Stroke Magazine September Issue 2011

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Stroke Staff Publisher/Editor Don “Cheese” Akerlow Marketing Director Mary Akerlow Layouts & Design Wendy Swenson Sunshine Ross Don Akerlow Mary Akerlow

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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September 2011 - Stroke Magazine 3

TRU E S TORY

Jimmy Caras in Key West Continuing from our last article, we pick up a few years later

At this point, Jimmy’s wife Phyllis had passed on and now Jimmy lived in a apartment around the corner from our pool room (Drexeline Billiard Club). He lived alone and was very content. Jimmy would show up at the pool room nearly every day still with as much enthusiasm as the first day he started playing pool. He was the real thing.

Sitting around the pool room one day, I asked Jimmy if he had ever been to Key West, knowing this man had already been around the globe. To my surprise , Jimmy stated that he had never been.

My wife Susan and I have dear friends (Steve & Madeline Condella) who live in Key West and visit every chance we get. Steve & Madeline love pool and extended an invitation for Susan and I to bring Jimmy Caras for a visit if he was up for it. I sprung the question and asked Jimmy if he would like to go? He replied , “Why would I want to go to the end of the world?” joking around. I explained about the great seafood (which Jimmy had a fancy for) and told Jimmy about Steve & Madeline’s house, where we would be shacking up. Little did Jimmy know, we would be headed for Paradise! My final words were, “Ha Jimmy, go pack a bag, we are out of here”. Jimmy got the green light from his doctor, packed a bag and off we went. Philly to Key West, one jet and one commuter plane and about 4 hours we would be there.

Steve & Madeline live about 1 mile out of Key West on a peninsula. You would think you were on your own private island. Words can’t describe how beautiful their residence is. The big kicker for Jimmy is Steve & Madeline’s pool room, as well as their cue collection, and cannon collection.

Moving right along, in a nut shell: Madeline can give everyone the 5 out and the break preparing seafood. Steve’s Key Lime Pie , everyone should be so lucky to taste. Their pool room is to die for, the cue collection (Szamboti’s, Balabushka’s, Tad, Showman, Rambo, all the Palmers) to mention a few. My favorite is the cannon collection dating back to the 1500’s.

Historians from around the world come to see this spectacular collection. Puts museums to shame. The collection is that good folks, and a privilege to see.

Anyway, landing in Key West, Jimmy said, “What is there to do around here?”, as the island of Key West is 3 miles by 4 miles and looked like a match head to Jimmy from the airplane when we were coming in.

I had been boasting about everything to Jimmy and hoped he would not be disappointed. Fooling around Jimmy said he would like a lobster and then a good game of pool. That was his sense of humor coming out. A good thing, as he was loosening up. When we arrived at Steve & Madeline’s, I could tell Jimmy was getting very comfortable. After checking out the pool room, I think Jimmy was ready to change his address.

He immediately fell in love with his surroundings.

Looked like Jimmy was ready to get the party rolling

4 Stroke Magazine - September 2011

Jimmy Caras now.

That first night Madeline prepared a seafood dinner fit for a king and had invited some of their pool friends over for dinner and pool. Everyone was eager to meet Jimmy. After dinner everyone retired to the Condella’s pool room. Steve gave us a tour of his cue collection. Great stuff, as the old cues brought back memories for Jimmy and that prompted him to tell some great pool stories from yesteryear. Everyone took turns playing pool, mostly with Jimmy. It was getting late (midnight) and Jimmy was still going strong. He kept us up till 2 in the morning doing trick shots, and we had to shut him down. He was outlasting all of us. Unreal for a 88 year old guy. He called us all light weights! Bed time for Jimmy.

Each night went the same way, only we ate out, the A&B Lobster House, The Rusty Anchor, and a Great Authentic Cuban Restaurant. Jimmy tried to pick up the check but it would have busted him the way we were partying. He was our guest, no way he would pay. A couple of nights after dinner we went to the only pool room in the Keys, The Stick & Stein, in Key West. Here the customers lined up to get Jimmy’s autograph. Jimmy was in his glory as he dazzled the

customers by putting on a trick shot show. He was by no means rusty. He was in dead stroke. I think everyday around a pool room keeps you in shape, no matter how old. I was happy for Jimmy, because with all the recognition, he seemed to be thoroughly alive. Really a cool thing to see in a man of his age.

We always ended up at the Condella’s pool room at the end of the night with Jimmy outlasting us all. That is the truth. Till the wee hours, Jimmy still wanted to keep it rolling. He would call us amateurs. HaHa.

On one afternoon, we took Jimmy on a tour of Key West. We went to Hemingway’s House, the “90 Miles to Cuba” Marker, Cruised the Navy Yard, and checked out the famous Duval Street. Also got the grand tour of Key West Welding, where Steve & Madeline make their living. Very impressive, with High Rise Cranes, and a huge Metal Fabrication Shop, always busy with projects.

Everything must come to an end as our final night was spent at the Condells’a. We were all gathered at their pool room as usual with a few extra guests.

Standard procedure was talk about the old cues as you can’t imagine the history here. This always wound Jimmy up, as well as just playing the game. This time we could not pry Jimmy away from his work. The hours peeled off till it was 3 in the morning and our plane was to leave in 6 hours. We finally got off to get some rest before departing. It was tough getting up and we were close to missing our flight but we made it. I do believe Jimmy was not interested in leaving but reality had set in. He had many excuses why we should stay longer. He was very amusing. Great guy with great sense of humor .

Now back home at Drexeline Billiards, Jimmy for months talked about his trip to all our customers. The sights, the locals and their hospitality, the wonderful seafood, and most of all our hosts, Steve & Madeline. I think Jimmy adopted them. He could not say enough about these kind people, who graciously opened there doors to us. We could all tell that this trip was on the top of the chart for Jimmy, out of all the places he had been during his life. Jimmy had a great time.

4th from left Jimmy Caras, Madeline Condella, Steve Condella (standing), Bob Maidhof (sitting), (some people’s names were unknown)

DaBreo Wins First Event

of the Season Santos Sambajon & Tony Robles Split The Open/Pro 10-Ball

BY JERRY TARANTOLA, NYCGRIND.COM

The Predator Pro Am Tour's 8th stop of the season was hosted by Amsterdam Billiards in Union Square, NYC. Tour founder and pro player Tony Robles and his team rolled out the red carpet for two simultaneous tournaments for their amateur and pro players.

The amateur event drew several top area players, including strong emerging talent.

Among them were Lionel Rivera, Phil Davis, Jerry Tarantola, Michael Yednak, Stewart Warnock, Victor Nau, and Scott Simonetti.

There was also an impressive showing of women players in this event, including Gail Glazebrook, Kim Phillips, Diana Rojas, Lenore Donovan, Melissa Rispoli & Borana Andoni.

There were several buzz-worthy stories that unfolded throughout this event, with several different storylines of interest. Hector Ruiz played in his first competitive tournament ever to go through the winner's side of the event undefeated on day one to eventually finish in third place. Hector came in rated as a 'C+' and had wins over Kim Phillips 7-4, Harry Lau 7-4, Gail Glazebrook 7-4, and Borana Andoni 7-6, before losing to Raphael DaBreo 7-4, and Borana Andoni 7-4 in a rematch.

Borana Andoni, as well as Gail Glazebrook, are known as members of the winning 8-ball championships team called Kiss of Death, but are also part of a new exciting venture, a project called RackStarz. The Rack Starz www.TheRackStarz. com are a group of twelve brilliant and beautiful women poised to re-invent the game of pool, while helping bring it into the mainstream to create a sensation that may have what it takes to captivate the world.

Gail, who is also part of the Predator Tour team, showed heart in this event with wins over Lenore Donovan 7-6, Melissa Rispoli 8-6, and Luis Novas 7-5, before losing to Hector Ruiz 7-6 and Kapriel Delimelkonoglu 7-6, finishing tied for 9th place in the event.

Borana Andoni would also make a statement by finishing 2nd. Borana's road to the finals included wins over Nick Meyer 7-4, Ray Lee 7-6, and Alan Chan 7-4, before losing to Hector Ruiz 7-4… but she then came back with a quarterfinal win over Phil Davis 9-5, and avenged her loss to Hector Ruiz in the semifinal, defeating him 7-4.

"Killer B" managed to stop Phil Davis' amazing run through the one-loss side… after losing his first match to Jerry Tarantola 7-3, Phil won eight consecutive matches before losing to Borana to finish 4th.

In the finals, Borana was matched up against Raphael DaBreo from Brooklyn, who has been consistently making

and cue ball control. Raphael had only missed one ball up until that point, and looked like he was about to close it out before missing a mediumtough 5 ball. Borana was also impressive in bouncing back with two clutch run outs to close the gap to 6-5, making the set a nail-biter. While Borana made the finals exciting, Raphael was able to capture the last game without a miss, capping off his very dominant run to snap off his first Predator event of the year, and his second overall.

With this win, Raphael has clearly displayed that he has what it takes to hang with the top amateurs and aspiring pros in the Tri-State area. Be sure to keep an eye out for Raphael, who will definitely be a force to be reckoned with if he continues to improve and fine-tune his game.

Above: Below:

L-R Hector Ruiz, Borana Andoni, Raphael DaBreo L-R Tony Robles, Santos Sambajon, Zion Zvi

strides in his game. The very talented 23-year-old player has been putting an impressive amount of time into practicing and perfecting his arsenal, and has arrived to the 'A' level after capping off a very impressive tournament.

Raphael has put in the time watching an abundance of pool at the professional level, along with being groomed by top pros and veteran players who appreciate his drive and palpable passion for the game. It's clear that the hard work is paying off through his run in this event, along with his play of late.

DaBreo went through the field undefeated, taking wins over Michael Yednak 7-0, Gary Murgia 7-4, Eddie Ng 7-5, Jerry Tarnatola 7-3, Dinko Busanich 7-3, Hector Ruiz 7-4, and ultimately a 7-5 win over Borana Andoni in the finals.

In the finals, Raphael jumped out to a 6-3 lead over Borana Andoni in a very impressive display of shot making

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PREDATOR TOUR OPEN/PRO 10-BALL The Pro 10-ball Event featured several big names, including Jennifer Barretta, Tony Robles, Jeremy Sossei, Zion Zvi and veteran Filipino pro Santos Sambajon.

In this event, Filipino pro Santos Sambajon was too much to handle for the rest of the field. Santos went through the field undefeated, with wins over Sean Morgan 8-6, Jeremy Sossei 8-3, and Tony Robles 8-6, earning a spot in the Hot Seat.

