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Stroke Pool Magazine 2013 August Issue

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U. S. Open results from Las Vegas along with the BCAPL, USAPL and VNEA Nationals ... Pros and Amateurs ...it's all inside
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U.S. OPENCHAMPIONSHIP8 BALL

CHAMPIONSHIPPOCKETONE

U.S. OPEN

ARTISTICPOOL CHAMPIONSHIP

Founded upon unwavering principles of quality and value, 2013 marks our 333rd continuous year in business.We are the oldest company in the billiard industry.

Being the oldest didn’t make us the best... being the best has made us the oldest.

Premium products with premium value. Iwan Simonis.

Our 333rd year...and we hardly look a day over 200.

w w w . a r a m i t h . c o mw w w . s i m o n i s c l o t h . c o m

A u t h e n t i c . A c c u r a t e . A l w a y s .

®

®

PERFORMANCE CUSHIONS byKLEMATCH

8 0 0 . S I M O N I S 8 8 8 . A R A M I T H

4 Stroke Magazine - August 2013 www.StrokeMagazine.net

2013

CONTACT US:***NEW ADDRESS***On The Break News

P.O. Box 1566Bozeman, MT 59771

Phone [email protected]

www.TheBreakMagazine.com

DEADLINE: 25th of each Month - CALL IF LATE

On Th

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by: D

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COLUMNISTS

8 Ask the Viper

9 Tom Simpson

10 Bob Jewett

12 Get A Grip

13 Michael Glass

JUNIOR NATIONALS15 Results from Nationals

TOURS5 Predator

21 Tri State Tour

24 Flamingo

COVER ARTICLE19 Morris Comeback

STROKEPOOL MAGAZINE© 2013 Stroke

WEEKLY TOURNAMENTS33 Eastern U.S. Weekly Tournaments

34 Eastern U.S. Tournaments

U.S. OPENCHAMPIONSHIP8 BALL

CHAMPIONSHIPPOCKETONE

U.S. OPEN

ARTISTICPOOL CHAMPIONSHIP

Stroke is a monthly publication, dedicated to the advancement of the sport of pool. The opinions expressed are those of the author or advertiser and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Break or its staff. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced.

Publisher

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ADVERTISERSAmy’s Billiards 12Aramith 3Ask the Viper 8BCAPL/CSI 35Bison Billiards 12Bob Jewett 11Corner Pocket Billiards 11CueStix International 36Gate City Billiards 17Lucky 7 Billiards 21Master Chalk 11McDermott 2Michael’s Billiards 17Michael Glass 13Mueller 4National Billiard Academy 9Sandcastle Billiards 21Simonis 3Subscription 32Tiger Products 14Zingale’s 17

FEATURES5 BCAPL Nationals

11 Chalk Talk

15 BEF National

25 Wally’s

26 VNEA Nationals

30 Mr Cues II

31 TAP Broward

POOL ON TV - POOL ON THE NETLive Streamer’s linkswww.otbntv.comwww.ontherailtv.com/ www.ustream.tv/user/cmbwsu/crowdswww.ustream.tv/channel/greatsouthernbilliardtourwww.actionpooltour.com/live-streaming.htmlwww.theactionreport.com www.ustream.tv/channel/accu-stats-on-locationwww.povpool.com

AugustLocal Coverage National Exposure

The Predator Pro Am Tour’s ninth stop of the 2013 season was hosted by one of the most famous pool rooms in the USA, Amsterdam Billiard Club in NYC, over the weekend of July 13-14. Top talent including house pro Tony Robles, two-time US Open 9-Ball Champion Mika Immonen, WPBA pro Jennifer Barretta, and straight pool guru Danny Barouty are often seen both competing and teaching at Amsterdam.OPEN/PRO EVENT:The Predator Tour’s Open/Pro event at Amsterdam showcased a breakthrough performance for open player

Dan Cintron of New Jersey and A+ player Phil Davis of Connecticut. Davis and Cintron earned the two spots in the hot seat in the event, facing off to see who would guarantee a place in the final match.Phil started the event with wins over Keith Adamik 7-5 and Mhet Vergara 7-0 before losing to Dan Cintron 7-5 in the hot seat match. Phil bounced back with a win over Travis McKinney 7-5 in the semifinal to meet Dan Cintron, who went through the field undefeated. Dan Cintron’s road to the finals featured wins over Travis McKinney 7-6, Sean Morgan 7-6, Tony Robles 7-4, and Phil Davis 7-5. In the finals, Dan would clutch out a breakthrough victory over Phil in a close battle, ending in a 7-5 scoreline. After the event, I asked Dan what his most memorable moments of the tournament were, and Dan attributed his win against legendary pro Tony Robles and sinking his final winning 10-ball as being his two top highlights of the event. Dan Cintron has had a longtime presence in the pool community in the New York Tri-State area, and was recently inducted into the Tri-State Tour Hall of Fame at the 2013 Tri-State Invitational. In recent years, Dan was also named tour’s Sportsman of the Year, as well as the A+ Class Player of the Year. Dan has also broadened his involvement in pool as he joined up with sponsors Kamui Tips, Dunkel Custom Cues, On the Snap Billiards, Clifton Billiards, Hustlin USA, and Active Wellness Center. On Friday, July 12, Dan was featured on an online talk radio show called ‘What Are the Odds’, where he discussed his love of billiards and the lifestyle of the sport. Click here to listen to podcast. While Dan has been a veteran on NY area tours and events, his renewed passion for the game and dedication to improve were clearly showcased in this event. Congratulations to Dan Cintron for his great showing that lead to his breakthrough first Predator Tour Open/Pro title. In the Amateur 9-Ball division of the Predator Pro/Am Tour’s ninth stop, a full field of 64 players were in attendance at Amsterdam Billiards. The event got underway at noon on Saturday, July 13 and continued on Sunday, July 14. Players ranked from ‘D’ to ‘A+’ level competed in this handicapped 9-ball event, where players were spotted games on the wire based on the differing skill levels. After battling through the first day of action, two players were yet undefeated… and they returned on day two to play for the hot seat. Trevor Heal (A) and Alex Osipov (B+) were the two feature players. Trevor would edge out Alex in a well-played battle that ended in a double-hill finish, with a 7-6 final score which landed Trevor a spot in the final. Leading up to the hot seat match, Trevor’s road to the finals featured wins over Ryan Frech 10-7, Darwin Vergara 7-6, “Devil Dave” Ascolese 7-5, Tony Cosenza 7-4, and Romeo Singh 7-6.Meanwhile, six players returned on day two with hopes of making a comeback after their previous losses on Saturday. SEMIFINAL:After successfully making it through two rounds on the one-loss side, Dave Shlemperis earned himself a

Cintron / ShlemperiS Capture WinS rematch against Alex Osipov (rated B+), who earlier defeated him in the winner’s bracket. Dave would get redemption this time around, winning 7-2 against Alex to move on to the finals.FINAL MATCH:The format for the final would be an extended race… where Dave Shlemperis, who came from the one-loss side, would have to get to seven games before Trevor to extend the race to 9 games, while Trevor would win it if he got to seven first. In the finals, Dave had a dominant performance en route to a final 9-3 scoreline. The Predator Pro-Am Tour would like to acknowledge their sponsors for their ongoing support: Predator Cues, The National Amateur Pool League, Delta-13, NYCgrind, PoolOnTheNet.com, and host room Amsterdam Billiards.Next up on the Predator Pro/Am Tour will be the 2nd Annual Steinway Classic on August 25-27, which has recently been added to the tour schedule as the 10th stop of the season.This is a $7,000-added pro event, which is slated to feature a top-flight group of international pros.The following tour stop will be the 3rd Annual George “Ginky” SanSouci Memorial, stop #11 of the 2013 season. This $5,000-added event will be held at Steinway Billiards in Astoria, NY, and will feature both an Amateur 9-Ball and Open/Pro 10-Ball division. Steinway Billiards is located at 3525 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11101. 718.472.2124.Complete Payouts ABCD1st: Dave Shlemperis $10002nd: Trevor Heal $7003rd: Alex Osipov $5004th: Jimmy Acosta $3505th/6th: Romeo Singh, Rhys Chen $2507th/8th: Carl Yusuf Khan, Gary O’Callaghan $1509th-12th: Raphael Dabreo, Yomaylin Feliz, Rhio Anne Flores,Tony Cosenza $10013th-16: Glen Ramsey, George Poltorak, Silven Fret, Phil Davis $80

Complete Payouts Open/Pro1st: Dan Cintron $7002nd: Phil Davis $5003rd: Travis McKinney $5004th: Mhet Vergara

at Amsterdam

L-R Winner Dave Shlemperis & runner-up Trevor Heal

L-R Mhet Vergara, Travis McKinney, Dan Cintron, Phil Davis

www.StrokeMagazine.net August 2013 - Stroke Magazine 5

Local Coverage National Exposure

6 Stroke Magazine - August 2013 www.StrokeMagazine.net

BY: DON AKERLOW

The 2013 - 37th Annual BCAPL is billed to be the “Greatest Pool Tournament in the World”, which started in the middle of July, running 11 days and ending towards the end of July - lives up to it’s billing!

No other national league championship offers so much. The two obvious changes this year were location and two months later in the year or smack dab in the middle of summer. If that is not enough, there are three pro events, two league championships, a 9 Ball Challenge, WPA World Artistic Pool Championships, the 25th U. S. Junior National 9-Ball Championships, a High Run Challenge and if that is not enought, let’s throw in a torrential rain storm with 71mph winds and couches flying off the roof of the Rio (by Mother Nature of course)! Want more, how about free practice all eleven days on the the 7’ Diamond tables. Oh, did I forget the 108 degree heat, but inside it was cool - at least most of the time.

I’ve played in sixteen different national league championships and have covered them in ten other years so when I tell you that there is always something to do, I don’t only mean in Las Vegas. Whether you are a casual or die hard pool player you have pro players from all over the world, the best on the planet playing, as well as the best league players the game may have ever seen both men and women. Both vie for their respected championship, team, singles or scotch doubles. You have booths around the main tournament floor offering any and all accessories and virtually any pool cue brand that you could think of. Pool cases, t-shirts, food, minis and even one vendor who was raffling off a $10,000 cue! I put my $20 in, but I don’t believe I won.

This is just part of all that you get at the BCAPL. “It is an amateur 8-Ball tournament with pro event,” Mark Griffin said.

In talking to Mark after the event was over, we discussed the overall pros and cons of these tournaments. As with all events in a new venue there are always kinks to be worked out. All in all the consensus was that the unique player turnout was only about 1% to 2% difference plus or minus. When I looked at the actual entries to each of the events between last year and this year, I found that the player entries in individual events were way up - approximately by 540 entries. Mark noted that with the inclusion of the Junior Nationals and the Artistic Pool Championships

the crowds were larger.

The BCAPL made a concentrated effort to call league operators and encourage them to come to Nationals in July. Mark said, “We wanted to break 6,000 players and we did. I think we ended up with about 6,250 which was real close to the number of unique players we had last year.”

I asked Mark why he decided to change to move the dates from May to July and he responded, “May is a month that conflicts with Mother’s Day, Graduation, kids still in school, so July just made more sense from the perspective that it is considered a vacation month. The only downside is the weather, it is a little hotter in July but inside the Rio it is a constant 72 degrees.”

Mother Nature had her own ideas about challenges for the tournament. The third night saw a torrential rain storm with 71mph winds which picked up couches at the Voodoo Lounge on the 54th floor of the Rio and sent them flying off the roof and onto the street below. The storm caused a power outage for 12 hours which caused chaos with the bracketing. Three rounds were lost in the amateur and pro events and had to be rescheduled. Logistically it created some problems for players finishing up in one division and scheduled to play in another. It took about 3-4 days to straighten out the brackets and get the tournaments back on track. But all in all the Rio fared well throughout the storm. Many of the other casinos in Vegas had to deal with flooding and more severe damage.

