Player of the Decade Master of the Table!

March 2010
Efren
Player of
the Decade
AND
Master of
the Table!
HOW TO:
100
NEW CUES
You’ll Want
to Own!
Find Your Key Ball
Avoid a Wild Stroke
Warm Up In 5 Minutes
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Volume 28 - Number 3 - March 2010
Departments
6
10
48
52
Editor’s Desk
Pooltown Insider
Made in the Trade
P&B Mall
54
60
62
64
Places to Play
Box Scores
Beyond Borders
Tour Guide/Rankings
InstructIIon
Instruct
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
26
33
Drill Instructor: 5 Minute Warm-Up
Striking Viking: Little Tips Round II
Finding Key Ball Options
Speed Up the Learning Process
Dragon’s Lair: Trust What You Know
Guest Instructor: No Wild Strokes!
Nick’s Tricks: Round They Go!
Head Games: Get Out of a Slump
Shark Bytes: The Pros Say...
Dominic Esposito
Ewa Mataya Laurance
Phil Capelle
Randi Givens
Charlie Williams
Donny Lutz
Nick Nikolaidis
Shari Stauch
Harold Simonsen
Features
28
30
38
44
46
56
4
Billiard History: Meet Charles Ursitti
One Pocket Hall of Famous
Cuemakers: Show Us Your Cues!
Cue Shopping: Online Options
LOTR: Fellowship of the Cue
Derby City Classic
P&B March 2010
Cover STorY:
Efren took down this year’s
Master of the Table All-Around
title at the Derby City Classic,
just days after being named
Player of the Decade!
PHOTO BY TONY FOX
Thomas C. Shaw
Steve Booth
P&B Staff
P&B Staff
Tom Watters
Shari Stauch
SNeAK PeeK: APrIL
A look at the Super Billiards
Expo, news from the Women’s
Pro Billiard Tour, plus it’s our
annual Accessories issue!
www.poolmag.com
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EDITOR ’S DESK
by Shari J. Stauch
Still Surprised After
All These Years
A
fter some number of decades
to start your wish list! The photography on
I’m always surprised when
tons of information on specs and technology,
(ahem) involved in this sport,
something, well, surprises me. This past
month has been full of those suprises, big and
small, so I felt compelled to share a few:
Awesome Cues
Every year we ask cuemakers to send photos
and descriptions of favorite cues – theirs
and their customers’ – for our annual cue
issue. And every year everyone here in our
office is wowed by the photos that come in.
The endless creativity that abounds among
these artisans in our sport is unmatched.
But you’d figure after twenty-some years
of doing that, we’d get a little jaded on the
“wow” factor. Nope, as this year’s plethora
many of these sites is fantastic, and there’s
all the stuff you used to be able to glean only
from a conversation with the actual maker.
Derby City Classic
Two words for you: John Brumback. When
you look at all the veteran players out there
topping the rankings for the past ten years, the
name doesn’t come up often, does it? And yet
John was the story of the Derby City Classic
once again. Following up his 2009 Master of
the Table win, he nearly successfully defended
it again this year, losing to Player of the Decade
Efren Reyes for the overall but still nailing
down a title and some substantial purse money.
For all you unsung heroes out there – take
of photos started coming in, this place was
a dose of inspiration from this player.
Oohs and Ahhs coming from every desktop
of recent pool history for great straight
like a picnic ground on the 4th of July…
as a new cue photo came into view.
I’d like to tell you I’ve picked a favorite, but
seriously, how could anyone pick just one?
On the Web?
Another surprise: cue buying on the
Internet. If someone told me twenty years
ago that people would be buying cues
online, without trying them out on a pool
table first, I’d have laughed out loud.
Shows how much I know. Thanks to
every cuemaker having their own website,
and many more e-retailers (showcased
in this issue), cue buying on the ‘net is
easier than ever, both for entry level cue
purchases, and for collectors seeking to add
to their stock from respected makers.
Even for those not yet ready to make a
purchase, searching online is a great way
6
P&B February 2010
But wait, there’s more! Look in the annals
pool players and you’ll find contemporary
cueists like Oliver Ortmann and John “Mr.
400” Schmidt. Who you won’t find is P&B
columnist, Dragon Promotions promoter and
self-proclaimed 9-baller Charlie Williams.
Seeing him win the straight pool challenge at
this year’s Derby wasn’t just a little surprise,
it was jaw-dropping (but in a good way).
Congrats Charlie – ya’ done us all
proud! Gotta’ love a sport that can keep
you guessing, even after all these years…
March 2010
EXECUTIVE STAFF
PUBLISHER:
Harold L. Simonsen
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Shari J. Stauch
MANAGING EDITOR
Thomas C. Shaw
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
Carol Simonsen
COLUMNISTS
Phil Capelle
Dominic Esposito
Randi Givens
Loree Jon Jones
Gerry Kanov
Ewa Mataya Laurance
Nick Nikolaidis
John Schmidt
Charlie Williams
CONTRIBUTORS
Anne Craig
Doug Ennis
Ashi Fachler
Jerry Forsyth
Tina Hardt
Diana Hoppe
Karin Kaltofen
Sally Lee
Jojo Lirio, Jr.
Lawrence Lustig
Luke Riches
Tom Rossman
Dale Shank
Victor Stein
Dave Thomson
Charles Ursitti
Pool & Billiard Magazine
is published by:
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Contents © 2009 and
cannot be reproduced without express
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2010 SUPERBILLIARDS EXPO
BOOTH #14
POOLTOWN
USBMA: Players of the Year and Players of the Decade
N
o surprise for P&B
fans: Finnishborn Mika
Immonen, who won his second
consecutive U.S. Open 9-Ball
Championship title, the world 10Ball crown and the International
Challenge of Champions, was
the unanimous choice for male
Player of the Year in voting
conducted by the United States
Billiard Media Association, too.
Jasmin Ouschan, of Austria,
who won half of the Women’s
Professional Billiard Association’s
six Classic Tour events, was
also the USBMA’s choice for
woman Player of the Year.
Immonen, who resides in New
York City, enjoyed his best year ever
as a pro, adding the Galveston
World Classic 10-ball title and
Qatar Open title to his 2009 haul.
Overall, Immonen won five of the
seven events that featured a top
prize of more than $20,000. His
2009 winnings topped $230,000.
Ouschan made her mark by
winning the WPBA Great Lakes
Classic, the WPBA Pacific Coast
Classic and the WPBA Tour
Championship. She also placed
Clockwise from right: Mika, Efren,
Jasmin and Allison take USBMA
honors. Photos by Dale Shank
third in the women’s world 10ball event and second to Allison
Fisher at the World Games.
Efren “The Magician” Reyes, who
amassed nearly $1.7 million in
prize money, and Allison Fisher,
who won 27 Women’s Professional
Billiard Association Classic Tour
titles, were named Players of
the Decade by the United States
Harper at Hard Times
H
10
ard Times Billiards
in Bellflower,
California has added
P&B March 2010
Corey Harper to their staff as the
official House Pro and player
representative. Aside from Corey
competing regularly at Hard
Times and giving lessons,
he will also compete on the
professional tour wearing the
Hard Times Billiards logo.
Corey is offering one month
of free pool/practice time
to new students with their
initial (by appointment)
lesson booking.
For more info visit c3sm.net.
Billiard Media Association.
Reyes, the 55-year-old Filipino
sensation, won more than 20
major men’s professional pool
titles during the decade, starting
with his $30,000 Camel Pro 8-Ball
Championship win in 2000. Of his
22 major victories, the versatile
Reyes won four one-pocket
crowns, four 8-ball titles and 14
9-Ball titles. He also won the Derby
City All-Around title three times.
But it was during the short-lived
International Pool Tour that Reyes
scored his biggest wins. In three
multi-million dollar events, Reyes
won two titles (2005 IPT King of the
Hill and 2006 IPT North American
Open) and pocketed $765,000.
Fisher, meanwhile, continued
her dominance over women’s
pool for a second straight decade.
After winning 26 Classic Tour
titles during the ‘90s, the former
snooker champion added 27 more
from 2000-2010. In addition to her
WPBA Classic Tour titles, Fisher,
41, earned the gold medal at the
2009 World Games, was the 2000
BCA U.S. Open 14.1 champion
and won the Tournament of
Champions five times. She earned
$637,000 over the 10-year span.
Additionally, both Reyes and
Fisher were elected into the
Billiard Congress of America Hall
of Fame during the decade, with
Reyes being inducted in 2003
and Fisher in 2009. In Player of
the Decade voting, Reyes outpointed Johnny Archer, Mika
Immonen and Ralf Souquet.
Great Britain Proved Great!
C
hampions at the
inaugural World
Team Championship
2010 in Hannover Germandy
were team Great Britain I,
featuring the sizzling cue talents
of (pictured below l-r) Imran Majid,
Darren Appleton, Karl Boyes,
Daryl Peach and Mark Gray.
Down to the final in a field of over
200 they beat the top team from the
Philippines (including powerhouse
players Ronnie Alcano, Lee Van
Corteza, Warren Kiamco, Antonio
Lining, Marlon Manalo and Dennis
Orcullo) by a final 4-1 smackdown!
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POOLTOWN
Rack Attack!
R
ack Attack is good
news for everyone.
It is a game of total
offense, just like golf or bowling.
In Rack Attack, each player takes
the same number of shots during
a match. The number of balls
pocketed during the match is that
player’s score. In other words, Rack
Attack players will
have a numerical
“average” score,
much the same as
golf or bowling.
Rack Attack
can be easily
handicapped,
assuring fair
play when good
players and
learning players
compete with each other.
Learn more about Rack Attack
at www.rackattackgame.com.
Lee Wins Action Award
J
PHOTO BY TONY FOX
eanette Lee captured
the 2010 “St. Louie” Louie
Roberts Action and
Entertainment Award at the Derby
City Classic. Voting resulted in a
landslide victory for Lee as she was
named on over 90% of the ballots.
With the award, she joins
the exclusive list of previous
winners and will be granted
free tournament entry and hotel
accommodations at the DCC for life.
The Black Widow took on a myriad
12
P&B March 2010
of challengers at an assortment
of games in the action rooms.
She played marathon “ahead
sets” on the bar tables as well as
long races on the big tables.
Jeanette never failed to draw
a crowd in the action room, an
implicit criterion for the award.
Throughout the demanding
conditions of lengthy
battles and a throng
of spectators, Jeanette
maintained her grace
and elegance while
providing a high level of
entertainment with her
championship-caliber play.
Although Jeanette Lee
has been a staple at the
Derby City Classic and is
often seen in action at least
a few times every year
at the event, her headsup backroom matchups hadn’t
been as high profile as they were
this year. In 2010, she delivered
pressure-packed high stakes action
and crowd-drawing entertainment!
Congratulations, Raj Hundal!
P
ool star Raj Hundal
won the Most Up
and Coming Sports
Personality of the Year in the
British Asian Sports Awards.
“I was truly honored just be
nominated, but to actually win was
a dream come
true and this is
something I feel
which is a very
big achievement
for myself and
my sport,” said
Raj. He took his
winning moment
as an opportunity
to thank Sony
Entertainment
Television for
putting on a
great evening
and Cobra Beer,
award sponsors.
“I would also like to thank the
people who are most close to
me at Matchroom Sport, Dragon
Promotions, Poison Cues,
and Brunswick Billiards. Most
importantly, I need to thank my
friends and family, their support
has been tremendous support
throughout the years and without
the hard work of my management
team, this would have never
happened. Lastly, the support I
received from my fans has been
outstanding and with their votes,
this award
is now in
my hands.
Words cannot
express my
appreciation.’’
Raj further
stated, “My aim
in life is to make
pool a bigger
sport than what
it is today.”
The
flamboyant
evening at
the Grosvenor
House
Hotel, Park Lane, London started
with nominees being greeted
by the media and an array of
photographers. The evening raised
over sixteen thousand pounds
(approx $25, 000) for charity. For
more info visit www.rajhundal.com
Fight Domestic Violence
A
pril 3-4, the 1st Annual
Western Women’s
Charity 9-Ball
Challenge takes place to benefit
the Shade Tree
Shelter in Las
Vegas, NV.
The event will
take place at
Rum Runner’s
Las Vegas.
For further information or if
interested in entering the tourney
or donating to the Shade Tree
Shelter or raffle items please
contact Holly Ryan at (602) 3128155 / [email protected]
or Sandra Friestad (702) 3401430 / [email protected].
accepted if space is available.
For more information about
the Shade Tree Shelter please
visit: www.theshadetree.org.
www.poolmag.com
See us at
Booth #6
at the
Super
Billiards
Expo
THE DRill Instructor
H
Fast Five
Minute
Warm-Up
by Dominic Esposito
Go on line at www.ProSkillDrills.
com to order your copy of the new Pro
Skill Drills, Vol. 7, BOOT CAMP: 52
Specialized Drills for Aiming, Kicking,
Banking, Jumping and Warm-Ups.
Also inquire about private lessons or
attending a BOOT CAMP Pool School
with “The Drill Instructor” and Tom
“Dr Cue” Rossman at: 1-407-9271484 or [email protected].
Dominic is also the inventor of the Jester
“Aiming” Jump Cue. See it at www.
JesterCues.com.
Reading our online edition? Click for a
video demonstration of this shot!
14
P&B March 2010
9. On the next two corner pocket balls from
each cluster, gradually lengthen the distance
of the cue ball from the object ball and add
a slight cut to the Draw and Follow shots.
10. On the center table balls, add more distance.
About a half table for the first ball and then a
three-quarter table length cross table shot.
By asking permission to hit balls, you can relax
because you’ve been allowed time to loosen
up your stroke and feel the table. The breathing
breaks the tension and causes you to start a
physiological rhythm, like starting a groove.
Your opponent will quickly see you have set up
a drill with the three clusters of balls and will not
rush you because they see that you’ll be done
with the last ball. In the middle of it you can
calmly say to them, “I’m just going to hit these
few balls in and then we can get started.”
Don’t annoy a waiting opponent: keep
the shots short and sweet, using a soft
to medium stroke on each shot. The goal
is to loosen your body and stroke.
With this highly intelligent yet seemingly
simple looking drill, you have also warmed up
your entire mental game. How? You just ran 15
balls in a row without missing. When was the
last time you ever warmed up and did that?
BoNuS AdvICe: Play your first game a little
slowly. Take time to chalk between every single
shot. Allow yourself to feel like you’re relaxed.
Play safe when you don’t have a simple shot. This
will enhance your focus as you unwind through
the first game. You should win that first game
almost every time you take these simple steps.
By the second game, you should be at full
capacity to play at your handicap level.
as this happened to you? You get
a last minute call from your boss,
who needs you to do something that
can’t wait. Rushing out of the parking lot you hear a
familiar “BONG” sound and you have to stop for gas.
Now you have to fly home to get your pool case
and finally off to the pool hall for your league night
out and you make it by a small miracle. Not seconds
through the door, your team captain barks, “Oh
good you’re here. You’re up first, in five minutes.”
How do you handle this? Have a five
minute warm-up drill in your arsenal!
A. Ask your opponent or league captain,
“Can I please hit a few balls real quick.”
B. Breathe slow and deep; in through your
nose and out though your mouth between
every shot. This will relax you quickly.
C. Concentrate on perfectly hitting five
dead stop shots, five smooth follow
shots, and five crisp draw shots.
To prepare for the drill:
1. Make three clusters of five balls as shown below.
2. Set one object ball from the first cluster
about 1 1/2 diamonds from the corner pocket.
3. Use ball-in-hand on each shot starting with the
cue ball about one diamond from the object ball.