On the one-loss side, Zion Zvi was the player to beat, coming off a strong 8-5 win over Mhet Vergara and a clutch 8-7 win over Oscar Bonilla before losing a hill-hill battle with Tony Robles.

While both Tony and Santos wanted to play in the finals, Amsterdam Billiards was closing in 30 minutes and wouldn't have the time to fit in the finals of the event, so both players decided to split it in the finals.

The next stop on the Predator Pro/Am Tour will be the $2,000-added 4th Annual Empire State Pro Championship, which will take place on September 3-4 at Raxx Pool Room, Sports Bar & Grill in West Hempstead, NY. Tony Robles & The Predator Tour would like to thank all the players who came out to compete in this stop, and would also like to thank their sponsors: Predator Cues, Poison Cues, The National Amateur Pool League (NAPL), Delta-13.com, PoolontheNet.com, Billiards Press, AZBilliards.com, www.

Pool.bz, Jim Murnak Cue Cases, Go4Pool.net, NYCGrind. com, Billiards Digest, Inside Pool Magazine, Pool & Billiards Magazine, and Maxim Billiards.

AMATEUR 9-BALL FINAL RESULTS: 1st: $1,000 Raphael DaBreo 2nd: $600 Borana Andoni 3rd: $400 Hector Ruiz 4th: $300 Phil Davis 5th/6th: $200 Dinko Busavich and

Kapriel Delimelkonoglu 7th/8th: $150 Tony Liang, Alan Chang 9th-12: $100 Jerry Tarantola, Marco

Dy, Gail Glazebrook,

Harry Lau OPEN/PRO 10-BALL FINAL RESULTS: 1st: $700 Santos Sambajon 2nd: $400 Tony Robles 3rd: $200 Zion Zvi

September 2011 - Stroke Magazine 5

COLUMNIST

Spiritual Aiming: SEE THE SHOT - KNOW THE STROKE - SHOOT THE SHOT.

By The Monk

Please note: You will need to fully concentrate on this article. It is not real easy to grasp. I teach this aiming system to students who come to The Monk Training Center for this reason. I’d like to share it with you.

I talked to a master BCA instructor and he told me he had nine different aiming systems. I wondered why there would be more than one aiming system.

Tim Miller

You can go to my web site and read over seventy important instructional articles at no cost to you. www. monkbilliardacademy.net has video clips to show you how to hit the shots.

My special three-day workshop is limited to four students. I do not allow my students to get lost in a large class. I am here to help you at a reasonable price. It is about skill development.

May all the rolls go your way, The Monk

What I teach on the subject of AIMING is that the very 'thing in itself' behind the human mind's control of the cue ball could prove that directional control is not as is usually believed by most of the players. In other words it is not the focus on the target. Aiming is not the 'slight trick' of either our sight, (focus) nor that of the muscles of our hands, but it is the 'slight trick' of our mind which is the mental chanting of a simple thought at the time of stroke delivery. This is what I teach and it is not easy to train a person in the true art of aiming. They must be ready.

In reality all I have done is helped them to develop an acute sense or feel of His presence (OM energy) that is always made available on their minds through their act of concentration. That visual confirmation of the target comes from a higher source and if you do not deliver the stroke when it comes, you will miss the shot. That’s why the ability of getting the directional control of a ball is regarded as a thing of feel, or something instinctual.

His presence or grace is made available on the mind in the form of a ‘thought’. This ‘simple thought’ purely a non-material thing is the Absolute Reality behind the directional control of the motion of a cue ball. In fact, it is a thing like ‘mental chanting’ that is affecting the direction! Without this ‘chant’ the motion of a ball or an arrow is impossible or at least the direction of it is out of our control.

I can set up a series of shots for you that require a certain stroke and attitude to make the ball. You can aim perfectly and not make the shot.

It takes a stroke along with an attitude to pocket the ball. I offered many of these shots in The Lesson.

Our visual focus or our knowledge of all the externals like aim point, angles etc. has nothing to do with the shot making of the master players. What matters is that the ‘mental chanting’ is done or not done consciously or unconsciously (as a trained champion does).

For this non-physical agency the subject has to depend on his concentration. This thing that

Training Materials Classes Workshops Videos Books and more ...

See it all online www.monkbilliardacademy.net

6 Stroke Magazine - September 2011

we call concentration is not, as we suppose, brain related. The very concentration is nothing but a mental process of invoking that divine non-physical agency. If this were not true you would never say, “I had great concentration today, or I lost my concentration”. If it was just brain related you would always have great concentration skills.

The subject is able to achieve the directional control of his shot as long as he is able to fix his mental focus on this non-physical divine thought that is made available on his mind through his invocation (concentration). When an opponent upsets this divine thought, concentration breaks down.

When the subject tries his concentration skills he thinks he must experience ‘emptying’ the mind or fixing our visual focus on a specific target but this process is not done in concentration, it is done in the name of meditation.

Have you heard the term, “become one with the shot?” When you can reach that point where you are connected, and this connection is bound together by a divine spirit your visual ability to see the shot is enhanced.

There are times when you simply know you are going to make it. You know you are locked in. You know you will not miss.

You can contact The Monk by going on my web site. www.monkbilliardacademy.net and while you are at it, contact me for a FREE E Book.

Champion Richard Jones (GBR) Foto: EPBF/AMM

August 2011 - Stroke Magazine 7

COLUMNIST

When Handicaps Handicap

BY SAMM DIEP © SEPTEMBER 2011

Samm Diep

Samm Diep, “Cherry Bomb” (DenverCherryBomb.com) House Pro at Felt Billiards (Englewood, CO) Author of “You Might Be A D Player If… (101 Classic Moves That All Pool Players Can Appreciate)” Player Representative for Chris Byrne Custom Cues, PoolDawg, Predator, Jim Murnak Custom Cases, & Delta-13 Rack SammsPocket.com | fun & unique products for pool players PoolTipJar.com | random smatterings of pool thoughts, articles, news, & reviews

I can remember when I began playing competitively only ten years ago. There really weren’t handicapped tournaments in town. We had weekly $5 or $10 tournaments that averaged 30+ players each week and the tournament scene was thriving. The better players would win most of the time and the weaker players were happy to pay their dues, get a cheap lesson and an opportunity to play against a top player.

The more the B and C players competed against the A’s and AA’s, they would find themselves learning a little bit more and more with each match. Next, they pull out a win against one of these players.

Then, the next thing you know, they’re in the finals of one of these weekly events and eventually, they will win one. In the end, their hard work and tenacity will pay off.

It’s true. Had the B and C players been competing in handicapped tournaments, it could’ve shaved off a dramatic percentage of time from their first tournament win. If their objective was simply to make money or win a tournament, then the choice would be clear; only compete in handicapped tournaments. However, if that B or C players is actually looking to improve and earn a well-deserved win, then the only thing the handicapped tournament does is handicap the player.

The other night, I accompanied my husband Marc to a local weekly tournament. It was $5 entry, bar table 8-ball, race-to-two games.

In my opinion, this format alone is a significant equalizer. When you put a pro-caliber player on the bar table, it can instantly level the playing field. And when the match race is only to one or two games, it can come down to who wins the flip and who has the better break.

Though he won the tournament, he had to play nearly flawlessly to do so. The regulars that frequented that tournament were very familiar with the equipment and in a race-to-two, anything can

happen. One little mistake is all it takes to lose the match.

After he won, he was told he may not be able to come back. One of the B players had complained that he shouldn’t be allowed to play. Coincidentally, this same player has made it to the finals of this weekly tournament on more than one occasion when the competition was not as steep. This is also a player that had done well in some handicapped events in the past. None of the C players were complaining. In fact, many of them were happy for the chance to draw him. They understood that $5 is such a small investment for such a big opportunity.

Not only has Marc given free lessons to the complaining player but so has one of the other AA’s that’s been banned from that tournament. In fact, the other AA has provided countless hours of free instruction to the entire community for years, and this is the thanks he gets?

What message are we sending if we ban the top players from weekly tournaments? Do we not want them to play because we fear the competition? Or, do we not appreciate the value of the knowledge we can gain from them? Handicapped tournaments help make the game more fair, but is the format alone not enough of an equalizer?

When you become dependent on handicapping, it becomes a crutch. When you begin expecting handicapping, then you’re in trouble. What will motivate you to improve when you don’t have to?

So, the next time you’re at an open tournament and you draw one of the favorites, instead of getting discouraged or complaining to the tournament director, be grateful. Feel fortunate for the opportunity to play someone of that level and play your heart out.

If you lose, it was a learning experience. If you pull out the win, then you earned it. Play your best. Appreciate the challenge and the chance to excel.

Wilkie defeats Krah TWICE Mezz Pro-Am Tour made its way to Drexeline Billiards on Sunday July 31, 2011.

A Strong field of 45 players came out to play players, like Jose Parica, Shaun Wilkie, Matt Krah, Josh Brothers, Eddie Abraham, Al Waldo, Joe Hong, Brett Stottlemyer and Max Much to name a few.

Leading the top half of the bracket was Shaun Wilkie with wins over Adbellatif Chamseddine 7-2, Brett Stottlemyer 7-5, Dave Grau 7-1 and Bill McCoy 7-2. Leading the bottom half of the bracket was Matt Krah with wins over Shawn Toni 7-4, Ralph Lake 7-1, Josh Brothers 7-3 and Jose Parica7-4.

Playing for the hot seat was Wilkie Vs Krah this was a good match but when it was all said and done it was Krah coming away with the win 7-4 and sending Wilkie to the one lost side. Waiting for Shaun Wilkie on the one lost side was Jose Parica this was a one sided match, Wilkie took control of the match from the start and never looked back winning easily 6-0 to get to the finals.

In the finals it was Shaun Wilkie Vs Matt Krah, Wilkie has to beat Krah twice in order to win the event. First set was all Wilkie with a 7-3 win in the second set it once again it was Shaun Wilkie taking control of the match from the start winning the set 6-1 and the event.

I would like to thank all the sponsors Mezz Cues, Billiards Life Clothing, Black Boar Custom Cues, Kamui Tips, Carolina Cues, Hard Luck Sportswar, Run out Sportswear, Inside Pool Poolonthenet, Allen Hopkins Super Expo, AZ Billiards and Rack Starz for all their support. I like to also thank all the players that came out to play.