This was the first year that the U. S. Open 8-Ball Championship was held and according to Mark, “Since we are an 8 Ball tournament, it seemed to be a perfect fit. 8-Ball on the big tables and the level of the pro players could be almost a boring game but the finals were very exciting between Shane Van Boening and Carlo Biado. They ran a phenominal 19 out of 22 racks and it was exciting to watch.”

I spoke with Mark about changes for next year. It is always a good thing to look back at the event and identify areas where improvements can be made. You have to take the complaints from both the players and your staff and evaluate what can be done better. Here are some of the things that Mark is looking to do next year, “Rearranging the pavillion so that the space functions a little better. We may have changes for the Pro events but that is being formulated now. We had some awesome foreign players

The Greatest Pool Tournament in the World

www.StrokeMagazine.net August 2013 - Stroke Magazine 7

that participated in the event and want to encourage them to come back.

The pro side had 20 - 9’ tables which was very expensive from a gas and shipping point of view. The Juniors ended up finishing up in front of a very small crowd after everything else finished so that might have to change for next year. The lighting grid presented some problems which caused set up delays and there were electronic systems that were supposed to be set up for the players that could not be installed because of the time constraints caused by the lighting. We were supposed to have kiosks for the BCAPL players to track their progress in the brackets.

The traffic was slow during the first few days of the tournament for the vendors but seemed to pick up when the teams got there. Food prices were high but we are working with the hotel to provide better pricing, daily specials, smaller portions and longer hours.

This was the first time using the Cyclop Balls for play and the feedback from the players was that the balls didn’t skid. Even the room temperature went up causing claminess, the balls performed well on the tables. The only complaint came from the 9-Ball players who found some difficulty distinguishing the colors of the balls.”

Considering the size and scope of the entire events and the interference of Mother Nature, this truly was the “Greatest Pool Tournament in the World.” For those of you not in attendance the combination of Amateur and Pro events was second to none. You don’t want to miss this event next year, the dates are scheduled for July 16 - 26, 2014.

Sponsors for the events were:CueSports International (playcsipool.com) Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino (riolasvegas.com) Diamond Billiard Products (diamondbilliards.net) Mueller Recreational Products (muellers.com) Simonis Cloth (simoniscloth.com) Tweeten Fibre / Master Chalk (tweeten.us) Delta-13 (delta-13.com) TAR – The Action Report (theactionreport.com) Billiards Digest (billiardsdigest.com) Magic Ball Rack (playbca.com/magicballrack.aspx) Cyclop Billiard Balls

Official Cue of the CSI U.S. Open Events:Predator Cues (predatorcues.com)

Official Cue of the BCAPL & USAPL National Championships:OB Cues (obcues.com)

For more results: http://ctsondemand.com/TournamentHome.aspx?TournamentID=6310014

37th BCAPL National Championships

BCAPL Results (continued on page 16)

8 Stroke Magazine - August 2013 www.StrokeMagazine.net

Melissa Little

“The Viper”“The Viper”An Interviewby:

Read more articles by Melissa Little at

www.onthebreaknews.com

www.melissalittle.com

WPBA Touring Profession

The

For Juniors Events, Tournament News, Sponsors, Lessons & For My Fans...

(Viper continued on page 32)

Melissa “The Viper” Little has been a WPBA Touring Professional for over 10-years, she has represented the USA in Four WPA World Championships and has over 20 top-10 WPBA career finishes. She teaches monthly clinics, gives private lessons, and has created a juniors program that promotes billiards education to the local youth. Recently, Melissa opened a new billiard supply store www.qzetta.com

For more information about Melissa please visit: www.melissalittle.com

An Interview with World Ranked Professional Nick EkonomopoulosThis month I am introducing you to WPA world ranked player, Nick Ekonomopoulos from Athens, Greece.

The Interview: Just a little history on how I met Nick… I was representing the USA in the 2000 WPA World championships in Quebec, Canada and Nick was representing Greece in the Junior World Championships at the tender age of 17. We hit it off well and hung out the entire time we were there. I have not seen Nick since then until this year at the “Southern Classic” event in Tunica, MS. and boy was I surprised how much he has grown into a world-class pool player and I am proud to interview him in this month’s “Ask the Viper”. What an honor to introduce him to you now…. Viper: Where were you born?Nick: I was born in Athens, Greece in 1989Viper: What are your biggest accomplishments in the sport of billiards?Nick: 2012 Austrian Dynamic Open Champion, 2013 Belgrade Open Champion, 2012 Mosconi Cup European Champion, Runner-Up Champion @ The 2010 European 8-Ball Championships, currently ranked 6th on the Euro-Tour and 15th in the WPA world rankings.Viper: Do you have a nickname yet?Nick: They call me “Nick the Greek” Viper: What are your short-term goals?Nick: To get my world ranking up into the top-10 and of course to win a world championship. Viper: What your next upcoming event?

Nick: I am participating in the upcoming “World Masters of Pool” and I’m partnering up with Athens Pro Alex Kazkis in a doubles competition called the “World Cup of Pool” both events will be held in the UK this Fall.Viper: What do you do when you’re not competing?Nick: I opened my own pool hall when I was 24-years-old and its name is “Different”. Ten tables, open 24-hours a day and a restaurant. It’s located in Athens. We have weekly tournaments and its home for me. Viper: Do you have siblings?Nick: Yes, I have a younger sister and “No” she doesn’t play pool….lol.

www.StrokeMagazine.net August 2013 - Stroke Magazine 9

Tom Simpson

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Ball in Mind© April 2008 – All Rights Reserved – PoolClinics.com

“Ball-in-Hand” (BIH) is an enormous penalty for the player who fouls in 9-Ball, in 10-Ball, and in some rule sets for 8-Ball. It’s also an enormous opportunity for the incoming player. Often, this opportunity is wasted.Advanced players take full advantage of BIH, intelligently planning cueball placement, the shot, the position, and the strategy. Working with many novice and intermediate players, I find they typically fail to consider some of the aspects of the situation that are obvious to their more experienced opponents. They tend to rush in and plop the cueball down and shoot the first shot they see, and of course, don’t get the appropriate shape on the next shot.My advice is “When you get Ball-in-Hand, take Ball-in-Mind.” Stop and study the table and the game situation. Consider the current possibilities, the next shots, the layout problems, your skills, and your opponent’s skills. Make a plan before you place that cueball. In pool, the standard concern is always “How do I shoot the current shot in such a way that I get an angle on the next shot that takes me to the one after that.” We’re nearly always planning at least three balls. With BIH, we can think the plan through and set up the “current shot” in a way that most easily or naturally pockets the ball and gets us to the next shot or solves the next problem. Let’s look at the primary factors.Good Plan: Study the table until you have arrived at the plan you will try to execute. This is a big opportunity. Your first idea might not be your best. Don’t be shortsighted. Good plans don’t always mean you run out for the win. Sometimes a safety or strategic ball re-arrangement is the smart play.Good Shot Sequence: Don’t just shoot the ball that’s closest to a pocket. And don’t consider just the closest pockets for your first ball. When possible, chose position routes that are simple and natural – don’t shoot extreme, fancy shots with BIH. If you can’t get to your second shot from your first shot, it’s probably not a good plan. Minimize use of english on the first shot. Why make it harder? Good Distance: Make the shot easy. Place the CB reasonably close to the OB. Too close and you might not have room for your full, normal stroke. Typical good distance

is about a foot. Note: There is nothing manly about putting the CB four feet away when it’s not necessary. If possible,

don’t place the CB where you have to stretch or use the mechanical bridge. Avoid rail bridges too,

when you can.Good Angle: Consider the shot angle for your CB placement. Is it an angle for which you have high confidence in pocketing the ball? Can you see the path the cueball will take off the OB, and is that the path you want? Thin cut angles will leave a lot of speed in the CB, while thick hits will take speed out of the ball. Shoot angles that make it easy to move the CB the amount of distance you want.Good Speed: Once you have a good cueball plan and placement, and it’s time to shoot, you just have to think about speed. How much speed will it take, given the distance, angle of approach, and spin? Is this a comfortable, reliable speed for you?Good Landing Zones: If you stand behind your next shot, you can use your stick to help you roughly visualize the wedge-shaped position zone you need to land in for that shot. The wedge is smaller near the OB, which means it’s harder to land in that part of the zone. Smart players often play to roll across the fat part of the wedge or to roll toward the OB through the distant portion of the zone. This makes it a lot easier to stop successfully within the wedge.Good Results: Draw is hard to control. Go for simple follow or stop shots. Don’t move the CB more than necessary. Don’t disturb balls that don’t need to be moved. Go for the easiest plan to execute. If your plan calls for you to do things at the outer limits of what you can reliably do, maybe you need to switch to a defensive plan. After you sink a ball, re-analyze your plan, adding a new third ball and adjusting for the new reality of the table situation.Good Improvement: In practice, shoot hundreds of “Three-Ball Patterns.” Throw three balls on the table, study the layout, make a plan to run out, place the CB, and shoot the pattern you saw. Try to find the simplest, most natural plan. Learn from what happens. If you’re playing in a league that allows coaching, or if you’re playing a friendly game, talk through your plan and their plan and see whether there is a good alternative you haven’t thought of or a problem you haven’t foreseen.So when you get Ball-in-Hand, don’t play Ball-in-Hope. Seize the opportunity – take Ball-in-Mind. Plan your play and then play your plan. And remember the #1 rule of BIH: Don’t miss!

The Billiard UniversityWould you like to have a more organized practice routine -- one that covers nearly all aspects of play? Are you curious as to how you stack up against other players? If so, there is a new web site that can provide help. BilliardUniversity.Org was developed by Dave Alciatore and Randy Russell. You may remember Dr. Dave as my co-author on the DVD series “Video Encyclopedia of Pool Practice.”

The basic idea behind Dave and Randy’s site is to provide a series of tests to allow two things. The first is to test your current level of pool proficiency. A first exam has seven parts that test your basic pocketing and positioning skills. Each part is scored according to how many balls youpocket or how accurately you can move the cue ball to the required area. At the end you add upthe individual scores to get a first estimate of your playing level.

You next move on to a second test -- labelled “Bachelors”, “Masters”, and “Doctorate” to fit in with the “University” theme -- depending on how well you did on the first test, with each test increasingly difficult. Adding up the scores from the two tests tells you whether you get your “diploma” and what level it is. A list of “graduates” on the web site shows how others have done. While access to all of the exams and help with how to work on them is free, if you want to be listed and get an actual diploma, there is a charge.

The diagram is from the Doctorate level exam and is one of three nine ball run out patterns that make up one of the ten sub-tests of that exam. The balls are placed as shown and you have to try to run out

with ball in hand to start. You get one point for each ball pocketed before a miss or foul.

If you work with this diagram for a while, you can learn a lot about the easy ways to get position as well as your own limitations. Consider the transition from the

3 ball to the 4 ball. The simplest way is to place the cue ball at A and draw it straight back to A. This will leave a

cut on the 4 so you can go to the side rail and go towards the 5.

Simplest is not always best, however. If your draw is off a little, you may leave yourself straight in on the 4 ball or maybe not quite straight in and with an angle -- or lack of angle -- that makes it had to get to the 5. If your follow is better than your draw, you could place the cue ball at C and follow to the end cushion and out to B. The downside of

that is that you are “crossing the line of position” and you have to control your speed pretty well to get the correct angle on the 4.

A better way to get on the 4 is to place the cue ball at B and follow off the side cushion and back to B. Since you will be rolling along the line you want for quite a distance, your speed control is not so important.

An even simpler way to get to the 4 is to place the cue ball at D, pocket the 3 in X and follow softly to B. This kind of position with ball in hand is often overlooked because most players will not try for “short side” position during normal play if anything else is available. With ball in hand,you can choose the exact spot you need to make the follow shot easy and natural.

Well, we’ve covered the first shot of the layout and I hope you’ve learned something about what you can presently do and what you need to work on. How would you plan the rest of the shots for the run out?

