that under Corteza’s humble veneer and boyish smile lay a deadly serious and focused professional with a noticeable swagger that oozed confidence. This is a man who has something inside him that doesn’t allow him to flinch under pressure. This is a man who knows how to close out a match.
26 Stroke Magazine - June 2013
All of these traits were on full display today in front of over 500 people at the Shanghai Pudong Yuanshen Stadium arena. The match was played at an extremely high quality with 12 of the 17 played racks being break and run outs. The outcome turned on just a few mistakes, and it was Corteza who took advantage and nailed the door shut every time he was given the opportunity. As they had all week, both Corteza and Fu remained untouchable in their respective semi-final matchups which took place earlier on Sunday morning. Corteza easily defeated surprise entry Omar Al-Shaheen of Kuwait, 11 – 3. Fu put a halt to the marvelous run of former two-time world champion Wu Jiajing, 11 – 8. In the finals, the 34 year old Corteza won the lag and broke and cleared the first rack in the alternate break match. The pair traded racks and neither missed a single ball as the Filipino led 2-1. Corteza’s first chance to gain some distance came in rack four when he cleared off a Fu miss on the 1-ball to take a 3-1 lead. Corteza broke and ran the next rack to move up 4-1. The Filipino would never be threatened the rest of the way. Fu continued to play well, and continued to break and run racks, but so did Corteza plunking the cue ball dead square in the center of the table on the break and potting 2, 3 and once even 4 balls. Down 7-5, Fu had a brilliant opportunity to narrow the lead in rack 13 when Corteza scratched. Fu was clearing the table beautifully until he missed an easy 8-ball and was soon down 8-5. Fu forced a foul in the next rack to close to 8-6, but Corteza, as all great champions do, put pedal to the medal and sprinted home, while Fu wilted down the stretch. Corteza won going away, 11-6. Afterwards the low key Corteza was typically reserved, but the satisfaction of his accomplishment was all too clear. “I’m so happy right now I really don’t know what to say,” Corteza said. “This tournament is so hard
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there are so many good players. I tried not to be under pressure and I really enjoyed myself this match. That was one of the keys today. I was relaxed. And that also helped me to stay focused the whole time. “For me this means a lot to win this tournament. It’s been three years since I won a big tournament. And the way I won this, playing really well and of course I get a few lucky rolls, this is going to give me a lot of confidence in the coming months. This is a big win for my career.” As expected Fu was disappointed as the loss meant his second defeat in the final of major in the course of one year. In 2012 he lost in the finals of the World 8-ball championship in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates to fellow Taiwanese Chang Jung Lin. Fu indicated that while he was playing well all week, he could never get 100% comfortable with the new tip he had put on his cue stick the just before the China Open began. “I had a problem with my cue tip today,” Fu said through an interpreter. “Just before the tournament I changed my tip and I’m really not used to it. But before rack 13 I felt like I was playing good. Then when I missed that 8-ball in that rack, that was it. After that I didn’t play good. And he also played good. He deserves to be the champion.” For the victory Corteza takes home $40,000 while Fu pockets $20,000.