8 Stroke Magazine - September 2011

for WIN

Winner Shaun Wiklie owner Bob Maidhof 2nd Place Matt Krah

RESULTS: 1st $900 2nd $530 3rd $300 4th $250 5th $150 7th $100 9th $50

Shaun Wilkie Matt Krah Jose Parica Josh Brothers Dave Grau/Bill McCoy Lou Patrikios/Joe Hong Mike Veasey/Tim Murry/Brett Stottlemyer/, Al Waldo

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DAGOTDOT WINS

9 OUT OF 10 Daniel Dagotdot wins Tri-State at Sandcastle's A/D 10 Ball event

Dagotdot took an early 5 - 1 lead before Dan Cintron asserted himself. At a score of five games apiece, Dagotdot regained control and never looked back, with a 9 - 5 victory. Dan Cintron, Allen Wong and Rick Shellhouse are to be congratulated on their solid performance of 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively. Many thanks belong to The "Sandman" for his generous support of the Tri-State Tour and providing excellent playing conditions. Please provide a thank you to Sterling-Gaming, Ozone Billiards, Ron Tarr Cues, Kamui Tips, Phil Capelle, BlueBook Publishing, Human Kinetics, and for their sponsorship leading to this event.

Left 3rd place Allen Wong; Center 1st place Daniel Dagotdot; right 2nd place Dan Cintron

Daniel played strong all day winning nine matches and losing one.

His tournament trail included wins over Stewart Warnock 7 - 3; Arturo Reyes 7 - 6 and Mark Pantovic 7 - 5, before suffering a loss to the ever tough Dan Cintron 7 - 4. On the one loss side, Daniel fought his way to the Finals by defeating, Joe Palone 7 - 4; Ricardo Mejia 7 - 6; Raul Reyes, Jr. 7 - 2; Rick Shellhouse 9 - 7 and Allen Wong 8 - 5, to get another shot at Dan Cintron. During the Finals, Daniel

10 Stroke Magazine - September 2011

PAYOUTS 1st $700.00 2nd $470.00 3rd $290.00 4th $190.00 5th - 6th $120 7th - 8th $90 9th - 12th $60

Daniel Dagotdot Dan Cintron Allen Wong Rick Shellhouse Raul Reyes, Jr., Keith Diaz David Danchak, Ricardo Mejia Dave Shlemperis, Joe Palone Ron Tarr, Sandie Patarino

COLUMNIST San Francisco Billiard Academy www.sfbilliards.com

Bob Jewett

San Francisco Billiard Academy is a BCA Certified Master Academy.

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

Three Little Safeties

BY: BOB JEWETT

While watching the Jeff Gregory benefit 9-ball tournament at the California Billiard Club last weekend, I saw an amazing safety played by the eventual winner, Rafael Martinez. He is the sort of player you can learn a lot from just by guessing what he’ll do and then seeing what he plays instead.

The particular shot that surprised me was a two-cushion kick to hit a ball near the rail and quite well hidden by a close ball. Most players would hit the shot firmly, hoping to get the hit and then get some distance between the cue ball and the object ball. What Rafael did instead was turn the speed down to minimum so the cue ball just got the hit and sent the object ball to the cushion and the cue ball rolled behind the blocker for a re-hook. Sometimes finesse will win the battle.

Here are three shots where just the right soft speed will win the game for you. Five or ten minutes of practice on each one will prepare you for when they come up in games. Shot 1 is similar to the one Rafael played, but shorter and only one cushion. You need to hit about half the one ball and just hard enough to get the one to the cushion behind the nine. If the nine ball is sitting a little farther from the cushion, you may want to hit the one a little fuller and drive it between the rail and the nine. A key to shots like this -- and most shots -- is to visualize what you want to happen. With practice, it will happen.

The second shot is from a game of 8-ball. You could play to knock the one ball half way to the eight and leave the direct shot blocked, but that gives your opponent too much room. When playing soft safes, try to squeeze out the last millimeter of advantage. The best shot is to hit the one ball as thinly as possible, take the cue ball to the cushion, and come off and freeze to the one ball. Done perfectly, this will even cut off the one- and three-cushion kick shots to the eight.

In shot three from a game of 9-ball, you were probably hoping to get a combo on the nine but instead ended up with a likely sell out. If you hit the four thinly and send the cue ball to the other end of the table, the four will be left near the nine for a combo or carom.

Instead, pull out your famous half-masse shot. Well, maybe it’s not famous now, but it could be. The shot doesn’t require much power, but it does need practice in advance. You don’t need a lot of curve, so a 45-degree elevation will be enough if you hit the four thinly. Use equal amounts of right side spin and draw. The hard part is getting the thin hit because the cue ball tends to curve a little even before hitting the object ball -- keep aiming for a thinner and thinner hit until you are just wiggling the four. Shot perfectly, the cue ball will come off the side rail and freeze to both the nine ball and the cushion. At that point, you’re famous at least in that room for 15 minutes.

When facing safes, consider the low-speed finesse option. Often it will provide the best chance for a good returned safety.

Read more articles by Bob Jewett at www.onthebreaknews.com

September 2011 - Stroke Magazine 11

Ray Martin & Jerome Keogh Inducted into the

STRAIGHT POOL HALL OF FAME Ray Martin going for his 4th World Tournament title at the prime age of 76!

New Brunswick, New Jersey - Three Kamui, Pool & Billiard Magazine, time World 14.1 Champion Ray “Cool Sandcastle Billiards and straight pool Cat” Martin and 14.1 Continuous aficionados Bill Austin of UT, Dr.Louis inventor Jerome Keogh will be the Pannullo of NY, Ralph Rubin of very first inductees into the 1st MD. Co-contributors Dennis Walsh, Annual Straight Pool Hall of Fame.

Dr.James Heller, Charles Eames, Mark The ceremony will take place August Snodgrass, and Bill Marapolous. For 31,2011 at 5pm during a dinner banquet more information on player registration, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel during the sponsorship, or if you would like 71st World Tournament of 14.1. Keogh to submit a comment, please email will be inducted posthumously while worldstraightpoolchampionships@ Martin will be there live to accept his gmail.com or contact Dragon Promotions award and speak. Even better than that, at 1-407-782-4978.

Martin will participate in the World

Ray Martin, originally from Tournament as a competitor at age 76.

Patterson,New Jersey, now resides

“Its a great honor to be inducted. in Largo,Florida. He still plays pool Its nice that people still alive will be and continues to teach players today. inducted as well in the future . That’s The renowned instructor and world really the way it should be. Get them in champion can be reached for lessons at before they die! Let them enjoy it!” said raymartin727@yahoo.com or 1-727-798Martin. Ray won the World Tournament 5561 in 1971, 1974, and 1978. Martin also won

What has Ray been doing since numerous 9-Ball titles as well and was informed of his possible induction? A the author of the famed 99 Critical Shots quick Q&A with the World Champ. instructional pool book.

“I’ve been practicing daily for “There were many factors on two hours everyday ever since being why we decided to start this inaugural informed over three weeks ago of my Straight Pool Hall of Fame. We wanted possible induction”, explains Martin. “”I to honor not only obvious choices, but ran a 117 and 60’s and 70’s many times. to remember great players that are still I used to run over a hundred daily with alive and remind them that they are not ease (he laughs)”. Martin has two 300+ forgotten. They are living treasures of runs including a high run of 382. “You the sport. Also, we wanted to recognize need alot of rolls to run over 300” , Ray those who may not receive recognition states as a matter of fact. elsewhere, but were huge parts of

How many runs over 200 have you 14.1 history. In the future we plan had?

Photos: (Above) Ray Martin looking very "cool" and dapper in his prime. on inducting several people at once.

“I cant keep track of that one.

(Below) Ray “Cool Cat” Martin & Jerome Keogh But this year having Ray Martin and Alot!” says Martin.

Jerome Keogh will be a great start”, said Who else should be inducted into CEO of Dragon Promotions.

Charlie Williams, Founder of Dragon Promotions.

The 14.1 Hall of Fame?

Guest speakers at the dinner banquet on August

Jerome Keogh invented 14.1 in 1910. Previous

“I think Danny Diliberto should also get in the 31 will include former World Champions and veteran to that, players would break the balls open but 14.1 Hall of Fame. We are almost the same age, just peers of Ray’s such as Allen Hopkins, Mike Sigel, and sometimes nothing went in, which many felt was too one week apart. WOuldn’t it be cool if he got to play Earl Herring. The 14.1 Hall of Fame events will also big a luck factor. Keogh decided the game should be in this,too? I’m glad he already made it into the BCA include video presentations by NYCGrind.com’s Jerry played with the final ball remaining out. Thus 14 balls Hall of Fame this year. “ Tarantola and funded by Dr.Louis Pannullo. Charlie plus 1, which became known as 14.1 . The very first Advice to upcoming 14.1 players: Williams will MC the evening’s festivities. Inside Pool World 14.1 Tournament was held in 1911 and won by “I respect all my opponents. If they have a cue in Magazine will also be covering the events live on site.

Alfredo DeOro. Keogh had prior to that won multiple their hand, they got my respect already. So my goal is Tickets must be purchased by August 27th and World Championships, but despite inventing the to not let them shoot.” can be done live at the event or at Amsterdam Billiards game that changed the sport, he would never win the Ray Martin’s daughter Robyn Martin Wilson in NYC or Sandcastle Billiards in NJ. Week passes to World 14.1 title. But today, a hundred years later, the says her dad isn’t displeased with his overall game, the World Tournament include one banquet ticket.

Straight Pool Hall of Fame honors him fittingly as the but feels nervous. After all this time, he is still a Online purchases for the dinner and also tickets can founder of the game. perfectionist even at 76 years old. be purchased at www.DragonPromotions.com . Get “Over the last six years, the fans, players, and Your chances of winning this year? the event special 40% discounted room at the Hyatt sponsors have really made us feel like the caretakers

“Well, I’m 76 years old. But I can still pocket Regency by calling 732-873-1234 ask for “US Pool of straight pool. I’m not a pool player, but I’ve learned balls. I just like to get through the round robin and Players” Group and receive the tournament rate of to really come to enjoy and respect this elegant game. then let’s see!” $105 per night.

We want to continue keeping this game alive and Good luck to Ray Martin going for his 4th World

The 2011 World Tournament is proudly comake it prosper. Honoring the people who did it Tournament title at the prime age of 76! sponsored by Olhausen Tables, Amsterdam Billiards, before us is a big part of that,” explains Cindy Lee, Inside Pool Magazine, Andy Cloth, Aramith Balls,

12 Stroke Magazine - September 2011

PRESS RELEASE

USA Pool League Expands into New England The USAPL is unlike any other national league in the United States

The USA Pool League has landed upon the New England shores. Under the Management of pool veterans Roy Pastor, Walter Zincavage, Alex Alpert and Jon Furey, starting this fall players can participate in the much buzzed about USA Pool League in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Pastor and Zincavage will manage the New England USAPL in the following areas: Hampden, Worchester, Middlesex, Essex and Norfolk counties in Massachusetts, and in Harford, Tolland and New Haven counties in Connecticut. While Alpert and Furey will manage the Boston USA Pool League which encompasses Suffolk, Bristol and Plymouth counties in Massachusetts, Rockingham county in New Hampshire and Providence and Kent counties in Rhode Island. All four, Pastor, Zincavage, Alpert and Furey, bring a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge both in pool and in business to their USA Pool League territories.

