Rackem Pool Magazine August Issue 2017 by Rackem Magazine

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Who Are We?

We recognize the players achievements, accomplishments and championships!

FEATURE ARTICLES

6 APA Juniors 7 In Memory Of ... 19 Shooters Olathe 24 Sidepocket Open

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6 Pockets Decatur, AL 31 Astros Lawrence, KS 31 Big Dog Billiards Des Moines, IA 7,20 Blue Diamond Cape Girardeau, MO 31 C R Sports Bar Coon Rapids, MN 31 Chris’ Billiards Chicago, IL 25 Fat Toad Junction City, KS 31 Jamaica Joe’s Midwest City, OK 19 Kato Cue Club Mankato, MN 25 OpenTable Sports Bar Azle, TX 7 Red Shoes Billiards Alsip, IL 7 Sharky’s Bar & Billiards Davenport, IA 19 Shooters Olathe, KS 31 Sidepockets Shreveport, LA 31 Skinny Bob’s Round Rock, TX 19 Spirit Lake Casino 10 T’s Billiards Tulsa, OK 19 Varsity Club Oshkosh, WI 19

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COLUMNISTS

11 Dr Chris Stankovich 14 Bob Jewett 12 Tom Simpson 15 Anthony Beeler 13 Stefano Pelinga

WEEKLY TOURNAMENTS 32 Central U.S. Weekly Tournaments 34 Central U.S. Tournaments

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Rack’em 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.

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Anthony Beeler 15 Bob Jewett 14 On The Break News 29 Psychology of Pool 11 Scoreboard 20 Stefano Pelinga 13 Subscription 30 Tom Simpson 12

Rack’em

August 2017

Young Champs Take Center Stage at APA Junior Championships LAKE SAINT LOUIS, MO (July 26, 2017) — A record number of aspiring young APA members from across North America made their way to Davenport, Iowa in early-July for the APA Junior Championships.

Green Tier (Skill Levels 1-2, 121 entries), 1st Kaleb Frazier-Jackson, Miss.

crowned in each tier of the Junior Championships.

After four-days of having fun, making new friends from across the country and playing their hearts out on the pool table, four new champions were

In the finals of the Green Tier (Skill Levels 1-2), Kaleb Frazier of Jackson, Miss., defeated Madison Glenn of Lawton, Okla. Glenn finished Runnerup. Gianluca Hackembruch of Ontario, Canada, and Maile Cook of Sedgewickville, Mo., tied for 3rd Place in the Green Tier which featured the largest number of competitors in this year’s event with 120 participants. In the finals of the newly added Red Tier (Skill Level 3), Kyle Dodd of Cape Girardeau, Mo., defeated Treyton Weber of Mitchellville, Iowa. Weber finished Runner-up. April Czarnecki of Urbandale, Iowa, and Deekin Smith of Lebanon, Ind., tied for 3rd Place in the Red Tier which had 82 participants. In the finals of the White Tier (Skill Levels 4-5), Hayden Hill of Cordova, Ill., defeated Hayden Sheeler of Ankeny, Iowa. Sheeler finished Runner-up. Cameron McBride of Fenton, Mo., and Beck Matthews of Louisville, Ky., tied for 3rd Place in the White Tier which had 58 participants.

In the finals of the Black Tier (Skill Levels 6-9), Matthew Franzke of Melbourne, Fla., defeated Chase Stumfoll of Independence, Mo. Stumfoll finished as Runner-up. The Black Tier, featuring the highest skilled players, included 31 competitors. Tying for 3rd Place in the Black Tier were Kenneth Walters of Matthews, Mo., and Timmy Bly of Decatur, Ill.

Red Tier (Skill Level 3 82 entries), 1st Kyle Dodd-Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Overall, nearly 300 players competed in one of the four 9-Ball skill level tiers July 13 – July 16 at Sharky’s Billiards. Champions and top finishers each took home trophies in addition to Samsung Galaxy Tablets for the champions, JBL Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Runners-up and 3rd Place finishers received Quadcopter Drones. The four-day event also included a Junior/Adult Doubles event, recognition for Outstanding Academic Achievements and a special exhibition and autograph signing by Florian “Venom” Kohler. Event sponsors included: Nationwide Insurance, Action Cues, PoolDawg. com, FCI Billiards, GRIND’N Clothing Black Tier (Skill Levels 6-9, 31 entries), Co., Jacoby Custom 1st Matthew Franzke of Melbourne, FL Cues, Kamui Tips, Khamsin Designs Inc., Kingery Printing, Meucci Cues, Digi Cue by OB Cues, Omega Billiards Supplies, PoolAHolic Apparel, Poison by Predator, Promotions Pronto, RT9 Designs Art and Apparel, Shaftmaster Lathes, Sharky’s Billiards, Tiger Products Inc., Venom Trick Shots and Viking Cues.

White Tier (Skill Levels 4-5, 58 entries) 1st Hayden Hill-Cordova, Ill.,

August 2017

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In Memory Of ...

Frank “Sailor” Stellman (1927 - 2017) Article by: Bob Treff

John Lavin - owner of Red Shoes Billiard with “Sailor”

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Farewell to a stalwart man of pool. “I spent half my life playing pool, the other half I wasted.” He often had a tongue in cheek way about getting his point across. Frank “Sailor” Stellman passed away of natural causes July 24, 2017 at the age of 90 years and 3 days. There is an enormous sense of loss for the “enthusiasts, participants and players” he has inspired. The one table shop where he still played, taught and made cues is now empty and without purpose. We are left to carry on with our own momentum to see what we can achieve on our own. Frank was a uniquely tremendous player (“Terror of the Great Lakes”, Racine, WI). He was the best player some of us have ever seen. None the less, his main talent was his gift for learning. He was inducted into the 14.1 HOF in recognition for his efforts in learning, teaching and promoting pool. He was one of the last remaining genuine threads that could be traced back to a bygone era of pool. He had a special flair as a player, cue maker, table mechanic, room owner, instructor and promoter. The world was a more interesting place with Sailor in it. He is survived by two sons, a daughter, grand and great grandchildren and a multitude of pool people. Farewell Sail, Pops, Daddy’o, the Boat.

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Life and Times of Frank “Sailor” Stellman 1927: Born in Racine. 1939: Receives the nickname

“Sailor” from his buddies. Everybody in his crowd had a nickname, he says. 1942: Plays his first game of pool at Uptown Billiards, 1318 Washington Ave. 1946: While on shore leave from U.S. Navy in Philadelphia, loses straight pool game to world champion Irving Crane. Despite the loss, Crane encourages Stellman to continue playing. 1948: Back in Racine, works at Uptown Billiards. Meets world champion Willie Mosconi and starts a lifelong friendship with the legend. 1959: Takes over Uptown Billiards and makes it into Sailor’s Grill and Recreation. 1964: Competes in his only professional tournament in Chicago and finishes second. 1977: Serves as pool expert on local WITI television show. 1980s: Organizes and promotes nine-ball and straight pool tournaments across Wisconsin and the Midwest. 2014: Inducted into Straight Pool Hall of Fame.