REJ

3 4

5

6

7

8

9

AB

C

D

X

10 Stroke Magazine - August 2013 www.StrokeMagazine.net

C O L U M N I S T

Bob Jewett

Bob

Jew

ett San Francisco Billiard Academy

www.sfbilliards.comSan Francisco Billiard Academy is a

BCA Certified Master Academy.

www.StrokeMagazine.net August 2013 - Stroke Magazine 11

THE SKY IS NO LIMIT

INTRODUCING:

SKY BLUE®

CHALK TALKSponsored by: Master Chalk

BY: DON AKERLOW

ARE YOU READYfor some pool .... leagues

In September and early October pool leagues are starting up all across the country. Players begin practicing, signing up, trying to get on a team, looking for the best player for your team. Hopes run high to be the top shooter, top gun, high points. For a team to win their league, to qualify for nationals, for singles and teams, anticipation runs high.

Time to get a new tip or the old one fixed, maybe a new shaft, a new case, new products, a jump cue and maybe .... even a new cue. Anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars.

What most players don’t do is more important than what they do. Learn how to chalk your tip. It will keep chalk on your tip when you hit the cue. This will help you not to miscue. The best chalk I have found, if you, like many others like to chalk your cue after each shot, is from our sponsor Master Chalk.

In my opinion, never buy a cue unless you can road test it first. Play with it, make sure it feels good, how it strokes, the weight balance, whether a forward weight or rear. Can you chalk it up and hit the cue ball and make it dance? Of course only when you are just showing off. The best stroke you can get from your cue is when you keep it simple. It’s like I have always told myself KISS .... (keep it simple stupid).

Now the next thing you need to know is to go out and play the best damn pool you know how. If you need to get some lessons, find a qualified instructor. They can and will improve your game. Be patient along with leagues, play some weeklies, some weekend tournaments and some big tournaments. A secret that you may or may not know is to watch better

players and practice what they do especially when they have won the tournament. Watch what english they use and what the cue ball does after they hit the object ball. If you lose out in a tournament don’t get angry and leave, take the time to learn from players who have beat you and are better than you. Ask them what english they used on that shot you couldn’t believe they made. Most will talk or brag about it. You can learn and practice.

Most important have fun!!!

Hope to see you in Vegas next year!

www.StrokeMagazine.net February 2013 - Stroke Magazine 21

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12 Stroke Magazine - August 2013 www.StrokeMagazine.net

Get a GripGet a Grip BY: SHARI ROSS

Bar Box 8-Ball 1st Saturday of the Month

$35 entry includes green fee - Double Elimination - Race to 3Doors open Noon - Calcutta 2pm - Starts 2:30pm

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IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RESPOND OR MAKE A COMMENT EMAIL- [email protected] SUBJECT- GET A GRIP

W.T.F. Shari?I guess I need to explain in detail why I am writing these letters. It seems that my intentions have gotten lost in the words and the feelings they have brought about. Let me reiterate I am not calling people out nor am I trying to dog anyone or any organization. If it is looked at like a business we can then remove the hurt feelings because it is no longer personal. I set out on this journey with the intent of making us all aware of the status of our sport and how our actions influence it. So that we may bring about change that will validate pool as a respectable game that people want to watch and support. In the age of the internet we are being streamed around the world making it imperative we check our words and actions so we may start repairing our image rather than proving why we have the one we do. Now is the time for the climb and we need to start it right, the next generation needs to step up and participate in helping make the changes and running things. It is very apparent that the world is not interested in what we are doing now, so how do we change that? This is one of the questions I have been racking my brain over. What I do know is that not only is change needed but it is coming, how fast and does it arrive in time is up to ALL of us. Over the years I have

witnessed this sport wither and rot like fruit fallen from the tree. You use to be able to watch pool on TV most every week, the women and men, now its hard to find one a month. We used to have several rooms in most towns to choose from, now we are lucky to have one, and probably not even a good one at that. And when you did walk into these rooms there was always something going on. You may ask how can I help I don’t have the time? But all it really takes is being professional and grown up with our actions. Now don't get me wrong we do need new people to help with all aspects behind the scenes, that is people who have the time and the passion to improve on what we have. Also in need are people with special skill sets for the business side. If it takes a village to raise a child what does it take to raise up a whole community? If you are not sure how you can help but would like to please ask those who are running things in your area. I don't know about where you live but here in Seattle those running the show have been for a while and it is time for a changing of the guard. They have put in their time plus some, now it is time for them to hand over the reins and relax and play. So you know I don't say these things and not do it myself, I

am getting involved in the WBCA. This is just one of the places needing help from us, how many times have you seen a tournament director playing their event? Maybe next time offer to help while they play to keep things moving. Don't know how to run a board... maybe its time to learn. In the end the only one who can help us is us. We must demand better of and for ourselves. Please offer your help but only where you have ability. Please don't accept roles you can not fulfill or offer time you don't have this only hurts. In order to rise to the status of other professional sports we first need to believe ourselves that we belong. Am I the only one who sees the extinction on the horizon, or just the only one who cares? If you do care about this sport then step up and prove it. So many want a place to practice and expect there to be tournaments to play but don't want to do their part for the growth and progression of pool. The time is now, if we wait till we are asked it will be too late. WE MUST EVOLVE OR WE WILL BE EXTINCT. Don't put off till tomorrow what must be done today for tomorrow never comes!

TABLE TALK BY: MICHAEL K/ GLASS

www.StrokeMagazine.net August 2013 - Stroke Magazine 13

Michael K GlassMichael Glass has been teaching pool for close to 10 years. He is a Recognized PBIA Billiards Instructor, taught by none other than Bob Jewett of the San Francisco Billiard Academy. Michael has been playing pool almost all of his life (except when he was in the Navy — it’s hard to install a pool table on a rocking ship!). He managed to stay away from the hustler life; he doesn’t believe in being dishonest in order to win money. He will, however, occasionally play for a beer or two at the local watering hole. Michael teaches all levels of pool players, from beginner to pro, and works on all aspects of the game, from fundamentals, to pattern play, to trick shots. He can be found playing in his home town of San Ramon, CA at Crown Billiards. Visit his website at mikekglass.com for pool tips or to schedule a lesson!

Pool is Child’s PlayI created this column to bring you, the reader, a fresh perspective on some professional and semi-professional matches. The goal is to share a video with you, and direct you to some highlights to illustrate my points. You enjoy a wonderful video of two great players, and get to bask in my immense wisdom. Ahem... or something like that.This month, I attended the 2013 BCAPL National Championships at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada -- both as a participant in the Mixed Open Team Tournament, and as a spectator for the Pro events. I thought it would be great to share a video with you that was fresh and new, and was from an event I was fortunate enough to witness first-hand.However, that is not going to happen. I have three reasons for that:1. I could not record my own video. Video recording was strictly prohibited.2. The authorized recording, done by The Action Report, is not yet published.3. Something else happened during my stay there that I really want to talk about.Ok, so the biggest reason is #3. I promise next month’s article will be all about the video, and I hope to use a match from the event.I love to teach, and I love kids. So when I heard about the Billiard Education Foundation, I knew right away that I wanted to get involved. I spoke to their representatives, and I’m well on my way!I also had the privilege of sitting next to the parents of two of the girls involved in the event. As we were waiting for the semifinal match between Carlo Biado and Walter Cheng, they told me how their daughters were doing (Amy, 10 and Karen, 13 -- not their real names). Both were still in the winners’ bracket! They told us how they placed 3rd and 4th in the Internationals, and how they owned six (six!!!) pool tables back home. They were obviously quite proud.Or so I thought. Then the father kept talking. Here’s how our conversation went (slightly paraphrased, I am going from memory):Me: “Wow, you must be very proud of your daughters. Which one is Karen?”

Dad: “That’s her over there, in the light blue.”Me: “Ah, I see. Is she winning?”Dad: “Yes, but she’s making mistakes. She keeps leaving the 9-ball in the pocket.”Me: “Aw, that’s too bad. Must be tough pressure here for these girls.”Dad: “Yeah, they’ve been through it before. Aw, she just missed again.”As we continued to watch her match, her opponent made a difficult 7 down the rail. She left a tough 8-ball, and missed. Karen stepped up to the table, and thought for a minute. She seemed very focused. She got down on her shot, and banked the 8-ball into the side pocket! Several of us applauded. Not Dad. He was shaking his head.“Look at this. She has a long 9-ball shot up the table. She’s going to leave it in the jaws again.”I stared at him for a moment in disbelief, then looked back at the table. We were a long way from the table, so we couldn’t tell how difficult the shot really was. Karen took aim, gave a few practice strokes, then neatly cut the 9-ball into the side to win the match! We all cheered! All but one, that is...Dad just shook his head. I could understand the nervousness he must have felt, but wow, was he negative! Surely he wouldn’t put that onto his daughter, though... right?Karen walked up to her parents, and I congratulated her on her win. She smiled warmly at me, and I saw that look in her eyes. She knew what was coming, because it probably happened all the time. She looked at her Dad... and he said to her “did you see how many times you left the 9-ball in the pocket for her? 4 times.”I tried to give her a little support: “Aw, she was just trying to give her opponent a fighting chance,” and winked at Karen. She gave a wan smile as her parents herded her away. He continued telling her everything she did wrong in that match as they disappeared into the crowd.As we were watching the Cheng/Biado match, I watched Karen’s next match when I could (she was at the next table over). She got up 4-0 early. Then, she lost a few in a row. I cringed to think what her father was going to say to her. Soon, the match was tied 6-6 in a race to 7. Next time I looked,

(Glass continued on page 32)

14 Stroke Magazine - November 2012

www.StrokeMagazine.net August 2013 - Stroke Magazine 15

BOYS 18 and under - 38 entries

1st Zachery Hampton VA

2nd Tyler Styler WI

3rd Brendon Crockett CA

4th James Evans MI

5th Tanner Nickels MO, Chad Behnke IA

7th Joshua Franklin IL, Manuel Perez KS

9-12 Shawn Begay NM, Peter Steele WA,

Chris Robinson-Reinhold CA, Garett Kinney NC

13-16 Christopher Higgins NV, Caleb Ripple TX,

Shelton Barber NM, Zachery Leonard, NC

GIRLS 18 and under – 17 entries

1st Briana Miller PA

2nd Taylor Reynolds ME

3rd Sierra Reams VA

4th Rachel Lang NY

5th Brittany Blomlie FL, Juli Poultry MA

7th Isabel Plum IL, Cheyanne Cevallos TX

BOYS 14 and under – 51 entries

1st Sergio Rivas WI

2nd Joey Bourgeois TX

3rd Michael Evans MI

4th Nathan Diederich CA

5th Mason Koch WI, Richard Evans MI

7th Kody Kelly FL, Brady Paananen MI

9-12 Koty Lovell MO, Micah Ott OK,

Samuel Hoffman NJ, Sam Graeser MN

13-16 Alex Gurevich MA, Kaiden Hunkins WI,

Justin Martin NC, Eric Roberts FL

GIRLS 14 and under – 25 entries

1st April Larsen MN

2nd Alex Booth IA

3rd Emily Herpel NY

4th Karsyn Terry IL

5/6 Hailey Fullerton MN, Olivia Templeton NC

7/8 Michelle Jiang MA, Madison Dunn MD

9-12 Emilou Nutter AZ, Ashley Fullerton MN,

Iris Alvarenga MA, Nicky Graeser MN

http://ctsondemand.com/TournamentHome.

aspx?TournamentID=6310014

BEF 2013 Junior Nationals 9-Ball

16 Stroke Magazine - August 2013 www.StrokeMagazine.net

SINGLES2013 BCAPL Results http://ctsondemand.com/TournamentHome.aspx?TournamentID=6310014

Women’s Grand Masters (6 entries)1st $1,000 Brittany Bryant (Guelph, ON)2nd $550 Melissa Little (Denver, CO)3rd $300 Jia Li (Newburgh, NY)