Pastor, resides in Harvard Massachusetts where he is a partner in the law firm of Lorden, Pastor & Lilly P.C. An accredited Advanced Level BCA Instructor, Pastor is a principal at the American Academy of Billiard and Cue Sports where he has designed classes for players of all ages and skill levels. The Academy is one of five Billiard Training Facilities accredited by the Billiard Congress of America.

Since 2001 Pastor has operated a much heralded junior youth program. He also coaches young cueists for the BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships. Pastor also participates as a special guest instructor in a high school honors physics class on one of the schools two pool tables and is a frequently requested speaker on “the art and science” of billiards for area Rotary, Lions Clubs and other civic and social organizations.

Currently, Pastor sits as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Billiard Education Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) corporation dedicated to promote education and leadership among the youth through billiards; is a member of the board of advisors of Break and Run Billiards LLC.; and is a member of the Board of Directors for J.U.M.P. Inc., a 501 (c) (3) corporation Focusing on developing leadership skills among young adults and teens through outdoor activities. Pastor is also a past member of the membership committee of the Billiard Congress of America.

Assisting Pastor with the New England USAPL is Walter Zincavage. He is a BCA Master Level instructor and has been active in the BCA Instructors Program since 2000. Zincavage currently serves on the Instructors Program Committee. In addition to teaching at the American Academy of Billiard and Cue Sports, Zincavage has taught a pocket billiards course at the University of Connecticut, organized several tournaments and delivered workshops to groups in the New England area.

Also starting up this fall in the upper north east is Alex Alpert and Jon Furey with the Boston USA Pool League. Both Alpert and Furey are from Southborough, MA. Alpert owns and operates Gilbert and Becker Co., Inc. a roof and sheet metal company in the Boston area. Furey is a CPA and owns Furey Insurance Agency in Winchester, MA. Both Alpert and Furey have 10 years of league play experience. In the past couple of years, Alpert has become a hobbyist cue maker.

“Earlier this year, about the same time our pool team needed to forfeit our league playoffs because they were scheduled over a holiday weekend; Roy Pastor approached us with the idea of bringing the USA Pool League to New England. The local leagues that we had played before never seemed to put the players first. When we learned about the USAPL, it was clear they put the players first. We were impressed with the handicap system and the payback to the players. We look forward to growing the USA Pool League throughout the New England area,” Alpert said about his decision to become a USA Pool League Manager.

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.

For specific information about the New England USAPL visit www.neusapoolleague. com, call (978) 660-9617 (Massachusetts and New Hampshire) or (860) 990-1247 (Connecticut). For information about the Boston USAPL visit www.bostonusapl. com, call (617) 433-7665 or (401) 484-1197. Both can also be found on Facebook, search for New England USA Pool League and Boston USA Pool League.

KENNEDY WINS TWO EVENTS defeating Davis in both of them

BY SKIP MALONEY - AZB STAFF

Tommy Kennedy's Southeast Open 9-Ball Tour happened to schedule two separate events on the same weekend.

The first, on Saturday, August 20, happened at Hammerheads in Holiday, FL, while the second, on Sunday, August 21, was about two hours south, at Veteran's Billiards in Port Charlotte. Kennedy won them both, defeating Mike Davis in the finals both times. The $1,000-added Tommy Kennedy event on Saturday drew 34 entrants to Hammerheads, while the second, another $1,000-added event, drew 18 to Veteran's Billiards.

Davis advanced to the hot seat in the Saturday event, sending Kennedy to the semifinals, from whence he'd return to defeat Davis in the finals. In the Sunday event, Kennedy sent Davis to the one-loss side from among the winners' side final four and faced Tony Crosby in the battle for the hot seat. Crosby went to the semifinals where he was downed by Davis, who returned to face Kennedy. They played four matches over the two days, and Kennedy took three of them.

On Saturday, Kennedy had sent Han Berber west 9-7, as Davis was sending Erica Park over 9-5. This set up the first of their four; advantage, Davis in the battle for the hot seat 9-4.

Berber moved over to take on Mike Delawder, while Park faced Adam Wheeler, who'd been sent west 8-3 by Kennedy from among the final eight winners. Wheeler and Delawder made Berber and Park's loss-side journey brief; Wheeler downing Park 7-3, and Delawder finishing Berber's day 7-5.

Wheeler won the quarterfinals that followed, and got a second chance versus Kennedy in the semifinals. Kennedy had allowed him only three racks in their first meeting, and gave up only one more in the second match. Kennedy tied the four-game matchup between he and Davis at 1-1 with a commanding 11-3 win in the extended race-to-11 finals, that spoiled Davis' bid for an undefeated day.

On Sunday, they met up first among the winners' side final four. Kennedy sent Davis west 9-3, and in the hot seat battle, faced Tony Crosby, who'd just defeated Frank Strain 9-2. Kennedy gained the hot seat with a 9-5 win over Crosby, and waited for his fourth and final matchup versus Davis.

First up for Davis on the one-loss side was John Filax, who'd gotten by Eddie Falcon 7-4, and Travis Laswell 7-5. Strain picked up Devon Rogers, who'd defeated Bill Bloom and Steve Richmond, both 7-4. Davis and Rogers squared off in the quarterfinals, once Davis had defeated Filax 7-4 and Rogers had eliminated Strain 7-2.

Davis survived a double hill battle against Rogers in those quarterfinals, and followed that with a 7-3 victory over Crosby that gave him a second (make that fourth) chance against Kennedy. Davis put up a stronger fight in Sunday's race-to-11 finals, but Kennedy finished it two games in front at 11-9 and completed his undefeated day.

"This," said Kennedy on Monday, "should just about pay my (cell phone) bill."

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 1st $750 Tommy Kennedy 2nd $500 Mike Davis 3rd $400 Adam Wheeler 4th $300 Mike Delawder 5th $150 Erica Park, Han Berber 7th $75 Raymond Linares, Larry Walthall SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 1st $600 Tommy Kennedy 2nd $380 Mike Davis 3rd $300 Tony Crosby 4th $200 Devon Rogers

September 2011 - Stroke Magazine 13

FEATURE LOCATION

“With a rich history of multiple world champions playing on these tables” With the current state of pool and billiards today, there are very few locations that are actually dedicated to the players, enthusiasts and betterment of the sport itself. Satisfying the essential playing conditions in the amount of space, maintenance of high quality level equipment, proper lighting and even digitally monitored and controlled air temperatures should always be the focus of any business calling itself a pool hall or better yet a billiards parlor. These conditions and requirements are of utmost importance and top priority of Sandcastle Billiards owner, Sandman, Ed Liddawi. With five feet plus all around each and every one of the 18 Brunswick tables, comfortable seating, top quality Simonis Cloth on all tables, fluorescent lighting, and circulated air temperatures maintained between 68 and 72 degrees all year round, pool players of all levels can engage in competition or friendly play with total focus on performance and enjoyment of the game in every aspect. A full cue repair pro-shop on site offers a convenient way to service a pool player’s needs to maintain their personal playing equipment as well.

With a rich history of multiple world champions having played on the tables, Sandcastle Billiards proudly houses the refurbished playing greens once owned by BCA Hall of Famer and multiple time World Champion, Steve Mizerak. The tables originate from Mizerak’s old pool room, The Four Seasons. This sentimental value is honored by keeping the tables and restoring

14 Stroke Magazine - September 2011

them like new by gutting the inner workings and replacing them with newly built rails, sub-rails and brand new Brunswick Super Speed cushions.

Sandcastle Billiards contracted Advanced Billiards Solutions of Philadelphia, PA last year to come in and reconstruct the 50-year-old tables so that transition and acclimation from one table to another during tournament play would be as seamless as possible. All rail heights and specs match those of the Gold Crown’s original design and have been accurately measured to react and play true all around.

In tough economic times, with 5 pool rooms in New Jersey closing down over the past couple of years, it’s obviously not easy to make ends meet as a traditional billiard parlor. Without having a sports bar restaurant atmosphere with blasting loud music, to attract non-pool playing patrons, it is near impossible to survive on table time alone from the average player or enthusiast.

Despite this fact, Sandcastle still offers the central Jersey area’s players $10 passes to play all day long, 20% regular member discounts, and partial or full monthly pass specials. Sandcastle Billiards does whatever it takes to keep its doors open through the slow summer offseason and throughout the year to set the example as to what a proper billiard parlor ambiance and pool playing environment should be like. A full kitchen has been added to Sandcastle Billiards recently in an effort to attract more of the occasional leisure time players and hopefully spark an interest in the game to some new blood.

Other efforts in connection to local schools, senior citizen clubs, local authorities and even hospitals are in Sandcastle’s plans to host charity events to benefit good causes of all types.

It is truly believed at Sandcastle Billiards that if the proper pool playing environment is strictly adhered to and provided to others as the prime example, slowly but surely other locations will follow suit and eventually, the negative stigmata that the billiards industry has carried for so many years can be erased and replaced with a fun, exciting and positive one. We must all do our part as players, room owners, fans, enthusiasts, industry leaders, organizations, table mechanics and so forth as pieces of the fabric that comprise the tightly knit billiards community to turn things in the right direction for the greater good of the sport so that we may all prosper in the long run for years to come. If we don’t work together to support one another, pool in the United States will surely be destined to become nothing more than a mere side attraction on a miniature table in a tight corner of a bar or just an occasional attraction at the local casino or convention center. Support your local pool room and you support the heart of the game.

Sandcastle Billiards is located at 101 Townsley Street just off Route 1 South in Edison New Jersey 08837. Tel. (732) 632-9277 www.

SandcastleBilliards.com Like Sandcastle Billiards on Facebook and become a fan!

SEE AD PAGE 11

JENNIFER PAGE WINS MINI-TOUR EVENT AT AMY’S BILLIARDS

Stuart, Fla. (Aug. 13, 2011) – Three newcomers to the Flamingo Billiards Mini-Tour finished in the top three spots at the Mini-Tour event held at Amy’s Billiards on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011. Jennifer Page, who recently moved to Port St. Lucie from North Carolina, won the handicapped event and took home $80 and a free entry into the Flamingo Billiards Regional Tour event on Aug. 27, 2011, in Ft. Pierce, Florida.