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August 2017

Aicinena Takes San Antonio Open Eric Aicinena proved he is the player to beat in San Antonio, going undefeated in a field of 57 competitors, overcoming Manny Chau in the finals, 6-5, to capture the inaugural Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour, San Antonio Open 9-Ball Event. Recently named the #1 Sports Bar by the San Antonio Express News, Fat Racks Sports Bar and Billiards hosted a stellar event this past weekend, July 8th-9th, featuring some of the best players Texas has to offer. Champions in attendance included Manny Chau, Ruben Bautista, David Guttierrez, and local favorites, Rudy Sanchez, Sam Manaole, and Frank Ferrer, Jr. Fat Racks added a generous $1,000 to the purse, and with 100% payback in the player auctions, the tournament paid an impressive $10,870. Thanks to the support of Fat Racks’ owners, Daniel and Alice Tarpley, title sponsor Poison by Predator Cues, PoisonBilliards.com, and sponsors Cyclop Pool Balls, Ozone Billiards, APA of North Harris County, OutsvilleBilliards.com, and Jimmy Jenkins Realty, the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour posted one of its largest payouts to date. This special event featured one, open 9-ball division, as opposed to the two-division format (amateur and open), typical of Poison Lone Star Tour Events. On Saturday, players raced to six on both sides, and on Sunday, the one loss side was a race to five. San Antonio’s Eric Aicinena carved out wins over Cassidy Adams, 6-0, Fernando Colunga, 6-5, Joey Barajas, 6-1, and Candy Ramos, 6-1, while David Gutierrez “David G”, bested Jimmy Jenkins, 6-2, Daniel Tarpley, 6-0, Mickey Woinicki, 6-5, and Santiago Garza, 6-1. Sam Manaole logged wins over Clem Saenz, Justin Espinosa, 6-2, and Nuevo Laredo’s Felipe Yniguez, 6-3, while Manny Chau ousted Rudy Sanchez, 6-4, Albert Luna, 6-3, and Lynn Mascheck, 6-2. As the final four winners’ side took shape, one loss side matches were underway. Following a second-round loss to Aicinena, 6-5, Colunga took out Chris Ramoz, 6-3, Neil Khan, 6-5, Martin Ramos, 5-2, Luna, 5-4, and Candy Ramos, 5-2. Following a third-round loss to Garza, 6-4, Frank Ferrer, Jr. took out David Gonzalez, 6-5, Mark Canchola, 6-1, Joe Heinaman, 5-2, and Ariel Estrada, 5-1, before falling to Garza, once again, 5-2. After suffering a second-round loss to Chau, 6-4, Sanchez made an incredible comeback, securing eight wins, eliminating Ruben Bautista, 6-5, Jenkins, 6-0, Gail Eaton, 5-2, Sophia

August 2017

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Eric Aicinena Lopez, 5-0, and Mascheck, 5-2. Newcomer Benje Piamonte eliminated Mingo Ybarra, 6-2, Espinosa, 6-2, and David Leal, 5-3, before falling to Mickey Woinicki, 5-4. In turn, Woinicki met his fate with Yniguez, 5-4. As the final four on the one loss side panned out, winners’ side action witnessed Chau defeat Manaole, 6-4, and Aicinena slide by Gutierrez, 6-5. Still alive on the one loss side, Colunga defeated Garza, 5-3, while Sanchez claimed his sixth win over Yniguez, 5-3. Manaole ended Colunga’s run, 5-2, while Sanchez overwhelmed Gutierrez, 5-2. Meanwhile, Chau and Aicinena teed off for the hot seat. Overwhelming play by Aicinena sent Chau to unfamiliar territory, 6-3. On the west side, Sanchez overcame Manaole, 5-2, but was stopped short by Chau, 5-1. Once again, Chau would face off with Aicinena, going head to head in the true, double elimination final. The crowd was silenced as Aicinena took the lead, 4-1, and Chau came back to tie it up, 4-4. Aicinena won the next game and Chau answered back. It was hill-hill and the tension was so thick, you could cut it with a knife. Following a series of forced and unforced errors in the second half of the rack, Aicinena caught a break, winning the final game, and his first win on the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour. There were six ladies competing in this event, including Gail Eaton, Sophia

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Eddie Martinez, on winning the Poison Armour Cue Case, and Charlie Elders and Chase Nevels on winning Poison VX Break Jump Cues, in the Poison Raffles. The tour would like to acknowledge and thank its “special supporters” of this event, Veteran Albert Cortez, “Nino”, Tito Fernandez, Pat Castro “Chicago”, and Zach Ballas. Serving pool players, pool rooms, and sponsors since 2009, the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour celebrates its 10th Anniversary in 2018 as the longestrunning billiards tour in the south. A special 10th Anniversary Event will be held for players who compete in at least two events between now, and January 1st, 2018. The tour strongly encourages all players to meet the eligibility requirements, in order to gain entrance into this one-of-a-kind tournament.

Lopez, Kawania Watson, Megan Hardin, Angela Garza, and Clem Saenz. Congratulations to Sophia Lopez who finished 13th-16th, taking home the “Last Lady Standing” award in this open 9-ball event. On Thursday, July 6th, 2017, the Texas billiard community suffered a great loss with the sudden passing of a dear friend and fellow pool player, Helen Hayes (43 years-old). Upon hearing the news, Fat Racks organized a balloon release on Saturday, raffled off product, and accepted donations, all on behalf of the Hayes family. Over 100 balloons were released in Helen’s honor, and $1,100 was raised to assist with medical and funeral expenses. The tour would like to express its deepest condolences to Helen’s family and friends, and thank each and every person who came out on Saturday to support this impromptu remembrance and benefit.

Kim Newsome & Sophia Lopez

There were a number of players at this event competing on tour for the first time. The tour would like to thank all those players and invite them back at every opportunity. The tour would also like to thank Jimmy Jenkins for his assistance in running the event, and Jerry Olivier for performing cue repair throughout the weekend. Congratulations to one of our newest players,

OnTheBreakNews.com

1st

$1,000/$2,200/$800

Eric Aicinena

2nd

$650/$$1,600/$475

Manny Chau

3rd

$430/$1,100/$225

Rudy Sanchez

4th

$275/$700/$75

Sam Manaole

5/6th

$140/$350

Fernando Colunga, David Gutierrez

7/8th

$90

Santiago Garza, Felipe Yniguez

9-12th $45

Candy Ramos, Frank Ferrer, Jr.,

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Results & Payouts

Lynn Maschek, Mickey Woinicki

Rack’em

August 2017

$10,000 Total Added October 5-8, 2017 St. Michael, ND Open 9-Ball Double Elimination

10/05/17 7PM

Entry Fee $60 + $15 Green Fee

10/06/17 7PM

Entry Fee $75 + $15 Green Fee

Women’s 8-Ball Double Elimination Entry Fee $50 + $15 Green Fee

10/06/17 5PM - Rules Meeting

Finger foods available, stick around for a Full Field 8 Ball Calcutta ($50 minimum)

October 6th, 2017 6PM No Exceptions

Registration is available at:

Men’s 8-Ball Double Elimination

10/06/17 7PM

8 Ball Registration Deadline

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Peter Owlboy, Jr. Work: 701-766-4747 Ext 327 Mobile: 701-230-7288 powlboyjr@spiritlakecasino.com Maurice Alberts Work: 701-766-4747 Ext 272

August 2017

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Add our Facebook Event to get any updates regarding the tournament. Spirit Lake Casino & Resort reserves the right to change, alter, or cancel this promotion at any time. OnTheBreakNews.com www.facebook.com/onthebreaknews

The Psychology of Pool Frustrated with Your Play? Get Away for a Day (or two)

DR. CHRIS STANKOVICH Dr. Chris Stankovich, known as “The Sports Doc,” is a national expert in the field of sport & performance psychology and has been featured on ESPN for his work with elite athletes. His #1 best selling pool video “Mind of Steel: Mental Toughness for Pool Success” has been used by thousands of players to improve focus, increase confidence, and eliminate anxiety. You can learn more about Dr Stankovich and Mind of Steel by visiting drstankovich.com

Sometimes in life we find ourselves in the middle of a terrible slump where we see the quality of our play decline, or we become temporarily bored and disinterested and lose our focus and motivation. Some might call this burnout, and while these slumps are inevitable, they don’t need to be catastrophic. Avoid pool burnout Pool players often put in long hours, and over time there is risk of “going through the motions,” especially if you are not playing better competition or signing up for challenging tournaments. Sadly, it is during these times where our focus widens, our motivation declines, and our level of success decreases as a result. The good news, however, is that these moments of stagnant play can be quickly stopped and actually improved upon by simply taking a short break. Many athletes fear taking time off because they think they will lose all the skills and abilities they have worked hard to develop, but psychology research shows us this really isn’t the case. In fact, the theory of spontaneous recovery is loosely defined as the re-discovery of previously learned responses even though they haven’t been used in awhile. Stay fresh Using a practical example, pool players usually experience a learning curve when first tasked with developing the skills needed to bank balls, make combinations, and finely cut balls. When first learning how to do these things the player must take time to learn where to hit the ball, the amount of speed to use, and other important aspects relating to the table and setting up for the next shot. The good news is that once these skills are learned, they stay with you (even when you seriously question yourself where they went after a missed shot!).