4. Start at any corner and shoot one ball into
that corner pocket and stop the cue ball.
5. Shoot the next ball from the center cluster
into the side pocket with a follow stroke.
6. Move to the third cluster and draw the cue ball.
7. Move back to the first cluster, pull a ball out
and move the cue ball back a little farther.
8. Then move to the center of the table
with follow, again from further back, and to
the third cluster for another draw shot.
B
A
C
8
5
12
10
9
7
6
13
1
3
14
15
11
2
4
D
E
F
www.poolmag.com
FREE case with the purchase of most cues worth $50 dollars or more.
Striking Viking
W
e got some nice emails at
the magazine concerning the
unusual column last month.
Doing a list of “little” tips was fun and all the
people who sent emails said they found at
least some of them useful in their games.
That was all the encouragement I
needed. So.... here’s a second bunch.
If you don’t know what you’re doing,
don’t do it. If you get down on a shot
without a clear plan on how to pocket a ball
and put the cue ball in a certain place – and
why that place is the best place – don’t
shoot the shot. Stand up and think it out.
•
•
•
Little Tips:
Round
Two!
by Ewa Mataya Laurance
Get in the habit of scuffing your tip before
a match and checking it during a match.
Before you play on an unfamiliar table
check it out. Pros not only shoot a rack before
a game to warm up, they’re also checking the
table for the liveliness of the cushions, speed of the
cloth, and how easily the pocket cut accepts balls.
Get enough rest and stay in shape.
Pool isn’t a highly physical sport, but it
can make serious demands on your brain
and some demands on your body.
This is old but good advice: picture every shot
before you shoot it. (See this month’s Eight
Ball Bible article for more on mental imagery.)
Practice speed control. It’s one of the
toughest things to learn and one of the
least practiced elements of the game.
overcome your personality. For example,
if your nature dictates that you
always play slowly, always play fast,
or whatever, that won’t always be to
your advantage. Change as needed.
Watch what you eat before
a long session at the table.
Meats take a lot of energy to digest,
as do big meals, and the body
doesn’t function well doing other
things until it’s done with digesting.
Shooting sixty seconds of
draw shots is still the quickest
way to determine how good
your stroke is at the moment.
(Try this month’s Drill from the
Drill Instructor to warm up your stroke!)
•
•
•
•
•
Ewa Mataya Laurance has been a top
player on the WPBA tour for over twenty
years and is one of the sport’s most famous
personalities. She is in both the BCA and
WPBA Hall of Fame, is a former WPA
World 9-Ball champion and the reigning
women’s world trick shot champion. Ewa
is a player representative for Brunswick
Billiards, an ESPN color commentator,
and co-author of the Complete Idiot’s
Guide to Pool & Billiards with P&B
managing editor Thomas C. Shaw.
16
P&B March 2010
•
•
Watching your opponent pocket
balls is not down time. Learn their
strengths and weaknesses, as well as how
the table is playing. You might even learn
a shot option you didn’t know existed.
•
Avoid choking on the nine ball by
pretending you’re playing 10-Ball.
That way you play for position and don’t alter
your mental pattern for this critical shot.
occasionally sticking the cue ball to
the object ball is as good a safety
opportunity as trying to hide the cue ball.
Being able to shoot with your non-dominant
hand can get you out of a jam. I know
you don’t practice this very much. Hardly anyone
does, but it can win the odd game for you.
Occasionally, at a friend’s home table,
during an exhibition, or maybe even at a
poolroom, you’ll run into a non-conforming
cue ball. Most often it will be a little bit lighter
than the other balls – enough to throw your
game off if you don’t realize what’s going on.
And here’s one of the most important tips:
don’t kid yourself. Here are three
common self-deceptions.
1) A bank, or some other type shot, may be a
low percentage shot for you, even when it looks
like a natural. Know that and don’t try to fake it.
2) You’ll also know what you can do when you’re
at the top of your game, but face up to the fact that
you’re not always at that peak. Know what your
average skill level is and choose shots accordingly.
3) Don’t let ego trip you up. If you’re
over-matched face up to it.
In some circumstances shooting a shot that
you figure is a 50-50 possibility is a good idea. In
other circumstances it’s not. But you can’t make
that decision unless
you honestly deal with
your true skill level and
know the shot is a low
percentage option for you.
Pool is a very addictive
sport and sometimes
you just want to get on
the table and hit some
balls and not treat it like a
class. Pool is also a very
fun sport so that works,
too. But it’s always more
fun to make more balls
and win your match.
NOTE: I recently got together with my sponsor,
Brunswick Billiards, to create a series of nifty
instructional tip videos. Check them out by visiting
the Brunswick Billiards page at Facebook.com or
view a sample tip right here in this month’s digital
edition of Pool & Billiard Magazine, the P&B eZine!
•
•
•
•
www.poolmag.com
PLAYING
GENERATION
TO EVERY
brunswickbilliards.com
1-800-336-8764 | Become a fan on Facebook: facebook.com/brunswickbilliards
©2010 Brunswick Billiards
Play Your Best Pool
I
Finding
Key Balls:
End
Game
Patterns
n 14.1, if one of your favorite key balls is not
available, an alternative could be lurking
that you might not normally consider. And,
if this key has a key-ball-to-the-key ball (KB2KB),
you could have a foolproof end-of-rack pattern.
In Diagram #1, pretend the stripes are not
there. The last three balls are the 1-ball (the
KB2KB), the 2 (key ball), and the 3 (your break
ball). The 2-ball would normally be long gone
by the end of the rack, often to clear the way
for other balls, such as the three stripes.
If, however, the 2 makes it to the end
of the frame, this nuisance ball may
actually turn into an effective key ball.
Diagram 2 shows an ideal two ball
pattern to the break ball. When the KB2KB
is very close to the rail, you want a small cut
angle so you can easily maintain control
dIAGrAM 1
A
of the cue ball, sending it to Position A.
The cue ball should be about the same distance
from the end rail as the 2. Play this key ball shot
with a soft stroke and follow with left english. Speed
control is not difficult because of the soft stroke.
In Diagram 3, the1-ball (KB2KB) is several inches off
the rail, so the odds favor going into the rail and out
as shown. It would be a mistake to play position on
the other side of the 1 because a steep angle on the
1 would make it difficult, if not impossible, to keep
the cue ball from overrunning position for the 2.
The 1-ball is more than a diamond from the rail
in Diagram 4 so you want a straight, or nearly
straight in shot on the 1. It is best if this shot is
preceded by one that guarantees such precise
position - otherwise you may be required to play
to either rail and back out to get to Position A,
reducing your chances of landing perfectly on the 2.
B
1
dIAGrAM 2
A
1
9
E
C
B
F
E
12
3
D
dIAGrAM 3
3
2
E
D
B
A
dIAGrAM 4
1
1
A
P&B March 2010
F
10
2
By Phil Capelle
18
B
A
A
Author Phil Capelle is billiards’ most
prolific instruction author, with titles
ranging from Play Your Best Pool, Play
Your Best 9-Ball, Play Your Best 8-Ball,
to Capelle’s Practicing Pool. He has been
involved in the sport for over 40 years.
Visit Phil at billiardspress.com
C
2
D
3
2
E
D
A
3
www.poolmag.com
C
F
C
F
8-Ball Bash!
D
Speed
Up Your
Learning
Process!
By R. Givens
Randi Givens is the author of The Eight
Ball Bible: A Guide to Bar Table Play
and editor of Banking with the Beard by
Freddy Bentivegna.
20
P&B March 2010
aly’s Billiard
Book warns
readers about a
temporary drop
in performance
while learning the
Perkins Style—
“Be prepared to
learn billiards
all over again,
and to practice
at least three
afternoons a week
for a month before
again playing a
contest game.”
Daly isn’t quite
right because you
won’t lose any of your knowledge of shotmaking
and ball action. It just takes a little time to get
used to the new style. During the learning period
avoid serious competition because when the
pressure is on the temptation to go back to the
bad form you are used to is overwhelming.
The problem isn’t that the Perkins
Style is difficult. The trouble comes from
unlearning deeply embedded bad habits.
It could take a month or two to completely
integrate the new style into your game.
Don’t worry; once you begin playing with
reliably good form, you will experience a
profound improvement in performance.
Playing more accurately and more consistently
is a major benefit of the Perkins Style.
Using Mental Imagery speeds the learning
process. Imagining yourself taking a good
stance and delivering a dead straight stroke is
a great help. You will have to slow your delivery
routine while learning to allow a little time to
make sure everything is being done properly.
Ideally, your fundamentals should be so well
learned that
executing a shot
in competition
is done almost
automatically, but
while learning, it is
necessary to think
about exactly how
to position yourself
for the stance and
how to deliver a
Measured Stroke.
Practice simple
shots while learning,
so you can give full
attention to the new
style. Do not worry
about missing while
learning. Keep your
thinking on using a
proper stance and
delivering the cue on the Line of Aim and you will
soon be making shots more reliably than ever.
Always form Mental Images about doing
things the right way. Do not think about
what you do not want to do. For example, if
a player has the habit of steering the stroke
to one side or the other, it is not profitable to
think, “Do not turn the stroke to the side.”
Instead, keep things positive by thinking; “Deliver
a dead straight stroke on the Line Of Aim.”
Always think about what you want to do, not what
you do not want to do. Aiming is done best when
standing erect, so never change a shot while in
the stance. If you see that the Line of Aim is wrong
or you have chosen the wrong ball action or the
wrong force, stand erect and repeat the aiming
procedure. Even pros miss easy shots when they
adjust the Line of Aim while bent over the table.
Players considering changing their style
should remember that pool and billiards are
life–long games. Suffering a few weeks of
lowered performance that will be rewarded with
a lifetime of better play is a good bargain.
www.poolmag.com
P&B March 2010
21
I
No Easy
Matches
in Derby
City!
by Charlie Williams
Charlie Williams is one of the world’s
top players and personalities. Charlie
won the BCA Junior Nationals at 14
and is now a 10 year veteran on the pro
scene, sponsored by Predator. Founder
of Dragon Promotions, he produces over
40 international events each year. He
also manages and coaches pool stars Yu
Ram Cha and Shanelle Loraine. Visit
dragonpromotions.com or email questions
to [email protected]
22
P&B March 2010
recently did a story about playing your
game, focusing on what you know how
to do when playing a unfamiliar pool
game instead of dwelling on how little you know
or poorly you “think” you play that gamne.
Well, I was able to put my own advice into action
during the 2010 Derby City Classic this past January.
As most people know, and all my peers on tour
know, I’m a 9-ball/10-ball player. I am rarely seen
playing other games. Not because I don’t enjoy
them, I just don’t go out and play much and the
tournaments are mostly 9-ball or 10-ball on the
pro circuit. But during Derby City, you get to play
Bank Pool, One Pocket, 9-Ball, and Straight Pool.
Basically it’s the one time of the year where you see
me play Banks and One Pocket, and one of three
times you’d see me play straight pool (Mezz Classic
and World 14.1 Championship are the other two).
In the Bank Pool, that might be the one division
where you would rather draw a “known” player
because there are so many bank specialists in
Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, players you’ve never
heard of. I did fair finishing 39th out of 350. I
had the opportunity to take victories over Santos
Sambajon and a few bank pool specialists. In
the one pocket, I just used my “pool” common
sense and my strength in ball pocketing to keep
the One Pocket specialists on their toes and
was able to finish 13th out of 290 players.
Ironically in the 9-Ball event, my “best
game,” I didn’t even cash (LOL). Go figure.
In the Derby City 14.1 event, which is generously
sponsored by Bob Jewett of California, players
played alone to make their highest score in
12 attempts over three days. The top eight of
these then qualified for the tournament. Not an
easy task: I’d seen world-class players Rodney
Morris, Danny Harriman, Thorsten Hohmann
and even the mighty Mika Immonen not make
it through this year. It’s an old joke with fellow
players; my unique straight pool patterns
probably have Mosconi turning in his grave.
But laugh away – that didn’t stop me from doing
what I know, which is pocket balls and control
the cue ball. On the final day, I had a high run
of 57 and I needed to beat a 70 to qualify. Bill
joked that I would probably have my famous
84 ball run the final day (in the past I qualified
by the skin of my teeth by beating the 80 ball
lowest qualifying score with my own 84, 85).
So I replied this year I would blow that out by a
score of 95. I was able to run 93 the final day to
put me into #4 seed spot into the tournament!
My first match was a hard fought win against
up-and-comer Beau Runnigen. I squeaked by,
100-86. Now I had to play the tourney favorite
in the semi-finals, Mr.400 John Schmidt. Last
year John tortured me on the Accustats TV table,
100-to less than a rack. And this year it seemed I
was in the same boat. But one great thing about
John was that he shared a lot of great tips and
advice to me over the years in 14.1, and I intended
to use as much of it against him as I could!
I slumped in my chair as I blew two big chances
at the beginning of the match running a measly
total of ten balls in two attempts. I watched
Schmidt running through his racks like a 14.1
surgeon. The next chance I would get would
be at 73-10 his favor, and all I could think was,
“Don’t embarrass yourself like last year.”
Talk about a losing attitude! I knew I had to
change something in my mind – fast – to trigger
the right execution. I needed to score points and
run balls. So I decided I would attack the rack
and break shot like a 9-Ball player, and not like
John Schmidt the 14.1 wizard. Of course he played
it the right way, but I needed to play like Charlie
Williams, because that’s what I had going for me!
I dug in deep and took it one rack at a time.
“Just run the rack, Charlie,” I told myself.
Before I knew it, I heard the crowd applauding as
the referee announced, “Let’s give a hand for 50.”
I looked at the score and I was down by less
than a rack and John looked concerned. The
thought entered my mind: I could actually
do more than just save face: I could win!
Then I was leading 86 to 73, and I needed
to make the break shot and run the rack. I ran
the 14 balls I needed to win, and was informed
I could keep running out for the bonus pool. I
made a lukewarm break shot and somehow ran
125 to get a TV bonus check from Accustats!
John told me after the match, “Out of
the players left, you worried me the most
because of your huge firepower.”
That put me in the finals against an experienced
Ralf Eckert of Germany. But, riding high on my
win over Mr. 400, I figured, why stop now?
It was an error-filled match, but I managed to
come from behind and win 100-80 to take the
title. I had won my first 14.1 tournament, despite
being the first one to say that I’m not a 14.1 player.
And take note all you aspiring players out there:
I won because I focused on my strengths and
stopped dwelling on my weaknesses. So go
out there and do the same, in whatever game
you play or whatever opponent you face. In a
match, always focus on what YOU CAN do.
www.poolmag.com
P&B March 2010
23
Guest Instructor
N
Beware
the Wild
Stroke!
by Donny Lutz
Donny Lutz is one of P&B’s Top 20 instructors, as
well as the only active instructor in Florida certified
by both the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) and
the American Cuesports Association (ACS). Visit his
website at www.poolcool.zoomshare.com
o, this isn’t a lesson in exotic
masse shots by some legendary
master. These are some strokes
I’ve seen people use over the years that
accomplish little other than to tell onlookers
that the shooter either never had a pool lesson
or has some very imaginative ideas about
physics! Knowing them may help you avoid
making similar mistakes in your own game
The “Swerve” stroke isn’t all that uncommon. It’s
that stroke where you aim somewhere around
center ball and swerve the cue to one side or
the other, ending with the cue tip far outside
the imaginary cylinder between cue ball and
object ball. It’s almost always a futile attempt
to apply right or left English to the cue ball,
or “steer” the ball into the pocket. But spin is
achieved most effectively with a straight, smooth
stroke through the cue ball, not with a “slap” at
the ball, which is what the swerve stroke is.
