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About Stroke
Don “Cheese” Akerlow
Stroke is a monthly publication, dedicated to the advancement of the sport of pool and to promoting enthusiasm and encouragement among the players 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 Publisher 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. © 2011 Stroke
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July 2011 - Stroke Magazine 3
It’sYukio!
Story and Photo by Ted Lerner (Doha, Qatar)—With a super cool demeanor and a red hot stroke, Yukio Akagariyama of Japan won the 2011 World 9-ball Championship, defeating the Philippines Ronnie Alcano in a tense and scintillating finals match on Friday night, 13-11. Akagariyama won the title with a brilliant display of pressure packed 9-ball before a cheering partisan crowd of close to 1500 people, most of them Filipinos, at the Al Sadd Sports Club in Doha, Qatar. The victory capped what has been a tremendous recent surge for the 36 year old. Back in May Akagariyama made it to the semi-finals of the World 10-ball Championship in Manila. Then in early June, he placed 5th at the China Open in Shanghai. In Doha Akagariyama played solid and steady all week. But he also had moments when mistakes crept into his game, especially late in matches during the knockout stages, when the pressure became too much to bear. But always the 36 year old from Nagano quietly sucked it up, and got right back down to business and made it across the finish line. It’s exactly what happened on Friday night. The match had just about everything fans of championship 9-ball could ask for. The lead and the momentum swung both ways on several occasions, and the outcome was in doubt right up until the last ball dropped; both players made jaw dropping shots and strung racks together while showing absolute mastery of the table. Each player committed a handful of errors too, but under the weight of the moment this was to be expected, and in fact made the match an even more nerve jangling affair. Alcano, who had just come off a definitive semi-finals win over compatriot Dennis Orcullo earlier, won the lag and immediately broke and ran for the first point of the match. Akagariyama, who advanced by beating England’s Mark Gray 11-10 in a thrilling semi final, tied it in the next rack after Alcano bobbled the 5-ball in the corner pocket. In rack 3 Alcano fouled leaving Akagariyama a tempting 1-9 combination that rattled in the jaws of the pocket. With the 9 still sitting in the corner, Alcano sent the crowd into fits when he caromed off the one ball, and sent the cue down table, back up off of two rails and into the 9 which fell in for the win. From there the pair stepped their games up a gear, as Akagariyama broke and ran, and then Alcano fired back with one of his own to go up 3-2. They split the next two racks with each converting one clutch pot after the next. At 4-4 the match was already shaping up to be a high quality battle of attrition. Akagariyama grabbed his first lead in rack 9, and stamped his class on the match. Alcano left the 2 ball in the jaws, and the Japanese continued with his concise and steady shooting to move up by 1. In the next rack Alcano tried to jump but left the 2 ball open. Again, Akagariyama coolly picked off the balls and now led 6-4. Alcano got one back in the subsequent frame with a break and run. But Akagariyama countered yet again with one of his own to move up 7-5. The 36 year old from Nagano was clearly focused like a laser, while potting balls with deadly accuracy and a fine rhythm. He was going to be very tough to beat on this night. It was more of the same for Akagariyama in the next rack as Alcano missed a
4 Stroke Magazine - July 2011
makeable two ball and the Japanese methodically began to pick off the colors for what seemed like a sure 3 rack lead. But just as he was about to put a stranglehold on the momentum and the match, Akagariyam left himself poor position on the 9 ball and the cue ball scratched after the winning ball fell. With the crowd cheering wildly, the scratch seemed to have the makings of a pivotal turning point but Akagariyama was obviously in the zone this night, and broke and ran the next frame with some sensational shooting. In the next rack he continued his measured assault, winning a safety battle then running the table after banking in the 1 ball to go up 9-6. Alcano knew it was now or never and cleared off an errant safety to get one back. Alcano then executed a marvelous full table jump on the 1 with position of the 2, a shot that had the crowd going wild. With the run out he was now down by 1, 9-8 and the crowd started sensing the momentum swinging back to their boy. When Akagariyama missed a makeable 6 ball in the next rack, Alcano convinced them it was so, running the table to tie the match at 9. Alcano continued his fine run in the next frame when he broke and confidently started potting the remaining balls. But suddenly he was stopped in his tracks when a full table 8 ball bobbled in the jaws. As the crowd gasped in horror, Akagariyama stopped the bleeding and regained the lead, 10-9. Next Akagariyama made a gutsy full table pot on the 1, leaving perfect position on the 2 ball, and a path to a 2 shot lead. But just when it appeared he had grabbed back the momentum, Alcano pulled the same extraordinary shot in the subsequent game and moved one down at 11-10. Alcano won a safety battle in the next rack, and then ran the balls to tie the match at 11-11. The World 9-ball title was now a race to two and Alcano had the upper hand as he had won the lag and would be breaking for the hill. But with an open table, Alcano missed a very makeable 2 in the side pocket. The former two time world champion couldn’t believe what hit him and neither could the fans. Meanwhile, Akagariyama stepped in and executed some tough shots to make it to the hill. With one rack to go for the world title, Akagariyama couldn’t have asked for a better break and opening layout. As he had all night, he calmly and methodically potted the balls and took the World 9-ball championship without any further drama. Afterwards, the low key new champion attributed the biggest victory of his 20 year career to his consistent training regime which, he said, led to self belief that he could ride out the inevitable rough patches and win the big prize. “I wouldn’t say I played perfect this week,” Akagariyama said through an interpreter. “I had some misses. But I had confidence. I’ve been playing well in the past few months. After the World 10-ball and the China Open I went back home and I trained hard, on my game and physical training. I had too much confidence.” Alcano was left to rue what might have been. He knew he had come close to winning his third world title but realized that at this level, you can’t expect to cash the big ticket when you make elementary mistakes. “I missed four easy shots,” a clearly dejected Alcano said afterwards. “How can I win if I miss four shots? Maybe it was the pressure.” Akagariyama collected $36,000 for the victory, while Alcano received $18,000.