MIND OF STEEL MENTAL TOUGHNESS FOR POOL SUCCESS Eliminate nerves & anxiety, beat pressure, and DOMINATE THE COMPETITION!! Streaming in HD on any device 24/7/365

Dr. Chris Stankovich DRSTANKOVICH.CINEVEE.COM OnTheBreakNews.com

What does this mean to a slumping, bored pool player who needs a break but is afraid of losing all the skills he has learned? It means that you can (and should) take short breaks in order to clear your head, and you shouldn’t worry that your skills will leave you (at worst you will only need a short amount of time to re-find your stroke). Interestingly, if you don’t take breaks from time to time you actually run a greater risk of playing sloppy, adjusting to bad habits, and seeing your game decline over time as a result. Keep your head on straight and win more games by avoiding burnout and catching your breath once in awhile – you’ll be happy you did in the long run. Dr. Chris Stankovich, known as “The Sports Doc,” is a national expert in the field of sport & performance psychology and has been featured on ESPN for his work with elite athletes. His #1 best selling pool video “Mind of Steel: Mental Toughness for Pool Success” has been used by thousands of players to improve focus, increase confidence, and eliminate anxiety. You can learn more about Dr. Stankovich and Mind of Steel by visiting drstankovich.com

I would like to hear from you. If you have a question for me please submit to: information@drstankovich.com

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Rack’em

August 2017

Master Instructor, National Billiard Academy, “Beat People With a Stick!”

Tom Simpson

August 2017

Most players take their bridge for granted. They notice when they have to make an awkward or uncomfortable bridge, but otherwise, they typically don’t give it much thought. However, the bridge is a critical fundamental; one you can improve throughout your life in pool. Here’s why we should care. Pool is about precision. The purpose of the bridge is to provide an absolute rock that will guide your cue tip to the precise spot you intend to hit on the cueball. If we’re not striking the cueball where we intend – or worse, if we’re not touching it where we believe we’re touching it – we have a problem. It’s a problem that results in delivery of the cueball to somewhere other than your target, and probably with spin a little different from what you had in mind. And we all know what that means. Sloppy bridge, sloppy results. Let’s look at some ways we can improve our bridge and make it work for us rather than against us. For open shots, where there is adequate room to place your bridge hand on the table where you want it, there are two general styles of bridge: the Open Bridge and the Closed (or Loop) Bridge. They each have advantages and disadvantages, so players usually develop both types. Most advanced pool players tend to use a closed bridge for the majority of their shots. When they need to spin the cueball, they feel that type of bridge “forces” the tip to hit the cueball where they intend. And yes, it can help, but there is a price: the closed bridge masks your swing flaws. For example, you could be “death gripping” the butt of the cue and pulling it hard upward, but your closed bridge holds it down. You may never realize this is going on. Try an open bridge a little more often. Does your tip end up pointing at the sky? The truth is, an open bridge makes it a little easier to see where your stick is pointed, since you can use most of the shaft as a sighting line to help you aim. The finger looped over the shaft in a closed bridge reduces that sighting aid. In fact, if your stroke fundamentals are good enough, you can accurately hit any english you want, using open bridge only. Consider a few general bridge pointers: 1. Placement – Don’t try to land your bridge perfectly. Most players get better results landing their bridge hand on the table and then sliding it forward into final position. As the bridge is sliding forward, you are making subconscious adjustments so that by the time you stop, you’re right

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on your shooting line. These subconscious adjustments are why we don’t stab ourselves in the face with our fork when we eat. Once your bridge is in position, do not move it to either side. If you have to move it sideways, your feet are most likely not in the right place. Stand up, back away, chalk up and come in again. Once you touch the table, move forward only. 2. Stability – Once your bridge is in place, it must become a rock. Keep your palm down on the cloth when you can, adding stability through friction. Spread your fingers as far as possible, making as large a base on the table as you can. Narrow bridges are weak and unstable. For elevated bridges (shooting over balls), try crossing your forefinger and middle finger to get more strength and stability, as well as a smaller “footprint” when you have to bridge in tight circumstances. 3. Anchoring – When your bridge is in place and stable, exactly where you want it, anchor it there with a little bit of finger pressure into the cloth. Anchor with the forefinger for open bridge, and middle finger for closed bridge. Use just enough pressure that you know the bridge is anchored and cannot move. 4. Snugness – Try to find ways to snug up your closed bridge. Your bridge probably could be tighter, but still work smoothly. If you’re seeing daylight through the hole the shaft slides in, maybe you can make a small change to reduce the opportunities for the shaft to slop around as it goes through the bridge. With an open bridge, check to make sure your thumb is always in contact with the side of your forefinger. 5. Height – Be careful about raising or lowering your tip once the bridge is in position. For many players, the tip will move diagonally as you raise or lower the bridge, yielding a different contact point on the cueball. 6. Glove – A glove can make an amazing difference. If your hands tend to be damp, this could be a wonderful change for you. In addition, the glove will stretch to reduce the slop in your bridge, while improving the smoothness of your stroke. 7. Life – Your bridge should feel alive to you. It’s not a passive lump sitting out there with a cue gliding through. The bridge is an active and vital part of aiming and stroke delivery, much like the gunsight at the end of a rifle barrel. Make it work for you. Examine your bridge from time to time. If it’s not in the right place, not snug enough, or has motion, it’s not helping you. Build a great bridge and eliminate another source of error.

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A Double-Kiss Two-Way Shot We all must admit that some things that happen on the pool table leave us a little puzzled. Obviously, the more I studied the game, the less it has been happening. However, even today, after having played for 40 years, it still, although rarely, happens that I need to carefully examine the consequences of a certain shot, to better understand what happened. Many years ago, it was this month’s shot that had me confused for a short while. It is a fairly easy shot based on an unperceivable double-kiss. Let’s start by placing our first Object Ball (the Blue Ball) at one-ball distance from the long rail and from its 1st diamond. Then we need to place the Cue Ball frozen to the OB still at one-ball distance from the long rail. To be accurate, I suggest using some ghost balls (the dotted shaped balls in my diagram) which you can remove after setting up the shot. Now place the Obstacle Ball (the Green one) in front of the Blue Ball, at oneball distance from the tip of pocket A and at about 2.5” (the diameter of a pool ball + 3/8”) from the long rail. Lastly, place our second Object Ball (the Yellow one) by the side pocket B and freeze another ball to it (the Red one) if you want a bigger margin of error.