Results Semi-finals Lee Vann Corteza(PHL) 11 – 3 Omar Al Shaheen(KUW) Fu Chei Wei(TPE) 11 – 8 Wu Jiajing(CHN)
Finals Lee Vann Corteza(PHL) 11 – 6 Fu Che Wei(TPE)
All For Liu
Liu Shasha Comes From Behind To Defeat Chen Siming To Win The Women’s China Open 9-Ball Title
By Ted Lerner - WPA Press Officer (Shanghai)--Coming into Sunday’s finals of the 2013 China Open, Liu Shasha knew she was on the cusp of a golden opportunity to vault her way back to the upper echelons of not only the fiercely competitive world of Chinese women’s pool, but also the entire world of women’s professional pool. Since coming out of nowhere and winning the 2009 Women’s World 9-ball Championship held in Shenyang, China, the diminutive and glamorous youngster has maintained her place on the Chinese national team, but she hadn’t won any tournaments. In the lead up to this week’s tournament, with 48 top women players from all parts of the globe, Liu hadn’t been playing well in practice and was only hoping to at least reach the quarterfinals. But suddenly she found herself in the finals of one of the biggest tournaments of the year. Indeed on Sunday, in front of packed house at the Shanghai Pudong Yuanshen Stadium arena, Liu seized the moment , coming from behind in crunch time to overtake fellow teammate and young star Chen Siming to win the China Open by a nose, 9 – 8. With the win, Liu can now claim two of the biggest prizes in women’s pool. She also joins her close friend and “sister” Fu Xiaofang who also has won these same two prestigious events. For Chen, the loss had to be a massive disappointment. The hard working and prodigious player, who many feel is China’s best natural talent, led the contest nearly the entire way only to see the dream die right when the finish line was in sight. Chen was in stride early and jumped out to a 3 -1 lead in the alternate break match. Liu quickly got
it together and tied up the match. But then Chen hit one of her high gears, which can be a thing of beauty to watch. Chen went up 5-3, then 6-4, then 7-4. She seemed to have an answer for everything Liu tried and appeared capable of fending off her opponent at will. But as so often happens in pool, one mistake sends the momentum over to the other player’s side. After a break and run by Liu to move to 7-5, Chen broke, but saw the cue ball get kicked into the pocket for a scratch. Lui made a calculated clear to close the gap to one, 7-6. Liu then stepped to the table and tied the match with a break and run out. With the title down to a mere race to two, Liu got Chen once again as Chen left a safe open and allowed Liu to grab her first lead of the night, 8-7. Chen’s the consummate battler, however, and she broke serve in the 16th frame after winning a nervy safety exchange to leave one final rack to decide the champion. Chen broke and sent two balls down on the break. Position for the two ball was tricky and Chen bobbled the 1-ball in the jaws. Liu came to the table with a look at the one and steadily picked off the colors. As she got down to the final 8 and 9 balls, she held her chest and took a deep breath, trying to calm herself as she stood on the cusp of victory. With raw nerves jangling, she potted the last two balls for the championship. On the floor afterwards, Liu was greeted with warm hugs by a tearful Fu Xiaofang. The two are not really sisters, but they are practically inseparable, living together and playing pool together every day. As she drank in the accolades, Liu expressed surprise that she was even standing in the winner’s circle. “I am very surprised that I won this tournament,” she said through an interpreter. “I have not been playing well lately. We had a practice tournament before this tournament and I got 8th place. I was hoping to get at least to the quarterfinals in the China Open. I didn’t think I could win it. I’m very happy. This is my first championship in three years so this is something I am going to celebrate tonight.” As usual with the Chinese women players,
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Chen, who also hasn’t won a big tournament in China in three year, was gracious to a fault in defeat. “I think I played well. I missed one ball in the first half of the match. The second half I also played well but it was then that Liu didn’t miss a shot. When I missed she took that and played well. I’m happy that at least two Chinese players reached the finals.” Liu won $30,000 while Chen took home $15,000. *The World Pool-Billiard Association(WPA) is the governing body of the sport of pool.