Page, who played in North Carolina before starting a family and moving to Florida, was eager to get back in to playing pool. Having just moved to Florida a few months ago, Page’s game started to come back on Saturday. She had a good start winning over Janis Sessions and Renee Vassallo. However, she had a tougher battle going hill-hill against Sue Roberts, but eventually won the match.

Page then faced Margie Soash, owner of Hollywood Billiards in Hollywood, Florida. Soash has been out of the competitive scene lately due to family issues, but she was back playing strong on Saturday.

However, it wasn’t to be as Page ended up sending Soash to the one-loss side.

After a very long day, Soash made it back to the finals in a revenge match against Page, but couldn’t quite get back in gear. Page won the final match, Soash finished second winning $50. Pam Patterson, after being rear-ended in a traffic accident on the way to the event, still managed to finish third her first time playing on the Mini-Tour and received $30.

Thanks to all the players who participated and thanks to Amy’s Billiards (www.amysbilliards.com) for being a great host and sponsor Boynton Billiards (www.boyntonbilliards.com) for supporting the Flamingo Billiards Tour.

(Left to Right) Amy Poulter-Amy’s Billiards owner, Jennifer Page Winner (also pictured above), Mimi McAndrews-tour director

September 2011 - Stroke Magazine 15

S TORY

Lucky

#7 The Road no one knew him

We left Luckys friends house after a delightful evening. The early morning road was quiet we seem to be the only ones out there we were going about 60 miles per hour just cruising …..We were talking about the some issue on the Imus talk radio show I forgot about. All of a sudden we heard a faint sound that got louder and louder.

It was a sound of a wailing siren growing out of the distance. Lucky driving, he could see in rear view mirror very slightly through the early morning fog the headlights and flashing blue and red lights of 2 Sheriff’s car racing toward us.

Light drops into a dip, in the wavy road reappears almost immediately, hurling down the center of the 2 lane highway. “What the hell” “Are they coming for us?” It appears they are in pursuit of a speeding car. They get closer and closer the lights and siren fill our senses. We have to slow down and pull over then they zooms past us. We barley got out of the way. It was a newer Aston Martin.

As it pasted us the sport car skids off the asphalt in front of us in an impressive driving maneuver and starts up a bumpy dirt road the 2 sheriff’s cars just following. It was just like in the movies. The sport car seemed to be pulling away. I don’t think they will catch this car.

We are headed now to the first big destination the U.S. Bar Table Eight Nine and Ten-Ball Championships in Reno. Where many top players go to. This is one of Lucky’s favorite tournament. He has seen a lot of new emerging talent here. This is always a great tournament. Jay Helfert once did a wonderful job. A new crew runs it now, the CSI’s group with Bill Stock.

Lucky and I were both greatly pleased to see that the tournament was still non-smoking, a great advancement in the sport of pool believe it or not.

Part of Lucky’s health problem is due to breathing secondhand smoke over the years. He had told me that it was one of the main reasons why he had quit playing over the past few years. He just found out that two close friends of his have throat cancer. Now that most states have changed laws he is more compelled to play again.

No one knew Lucky was at the tournament most were newer players. You got the impression that when people walking by glanced at him they might have remembered his face in some previous tournament crowd. Looking at him sitting there with his fists holding up his chin, you would never know he even played the game. He sat as one of the spectator most of the time. He asked me to keep a remoteness, as people who knew me might start wondering who he was.

Many great players were at event. Sitting around talking to everyone and watching matches on the bleachers was fun. Lucky was studying the players and waiting for the right time to get

16 Stroke Magazine - September 2011

a game. We were particularly watching Glenn Atwell, Stevie Moore and Shane VanBoeing matches. There were plenty of other great players playing besides those. Also a few young prodigy’s in attendance.

Just then old friend Lee Lang walked in and told me he had gone up to his room but found a do not disturb sign on the door put there by his roommate. He heard what sounded like a late night horror movie on TV -- a female voice screaming and moaning, and since Lee hates horror movies, he came down to the poolroom to see what was going on. I didn’t have the heart to tell him what was really going on in his room.

Lee and I talked a while about Stan Tourangeau and Kim Davenport winning the tournaments 10 years ago. It must be my luck that I had to play both of them my first matches that event.

On the second night in the action room, we watched this twenty-something kid play one of the best bar table players in California, a guy nicknamed King Kong. He does resemble a gorilla and plays like a monster. The kid’s name was Anthony, and he was from the somewhere in the South, Florida I think. They were playing seven ahead for $1,500. It seemed a pretty even match -- King Kong had Anthony by four games, and the kid wanted to jack the bet even as he was losing. King Kong backer took the bet. The bet was up to $3,000, plus another $2,000 on several side bets, and the kid ran the next four, played safe. Anthony’s entourage was excited and hollering it up and keeping a careful eye on those who had side bets so they wouldn’t sneak out of the room. Anthony ran the next three, played safe then the following four, only allowing King Kong to shoot, kick, twice. The kid won eleven games in a row. King Kong’s backer was done. Lucky said the kid was good and cocky the understatement of the year.

We watched pool matches and some action all week. (Many stories to come from Reno later) Can’t tell you how much fun that was. The last night we went down to the poolroom and Anthony was there with his girl. Not many others “Where’s all the pool players?” Lucky asked.

“Probably in the casino gambling,” the kid replied. Lucky said he came to see some action.

The kid snorted, “I’m the action. Everyone is scared of me. All these great players here and I can’t get any action … Why, old man? You want to play some?

“Well, sure,” Lucky agreed. “Want to play cheap?”

“I don’t play cheap. Nine-ball, race to 9 for a $1000,” the kid rattled off. “You look like you could use weight. You want weight?”

Lucky said, “What do I need” “I don’t

BY ANDREW MONSTIS

understand this spot thing I’ll just play even” The kid said “what ever man’. Later Lucky told me he should have taken the weight because the kid was so arrogant.

Lucky asked to borrow my cue, and they lagged for break. The kid ended a foot from the end rail, with Lucky trailing about 6 inches behind. Lucky racked. Only a few people were in the room -- the kid, his girlfriend, Lucky, myself, a couple guys breaking down some of the tables and two casino gamblers who had wandered into the room out of curiosity. The kid had no crowd to incite as before. This was one on one.

I won’t go into all the painful details, but basically Lucky played a classic “keeping close” on this kid. He strung him along like a puppet until the score crept up to hill-7, the kid’s favor. All the games Lucky won he made look like he was nothing but lucky, slopping in balls all over the place, or getting lucky hooks. Both the kid and his girlfriend were chain-smoking despite the “No Smoking” signs posted all over the room. Lucky said something about the smoking once, but they just ignored him, so he said nothing more.

I saw in Lucky’s eyes that the cost of that bit of rudeness had just gone way up.

Lucky broke, made nothing, scratched his head and growled, “Damn! I can’t even make a ball on the break.” Lucky’s breaks were looking suspiciously like one he had shown me the very first time we played – where he plays the one safe. But the kid didn’t roll out. He shot, made two balls, and in his first real mistake of the set, hooked himself. What a fluke, I thought. He took a flyer and missed. Easy out. Lucky won the set. The kid slapped down the grand and said Lucky was just lucky. They played again.

Lucky broke every rack and made nothing but left a hook on the one ball. The kid kicked or rolled out every game. Lucky seemed to win the games not by running out but by seemingly slopping balls in. Lucky was soon on the hill, 8-0, and couldn’t resist saying, “Hope I can make a ball for once.”

Crack! The nine went straight into the left corner pocket. Game, set. The kid was squirming now. “Lucky bastard,” he muttered. Lucky was up two grand. Now the kid wanted to play for $2,000. “This is the only set I was ever skunked in since I was thirteen,” he snorted. Lucky told the kid, “I’ll tell you what I’ll do. We’ll play my $2,000 against your $1,000 on the set, but if I win 9-0 again you pay me $3,000. And I break first.” The kid groused about giving up the first break, but it was only an act. Knowing Lucky had only made a ball on the break once in two (Lucky continued on page 24)

STOTTLEMYER HANGS ON TO WIN Brett Stottlemyer came with a 7-4 victory over back from a first-set McCreesh. defeat in a true double

Brothers denied elimination final against Wilkie a re-match against Shaun Wilkie to win the Orino by shutting him second set and take top out. Wilkie chalked up honors at the Poison his fifth straight on the Planet Pool Tour stop on one-loss side with a 7-5 the weekend of Aug. 6-7 victory over Brothers The $1,000-added Open in the quarterfinals and event drew 32, to Triple made it six in a row with a Nines Bar & Billiards in double hill win over Krah Elk Ridge, MD. in the semifinals.

In the Open event,

With that everStottlemyer advanced welcome sense of to the hot seat with a momentum, Wilkie took winners' side final four, the opening set of the 9-2 victory over Ryan true double elimination Brett Stottlemyer, Tournament Director Mike Ricciardella, and Shaun Wilkie McCreesh, and then a 9-7 final 9-6. With an equally won over Matt Krah. Krah ever-welcome sense of after joining him in the west bracket, defeated had sent Josh Brothers west 9-7. Krah went determination, Stottlemyer fought back in the Paul Oh 7-5 and Alan Duty 7-4. to the semifinals, and Stottlemyer waited for second set, and won it 7-5 to capture the first

Wilkie moved into the quarterfinals what turned out to be the return of Shaun place prize.

Wilkie, who was in the midst of winning six

I would like to thank all the players that OPEN in a row on the one-loss side. came out to play and the following sponsors 1st $760 Brett Stottlemyer Poison Cues, Mike Ricciardella for Re/Max

McCreesh moved over and ran right into 2nd $400 Shaun Wilkie Pros, Coins of the Realm, Capone Custom Wilkie, who, by this time, had three notches on 3rd $250 Matt Krah Cues, George Hammerbacher BCA Certified his 'return' belt, including 7-3 wins over Gary 4th $200 Josh Brothers Instructor, Gamblin Sports Wear, Hard Slanary and Sergie Bolotin. Brothers picked 5th $125 Manny Orino,

Ryan McCreesh Luck Sports Wear, Kamui Tips, Inside Pool up Manny Orino, who'd sent Wilkie over in 7th 100 Alan Duty, Sergei Bolotin Magazine, Billiards Digest.com, Az Billiards a second round, double hill match, and then,

B ennett Undefeated J C C C T S acoby

ustom

ues

Keith Bennett came out on top of another short field on hand for a stop on the Jacoby Custom Cues Carolina Tour, on the weekend of August 20-21. The $1,000-added event drew just five entrants to Buck's Billiards in Raleigh, NC.

In a preliminary round, Sam Monday defeated Anthony Arney 8-3 to earn his way into the four-player opening round. Monday moved on to face Sidney Champion, while Bennett squared off against Rodney Strickland.