STEFANO PELINGA stefanopelinga.com

Stefano Pelinga (born 1964) hails from Rome, Italy, where he has served since 1985 as a police officer for the Italian government (Polizia di Stato), until his retirement in 2011. He began to play pool at the age of 12, drawing inspiration from his favorite singer and actor, Dean Martin. Stefano, currently a 5-time World Champion in Pool Trick Shots, won several titles in Italy in straight pool and nine-ball throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. In 1990, he devoted himself entirely to “Artistic Pool,” commonly referred to in its practice as “Trick Shots.” Due to his outstanding achievements, Stefano is recognized worldwide as one of the greatest Trick Shot champions in the history of the sport, and has earned a spot in ESPN’s Trick Shot Magic Hall of Fame. Most importantly, on November 17, 2012, Stefano was inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame. In the presence of approximately 500 VIP guests and many sports stars such as Tommy Lasorda, Mike Piazza, Tony Esposito and Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, Stefano was awarded this honor, becoming a member of this group of legendary Italian Americans.

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Remembering that it is legal to shoot through an OB that is frozen to the CB, let’s shoot through the Blue Ball using a 6 o’clock, 2-tip, 2-speed stroke, aiming perfectly straight (as shown by the blue line). The CB and the OB will travel together so after the Blue Ball will collide with the Green Ball, forcing it out of its way, it will be almost simultaneously re-hit by the CB and thus pocketed into pocket A. The double hit and the back spin will propel the CB backwards so that also the Yellow Ball can be sunk into pocket B. A fascinating way to win a 9-ball game!

D Rack’em

August 2017

San Francisco Billiard Academy www.sfbilliards.com

PBIA certified instruction is available for all levels from beginners to instructor training.

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Bob Jewett

August 2017

Last month I asked you to practice some short kicks like in the diagram. I didn’t offer any system for aiming these but instead asked you to play them until you could make a fair percentage and have a feel for how to shoot them. This month let’s look at 1 some systems for aiming them. 2 In Shot 1 the 1 ball is just a little off the cushion, say a half an inch. To aim this, I imagine how far to the left I’d have to shoot to hit the Shot 1 cushion right by where the 1 is. That would be half Shot 2 an inch. Then I aim the edge of the ball that much again to the left as shown by the solid line. This is a mirror system which assumes that the cushion is a perfect reflector, which it’s not. If the ball is very close to the cushion, the reflection idea will work well enough, but if the ball is farther out, some special technique is needed. You can get the shot to work better by playing a little below center as if you were playing a stop shot on the 1 ball. In Shot 2, the same mirror idea is at work but the ball is a lot farther from the cushion. In planning it, the first thing to decide is where you want the cue ball to land on the 2. That’s shown by the shaded ghost ball touching the 2 ball. Note that the cue ball has to be farther from the rail than the 2 at contact in order to make this shot. Some players line up the shot to hit the 2 ball full with the cue ball. That might work for an easier shot like Shot 1, but for the 2 ball it’s a disaster. Shot 3 Also shown are a ball frozen to the cushion and a paper circle marker up on the cushion. The ghost ball, the frozen ball and the marker are in line as shown and have equal separations. The mirror Equal principle says that if you shoot straight at the marker you will land exactly at the ghost ball. distances As for Shot 1, with that much ball-rail 3 between separation, you will need to play the cue ball with something like a stun shot to make the mirror work. balls If you’re going to try this system, you really need the marker and some reinforcement donuts to make the setup repeatable so you can practice the same shot REJ with several strokes. 30%. In Shot 3 is a system that compensates for For Shot 3 the compensation is not perfect, so you will the imperfect reflection of the cushion when the cue ball is need to practice with it and find out which short kicks it will rolling smoothly on the cloth.The setup is almost the same work for. Note that as you increase the speed of the shot the but the middle ball is no longer frozen on the cushion but curve will be wider so that compensation will be too large. rather its center is even with the nose of the rail. The other To make this system work for faster shots, try adding a little way to look at this spacing is that the ghost ball and the paper running English -- in this case right side spin -- which will target on the rail are the same distance from the nose of the also bend the angle forward. cushion. The path of the cue ball is shown curving back While it’s essential to develop feel and intuition for shots to the cushion some after rail contact.This is due to the like these, it is also good to have a system that is a framework follow on the cue ball (when it’s rolling smoothly on for planning the shots. The system will get you close, but be the cloth) and it usually reduces the reflection angle sure to listen to your intuition if the shot doesn’t feel quite (relative to the line of the cushion) by about right just by the system.

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KEYS TO A FIT MIND! Go ahead! Buy books. Do drills and play for hours, but remember: Physical practice can’t make up for a weak mind. Call it mental toughness; it is a soundness of the pool player’s psyche that’s as vital to tournament wins as sound mechanics. There are four keys that a pool player must master in order to attain a sound mental game.

Anthony Beeler is a 2013 BCA National 9-Ball team champion. He also finished 9th out of 1086 players in the 2013 BCA National 8-Ball Championships. He is a certified Level 3 instructor for the American CueSports Alliance and is the founder of Maximize Your Potential Billiards Academy located in Bradfordsville, Kentucky. Beeler is also a fully licensed Kentucky Educator having, received his bachelor’s degree at Campbellsville University and his master’s degree in Education Leadership at Eastern Kentucky University. Throughout his pool-playing career Anthony has won over 300 tournaments and has defeated numerous professional players in tournament competition.

1. Become a Pressure Player: Varner and Sigel are famous for it. Mental toughness: “running out” when it matters most. “It’s having the Mike Sigel, 1980 Florida Open - Photo by Mike Haines & strength to stand up to pressure,” It’s all about Bill Porter. Courtesy of Mary Kenniston being comfortable on the big stage. on the past or pondering the future. Are you still In order to get use to pressure, you must learn smoldering over that shot you missed in the first to embrace it. Put yourself under it. For starters, game? Are you dreading a long distance cut shot? I recommend shooting every shot like it is for Keep track of the number of times your mind $25,000. If you act like every shot matters you’ll drifts out of the present. Your goal should be to be ready to pocket one when it really does.” totally eliminate thoughts of the past or future. 2. Make Adjustments Quickly: Your mind needs to be as limber as your body. The most successful players are quick to adapt to varying table conditions. They think creatively and accept things as they are. When Minnesota Fats was asked if an un-level table bothered him, he replied, “Only if it’s just lop sided for me.” Mental flexibility means keeping your mind open. Just because you’re snookered doesn’t mean the game is over. To avoid mental mistakes, it is important to play every game one ball at a time. Obviously you have to think ahead. But if you don’t pocket the first shot then you can’t continue your run. 3. Manage Your Game: Take your time. Play in the moment. They’re popular cliché’s for a reason: They work! Not getting too excited, not getting upset with yourself. That’s what mental management is about. During your next match, count how many times you find yourself dwelling

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4. Go the Distance: Pool tournaments are often marked by stressful moments and emotional swings. The key is to minimize them as much as possible so that you can conserve your mental energy. Everybody usually reaches a point during a tournament, when you are far enough along to know how you are playing but too far from the finals to slip into autopilot. That’s your TURNING POINT, a perilous stretch where you might feel inspired to make big changes if you’re off your game slightly. The key is for you to stick to your game plan. If you are playing poorly don’t fire at balls in a mad rush. If you’re playing well, it is also important to be aware of playing overly cautious or conservative. Either type of adjustment can lead to trouble. Trouble raises stress levels, and stress burns both physical and mental energy — energy you will need to win the tournament. Be aware that you can over-train and you can overthink — the mental equivalent of a muscle strain. You see it all the time, players fall so in love with their pre-shot routine that they forget to execute the shot.” So where’s the middle ground? Be yourself! If you’re conservative, play conservative on the table. If you’re an up-tempo person, shoot quickly. If you’re not, then don’t. In the words of Marjane Satrapi, “Always keep your dignity and be true to yourself.”