Big Daddy’s Billiards
Maryland 14.1 Championships July 22-24 $275 entry - $8000 Added Open event Call for Info
7954 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd Glen Burnie, MD 410-760-1332
VNEA’s 21st Annual International Junior Pool Championships!
TEAM FINAL STANDINGS All winning participants received Savings Bond, 3 two-piece cues and trophies Youth Division (Ages 9-13) 1st Triple Trouble 2nd The Hookers 3rd 2 Kings And A Queen 4th Shooters-Diamonds 5-6 8-Ball Deluxe Anything Goes 7-8 We Love A Good Rack Shooters-Lights Out Minors Division (Ages 14-17) 1st The Boneheads 2nd Gas Bar Junkies 3rd Austin #1 4th VVSWolf Pack 5-6 Hard Shafts Young Guns 7-8 The Bankers The Terminators Majors Division (Ages 18-20) 1st Shooters-North 2nd Champion Style 3rd Shooters Hot Shots 4th PA Express 5-6 Top Shots #1 The Great Ones 7-8 Triple Black Checkers Modified MALE SINGLES All winning participants received Savings Bond and trophies Youth Division (Ages 9-13) 1st Manuel Perez 2nd Kenneth Greenwood 3rd Danny Dethlefs 4th Tristan Hansen 5-6 William Houle Spencer Medel 7-8 Nick Rappley Zachary Karsten
9-12 Jacob Elit Kenneth Buchanan Kameren McKamey Nicholas Ridley Minors Division (Ages 14-17) 1st Taylor Anderson 2nd Dillon Baptiste 3rd Tyler Steinhaus 4th John Houle 5-6 Kevin McGuire Kane Erickson 7-8 Taylor Axley Larry Simmons Jr. 9-12 Sam Meyers Scott Taylor Jarred Hunter Jarred Traverse Majors Division (Ages 18-20) 1st Cale Coffey 2nd Justin Himes 3rd Nathan Burpee 4th Michael Osmundson 5-6 Phillip-Nick Pera Jason Cook 7-8 Chase Plumley Nate Mindham 9-12 Cole Hoggart Nick Krueger Elliott Tesch Jesse Hill FEMALE SINGLES All winning participants received Savings Bond and trophies Youth Division (Ages 9-13) 1st Kayla Roloson 2nd Taylor Hansen 3rd Katlyn Sylvester 4th Ashley Fullerton Minors Division (Ages 14-17) 1st Denee Baptiste 2nd Chandra Campion 3rd Jaqueline Cassidy 4th Chayla Senff
Majors Team Champion: Shooters - North American Amusement Arcade
Majors Division (Ages 18-20) 1s Cathy Rennie 2nd Jastene Lovelace 3rd Kayla Axley 4th Ashley Schmidt
SCOTCH DOUBLES All winning participants received Cues or Cases Youth Division (Ages 9-13) 1st Stuart MacTaggart 2nd Brandon Vanoverbeke Minors Division (Ages 14-17) 1st Taylor Anderson 2nd AustenWarner Majors Division (Ages 18-20) 1st Buddy Skrutsky 2nd Cole Cameron TEAM HARDLUCK Youth Division (Ages 9-13) 1st Wagner’s Lunch #3 Minors Division (Ages 14-17) 1st The Pool Players Majors Division (Ages 18-20) 1st The Fugly Fairies TEAM UNIFORM AWARD Triple J’s Straight 8 Trio JERRY BRIESATH SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD Youth Division (Ages 9-13) Ethan Laughlin Minor Division (Ages 14-17) Lucky Stoddard Major Division (Ages 18-20) Keisha Roberts DICK HAWKINS 2011 “ALL-STAR TEAM” BOYS ALL-STAR TEAM Taylor Anderson Dillon Baptiste Nathan Burpee Danny Dethlefs Justin Himes
Minors Team Champion: The Boneheads D & R Star
John Houle Tyler Steinhaus GIRLS ALL-STAR TEAM Chandra Campion Taylor Hansen Jastene Lovelace Cathy Rennie TOM ROSSMAN ARTISTIC POOL RESULTS Youth Division (Ages 9-13) 1st Colben Christensen 2nd Brodie Bessette Minor Division (Ages 14-17) 1st Travis Schultz 2nd Jesse Henry Major Division (Ages 18-20) 1st William Hawks 2nd Ashton Rowley DAVE PEARSON SPEED POOL Youth Division (Ages 9-13) 1st Manny Perez Minor Division (Ages 14-17) 1st John Houle Major Division (Ages 18-20) 1st Justin Himes HIGHEST PLACING “ALL FEMALE TEAM” Youth Division (Ages 9-13) Shooters Diamonds Minor Division (Ages 14-17) Big D’s Pink Ladies Major Division (Ages 18-20) U Got Served HIGHEST PLACING “MIXED TEAM” Youth Division (Ages 9-13) 2 Kings And A Queen Minor Division (Ages 14-17) VVS Rack ‘n Roll Top Score Games Major Division (Ages 18-20) Top Shots #1