Another weird “method” is the “NPS” or “No
Pullback Stroke.” This occurs when the shooter
takes rather normal practice strokes, stops at the
cue ball (address point), and then pokes forward
without any pullback before the business stroke.
For some strange reason, those who exhibit this
trait seem to do it only when they want to draw
the ball. Occasionally it works a bit, so they stick
with it, although the usual result is no draw at all.
A similar habit is one that a close friend of mine
is currently working to eliminate. After playing
for over forty years, he has a respectable follow
stroke, but has always feared attempting draw
shots. I think perhaps he miscued a few times
when he was young and was embarrassed,
so he now passes up simple stop and draw
shots to search for a follow position.
He takes a few nice practice strokes, but
his final pullback is about an inch long. It’s
a quick jerk back followed by a quick jerk
forward. I call this the “Poke” or the “Double
Jerk,” and it usually results in a poor shot.
The “CBS” or the “Cue-bending Break Stroke”
is something you actually see some of the pros
use. The force of the stroke, if the bridge hand is
kept on the cloth, will create that amazing bend in
the cue that you sometimes see (the shaft is held
down while the butt is raised as part of the follow
through). Keep in mind that this bending action
comes AFTER the cue ball has been struck and thus
has no effect on the shot. There are some players
who exhibit this cue action when they attempt super
draw. Again, the bend comes after the shot, and
has no appreciable effect, except to break down the
spine of your shaft. I know players who “perfect” this
cue bending, thinking somehow that they achieve
more force or more draw, but most of today’s top
pros have gotten away from it, and so should you.
Some years ago, one of my great sponsors also
filled in as a sub on several of my championship
teams. Jim somehow got the idea that if you twist
your cue while striking the cue ball in the center, you
will achieve right or left English. By “twist” I mean to
turn the cue as you would turn a screwdriver or a
corkscrew. Even after we demonstrated for him why
this didn’t work, he could not shake the habit! His
“Corkscrew” stroke was almost legendary. Again, it
won’t help a smooth, forward motion and will only
distract your stroking arm from doing what it needs
to do; propel the cue straight into the cue ball.
Such unusual strokes are usually the result of
not paying attention to how the good players
shoot and/or not seeking out a qualified
instructor for lessons. The longer you play
with poor habits, be they simple or on the wild
side, the harder they are to eliminate. Seek a
qualified instructor to watch you play and make
sure your mechanics are picture perfect.
Dennis Orcullo (at right) exhibits a
Cue-Bending Break Stroke while Ralf
Souquet (at left) shows us it isn’t necessary
to achieve world-champ results!
PHOTOS BY DALE SHANK
24
P&B March 2010
www.poolmag.com
Nick’s Quick Tricks
Round
They Go!
by Nick Nikolaidis
Want to see how Nick makes this shot? Log on
to: poolmag.com/Cool_Pool_Videos.cfm, OR
watch it RIGHT HERE in your Ezine!
If you have a shot you’d like me to try or have
a cool idea, send it to Nick’s attention at:
[email protected]
Reading our online edition? Click for a
video demonstration of this shot!
R
ound and round and round they go...
Where they’ll stop, nobody knows!
Here’s a shot that will bring
a smile to your face when you finally pull it off!
THe SeT uP
Place the 4 on the head spot then place the
3 & 5 on the head string. (3 ball on the left
of the 4 & the 5 ball to the right of the 4.)
W
Get Out of
a Slump
by Shari J. Stauch
Shari Stauch is the Executive Editor of Pool &
Billiard Magazine, co-author of Precision Pool and
The Pool Player’s Edge, and a 20 year veteran of the
Women’s Pro Billiard Tour. She was inducted into the
WPBA Hall of Fame in 2007.
26
P&B March 2010
e’ve all fallen prey to them:
the dreaded slumps. Work
slumps, fitness slumps, diet
slumps, and yeah, the dreaded pool slumps.
A slump in our game progress is frustrating,
especially when we think we’re putting in
the time and effort to take our games to the
next level, instead of dropping back one.
Slumps most often occur when we get bored with
a routine or lose confidence in our ability to reach
that next step. Stuck in limbo, our games suffer and
we suffer along with them. But before you succumb
to the dreaded slump depression, here’s a few
sure-fire slump busters to put you back in the game!
1. Walk away: If you’re playing every day or
every week and it seems monotonous, by all
means, take a break! Instead of fruitless practice
or poor performance, use your allotted pool
time for off-the-table activities: read a pool
book, catch up on some TV matches, or hang
out with some pool videos at poolmag.com.
2. Switch it up: If you’re only playing 8-Ball
and trying to get ready for May madness
THe eXeCuTIoN:
Start off by striking the 5 ball rails onto the target.
Proceed to the 4 ball and strike it 4 rails onto
its respective target followed by the 3 ball
travelling 3 rails on its designated target.
These three strikes must be executed
before the 5 ball reaches its target.
Targets are 8 ½ X 8 ½ paper and are
place ½ ball from the rail. Best of luck!
Head Games
in Vegas, your game may benefit from a
change of pace. Play 9-Ball, Banks, One
Pocket, or, if you have a 3-Cushion table in the
neighborhood, give that a whirl. (Frankly, if
more folks had knowledge of the carom games,
they’d be much better at banks and kicks!)
3. Change the scenery: If there’s another
place you can play, take a break from your
usual club. If you play at home, try switching
up the music. If you play with the same friends
every week, try bringing in some new blood, or
spend some time playing alone, just for FUN.
Stepping back from a slump, whether by taking
a break, switching games, or changing the
scenery allows you a fresh perspective to see
your game from an objective viewpoint. It’s a
perspective that may be harder to see if you’re
dug in, trying to battle through the slump muck.
And by all means, remember why you picked
up that cue in the first place – to enjoy yourself.
Sometimes, just remembering to have a blast at
the table will be enough to kick you back into high
gear and take your game up another notch…
www.poolmag.com
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www.cueandcase.com
S
ports fans love stats, and when Howard
Cosell, an ex-lawyer (later joined by
John Madden, an ex-NFL coach and
player) and then famous sportscaster, was getting
ready to anchor the 1978 ABC broadcast “The
Great Pool Shootout” featuring Willie Mosconi,
Minnesota Fats and six other players he needed
stats. He turned to Charles J. Ursitti, the show’s
creator and producer. Ursitti turned to the Billiard
It was inevitable that he would think of putting
it all into a book. A huge, unwieldy book. But he
keep digging and kept finding more missing history
and adding pages. “The Ursitti book” became
an almost mythical chalice in the billiard world,
rumored but never seen. For those lucky enough
to know how to contact him he was an amazing
source of obscure pool and billiard information.
“Charlie, how many barber chairs did
Detroit’s Sweeney-Huston room have in 1919?”
Billiard
History:
Congress of America and made a discovery.
Now open to
the public, thanks
to ace historian
Charles Ursitti
pool. Ursitti instantly realized how much
or left, but he probably could have told me.
general media, the pool and billiard media,
P&B and needed to know how many titles a certain
There were none.
one hundred and sixteen bowling lanes, and
the first time in history and there had never
over a million dollars in 1917 money. Seven
program to a national television network for
been this kind of a need before. He hustled to
gather anything and everything he could find.
Every sport had a history of stats – except
value a compilation of records would be for the
fans, the business, promoters, amateur and
pro players, writers and the very game itself.
With a written record pool could prove itself
– and people could debate things in bars and
over barbeques, always important venues in
sports. And if he didn’t do it, who would?
Part I of II
That started a thirty-three year (and counting)
journey into the dusty bins of defunct newspapers
and magazines, the venerable New York Times
morgue, and any
place else in the
by Thomas C. Shaw
world that might
hold a single
stories. A hundred thousand people were at
the grand opening, including Greenleaf.”
I didn’t ask if the head barber was right-handed
Back in the 1980s I was working on a story for
player had won. “Call Charlie,” someone said.
“Charlie?”
“Charlie Ursitti. Not many people have
his number but if anyone would know…”
He knew.
The most famous Ursitti story, one that has
made the rounds for close to thirty years, is
the tale of the man who played so well he won
a world championship, overcoming the fairly
severe handicap
of his death the
year before.
In his early
days of researching
constructing
that the BCA
Monte Cervino a
grain of sand at a
time. But only so
much was available
Charlie noticed
Record Book
credited Cyrille
Dion as pool’s first
champion, winning
on microfische and Ursitti began buying old
the title in 1878, ’79, And ’80. That wasn’t enough
more and more pool data. It was no longer
found that Dion had, indeed, won the world’s first
publications to feed his increasing thirst for
enough for him to know who won the world
championship in 1901; he wanted to know the
score of the finals, and the scores of all the
other games, and who was playing, where they
were born, their nicknames and whether they
were right-handed or left. If he could find a way
to get their blood type he’d want that, too.
P&B March 2010
twenty barber chairs,” came the reply. “ It cost
missing stat.
It was like
28
“One hundred and twenty-nine pool tables,
Ursitti was bringing a pro pool feature
detail for Charlie (it never is) so he researched it and
pool championship in 1878 – but died in October
of the same year. Anyone writing a story could
have headlined it “Dead Man Successfully Defends
World Title, Skips Award Ceremony” for 1879, and
“Frisky Dead Man Does It Again!” for 1880. Pool
had its own Mel Carnahan. Ursitti got the error,
which had been reprinted for 45 years, corrected.
www.poolmag.com
Ursitti, born April 11, 1947, grew up in
what developers now call SOHO (South of
Houston) in New York City, though residents
often still call it Little Italy, a neighborhood
that has gone from immigrant to artsy to trendy
to tony. It’s a good location
there was always something new to unearth. It
Thirty-three years of research. At first it was
may have been his perfectionist – completeist
just to provide Cosell and Madden and all the
was also a heartfelt desire to give to the
and anecdotes and stats, and a good part of the
it’s call among collectors – nature, but it
game the absolute best he could deliver.
guys that came after them with talking points
reason he did it at that point was to make his
for a billiard historian, not
only because of the Times but
because up to the 1960s when
travel became cheaper, most
world-class events took place
in NYC or Philadelphia.
In fact, one of the most
historic sites in pool is the
corner of Chestnut and Tenth
Streets in Philadelphia.
McCormack’s forty table room
was there until the Civil War
when it had to close because
all the young men went off to
the army. After the war there
were other rooms until the
building was torn down. When
a new building was erected
McLaughlin’s Academy opened
there, but WWI closed it
down for the same reason that
McCormack’s had closed.
“I was twelve years old
when I saw my first pool table;
actually, a 6 x 12 snooker table and it looked as
big as the ocean,” Ursitti said. As a New Yorker
he naturally gravitated to Straight Pool first
What had happened was that Charles J.
Ursitti had fallen in love with the game.
“There were times when I was after
television productions look good. Then he got
hooked, on both the sport and the research.
He thought about publishing the reams
and then, after a near fatal accident on Good
something just because I didn’t have it,” he
of data he had compiled, thinking he could
a car in Las Vegas, leaving the Orleans Casino
it and I was constantly buying old books and
with additional materials he would discover,
Friday in 2000, 3-Cushion Billiards. He was in
Hotel where he was producing a show for the
Hotel and PBS, when his car was broadsided.
His driver and composer/arranger were in
said. “The record wouldn’t be complete without
magazines and finding old newspaper stories
and they were providing more and more facts.
incomplete history. Pockets and cushions
undiscovered records. He could add to his
class pistol sharpshooter, forced him to cut
deserve better. They deserve the best. And
time threatened his billiard research. But after
nineteen corrective surgeries he got back into it.
Then came the internet.
Ursitti’s incessant digging kept postponing
publication of the book. He had gaps to fill,
small snippets of information to discover,
and sometimes major facts and records, and
The internet solved the problem. He could
have a web site built and put it all up there,
I just felt I couldn’t give the game an
back on his show business projects, and for a
but the idea didn’t sit right with him.
“But there were a lot of times when
the front seat and received lesser injuries.
The accident ended his hobby as a world-
come out with new editions every couple years
that’s what I wanted to give them.”
So what if he had to spend half a million
dollars of his own money? So what if he went
to bed bleary eyed, night after night? So what if
research librarians in Midwestern towns might
adding to it any time he came across previously
collection of tobacco cards featuring great
players of bygone eras, posters of stars, programs
from famous events, post cards of Golden Age
billiard rooms and professional players … all
the stuff he’s collected for thirty-three years.
Best of all he could make it accessible to
have thought the guy on the phone with the
anyone with a computer – and it would be
He was a man with a mission, a cause, a crusade.
Ntxt Month: Part II of Charlie’s discoveries!
New York accent was just a little, well, ‘teched?
searchable! (www.charlesursitti.com)
P&B March 2010
29
2010 One Pocket Hall of Famous!
T
he One Pocket Hall of Fame awarded
this year’s class of inductees in the
categories of One Pocket, Bank
Pool and Lifetime Pool in Action.
This year there were two One Pocket inductees,
the well traveled professional player, Jose Parica,
and the outspoken legend of pool, the late Rudolf
‘Fats’ Wanderone, AKA “Minnesota Fats.”
Parica spoke of “coming a long way” from
his roots in the Philippines to this first Hall
of Fame induction of his storied career.
‘Fats’ was well represented for his posthumous
induction for his contribution to the legacy of
One Pocket by his widow, Teresa Bell, and by his
nephew Doug Corwin (and Doug’s son, as well).
Special guest Jay Helfert performed a monologue
of typical Fats’ entertaining dialogue for the crowd.
Over his long life and many years of celebrity status,
Fats never lost his enthusiasm for talking up the game
of One Pocket, which he described like this in his
book, The Minnesota Fats Book of Billiards: One
Pocket “combines all the other games of billiards
Above, from l-r: Fats’
nephew Doug Corwin;
Lifetime Pool in Action
winner Harry Platis;
Rudolph Wanderon’s (aka
Fats) widow, Theresa
Bell, accepting Minnesota
Fat’s One Pocket Hall of
Fame honor; Jose Parica,
also inducted in the One
Pocket Hall of Fame, and
Banks inductee Glenn
“Piggy Banks” Rogers.
and pocket billiards into the most difficult of all
games to be played on a pocket table. The so-called
Championship Game of 14.1 continuous pocket
billiards is an amateur’s game compared to this one.”
Well, Fats always was one to speak his mind.
The Banks inductee this year was the aptly
named Glenn ‘Piggy Banks’ Rogers, from Chicago,
Illinois, given his award by fellow Chicagoan and
Hall of Famer, Freddy “The Beard” Bentivegna.
And last but certainly not least, the veteran Seattle
player/lawyer Harry Platis was honored for Lifetime
Pool in Action. Harry is a unique combination of
a good player that likes to bet it up, who is also a
successful practicing attorney. Over the last thirty
At right, a tender moment
between fellow Chicagoans
and Banks Hall of Famers:
newly inducted Glenn
“Piggy Banks” Rogers, and
veteran inductee, presenter
and author, Freddy “The
Beard” Bentivegna.
years he has either backed or competed against nearly
every top player that dabbles in the action side of pool.
Another emotional moment of the evening saw
Steve Surber speak in remembrance of his brother
Mike Surber, the world class One Pocket player from
Biloxi, Mississippi who was murdered last November.
For more information visit MikeSurber.com.
This year, the One Pocket Hall of Fame dinner
took place at the Legends lounge in the food court
area of the Horseshoe Casino, which allowed
by Steve Booth
Photos by Tony Fox
for more room for guests and an actual stage for
master of ceremonies Grady Mathews and Freddy
the Beard Bentivegna to honor the inductees.