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August 2017

Skyler Woodward Scores Big Win at World Pool Series RYO Rack Classic (New York City) – When pool fans look back years from now at the career of Skyler Woodward, it will surely be noted that it was precisely in mid-July 2017 in New York City that the friendly and talented Kentucky native finally stepped onto the big stage in the professional ranks. Playing a beautiful game of fast and care free pool, Woodward,24, captured the biggest title of his young career on Saturday night at Steinway Billiards in Queens, winning the third leg of the World Pool Series, the RYO Rack Classic, with a relatively easy two sets to nil finals win over English great Darren Appleton. It was a dizzying finish to an amazing four days of brutally tough 8-ball for the soft-spoken Woodward. He never tasted defeat throughout the event. On Saturday, he first had to endure an over 5-hour marathon semi-final match with 18-year-old Albanian Klenti Kaci, staring down almost certain defeat on several occasions, only to make an amazing comeback in the third set to vault into the finals. Then, with almost no time to catch his breath, Woodward practically free-wheeled it in the final and showed the legend Appleton who was boss for this day. With the win, Woodward has now placed himself among the top young stars of the American pool scene. Already one of America’s top bar table players, the Peducah native has a bag full of tools that foretell big things to come. Personable, loaded with talent, drive, and an infectious and positive attitude, Woodward has the pool world at his feet. He will now surely once again be on the Team USA Mosconi Cup squad in December. And he looks more than ready to be a regular winner and contender both nationally and internationally in all the biggest events.

Skyler Woodward, Referee Michaela Tabb and Darren Appleton with a fine finish. Woodward bounced back nicely in the second race-to-six set, and brushed off several errors to take the match to a one set decider. With his methodical and amazing precision play, Kaci took advantage of several errors by the American in the third set and shot out to a commanding 4-1 lead. Woodward, though, stayed in the moment and didn’t get flustered or fazed. Showing tremendous bottle, the American won five straight racks to book his spot in the championship match.

Appleton came in to the final a slight favorite, if only because he’d been on the big stage countless times in the past. He also had over an hour to catch his breath, while Woodward had only 30 minutes rest after his arduous 5½ hour semi-final against Kaci. Woodward, though, came out loose and self-assured, as if he didn’t have a care in the world. The pair went back and forth early in the first set, but then Woodward stamped his class on the match. With strong confident potting and well thought out patterns, the American took the first set 6-3.

Woodward, though, nearly didn’t get past the semifinals at the RYO Rack Classic. Kaci came to New York as the favorite, having shocked the pool word by winning the second leg of the World Pool Series back in April. The superbly talented young Albanian, who only recently graduated from high school, had spent the three months since touring America and even the Dominican Republic, immersed in pool for over ten hours a day in money games, tournaments and practice. Kaci was clearly in excellent form in New York.

Woodward kept up the relaxed attitude and great shooting in the second set and it was only a few games in that it was clear he had Appleton’s number this day. Appleton actually had a chance to tie the set at 3-3, but as he got down to shoot the 8-ball in the pocket,

Kaci had barely been challenged in the first three days of the event but would get a stiff test from Woodward in the semi-finals. The two dueled for nearly 90 minutes in the first set, but Kaci grabbed the point

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There he would meet a resurgent Appleton, who had been playing some of his best pool in months this week in New York, despite juggling promoting duties at this event, and also having to deal with him mother’s illness back home in Pontefract. Earlier in day Appleton met Polish veteran Radislaw Babica in the semi-finals. The Englishman won the first set, while the Pole took the second. Appleton picked himself up and put together an excellent run in the third set to make his first World Pool Series final.

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From Sky’s FaceBook page: he touched one of Woodward’s solids with his arm, resulting in a foul and run out for the American. The gaff put the wind in Woodward’s sails as he won the next two racks for the crown. Afterward Woodward was mobbed by fans at Steinway who all wanted a photo and an autograph with this new American pool star. As he greeted all the well-wishers, Woodward couldn’t quite wrap his head around what he had just accomplished. Not only had he won the biggest tournament of his career, but he had done it in the Big Apple against a stacked field. He was sure, however, that it was the start of even bigger things to come. “I played good and steady the whole tournament,” Woodward said. “When I finished the match with Klenti I just went and sat down away from the pool table. I didn’t even hit a ball, I didn’t even look at a pool table until we started the final match. I had a clear head, I was ready to play the finals and I was fresh again. I know I played a little quick but I felt real comfortable. “You have to capitalize on every mistake that your opponent makes and stay positive. Even when I was down on myself, even when I showed a few emotions, I was still positive. “It feels crazy. I feel amazing. I still haven’t come down off it all the way. It’s the biggest win I have ever had. I think it’s going to be a big jump for me. I think I’m just going to get better from here.” For winning the RYO Rack Classic Championship Woodward took home $10,000.

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The third event of the World Pool Series, The RYO Rack Classic, is being held at Steinway Billiards in Astoria, Queens, New York City from July 12-15, 2017. The World Pool Series is sponsored by RYO Rack, Aramith, Molinari, Predator, Cheqio, Iwan Simonis, Kamui, Billiards Digest, Cuescore, Ultimate Team Gear, and High Rock Productions. For more information on the World Pool Series, please visit worldpoolseries.com. The World Pool Series is on Facebook at facebook.com/worldpoolseries/ and Twitter at @WorldPoolSeries. By Ted Lerner – WPS Media Officer Photos by JP Parmentier

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“What a great week I had in New York at Steinway Billiards this past week. I pulled off the biggest win of my career at the World Pool Series 8 Ball Championship. I’d like to thank Darren Appleton for hosting such a great event bringing in such amazing players from all over the world and for also giving me a tough finals match, congrats on 2nd place finish. It’s always a pleasure getting to play pool with one of the best. I’d also like to thank my sponsors Meucci Cues - Lights Out Apparel- and Molinari. I’d also like to thank my family and friends who are always supporting me and cheering me on along with all my fans supporters and followers. Hopefully I can snap off one of the US Open Events here in Vegas this week and grab some more Mosconi Points. After Vegas, I have a couple tournaments coming up in Texas and then onto China, as I have been invited to play in the World 8-Ball Championships in September, which is a huge honor.”

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August 2017

Rick Stanley came into the 7th stop on the Omega Billiard Tour as its top player, ahead of Mike Voelkering by 70 points. At the end of that July 15-16, $1,700-added event that drew 64 entrants to Open Table in Azle, TX, Stanley had held on to that top spot, with Voelkering, finishing fourth, maintaining his position in second place. Stanley went undefeated through the field to capture the event title. After four wins each, Stanley and Voelkering went head to head in one of the winners’ side semifinals of this most recent event, as Jesse Hernandez (#17 on the tour’s rankings list) and Robin Barbour (#16) squared off in the other one. Stanley (racing to 9) sent Voelkering (racing to 7) to the loss side 9-4. Hernandez sent Barbour over 7-3 to join Stanley in the hot seat match. Stanley put an exclamation point onto his victory in the hot seat match by shutting Hernandez out. Over on the loss side, Voelkering opened his loss-side trek against Fahad Alrawi, who’d defeated Chris Rickman, double hill, and Justin Whitehead 5-2 to reach him. Barbour drew Douglas Pitts, who’d been defeated in the opening round of play and was on a nine-match, loss-side winning streak, that would include, most recently, victories over Jay Murillo 7-1 and Luis Lopez 7-4. Voelkering and Pitts advanced to the quarterfinals; Voelkering 7-1 over Alrawi, and Pitts, chalking up loss-side win #8, 7-4 over Barbour.