Women’s Masters (25 entries)1st $1,800 Eleanor Callado (San Bruno, CA)2nd $1,200 Tara Williams (Ft Worth, TX)3rd $900 Nicole Keeney (Littleton, CO)4th $600 Betty Lea (Conyers, GA)5/6 $350 Morgan Steinman (Hamilton, MT), Kim Broughton (Reno, NV)7/8 $200 Stacy Allsup (Las Vegas, NV), Emily Duddy (Staten Island, NY)9-12 $100 Susan R Williams (Chandler, AZ), Kim Hole (Auburn, WA), Cindy Sliva (Tacoma, WA), Edie Dean (Attica, OH)

Men’s Super Seniors (206 entries)1st $3,500 Don Owen (Allen, TX)2nd $2,400 L C Carter (Kent, WA)3rd $1,800 Frank Almanza (Upland, CA)4th $1,300 Lupe Rosas Sr (Saginaw, MI)5/6 $900 Ed Borrego (Denver, CO), Harry Platis (Mill Creek, WA)7/8 $650 Mickey Elefterion (Houston, TX), Al O’Rear (N Little Rock, AR)9-12 $475 John Aranda (Gresham, OR), Roy Goodwill (Regina, SK), Angel Garcia (Thornton, CO), Joe Ross (Colorado Springs, CO)13-16 $350 George Swackhammer (Wildomar, CA), Paul Weigand (Wichita, KS), Bob Oliver (Little Rock, AR), Ron Lincoln (Aurora, CO)

Women’s Advanced (53 entries)1st $2,900 Briana Miller (Allentown, PA)2nd $2,000 Bernie Store (Meza, AZ)3rd $1,400 Liz Lovely (Centerville, OH)4th $1,000 Kelly O’Heron (Wausau, WI)5/6 $700 Carol James (Lakewood, CO), Aimee Peterson (Aurora, CO)7/8 $400 Cindy Yazzie (Farmington NM), Andrea M Shiffman (Woodside, NY)9-12 $250 Connie O’Heron (Wausau, WI), Eve Stockstill (Oregon Cit,y OR), Noel Campos (Modesto, CA), Katy Moore (Las Vegas, NV)

Women’s Open (268 entries)1st $3,800 Khanh Ngo (San Francisco, CA)2nd $2,700 Eugenia Gyftopoulos (Baltimore, MD)3rd $2,100 Stephanie Hefner (Folsom, CA)4th $1,600 Shaundra Norquay (Victoria, BC)5/6 $1,200 Amanda Pulley (Phoenix, AZ), Masae Aitoku (San Francisco, CA) 7/8 $850 Kelly Hotchkiss (Portage, IN), Lynn Parsons (Huntington, WV)9-12 $600 Sophie Lopez (San Antonio, TX), Sheila Clark (Newport, WA), Kim Shannon (Houston, TX), Bonnie Arnold (Racine, WI)13-16 $425 Janet Leslie (Prince George, BC), Tammy Brooks (Rochester, NY) Rachel Petersen-Pagan (McAlester OK), Sonia M Flores (Mesa, AZ)

Women’s Open 9-Ball (87 entries) single elimination1st $900 Bonnie Arnold (Racine, WI)2nd $600 Shar Vanderstyne (San Diego, CA)3/4 $400 Samantha Barrett (Malden, MA), Ashea Erdahl (Las Vegas, NV)5-8 $200 Sharon Cohen (Antioch, IL), Jaye Succo (Phoenix, AZ), Lisa Porter (Paragould, AR), Kelly Hotchkiss (Portage, IN)

Men’s Masters (28 entries)1st $2,300 Luke Thomas (Salem, OR)2nd $1,300 Joey Gray (Oklahoma City, OK)3rd $800 Jamie Welch (Beloit, WI)4th $500 Adam Behnke (Dubuque, IA)5/6 $300 Brian Sanders (Leander, TX), Tommy Paulowske (Kansasville, WI)7/8 $225 Tres Kane III (Glendale, AZ), James Davis Sr (Manor, TX)

Men’s Open (1,086 entries)1st $10,500 T J Steinhaus (Clearwater, MN)2nd $6,500 Paul Scott (Antioch, IL)3rd $4,500 Tyler VanWulven (La Mesa, CA)4th $3,500 Lake MacKay (Victoria, BC)5/6 $2,700 John Sullivan (Enfield MIDDX), Ryan Anderson (Avondale, AZ)7/8 $2,000 Reynaldo Campana (Stockton, CA), Chad Behnke (Farley, IA)9-12 $1,500 Jaynard Orque (Pleasanton, CA), Corey Fuld (Red Oak, TX), Skip Nikakis (Corona, CA), Anthony Beeler (Bradfordsville, KY)13-16 $1,100 Eric Packar (Claremore, OK, Chris Paradowski (Tucson, AZ), Steve Boucher (St Peter’s, MO), Thom Wan (Sparta, NJ)

1st Women’s AdvancedBriana Miller

1st Women’s Grand Masters

Brittany Bryant

3rd Women’s Advanced

Liz Lovely

All leAgue Photos courtesy of: PAul smith - lAsVegAsPhotoVideo.com

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www.StrokeMagazine.net August 2013 - Stroke Magazine 17

Women’s Senior (67 entries)1st $1,800 Linda Asleson (Billings, MT)2nd $1,300 Connie Williams (Broken Arrow, OK)3rd $900 Kim Anderson (Boise, ID)

SINGLES

Men’s 9-Ball Open(342 entries)-single elimination1st $2,000 Crispian Ng (Carrollton, TX)2nd $1,350 Chad Behnke (Farley, IA)3/4 $850 Jaynard Orque (Pleasanton, CA), Tommy Najar (Marietta, GA)5-8 $550 Ryan Behnke (Farley, IA), Doug Whaley (Antioch, CA), Johnny Vasquez (Fort Collins, CO), John Rizya (Indio, CA)

Men’s Senior (251 entries)1st $3,500 Gil Hernandez (Mt Prospect, IL)2nd $2,500 Bob Pisut (Joliet, IL)3rd $1,800 Elias Garza (Richwood, TX)4th $1,300 Bill Pence (Sherman Oaks, CA)5/6 $900 Ron Dobosenski (Madison, WI), Junior Brown Jr (Wichita, KS)7/8 $650 Bill Skinner (Aurora, CO), Bob Greenstein (Medicine Hat, AB)9-12 $525 Arturo Rivera (Atascadero CA), Kenny Ellis (Austin, TX), Joe Cannella Jr (Las Vegas, NV), Mando Canales (El Paso, TX)13-16 $400 John A Abruzzo Sr (Aurora, IL), David Hathman (Springfield, MO), Ken Crane (Langley, BC), John Kastris (Spokane, WA)

Men’s Advanced (135 entries)1st $4,200 Matt Beckwith (Big Rapids, MI)2nd $3,000 Steven McAninch (Toledo, OH)3rd $2,300 Dean Flanders (Fargo, ND)4th $1,700 Adam King (Aurora, CO)5/6 $1,300 Jerry Young (Hobbema AB), Ruben Silva Jr (Colorado Springs, CO) 7/8 $900 Chris Kovacs (Kings Langley NSW), Jim Carmona (Las Vegas, NV)9-12 $650 Brett Stottlemyer (Pasadena, MD), Scott Cohen (Haanover Park, IL), Craig Powers (Greenfield, WI), Randy Jordan (LaGrange, GA)13-16 $450 Ray Skenandore (Las Vegas, NV), Dario Woodside (Nassau, NP), Bob Herchik (Las Vegas, NV), Clay Dorrell (Texola, OK)

Men’s Grand Masters (14 entries)1st $3,200 Stan Tourangeau (Ferndale, WA)2nd $1,100 Marc Vidal Claramunt (Aurora, CO)3rd $700 Dennis Hatch (Buffalo, NY)4th $400 Harvey Shognosh (Forest RR2, ON)5/6 $220 Shane McMinn (Ponca City, OK) Tony Robles, Jr (New York, NY)

1st 9-Ball ChallengeDavid Alcaide Bermudez

3rd Men’s Grand Masters

Dennis Hatch

1st Men’s AdvancedMatt Beckwith

9-Ball Challenge (144 entries)1st $2,700 David Alcaide Bermudez (Cangas De Morrazo PON)2nd $1,900 Marc Vidal Claramunt (Aurora, CO)3rd $1,400 Danny Gokhul (London GREAT)4th $$$$ Daryl Peach (Blackpool CHESH)5/6 $900 Zeke Morrison (San Diego, CA), Jimmy Moore (Las Vegas, NV)7/8 $700 Jayson Shaw (Glasgow GB), Nick Tafoya (Albuquerque, NM)

2nd Men’s Advanced

Steven McAninch

2013 BCAPL Results http://ctsondemand.com/TournamentHome.aspx?TournamentID=6310014

6004 Landmark Center Blvd - Greensboro, NC(336)856-8800

Q CITY 9-BALL TOURSEPT 14TH

ENTRY BASED ON # OF PLAYERSDoors Open 11:30am - Calcutta at 12:15pm

ACTION EAST COAST CHAMPIONSHIPAUGUST 31ST

9-Ball Qualifier - Call for information

BCAPL Results (continued on page 22)

www.michaelsbilliards.com

Dennis Orcollo won a marathon 5-hour One Pocket final against Corey Deuel 5-3 to claim the crown. In a discipline which he is still learning Orcollo’s pure shotmaking ability prevailed and enabled him to beat the odds and the field to the top.

Orcollo is a fast learner. He picked up some of the pointers on the game from Jay Helfert before the matches began and then used his powers of observation to absorb the facets he needed to win. Along the way he had to beat Corey Deuel twice as well as other experienced one-holers like Chris Bartram and Larry Nevel. Accustomed to the much faster-paced rotation games like 9-Ball and

10-Ball, Orcollo never lost patience or composure as the One Pocket matches drug out to their conclusions. He never got hurried or resorted to overly-risky moves, though he found few situations that he could not turn to an advantage. He sank numerous two-rail off-angle banks that garnered him the respect of the experienced fans watching him work his magic.

Dennis Orcollo is U.S. Open One Pocket Champion

DennisOrcollo

1 Dennis ORCOLLO $7,5002 Corey DEUEL $4,8003 Carlo BIADO $3,3004 Scott FROST $2,2005 Francisco BUSTAMANTE $1,500 Chris BARTRAM $1,5007 Ike RUNNELS $1,000 Justin HALL $1,0009 Warren KIAMCO $600 Bernie PETTIPIECE $600 Larry NEVEL $600 Joey GRAY $60013 Shane VAN BOENING $360 Jose PARICA $360 Santos SAMBAJON $360 Tommy TOKOPH $360

18 Stroke Magazine - August 2013 www.StrokeMagazine.net

Photo by: Don Akerlow

Rocket Launches Late, Then Soars to Victory in US Open 10-Ball

Rodney “Rocket” Morris has won the US Open 10-Ball Championship in fine style. He came into the finals facing a dominant Dennis Orcollo who had run through the brackets undefeated to claim the hot seat.

The first half of the match was all Orcollo. He ran rack after rack while Morris cooled in his chair and soon enjoyed a 9-2 lead in the race to 13 games. But then Orcollo suffered a dry break and Morris took over. From that point on Orcollo would only claim one more point while Morris kept racking up win after win. In the end Morris got to the hill at 12-10 and looked good to win easily. Then he dogged the 10 ball and Orcollo faced a shot everyone was certain he would make. But he failed in that attempt and Morris pocketed the 10 for the win.