For more info on this event and past Hall of
Fame inductees, visit www.onepocket.org.
30
P&B February 2010
www.poolmag.com
Cornerstone Custom Cues
The world’s
finest
high-end
investment cues
buy–sell–trade
www.customcues.com
(734) 693-3177
P&B March 2010
31
Go Green. Save Green.
Pool & Billiard EZine has arrived! Subscribe to the digital edition
of Pool & Billiard Magazine for just $19.95 a year, a full $15 off the
regular subscription price, and enjoy extra benefits, too!
Each online edition is a fully URL-enabled, flip-page
version of Pool & Billiard Magazine, with special
bonus features, including interactive video!
Want to keep your print subscription?
No problem! Print subscribers can get the
digital edition FREE!
Register today at www.poolmag.com
www.poolmag.com
Pool Secrets from Legendary Players...
This month’s Shark Bytes shares some fantastic
pro tips to help you tune up your position play.
CHARLIE SAYS: GET THE FEEL
PHOTO BY TONY FOX
S
ome time ago
we interviewed
several top players
to get their points of
view on position play,
and among them
was the ever popular
Charlie Williams.
“I try to ‘feel’ the
position. I want to
feel that my arm is
going to get me there.
Sometimes I put my
hand on the table
where I want the cue
ball to land, to help get
that feel.,,, I visualize
the shot, imagine the
path the cue balls has
to take, and that helps
my arm to get the right
feel for the shot.”
BYTES!
F
ormer National 9-Ball
Champion, WPBA Hall of
Famer and creator of the P&B’s
instructional series, “Annie &
the Pro”, Vicki Paski advises
beginners to learn position play
by, “… beginning with center ball.
“You should learn where the
cue ball will go naturally and
play within that framework.
You actually kind of back into
good position play by learning
the natural paths the ball will
take. Once you have developed
a basis for where the ball is
going naturally, you can start to
work with english to alter that
path more to your liking….
“Don’t fight the natural
path of the cue ball, use it
to get what you need.”
BUDDY SAYS: PLAY BACKWARDS
H
ere’s a great Buddy Hall 9-Ball
position gem we pulled out of our
archives. Buddy once told P&B’s readers
that they don’t often, “study the rack
long enough to know how they’re going
to wind up getting on the nine ball.”
Buddy advised, “It’s so simple, and it
only takes a moment. Just start by finding
where you want to be to shoot the nine,
then how you would get there off the
eight, and how you would get there off
the seven, and so on until you get back
to the ball on which you are shooting.
“Playing ‘backwards’ will tell you with
certainty how you’re going to steer
through the rack, and whether or not you
may reach your goal. It also teaches you
to instinctively recognize patterns.”
VICKI PASKI
SAYS: BE
NATURAL
P&B March 2010
33
JB
K
F-
05
K
F-
04
K
F-
K
F-
02
FK
03
W
DE OR
BU LD
T!
01
FK
Fury cues are distributed exclusively by
Toll-free: 1-877-283-7444
World Champion
Kelly Fisher
Kelly “KwikFire” Fisher, the fastest
player on tour, US Open Champion,
and Six-Time World Champion,
introduces her new line of
professional-class cues
Designed for a World Champion
Built by Masters
Priced for Everyone
Pool Secrets from Legendary Players...
MIKA SAYS: DON’T CROSS THE LINE
BYTES!
This month’s Shark Bytes shares
some fantastic pro tips to help you
tune up your position play.
BRUCE SAYS: I’D RATHER...
P
ool & Billiards Magazine’s
pick for the 2009 Player of the
Year, Mika Immonen, said, “I try
to approach the shot so that I am
going along the line of position
rather than crossing it. That is
a… billiards concept (3-cushion
billiards)…. I think playing billiards
is the best way to learn position
play because the whole game
is about the path of the cue ball.
You have to play the speed,
you have to play the angles, it
has everything you need.”
RANDY SAYS: START
WITH YOUR STROKE
R
T
o end this month’s Shark
Bytes we thought we’d try
to find an appropriate quote
from our favorite “retired” P&B
columnist, and probably still
the sport’s most prolific, that
36
P&B March 2010
wise old sage, Bruce Venzke.
Bruce said, “I’d rather play an acetrey combo and carom the rock two
bumpers into the yellow-striper…”
(Editors Note: This quote is taken
completely out of context.)
enowned billiard
promoter and
instructor, Randy
Goettlicher, when giving
his expert advice to P&B’s
readers, said, “Consistent
position play has to start
with a consistent stroke.
If we only hit the cue ball
exactly where we intended
50-60% percent of the
time then we only get
position that often as well.
“Position play is the
result of a greased
and oiled stroke.”
www.poolmag.com
P&B March 2010
37
Show Us Your Cues!
A look at what cuemakers have in store for you this year...
Billiard Warehouse Limited edition Cues
Cuestix International
These Limited Edition Pool Cues were designed by Billiard
Warehouse.com and made by Lucasi, featuring Birdseye
maple, v-spliced ebony or cocobolo points with veneers,
abalone inlays, maple dash rings, genuine
leather wraps, radial pin joints and
hard rock maple shafts.
The overwhelming success of CueStix’ Outlaw
brand cues and its pioneering “branding”
technique begged for an encore product.
The innovative creative team from CueStix
finally sprung its new vector-based digital
engraving process and gave birth to
the astounding VooDoo cues! Retail:
$145, dealer inquiries welcome
Website: www.cuestix.com
Phone: 800-645-9803
Each
There are only 100
cue available of each model.
Cue comes with Lucasi’s Lifetime
Warranty against manufacturer
defects including warpage. $249.00 each.
Website: www.billiardwarehouse.com.
Phone: 888-809-7665
Cuetec Cues
Cuetec ‘s R-360 cues series have shafts that are constructed with four computer cut
sections of North American maple wood surrounding a composite core providing complete
radial consistency and virtually eliminating deflection, providing you with ultimate composite
technology and the feel of wood. Cuetec R-360 cues are the choice of World Champion
Allison Fisher and World Class player Shane Van Boening. MSRP $220.00 - $300.00
Website: [email protected]
Phone: 800-526-6261
dieckman Cues
Dennis Dieckman of Manchester, Michigan has been building custom cues since 1973.
Website: www.cuemaker.com
Phone: 734-428-1161
Fury Cues & Fury Limited edition
Shown here,
beautiful Fury Cue and now a Limited Edition model: Ebony and
bocote against a
solid piece of bird’s-eye maple. Nearly 80 inlays set into a
single piece of bird’s-eye
maple. framed by a bird’s-eye maple joint and buttcap.
RadialTM pin is protected
by matching inlaid joint protectors. Cored with
hard rock maple for stability and
balance, delivered with both a Fury shaft of
hard rock maple with JumaTM ferrule
topped with a 13mm Tiger layered tip,
plus an Extreme shaft by Fury, made of
ten pie-shaped wedges laminated
together under high pressure to form a radially
consistent low deflecting shaft,
also tapered to pro specs and with an Ivorine-4TM
ferrule and a 12.75mm
Tiger layered tip. Limited to only 200 pieces for North
America. MSRP $1,195
Website: www.cuesight.com
Phone: 800-660-2572
38
P&B March 2010
www.poolmag.com
J. Pechauer Custom Cues
Shaft inlays enhance the look and value of
any cue. Crown Jewel shafts by J.Pechauer
Custom Cues are inlaid with points and
inlays to match even the most exotic cues.
Website: www.pechauer.com.
Phone: 800-934-7735
Jacoby Custom Cues
Quality hardwoods crafted for the
customer by quality craftsmen. People’s
Choice Award two years’ running!
Website: www.jacobycue.com
Phone: 715-886-2900
Kaiser Cues
From J&J America, these Kaiser Cues will dress
up your game without dressing down your
budget! Selected hard-rock maple & other high
quality exotic wood, hand-spliced points and
inlays, layered leather tips, fibre ferrules, Irish
linen wraps, pro tapers, but just $150-$300.
Website: www.j
jcue.com
www.jjcue.com
Phone: 562-2
29-9688
562-229-9688
Lucasi Hybrid exotics
Unleash the stunning beauty of Mother Nature with a Lucasi Hybrid
Exotic cue. Now offered in your choice of rich Cocobolo, regal Ebony
and beautifully-grained Olivewood. LH Exotic cues feature a radiallyconsistent 8-piece (TSC) shaft plus a patented X-SHOX Dampening
System TM that blocks vibration for superior follow-through and Fusion
G5 Grip Technology TM engineered for ultimate traction and stability.
Lucasi Hybrid is a brand that gives you all these features for just $289
and up. As an added bonus, Lucasi Hybrid cues come with a unique
four-piece butt construction for increased strength and durability, a Zero
Flexpoint TM 12.75mm Hybrid shaft, and a Moori 11-layer pigskin tip.
Website: www.cueandcase.com
Phone: 800-835-7665
Cocobolo
Regal Ebony
Mcdermott Cues
McDermott’s newest Masterpiece cue
lives up to the name. The Masterpiece
cues are six original cues that share the
same design, but utilize different exotic
and precious materials. This second cue
of the series, the M9M2: Masterpiece
2 features Ebony wood, Turquoise and
Real Ivory. The Masterpiece 2 comes
standard with 2 I-Shafts, 90 Ivory inlays,
98 Turquoise inlays, 24 Ebony Inlays
and 8 sterling silver rings. This new
one-of-a-kind cue retails for $6,500.
Website: www.mcdermottcue.com
Phone: 1-800-666-2283
L-D6
L-P35
L-EW20
Olivewood
Lucasi Custom Cues
Classic and stylish for years
to come. Lucasi Custom Cues
feature beautiful exotic woods,
real inlays for a distinctive
custom look, triangle tips for
superior ball control, an XTC
high-impact ferrule for a rock
solid hit and precise-fitting Uniloc joints. All Lucasi cues are
backed by a lifetime guarantee,
even against warpage.
Website:
w ww• •.cueandcase.com
Phone: 800-835-7665
P&B March 2010
39
Show Us Your Cues!
A look at what cuemakers have in store for you this year...
McWorter Custom Cues
From Jerry McWorter, the 20th Anniversary cue in ebony with long ivory
points, amboyna burl interior inlays. Sterling silver bow-ties with abalone
accents. Leather wrap with custom leather case bearing the 20th
Anniversary logo representing 20 years of designing and honing his craft.
Website: www.mcwortercues.com
Phone: 805-648-2225
oC Chopper Cues
orchid Cues
Orange County Choppers, LiquidWick
and McDermott Cue have partnered on
a cue series loaded with attitude, style
and of course...metal. The OCC1: Liberty
features a 4-Color Lithograph of an OCC
Custom Chopper with New York City’s
skyline and the Statue of Liberty in the
background.. With 4-Color Lithograph
Images. The OCC2: Liberty features the
OCC logo on the throat and sleeve. The
cue is enhanced with 3 sets of black and
white index rings and 2-Color Lithograph
Images featuring Orange County Chopper
Logo Both Cues feature: Orange County
Choppers Licensed Cue, Standard 19oz,
North American Maple, Midnight Black
Paint, Stainless Steel Joint and Butt
Plate, Black Genuine Irish Linen Wrap,
2 Silver Nickel Rings and LePro Tips.
Website: www.mcdermottcue.com
Phone: 800-666-2283
Pool Cue Guru introduces Orchid cues-a custom traditional look without
the custom price. These $39.99 cues
feature a true curly maple wrap; a
quality feature simply unheard of at
this price point until now. Become a fan
on Facebook and follow on Twitter for
special coupons and promotions.
Website: www.poolcueguru.com
Phone: 877-283-6253
Norman Cues
Mezz Cues
Mezz Cues presents the new EC7, exotic wood
series with inlay designs. These cues highlight the
natural look of beautiful woods such as Purple
Heart, Cocobolo, Bacote, Curly Maple and others.
It also comes with the high performance low
deflection WD700 shaft. MSRP $560 and up.
Website: www.mezzusa.com
Phone: 917-324-9911
40
P&B March 2010
Some finished, some in the works,
all available soon on the website,
Norman Cues feature
ebony, ivory, padauk, birds-eye, white
turquoise, burl, redheart, bone, cocobolo,
bacote, and other exotic woods.
Website: normancustomcues.webs.com
Phone: Larry at [email protected]
www.poolmag.com
Poison Cues
Players Cues
Poison VX Cues include a variety of options, including the VX Play with Venom™
Shaft for best-in-class playability and a slick glossy finish, in Torch (Orange) and
Triumph (Blue). MSRP: $199 The VX 2.9 Break/Jump is a three-piece break/jump
with a removable back end for tight jump shots. The matte finish offers a smooth
follow - through for break shots, in Striker (Green) and Blackbelt (Black). MSRP:
$229. The VX 2.1 Play/Break/Jump is your all-in-one answer, with a 21” play
Venom™ shaft and a 21” break/jump Venom™ shaft, and a removable back
end for the tight jump shots. Available in Torch and Blackbelt. MSRP: $299. And
The VX JMP, a two-piece jump cue with a short 41” Venom™ shaft construction
and Phenolic tip with the removable back end for tight jump shots. Innovative
weight bolt technology allows cue weight to be increased based on personal
preference, adding more power to each jump shot. This is the first jump cue to
have interchangeable weight bolts. Removable back end in Striker and
Blackbelt. MSPR: $89. All cues feature high-tac GTX™
grip with alternating traction zones that work overtime to
keep your hands dry and your stroke confident.
Website: www.poisonbilliards.com
Phone: 888-BE-TOXIC
Classic beauty/superior technology. In
this line, Players marries legacy traditional
styling with high-tech low-deflection
technology. 100% Hard Rock Maple shaft
that all of our Players cues have and added
an HXT Low-Deflection Ferrule and Kamui
Black Premium Layered Leather tip for
ultimate control and the lowest deflection.
All Players cues are backed by a lifetime
guarantee, even against warpage.
Website: www.cueandcase.com
Phone: 800-835-7665
Prather Cues
richard Chudy
Custom Cues
Prathers Model 1915 Series Cues are a
blast from the past with a classic look and
feel. These “Vintage Style” points from
the early 1900’s have been re-introduced
via Prather’s own unique hand-made
machinery. Completely crafted, from
design to finish, in Prathers Cue Shop.
Website: www.prathercue.com
Phone: 800-364-6913
Richard Chudy Custom Cues,
for great playing custom
and fine collectible cues.
Website: www.rc3cues.com
Phone: 925-798-4369
rage Cues
Eye catching design and quality at an affordable price! Rage cues feature 100%
Maple shafts and butts, leather tips, fiber ferrules and double-pressed linen
wraps and start at just $43.99 inexpensive enough to buy more than one.
Website: www.cueandcase.com
Phone: 800-835-7665
Stellinga Collection
The collection of Mark & Connie Stellinga
contains everything from tables to chalk.
Antique cues from their three-quarter of
a million dollar collection are pictured
along with antique chalk and, in the
center, an old-time tenon flattener
used before replacing a cue tip!
Website: [email protected]
Phone: 319-354-7287
P&B March 2010
41
Show Us Your Cues!
A look at what cuemakers have in store for you this year...