Doug Pitts, Jesse Hern

Doug Pitts, Jesse Hernandez, Rick Stanley Voelkering’s opportunity to gain ranking ground on Stanley was spoiled by Pitts, who won his last match of the weekend with a 7-5 win over Voelkering. Hernandez, though, spoiled any hopes Pitts may have been entertaining about an event victory by defeating him 7-2 in the semifinals. After being shut out in the hot seat match, Hernandez put up a fight in those finals. He managed to chalk up four, but Stanley chalked up his requisite nine, claimed the event title and maintained his topranking on the Omega Billiard Tour. Tour director Melinda Bailey thanked the ownership and staff at Open Table, as well as sponsors Michael Hoang of OMEGA Billiards Supply, FargoRate.com and OB Cues. The next stop on the Omega Billiards Tour, scheduled for Aug. 5-6, will be hosted by Wizards in Richardson, TX. - Courtesy of Melinda Bailey - Omega Billiards Tour 1st $1000 2nd $640 3rd $425 4th $320 5/6th $230 7/8th $180 9-12th $100

Rick Stanley Jesse Hernandez Doug Pitts Mike Voelkering Fahad Alrawi, Robin Barbour Luis Lopez, Justin Whitehead Kay Murillo, Crispian NG, Jeff Turney, Chris Rickman 13-16th $75 Greg Sandifer, Garrett Dalton, Woody Smith, Viet My

Rick Stanley

August 2017

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SHOOTERS OLATHE

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August 2017

SCOREBOARD BANK POOL TOURNAMENT

Red Shoes Billiards July 8, 2017 Big “Chop” in the end NEAL JACOBS GLENN “PIGGYBANKS” ROGERS JEFF CARTER IKE RUNNELS

NINEBALL BANKS

Sharky’s Billiards Davenport, IA July 29, 2017 RESULTS 1st Neal Jacobs (Chicago, IL) 2nd Josh Johnson (Bettendorf, IA) 3rd Troy Honeycutt (Grinnell, IA)

IKE RUNNELS

2nd Annual Freedom Classic Sharky’s Billiards Davenport, IA Open 10-Ball Results 1st Ike Runnels (Kankakee, IL) 2nd Anthony Garcia (Cedar Rapids, IA) 3rd Dan Stewart (Springfield , IL) 4th Blake Baker (Moline, IL) 5-6th Kerry Fierke (Justice, IL) Sergio Rivas (Milwaukee, WI) 7-8th Benny Conway Jr (Gulfport, Ms) Scott Hargens (Cedar Rapids, IA) Thank you to the players for yet another stellar event over the holiday weekend!

August 2017

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Van Boening Scores Second Consecutive US Open 10-Ball Title competing in approximately 40 divisions, on nearly 300 Diamond pool tables. The annual tournament will also include about 50 exhibitors.

Many of the professional players will also participate in the 9-Ball, 10-Ball, and 8-Ball Challenges, which are open to all and are part of the 2017 BCAPL National Championships. Van Boening looks to add another prestigious title to his resume when he plays the 2017 US Open 8-Ball Championship at Griff’s, 3650 South Decatur Blvd. in Las Vegas. It will be followed by the US Open 8-Ball Championships July 29-31. The sponsors for the US Open 10-Ball and 8-Ball Championships are Predator, Omega Billiards, Cyclop, Kamui, the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino and Simonis. CueSports International, Henderson, NV (July 19, 2017) — Shane Van Boening once again proved to be an indomitable force as he plowed through a tough international field to capture his second consecutive US Open 10-Ball Title. Van Boening said his hard work in preparing for the tournament, which was a much different format than last year’s. This year, CueSports International, which produces the US Open 10-Ball and US Open 8-Ball Championships, returned the prestigious tournament to 9-foot tables. This year’s field was packed with international stars, including players from Greece, Germany, Qatar, Poland, Austria, Kuwait, and, as always, the Philippines.

The 2017 US Open 10-Ball & 8-Ball Championships are being held in conjunction with the 41th BCAPL National Championships, July 19-29 at The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. The event will feature more than 5,000 amateur players representing 47 states, nine Canadian provinces and 11 countries,

CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events like the US Bar Table Championships, US Open 10-Ball Championship, US Open 8-Ball Championship, and much more. For more information, visitwww.playcsipool.com or call CSI at 702-719-POOL.

“My hard work, my breaks, helped me succeed to win in this very tough field,” Van Boening said. Van Boening was undefeated going into the finals. He posted wins over: Danny Stone, 9-4; Vinnie Calabrese, 9-4; Ralf Souquet, 9-6; Lee Van Corteza, 9-7; and Warren Kiamco, 9-4. He beat Kiamco 11-5 in the finals. Kiamco’s beat Molrudee Kasemchaiyanan, 9-1, Denis Grabe, 9-7, Vilmos Foldes, 9-8, and Alex Pagulayan, 9-3, before losing to Van Boening, 4-9. Then he beat Roberto Gomez 9-7 to gain a spot in the finals.

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August 2017

Calderone Defends at Topwater Memorial Article and Photos by: Kim Newsome

Alex Calderone

Alex Calderone went undefeated at the 2nd Annual Topwater Memorial One Pocket Event, ousting Arkansas’s Devin Poteet in the finals, 3-2, to defend his 2016 title. The annual one pocket event honoring pool player personality, Jerald “Topwater” Jackson, was held at Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar in Houston, Texas, July 14th16th, 2017, featuring 32 players competing for over $8,000 in prize money. The star-studded field included Manny Chau, Cliff Joyner, Devin Poteet, Richie Richeson, James Davis, Jr., along with two female competitors, Kim Newsome and Ricki Casper. Following the Friday afternoon player auction, one round played out on Friday night, with matches resuming Saturday at 12pm. Calderone began his quest to repeat, booking wins over James Davis, Jr., 3-1, Manny Chau, 3-1, and Arkansas’ Craig Sebastian, 3-2. Tyler Partin made his way to the final four on the winners’ side, defeating Phil Mecum, 3-1, Robert Valliere, 3-2, and Scott Proud, 3-1. Dallas’ Corey Flud came on strong, defeating David Kurjan, 3-1, Richie Richeson, 3-0, and hometown favorite, Sylver Ochoa, 3-2. Rounding out the winners’ side final four, young gun J.C. Torres defeated Kim Newsome, 3-1, Rene Martinez, 3-1, and Wes Read, 3-2. On the west side, after losing his first match to Richeson, 3-2, Austin’s Jason Harkrider ended Kurjan, 3-1, Bobby Roland, 3-2, and John Newsome, 3-0. Harkrider was stopped by Read, 3-2, falling just shy of the final eight. Following