Victory in U.S. Open 10-Ball

RodneyMorris

1 Rodney MORRIS $15,0002 Dennis ORCOLLO $8,5003 Lee Vann CORTEZA $5,4004 Jia-Qing WU $4,1005 Pin-Yi KO $3,100 Carlo BIADO $3,1007 Jin-Hu DANG $2,300 Mike DECHAINE $2,3009 Jayson SHAW $1,650 Jonathan PINEGAR $1,650 John MORRA $1,650 Denis GRABE $1,65013 Charlie WILLIAMS $1,250 Shane VAN BOENING $1,250 Thorsten HOHMANN $1,250 Darren APPLETON $1,25017 Francisco BUSTAMANTE $925 Jeremy SOSSEI $925 Santos SAMBAJON $925 Mike DAVIS $925 Karl BOYES $925 Mika IMMONEN $925 Travis MCKINNEY $925 Kenichi UCHIGAKI $925

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All pool players know playing 8-Ball on a 9’ table is a mere break make a ball and run out, at least that is the scenario for the pro players. In my opinion, 8-Ball should be played on 8’ or 7’ tables. The reason is simple, more clusters. With clusters it gives the player a chance to show off your skills, sometimes weaving your way through the clusters and the balls. Any league player will tell you, it gives you the opportunity to get to the table. The pros play 8-Ball on 9’ tables like a hot knife through butter. Impressive run outs with little to no clusters. This was the story in the first four games.In the 5th game Carlo Biado missed, Shane Van Boening runs out, goes up 3-2 with the break, very important in a race to 11 win by 2. For whatever reason Shane misses, taking his eye off the ball, concentration... It really doesn’t matter the reason, he missed. The 250 spectators sigh ... an unexpected miss that would have put him up 2 games. Carlo runs out and ties it 3-3.They trade back and forth through the 18th game. Again Carlo misses. You could see the frustration on his face. Shane runs out and goes up 10-9 and Van Boening is breaking. He makes a few balls and again misses, same scenario. Shane hits his shaft against the top of the rail in frustration. I have never seen this from him before. You could hear the crowd gasp in disbelief. Carlo again ties the match for a 3rd time. Shane has another chance to go up by 1 and he’s breaking. Now it wasn’t as simple as that being up one game and breaking then running out. It would come down to the last three shots. He would have to bring it. Getting a little bit out of shape more and more but making each shot harder, but making them. With the cue straight on to the 8, this would be a back door cut to the side pocket no easy shot for anyone. He looks at it... gets up... re-looks at it... and then with the precision of a master craftsman drills it in the center of the side pocket with authority to win the first annual U. S. Open 8-Ball Championship! Over four hours of great shot making and superb play from both players. I was told by a friend during the match that Shane was helping some players with their game the night before. He was breaking and cracked his ferrule. He was shooting in the finals with a new ferrule and tip that he had to get replaced in the morning hours.Carlo won the Hard Time Bellflower 10-Ball tournament just weeks before, shook Shane’s hand, like the gentleman he is, and left the arena before the photos. After the match Shane stayed around to take photos with fans and event coordinators. A true ambassador of the game.Shane has been the best player in the United States for at least half a decade and maybe longer. The only thing left for him other than adding to his resume in the States is to become a world champion many times over. This is within his reach!!!

U. S. OPEN 8-BALL FINALSThe good and the bad of playing on a 9’ table ... playing 8-ball.

ShaneVan Boening

BY: DON AKERLOW

1 Shan VAN BOENING 15,0002 Carlo BIADO 8,5003 Walter CHENG 5,4004 Jayson SHAW 4,1005 Warren KIAMCO 3,100 Pin-Yi KO 3,1007 Rodney MORRIS 2,300 Sean CHENG 2,3009 Francisco BUSTAMANTE 1,650 Oscar DOMINGUEZ 1,650 Chris BARTRAM 1,650 Mark HADDAD 1,65013 Jeremy SOSSEI 1,250 Juan Carlos EXPOSITO 1,250 Shaun WILKIE 1,250 John MORRA 1,25017 Jia-Qing WU 925 Jin-Hu DANG 925 Karl BOYES 925 Scott FROST 925 Ernesto DOMINGUEZ 925 Phil BURFORD 925 Can WANG 925 Lee Vann CORTEZA 92525 Santos SAMBAJON 675 Chris MELLING 675 Daryl PEACH 675 Hunter LOMBARDO 675 Erki ERM 675 Ping Chyng KO 675 Adam BEHNKE 675 Shane MCMINN 675

20 Stroke Magazine - August 2013 www.StrokeMagazine.net

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www.StrokeMagazine.net August 2013 - Stroke Magazine 21

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Lucky 7 BilliardsHollywood, FL 954-239-8254

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Neil’s tournament trail included wins over Dave Shlemperis 7 - 4; Scott Bannon 7 - 5; Harry Guevarez 7 - 5; Scott Simonetti 7 - 5; and Tony Ignomirelo 7 - 5 for the Hot Seat. During this time, up and coming, Yomaylin “Smiley” Feliz, suffering a first round match to Dave Ascolese 7 - 6. On the loss, Smiley won eight matches in a row against some strong players, like Carl Yusuf Khan; Scott bannon; and well known Scott Simonetti, to reach the Finals.

During the Finals, Neil and Yomaylin traded games until tied at 4 to 4. Neil got a second wind and won three games in a row to win the event 7 - 4.

The next Tri-State will be held on August 3, 2013 at Castle Billiards in East Rutherford, NJ.

Thank you to Sterling-Gaming, Ozone Billiards, Qpod, Kamui Tips, Phil Capelle, BlueBook Publishing, Human Kinetics for their sponsorship leading to this event.

undefeatedNeil Walsley goes

1st Neil Walmsley 2nd Yomaylin Feliz2rd Tony Ignomirello4th Grant Weldon5th Scott Simonetti, Ambi Estevez7-8 Rhio Anne Flores, Jay Choi9-12 Harry Guevarez, Rajesh Vannala, Mike Davie, Greg Matos

Left-Right: Tony Ignomirello, Neil Walmsley, Yomaylin Feliz

During the Tour's opening 2013 - 2014 season event, Keith won 10 straight matches after suffering a first round match to Stewart Warnock 7 - 0. While Basdeo "Shawn" Sookhai sat patiently in the Hot Seat, Keith went through the loss side. His tournament trail included wins over Chuck Giallorenzo 7 - 3; Meshak Danial 7 - 5; Dave Shlemperis 7 - 4; Paul Bramwell 7 - 5; Marco Costello; Bogie Uzdejczyk 7 - 3; Lidio Ramirez 7 - 6; Bob Toomey 9 - 6, and Kim Meyer-Gabia 8 - 6, to face Basdeo in the Finals. During their match, the two players tied at 2 games all before Keith asserted himself and never looked back with a 9 - 3 victory. Congratulations goes out to Kim for a solid 3rd place finish and Bob Toomey with an impressive 7 win/ 2 loss record. Thank you to Sterling-Gaming, Ozone Billiards, Qpod, Heptig Cues, Steve Dunkle Cues, Kamui Tips, Phil Capelle, BlueBook Publishing, and Human Kinetics for their sponsorship leading to this event.

Left -Right: Basdeo “Shawn” Sookhai; Kim Meyer-Gabia; Keith Adamik

1st Keith Adamik2nd Basdeo Sookhai3rd Kim Meyer-Gabia4th Bob Toomey5-6 Lidio Ramirez, Tony Ignomirello7-8 Bogie Uzdejczyk, Robert Veit9-12 Yomaylin Feliz, Marco Costello Moses Okoro, Steve Persaud

KEITH ADAMIK wins

at Clifton Billiards’ A/D Tri-State Tour event

22 Stroke Magazine - August 2013 www.StrokeMagazine.net

8MSD Master Scotch Doubles (28 teams)1st $1,900 Sulsar-Williams (Dennison, TX)2nd $1,300 Kuhl-Larsen (Henderson, NV)3rd $900 Robles Jr – Glazebrook (New York, NY)4th $600 Sanders – Sanders (Leander, TX)5/6 $300 Davis Sr – Kraber (Austin,TX), Thomas – Stockstill (Salem, OR)

8OSD Open Scotch Doubles (299 teams race to 4)1st $3,100 Metz Jr – Gyftopoulos (Baltimore, MD)2nd $2,100 List – Williams (Catoosa, OK)3rd $1,600 Barbosa – Bedard Smith (Edmonton, AB)4th $1,300 Sena – Holl (Kewashkum, WI)5/6 $1,000 Rosas Sr – Rosas (Saginaw, MI), Burkhart – Pulley (Phoenix, AZ)7/8 $700 Hanson – Jacobs (Devils Lake, ND), Ensley – Linerode (Converse, TX)9-12 $500 Kane – Madiener (Brooklyn, VA), Golarz – Hotchkiss (Portage, IN) Real – Zamorez (Indio, CA), Robles – Lopez (San Antonio, TX)13-16 $375 Phillipe III – Rogers (Everett, WA), Barrett – Asleson (Billings, MT) Goodman – Preston (Springfield, OR), Ambang – Rose (Vancouver, BC)

8ASD Advanced Scotch Doubles (59 entries) 1st $2,000 Olinger – Lovely (Dayton, OH)2nd $1,400 Johnson – Hansen (Little Canada, MN)3rd $1,000 Bayaua Jr – Garland (Houston, TX)4th $650 Carmona – Martinez (Las Vegas, NV)5/6 $400 Harada Jr – Huang (Los Angeles, CA), Fitzpatrick – Maglio (Madison, WI)7/8 $250 Marquez – Carter (Portland, OR), Bersenadze – Jones (Seattle, WA)SCOTCH DOUBLES

2013 BCAPL Results http://ctsondemand.com/TournamentHome.aspx?TournamentID=6310014

1st Advanced Scotch Doubles

Liz Lovely, Alex Olinger1st Open Scotch DoublesRob Metz Jr, Eugenia Gyftopoulos

3rd Master Scotch Doubles

Tony Robles Jr, Gail Glazebrook

All leAgue Photos courtesy of: PAul smith - lAsVegAsPhotoVideo.com

T E A M S www.StrokeMagazine.net August 2013 - Stroke Magazine 23

8WAMT Women’s Advanced/Master Teams (14 teams)1st $2,500 NPL Chix (Kelso, WA)2nd $1,700 Bad Azz Babes (Chandler, AZ)3rd $1,200 Get Outtha Way (Henderson, NV)4th $700 California Cue T’s (San Leandro, CA)5th $300 Fight Like a Girl (Sandusky, OH), Jackson Custom Cues (Madison, WI)

9WOT Women’s Open Teams (29 teams single elimination)1st $1,350 On The Prowl (Brea, CA)2nd $850 We Win (Las Vegas, NV)3-4 $450 Main Street Jugs (Omaha, NE), Anchorage Billiards (Anchorage, AK)5-8 $200 Night Shift (Romulus, MI), Bad Azz Babes Minus 1 (Glendale, AZ) We Aim to “Cheese” (St Joe, MI), 21 Pool Room (Huntington, WV)

9MOT Mixed Open Teams (96 entries race to 11 – single elimination)1st $2,800 Bad Boyz (Frankfort, KY)2nd $1,800 Hurricane Higgins (New York, NY)3-4 $1,000 Fun N Run (Everett, WA), Sam’s Billiards (Tigard, OR)5-8 $500 Bull Shooters (Hartshorne, OK), Who Needs a Billiard Coach? (Cottage Grove, MN) Odessa BAD BOYS (Midland, TX), Grindin’ Golf Co. (Sherwood, AR)

8WOT Women’s Open Teams (112 teams)1st $3,800 Born Ready (Grand Prairie, TX)2nd $2,700 Lady Bull Shooters (Catoola, OK)3rd $1,900 Moark Angels & Demons (Paragould, AR)4th $1,600 Get the Stew (Kettering, OH)5/6 $1,000 Victorious Secret (Houston, TX), Boom Shaka Laka (Dallas, TX)7/8 $750 That’s Unfortunate (Kirkland, WA), River City Billiards (Peoria, IL)9-12 $600 Sportsmen’s Ladies (San Antonio, TX), On the Prowl (Pico Rivera, CA) Do Something (San Antonio, TX), Fox Force Four (Chula Vista, CA)13-16 $450 Lookin’ for Trouble (New York, NY), Anchorage Billiard Palace (Anchorage, AK) Sportsmen’s Misfits (Marysville, OH), 5 Corners (Pocatello, ID)