Monday downed Champion 8-5, as Bennett was sending Strickland west 8-4.

In their first of two, Bennett gained the hot

arolina

our

BY SKIP MALONEY - AZB STAFF

top

seat with an 8-4 win. Monday moved on to the semifinals.

Strickland moved over to face Arney, while Champion drew a loss-side bye. Arney defeated Strickland 8-6, and faced Champion in the quarterfinals. Arney then earned a rematch versus Monday with an 8-4 win over Champion.

Monday had allowed Arney only three racks in their first meeting, and was even stingier the second time around, defeating him 8-2 for a second chance versus Bennett.

In the extended, race-to-11 finals, Bennett

and Monday battled back and forth to a 4-4 tie.

Monday took the next game to go up by one, but Bennett answered with three straight to pull out in front by two at 7-5. Monday won two of the next three to get within one, but Bennett responded again; this time, winning three more in a row to complete his undefeated run of three games.

Bennett and Monday were the two names drawn for the Break and Run contest. Neither sunk a ball, so the jackpot for this contest is now at $583. Joe Goodman won a Limited Edition Jacoby Custom Cue in the event raffle.

t namen e Tour c n a h 2nd C 8th dded Sept 1 $250 a y r t n $20 e

$1,000 Added 9 Ball Tournament Sept 17-18th

A/B Brackets $50 entry for A / $40 entry for B Double elimination - Race to handicap - Limit 48 Doors open 11am - Players Auction 12:30pm - Starts 1pm

18 Stroke Magazine - September 2011

AUGUST DOUBLE DIP BY: GERRY MAYEN

World Champions Battle it Out

In August the Seminole Pro Tour held two tournaments, first at Snookers Billiards in Providence Rhode Island and second at Fiddlestix Billiards in Canton, OH. Both events had a stellar player’s field and showcased the best players in the country all vying for the $25,000 added prize money.

Both events awarded BCA ranking points, but the Snookers event also had Mosconi Cup points at stake, which are getting extremely important with many players wanting to be on the USA Mosconi Cup team and so few ranking events left on the schedule.

First up was Snookers Billiards Tour Stop on August 5-7 in Providence, RI. This room is home to the New England Billiards Hall of Fame and it was appropriate for all the great players in the field to be playing with all the banners and trophies from past great New England cue masters in the rafters. The 64 player field included past world champions

next be matched up against Alex Pagulayan, who had defeated Shane Winter 9-5 in round 1. Pagulayan would keep the match close at first, but would eventually come out victorious 9-5, sending SVB to the one loss side of the board. (l to r) Gerry Mayen, Shane Van Boening, Darren Appleton, Rodney Morris, Steve Goulding The ride down the left side would be a long flat out of the gate and was then not able to the field two weeks prior drew an opening and difficult one for Van Boening. He would overcome the incredible shooting that Shane round forfeit win against Minnesotan first face Adam Smith, who finished in third had displayed.

SVB would move on by the Demetrius Jelatis and whould then have to place at the Capone’s Tour Stop. This match score of 9-3. face Mike Dechaine. Dechaine did not start would go back and forth, but Smith came up The forth place match would pin Van off the match too well, allowing Van Boening short and would lose to SVB 9-6. Next up Boening again fellow world champion to get an early lead. Dechaine would prove would be Robert Lewis. Lewis would just Johnny Archer.

Archer would trade blows to be the better player defeating SVB in a not have enough left in his tank to take our with Van Boening and would keep the score thrilling hill hill match. SVB would once Van Boening and would fall to the world tight. Again, SVB had his sights focused again see himself go to the one-loss side in champion 9-3. Bucky Souvanthong would be on the pockets and would be too much for the second round. This time, however, SVB up next for Van Boening. Souvanthong shot Archer, winning by the score of 9-5.

If the would not have the hot streak in him this very well, but not well enough to send Shane previous match-up with a world champion time. After victories over Craig McPartlin home. SVB would once again come out was not enough, SVB would now have to (9-2) and Amar Kang (9-2), SVB would fall victorious 9-4. The next opponent for SVB play Rodney Morris.

Morris had just suffered to James Roberts hill-hill and would finish would be, Capone’s Tour Stop Champion a heartbreaking loss to Darren Appleton in outside of the money. the hot seat match and would now have to Rodney Morris left Rhode Island with a play the hottest player in the pool room, bitter-sweet third place finish. He arrived in SVB. Morris seemed poised to finally take Ohio wanting to show that he can finish the down the streaking SVB. Morris jumped to job and take home a championship. Morris an early lead, but was unable to hold on to began with an opening round bye and would it, as SVB would come from behind to take have to face Chris Mitchell in his first actual down Morris 9-7. Morris would finish in match of the tournament. Mitchell put third place and collect a $5,000 prize. up a great fight, but would eventually lost After 9 grueling matches on the left side to Morris 9-7. Morris would then have of the bracket, SVB earned his way back to play veteran California player Ernesto into the right side to face another world Dominguez. Dominguez would keep pace champion, Darren Appleton, for the with Morris for the first few racks. Morris championship title, trophy, bottle of Grand would then pull away and claim the victory Touring Vodka and the $10,000 first place 9-6. prize. The finals would be one race to 11 Day two of the event paired Morris with for all of the marbles. SVB would jump out Seminole Pro Tour regular Corey Deuel. to a great start, seemingly catching Appleton Deuel seemed like he had been doing some off guard. Appleton was never able to catch serious practicing and preparation for his a break and Shane Van Boening would win upcoming trip to the Philippines to represent the match and the tournament with the final the United States in the world Cup of Pool (l to r) Gerry Mayen, Johnny Archer, Rodney Morris, Chris Szuter score of 11-6. SVB completed what seemed along with Mike Dechaine. Deuel was firing like an impossible gauntlet of opponents on all cylinders against Morris. Morris once Alex Pagulayan, Darren Appleton, Earl Larry Nevel. Nevel had been playing very through 9 rounds on the loser’s side to earn again was able to earn a hard earned victory Strickland, Shane Van Boening, Johnny strong and appeared to be poised to give Van his first Seminole Pro Tour victory of the and move on in the winner’s side of the Archer and Thorsten Hohmann and top Boening a tough match. SVB’s shooting was season. bracket. Up next for Morris would be fired ranked players Mike Dechaine, Corey Deuel, just too much for Nevel to handle, as SVB Two weeks later the players would descend Seminole (continued on page 23) Dennis Hatch, John Morra, Larry Nevel would advance with a decisive score of 9-1. upon Canton Ohio and Fiddlestix Billiards and Rodney Morris. Who ever won this Shawn Putman would be next up to face Van for another Seminole Pro Tour $25,000 tournament was certainly going to have to Boening. Putnam is on the cusp of qualifying added event. The majority of this 55 player earn the title and fight hard during every for the Mosconi Cup, ranked in the top 5 at field who played in Fiddlestix were the same match played. the time of the tournament. Van Boening, strong players that participated in Snookers.

World Champion Shane Van Boening also ranked in the top 5 would show why he Van Boening, Appleton, Pagulayan, Morris, entered his first Seminole Pro Tour of the is considered the best player in the county in Watch for Archer, Strickland, Deuel, Hatch, Dechaine 2011 season at Snookers. Coming off a 10-ball by taking down Putnam 9-7. SVB’s and Hohmann all were participants trying Upcoming Events long trip playing through Asia and Central dominance on the left side would continue as to claim the exclusive title of a Seminole Pro America, SVB was poised to make a run. he would next face Canadian sharp shooter Call for Info Tour stop.

SVB drew Tom D’Alfonso in the first round John Mora and defeat him 9-3. In his 7th Things unfolded differently in Ohio than they 7954 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd after the blind draw. SVB would defeat match on the left-side SVB would then face did in Rhode Island. SVB, who dominated Glen Burnie, MD 410-760-1332 D’Alfonso in a runaway 9-2. SVB would Virginia native Brandon Shuff. Shuff fell

Big Daddy’s Billiards

September 2011 - Stroke Magazine 19

PRESS RELEASES

Great News and Great Times Planned 2012 Lucasi Hybrid ACS Nationals at the Tropicana Las Vegas!

Here’s what’s happening for the 2012 ACS Nationals in Las Vegas. Since moving the Nationals to the Tropicana Las Vegas, the ACS wants to keep growing the turnout, both for the 2012 ACS Nationals and beyond. We’re putting a big push on it this year by: Eliminating the need for Tropicana Room Vouchers if you provide a Tropicana Room Booking Confirmation Number on each entry form at time of entry – covering the dates of that entry in each specific division.

Offering an ‘Early Bird’ 20% discount on all ACS Entries Forms/Fees postmarked by January 31, 2012 AND a $59/night discounted weekday room rate on the Tropicana tournament room rate if made with the Tropicana by January 31, 2012.

Providing a Nationals Standard Division 8-Ball Team PAID Entry to ALL ACS-sanctioned leagues per the following schedule based on member size: 0 to 100 - 1 Free Standard 8-Ball Team Entry 101 to 150 - 2 Free Standard 8-Ball Team Entries 151 to 200 - 3 Free Standard 8-Ball Team Entries 201 to 250 - 4 Free Standard 8-Ball Team Entries 251 to 300 - 5 Free Standard 8-Ball Team Entries

301 to 350 - 6 Free Standard 8-Ball Team Entries 351 to 400 - 7 Free Standard 8-Ball Team Entries 401 to 450 - 8 Free Standard 8-Ball Team Entries 451 to 500 - 9 Free Standard 8-Ball Team Entries 501+ - 10 Free Standard 8-Ball Team Entries ACS will increase the subsidy to the added money to the Standard Team divisions.

Providing a free team entry to the 8-Ball Team Champions from every primary team division of each ACS-affiliated State Association and the Lucasi Hybrid ACS Midwest Championships.

In addition in 2012, the ACS is providing ‘2 rooms for 2 nights’ (weekdays only) at the Tropicana to the 8-Ball Team Champions from every primary team division of each ACS-affiliated State Association and the Lucasi Hybrid ACS Midwest tournaments.

Bringing back a ‘Corona Beach Party’ Billiard Bash and arranging for ‘Poolplayers Only’ Slot Tourneys.

Ending the tourney a day earlier to remove all conflict with BCAPL Singles events. For 2013 and beyond, the tourney will be a week earlier.

Arranging for all events to played in one place in the Tropicana Pavilion area. The Ballroom will be reserved

for practice play, mini’s and the USBA 3-Cushion National Championships.

Already the tourney was huge fun to attend: Super organized with 5 different Singles, Scotch Doubles and Team events you can compete in (both 8Ball and 9Ball), all in only 7 days with no conflicts.