Visit vnea.com for complete results
Youth Team Champion: Triple Trouble C & N Sales
July 2011 - Stroke Magazine 5
A 6 Stroke Magazine - July 2011
1st Annual Sansouci Memorial
Dechaine goes undefeated to win first George ‘Ginky’ Sansouci Memorial Pro event He’d been down by two at 7-5 and 8-6, but in the finals of the first annual George ‘Ginky’ Sansouci Memorial Tournament on Sunday, June 26, Mike Dechaine fought back to win four in a row and keep a one-loss side challenge by Dennis Hatch at a two-game distance through to the end. The $2,000-added Pro event, run concurrently with a $3,000 amateur event, won by Raj Vannala, drew 32 entrants to Amsterdam Billiards in Manhattan, NY, and marked the first collaborative effort on the part of three northeast tours – The Predator Tour, the Tri-State tour and the Mezz Pro Am tour. It was a grudge match there at the end, because it was Dechaine who’d sent Hatch packing to the west from among the winners’ side final eight. Dechaine moved on to face Jeremy Sossei from among the winners’ side final four, as his eventual hot seat opponent, Joey Testa, faced Zion Zvi. Dechaine defeated Sossei 7-3, while Testa was working on Zvi, sending him west 7-5. Dechaine gained the hot seat with a 7-2 win over Testa and waited for a long time for Hatch.
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 5th 7th 7th
Mike Dechaine Dennis Hatch Joseph Testa Shaun Wilkie Zion Zvi Jeremy Sossei Sean Morgan Jorge Rodriguez
$2,000.00 $1,400.00 $850.00 $500.00 $350.00 $350.00 $225.00 $225.00
Hatch moved over, downing first, Frankie Hernandez 7-4 and then, Shawn Morgan 7-2 to pick up Zvi. Sossei drew Shaun Wilkie, who’d gotten by Tony Robles 7-5 and Jorge Rodriguez in a double hill battle. Hatch ended Zvi’s day with a 7-3 victory, as Wilkie survived a second straight double hill battle with a win over Sossei. In his third straight, double hill matchup, Wilkie was dropped into fourth place, and Hatch moved on to meet Testa. Hatch dispatched Testa rather handily 8-2 in the semifinals, and turned to face Dechaine for a second time. It was clear from the outset that neither of these men were going to go down as easily as either of their last two opponents. They battled back and forth, one game at a time to a 5-5 tie, before Hatch took a slim, two game lead. Dechaine pulled within one, and then, after sinking five balls on his subsequent break, he failed to make another. Hatch moved out in front by two for a second time. It was 8-6. A combination of top notch shooting and some missed opportunities by Hatch, put four games in a row in Dechaine’s pocket, and he was on the hill. He rattled the 1-ball in a corner pocket early in the next rack and Hatch jumped on it, and every other ball left on the table, to pull back within one. Hatch sunk one ball on the subsequent break, and missed his first shot at the 1-ball. As though he had heard Hatch’s footsteps in that 19th rack run-out, Dechaine stepped to the 20th rack, and immediately bounced a long-table bank shot at the same 1-ball, and then jumped a ball to make a cross side bank. Some safety play followed but with four balls left, Dechaine squeezed the cue ball past an intervening ball and banked his target into a corner. With the voice of Tony Robles, being picked up in the UStream background, whispering “This it is! This is it!” Dechaine continued to work his way around the table. He completed the rack and his undefeated day, to become the first George ‘Ginky’ Sansouci Memorial Tournament champion.
July 2011 - Stroke Magazine 7
What’s HOT @ The BCA Expo
It’s July and time for the BCA Expo in Las Vegas. Here are just a few of the best booths at the BCA Expo.