Triniti Cues
Triple Cross Cues
This beauty from Triple Cross is a 4 point Four Veneer
Full-spliced Cue in classical styling with high quality
playability. 18.4 oz, 59.25”, OB-1 (Proprietary wood) ferrule,
12.75mm Talisman medium tip, Joint Matched Low
Deflection OB-1 Shaft, Radial Screw joint, Black with Blue
Speck Hurlbert Linen wrap, inlayed Crushed Gemstone
(Chrysacola) rings, framed in black linen Phenolic, stainless
steel joint collar and black linen phenolic buttcap
Website: 850-562-0037
Phone: www.triplecrosscues.com
Allen Hopkins introduces Triniti Cues. Created with the aspiring amateur
in mind, these beautiful cues play great and are very reasonably
priced. Featured here is the Absinthium and the Purple Joker. Each
cue in the Triniti line is created to Allen’s standards and designed by
his son, Allen Jr. Every cue purchase comes with a free t-shirt!
Website: www.triniticues.com
Phone: 910-616-5665
viking Cue Mfg.
All Viking cues feature a stainless steel quick
release joint pin, indestructible ferrule, adjustable
weight bolt system, and are built using extremely
strong finger joint construction process.
The G06, shown here in pink, features a pearl butt
sleeve and joint rings, available in a wide variety of
charge-free color options to make it as unique as
you’d like. The G25 sports an ostrich leather wrap,
stainless steel joint, small mirrors in the rings, and is
built from beautiful Bocote wood. The G48 features
dark Ebony wood accented with handsome pearl
rings and inlays. It is offered in 8 different pearl
colors. Visualize your ideal cue using our Cue
Customizer application located on Viking’s website.
Website: www.vikingcue.com
Phone: 800-397-0122
Tiger Cues
The Tiger classic series is about simplicity with natural elegance.
Value, consistency and performance all proudly Made in
USA. This series features Natural Curly Maple and Cocobolo,
complemented with custom rings near the joint, the handle
and the butt. 8 models, four of which come with Solid Black Irish
Linen wrap and the other four with exotic wood handle. Four
of the models are simple and show the natural beauty of the
selected wood; the remaining four have unique inlays with added
points of Malachite or Turquoise. From $499.00 to $679.00.
Website: www.
tigerproducts.com
www.tigerproducts.com
Phone: 800584-4375
800-584-4375
Tad Custom Cues
Technological advances in synthetic materials, adhesives, and tooling
has opened new avenues of design expression for Tad Cues. Tad’s
fancy cues retail at $6,000 and up. Available now from J&J America.
Website: www.jjcue.com
Phone: 562-229-9688
42
P&B March 2010
True Heart Billiard Cues
Limited edition line of custom cues
designed with Lacewood, buckeye
burl, dyed black pear and other exotic
woods used in the Art Deco designs.
Website: www.trueheartbilliardcues.ca
www.poolmag.com
Dieckman
Cues
*Proud Member of
The International
Cuemakers Association
*One Of 13 Cuemakers
Invited To Build A Cue
For The Smithsonian
*Inducted Into The ICA
HALL OF FAME 2008
*Current President:
United States Billiard
Association
*One of the Founding
Fathers of The
American Cuemakers
Association
See the Dieckman Cues at the Drawman Cues in BOOTH 31 at the
Super Billiards Expo. For appointments to see more of my cues:
Call 734-428-1161 before the show; 734-223-4345 during the show.
Dennis Dieckman, Cue Builder: Building Cues Since 1973
Website: www.cuemaker.com Email: [email protected]
734-428-1161 Manchester, MI
P&B March 2010
43
www.WOW: Online Cue Choices
Among the advertisers you’ll see each month in the pages of P&B and at poolmag.com, in
addition to all the sites featured in our “Show Us Your Cues” special, are online retailers
with a wide selection of production and custom cues. Enjoy this alphabetized list, and if
you’re reading your P&B EZine you can click through right to each site listed in this issue!
The Billiard Warehouse, Inc.
www.billiardwarehouse.com
CheapCues.com
www.Cheapcues.com
Cornerstone Custom Cues
cornerstonecustomcues.com
Cuesight Technologies
www.cuesight.com
Great Lakes darts
www.gldproducts.com
International Billiards
www.intlbilliards.com
Mueller recreational
Products
www.poolndarts.com
one Stop Billiards
www.onestopbilliards.biz
ozone Billiards
www.ozonebilliards.com
PokerandPoolCues.com
www.pokerandpoolcues.com
Pool Cue Guru
www.poolcueguru.com
Pooldawg.com
www.pooldawg.com
recollection Cues
www.recollectioncues.com
Seybert’s Billiard Supply
www.seyberts.com
44
P&B March 2010
www.poolmag.com
RECOLLECTION CUES
High End Collector Cues and Select Player Cues
by Top Cue Makers
“SImpLy ThE BEST”
Featuring the Lord of the Rings Cue
www.RecollectionCues.com
P&B March 2010
45
Lord of
T
the Rings:
he Lord of the Rings Cue is inspired by
the epic high fantasy trilogy, Lord of
the Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
In recent years, the books gained huge popularity
when they were made into Academy Award winning
The Fellowship
of the Cue
All this is accented by the addition of six solid gold
movies by producer and director Peter Jackson.
rings, suspended around six of the ivory points.
identify with this cue, and some of the tale’s unique
to design a theme cue that was different from
wizard, Gimli the dwarf, Legolas the elf, Galadriel
with the traditional solid “canvas” provided by
Many villains are included: Saruman, the evil
design and provide a working surface that would
Anyone familiar with the trilogy will quickly
Tom knew from the beginning that he wanted
characters: Frodo Baggins the hobbit, Gandalf the
others. Instead of providing the scrimshander
the elfen princess, and the true King, Aragorn.
an ivory handled cue, he wanted to reverse the
wizard, orcs, oliphants, and of course, Gollum.
be concentrated in the nose and butt sleeve.
The One Ring, it required three collaborators to
and butt, with a handle of fine ebony. Keeping with
collector Tom Watters of Recollection Cues, the
the cue where the four key lines of the classic “Rings”
Cue Collectors’ Show when Tom called together
all, one ring to find them, one ring to bring them all,
and renowned scrimshander Bob Hergert of Port
the four rings became part of the ebony handle.
“theme” cue featuring The Lord of the Rings story.
feature – the gold ring itself. It was Andy and Vickie
graphic representation on a cue took a great deal
solid gold rings around six of the twelve points in the
Just as it required nine collaborators to destroy
Andy suggested a Brazilian Rosewood forearm
create The Lord of the Rings cue. Conceived by
the story line, Tom wanted four ivory rings built into
idea gained momentum at the 2008 International
poem could be scrimshawed: One ring to rule them
master cue-maker Andy Gilbert of Clever, Missouri,
and in the darkness bind them. At Andy’s suggestion,
Orford, Oregon. The three agreed to create a unique
Still, the cue needed at least one more important
Converting the story of The One Ring into a
of discussion, time and work. They needed to use
Gilbert’s idea to include not just one, but six f loating
cue. Andy melded and forged the gold into beautiful
enough detail of the story without overloading the cue. three-dimensional rings, perfectly positioned.
Tolkien said his story was simply one of good
vs. evil -- dark vs. light – frequently symbolized as
black vs. white. The cue uses this simple approach
ideas, ideas became sketches, and a plan evolved.
above the handle, looking down on the classic
and evil around a key event that would become
“water” horses of the river, mystically summoned
just above the handle was conceived by Bob to
by juxtaposing the “good” elements of the story
a turning point in the story. The river scene
by Arwen as she narrowly avoids their capture.
become that event, and the overall design emerged
it is with the cue. As you turn the cue and read
below the handle, where the famous Oliphant
it transitions to darker elements of the story,
villains of the tale. The result is a masterpiece.
sleeve. Finally, the ivory joint carries the words of
collection. It is not for sale. For more info,
down through the lines of “The One Ring” poem,
represented by the characters portrayed in the butt
the poem, but this time, in the original elfen script.
P&B March 2010
The plan was to separate the elements of good
scene of the nine Nazgul being swept away by the
Just as this is a turning point in the story, so
46
Once in the hands of Bob Hergert, the cue began
to take on a life of its own. Discussions became
from that concept. This same idea is carried out
battle scene is recreated among images of the
Tom Watters keeps the cue in his private
visit www.recollectioncues.com.
www.poolmag.com
21st Annual
SMOKY MOUNTAIN
9-BALL SHOOTOUT
APRIL 23, 24, 25
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(A Non-Prof it Organization)
Contact Gary Caldwell at 828/456-3138 after 8 pm
P&B March 2010
47
MADE IN THE TRADE
Fred Mali Earns BCA Award Cuemaker of the Year
E
ach year the Billiard
Congress of America
recognizes an outstanding
individual who has made
significant contributions to the
billiard industry. This year BCA
president Ivan Lee has chosen
to recognize Frederick Mali.
Mali, who passed away at the
age of 76 in 2007, was the president
and CEO of The Henry W.T. Mali
& Co., Inc. (Mali Cloth), the oldest
continuously family-run company
in New York City, founded in 1826.
“Fred Mali was a great
ambassador for the game of
billiards, as well as the most
gentlemanly individual with whom
I have ever done business,” said
BCA President Ivan Lee. “I feel it
is important to recognize a man
who never had an enemy, made
an indelible mark on his company
and this industry and always
found time for anyone needing
his assistance or support.
“Fred provided direction and
assistance to many people in
the billiard industry selflessly
and willingly. The loss of Fred
Mali to the billiard industry is
difficult to accurately determine,
but his eternal optimism and
48
P&B March 2010
civilized manner would have
been a guiding light in the
troubled economic times that
our industry faces today. I only
regret that this recognition
comes to him posthumously.”
Born in 1930 in New York City,
Mali was educated at Buckley,
Groton, Yale and earned an MBA
from Harvard Business School.
Mali also served his country in
the U.S. Army, where he was
stationed in Paris, between
World War I and II. He married
Lucretia Obolensky Mali in 1979.
“Fred lived by the simple belief that
a man’s word is his honor,” said
his wife, Lucretia, who is also the
current president of Mali. “He
believed deeply that the only
thing you have in life is your
reputation, and so he rolled
up his sleeves and worked
non-stop to ensure Mali’s
status as one of the leading
companies in the billiards
industry. They don’t make
them like Fred anymore.”
Mali’s true love was using
his engineering mind to
improve systems and
procedures at Mali and
in the billiard industry. He
developed many of the
automated manufacturing
equipment used to make the
Mali Cue line of cues. He
also was an expert craftsman with
inlays for pool cues. Outside of
billiards, Mali devoted time to arts
and theater, helping design sets for
numerous New York City theaters.
“I am eternally grateful to Fred
Mali for the support he provided
me during our 20 year friendship,”
said Victor Stein, author of
the Billiard Encyclopedia. “He
opened many doors for me in
the billiard industry - in the U.S.
and throughout the world.”
For more information visit www.
bca-pool.com or call 303.243.5070.
T
he American Cuemaker’s
the world’s cuemakers.
Association named
Beginning in 2008, the ACA
Prather Cue from Mooreland,
initiated the Cuemaker of the
OK as its 2010 recipient of the
Year Award to recognize an ACA
prestigious Cuemaker of the Year!
member who has provided a
Founded in 1978, the Prather
top quality product in an ethical,
family initially provided quality
honorable, and professional
cuemaking components to
manner through the years.
cuemakers at a
reasonable price.
Dan Prather was
joined by his two
sons, Daniel Jr.
and Jeff, in the
mid-eighties
and cue making
became an
important part of
the business. By
Jeff Prather, Daniel Prather Jr., Jennifer
1990 the Prathers
Prather Finley, Daniel Prather, Sr.
had become renown
for their cues as well as their
The award will be presented
cuemaking components. With
this month at the annual ACA
Dan Jr.’s computer skills, Jeff’s
banquet at the Super Billiards Expo
woodworking abilities, and Dan
at the Valley Forge Convention
Sr.’s inspiration, Prather Cues
Center in King of Prussia, PA.
took off. Dan’s daughter, Jennifer,
Also to be recognized at this
has also been involved in the
year’s ACA banquet will be the
business since its inception.
recipient of the People’s Choice
Today Prather Cue makes a
Award. Every ACA member can
complete line of cues including
display one cue of which they are
many custom “one of a kind”
especially proud. Attendees at the
beauties. They also continue
expo then have the opportunity
to be a leading supplier of
to vote on their favorite cue.
cue components to many of
Visit prathercue.com for more info.
Become An ACS Referee
A
national referee training
and certification class will
be conducted at the Riviera Hotel
and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada,
on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday,
June 6-June 8, 2010 – during the
2010 National Championships
being produced by the American
CueSports Alliance (ACS).
Interested parties must pass an
ACS Referee test prior to attending
the class. Class hours are flexible,
with entrants taking either a
4-hour class in the mornings or a
4-hour class in the afternoons on
each day. Class registration fee
is $75, payable onsite. Successful
completion of the course by the
individual will result in accreditation
at “ACS National Referee” level. For
information on taking the test prior
to the class and reserving your spot
for the class, please contact ACS
Referee Program Administrator,
Janet Ybarra, at (972) 345-9762 or
[email protected].
www.poolmag.com
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BACK
BACK
CC1008 halfpg NUKO ad for PB_output.ind 1
2/23/10
4:04:03 PM
49
P&B March
2010
MADE IN THE TRADE
APA: Top Franchise Pick!
Championship Training!
he American Poolplayers
Association (APA) has
been named one of Entrepreneur
magazine’s “Top 10 franchises
for under $20,000.” The ranking
C
T
Renee Lyle
appears in the January 2010
issue of Entrepreneur.
It’s not the first time Entrepreneur
has recognized the APA for
its franchising success. The
world’s largest pool league has
appeared in the publication’s top
rankings dating back to 1993.
Despite a tough economy
in 2009, the APA managed to
increase its active membership
count to 268,774 last year. APA
added an additional 15 new
league markets in 2009, bringing
its network total to 270.
“Our expansion and growth
during this economic climate is
a direct reflection of our strong
network of League Operators and
our highly motivated national staff,”
said APA President Reneé Lyle.
“We’ve developed a strong network
over the past 30 years, and
when you combine that with the
popularity of our league system,
it adds up to consistent growth.”
The APA sanctions the world’s
largest amateur pool league,
known as the APA Pool League
throughout the United States, and
as the Canadian Pool League
in Canada. Nearly 270,000
members compete in weekly
8-Ball and 9-Ball league play.
For more information on
APA League play, visit www.
poolplayers.com.
Loraine to Rep Cream Silk
S
hanelle Loraine has signed
with Cream Silk, the #1
hair care brand
in the Philippines.
Shanelle will appear
in ads and TV
commercials for
hair care products.
Loraine’s popularity
in the booming
billiards country of
the Philippines has
grown ever since
her World 10-Ball
Championship
debut, followed
by her recent 3rd
place finish with
partner Lee Van
Corteza at the
50
P&B March 2010
World Mixed Doubles Classic.
Fans can see the TV commercial
at poolmag.com.
“I was very
excited when
asked to endorse
Cream Silk. It’s the
most popular hair
product brand in
the Philippines
and nice to be
associated with
such a trusted and
long-standing
company. And
all my relatives
in the Philippines
and Guam love
the commercial!”
said Loraine.
hampionship Billiard
Fabrics said they have
always been on the cutting edge
of development and that their new
training center will be no different.
“Installers can learn all the
nuances of installing Championship
product and competitor’s product
in the new facility,” said Fred
Cohen, the Vice President of Sales
and Marketing. “One on One
training will be offered to support
distributors and dealers who feel
they need a refresher course.
“We look forward to sharing
ideas and helping unify the
installation process in the field.
Every cloth manufacturer has
its own nuances and we intend
to highlight the differences.”
For more information on the
Championship Training Center in
Lincolnwood, IL, call 847-677-3200
or toll free at 800 4-BILLIARDS.