June 2013 - Stroke Magazine 27
Lucky Lucky About Life: PART 3
(Full Version) I drove back from Kansas to the Lucky’ Q Ranch. The drive didn’t seem that long as the conversations made it go quick. We started a academic conversation about life and some pool. We were in a deep conversation covered what seemed to only scratch the surface. I said “Life travels across vast knowledge. What we pick up along the way is based on what we previously know and want to know or believe, which makes it limited to our own sphere of the world. In today’s world, everyone claims to know everything. We all want to feel that we know as much as we can and our opinion is upmost, We are bombarded with words and ideas, pictures and concepts. Most of that is an illusion”…….. Lucky believes “that there are two ways to look at how the knowledge develops: the first is through the progress of history and human civilization, and the second is through the observation and human understanding”…… Knowledge moves along or forward when the intake of information is greater than at some previous point in time. The classic example is that we once believed that the earth was the center of the universe. Everyone was told that. The religious scholars promoted that notion which kept knowledge from succeeding. This notion has rarely publicly questioned for centuries. Eventually one becomes compels to ask the question why? Most of us do this or try to do this in everyday life. Lucky was glad he was no different. We spent time establishing what we did know or thought we knew. This whole conversation was fun. Most of my discovery was that Lucky was so knowledgeable. I had 8 years of College and Lucky never went to college and knew so much. He spent time reading and consciously teaching himself and not relying on just beliefs that everyone one else might have. We established that knowledge and truth might be far apart from each other. Like with, the Earth being the center of the universe, that we can traditionally believe things because they are convenient and
28 Stroke Magazine - June 2013
common. Stories and beliefs can last thousands of years and can have a truth by its commonality. By believing in something long enough it creates an amount of truth. This is the age old question. If enough people believe in something it’s the truth or is it really the truth? It was once true (believed true) that the sun revolved around the earth because enough people thought it so. The need for distinguishing between objective and subjective truth becomes the real issue. Lucky had an example about a childhood friend named Johnny who had played a pool match against another top player named Willie and barely won the 9 ball match. A race to 11 for $2,000 Lucky witnessed the whole match and Johnny was lucky he won 11 to 10 and shouldn’t have. After 40 years Johnny has told his version of the way the match went down where he just dominated the match 11-5. His friend told that pool story about beating Willie for many years and after time many of Lucky’s other friends who were reminded of the same story believed it. They even told the same story to others and so forth. Lucky never said very much about it anytime the story was brought up. He just let it be. I asked Lucky why he never straighten Johnny out and those other people living in pure unawareness. “Lucky shouldn’t these people be told” Lucky said “After so many years it would end up in a disagreement and it wouldn’t change Johnny’s mind. It wasn’t hurting anyone anyway just making him feel good to tell the story. Lucky said he thought about just telling the guys that story Willie told that all accept as true wasn’t true. Lucky said “knowing that you believed the wrong for long period of time can be devastating and make you question your delicate judgment, no one want to be greatly wrong” It’s is everyone’s freedom whether to accept a truth or not.” “That’s why I didn’t say anything I know the truth about this situation. That’s all I should need.” In some cases people don’t want to know the truth rather just go on faith they know something as truth. Question then is does it hurt really
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BY: ANDREW MONSTIS
anyone? The truth is always the right path no matter if it wounds or upset someone. Talking about a few philosophical ideas for hours was getting exhausting, but so interesting I sought to continue because I am always hungry for understanding and knowledge. I was also participating with Lucky thought to thought, concept to concept with such a smart man. Lucky had so much more substance than playing pool and intuitively reading people like a psychologist he was a Philosopher too. Not sure how the conversation turned to pool. We got started talking about how the world of pool has changed. Pool evolved from a game that Nobles played to now everyone plays at it. The legendary era of pool should never be forgotten. As Philosophical truths develop goes so does our predecessors pointing the way to more knowledgeable pool through each year. Pool would not have the identity without past champions advocates like Ralph Greenleaf, Willie Hoppe, Willie Mosconi, Jimmy Caras, Jean Bulukas, and recently Mike Sigel, Alison Fisher and Efren Reyes’s. Tournaments have become more frequent in this century. Also can’t forget that Pool would not have the identity without past Hustling heroes like Minnesota fats, Ronnie Allen, Cornbread Red, Jack Cooney, Cole Dickson, Keith McCready a few dozen more. What this level of players did was create the amorous part of pool. Everyone wanted to be able to beat anyone at any giving time and win a lot of CASH at the same time. The best hustlers are not necessarily the best players just the smartest players. They matched up and spotted people where they could still have a slight edge. Then grind it out. The main goal was to magically lift the money out of wallets of those who wanted to do the same to you. Every top player has spent time on the road. You can say it made them even better players because of it. The understanding of the schemes, deceit pool players might use. The mental discipline you have to develop by playing on the road gains aptitude, confident (Lucky continued on page 30)
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Press Releases Simonis and OB Cues to Sponsor Canadian Championships Steve Cooper - May 16, 2013 The Canadian Billiards and Snooker Association (CBSA) is very pleased to announce that Simonis Cloth and OB cues have come on board as sponsors of the 2013 Canadian Cue Sport Championships. Simonis will be the official cloth supplier for all the pool disciplines as well as for the snooker and OB will become the official cue sponsor of this year’s events. The Canadian Championships take place in Toronto and will involve both men’s and ladies divisions in 8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball and snooker. “Having a giant in the billiard industry like Simonis Cloth and a reputable and respected cue
Lucky
manufacturer like OB Cues involved with our national championships will definitely enhance the 2013 championships. We wish to thank them very much and are deeply grateful for their support,” noted Steve Cooper CBSA president. The Canadian Cue Sport Championships will be hosted by Shooters Snooker and Sports Club in Toronto from June 21 to July 2. This years events will be streamed live via the Canadian Association website at www.cbsa.ca.