CueStix International - Booth #142 & #242
Lucasi Hybrid- Booth #304 Atlas Billiard Supplies- Booth #638
Championship LLC - Booth #605 Cue & Case Sales IncBooth #304
8 Stroke Magazine - July 2011
Kamui Tips- Booth #408
Allison Fisher
Joins Dragon Promotions by: Sally Lee - Senior Events Manager, Dragon Promotions
Chicago, Illinois- Fifteen times World Champion Allison Fisher has signed on to be represented by global events producer Dragon Promotions. Fisher, known as The Duchess of Doom, has been the most dominant force in women's pool during the past 2 decades. Hall of Famer Allison Fisher was voted as one of the top most influential people in pool "Among our travels and research in international markets, we have found Allison's popularity and name to be very significant. Dragon Promotions is still growing and expanding into new markets, so it's a great fit to have such a globally recognized player" , said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions. DP produces events in several countries and plans to expand further worldwide. Both DP and Fisher were voted in a recent worldwide survey as one of the top ten most influential entities in the pool world http://nycgrind.com/?p=14077
New USAPL League
The USA Pool League, a division of CueSports International (CSI), heads into its second year and is now available in Colorado. The USAPL is unlike any other national league in the United States. Player benefits include: no player membership fees, national “Fairplay” handicap system, paid local cash and prizes, and players have an opportunity to enter the national championships directly without having to qualify through local or regional events. Additionally, USAPL members are offered a wide array of player discounts from some of the largest and most notable groups in the industry, including Mueller Recreational Products, McDermott Cues, Billiards Digest and Diamond Billiard Products. The Denver area Rocky Mountain USAPL operations will be managed by the team of Samm (Diep) Vidal and pro player Marc Vidal. Also for the first time, through the Rocky Mountain USAPL, league members will have the opportunity to be dual-sanctioned. Rocky Mountain USAPL league members will be eligible to participate in both USAPL and BCA Pool League events including both national championships. The USAPL raises the bar to a whole new level of fun competitiveness with over 70% of league matches going hill / hill. The league strongly appeals to both recreational and advanced players allowing all ranges of pool players to form teams and compete. Setting the USAPL apart is that players on a team are not denied the opportunity to play together. Even as the abilities of players progress and handicaps fluctuate the “Fairplay” Handicap System allows for teams to stay together. The USAPL always encourages peak performance and does not penalize players and teams for playing their best pool. John Casey, USAPL National League Liaison, added “Samm and Marc are ideal as USAPL Managers. They are passionate and knowledgeable about the sport. They have been involved in many facets of the industry as players and journalists. CSI is excited to have the Vidals work with us on the USA Pool League.” For specific information about the Rocky Mountain USAPL visit www. rockymountainpool.com or call Samm Vidal at (303) 667-8000.
WPBA U.S. OPEN
The Final Bout: And the Winner is... Allison Fisher!
10 Stroke Magazine - July 2011
Allison Fisher photo courtesy of Laura Coplin
! k c a B s ’ e Sh Story and Kim photo courtesy of wpba. com TULSA, OK - Defending champ vs. the world's best woman player in the history of pool. Who would win? That was the
Ga Young Kim big question and it got answered in a big way as Allison Fisher took the title from 2x US Open Champion Ga Young Kim in a heated battle that Allison won 7-4. Fisher won the opening break, but couldn't capitalize, giving the first game win to Kim. But Allison quickly tied things up after Ga Young missed a jump shot, then broke and ran the next two racks to lead 3-1 in the race to seven. In game five, players traded safes for a few shots until Kim got the first clear look at a shot and ran out to trail 2-3. In game six, a missed bank on the two by Kim again put Allison in the driver's seat. She ran the rack... to the nine... and uncharacteristically missed,
leaving Ga Young Kim an easy nine to tie the match 3-3. She broke and ran to the five, nearly missing it but slopping it in the other corner (with apologies to her opponent), then made a 6-9 combination to pull ahead 4-3. Breaking in game eight, Kim ran to the three, played safe, but the cue ball slow rolled its way into the corner pocket. Fisher played safe and Kim kicked and made a ball, but missed a bank. Allison played a long six ball and caromed in the nine to tie it up 4-4! A scratch on a safety attempt in the next game might have resulted in a runout for Kim, but missed position on the five ball caused a miss on a tough five. Allison ran out to again lead the match, 5-4. Fisher broke in game ten and played safe on the one. Ga Young made the hit with her jump cue, but left Allison a clear shot on the one. She executed a perfect runout to get to the hill 6-4! Allison broke, pocketed the five on the break, made the one ball and then... made a 2-9 combination for the WIN! Visit wpba.com/2011usopen.pdf for a blow by blow of the final match! About the Women's Professional Billiard Association (WPBA) The WPBA was established in 1976 as the Women's Professional Billiard Alliance, and celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2011 as the oldest pro player organization in the sport. The WPBA sanctions and produces the Women's Pro Billiard Tour, which features ESPN-televised events with the world's greatest women players. Visit www.wpba.com for more. The WPBA Classic Tour is sponsored by the American Poolplayers Association, Diamond Billiards, Iwan Simonis, Cuetec Cues, Delta 13, Pooldawg, Mueller Recreational Products and Aramith. About River Spirit Casino River Spirit Casino, Tulsa's $195 million casino project at 81st & Riverside,
showcases 300,000 square feet of gaming space and is one of the largest gaming floors in Oklahoma. With over 2,600 high-tech electronic machines, 24 table games and 15 poker tables, River Spirit Casino offers the most current technology and latest games available. The facility features four world-class dining and beverage venues including the largest casino buffet in Oklahoma, a fine dining establishment, a 24-hour cafĂŠ, lounge and sports bar. For more information on River Spirit Casino please visit the website. www.riverspirittulsa.com As an active community partner, River Spirit Casino provides a positive economic impact for Tulsa and surrounding towns, adding 450 new jobs to the city. Proceeds from gaming operations help to fund a variety of Muscogee (Creek) Nation service programs such as housing, education, elderly assistance and healthcare. For more on the tribe's history and government, visit the Muscogee (Creek) Nation's site at www.muscogeenation-nsn.gov About River Spirit Event Center The newly renovated River Spirit Event
Erica Park Photo by Eugene Lee Center is located at the site of the former Creek Nation Casino - Tulsa at 81st and Riverside Drive. The venue has nearly 20,000 sq. ft of useable space for sporting events, entertainment, conventions and meetings and all amenities.