Fred Cohen
Shaftmaster Lathes
A
billiard lathe is big, costs
thousands of dollars,
and enjoys a roomy shop with a
concrete floor. Years ago, Jude
Hammond, an ex-Xerox technician
turned inventor from Newport
Beach thought, “The majority
of cue repair is straightforward
(tips, ferrules, shaft cleaning shaft
tapering and tenon replacement)
so I was surprised there were no
inexpensive solutions out there
for the billiards enthusiast.”
Jude cobbled together an engine,
some aluminum telescoping
tubing, a foot pedal, some
urethane guides and realized
that 10 lbs was plenty for a
workable and portable lathe.
“I wanted to have something I
could throw in the car and take
to local tournaments,” he said.
“I didn’t know my mini-design
where everything fits within the
case would be such a hit. My
friends jokingly started calling
me ‘The Shaftmaster’ and my
lathe the ‘Shaft-O-Matic’ after
the SNL episode where Dan
Aykroyd uses the Bass-O-Matic.”
The name stuck. The Shaftmaster
is designed for the billiards
enthusiast who either wants to
work on his own cues or take it a
step further and earn some money
at local billiard establishments.
Jude says there will always be a
place for heavy, expensive lathes
but his tool covers most of the
tasks people need for billiards
so it has a great audience.
You can find out more at
www.shaftmaster.com or
by calling 877-258-3844.
www.poolmag.com
Danny Stout Cues
Custom Cues for Over 24 Years
336-629-0449
[email protected]
Call for your personal cue
Extra Shafts for Any Cue
2335 Stepping Stone Lane Asheboro, NC 27203
Email: [email protected]
Ph: 925.798.4369
Fax: 925.798.3763
Visit Poolmag.com for Tips of the Day,
Trick Shot Videos, Updated TV and Event
Calendars, our 8-Ball News Blog and more!
Get Enlightened: Poolmag.com
™
patented
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Dealer Inquires
www.
tuffscuff.
com
Jeannine Zuback, C.F.E.
407.657.POOL
fax 407.331.1539
cell 321.299.4541
Director of Franchise & Area Development
email [email protected]
www.TrickShotsFranchises.com
715 W. State Road 434 • Suite O • Longwood, FL 32750
P&B March 2010
51
P&B MALL
cue supplies/tips/tools
Cue LATHeS Starting at $895
PrATHer Cue PArTS
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Fax: 580-994-2700
200 South Main Street
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prathercue.com • [email protected]
uNIQue ProduCTS, INC.
3129 25th St. #215 Columbus, IN 47203
812-376-8887 www.uniqueinc.com
MASeCrAFT SuPPLY CoMPANY
254 Amity Street Meriden, CT. 06450
North America’s top Supplier of
DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND INLAYS
for the billiard industry.
Catalogs and color sheets available.
Phone (203) 238-3049 FAX (203) 238-2373
Or Email Us at:
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instruction
vIeW BANKING
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chucks, wrap motors, and other parts to
convert your lathe for cue building or repair.
Custom cues by CHRIS HIGHTOWER.
Tapered Shaft and Butt Blanks.
WWW.CUESMITH.COM Phone (770) 684-7004
Ask for Chris or write: “Cue Man Billiards”
444 Flint Hill Rd. Aragon, GA 30104
CoNNeCTICuT Cue PArTS
Div. of Jan Mfg. Inc.
14 Townline Road, Unit H Wolcott, CT 06716
Manufacturer of Metal Billiard and Cue
Components. All Parts Made In-House.
No Middle Man. Save $ Ctcueparts.com or
Call 1-800-875-4019 Ext 101
Accepting MC/Visa
BuddY HALL BILLIArd STore SALe!
Order online @
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Receive a 10% discount on all orders
over $50.00 Coupon Code - GIEJJA
Discount offer valid only on online
orders - shipped within 24 hours.
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Rodriguez Enterprises LLC
109 North 500 West Clearfield, UT 84015
Toll Free: 888-801-0013
Email : [email protected]
Dealers Inquires Welcomed
on the Buddy Hall Cue Guide &
Buddy’s 2 Pack DVD Set.
custom cues
INTerNATIoNAL CueMAKerS
ASSoCIATIoN
“A commitment to Excellence”
www.internationalcuemakers.com
NITTI CueS
Fine Handcrafted Cues
407-380-6121
www.nitticues.com
SHurTZ CuSToM CueS
Since 1983 We specialize in limited
production and one of a kind cues.
www.shurtzcue.com
SOFTWARE
The League System “They” don’t Want
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Are you a recreational 8-Ball league?
Are you tired of subsidizing the “Vegas Few”?
Then there is an alternative for you!
www.LeagueOperator.org
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Multi-League Discounts
BILLIARD SUPPLY
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Robert & Peggy Mallen - Owners
North East corner of Priest & Warner
(Facing Warner) in Phoenix, AZ
Cues, Cases, Furniture, Billiard Art,
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Full Service Cue Maintenance by
Doc Rice - Drop-off & pick-up
(480) 961-4000 www.gcuebilliards.com
pool rack
A TrIPLe CroWN WINNer
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507 INDIANA AVE. GLASSPORT, PA 15054
PHONE: 412-673-0344 E:
[email protected]
52
P&B February 2010
www.poolmag.com
Get Shopping!
POOL TABLES
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8’ Prestige Mah or Oak, 9’ Prestige Mah
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Call 1-800-940-2837
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pockets. Pkg includes Diamond
light,Aramith balls & rack, $2550/pkg.
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3 4.5x9 tables, same description and pkg, but
Procut pockets,$3250/pkg. Discount for 3 or
more pkgs. Contact [email protected] for
further info and phone number.
Made in the U.S.A.
by
Email:
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Website:
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8749 Mylander Lane
Towson, MD 21286
Phone: 410-821-0064
Fax: 410-821-8321
Breakin’ Balls Since 1965
Proud cue sponsor of
the Super Billiards Expo
2010
For a free catalog and
list of dealers in your area,
visit us on the web or call.
Dealer inquiries welcome.
©2010 Viking Cue Mfg., Inc.
P&B March 2010
53
PLACES TO PLAY
(and shop!)
ALABAMA
GeorGIA
MoNTANA
PeNNSYLvANIA
BumperNets Inc.
2000 Riverchase Galleria,
Birmingham, AL
Classic Billiards
1211 Royal Dr
Conyers GA
Montana Billiard Supply
131 Moore Lane
Billings, MT
Tacony Pro Shop
6201 Keystone St., Philadelphia
HAWAII
NeBrASKA
Hawaiian Brians
1680 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI
Madsen Billiards
4700 Dudley, Lincoln, NE
Maui Family Billiards
199 Dairy Road, Kahului, HI
NevAdA
ALASKA
AAA Billiards
1040 E. 54th Ave. Anchorage, AK
ArIZoNA
G-Cue Billiard Store
NE Corner Priest & Warner
Phoenix, AZ 480-961-4000
www.gcuebilliards.com
ILLINoIS
Chris’s Billiards
4637 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL
ArKANSAS
Nielsen’s Billiards
2601 Taylor Ave., Springfield, IL
Jones Bros. Pool Tables
309 W. Broadway, N. Little Rock, AR
INdIANA
CALIForNIA
Jay orner Billiard Co.
6333 Rockville Road,
Inidanapolis, IN
Mecca Billiards
732 Fulton
Fresno, CA
CANAdA
Canada Billiard & Bowling
4050 Boul Industrial, Laval, Quebec
Stix Billiards
5255 Richmond Rd SW,
Calgary, Alberta
dooly’s Pro Shop
1651 Barrington St.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
The Corner Pocket
C1 2310 50th Ave Red Deer, Alberta
CoLorAdo
Match-ups Poolhall
625 S Mason St
Ft Collins, CO
CoNNeCTICuT
Crown Billiards
264 S. Frontage Road,
New London, CT
FLorIdA
Strokers Billiards
30901 US Hwy 19N
Palm Harbor, FL
ultimate Billiards
4112 Okeechobee Rd
Ft. Pierce, FL
Hammer Heads Billiards
1916 US Highway 19
Holiday FL
GeorGIA
Mr. Cues II
3541 Chamblee-Tucker
Rd. Atlanta, GA
IoWA
Fun City
1509 1st Avenue S.E.,
Cedar Rapids, IA
KeNTuCKY
A 1 Billiards
1616 E. Charleston
Las Vegas, NV
The Billiard Factory
7520 W. Washington
Las Vegas, NV
NeW JerSeY
Pool Tables Plus
297 Route 22 East
Greenbrook, NJ
NeW YorK
Buffalo Billiards
8216 Main St.
Williamsville, NY
Gotham City Billiards
93 Avenue U
Brooklybn, NY
Cue Time Inc.
532 Three Springs Rd,
Bowling Green, KY
Hippos The House of Billiards
5160 Commercial Drive,
Yorkville, NY
LouISIANA
NorTH CAroLINA
AA Billiards & Supplies
4417 Lake St.,
Lake Charles, LA
Gate City Billiards
6004 landmark ct Blvd
Greensboro, NC
MASSACHuSeTTS
Celbrity Pool Tables
736 Tunnel Rd. #3
Ashville, NC
Billiards Cafe
39 Main Street
Ayer, MA
NewsBreak
579 Gar Hwy Swansea, MA
MICHIGAN
Allstate darts & Billiards
14349 Telegraph Road
Redford, MI
MINNeSoTA
Billiard Street Cafe
7178 University Ave. NE, Fridley, MN
Farmington Billiards
933 8th Street, Farmington, MN
Shooters
1934 E. Hwy 13 Burnsville, MN
MISSourI
Art’s Billiard Supply
17801 E 39th St Independence
4-Play 26075 Stereo Rd.,
Richland, MO 65556
Gordon’s recreation & Leisure
204 Kanuga Street,
Hendersonville, NC
oHIo
Carnation City Billiards
308 E. Main Street
Alliance, OH
Jacks recreation Center
1826 Central Avenue,
Middletown, OH
Scioto valley
4577 Lyman Drive
Hilliard, OH
Big daddys Billiards
34425 Lorain Rd Ste-1
North Ridgeville, OH 44039
oKLAHoMA
Q Spot Billiards
6149 E. 31st St.
Tulsa, OK
SouTH CAroLINA
Players Place Billiards
1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.
Charleston, SC
TeNNeSSee
Chuck Trading Co.
225 E. Main St/
Johnson City, TN
All South Game Sales
7033 Lee Hwy.
Chattanooga, TN
TeXAS
International Billiards
2311 Washington Ave.
Houston, TX
Bogies Billiards
3040 FM 1960 E, Ste 101
Houston, TX
Pete’s Billiards
5510 Bianco Rd.
San Antonio, TX
vIrGINIA
Bottom Billiard
117 N. 18th St
Richmond, VA
Longs Billiard Supply
9906 Warwick Blvd., New News, VA
obelisk Billiard Club
14346 Warwick Blvd.,
Newport News, VA
WASHINGToN
Billiard Boys
1512 N. Dorothy Place,
Seatle, WA 98103
Kornerpocket Billiardz
102 Ave. D., Snohomish, WA
360-862-9054
kornerpocketbilliardz.com
WISCoNSIN
All American Pool & Spa:
2138 W. Wisconsin Ave,
Appleton, WI
Master Z’s darts & Pool
910 W. Sunset Drive
Waukesha,WI
Mickey’s Billiards
1239 Schefield Ave.
Schofield, WI
Contact Carol at 843.875.5115
to get listed in our Places
to Play today!
True HearT Billiard Cues
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Castillo Leather Goods offer you a truly
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Visit us in booth L26 on the lower level at Super Billiards Expo
Temple, TX
Larry
Norman
normancustomcues.webs.com
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P&B March 2010
55
E
Derby
City
Boasts
Plenty of
Action
and New
Champs! 9-Ball Results:
fren Reyes, newly named pool’s Player
of the Decade, once again proved why as
he won both the All-Around “Master of
the Table” title, worth a cool $20,000, and another
$16,000 as the 2010 Derby City 9-Ball Champion.
The $25,000 added 9-ball division kicked
off on Wednesday, January 27. A field of 257
Above right:: Hot shot Rodney Morris fell short of
a title, settling for runner-up in the 9-Ball event.
Reyes approached each match with his usual
Brumback Defends
Banks Title
ante’d up for their share of the gold and glory.
relaxed demeanor, plowing through the field
until meeting “Rocket” Rodney Morris in the
final bout. Morris fate was soon sealed; in the
short contest Efren came away the victor, 7-4.
The win put him squarely into the All-
no doubt that of Kentucky hometown hero,
no less than five times in twelve years!
and winner of the Banks division, the relatively
Efren also took another $6,500 in the Fat
Boy Challenge and $5,500 in the Banks, for a
week’s haul of over $48,000! Runner-up in the
All-Around was John Brumback with $3,000,
and in 3rd place, Scott Frost with $2,000.
56
P&B March 2010
The big story after Efren’s big payday was
Around Champion circle, a familiar place
for the “Magician” as he’s been here now
Photos by Tony Fox
Above left: Efren Reyes celebrates a well paid
week with his win in the 9-Ball event, his
overall Master of the Table win worth $20,000,
another win in the Fat Boy Challenge and a
runner-up finish in the 9-Ball division!
1 Efren Reyes
$16,000
2 Rodney Morris
$8,000
3 Shannon Murphy $4,000
3 Jeremy Sossei
$4,000
5 Bill Bailey
$2,250
5 Justin Hall
$2,250
7 Rudolfo Luat
$1,300
7 Alex Pagulayan $1,300
7 Mike Dechaine
$1,300
7 James Baraks
$1,300
7 Robert Frost
$1,300
John Brumback. Last year’s All Around champ
unknown Brumback proved his fame was no f luke.
Even more amazing, Brumback had
to defeat the legendary Efren Reyes,
not once, but twice, for the title!
The Banks division featured 352 devastating
players vying for their share of a $45,000 purse, and
Brumback handed Reyes a 3-0 bagel for the win.
Bank Results:
1 John Brumback $10,000
2 Efren Reyes
$5,000
3 Larry Nevel
$2,500
4 Rafael Martinez
$1,375
4 Alex Pagulayan
$1,375
6 Chris Bartram
$850
6 George Breedlove $850
6 Shannon Daulton $850
6 Truman Hogue
$850
www.poolmag.com
Above: Hometown favorite John Brumback
successfully defended his Banks title,
pocketing $10,000 and another $3,000
for his runner-up All Around finish.
Scott Frost Wins
One Pocket Title
287 players jumped out of the One
Pocket gate, with Francisco Bustamante,
Above right: Scott Frost froze out the
competition, including fellow finalist
Sylver Ochoa (at right) to pocket the
One Pocket title. Ochoa settled for
2nd place and a $6,000 payday.
Sylver Ochoa and Scott Frost emerging as
the final three in contention for the title.
Ochoa bested the veteran Bustamante and
that left a battle between Ochoa and Frost,
last year’s runner-up in the One Pocket event.
Frost drew first blood but Ochoa came back
Below: Three happy champions! From
left, Scott Frost, One Pocket champ and
3rd place finisher in the All Around;
Player of the Decade Efren Reyes, and
Banks champ John Brumback!
to knot the score. Frost pulled ahead again
2-1. Ochoa answered with another tie 2-2.
With a title hanging in the balance,
Ochoa made a crucial error, accidentally
pocketing Frost’s game ball for the match!