T E A M S2013 BCAPL Results http://ctsondemand.com/TournamentHome.aspx?TournamentID=6310014

8MOT Mixed Open Teams (554 teams)1st $12,000 Pocket Pool Junkies (Hickory Hills, IL)2nd $8,000 Club 91 (Pocatello, ID)3rd $6,100 West Coast Sharks (La Mesa, CA)4th $5,000 21 Pool Room B (Hurricane, WV)5/6 $4,000 Sam’s Billiards (Beaver Creek, OR), Bullshooters (McAlester, OK)7/8 $3,000 What’s Your Team Name? (Lakewood, CO), Grandpa & the Morons (Victoria, BC)9-12 $2,200 No Flash (Anthem, AZ), Team Jackson Cue (Heartland, WI) The System (Sachse, TX), No Air (San Diego, CA)13-16 $1,600 Foreign Policy (Las Vegas, NV), LJB X-Men (Victoria, TX) SLC Terminators (W Jordan, UT), LV Rum Runner (Las Vegas, NV)17-24 $1,100 DJ Cues (Everett, WA), Strokes of Genius (Winnepeg, MB) Strokers – Tx (Plano, TX), Reservoir Dawgs (Brooklyn, NY) CENSORED (St Peters, MO), Ball Busters (Estero, FL) Bad Boyz (Frankfort, KY), Clean Slate (Cottage Grove, MN)

1st Mixed Advanced/Master Team: The Pool RoomSteven McAninch, Dave McIlhargy, Danny Smith, Dennis Woolley1st Mixed Open Team: Bad Boyz

Anthony Beeler, Dean Lawson, Kenny Tran

2nd Mixed Open Team: Hurricane Higgins

Trevor Heal, Jason Kane, Roger Pachebat,

Ed Sumner, Thom Wan

8MAMT Mixed Advanced/Master Teams (30 teams race to 11)1st $4,000 The Pool Room (Toledo, OH)2nd $2,800 The Heina Kings (Victorville, CA)3rd $1,900 The Assassins (Houston, TX)4th $1,300 MOJO (Calgary, AB)5/6 $800 Mad Dog Saloon (Sheboygan, WI), Team McDermott (Greenfield, WI)7/8 $500 Senior Discount (Columbus, MN), Ship It (Mount Laurel, NJ)9-12 $300 Charberis 1 (Roanoke, VA), Joes Regency Boys (Edmond, OK) With Ourselves (Denver, CO), Bullfrogs No Chance (Grand Valley, PA)

Nine new players came out for our first FBT Tour Stop at Wally's in Lakeland! Among the new players - Amy Chen - new to the FBT but certainly not new to women's 9-ball. After taking a break from pool, Amy proved she can still play,winning her first FBT event.

Several of the players' games were off that day, including Chen's, who was quickly sent west by Jeannie Seaver 7-0 at the beginning of the day. But Amy worked her way back to the final board, and midway through the quarterfinal against Cassidy Mulligan Amy finally kicked in to gear. Jessica Barnes came back from the one-loss side as well, going double hill with Seaver and putting an end to Seaver's attempt at three wins in a row. Barnes finished second, losing steam as Chen took advantage to win the event. And congratulations to Erikka Halbert winning $50 for the highest finishing Wally's player.

Thanks to everyone who made the trip to Wally's. A huge thanks to Wally's, owner Jim,and his staff, Letha Needham, Erikka Halbert and Manager Larry for sponsoring our event! Also thanks to Martz Cues for donating a cue for this event and thanks to our sponsors Z9 Billiard Cloth and Boynton Billiards.

UB Thanks to Janis for making the wonderful collage for Ultimate Billiards that we will be giving to Bill and Gary. We still have copies available. And Happy Birthday to Marcia Polenz!

You can also read about the event as reported by AZ Billiards. Some of the matches can be view on our Live Stream page or Ustream.

Amy Chen wins Tour Stop #4 at Wally’s

24 Stroke Magazine - August 2013 www.StrokeMagazine.net

This was the place to be if you wanted to play in a tournament. The owner Jim and Larry the manager along with the staff opened their doors at 10am on July 13, 2013 to the ladies 9-ball Flamingo Billiards Tour. This was the Flamingo Billiards Tour 4th stop for the year; which travels to various pool rooms in the South Florida. Wally’s has 13 – 9 foot tables and these would be the tables that the Flamingo Billiards Tour would play on. Amy Chen would win this event and this was her first time coming to this event.

For more information about the Flamingo Billiards Tour check out this link: http://flamingobilliardstour.com/

Wally’s own staff members Letha Needham and

Erikka Halbert played in the ladies event. They got $50 prize for being the highest finisher from the host location.

The other tournament that was going on was the APA Captains Qualifier Tournament, which Robin Dunnam the league operator was running. Dunnam was holding this event on the 8 foot tables; which Wally’s has 16 of these.

Dunnam has done a lot to build the APA up in this area and she had a nice turn out. 4 different boards with 8 players on each board all captains. The winner advance to the APA Region Tournament to be held in Tampa (location and date TBD).

Darlenne Mckissock – Won for board 1 in 8-ball. She also won a Lucasi pool cue.Peter Jankowsky - Won for board 2 in 9-ball.Ronald Hamlet - Won for board 3 in 8-ball.David Webb - Won for board 3 in 9-ball.

Wally’s was able to accommodate all players that showed up for either event. It’s a large room and they even had a party of 40 that came in later that night.

Pool player’s check at Wally’s located at 1136 E. Main St. Lakeland, FL 33801; if you find yourself in the area.

Great pool room.

Article and photos by Janis Sessions

in Lakeland, FLWally’s

www.StrokeMagazine.net August 2013 - Stroke Magazine 25

26 Stroke Magazine - August 2013 www.StrokeMagazine.net

With 43 unique divisions to display their talents, VNEA’s league players converged on the strip in Las Vegas to decide who would go home with the coveted “Charlie” awards and titles of International Champions .Mini-tournaments, including the popular Scotch Doubles events began on Thursday while the double elimination, 8-Ball and 9-Ball Singles competition began on Friday, May 24th. The competition was terrific. With the Singles competition in the history books, the VNEA was well prepared to recognize them at the ever-popular VNEA Team Opening Ceremonies Celebration. Gary Benson, Tournament Director and emcee, was welcomed by over 3,000 players attending this incredible show which opened with a colorful parade of flags from around the world, and the Singles Awards Presentation to honor the top players accomplishments. Once all of the states and countries were acknowledged and the Singles winners were presented with their coveted Charlie awards, the VNEA had a drawing for a Valley Home Pool Table. The lucky winner was James Esparza from Eagle Vending in Tucson, Arizona and wasawarded the table by Valley’s Dave Courington.With 96 members already enshrined in the hall, it was time for the VNEA to add 5 more names to the prestigious “VNEA Hall of Fame”. Receiving this tremendous honor, along with a beautiful Hall of Fame jacket, certificate and limited edition VNEA Hall of Fame trading card set, were the followinginductees:• Bob Basset - Aactive Coin (Manitoba)• Charles Castonguay - Alliance (Quebec)• Dawn Fital - Coin-Op Specialist (MI)• Beth Fondell - D & R Star (MN)• Kale Woodside - V.V.S. (NE)The Team competition kicked off Tuesday morning right on schedule. Nearly 600 teams participated in the Team events at this 33rd Annual Championships. Results of the Sports, Redemption, Regular, Intermediate and Masters Team events can be found at www.vnea.com

2nd Annual “World Team Championships”.For the second year in a row, the VNEA conducted the fun and exciting World Team Championships! Countries put together one, four-person team to represent their flag.Australia, USA, Spain, Portugal, Bermuda, Canada and Germany all formed teams for a chance to win the coveted “World Cup” Trophy. When the dust cleared, it came down to Australia and Germany in the finals with TEAM GERMANY capturing the

The VNEA International Championships!

www.StrokeMagazine.net August 2013 - Stroke Magazine 27

The VNEA International Championships!“World Cup” title. Congratulations to all of the teams that participated in this fun-filled and exciting event.The President’s Choice Award, presented by current VNEA President David Hawkins, was awarded to longtime VNEA Charter Holder, Bob Thomas, from Minnesota Pastime in Virginia, Minnesota. Dave honored his old friend for his dedication to the VNEA. Congratulations Bob and thank you for your many contributions.Another unique feature of the VNEA Championships was the Team Uniform Award. This award was named the “Red Jones” Team Uniform Award in 1997 after Mr. Pool, Red Jones, passed away. Red was always known for his classy wardrobe around the tournament room and it was an honor to keep his name alive by permanently affixing it to this award.Many teams, from all over the world, concentrated hard on having a unique tournament look. Several interesting and one of a kind fashions were unveiled. The women’s competition was strong which made it very difficult to pick a winner. The women’s winner, and perennial favorite, was Alaska Girls Gone Wild from Tri Valley Vending in Wasilla, Alaska whose members included Veronica Hereimi, Yvonne Powell, Tammie Kerby, Debbie Criss and Barb Glick. On the men’s side, Color Of Money, also from Tri Valley Vending captured first prize. Team members included Mohammed Hereimi, Damien Turchetto, Billy Stephan, Milan Janulek, T.J. Frank and Richy Orem. Free “Team Photos” were e-mailed to every entry and the winners were given “Free Banquet Tickets”.

Alaska Girls Gone Wild

Color of Money

28 Stroke Magazine - August 2013 www.StrokeMagazine.net

The Kellogg Arena • Battle Creek, Michigan • June 20-23, 2013The beautiful Kellogg Arena served as a terrific setting for our 23rd Annual event. The facility boasted plenty of floor space and nice bleacher seating for the parents and fans.80 Valley Pool Tables were neatly arranged throughout the arena including (6) highlighted tables making up the soughtafter Finals Arena.At noon sharp on Thursday, the VNEA opened its tournament doors, as usual, to hundreds of juniors lined up outside to begin their practice routines for the Singles event that would begin that evening. For the first time at our Junior Championships, the entire event was run using our incredibly popular Compusport Software Program. There were (4), 42” monitors set up on the Control Stage where players could enter their names and see exactly who they played, when they played and what table they played on. Players were able to play their matches, scan their scoresheets, instantly see their next match and play continuously throughout the entire event. The system was flawless and the players absolutely loved it! At 6:00pm sharp, Singles matches began and the event was officially underway!At 9:00am on Friday morning, the Singles matches continued with everyone trying to make it to the Finals Bracket of their division. Throughout the day, incredible matches were witnessed throughout the room with no one wanting to get knocked out of this prestigious event.Both singles and team competition for the weekend were broken down into 3 divisions: Youth - Ages 9-13 / Minor - Ages 14-17 / Major - Ages 18-20Male singles events recorded 163 entries while

the female singles had 46 entries. Intotal, 214 shooters would square-off in a double elimination format that would leadto some great shooting and refreshing sportsmanship.The Team competition, consisted of 60, 3-player squads. These great numbers represented an incredible 20 Charter Holders from an impressive 9 States and Ontario, Canada.This made up for a total of over 250 ENTRIES in the team and singles events.State Representation Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio,Pennsylvania, South Dakota & Wisconsin with International Representation from Ontario, CanadaAfter playing all day Friday, the pool playing group was treated to a fun-filled PlayersReception that evening at 7:00. Players were able to relax, grab a slice or two ofpizza and a soda.Those top juniors who found themselves still in the thick of the singles tournament action would prepare to battle it out in the finals brackets of the regular competition.When the dust finally settled on the arena floor, the following young shooters werecrowned the 2013 Int’l VNEA Singles Champions:MALE SINGLESYOUTH DIVISIONJacob Elit - D & R Star - Rochester, MNMINOR DIVISIONStuart MacTaggart - G & G Enterprises - London, Ontario, CanadaMAJOR DIVISIONTyler Steinhaus - D & R Star - Rochester, MNFEMALE SINGLES

www.StrokeMagazine.net August 2013 - Stroke Magazine 29

YOUTH DIVISIONApril Larson - D & R Star - Rochester, MNMINOR DIVISIONTaylor Hansen - D & R Star - Rochester, MNMAJOR DIVISIONChandra Campion - D & R Star - Rochester, MNTHE ULTIMATE TEAM COMPETITIONSunday morning produced some of the most incredible junior pool action ever experienced as the top teams went head to head for international junior titles. When the team competition finished around noon, the following 23rd Annual VNEA International Junior Team Champions had been crowned.YOUTH DIVISION:M.P.A. Cue Kids: C & N Sales, Mankato, MNMINOR DIVISION:Sharky’s Kids 1: Cox Music, Davenport, IAMAJOR DIVISION:North Stars: D & R Star, Rochester, MNHIGHEST FEMALE TEAMYouth Division: Valley Girls:Kalamazoo Amusement - Kalamazoo, MIHighest Mixed TeamYouth Division: M.P.A. Cue KidsC & N Sales - Mankato, MN