July 2011 - Stroke Magazine 11
TAP-Pool Net Ng Captures Sandcastle
Empowering
the
Player
By Kelly Senior TAP, LLC Releases Another Upgrade thru Pool Net for Enhanced Player and Operator Functions ! Little River, SC, June 17th, 2011 - TAP Founder/CEO Loyd Schonter has done it again! Pool Net, a subsidiary of TAP LLC, just got some enhancements for the TAP Players and TAP Operators. Once again, free of charge, just as an extra bonus for being a member and part of the TAP family. Players can view stats and handicaps by going into their league/ organization and division, standings can come up on not only desktops and laptops, but via smart phones, pads and tablets. Players can click on Games Won and sort the division by top to bottom or vice versa. Also, they can click on their team name and sort the team players by matches won. League Operators were given new communication tools to the players by division and / or to their entire league. Host Locations of TAP were not left out. Host locations can sponsor their team and can provide their logo and or team picture. Host locations can call their local operator or ask the captain to, to obtain more information. Providing Players, Operators and Host Locations more accessibility, marketing and communication tools thru Pool Net. Even better, these features are available through the Tournament Module that TAP introduced last year to all of it operators. TAP is continuing to grow, with almost 40 new licensees / organizations in the last year and a half; 3 new formats (10 Ball Team, Scotch Double and Singles) about to be released in September; and a management team that has grown to support it. TAP’s also developing the S.W.A.T. This new 8-ball and 9-ball singles tour will be launched September 2011, available to TAP members only. This self service tour will be tracked conveniently through the World Wide Web for the tour player. So challenge any S.W.A.T. Tour player in your state choose a location that works, send in your scores and accumulate your points to view on the S.W.A.T. Tour ranking page. Your TAP membership automatically covers the S.W.A.T. enrollment. Keep both eyes on this one as details are coming in on what's in it for you, the S.W.A.T. Tour State Champion. TAP Operations Director, Kelly Senior has stated, “These enhancements are only the beginning. If you think this is great, wait till you see what is coming next. We are urging all TAP players to get their logins and passwords to Pool Net, so they will be really happy they are a member of TAP with the new features and enhancements we are preparing to deliver. Loyd and the programming team have been working hard to come out with even more and it’s some innovative and ground breaking industry advancements.” Pool Net, will continue to empower the TAP Player. TAP Players are urged to obtain their login’s from their local operator and / or TAP Corporate office. The present player module, which was also released last year has a multitude of statistical information that players have access to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Don’t have TAP where you are? Interested in starting your own league? Call 1-800-984-7665 Ext. 2 to reach Sam Rullo TAP’s Sales Director and he will be more than happy to help you. Want more information about TAP? Check out our website, http:// www.tapleague.com; Facebook Page - TAP, LLC Pools Amateur Tour and / or contact us, through our corporate office, at the Live Help desk, via email or IM. Join the countless others that have been checking us out. We look forward to hearing from you ! TAP ON !
12 Stroke Magazine - July 2011
Pat DiBuono, Richard Ng, Paul Spaanstra Richard Ng fearless at Sandcastle's B/D event. Richard played with confidence all day into the night. Regardless of the score, Richard fired one shot after the other, no matter if it was do or die. His tournament trail included wins over Dave Ascolese 7 - 3; Rajesh Vannala 7 - 6; Gary Murgia 7 - 3; Ben Castaneros 7 - 6; and Christain Smith 7 - 4; before losing the Hot Seat match to Pat DiBuono 7 - 4. On the loss side Richard squeeked by Paul Spaanstra 7 - 6 for a chance to redeem himself against Pat. Rich led the match till Pat tied it at 5 all and took the lead 6 - 5. Coming from the loss side Rich had to reach 7 games before Pat in order to extend the match for a chance to win, should he reach 9 games, On the other hand, Pat could reach either 7 first or 9 games to win. Rich rallied to win the next 3 games to get on the hill. The rest is history with a 9 - 7 victory. Congratulations to Paul Spaanstra for a stong 3rd place finish. Paul certainly demonstrated some impressive play...truely entertaining. Many thanks belong to The "Sandman" for his generous support of the Tri-State Tour, fine playing conditions and, serving excellent food in his newly added restaurant. Please provide a thank you to Sterling-Gaming, Ozone Billiards, Ron Tarr Cues, Phil Capelle, BlueBook Publishing, Human Kinetics, Murnak Cases and, Dr. Dave Billiards Instructional Products for their sponsorship leading to this event. PAYOUTS 1st $700.00 Richard Ng 2nd $465.00 Pat DiBuono 3rd $290.00 Paul Spaanstra 4th $180.00 Christain Smith 5th - 6th $115/$115 Louie Loria, Ricardo Mejia 7th - 8th $85/$85 Teddy Lubis, Duane Toney
VNEA’s 31st Annual International Pool Championships! Tournament Sponsors were VALLEY • OMEGA BILLIARDS There was an Awards Banquet which was extraordinary to say the least... The Blues Brothers and “Rising Star” Comedian Alonzo Bodden! And this is surely just a taste of everything that took place! See the complete results on VNEA.com.