Unlike anybody else, a Standard Division with full Cash Prizing is offered in all events where you don’t have to be a semi-Master or Open calibre to stand a good chance at winning a few matches.

The Tropicana itself proved to be an incredible host site with it’s ‘center of the action’ location on the Strip, completely updated and renovated rooms (all with larges screen tv’s) right above the tourney room, the best pool area in Vegas, a very generous Gambling Awards program that reciprocates Riviera Awards levels and the most friendly staff ever encountered!

For those on a tight budget, food options were within convenient walking distance.

Now there’s even more reason to go. Win or lose, you’re guaranteed to have a great vacation!

AZBILLIARDS IS REPORTING

US OPEN BOYCOTT LIFTED Great News From Barry and Shannon

My daughter, Shannon, and myself are "pleased as punch" to announce there will be no boycott as everyone came to an agreement today to work everything out and we are very glad. :) We feel that the player's needs were justified as pool is in a dire state. We were happy to be able to work out a solution that will protect all parties and appreciate the ABP bending a little, so that we could all reach an agreement that we are all happy with.

It is time for us to restructure our methods of receiving funds from the sponsor, vendors and others in order to be able to pay players in full at the event. We ask our loyal vendors to please be prepared to pay in full by September 15, 2011 to assure and hold your booth space. Shannon and I have always appreciated all of you, but now we must restructure our method of you paying us, as we have to have all funds available to pay players.

So now you have over 70 days before the event knowing that we need to have all the cash on hand.

Two weeks ago, I called Rob Johnson to ask him to hold all future entries, and added money in an escrow account as the BCA is trustworthy and fully capable of taking on such a task. We want to thank Rob Johnson, president of the BCA, for taking about 2 seconds to say yes, the BCA will be glad to hold

20 Stroke Magazine - September 2011

the added money and entry fees. From today's date forward, entry fees are to be mailed to the BCA at 12303 Airport Way, Suite 140, Broomfield, CO 80021.

Rob, thank you for everything.

We also want to thank so many of you wonderful people who have supported us during the past weeks showing us just how much you care.

We understand the player's concerns and are happy to say that cool heads have prevailed and we are confident that all will be handled very properly. We appreciate the constructive criticism as well as the encouraging support from the industry and the fans alike.

Shannon and I are also excited for the ABP to have a pro-am at the Chesapeake Conference Center, Friday October 14th, from 7-9pm. They are also going to encourage every player from around the world to participate in the US Open that is capable of playing.

So, the bottom line is we are forming a joint relationship with the ABP, which will hopefully last for many years. We all can simply grow with each other's support. Isn't that what we should have been doing from the beginning?

I would personally like to thank Johnny Archer, who on his own called my daughter Shannon last

week, as it was a very pleasant surprise. Charlie Williams also returned my call in which he also had encouraging and pleasant things to say. Barry and Shannon would also like to thank Dennis Walsh, the attorney for the ABP for the long hours of cordial negotiation, conversation and compromise. While the pool public in general was under the impression that discussions were not taking place and that each side had stubbornly drawn a line in the sand, rest assured that representatives of both camps were busy trying to reach a workable solution and that many others in the industry were pitching in with offers of help and other valuable advice.

So let's get ready to rack some balls come October 16-22 and players don't forget that one week prior to the event there will be a $50 late fee, so please get your entries into: the BCA at 12303 Airport Way, Suite 140, Broomfield, CO 80021.

Hotel information can be found on your website, www.usopen9ballchampionships.com . Ladies, we hope that you all return this year and we encourage others to participate as well.

Our goal is to fill the field of 256 players again; it would be an awesome feeling for everyone.

PRESS RELEASE

RALF SOUQUET DANNY DILIBERTO Earn Enshrinement In BCA Hall Of Fame

Broomfield, Colo., Aug. 12, 2011 — Versatility and longevity are the common threads that bind 2011 Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame inductees Ralf Souquet and Danny DiLiberto, who earned election into pool’s hallowed halls in voting conducted by the United States Billiard Media Association. Souquet, 42, and DiLiberto, 76, will be formally inducted into Greatest Player wing of the BCA Hall of Fame on Oct. 20 during ceremonies at the Chesapeake Marriott in Chesapeake, Va.

Souquet, born in Eschweiler, Germany, has been a dominant player in Europe for more than 25 years, having won more than 40 German titles and 36 European Championship medals. But his record is nearly as impressive in top U.S. and international events. “The Kaiser,” as Souquet is known, boasts world titles in both 9-ball (1996) and 8-ball (2008), a gold medal in 9-ball at the 2009 World Games, and is a five-time winner of the World Pool Masters. On American soil, Souquet owns a BCA U.S. Open 14.1 Championship crown (2000), a U.S. Open 9-Ball title (2002), a pair of BCA Open 9-Ball Championship titles, and has won the Derby City 9-ball crown three times.

“This is great news!” said Souquet, who had finished second in Hall of Fame voting to Francisco Bustamante in 2010. “It’s a great honor. When you talk about the greatest players, like Archer and Strickland and Varner, they’re all in the Hall of Fame. Being mentioned in the same list with those names is a great achievement.”

Souquet becomes the seventh foreign-born player inducted into the BCA Hall of Fame.

“I’m also proud to be the first European male player in the Hall of Fame,” Souquet added. “I think it’s probably harder for a foreign player to be voted in, but it’s nice that the American pool community believes that my overall game and approach to the sport has been positive. I must have done something right.”

Born in Buffalo, N.Y., DiLiberto chose billiards ahead of boxing, bowling and baseball, all sports at which

22 Stroke Magazine - September 2011

the multi-talented athlete excelled. In fact, DiLiberto boxed professionally and was undefeated as a professional fighter. Under the tutelage of famed trainer Angelo Dundee, and boxing under the name Danny Toriani, DiLiberto posted a 14-0-2 record, with 12 knockouts in the late ’50s, until his oftinjured hands forced him to retire from the ring.

Boxing’s loss was billiards’ gain, as the colorful DiLiberto spent nearly 30 years near the top of the game. DiLiberto won numerous national-class tournaments in the ’60s, but was at his peak in the 1970s when 14.1 was the game of champions in the pool world.

After falling in the title match of the prestigious BCA U.S. Open 14.1 championship in both 1968 (to Joe Balsis) and 1972 (to Steve Mizerak), DiLiberto won the straight pool division at the 1972 Johnston City World All-Around Championships.

DiLiberto then went on to defeat 9-ball division champ Billy Incardona and one-pocket division winner Larry “Boston Shorty” Johnson in a three-man playoff to earn the Johnston City All-Around crown.

DiLiberto’s versatility at the table shown through in the ’80s when he defeated Nick Varner in the title match to win the 1981 BCA National 8-Ball Championship, then won the ’83 World One-Pocket title and the 1984 Classic Cup 9-Ball crown, giving him a major national title in the four major pool disciplines.

“I’m really choked up,” DiLiberto said after being informed of the honor. “I really thought the Hall of Fame would wait until I was dead to vote for me. It’s truly an honor. This makes my day, my month, my year!”

Voting was conducted by the USBMA Hall of Fame Board, which consists of USBMA members, elected At-Large members and living members of the BCA Hall of Fame. Induction in the Greatest Players category is awarded to the player named on the most ballots. A second player is elected if both players are named on more than 70 percent of the ballots. Souquet was named on 65 percent of the ballots. Karen Corr received votes on 56 percent of the ballots. No other eligible player was named on more than 25 percent of the ballots. To be eligible for consideration in the Greatest Player category, a player a) must be 40 years old by Jan. 1 of the year of their induction; b) must have a professional playing career of at least 10 years; and c) must have recorded significant achievements in U.S.-based events.

DiLiberto is the first player elected to the

Greatest Player wing of the BCA Hall of Fame through recommendation of the Veterans Committee. The Veterans Committee, a committee elected by the USBMA, reviews the resumes of mid-20th century players unlikely to win election against contemporary stars, and players who failed to be elected through the general Greatest Players elections prior to turning 60 years of age. A player recommended by the Veterans Committee to the Hall of Fame Board must receive a simple majority of “Yes” votes from the board for election.

About Billiard Congress of America Founded in 1948, the Billiard Congress of America is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to growing a united, prosperous and highly regarded billiard industry through BCA leadership. The BCA seeks to enhance the success of its members and promote the game of billiards though educational, marketing and promotional efforts, annual industry trade shows and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody’s game. For more information, visit www.bcapool.com or call 303.243.5070.

VOTING RESULTS: — BCA Hall of Fame Board (Total 51) USBMA members - 29 Friends of Game - 5 Hall of Famers - 17 (Byrne and Fleming are counted in the USBMA total, as they are dues-paying members of the USBMA)

— Total Votes 43 — Results: Souquet 28 Corr

24 Calhoun 9 Ortmann 9 Davenport 7

Kenniston Villarreal Veterans Committee Recommendation DiLiberto Yes 38 No 5

7 4

PRESS RELEASES

BCAPL Rules Now Available on Kindle and Nook

The Official Rules of the BCA Pool League is widely used within the BCAPL and by non BCAPL players all over the world.

Earlier this year CueSports International (CSI) launched the Spanish language version of the Official BCAPL Rules and now you can download both the Official Rules of the BCA Pool League (English version) and the Reglas Officiales de la BCA Liga Pool (Spanish version) on your Amazon Kindle or Barnes and Noble Nook. Kindle users can purchase both language versions online at www.amazon.com via the Kindle Store. Nook users can purchase both versions at www.bn.com. The price is $3.00.

When the first edition of the BCAPL rule book was published in 2007, well regarded cue sport historian and journalist Mike Shamos reviewed the book in the July 2008 issue of Billiards Digest. He said, “The (BCAPL) rules themselves and their interpretations have been given a great deal of thought, and the reasoning behind them is not hidden but is right there on the page. They’re also based on a great deal of experience with problems that surfaced in actual league situations. They don’t make the mistake of sacrificing the integrity of the game just to keep down the number of disputes that arise, which is a flaw endemic to league rules generally. I have the feeling that because of their logic the BCAPL rules just may become the dominant rules of the game.”

The Kindle and Nook launch of the Official Rules of the BCA Pool League is another step by the team at CSI to increase the use of technology in the pool community. In addition to this recent launch, CSI also created and launched the most progressive online tournament tracking and registration system in the sport, the CueSports Tournament System (CTS). For more information about CTS visit www.ctsondemand. com.

CueSports International is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events such as the US Bar Table Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial, the US Open One Pocket Championship and the US Open 10-Ball Championship. Visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com and www.playusapool.com for more information about CSI and its divisions.