(continued from page 28)
and a prowess over the money game. There are honorable codes with road players and gamblers. They may still try to hustle each other but a hustler knows a hustle. They will also work together like business partners when the money makes sense. Especially getting backed. Lucky knows everything about pool. He is both the best player I’ve seen and the smartest player how remarkable. I have always been in awe of Lucky. Being close to him I tend to over look he is awesome because he makes me feel like a real friend. I asked, “Lucky how come you make playing pool at what seems like an impossible level look so easy”…I never really asked him that before. “You always gave me nuggets on how you do it?…I watched you not miss a ball for hours. Witnessed you execute shots no one, I mean one could ever see to do.” Lucky, “I started playing young my father and my coach taught me, as you know, to be consistent with practice routines. He was getting me ready to go out and make money playing pool. I paid attention to my 100% mental readiness to shoot a shot. I developed control of body mechanics and a vast understanding the physics of shooting conditions, reading the shots and a shot repertory. It all is easy because I spent the very hard work never to miss executing any shot from every aspect.” Hey lucky even well established pros who work on their games can’t do what you do. All those very intricate shots involving multiple balls multiple rails and moving balls out of the way so a ball can pass all in one shot” Blame my father, he said Pool is like life. Hustlers exist everywhere not just pool. Hustlers are in bowling, basketball (like in white men can’t jump) golf, banking and finance, job hunting, product manufacturing, anything where people can make a living. Even celebrities, religious leaders and politicians can hustle to stay in the spotlight, doing stunts to get noticed more.
Lucky sees that times they are a changing. There are more things for kids to do and less of them aspire at pool. The next generation of young skilled passionate players is declining. Some would rather just play pool recreationally then be significant competitive players. That’s why less are practicing seriously, matching up and gambling or going on the road. I am sure the recreational aspect is unfortunately dominating. Lucky has an answer: There is an attitude towards mediocrity in America and not towards excellence as in other countries. The phone rang Lucky answered it after a few minutes came back told me that Bernard Rogoff (AKA “Bunny” AKA “Pots and Pans”) died. Lucky said he met him in Detroit where he steered me around town. A decent player who never really bet big. One of the best $5 players who could clean you out of your money at that rate faster than an Aston Martin in 0 to 50 in 3.1 seconds... Lucky saw him after years at the Miller Lite tournament in 85. Saw him again years later in Vegas at the Riviera at the Nationals past few years. Bunny was always wearing his Miller Lite jacket from that 1985’ tournament. He was always filled with one liners and would dress up in his Charlie Chaplin outfit and entertain everyone. He was asked once how he matched up with these 3 known players across the room “Too old for the first one and not good enough for the second,” he snapped. “And that 3rd one well he didn’t beat me that bad. He folded his arms, brooded thoughtfully for a few seconds, and stomped off in his Chaplin outfit with small Chaplin steps. He liked to be where pool players were at. I said I knew him a little too as I always briefly talked to him at nationals. Lucky walked me out to his kitchen and open the cupboard and showed me all the pans he bought from him many years ago.