August 2017

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his loss to Calderone, Chau eliminated James Bulice, 3-0, Rick Moreno, 3-0, and Ochoa, 3-1. Davis Jr. was on the war path, taking out John Nevin, 3-1, Rene Martinez, 3-0, Joyner, 3-0, and Proud, 3-0. On the one loss side, Poteet wouldn’t be denied, eliminating Robert Turner, 3-0, Mississippi’s Bille “Colonel” Miller, 3-0, and Sebastian, 3-1. Back on the east side, Flud made quick work of Torres, and Calderone overwhelmed Partin, both by the same score, 3-0. In the hot seat match, Flud fell to Calderone, 3-0. On the one loss side, Chau eliminated Read, 3-2, and Partin, 3-0, while Poteet exhausted Davis Jr., 3-2, and Torres, 3-0. At this point, Chau and Poteet had each logged five match wins and three games lost, meeting each other in a duel for third place. Poteet was on fire and Chau couldn’t fade the heat. The 20-year ended Chau, 3-1, and blew past Flud, 3-0, for a shot against Calderone, and the title. The final match between Calderone and Poteet had spectators on the edge of their seats. Calderone took the first game, and Poteet answered back. Both players exhibited control and calculation, executing brilliant defense, which produced a neck-and-neck ball count. Poteet edged out the third game, and Calderone responded, winning the fourth. On the hill, it came down to the last few balls. In the end, Calderone pulled ahead, defending his title, and becoming the 2017 Topwater Memorial Champion. Jerald “Topwater” Jackson was a big part Houston’s pool community for more than 30 years. Jackson was well known for his big gamble, neversay-die attitude, and his insatiable thirst for action. One pocket was his favorite game. Jackson’s heart gave out on October 30th, 2014. He was 53. Many thanks to David and Shannon Richardson, owners of Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar (1960) and Bogies West (Jones Road), who graciously added $2,000 to this event. The professional live stream was produced by Ray Hansen and PoolActionTV.com, and Darrold Stiehl of Champion Cues provided cue repair throughout the weekend. Organizers would like to extend their deepest gratitude to those who traveled from so far away, to participate in this event. Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, were well-represented. Lastly, congratulations to Bryan Bump from Little Rock, Arkansas, who won a Poison VX Break Jump Cue in the weekend cue raffle! The next big event in Houston, Texas will be the Space City Open VI, November 30-December 3, to be held at Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar. This annual event features Open 9-Ball, One Pocket, 9-Ball Banks, and Ladies 9-Ball. For more information, visit SpaceCityOpen. com.

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Devin Poteet Payouts 1st $1710/$1600 Alex Calderone 2nd $1100/$1085 Devin Poteet 3rd $700/$700 Corey Flud 4th $450/$400 Manny Chau 5/6th $200 Tyler Partin, J.C. Torres 7/8th $100 Wes Read, James Davis, Jr.

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GUTIERREZ Goes UNDEFEATED

Courtesy of Melinda Bailey - Omega Billiard Tour

On the weekend of June 24-25, after a year of absence from any of our payout lists (which means, basically, that if he won any tournaments, we didn’t hear about them), he returned to the Texas stage and chalked up a win on the sixth stop of the Omega Billiards Tour. Gutierrez went undefeated through a field of 85 in the $1,700-added event, that was hosted by Click’s Billiards in Arlington, TX. Five matches that included two shutouts brought Gutierrez to a winners’ side semifinal against Amos Bush, the first opponent he faced who was, at the time of the match, ranked among the Omega Tour’s top 20 players (#17). Mike Voelkering (#9), in the meantime, met up with Ray Amarro. Gutierrez downed Bush 9-5, and was met in the hot seat match by Voelkering, who’d defeated Amarro 7-4. Gutierrez claimed his first (known) hot seat since 2015 with a 9-1 victory, and waited on Voelkering’s return from the semifinals. On the loss side, Bush picked up Jay Murillo, who, after being defeated by Aram Hasan in the third round, was on an eight-match, loss-side winning streak, that included a victory over the tour’s #1-ranked player, Rick Stanley, and would take him as far as the semifinals. He’d recently defeated TJ Davis 6-4 and George Merchan 6-2 to reach Bush. Amarro drew Robbie Cleland, who’d been one of Gutierrez’ shutout victims in one of the winners’ side quarterfinals and on the loss side, defeated Doug Winnett 7-3 and Greg Sandifer 7-6 (Sandifer racing to 8). Murillo downed Bush 6-4, and in the quarterfinals, ran into Cleland, who’d eliminated Amarro 7-2. With Cleland racing to 7, Murillo chalked up his last win 6-6 over Cleland, before running into Voelkering, who ended Murillo’s loss-side streak 7-1. Voelkering put up a bit more of a fight in the finals than he had in the hot seat match, but Gutierrez prevailed 9-4 to claim the event title. Tour director Melinda Bailey thanked the ownership at staff at Click’s for their hospitality, as well as sponsors Michael Hoang of OMEGA Billiards Supply, FargoRate.com, and OB Cues.

Mike Voelkering (2nd), Jay Murillo (3rd), David Gutierrez (1st) Seventeen years ago, David Gutierrez chalked up a win at the 27th Annual Texas Open. It was his first appearance in the payout lists of the AZBilliards database, which, with two exceptions, has included cash winnings for him every year since then. The exceptions were 2006 and last year. He won the Texas Open a second time in 2005, and cashed in that event on a number of other occasions. A regular and regular winner on the Fast Eddie’s Tour in Texas, and the Lone Star Billiards Tour, he’s appeared and cashed in major events like the Derby City Classic, The US Open 9-Ball Championships and The US Bar Table Championships. His best year, according to our records was 2004, in which he won a stop on the Fast Eddie’s and Top Dawg Billiards Tour’s One Pocket division, along with cash appearances in (among others) two Carolina Opens, a stop on the Southeast Open 9-Ball Tour, and the Music City Classic.

1st

$1000 David Gutierrez

2nd

$650 Mike Voelkering

3rd

$490 Jay Murillo

4th

$380 Robbie Cleland

5/6th

$300 Amos Bush, Ray Amarro

7/8th

$210 Greg Sandifer, George Merchan

9-12th

$100 Doug Winnett, TJ Davis, CJ Wiley, Aram Hasan

13-16th

$75 Lynn Smith, Vincent Tovar, Adam Stevens, Brandon Thrasher

17-24th

$50 Ricky Carpenter, Curtis Cardwell, Steve Sheppard, Alberto Nieto,

d i v z a D rre ie t Gu

Rick Stanley, Shane Minihan, Marcelino Santiago, Phillip Palmer

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August 2017

118 players decided to spend their Fourth of July weekend in Shreveport, LA for the Sidepocket Open 9 Ball Championships. Friday night action kicked off with a sixteen-man ring 10 ball ring game - $100/man. The players drew into groups of four on four tables. The top two from there went to two tables until two players were eliminated. The final four duked it out with Warren Kiamco taking top honors and $800. Clint Freeman took second and $400, Alex Olinger was third with $250 and Steve Raynes took fourth and $150. Congratulations to all! 10-Ball Ring Game Payouts 1st $800 Warren Kiamco 2nd $400 Clint Freeman 3rd $250 Alex Olinger 4th $150 Steve Raynes

SKY THREE-PEATS SIDEPOCKET OPEN!! Skyler Woodward and Robb Saez

Saturday began with a noon players auction. Young guns Sky Woodward and Alex Olinger took the two blind bids. Other top players going for big bucks included CJ Wiley, Robb Saez and Warren Kiamco. The draw was completed and play began.

The alternate break – race to seven format produced a lot of very close matches but on Sunday afternoon, the cream rose to the top leaving Sky Woodward and Robb Saez playing for the hot seat. Sky prevailed and claimed a berthin the finals while Robb took a seat on the rail waiting for the results of the Chase Rudder-Jerry Calderon match. Calderon was victorious in a 7-6 nailbiter leaving Chase with a very respectable fourth place finish and $700. Calderon and Saez faced off for the other seat in the finals and this one was a close one too! Robb edged Calderon out - again 7-6. Calderon had to settle for $950 and a third-place finish. Since this was a true double elimination event, Robb would have to defeat the always tough Sky twice to claim the title. Getting a sniff of the cheese, Sky was having none of it as he cruised to a 7-3 victory and his three-peat!!! Not to mention the $2600 first prize money!!! Congratulations, Sky!!! Robb did his sponsor Arena Billiards proud with his fantastic runner-up finish and receiving $1300 for his efforts. Great job, buddy!!! The Sidepocket Nine Ball Open wouldn’t have been possible without the sponsorship of Mike Roberts of It’s George Tip Tool 3, OB Digicue, Ballistic Billiards and Steve Wells of Action24/7. Thank you!!! Tournament Director Jeff Sullivan (“Sully”) and his able assistant, Ileana Ford, made sure the event ran smoothly. Good job!!! And, as always, thanks to Sidepocket’s owner, Roger Lites,

August 2017

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and his fantastic staff for taking such good care of all the players and fans!!!