For complete information and standings visit: www.vnea.com

Female Majors Singles Champion(l-r) Chandra Campion (1st), Ashton Rowley (2nd),Shaiana Thibault (3rd), Jennifer Petrowiak (4th)

Female Minor Singles Finalists(l-r) Taylor Hansen (1st), Kayla Roloson (2nd - not shown),Meighan Cassidy (3rd), Hannah Zeigler (4th)

Female Youth Singles Finalists(l-r) April Larson (1st), Alyssa Little (2nd),Hailey Fullerton (3rd), Ashley Fullerton (4th)

Male Majors Singles Finalists(l-r) Tyler Steinhaus (1st), Nate Mindham (2nd),Nathan Burpee (3rd), Larry Simmons Jr. (4th - not shown)

Male Minor Singles Finalists(r-l) Stuart MacTaggart (1st), David Moyer (2nd),Alex Payne (3rd-not shown), Andrew Casarez (4th-not shown)

Male Youth Singles Finalists(l-r) Jacob Elit (1st), Skyler Butterfield (2nd),George Kieslat (3rd), Tristan Hansen (4th)

Mr. Cues II in Atlanta played host to the Simonis Cloth's 4th Annual Richard Sweet Memorial over the July 4th weekend which is a memorial event and a celebration of his life and contributions to our sport, featuring four separate events; two, single-elimination, 'King of the Hill' format (one $500 1st prize) tournaments, a Thursday 8-Ball tournament and a Friday 9-ball tournament , a 1-day $1,000-guaranteed prize fund 9-Ball race to 4 double elimination tournament on Sunday, and a $3,000-guaranteed prize fund main event in 10-Ball which ran Saturday and Sunday. Jayson Shaw won two of them, and almost won a third. He opened the weekend's proceedings with a finals victory over John Maikke in the first of the single elimination tournaments(8-Ball) on Independence Day that drew 86 entrants. The following day, in the second of the single elimination tournaments (this one, with 79 players and 9-Ball), Shaw made it to the finals again, only to be denied his second win, by Michael Clay, who shut him out in the finals.

In the Saturday, main event, the 10-Ball Competition, Jayson Shaw squared off the event's defending champion, Phil Burford, twice; once in the hot seat match, and again, in the finals. Shaw had sent Jeff Hooks to the loss side 7-3 among the winners' side final four, as Burford was busy doing likewise to Randy Jordan 7-2. Shaw got into the hot seat with a 7-5 win over Burford and waited for him to get back. It wasn't long.

Jordan and Hooks moved to the loss side, where they were picked up by J. R. Rossman and Tim Orange. Rossman had gotten by Matt Bulfin 7-2 and John Maikke 7-4. Orange had defeated Dustin Byrd (The Parakeet) 7-5 and John Jones 7-3. Jordan advanced to the quarterfinals, double hill, over Rossman. Orange handed Hooks his second straight loss 7-5 to join him.

Jordan took the quarterfinal match over Orange 7-5 and earned himself a re-match against Burford, who'd sent him west among the winners' side final four. Burford, anxious for his own rematch against Shaw in the hot seat, downed Jordan 7-5. Shaw, though, hunkered down and gave up only a single rack in the opening set of the potential two-set final to claim the event title.

Events shifted to double elimination with commencement of the races-to-4 9-Ball Tournament on Sunday, which drew 59 entrants. Larry Nevel (who'd won both single elimination tournaments at

last year's Sweet Memorial) started out by dropping his opening round match to Danny Cash, but rallied on the loss side to win nine straight, and then, two more in the finals against Bernardo Estevan.

Estevan had advanced to the hot seat with a winners' side final four victory over Tommy Najar 4-2, while the winner of the second single elimination 8-ball tournament, Michael Clay, advanced to meet him with a 4-1 victory over Pat Cooper. Estevan shut Clay out in the battle for the hot seat and waited on the return of Nevel.

Meanwhile, on the loss side, The Truth was mowin' 'em down, one by one. With four down and five to go, he defeated Tony Riley 4-1, and survived a double hill battle against Jason Lyons, to pick up Majar. Cooper drew Andy Stewart, who'd squeaked by Horace Goodwin 4-3 and defeated Dana Aft 4-1. Nevel and Stewart handed Najar and Cooper their second straight defeats; Stewart shutting out Cooper and Nevel advancing to the quarterfinals 4-2 over Najar.

Nevel gave up only two racks over his next 14 games. He shut out Stewart in the quarterfinals, and gave up a single rack to Clay in the semifinals. Moving into the opening set of the finals against Estevan, he gave up one that forced a second set. Estevan battled him to double hill in that second set, but Nevel prevailed to claim the title.

RESULTS1. Jayson Shaw $1,8502. Phil Burford $1,0503. Randy Jorday $6504. Tim Orange $4005/6 Jeff Hooks, JR Rossman $2007/8 John Jones, John Maikke $1309-12 Bucky Souventhong, Jeff Jordan, Matt Bulfin, Dustin Byrd $60 13-16 Jeff Crawford, Larry Nevel, Ken Hall, Jared McGee $40 17-24 Andrew Stewart, Billy Tyler, Justin Kaleb, Nick Varner, Lane Simons, Ramone Rodriguez, Tommy Najar, Bill Huffman $20 25-32 Carlos Murillo, Michael Clay, Horace Godwin, Travis Barber, Tony Riley, Tim Hart, Bruce Nagle $10

Sunday 9-Ball Event1. Larry Nevel $4002. Bernardo Estevan $3003. Michael Clay $2004. Andy Stewart $100

Shaw, Nevel and Clay Winat the 4th Annual Richard Sweet Memorial

Jayson Shaw, Rick Sweet and Phil Miles Burford

30 Stroke Magazine - August 2013 www.StrokeMagazine.net

www.StrokeMagazine.net August 2013 - Stroke Magazine 31

On June 22, 2013; 8 Teams played on two boards at Big Dawgs 2, Davie FL. The league operator is Carl Johnson.

Team “The Shockers” bet EZ-DUZ-IT and then bet Team “Crazy 8’s” on one board. They did what it took to say they are the Best-Of-The-Best.

Team “The Angry Pirates” bet “The Natives” and then bet “Run To Eight” on the other board. Frank Sirico played very strong for The Angry Pirates, Sirico may be in his senior years but he still can play the game and run the table. To win he had a nice bank on the 8-ball to seal the deal. This team also did what it took to be called the Best-Of-The-Best.

The BestTitleholder for Broward TAP 2013

Article and Photos by Janis Sessions

Team Shockers Steve Riewe

Christy LawrenceRichard PotterDave Pecoraro

Raymond PachecoBrett Baumgart

Bill DavidsonChris Robinson

Team Angry Pirates Patrick CerutiDan Colicelli

Chris YapFrank SiricoBrenda Ortiz

Alan GoldbergReinaldo Pena

Dean Washabaugh

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Viper: Ok, then did your parents play pool? Who got you started? Nick: None of my family members play pool. When I was a young kid I was introduced to the game by some friends and fell in love with the game right away. Viper: What did your parents think of your pool career?Nick: At the beginning, they were not happy about me playing pool for a living but later as I improved and started representing my country in world events, then they started taking me more seriously. Viper: In your opinion, what parts of the world produce the best players?Nick: The best pool players in the world have always dominated from the Philippines and Taiwan. Viper: Why: Honestly, I believe its in their blood. They are just born to play championship pool. They have so many players over there that haven’t even surfaced yet. Like here in Greece, we to have a few players that if they travelled to the US would become the next pool stars. But because of the bad economy, they have not gotten an opportunity to come over and compete just yet. Viper: Who is/was your favorite pro player growing up?Nick: Of course my favorite player has always been Pilipino world champion Francisco Bustamante. Viper: Where and when did you first start playing pool?Nick: I was 15-years-old when I was introduced to the sport of billiards.Viper: Do you currently have any sponsors?Nick: Here in Las Vegas I picked up a new cue sponsor; Pechauer Custom Cues. But of course, I am always looking for new sponsors. I have a lot to offer a sponsor being one of the best players out of Greece, owning a pool hall and with my ranking I am invited to every WPA event. Viper: Did you ever play in a pool league?

Nick: No, we don’t really have leagues over here in Greece just lots of tournaments for the federation. Viper: Are you good at any other sports?Nick: I am also good at Tennis, Soccer and Table tennis (Ping-Pong).Viper: Describe yourself in three words?Nick: Outgoing, friendly and a little lazy. Viper: If you had to live your life over again, what would one thing you change about yourself and/or your pool career?Nick: I took a couple of years off from travelling the world tour so if I could have done it all over again, I would have travelled as much as possible. Viper: How do you prepare for events?Nick: I practice 5-days or so before majors about 2-hours per day. I practice with a lesser player to get lots of time on the table and they rack a lot for me. In return they love to play with me….lol. Viper: What was the best advice you were ever given?Nick: If you make the balls, you can beat anyone. If you miss them, anyone can beat you - DadViper: What is one thing that you enjoy most while playing pool?Nick: The excitement of the competition and travelling around the world doing what I love to do.Viper: If you could say one thing to a young up-coming player what would it be? Nick: I would remind them to be patient, it takes a lot of time to win championships and not to get discouraged when they have not won yet… in time the titles will come. Viper: What’s your Favorite game?Nick: Any rotation game and I really enjoy 14.1 Straight Pool.

Viper (continued from page 8)

they were gone, and I didn’t know who had won.I ran into her father a few minutes later while I took a quick refreshment break.“Oh, hey there, how did your daughter do?”“Which one?”“The older one. Karen. I saw she was at 6-6. Did she win?”“Yeah. Barely. She made a few mistakes. She was up 4-0 at one point. She really needs to start focusing more.”I still could not believe his negativity! “Well, these girls are under a lot of pressure. You should be proud she’s gone as far as she has. Wish her luck for me!”“Yeah, sure, I’ll do that.”Something Karen and Amy’s mother said to me really stuck with me. She told me that her youngest, Amy, was very aggressive, and outgoing. Karen, however, was

more shy and reserved, and not very aggressive. I sensed that she and her husband saw this as a weakness.Every person is different. Each daughter must be approached differently, and coached in a way that gives them the best chance to succeed in future matches. Browbeating them, and pointing out their mistakes (especially in the midst of a tournament) is not the way to do this.Dad, I hope you get a chance to read this. I hope and pray that you give your daughters lots of love, support, and positive reinforcement while they play. Otherwise, all you are going to do is make them resent the sport, and they will quit. It’s a game. It’s supposed to be fun. Let them enjoy the sport, and please don’t turn it into a chore. Celebrate their successes, and console them when they lose. Save the constructive criticism for the practice table.