8-Ball Women’s Intermediate Team: Answer That
May 26th - June 4th, 2011 at BALLY’S Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, Nevada If you weren’t there...here’s a taste of what you missed. 5,000 excited pool league players from 32 States, 6 Canadian Provinces and 7 Other Countries competed. There were matches on nearly 300 Valley Pool Tables. Competition included 33 unique divisions including Artistic and Speed Pool and even a Dave Pearson Guinness Record attempt. There were players representing 160 VNEA Charter Holder Members. 3,000 players partied at our fabulous Team Opening Ceremonies which featured awesome fireworks and the sounds of “The CRUSH.” There was a 31 Year History Wall display and 2 Valley Home Pool Tables were given away throughout the event.
8-Ball Women’s Team Regular: Capri Collage
14 Stroke Magazine - July 2011
AMATEUR POOL PLAYER HALL OF FAME The heart-pounding excitement of the Opening Ceremonies at the 31st Annual VNEA International Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada was the perfect setting for the induction of the newest members of the VNEA Hall of Fame.
8-Ball Open Team Regular: Almost Heroes
inductees. Receiving this prestigious honor, along with an exclusive Hall of Fame Jacket, Certificate and limited edition VNEA Hall of Fame Trading Card Set, were the following players: • Roger Anderson - Inglis Coin Machine (ID) • Bill Breuer Sr. - Tri Valley Vending (AK) • Barb Carr - SML Entertainment (Alberta) • Donavon Mickelson - C & N Sales (MN) • Mick Storey - BMW Billiards (CO)
8-Ball Women’s Team Masters: We’re Back!
With players gathered from all over the world and all of VNEA’s dignitaries in attendance, the stage was set for the introduction of the 2011 VNEA Amateur Pool Player Hall of Fame
8-Ball Sportsmen’s Team: Rookies
At the conclusion of the induction ceremonies, the new Hall of Fame members cordially mingled with admirers and signed autographs for those seeking keepsakes. The “2011 Class” brings the VNEA Hall of Fame Membership to 90 players. Our congratulations to these very special players.
VNEA Hall of Fame Inductee: Roger Anderson and wife Kim Anderson (HOF Member 2008)
MELLING BY A MILE! ENGLAND'S CHRIS MELLING STEAMROLLS CHINESETAIPEI'S HSU KAI LUN TO WIN THE CHINA OPEN 9-BALL Story and Photos by Ted Lerner (Shanghai, China)--Give Chris Melling an inch, and he takes a mile. That’s just how Chinese Taipei’s Hsu Kai Lun must feel right now, as the burly Englishman put on one of the most powerful displays of 9-ball pool seen in the professional game in some time, capturing the China Open in an all out rout, 11-3. Melling won $40,000 and, in the process, declared loud and clear that he will be a force to be reckoned with among an already strong heap of English and European pool players for the foreseeable future. “That’s the best I’ve ever played,” an ecstatic Melling said moments after lifting the trophy. “I knew I would win the match when I was up 6-2. I knew then it would be tough for him to come back. I was just playing too good.” It didn’t take long into the final race to 11, alternate break match to realize, though, that Hsu was in over his head on this day against the white hot Englishman. The two were all square after four racks but from there Melling got on his motorcycle and ran away with the match. In rack five, Melling made a very difficult pot on
the one that opened up the rack and got him the lead. In the next frame he played a world class snooker off of Hsu’s safety that quickly led to another point. A minute later he was up 5-2 after a break and run out. From there, the fast playing Brit piled on the points, all the while taking on and converting daring shots that most players would be afraid to pull out of their bags. Hsu simply had no answer. Melling raced right to the finish line and the championship with a resounding 11-3 win. Coming on the heels of his quarter final finish in May’s World 10-ball championship in Manila, Melling is sure to crack the World Pool Association’s Top Ten rankings. The European number two is also looking very seriously at a spot on the coveted European Mosconi Cup team. With this extremely impressive performance in Shanghai this week, the 32 year old Brit appears to have a very bright future in pool. Listen to his attitude when he talks about playing in the pressure cooker that is the world of professional pool. “I didn’t feel nervous at all out there,” Melling
said. “I love playing under pressure. I love the crowd and playing on TV. “I’m not saying I’m a great player. But there’s a difference between being a good player and being a great player. A good player can play well in the pool room and in small tournaments. Great players can win under pressure in an atmosphere like this. I’m just beside myself right now. Absolutely unbelievable."