1-Pocket Results:
1 Scott Frost $12,000
2 Sylver Ochoa $6,000
3 Francisco Bustamante $2,500
4 Corey Deuel $1,800
4 Nick Vita $1,800
6 Shannon Daulton $1,400
6 Rafael Martinez $1,000
6 Santos Sambajon $1,000
9 Jesse Bowman $1,000
9 Danny Harriman $1,000
9 Joshua O’Neal $1,000
9 Alex Pagulayan $1,000
P&B March 2010
57
Derby
City New
Champs!
More Action!
The Straight Pool Challenge featured a
dozen players making it through the qualifying
rounds to try their hands at the actual
challenge. Notable 14.1 players and pre-event
favorites included veterans Ralph Eckert and
Bobby Hunter, and John “Mr. 400” Schmidt
(so called for his straight pool high run!).
But when the dust cleared Williams had knocked
off both Schmidt and Eckert to take the top prize
of $2,500 and bragging rights in a discipline few
would have predicted Charlie would be bragging
Continued from p. 57
about! High runs included John Schmidt with
a 171 and Charlie Williams with a 125.
Straight Pool
Challenge Results
Above: Action queen Jeanette Lee;
Below: Straight Pool runner-up
Ralph Eckert; Below right, Straight
Pool champion Charlie Williams
58
P&B March 2010
1 Charlie Williams
2 Ralph Eckert
3 John Schmidt
4 Alex Pagulayan
5 Corey Deuel
6 Bobby Hunter
7 Stevie Moore
8 Beau Runningen
$2,500
$1,700
$1,100
$1,100
$700
$700
$700
$700
Fat Boy Challenge
The Fatboy Challenge, a $4,000-added,
$1,000 entry fee 10-ball event on 9-foot
tables, kicked off with 16 participants. Efren
Reyes emerged the victor, defeating Brandon
Shuff in the finals. Pulling up in third were
Johnny Archer and Shannon Murphy.
Fat Boy Challenge
Results
1 Efren Reyes
2 Brandon Shuff
3 Johnny Archer
4 Shannon Murphy
$6,500
$3,250
$1,625
$1,625
Beyond the major titles on offer during the
12th Annual Derby City Classic. there were
mini-tournaments galore and tons of action.
Congratulations to Jeanette Lee (see this month’s
Pool Town) for her Action award! Congrats too
to all the recipients of this year’s One Pocket
Hall of Fame awards (see story this issue).
The Derby City Classic took place over
nine days at the Horseshoe Casino Hotel Jan.
22-30 and featured sponsorship by Diamond
Billiard Products, Iwan Simonis, BCA Pool
League and Rockstar Energy Drinks.
www.poolmag.com
Basics Bring Back Brumback
W
inning a major championship
becomes the goal for many who
are serious about their sport.
But what does one think of after winning the
first? Winning again becomes the new focus…
After winning the 2009 Derby City
Classic Bank and Master of the Table
(All-Around) titles, John Brumback set
his sites for the 2010 event. As a Master
of the Table champion, his entry fees and
housing come free for life. Why not enter?
But what does a guy who doesn’t spend
all year on tour against the toughest
players in the world do to prepare?
Brumback heavily poured accolades to
Lomax Cues as the first part for his repeat
success. But he also revealed that watching
a video of his 2009 performance showed
he was not staying down throughout his
stroke. In his effort to repeat in 2010, his
practice focused on the basics. “I really
worked on staying down,” said Brumback.
“I knew I had to get the basics down.”
by Tony Fox
Although winning was his goal, winning
in his definition was all about winning while
at the table. “I wanted to play one ball at a
time… I kept telling myself, ‘one ball’.”
As the bank field narrowed, former
Master of the Table Champion, Dee Adkins,
noted, “John will be tough to beat….His
fundamentals are strong. His game is so clean.”
The luck of the draw put Brumback
against pool’s most accomplished player
the 2010’s choice for Player of the Decade,
Efren Reyes, for the hot seat. Brumback’s
extraordinary banking shut out the
legendary Reyes three games to none.
Undaunted, Reyes, after his “buy back,”
fought his way back to the championship round
– only to meet the same results! All focus and
Defending master Brumback finished second.
games. “I wanted to beat him…I didn’t think
clearly proves that basics are best. Stay
precision, Brumback again won three straight
I would shut him out,” John later admitted.
No worries for Efren though; he continued
on to win the 9 Ball-Championship and
claim 2010’s Master of the Table award.
Brumback’s 2010 Derby success
down on your shot, every shot. Focus
on one shot at a time. And practice!
You may not win the Derby, but your
next opponent could be in big trouble.
If Pool Is 90% Mental,
You Need This Book!
ONLY
$11.95
+$3.95 S&H
P&B March 2010
59
BOX SCORES
ACS Midwest 8-Ball Championships
T
he American CueSports
Alliance (ACS) hit a home run
by moving its annual Midwest
8-Ball Championships to the
Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
in Riverside, Iowa, January 2124, 2010. Over 400 players from
throughout the Midwest and
60
from as far away as Colorado
and South Carolina trekked to a
great casino that offered non-stop
action on and off the pool tables!
The $10,000-added
championships offered competition
in six primary events and two
secondary events: Men’s and
Women’s Master 8-Ball Singles,
Men’s and Women’s Open 8-Ball
Singles, Men’s and Women’s
four-person 8-Ball Teams,
Scotch Doubles 8-Ball and
handicapped 9-Ball Singles.
The ACS thanked the Riverside
Casino & Golf Resort for its support
and outstanding hospitality along
with its other sponsors - Iowa
Sports Center, Diveney Custom
Cues, Quality Table Service and
Nick Varner Signature Cues
and Cases, whose multi-World
Champion namesake took on all
challengers throughout the event.
Women’s 8-Ball Teams, 1st “White Class” (Julie
Ann Mitchell, Tina Larsen, Heather Lavin and Gina
Knight), 2nd “There Is No “I” in Drunk”
Men’s 8-Ball Teams, 1st “Danny O’s Thud”
(Robert Ball, Sam Ball, Cecil Messer and
Mike Strudas), 2nd “Reuthers Ruthless”
Men’s Master 8-Ball Singles 1st - Donald Branson and
Women’s Master 8-Ball Singles 1st Jessica Frideres
Men’s Open 8-Ball Singles 1st Terry Stevens and
Women’s Open 8-Ball Singles 1st Janelle Melohn
Scotch Doubles 8-Ball 1st Connie O’Heron and Jon Kent
9-Ball Singles 1st Dave Webb
P&B March 2010
www.poolmag.com
BOX SCORES
Lone Star
Billiards Tour
Q Stix Billiards
Houston, TX (January)
Open 10-Ball
1. Jeremy Jones
2. Rafael Martinez
3. Charlie Bryant
4. Zaid Thweib
Ladies 9-Ball
1. Terry Petrosino
2. Courtney Peters
3. Tasha Salandanan
4. Loretta Lindgren
Greenfield’s Pool & Sports Bar
Lakewood, CO (January)
1. Sam Cordova
$ 439
2. Ed Borrego
$ 220
$ 165
3. Dave Hughes
4. Rich Cunningham
$ 110
Leisure Time Billiards
E. Moline, IL (February)
1. Ryan Robinson
*$ 400
2. Anthony Garcia
$ 300
3. Mike Peiffer
$ 200
4. Steve Westlin
$ 150
* Entry into the 2010 ACS Nationals
$1,000
$ 700
$ 500
$ 300
$
$
$
$
350
250
150
100
Lucas Hybrid All
American Tour
American Cue Sports Alliance
Miller Time Billiards
Davenport, IA (January)
1. Jason Totten
$ 380
2. Ryan Robinson
*$ 270
3. Gary Plant
$ 180
4. Ricardo Pena
$ 120
Open
1. Mike Cantrell
$ 500
2. Skip Shumate
$ 400
3. Shane Lykins
$ 300
4. Mark Wiseman
$ 200
Women
1. Teruko Cucculelli
$ 295
2. Shannon Dunn
$ 185
3. Deidre Govine
$ 100
4. Randy Tenley
$ 150
Greenfield’s Pool & Sports Bar
Lakewood, CO (January 23)
1. Sam Cordova (Pueblo)
$ 439
2. Ed Borrego (Denver)
$ 220
3. Dave Hughes (Denver)
$ 165
4. Rich Cunningham (Denver) $110
Lone Star Rafael Martinez, Kim White, Jeremy Jones
NGB Amateur
Billiards Tour
Mr. Cues II Atlanta, GA (February)
7 Ball Event
1. Jason Stemen
$1,000
2. Paul Song
$ 500
3. Randy Jordan
$ 400
4. Billy Tyler
$ 175
OB Cues Ladies Tour
Rusty’s Billiards
Arlington, TX (February)
1. Tara Williams
2. Angela Garza
3. Amanda Lampert
4. Lisa Marr
$
$
$
$
750
550
450
265
Ozone Billiards
Predator 9-Ball Tour
(L-R) Greenfield’s champs Sam Cordova (1st), Ed Borrego
(2nd), Dave Hughes (3rd) and Rich Cunningham (4th)
Eastside Billiards
Manhattan, NY (January)
Open/Pro Event
1. George SanSouci
2. Frankie Hernandez
Amateur Event
1. Alex Gonzalez
2. Wilson Cruz
P&B March 2010
$ 600
$ 265
$ 900
$ 625
61
BEYOND BORDERS
Florian “Venom” Kohler Wins XTM Masters of Trickshot
F
rance’s Florian “Venom” Kohler
wowed audiences in Korea
to win the 3rd Annual Masters of
Trickshot. This event was part of the
2009 XTM Billiards Championship,
produced by Dragon Promotions
and XTM television, and took
place at Yong-Deung-Po Times
Square. The events aired on
XTM and CJ Media Channels
and were sponsored by www.
Whois.co.kr, Takini Cloth, Min
Tables, Predator Cues, Poison
Cues, and Times Square Seoul.
The trick shot competitors
included Yu Ram Cha with her
beauty and pool skills grabbing the
media’s attention and the hearts
of the fans; top Korean trickshot
artist Moon Hwan Cho, little 10
year old wonder Myung Woo
Cho, World Trickshot Champion
artist Semih Seyginer, Japanese
champion Nobuyasu Sakai,
Taiwan’s Amy Chen, and France’s
trick shot genius Florian Kohler.
Semih Sayginer once again
proved why he is considered the
best in the world by displaying
fancy shots mixed with his
entertaining showmanship
that brought out laughter and
great applause. When Yu
Ram’s turn finally came, the
audience doubled in size.
But the night was Kohler’s, and as
the last perfomer of the night, he
seemed to raise the bar to another
level. He was finally in his realm,
and was able to show his most
exciting shots! In his cue case there
were 17 cues, meeting up to his trick
shot artist image, he displayed all
kinds of different positioned jump
shots, crazy masses and other
amazing displays, and caused
the fans to rise to their feet.
“To play with Semih Sayginer is a
dream come true because he is my
biggest idol! This trip to Korea has
been the greatest experience in my
career thus far and I thank Dragon
Promotions for this opportunity,”
said the enthusiastic Kohler.
Kohler edged out Sayginer by
one point to win the competition!
Top row, l-r: Trick Shot competitors gather for a group shot; Semih Sayinger impresses crowds with his skills and style;
Bottom row l-r: France’s Florian Kohler accepts his newcomer victory over the legendary Sayinger after a massive display of wizardry!
62
P&B March 2010
www.poolmag.com
BEYOND BORDERS
Sayginer Leads World Team
T
urkey’s Semih Sayginer led the
underdog World Team to a
thrilling victory over Team Korea in
a 5-4 finale in the 3-Cushion World
Team Challenge. The Dragon event
took place at Times Sqaure in Seoul.
and aired on XTM and CJ Media
Channels and were sponsored
by www.Whois.co.kr, Takini Cloth,
Min Tables, Predator Cues, Poison
Cues, and Times Square Seoul.
Each team included three men
and one woman. Team Korea
was captained by King Of Carom
Champ Jae Geun Kim, with
Myoung Woo Cho, Shin Young Park,
and woman’s champ Yu Ram Cha.
Team World was captained
by Semih Sayginer (TUR), with
Florian Kohler (FRA), Nobuyasu
Sakai(JPN), and Amy Chen (USA).
Both teams fought hard as Kim/
Cha barely squeaked by Sayginer/
Chen. Despite this being Chen’s
very first time playing 3-cushion,
with crash course training by
Sayginer they did exceptionally
well. Korea won 10-9.
Next Cho/Park were heavy
favorites against Kohler/Sakai
due to the language barrier
between Kohler and Sakai. But
somehow the Frenchman and
the Japanese pro made it work
and won another nail-biter 10-9.
Next was the 4-on-4 and again
another hill-hill match with World
Team meshed together well
through the expert coaching
of Sayginer to win 10-9.
Korea needed a win to keep
the pressure on and J.Kim came
through with a tough 15-13 win
over Sayginer. Cho then iced the
cake with a 15-11 win over Sakai.
Cho/Cha then were stunned
by Chen/Sayginer in the mixed
doubles match 10-5 to tie the
score 3-3 again. Cha then gave
Chen a near impossible mountain
to climb as Chen lost 7-1 .
But World Team came back to
win the 4-on-4 to push it to the
final match! A re-match with
J.Kim and Sayginer for the whole
title! Both players were focused
and you could see in their faces
neither wanted to lose for their
team or country. Points went back
and forth till the very end... but it
was Captain Sayginer who stood
tall at the end and held his team
together for a thrilling 11-9 win over
Kim and a 5-4 victory over Korea!
Master Eight Ball, Nine Ball,
Straight Pool, and One Pocket
“Precision Pool is required reading. An indispensable shortcut for the savvy player!”
Vicki Paski
WPBA Hall of Fame
Full
color!
New! • 264 pages
ISBN 978-0-7360-7387-5
$19.95 ($21.95 CDN)
To order visit
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or call 1.800.747.4457 (US)
1.800.465.7301 (Canada)
Also available in
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Sharpen your strategy and shot-making skills with over 200 full color diagrams,
patterns, and critical shots! Whether it’s eight ball, nine ball, straight pool, or
one pocket, Precision Pool will reveal the secrets the pros know. Authors Gerry
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the wealth of experience they gained from coaching or competing against virtually
every top professional player.
You’ll find detailed information on the following:
•
•
•
•
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Grips
Vision and aim
Power breaks
Bank shots
Combinations
•
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English
Safeties
Practice plans
Match strategies
Trick shots
Whether you are a weekend player or seasoned professional, if you are serious
about improving your game, Precision Pool is your best shot.