GLASS (continued from page 15)

Mondays Levittown, NY Leisure Time Billiards & Cafe (516) 796-4600 9-Ball Call Call Somerville, MA Good Time Emporium (617) 628-5559 8 Ball $15 7PM Brookhaven, MS Brookhaven Billiards (601) 754-4422 8 Ball $5 7PM Warren, MI Ultimate Sports Bar (586) 751-2222 9 Ball $20 $100 w/32 7PM Warren, MI Hall of Fame (586) 939-8880 Open 9 Ball $10/$20 Call 8PM Dayton, OH Airway (937) 274-1230 Open 9 Ball $5 Call 7PM Hilliard, OH Bankshots (614) 777-0022 9 Ball $10 Call 8PM Akron, OH Crown Billiards (330) 644-3985 Open 9 Ball $8 Call 7:30PMTuesdays Edison, NJ Sandcastle Billiards (732) 632-9277 Open 9-Ball $30 Calcutta 7PM Fairfield, OH Michael’s (513) 860-0044 One Pocket Hdcp 9’ Diamonds $15 $100 w/13+ 8PM Bowling Green, KY Cue Time (270) 782-2740 8 Ball $5 Call 8PM Columbus, OH Sportsmen’s (614) 279-5888 Open 9 Ball-Ladies play free $10 Call 8PM Wednesdays Tallahassee, FL Zingales (850) 224-8644 9-Ball Handicap $10 8PM Butler, PA P J s (724) 285-7307 8 Ball $6 7:30PM Monroe, MI Cones & Cues (734) 241-5533 8 Ball $10 Call 7PM Livonia, MI Snookers (734) 422-9510 8 Ball $13 Call 7PM Livonia, MI The Rack (734) 422-7665 8 Ball $10 Call 8PM Dayton, OH Airway (937) 274-1230 8 Ball $10 Call 7PM Columbus, OH Player’s (614) 239-7665 8 Ball $8 200% payout 7PMThursdays Williamsville, NY Bison Billiards (716) 632-0281 9-Ball Handicap-SE $15 (incl g.f.) Call 7PM Mooresville, NC 150 n Out Billiards (704) 660-5363 9-Ball Handicap-Round Robin $15 $$$ 7PM Levittown, NY Leisure Time Billiards & Cafe (516) 796-4600 9-Ball $Call Call Bowling Green, KY Cue Time (270) 782-2740 9 Ball $5 Call 8PM Lansing, MI Coaches (517) 882-2013 8 Ball $5 Call 7:30PM Warren, MI Ultimate Sports Bar (586) 751-2222 9 Ball $20 $100 w/32 7PM Vernon, IN Phat Guy Birds (812) 346-0870 Open 9 Ball $5 Call 7:30PM Columbus, OH 8 Ball Sports Bar (614) 436-2948 Open 9 Ball $10 Call 7PM Columbus, OH Player’s (614) 239-7665 8 Ball $7 100% payout 7PM Columbus, OH Sportsmen’s (614) 279-5888 3 Cushion $15 Call 7PM Springboro, OH Whiskey Barrel (937) 829-7948 9 Ball $15 $200 5PMFridays Greensboro, NC Gate City Billiards Club (336) 856-8800 Scotch Doubles 8 Ball/9 Ball Call 8PM Port Clinton, OH Rack Attack Billiard Cafe (419) 732-7225 8 Ball $10 8PM Grand Rapids, MI The Break Room (616) 454-0899 9 Ball $5 Call 7PM Grand Rapids, MI The Break Room (616) 454-0899 8 Ball $5 Call 7PM Adrian, MI Good Times (517) 263-9490 8 Ball - Race to 1 $10 Call 7:30PM Portage, MI Play Time (269) 323-2295 8 Ball $15 Call Call Columbus, OH 8 Ball Sports Bar (614) 436-2948 8 Ball $8 Call 8PM Wheeling, WV Corner Pocket Billiards (304) 905-8495 Pool Tournament $12 Calcutta 7:30PMSaturdays Hollywood, FL Lucky 7 Billiards (954) 239-8254 8-Ball-Race to 2-DE $5 Match w/20+ 8PM Greensboro, NC Gate City Billiards Club (336) 856-8800 8 Ball/9 Ball (1st Sat) Round robin Call 7PM Mooresville, NC 150 n Out Billiards (704) 660-5363 8-Ball Race to 2-DE $5 $$$ 7:30PM Port Clinton, OH Rack Attack Billiard Cafe (419) 732-7225 9 Ball $10 8PM Leitchfield, KY Scooters on Main St (270) 230-1879 8 Ball 7PM Holland, MI Guppies (616) 396-1071 8 Ball $15 6PM Grand Rapids, MI The Break Room (616) 454-0899 9 Ball $5 Call 6PM Grand Rapids, MI The Break Room (616) 454-0899 8 Ball $5 Call 6PM Battle Creek, MI Brickyard (269) 968-0692 8 Ball $20 Call 1PM Battle Creek, MI Brickyard (269) 968-0692 9 Ball $20 Call 7PM Columbus, OH 8 Ball Sports Bar (614) 436-2948 8 Ball $8 5 Chip Elim. 7:30PM Canton, OH Fiddlestix (330) 498-8422 8 Ball $7 Call 7PM Reynoldburg, OH Scotty’s (614) 755-9407 8 Ball Call 200% payout 3PM Wheeling, WV Corner Pocket Billiards (304) 905-8495 Pool Tournament $12 Call 7PMSundays Mooresville, NC 150 n Out Billiards (704) 660-5363 10-Ball Handicap-Race to 5 $15 $$$ 2PM Jackson, MS Rack (601) 372-6576 9 Ball $10 6PM Jackson, MS Rack (601) 372-6576 9 Ball $10 8:30PM Orlando, FL Clicks Billiards (407) 275-6064 Mixed 8 Ball & 9 Ball $7 2PM St Claire Shores, MI Pepperbottoms (586) 419-4144 8 Ball $10 Call 6:30PM Portage, MI Play Time (269) 323-2295 9 Ball $15 Call 4PM Livonia, MI Snookers (734) 422-9510 8 Ball - bank the 8 $10 Call 2PM Vernon, IN Phat Guy Birds (812) 346-0870 8 Ball Call Call 7:30PM Columbus, OH 8 Ball Sports Bar (614) 436-2948 8 Ball $5 $$$ 7PM Dayton, OH Airway (937) 274-1230 Alt 8 & 9 Ball Call Call 7PM Columbus, OH Cushions (614) 882-5986 9 Ball $10 Call 8PM Fairfield, OH Michael’s (513) 860-0044 Alternating 8/9 Ball $10 $100 w/23+ 8PM Mansfield, OH Sundown (419) 564-4538 8 Ball $7 1/3 pot 5:30PM Springboro, OH Whiskey Barrel (937) 829-7948 8 Ball $10 $3/player 2PM

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34 Stroke Magazine - August 2013 www.StrokeMagazine.net

DATE CITY LOCATION PHONE EVENT / RULES ENTRY ADDED TIME LINK

Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without noticeClick on the MAP link online to get directions to each location

Aug 3 Williamsville, NY Bison Billiards 716-632-0281 8-Ball Bar Box $35 (incl g.f.) $250 Guar Noon MAPAug 3 Lafayette, LA Fast Eddies Billiards 337-237-6577 10-Ball Open - Limit 64 $25 $500 11AMAug 10 Boynton Beach, FL Slate Billiards 561-735-7802 Ladies Event Call $250 11AMAug 10-11 New York, NY Amsterdam Billiards 212-995-0333 C-D 9-Ball Call $1,000 CallAug 10-11 Sterling, VA First Break Cafe 703-444-2551 9-Ball Call Call CallAug 10-11 Mobile, AL Breaker’s Billiards 251-341-1117 9-Ball Bar Table $65 + $20 g.f. $10,000 payout 2PMAug 17 Sterling, VA First Break Cafe 703-444-2551 9-Ball $40 Call NoonAug 17 Bayside, NY Cue Bar 718-631-2646 A-B/C-D 9-Ball Call $1,000 CallAug 24 Clifton, NJ Clifton Billiards 973-928-6622 A-B/C-D 9-Ball Call $1,000 CallAug 19-24 Astoria, NY Steinway Billiards 718-472-2124 World 14.1 Call $54,000 payout CallAug 25-27 Astoria, NY Steinway Billiards 718-472-2124 Steinway Classic - Pro Event $150 $7,000 CallAug 31-Sep2 Astoria, NY Steinway Billiards 718-472-2124 Geo “Ginky” Sansouci Mem Call $5,000 CallAug 31 Greensboro, NC Gate City Billiards 336-856-8800 Action East Coast Qualifier Call Call Call MAPSep 7 Williamsville, NY Bison Billiards 716-632-0281 8-Ball Bar Box $35 (incl g.f.) $250 Guar Noon MAPSep 7 Lafayette, LA Fast Eddies Billiards 337-237-6577 10-Ball Open - Limit 64 $25 $500 11AMSep 7 E Rutherford, NJ Castle Billiards 201-933-6007 A-B/C-D 9-Ball Call $1,000 CallSep 7-8 Lindenhurst, NY Mr Cue Billiards 631-226-9486 Open/Pro 9-Ball Call $1,000 CallSep 7-8 Herndon, VA Breakers Sky Lounge 703-713-0021 10-Ball $40 Call NoonSep 14 Brooklyn, NY Gotham City Billiards 718-714-1002 A-B/C-D 9-Ball Call $1,800 CallSep 14 Greensboro, NC Gate City Billiards 336-856-8800 Q-City Tour Call Call Call MAPSep 14-15 W Hempstead, NY Raxx Pool Room 516-538-9896 Ladies Event Call $1,500 CallSep 19-22 Verona, NY Turning Stone Casino 518-356-7163 Turning Stone 21 - 9 ball $150/$200 $25,000 CallSep 21 Rockaway, NJ Rockaway Billiards 973-625-5777 A-B/C-D 9-Ball Call $1,000 CallSep 21-22 Bayside, NY Cue Bar 718-631-2646 Open/Pro 9-Ball Call $1,000 CallSep 28-29 NYC, NY Eastside Billiards 212-831-7665 Open/Pro 9-Ball Call $1,000 CallSep 28-29 Catonsville, MD VIP Billiards 410-747-2551 8-9-10-Ball Round Robin $40 Call NoonOct 5 Williamsville, NY Bison Billiards 716-632-0281 8-Ball Bar Box $35 (incl g.f.) $250 Guar Noon MAPOct 5-6 Bayside, NY Cue Bar 718-631-2646 Open/Pro 9-Ball Call $1,000 CallOct 9-13 Gary, IN Majestic Star Casino 219-465-8101 GMPA Early Bird 9-Ball $50 incl. g.f. Call 3:00PM MAP Oct 10-13 Gary, IN Majestic Star Casino 219-465-8101 GMPA Senior 8-Ball $50 incl. g.f. $5,000 1:00PM Oct 10-13 Gary, IN Majestic Star Casino 219-465-8101 GMPA Singles 8-Ball (M) $50 incl. g.f. 1 & 4PM Oct 10-13 Gary, IN Majestic Star Casino 219-465-8101 GMPA Singles 8-Ball (W) $50 incl. g.f. 6 & 8PM Oct 11-13 Gary, IN Majestic Star Casino 219-465-8101 GMPA Sportsmens Singles FREE 2:00PM Oct 11-13 Gary, IN Majestic Star Casino 219-465-8101 GMPA 3 Person Team $150 incl. g.f. 7:00PM Oct 12-13 Gary, IN Majestic Star Casino 219-465-8101 GMPA Sportsmens Teams Call $500 2:30PM Nov 2-3 E Rutherford, NJ Castle Billiards 201-933-6007 Open/Pro 9-Ball Call $1,000 CallNov 9-10 Astoria, NY Steinway Billiards 718-472-2124 Open/Pro 9-Ball Call $1,000 CallNov 30-Dec 1 Lindenhurst, NY Mr Cue Billiards 631-226-9486 Open/Pro 9-Ball Call $1,000 Call

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