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Scoreboard Bison Billiard News: What a great LTC. Cograts to the Jamestown Mauraders and No Breaks for winning the tournament and the trip to Las Vegas. I would like to thank my teams also for their incredible effort in the LTC. We came as close as possible, losing on the hill. I’m proud of all of you. Monthly Bar Box 8 Ball Double Elimination Tournament 5-4-13 1st place Santo Merlo $330.00 2nd place Mark Hatch $180.00 3rd place Frank Rodriguez $50.00 NEW SUMMER HOURS STARTING TUESDAY MAY 28 TH. MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 5PM – 3AM SATURDAY 3PM – 3AM SUNDAY 5PM – MIDNIGHT
GUZMAN
Pavao goes undefeated by: Skip Maloney - AzBilliards.com
Ty Speedwell took Danny Pavao to double hill twice, but Pavao came out on top both times to claim the May 19 stop on the J. Pechauer Ride the 9 Tour. The $1,000-added event drew 27 entrants to Bo’s Billiards in Warwick, RI. They met first among the winners’ side final four, with Pavao sending Speedwell west in their first of two double hill matches. Bill Cotedefeated Bill O’Mara double hill, as well, to meet Pavao in the hot seat match. Pavao claimed the hot seat from Cote 5-1 and waited on Speedwell’s return. Speedwell moved over and picked up Tim Perry, who’d defeatedRanulf Tamba in a double hill match, and Kerry McAuliffe 5-2. O’Mara drew Choneyi Tenzin, who’d gotten by Charles Matarazzo 8-2 (Matarazzo racing to 4), and Roarke Dickson 6-1. Speedwell embarked on his three-match march back to the finals with a 5-2 win over Perry, as Tenzin was busy shutting out O’Mara. The tour veteran quarterfinal went double hill before Speedwell prevailed to face Bill Cote. Speedwell shut Cote out in the semifinals for a second chance against Pavao. Pavao and Speedwell locked up in their second double hill match, and Pavao prevailed again to claim the event title.
(continued from page 25)
7-1 performance over Zee Shan Safdar in the semifinal. Juan Guzman has been hot on the table as of late, having recently won two Tri-State Tour events, and brought a tactical and patient approach to the table in the finals… along with spurts of pure firepower. Darwin would battle against Juan in impressive fashion, but wasn’t able to stop the momentum that Juan brought from the one-loss side. It was really enjoyable watching both Darwin and Juan play in the finals, and it was pretty cool to see the young junior player start to embody the elements of a champion. Darwin is a player to watch as he continues to learn, evolve and grow. Congratulations to both Darwin and Juan on their solid play throughout stop #7. While legendary New York pro and Predator Tour owner Tony Robles has been busy building his amateur league the NAPL (National Amateur Pool League), and working towards growing the billiards industry in new and positive ways, it is clear that he still knows how to win. Although he doesn’t have much time to practice or even teach as much as he would like, Tony broke through to earn his first win of the 2013 season at the Predator Pro/Am Tour’s seventh stop, held at Cue Bar in Bayside, NY on May 4-5. The one-day Open/Pro 10-Ball division of the event was held on Sunday, May 5, and featured several stand-out players such as former World Champion Mika Immonen, and top New York area players Zion
Zvi, Jonathan Smith, and Joey Korsiak. Mika Immonen has been playing really strong as of late, and is in-form and hungry to win. Mika started off with three consecutive 7-1 wins over Qi Liu, Jerry Tarantola, and Zion Zvi before being handed a 7-2 upset loss by Lee Kang. Lee Kang is a player from Seongnam, South Korea who has been mentored by Shin “Godzilla” Park since he was a junior player, and is currently visiting New York. Kang is making the most of his trip by earning bragging rights of defeating one of the most dominant players of our generation in impressive fashion. Lee Kang won four consecutive matches on the winner’s side to take the hot seat… before being matched up against Tony Robles in the final. Robles had battled back on the one-loss side after losing to Joey Korsiak 7-2 in the second round to make his way into the final. In that final match, Tony Robles and Lee Kang were going blow for blow for the first 4 games… but with a 2-2 scoreline, Tony came alive and won the next six consecutive games unanswered to set the tone of the match. Lee had brought out exceptional play throughout the event, but Tony’s game proved to be too much for Lee to contain in the finals. Tony ended up with an 11-5 win to capture the win at Stop #7, and help close the gap between him and tour points leader Mika Immonen. Throughout the season thus far, the Predator Pro/Am Tour has continued to bring together an international player and fan base… helping people
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better understand the different cultures and styles of play which are unified through this great game. Congratulations to both Tony Robles and Lee Kang for showcasing the heart of competition, while embodying character and the ability to communicate through this art form that we have come to love and appreciate.