Seminole Pro Tour

Florida Couple Start Profitable Business BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY IN TOUGH ECONOMY PHOENIX, AZ - (July 5, 2011) Bill and Helen Pelham have just signed up their 101st player in their UPA Pool Leagues in Jacksonville, Florida since they acquired their license in late February. According to revenue potential forecasts provided by the UPA, this means a prospective increase in their annual income by $19,000 and in the current state of our economy, every penny matters.

The United States Professional Poolplayers Association (UPA) has existed since 2002 and is one of the most widely known associations in the sport of pocket billiards for professionals. Only recently have they launched the first pool league for both men and women to address the needs of amateur poolplayers across the nation by offering a prize fund and an end to "sandbagging", a term often used to describe someone who deliberately under-performs to manipulate handicapping systems and gain a fair advantage over lower-skilled opponents.

The UPA League of Champions currently has 26 league operators in 17 states across the nation and offers league operators the benefits of becoming an industry retailer, utilization of the UPA Brand and Logo, advertisement materials, exclusive league operator system, exclusive licensing rights, training and support.

The UPA's trademarked SSR program was created to eliminate sandbagging and is a key component to the League of Champions. As Helen states "We have been searching for something different to offer players: with the pro like format, monthly report cards, high cash payouts at the end of each session, and the response we have had in our area, we have a lot of reasons to be excited." Members' Speeds (rating) are controlled by the SSR program and tracked by the UPA's corporate office, assuring that a 5 Speed in Bill and Helen's county will be the same 5 Speed across the nation.

Bill has admitted that the key to the success of their league has been to meticulously follow the UPA League Operator Manual. "We feel that in the near future the UPA will make pocket billiards thrive for the pro, amateur, retailer, and room owner alike," says Bill. Their goal is to have 300 active members in their leagues by the end of this year.

(continued from page 19)

up Johnny Archer who had some very impressive victories to reach this point against room owner Chris Szuter (9-6); Bob Weimar (9-2); Thorsten Hohmann (9-3) and Brandon Shuff (9-8).

Morris and Archer have a history of playing some epic matches on the tables. This match would be no different. Archer reached the hill first and had a difficult kick shot to sink the 10 ball for the victory. The cue ball double kissed the 10 as the cue ball fell in the pocket, giving Morris the rack and evening the score at 8. The final rack would come down to a safety battle, with Archer getting the final upper hand and sending Morris left hill-hill. This would not be the last time Archer would see Morris in the tournament.

On the left side Morris would have to play against Darren Appleton. Appleton had blanked Pagulayan the previous day and seemed as if he was making a strong run in the brackets until he was sent left by Dennis Hatch 9-6. Morris would prove to have the better aim and would defeat Appleton 9-8. Morris would then face the man who had previously sent Appleton west, Dennis Hatch. Morris out shot Hatch with a 9-6 victory. The third place match would have Morris facing fan favorite Earl Strickland. Strickland. Morris would continue his straight shooting and earn his way back to the right side by taking down Strickland 9-5.

The finals would be a rematch between Johnny Archer and Morris. The match would be one race to 11 under the live stream lights the excited crowd and all of the fans watching the stream from home would be in for a treat. The result from the second match between these two great players would be different than the first. Morris jumped out to a large lead, reaching the hill with Archer seamlessly stuck at 2. Archer would mount a furious comeback attempt. 10-8 was as close as he would come, as Morris would go on to win the set 11-8.

The Seminole Pro Tour would like to thank Steve and Regina Goulding from Snookers as well as Steve and Chris Szuter from Fiddlestix for all of their hospitality and support in making these

events happen in their great pool rooms.

The Seminole Pro Tour will be having its season ending Steve Mizerak Championship on September 15-18 at Hammer Heads Billiard Lounge in Holiday Florida. This $50,000 added event is open to only 64 players. For more information, to register for the Steve Mizerak Championship please visit www.seminoleprotour.com.

If you cannot make it to Florida to see all of the action in person, you can still catch all of the action live via our live stream at www.seminoleprotour.com/live-stream This is one event you do not want to miss out on seeing.

Final payouts Snookers (Rhode Island) Final payouts Fiddlestix (Ohio) 1st $10,000 Shane Van Boening 1st $8,000 Rodney Morris 2nd $6,000 Darren Appleton 2nd $6,000 Johnny Archer 3rd $5,000 Rodney Morris 3rd $5,000 Earl Strickland 4th $3,800 Johnny Archer 4th $3,000 Dennis Hatch 5/6 $2,400 Alex Pagulayan 5/6 $2,400 Darren Appleton

Brandon Shuff

Alex Pagulayan 7/8 $1,800 Oscar Dominguez 7/8 $1,800 Brandon Shuff

John Morra

John Morra 9-12 $1,350 Shawn Putnam 9-12 $1,350 Jason Klatt

Hunter Lombardo

Hunter Lombardo

Mike Dechaine

Corey Deuel

Thorsten Hohmann

Thorsten Hohmann

Mike Davis, 13-16 $1,000 Dennis Haar

Tom McGonagle

James Roberts

Joe Dupuis,

Larry Nevel

Larry Nevel

George Rothrock

September 2011 - Stroke Magazine 23

AWARDS 2011 ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Nicole Jaynes

Dillon Benson

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) Academic Scholarship Program is pleased to announce the 2011 recipients of its annual scholarship program. The scholarships are divided into two categories: BEF Excellence in Education scholarship ($2,000 award) and BEF Aiming for Higher Education scholarships (3 x $1,000 award). The objective of the BEF Academic Scholarship Program is to grant scholarships to students who have benefited from the sport of billiards and are pursuing a college education.

The scholarship criteria includes maintaining a 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale); must have received an ACT score of 23 or higher, or a SAT score of 1050 or higher; must be accepted to an accredited undergraduate academic program ; carry at least 12 hours per semester; submitted a 500-1000 word essay on how billiards has been an integral part of his/her life; submitted a letter outlining academic achievements, leadership and/or community service work and a description of the applicant’s background and career objectives.

Corbin Coe

Jared Atchison

Congratulations to the following 2011 winners: BEF “Excellence in Education” Scholarship ($2,000 award) Corbin Coe of Boone, NC BEF “Aiming for Higher Education” Scholarships ($1,000 award) Jared Atchison of Westbury, NY Dillon Benson of Wendell, ID Nicole Jaynes of Albuquerque, NM Essays may be viewed on the BEF website at www.BilliardEducation.org For more information about the BEF please visit www.BilliardEducation.org . To become a sponsor, make a donation or inquiry, please contact Laura Smith at info@ BilliardEducation.org or phone 303.926.1039.

Lucky continued from page 16 sets, and got lucky on just about everything else, he wasn’t too worried about it. I know the kid thought Lucky was just plain stupid.

Lucky broke and guess what -- finally made a ball. He ran out -- in fact, Lucky ran out the next seven games and just for the fun of it missed making a ball on the last break but once again left the kid hooked. The kid was more than eager to save his remaining cash. He took another flyer but he missed, and Lucky cleaned the table. The kid had disbelief written all over his face. He had no entourage to back him up this time. He was angry he threw the bills on the table and walked away with his girl in tow, Lucky said with feigned surprise in his gargled old voice, “What, you’re quitting?”

What exquisite torture……

Just then Chris Byers walked in. In his usual good humor, he asked, “What’s been happening around here?” As I sat down with Chris, I noticed Lucky, who had returned my cue to me, slipping out of the room. So I relayed the recent events at the table, enjoying the recount almost as much as the performance itself.

Chris was intrigued. “So that was Lucky? Wish I could play him. You should have gotten a hold of me so I could come and watched and learn something.” I told him he had to keep it quiet and couldn’t tell anybody, and he agreed. Maybe some day they would play.

Later, in my room, I sat with my feet up on the window ledge and looked out at the sky for awhile, just thinking back over the last few days. Reno had many great matches and tons of action sorry to see it end. I did savor the punishment given the smart-aleck/cocky kid, and looking forward to watching more praiseworthy matches Lucky would find on the road ahead. I thought especially now that I was able to put some of Lucky’s teachings to use. I might even face up a to a challenge or two myself on this trip. That still might not be for me to decide.

Lucky does know best. I do have to decide what to do with this moment in time

24 Stroke Magazine - September 2011

that I have with Lucky.

After breakfast we’re headed out to another stop, and I’ve called ahead and made hotel reservations for us. The place was famous for its food. I’m looking forward to a good, hot dinner there tonight. Lucky has taken over the wheel for awhile, so I’ve some time to catch up on writing my story and starting an e-book, and now the next chapter remains to be played out, with the only thing ahead of us at the moment the painted highway lines the truck we were following and the disappearing in a wobble under the car…….

SCOREBOARD Ultimate Billiards Ft Pierce, FL August 20, 2011 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5/6 7/8

$850 $620 $425 $350 $200 $100

Earl Strickland Tommy Kennedy Andy Megalino Jason Sheerman Justin Gilsinan, Michael Delawder Pierre Palmarie, John Foster

COLUMNIST

Trick Shots by Sarge

BY KEN “SARGE” AYLESWORTH

This month’s Artistic Pool Shot is from the Stroke Discipline - Degree of Difficulty (DOD) of 8

THE DOLLAR BILL SHOT

Ken “Sarge” Aylesworth

One of the top trick shot artists in the world, Sarge now calls Las Vegas his home. He is looking to resume his trick shot exhibitions which made him famous throughout the Northwest. ... look for him in a pool room near you.

There are no object balls in this challenge, just a dollar bill. To set up the dollar bill, place its edge even with the head cushions nose. The bill is centered halfway between pocket D and the first diamond over from pocket D, as diagrammed.

The cue ball is in hand behind the centerline, (B-E). The objective of this challenge is to shoot the cue ball 8 or 9 cushions in diagram pattern to the dollar bill. The cue ball must stop on or over the dollar bill. The vertical edge of the cue ball closest to the dollar bill will determine success of the shot.

Here are a few helpful hints on how to execute this shot. I place my cue ball in the 1 x 1 diagram quadrant where the number 8 is in the diagram. If you place the cue ball as diagram you risk the chance of hitting your hand on the table as you follow through, You’ll need to use at least a 10 inch bridge length so you can execute a long fast warm up stroke. I cue the cue ball with a

touch of left English and a touch of draw. The closer the cue ball hits the fifth rail by pocket E, close to scratching, the better your chances of making the

shot. If your head is low on the cue when you shoot pool, stand up more so your upper body doesn’t get in the way as you follow through with this powerful stroke.

September 2011 - Stroke Magazine 25

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26 Stroke Magazine - September 2011