FU XIAO FANG WINS GOING AWAY Beats Defending Champion Chen Siming 9-3 In Lopsided Final And Moves To World Number 1
Story and Photo by Ted Lerner (Shanghai, China)--Playing virtually mistake free 9-ball, and seemingly immune to the pressure, Fu Xiao Fang defeated fellow Chinese and defending champion Chen Siming 9-3 to capture the China Open championship Sunday afternoon in Shanghai. With her impressive victory, Fu won $30,000 and cemented her status as China’s best player. She has now won two major tournaments in the last year, including the World 9-ball championship held last September in Shenyang, China. In addition to stamping her class on the highly popular and competitive world of women’s pool in China, the victory now moves the 25 year old to the top of the world rankings. The match, played in front of several hundred people inside the Shanghai Pudong Yuanshen Stadium, and an estimated nationwide television viewing audience of over ten million people watching on China’s CCTV, was expected to be much closer. But the usually unflappable Chen made some uncharacteristic mistakes, all of which cost the 17 year old phenom dearly. The two stars split the first four racks before Fu grabbed the lead and, from there, hightailed it all the way to the title. Chen couldn’t seem to get comfortable while Fu just stayed steady, and Fu soon went up 5-2. Chen faced a pivotal rack in the next frame and after missing an opening on a long 1 ball, she went on to play a lock down
safety that earned her the point. Little did she know, however, that it would be the last rack she would win. Fu just refused to buckle and would hold a tight reign on the proceedings the rest of the way. A terrific long pot on the six down the rail won her the next rack for a 6-3 lead. Chen fouled twice in the subsequent frame and Fu moved up by 4. Then Fu broke and ran out to go on the hill. In the final rack, Chen broke but got nothing down and left an open shot on the 1 ball. From there the balls presented a basic layout and Fu cleared to claim the title. “I played really well,” Fu told a throng of Chinese media after the match. “The pressure was big but Siming had some mistakes and maybe I have more experience than her in big events.” Chen claims $15,000 for getting runner up and will now move down to the second spot in the WPA world rankings. To see all the stories from our extensive coverage of the 2011 China Open, please visit the official website of the World Pool Association: www. wpa-pool.com
July 2011 - Stroke Magazine 15
Testa - Sossei Split
Joey Testa, owner Bob Guerra, Jeremy Sossei, Zion Zvi
Mezz Pro-Am made its way to Rockaway Billiards in Rockaway NJ on Sunday June 12th. A small but strong field came out to play players like Joey Testa, Jeremy Sossei, Zion Zvi, Mike Miller,Cindy Heafner, Shaun Dobson, Pau Spaanstra and Carl Khan to name a few. Leading the top half of the bracket was Joey Testa with wins over Cindy
Heafner 7-6 Duane Wu Tang Toney 7-2, Jay Brotherton 7-1, and Paul S 7-0. Leading the bottom half of the bracket was Jeremy Sossei with wins over Shaun Dobson 7-0, Wayne N 7-3, Zion Zvi 7-3, and Mike Miler 7-5 Playing for the hot seat was Joey Testa Vs Jeremy Sossei, this was a one sided match with Joey Testa taking control from the start never looking back as he won easily 7-2 and sending Jeremy Sossei to the one lost side. Waiting for Jeremy Sossei on the one lost side was Zion Zvi, this was a rematch from earlier in the day when it was all said and done it was Jeremy Sossei coming away with the win 7-4 to get to the finals. In the finals it was Joey Testa VS Jeremy Sossei these two friends decided to split the championship. I would like to thank all the Sponsors and all the players that came out to play. 1st Joey Testa $565 1st Jeremy Sossei $565 3rd Zion Zvi $235 4th Mike Miller $100 5th/6th Paul Spaanstra/Carl Khan
Tri-State at Gotham City
Raphael DaBreo finishes undefeated at Gotham City Billiards' A/D TriState. His tournament trail included wins over Juan Guzman 7 - 6; Stewart Warnock 7 - 5; John Trobiano 7 - 3; Dan Cintron 8 - 6; Michael Harrington 7 - 6 for the Hot Seat and again in the Finals by a convincing score of 7 - 1. Congratulations belong to Michael Harrington for his impressive second place finish and, Billy Cheng for his strong 8 wins & 2 loss record. Many thanks belong to the "Buckley Family" for their support of the Tri-State Tour. Please provide a thank you to Sterling-Gaming, Ozone Billiards, Ron Tarr Cues, Phil Capelle, BlueBook Publishing, and Human Kenetics. 1st $1,200.00 Raphael DaBreo 2nd $800.00 Mike Harrington 3rd $500.00 Billy Cheng 4th $330.00 Ron Mason 5th - 6th $150.00 Dan Cintron, Antonio Navarro 7th - 8th $120.00 Alex Gilvarg, Andrew Cleary 9th - 12th John Trobiano, Ed Culhane Raul Reyes, Ben Castaneros
1st place - Raphael DaBreo ; 2nd Place - Michael Harrington.on the far right, Kevin Buckley Co-Owner operator of Gotham City Billiards
RI Joss Tour Stop By AzB Staff - reprinted with permission from Mike Zuglan
“The Fireball” Mike Dechaine scorched his way through a field of fifty five players at the Joss NE 9-Ball Tour stop at Snookers Billiards in Providence, RI over the weekend of June 11-12. Dechaine took the aptly named hot-seat with a 9-5 win over Nelson Oliviera and after Oliviera dispatched tour points leader Bucky Souvanthong in the semi-finals, Dechaine scored another 9-5 win over Oliviera to close out the event undefeated. Dechaine earned $1200 in prize money,
Mike Dechaine 16 Stroke Magazine - July 2011
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 7th 9th
$1,200 $900 $650 $450 $350 $200 $100
while Oliviera settled for $900 in second place money. Sunday’s second chance event saw Phil Davis go undefeated including wins over Dave Wright for the hot-seat and again in the finals. Davis pocketed $320, while Wright took home $220 for second.