Results ABCD 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th/6th 7th/8th
Juan Guzman Darwin Vergara Zee Shan Tom Hagan Christian Smith Shawn Sookhai Raphael Dabreo Carl Yusuf Khan
$800 $600 $400 $300
Tony Robles Lee Kang Mika Immonen Joey Korsiak
$600 $300 $200 $100
$200 $160
Open/Pro 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
June 2013 - Stroke Magazine 31
Viper
(continued from page 8)
VIPER: Are you good at any other sports? TORNADO: I’ve always been a great athlete. Can play basketball well, volleyball, table tennis, golf I’m ok. VIPER: Describe yourself in three words? TORNADO: Crazy, funny and fearless. VIPER: If you had to live your life over again, what would one thing you change about yourself and/or your pool career? TORNADO:I wouldn’t change anything at all. I’m very blessed to travel the world because of my talent. VIPER: How do you prepare for events? TORNADO: I try and play local tournaments. I practice about 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evening. It’s so convenient when you have a table at home. VIPER: What was the best advice you were ever given? TORNADO: Minnesota Fats once told me don’t ever play with a loose bridge and approach the table with confidence. VIPER: What is one thing that you enjoy most while playing pool? TORNADO: Oh My fans!! I love when they interact with me and do the twirl when I win. My fans have always giving me the motivation to be the best. VIPER: If you could say one thing to a young up-coming player what would it be? TORNADO: To stay focused, practice hard and play hard. VIPER: What’s your Favorite game? TORNADO: I like all the games actually. It helps your game I feel. Ok Vivian, here are some Facebook questions… Pauline McGrath from Saco, Maine asks: Vivian are you married and do you have any children? TORNADO: I am not married… and I am not crazy, lol! I have two children that I have raised and their names are Nathalie Garcia 20 years old and GianCarlo Ornelas 9 years old. Ben Roberts from Hutchinson, KS asks: Vivian is so enthusiastic, does she ever rush her shots because of it?? TORNADO: That is just my style… its part of my personality. Josh Soneathit Souvannakasy from Anchorage, Alaska asks: How did you get the nickname the Texas tornado?
MOSCONI C WINS STATS RESULTS HISTORY RECORDS
UP
NIELS N FEIJE MVP AS TEAM PE EURO S NATE DOMI
TORNADO: I was in Chicago and Mark Haddad who worked for Billiards Digest – I was playing a pool match against Robin Dodson and Mark kept making wind-like noises from the audience and I kept hushing him. And out load he yelled, “I hear a funnel cloud coming and wow it’s like a storm” and he called me the Texas Tornado and that how I got the nickname. Monica Campbell from Poplar, MT asks: When you did go pro, how long was it before you placed in final 16 then final 8? Tornado: I turned pro in 1991, I went from unranked to #1 in a matter of 14 months and I stayed there for about 5-years. Brian Clapp from San Jose, CA asks: Who was your toughest opponent...do you prefer tournaments, or $ matches? TORNADO: My toughest opponent has always been the pool table and myself. I play better for the money but I enjoy both. Geoffrey Quezada from Arvada, CO asks: How do you get out of a slump? TORNADO: You have to overcome your mistakes and move forward, because if you knew that you could play perfect all the time then you wouldn’t be challenged. When I get home, I try and remember my mistakes. I sit back and think what I could of done differently or why I missed it. I practice the shot until I feel satisfied it’s been