HUMAN KINETICS
The Premier Publisher for Sports & Fitness
P&B March 2010
63
TOUR GUIDE
Regional/amateu
Regional/a
mateuR
R tou
ouR
R events
vents
American Cuesports Alliance
www.americancuesports.org
[email protected]
Mar. 16-20
2010 CCS Nationals
Toronto, Ont. Canada
Cnsqsport.com
June 6-12
ACS National Championship
Riviera Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas, NV
American Poolplayers Association
call 636-625-8611 for details
or visit www.poolplayers.com
Arizona Women’s Billiard Tour
Presented By J. Pechauer Custom Cues
call dawn Anderson: 480-272-2016
Kristie ortega: 623-556-7640
or email [email protected]
Artistic Pool Tour
In association with
dr. Cue Classic
Artistic Pool Tour
For info visit:
artisticpool.org or
call 765.760.7665
Bay Area Amateur Tour
www.baatour.com
Canadian Women’s Pool Tour
visit www.cwpt.ca for more info
3rd Brickyard Bar Table Classic
Mar. 27-28
Brickyard Billiards. Indianapolis, IN
317-248-0555. 317-858-0637
Entry $75, $1,500 Added
64 P&B March 2010
Cuesports International
www.playcsipool.com
702-719-7665
Mar. 8-14
Up to $26,000 added
15th Annual Western BCA
Regional 8-Ball Championships
Chinook Winds Casino Resort,
Lincoln City, OR
www.westernbca.org
Mar. 17-21
$13,000 added 12th Annual Black
Gold BCAPL State Championships
Buffalo Run Casino, Miami, OK
Contact Peggy Sanchez, 918-906-0839
Mar. 18-21
$7000 added 3rd Annual BCAPL
Canadian Open Series
Penticton Curling Club, Penticton, BC
604-224-4123 www.bcehpool.com
Mar. 25-28
$2500 added BCAPL of Michigan 2010
State 8-Ball Championship
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
Mt. Pleasant, MI
Dean Roeseler 920-206-6355
www.bcaofmichigan.com
Apr. 3-4
Qualifier U.S. Open 10-Ball Champ’s
Pool Sharks. Las Vegas, NV
(702) 222-1011 $300 Added Entry: $55
Contact: John Kutcher
www.poolsharks.net
Apr. 6-11
$5000 added 2010 Texas State BCAPL
8-Ball Championships, E-Center,
Harker Heights, TX 317-440-1143
[email protected]
Apr. 10-11
Qualifier U.S. Open 10-Ball Champ’s
The Golden Fleece. Kenmore, WA
(425) 908-7332
$1000 Added (based on 64 field)
Entry: $50 Contact: Askar or Sam
www.goldenfleecebilliards.net
Apr. 15-18
$2350 added 5th Annual Ohio State
BCAPL Team Championships
All Star Sports Facility, Columbus, OH
Chris Williams 614-989-0680
www.centralohiobca.com
[email protected]
Apr. 17-18
Qualifier U.S. Open 10-Ball Champ’s
The Wynkoop, Denver, CO
(303) 297-2700 Entry: $50
Contact: Melissa Little wynkoop.com
May 14-22
BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships
Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas
May 18-22, 2010
Predator 2010 U.S. Open
10-Ball Championships
Riviera Hotel and Casino
Las Vegas, NV
Jacoby Carolina Tour
call (252) 908-0754 or
www.rockcitypromotions.com
May 22-23
Raxx Pool Room & Grill
W. Hempstead, NY
516-538-9896 $2,000 Added $100 Entry
June 12-13
Snookers Billiards Bar & Grill
Providence, RI 401-351-7665
$2,000 Added $100 Entry
Aug. 19-22
(Season Finale)
Turning Stone Classic XV
Turning Stone Resort & Casino
800-771-7711
Mike Zuglan 518-356-7163
$25,000 Added
$150 Entry Tour Members
$200 Entry Non-Members
KwikFire Tour
J. Pechauer Ne Women’s Tour
856-829-8063
[email protected].
www.newt9ball.com
Mar. 27-28
Champion’s Billiards Sports Cafe
Frederick, MD 301-846-0089
Apr. 17-18
Primetime Sports Bar & Billiards
Sayreville, NJ 732-721-6555
(704) 780-1536 / kcarter@
carolinabilliardtour.com
www.kwikfireinc.com
Ladies Spirit Tour
561-262-6110
www.ladiespiritour.com
Lone Star Billiards Tour
J. Pechauer Se open 9-Ball Tour
call 765.676.5471 for details
or visit www.southeastopen.com
The Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour
518-356-7163 for details
or visit www.joss9balltour.com
Mar. 6-7
Cap’s Cue Club, Syracuse, NY
$1,500 Added $100 Entry 315-701-0101
Mar. 13-14
Trick Shot Billiards & Sports Pub
Clifton, Parkl, NY 518-383-8771
$2,000 Added $100 Entry
Mar. 27-28
Classic Billiards, Rochester, NY
$2,000 Added $100 Entry
585-227-7400
April 10-11
Raxx Pool Room & Grill
W. Hempstead, NY 516-538-9896
$2,000 Added, $100 Entry
April 17-18
Northeast 9-Ball Open XXIII
Golden Cue Billiards
Albany, NY 518-459-9442
$2,000 Added $100 Entry
9-Ball--$40 entry All events
Coordinator: Kim White 713.825.1411
or [email protected]
Mar. 27-28
The Green Room Temple, TX
9-Ball $1,000 Added Ladies $350 Added
Apr. 10-11
Bogies Billiards & Games Houston, TX
9-Ball $1,000 Added Ladies $350 Added
Apr. 24-25
Casper’s Biliards San Leon, TX
9-Ball $1,000 Added Ladies $350 Added
June 19-20
Q-Stix Billiards Houston, TX
10-Ball $1,000 Added Ladies $350 Added
July 10-11
Bogies Billiards & Games Houston, TX
1 Pocket $200 Added, 9-Ball $1,000
Added. Ladies 9-Ball $350 Added
July 24-25
Casper’s Biliards San Leon, TX
9-Ball $1,000 Added Ladies $350 Added
Aug. 14-15
Q Stix Billiards Houston, TX
8-Ball $1,000 Added
Ladies 9-Ball $350 Added
Sep. 11-12
Bogies Billiards & Games Houston, TX
10-Ball $1,000 Added
Ladies 9-Ball $350 Added
Lucasi Hybrid
All American Tour
Presented by American Cuesports
americancuesports.org 888-662-1705
March 20
Greenfields Pool & Sports Bar
Lakewood, CO
$500 Added 8-Ball $35 Entry
303-989-9820
March 20
Legends Sports Bar, Clinton, IA
$500 Added 9-Ball, $40 Entry
563-243-4266
April 9-11
Nite Hawk, Portland, OR
$1,500 Added 9-Ball, $50 Entry
503-285-7177
May 9
TBD, W. Palm Beach, FL
$500 Added 8-Ball, TBD Entry
503-285-7177
June 19-20
Slick Willie’s. Houston, TX 713-303-8111
$500 Added 8-Ball, $30 Entry
Mar. 20-21
New York Athletic Club New York, NY
Tom Kollins 847-740-6296
Apr. 10-11
Club 147 Brooklyn, NY
John Lewis 920-662-1705
May 8-9
Shoreline Billiards Mountain View, CA
Ajeya Prabhakar 408-203-6721
viking Cue 9-Ball Tour
call 800-200-7665 for details or
visit www.viking9balltour.com
Mar. 27-28, 2010
Blue Fox Billiards Bar Grill
Winchester, VA 540-665-2114
$1,500 Added Open (Two Day Event)
$!,000 Added Amateur (Sun. Only)
Apr. 10-11
Fast Eddie’s Sports Bar & Grill
919-759-0071 $1,500 Added Amateur
Plus Nitely Mini’s
PartyPoker World Pool Masters
Qualifiers
[email protected]
+44 7785 395688
www.matchroompool.com
(earlier dates listed at poolmag.com)
Mar. 13
Billiard Club “Gavan” Bolshoy
Prospekt h 83, St Petersburg, Russia
Lev Yaroslavtsev [email protected]
Mar. 13-14
De Loft, Frederick Cakti Aswan
Lintsstraat 45, Leuven Belgium
[email protected]
Mar. 20-21
Las Vegas Cue Club Las Vegas, NV
Henry Nogiec, Jim Wych
[email protected] 702-735-2884
Mar. 22
Hiland Billiards Mecca 1-2-2,
Wakabacho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Japan
[email protected] www.mecca-web.jp
Apr. 3-4
Silver Tip Billiards Ed Galati
Mississauga, Ontario. Canada
905-275-8433 [email protected]
Apr. 10-11
Madrid, Spain Peter Aprile
[email protected]
May 11
Matchroom Sport (2 SPOTS)
PoolSharks Las Vegas, NV
[email protected]
Pro Tour EVENTS
NGB Amateur Tour
Contact Mike Bidwell 770-380-6290
[email protected]
www.northgeorgebilliards.com
Mar. 13
All Star Billiards Winder, GA
Allstarbilliardsonline.com
Entry: $25 $1,000 Added
770-380-6290 Mike Bidwell
ozone Predator 9-Ball Tour
917-202-2750
www.predator9balltour.com
rockford Billiard Café Series
www.rockfordbilliardcafe.com
Feb. 13, Mar. 13*, Apr. 10
Rockford, IL 815-962-0957
$30 Entry Handicapped 10-Ball, “9-Foot
Gold Crown, All Others 7-Ft Valley
Southeast open 9-Ball Tour
Mar. 6-7
Skeeters Billiards Gulfport, MS
228-897-1234 $1,000 Added Open
$ 500 Added Am/Semi Pro
uSSA National Snooker Tour
920-662-1705 [email protected]
Mar. 13-14
California Blrd Club Mountain View, CA
Bob Jewett 408-615-7479
2010 WoMeN’S Pro BILLIArd Tour CALeNdAr
dates
event Title
City/State / Champion
Feb. 19-21 WPBA Regional Tour Championships
Bellflower, CA
Hard Times Billiards, hardtimesbellflower.com
Mar. 10-14 San Diego Classic, Viejas Casino
Alpine, CA
800-847-6527, www.viejas.com
May 17-22 US Open 10-Ball Championships
Las Vegas, NV
Riviera Hotel & Casino, playcsipool.com
Jul 28- 8/1 US Open 9-Ball Championships
Norman, OK
Riverwind Casino, www.riverwind.com
Oct. TBA
BI Tournament of Champions
Uncasville, CT
Mohegan Sun Casino Hotel, 888-226-7711
Nov. TBA WPBA National Championship
TBA
2010 MeN’S Pro BILLIArd Tour CALeNdAr
dates
event Title
City/State/Champion
Jan. 22-30 Derby City Classic, Horseshoe Casino
Elizabeth, IN/Efren Reyes
Mar. 18-21 Diamond 10-Ball Players Championship Valley Forge, PA
Valley Forge Expo Center
May 12-16 PartyPoker.net World Pool Masters
Las Vegas, NV
www.matchroomsport.com
May 17-22 US Open 10-Ball Championships
Las Vegas, NV
Riviera Hotel & Casino, playcsipool.com
Aug. 19-22 Joss NE Turning Stone Summer Classic
Verona, NY/
518-356-7163 or [email protected]
Oct. TBA
International Challenge of Champions
Uncasville, CT
Mohegan Sun Casino Hotel, 888-226-7711
Oct. TBA
World Cup of Trick Shots
Uncasville, CT
Mohegan Sun Casino Hotel, 888-226-7711
Oct. 17-23 US Open 9-Ball Championships
Chesapeake/VA
757-499-8900
Dec. TBA Seminole Tour Finale, Hard Rock Casino Hollywood, FL
www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com
Pro rankings
WoMeN’S Pro BILLIArd Tour
rank/Name
Points
26400
1 Ga Young Kim
2 Jasmin Ouschan
26000
3 Xiaoting Pan
25875
4 Karen Corr
23750
5 Kelly Fisher
23375
6 Allison Fisher
23000
7 Vivian Villarreal
20750
8 Gerda Hofstatter
19875
9 Jeanette Lee
19125
10 Monica Webb
18375
11 Kim Shaw
16500
12 Line Kjorsvik
16250
13 Tracie Hines
15875
14 Helena Thornfeldt
14500
15 Yu Ram Cha
14500
16 Kyoko Sone
13725
17 Sarah Rousey
12400
18 Iris Ranola
12250
19 Kim White
11500
20 Melissa Little
11150
21 Laura Smith
10375
22 Melissa Herndon
4000
23 Megan Smith
9150
24 Jennifer Barretta
3875
25 Angel Paglia
9000
26 Julie Kelly
9000
27 Liz Ford
8975
28 My Hahn Lac
8375
29 Brittany Bryant
8375
30 Tamara Rademakers 8350
31 Miyuki Sakai
8000
32 Ewa Laurance
7875
Move
n
h
h
i
h
i
h
i
n
i
h
h
h
i
i
h
h
i
i
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
n
i
h
i
h
MeN’S Pro BILLIArd Tour
rank/Name
1 Johnny Archer
2 Ralf Soquet
3 Corey Deuel
4 Rodney Morris
5 Shane Van Boening
6 Oscar Dominguez
7 John Schmidt
8 Mika Immonen
9 Charlie Williams
10 Shawn Putnam
11 Stevie Moore
12 Kim Davenport
13 Charlie Bryant
14 Dennis Hatch
15 Thorsten Hohmann
16 Mike Davis
17 Mike Dechaine
18 Donnie Mills
19 Jeremy Sossei
20 Rafael Martinez
21 Zion Zvi
22 Dave Grau
23 Karl Boyes
24 Dennis Orcullo
25 Imran Majid
26 Robb Saez
27 Gabe Owen
28 Warren Kiamco
29 Mark Vidal
30 Darren Appleton
31 Lee Van Corteza
32 Hunter Lombardo
Points Move
561.25
h
503.00 i
487.50
h
451.10
h
238.50 n
384.00 i
356.00
h
348.50
h
333.40 i
313.20
h
305.85 i
284.75
h
273.00 i
262.50 n
259.00 i
243.30
h
211.25
h
205.00
h
172.00
h
169.90
h
161.00
h
158.50
h
155.00 i
154.00 i
142.00 i
116.00 n
138.15
h
136.00
h
135.75 n
132.75 i
131.50 i
129.75
h
P&B March 2010
65
March’s
Cool Pool News
brought to you by...
SUN
MON
TUE
1
7
WED
2
3
9
10
Happy B-Day
UPA Pro
Dick Lane
8
Happy B-Day
1997 World
9-Ball Champ
Daryl Peach
THU
s
ew
N
t
es
m
Lat g.Co
e
a
Th lM
Get Poo
at
14
15
16
BCA Hall of
Famer
Born 1889
Frank Taberski
FRI
Happy B-Day
Player &
Promoter
Mike Zuglan
&
WPA Pro
Kunhiko
Takahashi
4
11
Happy B-Day
UPA Pro
Dave Matlock
SAT
5
6
12
13
Happy B-Day
WPBA Hall
of Famer and
WPBA Pro
Belinda
Campos
Calhoun
WPBA San Diego Classic
March 10-14
17
18
Happy
St.
Patrick’s
Day!
19
DID YOU
22
23
Players Championship
Super Billiards Expo
Valley Forge Expo Center
HEADS UP FACEBOOK FANS!
P&B MAG has TWO ways you can hang out with us on
Facebook. Our Pool & Billiard Magazine page lets you keep
up with daily news and blog posts in between issues,
and our new group, “No Farmers, No Mafia, No Fish, Just
Pool Players. This is POOLMAG Mister!” lets you post
news, events, videos, photos and questions for us!
28
66 P&B March 2010
29
25
24
K
NOW?
rm
the Supe arks the 18th y
ea r o f
r
by BCA H26Billiards Expo. 27
Started
all of Fa
mer Alle
back in 1
n Ho
9
the only 93, the event re pkins
mains
major co
n su
pool & b
illiard pla mer show for
yers and
fans!
This yea
21
20
Legendary
Player
Born 1887
Joe
Concannon
March 18-21
30
Happy B-Day
UPA Pro
Jeremy Jones
and
WPA pro
Fabio Petroni
31
YOUR POOL-O-SCOPE FOR MARCH!
March, ruled by the three-ball, means three’s
not necessarily a crowd at the pool table. Grab
another player and play a ring game!
As for practice, work on three ball patterns
(7,8,9 for you 9-ballers, two stripes and the 8
if you’re an 8-Ball fan). Mix it up with some
critical shots: try some three rail kicks and banks!
Thanks to Terry Ardeno and the Women’s Pro Billiard Tour for supplying numerous player birthdays!
THE BEST SHOTS ARE MADE
ON TRUE SIMONIS CLOTH
®