Mike Dechaine Nelson Oliviera Bucky Souvanthong Matt Tetreault Ray MacNamara, Tim Perry Joe Dupuis, Tim Parisian Tom D’Alfonso, John Smith, Jarrod Clowery, Pete Ziemak
Carolina Open
U.S. Open 9-Ball Qualifier 1st gets entry paid
September 3, 2011
$50 entry - Texas Express - Max 32 Race to 7/5 - double elimination 100% payout - Registration at Noon
Greensboro, NC (336) 856-8800
July 2011 - Stroke Magazine 17
Read Online www.strokemagazine.net
Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice DATE CITY LOCATION Jul 8-10 Spring Hill, FL Capone’s Billiards Jul 10 W Hempstead, NY Raxx Pool Room Jul 16-17 Dothan, AL Pockets Billiards Jul 22-24 Glen Burnie, MD Big Daddy’s Billiards Jul 23 Ft Pierce, FL Ultimate Billiards Jul 24 Ft Pierce, FL Ultimate Billiards Jul 24 Portsmouth, NH Legends Billiards Jul 24 Drexel Hill, PA Drexeline Billiards Jul 31 Frazer, PA Main Line Billiards Aug 5-7 Providence, RI Snooker’s Billiards Aug 6-7 Syracuse, NY Cap’s Cue Club Aug 6-7 New York, NY Amsterdam Billiards Aug 19-21 Canton, OH Fiddlestix Billiards Aug 20 Ft Pierce, FL Ultimate Billiards Aug 21 Ft Pierce, FL Ultimate Billiards Aug 21 Somersworth, NH Buster’s Billiards Aug 21 W Hempstead, NY Raxx Pool Room Aug 27-28 Tallahassee, FL Zingales Billiards Aug 28 Edison, NJ Sandcastle Billiards Sep TBD Ft Pierce, FL Ultimate Billiards Sep TBD Ft Pierce, FL Ultimate Billiards Sep 3 Greensboro, NC Gate City Billiards Sep 3 W Hempstead, NY Raxx Pool Room Sep 8-11 Verona, NY Turning Stone Sep 11 Frazer, PA Main Line Billiards Sep 16-18 Tampa, FL Strokers Billiards Oct 2 Egg Harbor, NJ Atlantic City Billiards
PHONE EVENT / RULES (352) 688-9965 Seminole Pro Tour 10-Ball (516) 538-9896 Mezz Pro-Am Tour (334) 793-9644 SE Open 9-Ball (410) 757-3488 Maryland 14.1 Championships (772) 464-7665 Open 9-Ball first chance (772) 464-7665 Open 9-Ball second chance (603) 433-1154 New England 9-Ball Series (610) 259-9144 Mezz Pro-Am Tour (610) 647-8805 Mezz Pro-Am Tour (401) 351-7665 Seminole Pro Tour 10-Ball (315) 701-0101 CNY Tour Championship (212) 995-0333 Predator Tour ABCD/Open/Pro (330) 498-8422 Seminole Pro Tour 10-Ball (772) 464-7665 Open 9-Ball first chance (772) 464-7665 Open 9-Ball second chance (603) 692-7926 All Class Season Finale (516) 538-9896 Mezz Pro-Am Tour (850) 224-8644 SE Open 9-Ball (732) 632-9277 Mezz Pro-Am Tour (772) 464-7665 Open 9-Ball first chance (772) 464-7665 Open 9-Ball second chance (336) 856-8800 U S Open 9-Ball Qualifier (516) 538-9896 Empire State Pro Champ. (518) 356-7163 9-Ball Joss Tour Finale (610) 647-8805 Mezz Pro-Am Tour (813) 814-2277 Seminole Pro Tour 10-Ball (609) 645-7576 Mezz Pro-Am Tour
ENTRY $300 Call $65 (incl reg) $275 $65 (incl g.f.) $50 (incl g.f.) Call Call Call $300 Call Call $300 $65 (incl g.f.) $50 (incl g.f.) Call Call $35 (incl reg) Call $75 (incl g.f.) $65 (incl g.f.) $50 Call $150/$200 Call $500 Call
ADDED $25,000 $1,000 $1,000 $8,000 $1,000 w/32 $300 w/16 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $25,000 Call $1,000 $25,000 $1,000 w/32 $300 w/16 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,500 w/32 $500 w/16 Entry+Cue $2,000 $25,000 $1,000 $50,000 $1,000
TIME Call Call 11:30 AM Call Call Call Call Call Call Call Call Call Call Call Call Call Call Call Call Call Call Noon Call Call Call Call Call
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18 Stroke Magazine - July 2011