corrected. Chris Honeman from Conifer, CO asks: What, in your opinion, is the key to achieving your highest potential as a pool player? TORNADO: I set goals when I was younger to become #1 and become a world champion and I accomplished them. To this day I continue to set personal goals. Brandon Flynn from Durant, OK asks: What was your worst loss? TORNADO: It was at the US Open in 2008, I was playing a TV match against Kelly Fisher and it was tied at 6-6 and I was shooting an easy 8-ball to win the match and I took my eye off the ball and missed it! I was in incomplete disbelief and lost the match behind it. As soon as I left the arena I tried to call my dad to comfort me and the phone just rang and rang and that’s when I realized he was truly gone. . I broke out in tears and my WPBA sisters tried to console me and that’s one event I will never forget. A special “Thank-you” to Vivian for taking time out of her busy schedule, to participate in my Ask the Viper articles. Till next month you can find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wpbaviper
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LOCATION Leisure Time Billiards & Cafe Good Time Emporium Brookhaven Billiards Ultimate Sports Bar Hall of Fame Airway Bankshots Crown Billiards Sandcastle Billiards Michael’s 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 Gate City Billiards Club Rack Attack Billiard Cafe The Break Room The Break Room Good Times Play Time 8 Ball Sports Bar Corner Pocket Billiards Lucky 7 Billiards Gate City Billiards Club 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 (513) 860-0044 (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 (336) 856-8800 (419) 732-7225 (616) 454-0899 (616) 454-0899 (517) 263-9490 (269) 323-2295 (614) 436-2948 (304) 905-8495 (954) 239-8254 (336) 856-8800 (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) 905-8495 (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 One Pocket Hdcp 9’ Diamonds $15 $100 w/13+ 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 $$$ 9-Ball $Call 9 Ball $5 Call 8 Ball $5 Call 9 Ball $20 $100 w/32 Open 9 Ball $5 Call Open 9 Ball $10 Call 8 Ball $7 100% payout 3 Cushion $15 Call 9 Ball $15 $200 Scotch Doubles 8 Ball/9 Ball Call 8 Ball $10 9 Ball $5 Call 8 Ball $5 Call 8 Ball - Race to 1 $10 Call 8 Ball $15 Call 8 Ball $8 Call Pool Tournament $12 Calcutta 8-Ball-Race to 2-DE $5 Match w/20+ 8 Ball/9 Ball (1st Sat) Round robin Call 8-Ball Race to 2-DE $5 $$$ 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 Alternating 8/9 Ball $10 $100 w/23+ 8 Ball $7 1/3 pot 8 Ball $10 $3/player
TIME Call 7PM 7PM 7PM 8PM 7PM 8PM 7:30PM 7PM 8PM 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 7PM 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 www.StrokeMagazine.net
June 2013 - Stroke Magazine 33
Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice
Click on the MAP link online to get directions to each location
DATE Jun 1 Jun 1 Jun 1-2 Jun 1-2 Jun 8-9 Jun 15 Jun 15 Jun 21-25 Jun 21-29 Jun 21-29 Jun 21-29 Jun 21-29 Jun 22 Jun 22-23 Jun 29 Jul 4 Jul 5 Jul 6-7 Jul 7 Jul 6 Jul 6-7 Jul 13 Jul 13-14 Jul 13-14 Jul 17-27 Jul 17-27 Jul 17-27 Jul 17-27 Jul 17-27 Jul 17-27 Jul 17-27 Jul 17-27 Jul 17-27 Jul 17-27 Jul 17-27 Jul 27-28 Aug 10 Aug 10-11 Aug 25-27 Aug 31-Sep2 Sep 7-8 Sep 14-15 Sep 19-22 Sep 21-22 Sep 28-29
CITY Williamsville, NY E Rutherford, NJ Hempstead, NY Catonsville, MD Brooklyn, NY Astoria, NY Talahassee, FL Tunica, MS Tunica, MS Tunica, MS Tunica, MS Tunica, MS Clifton, NJ New York, NY Greensboro, NC Atlanta, GA Atlanta, GA Atlanta, GA Atlanta, GA Williamsville, NY E Rutherford, NJ Lakeland, FL Herndon, VA NYC, 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 Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Sterling, VA Boynton Beach, FL Sterling, VA Astoria, NY Astoria, NY Lindenhurst, NY W Hempstead, NY Verona, NY Bayside, NY NYC, NY
LOCATION Bison Billiards Castle Billiards Raxx Pool Room VIP Billiards Gotham City Billiards Steinway Billiards Zingales Harrah’s Event Center Harrah’s Event Center Harrah’s Event Center Harrah’s Event Center Harrah’s Event Center Clifton Billiards Amsterdam Billiards Gate City Billiards Mr Cues II Mr Cues II Mr Cues II Mr Cues II Bison Billiards Castle Billiards Wally’s in Lakeland Breakers Sky Lounge Amsterdam Billiards BCAPL BCAPL BCAPL BCAPL BCAPL BCAPL BCAPL BCAPL BCAPL BCAPL BCAPL First Break Cafe Slate Billiards First Break Cafe Steinway Billiards Steinway Billiards Mr Cue Billiards Raxx Pool Room Turning Stone Casino Cue Bar Eastside Billiards
PHONE 716-632-0281 201-933-6007 516-538-9896 410-747-2551 718-714-1002 718-472-2124 850-224-8644 310-370-3994 800-874-0557 800-874-0557 800-874-0557
EVENT / RULES ENTRY ADDED TIME 8-Ball Bar Box $35 (incl g.f.) $250 Guar Noon 9-ball Call $1,000 Call Open/Amateur Call $1,500 Noon 9-ball Call Call Call 9-ball Call $2,500 Call 9-ball Call $1,000 Call Call Call Call Call Diamond Big Foot 10-Ball $1,000-Limit 32 $18,000 Call Southern Classic 9-Ball Banks $110 $10,000 Guar 1PM Southern Classic One Pocket $135 $15,000 Guar 1PM Southern Classic 9-Ball BCA pts $160 $25,000 napaleaguescom NAPA Nationals 973-928-6622 9-Ball Call $750 Call 212-995-0333 9-ball Call $1,000 Call 828-593-0559 Q-City 9-Ball Tour Varies Call 11:30AM 770-454-7665 Richard Sweet Mem 8-Ball $5 $500 1st 8PM 770-454-7665 Richard Sweet Mem 9-Ball $5 $500 1st 8PM 770-454-7665 Richard Sweet Mem 10-Ball $10 or $20 $1,000 1st Noon 770-454-7665 Richard Sweet Mem 9-Ball $10 $500 1st Noon 716-632-0281 8-Ball Bar Box $35 (incl g.f.) $250 Guar Noon 201-933-6007 Invitational Tournament Call Call Call 863-688-4460 Ladies Event Call $250 11AM 703-793-6233 10-Ball Call Call Call 212-995-0333 Open/Amateur Call $1,000 Noon playbca.com 37th BCAPL National Champ. Varies Online Online playcsipool.com U.S. Open One Pocket-Limit 64 Online $10,000 Online playcsipool.com U.S. Open 10-Ball-Limit 96 Online $25,000 Online playcsipool.com U.S. Open 8-Ball-Limit 96 Online $25,000 Online playcsipool.com USAPL National Champ. Online Online Online playcsipool.com 9-Ball Challenge Online Online Online playcsipool.com World Artistic Pool Champ. Online Online Online playcsipool.com Jr National 9-Ball Online Online Online playcsipool.com Predator High Run Challenge Online Online Online playcsipool.com 6 Pocket Challenge Online Online Online playcsipool.com Texas Bumps Online Online Online 703-444-2551 Ladies Event Call $750 Call 561-735-7802 Ladies Event Call $250 11AM 703-444-2551 9-Ball Call Call Call 718-472-2124 Steinway Classic - Pro Event Call $7,000 Call 718-472-2124 Geo “Ginky” Sansouci Mem Call $5,000 Call 631-226-9486 Open/Pro 9-Ball Call $1,000 Call 516-538-9896 Ladies Event Call $1,500 Call 518-356-7163 Turning Stone 21 - 9 ball $150/$200 $25,000 Call 718-631-2646 Open/Pro 9-Ball Call $1,000 Call 212-831-7665 Open/Pro 9-Ball Call $1,000 Call
If you don’t see the Results of a Pool Tournament you played in or WON then ask the OWNER where you played that Tournament... WHY? You deserve it!!! CALL US: 406.285.3099 or Email: pool@onthebreaknews.com Thank You! 34 Stroke Magazine - June 2013
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