PoolActionTV would also like to thank our sponsors: Diamond Billiard Tables, Lomax Custom Cues, Kamui, John Barton of JB Cases, GoPlayPool.com, Durbin Custom Cues, Aramith, Hanshew Custom Cues, Simonis and Club Billiards of Wichita, KS. Our next stop is Houston, TX for the Topwater Memorial One Pocket Championship to be held at Bogie’s Billiards - July 14th-16th. Hope to see you there!!! — By Mary Kenniston 1st 2nd

$2600/$12,500 Skyler Woodward $1300/$6000 Rob Saez

3rd

$950/$3000 Jerry Calderon

4th

$700/$2000 Chase Rudder

5/6th

$475/$1500 Alex Olinger, Zeke Morrison

7/8th

$250/$1000 Warren Kiamco, Gary Onomura

9-12th

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$100 Ron Canterberry, Karl McClendon, Trey Matthews, Eddie Morgan

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More Winners Announced at 2017 BCAPL National Championships CueSports International, Henderson, NV (July 24, 2017)

The 8-Ball divisions at the 2017 BCAPL National Championships are wrapping up and more champions have been crowned! The 41st BCAPL National Championships started July 19 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. More than 5,000 players are participating in this year’s event, which has more than 40 divisions. Here are the top finishers in the divisions that have concluded:

Michelle Jiang, 16, Harvard, Mass., winner of the Women’s 8-Ball Singles Platinum Division

Platinum Scotch Doubles 1. Tyler Styer & Bonnie Hunkins, Wisconsin 2. Doug Whaley & Leslie Bernardi, California 3. Adam King & Aimee Peterson, Colorado

Women’s 8-Ball Singles Silver Division 1. Joey Tohme, Australia 2. Cassandra Ortega, California 3. Bonnie Ogg, California

10-Ball Challenge 1. Warren Kiamco, Philippines 2. James Aranas, Virginia 3. Alex Kazakis, Greece

Women’s 8-Ball Senior Singles Platinum Division 1. Linda Asleson, Montana 2. Brenda Willis, British Columbia 3. Jan Maglio, Wisconsin

Women’s 8-Ball Singles Bronze Division 1. Lejeana Redlin, Wisconsin 2. Angela Lewis Reynolds, California 3. Kendra Fuller, California

Several new champions were also crowned in the USAPL National Championships, which run concurrently with the BCAPL National Championships.

Women’s 8-Ball Senior Singles Gold Division 1. Cindy Yazzie, New Mexico 2. Janis Ogawa, Idaho 3. Dee Strack, Illinois

Mixed 8-Ball Senior Singles Platinum Division 1. Ed Borrego, Colorado 2. Lyn Wechsler, New York 3. Tom DiLorenzo, Arizona

Women’s 8-Ball Singles Platinum 1. Michelle Jiang, Massachusetts 2. April Larson, Minnesota 3. Ricki Casper, Texas

Mixed 8-Ball Senior Singles Gold Division 1. Mike DeWitt, Florida 2. Jose Mendoza, California 3. Wayne Arde, Colorado

Women’s 8-Ball Singles Gold Division 1. Kate Harrison, Australia 2. Collyne Savage, British Columbia 3. Jenny Lucas, British Columbi

Mixed 8-Ball Singles Bronze Division 1. Curtis Muller, Ontario 2. Steve Iverson, Utah 3. Nieko Isturis, Alaska

Chris’ Billiards A Chicago Classic Weekly Pool Tournaments @ 7pm Wed: 8-Ball & Sun: 10-Ball

41 Pool Tables - APA Leagues 4637 N Milwaukee Ave - Chicago, IL

773-286-4714

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USAPL 8-Ball Singles 1. Jerry Fogel, Oklahoma 2. Mike Robinson, New York 3. Ronnie Cruce, Florida USAPL Women’s 8-Ball Teams 1. Diamonds in the Rough, Florida: Susan Jones, Jenn Berzinski, Christie Gosneigh, & Janene Phillips. 2. Cue*Berts, Louisiana 3. Felt Ladies, Colorado USAPL Mixed 8-Ball Team Division 1. The Suicide Squad, Okla: Kevin Delling, Jerry Fogel, Mike Herron, Paul James Jr., Kevin Nguyen, Bill Patterson, Kenny Romash & Shawn Smith. 2. You Mad Pal?, North Carolina 3. Olson, Tennessee

Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11AM-Midnight Fri-Sat: 11am-1am

121 E Cherry St Mankato, MN

507-388-7665

Weekly & Monthly Tournaments

14 Diamond Pool Tables - Leagues Full Menu - Gourmet Burgers - Beer

All Ages Welcome

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August 2017

37th Annual VNEA World Pool Championships

SportsWomen’s Team - Fourgasm

Women’s Intermediate Resurrection Team - Blurred Vision

Women’s Regular Team - Silver Dollar Chalk is Cheap

Women’s Master Team - How Ya Like Me Now?

Women’s Intermediate Team - The Coven

SportsMen’s Team - Dennis’s Menaces

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Open Redemption Team - Road Dawgs

Open Intermediate Resurrection Team - The Angel and the Demons

Open Regular Teams - Australia’s Mighty Ducks

Open Master Team - Barry’s Team

Open Intermediate Team - Get Paid

Open Master Resurrection Team - Jake Finland

Bally’s Hotel & Casino hosted VNEA’s 37th Annual World Pool Championships in Las Vegas, NV May 23-June 3, 2017. 5000 excited pool league players from 30 states, 6 Canadian provinces and 7 other countries attended to play in 56 unique divisions, including seven team divisions for every skill level playing in the 6th annual World Team Championships. Matches were played on 250 Valley Pool Tables. Compusport event software included ten 40” monitors and QR code scanners were scattered throughout the venue and made finding matches and viewing results a breeze for our players.

Pool Tables and a AMI Jukebox valued at $6500 and daily drawings for Poolside Cabanas, GW Cues and Aramith Ball Sets w/case. Three amazing professionals – Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman, Jerry Briesath and Dave “Ginger Wizard” Pearson were in attendance to provide education and entertainment and there was an Artistic Pool Competition. Las Vegas Photo was on site to take Team photos and individual action shots. There were a dozen vendors on hand to meet every pool player’s needs.

3000 players had a great time partying at our fabulous Team Opening Ceremonies which featured T-shirt giveaways, free beer and soda and the sounds of “Phoenix”. Other things available to players and spectators were the 37 Year History Wall display, giveaways including Valley Home

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An incredible Awards Banquet, featuring thousands of dollars in random cash drawings, followed the competition. VNEA wishes to thank our Tournament sponsors, Valley, Ozone Billiards, Fury, GW Cues, Aramith and AMI Entertainment.

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August 2017

27th Annual VNEA Junior Pool Championships

Major Male Singles Winners (l-r) Bryan Montgomery, Josh Franklin, Joseph Tialata, Noah Contreras

Major Female Singles Winners (l-r) Hannah Zeigler, Madison Bond, Serena Black, Taylor Hansen

Minor Male Singles Winners (l-r) Skyler Butterfield, Deon Rawlings, Matt Alecci, Kaizer Kaufman

Minor Female Singles Winners (l-r) Hailey Fullerton, Katlin Schilling, Alex Booth, Ashley Fullerton

Youth Male Singles Winners (l-r) Justin Nichols, Kamron Fuller, Zabian Jeram, Tristan Hansen

Youth Female Singles Winners (l-r) Alexandria Endres, Madison Rudd, Maddie Payne, Alyxandra Jones

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Major Team Champions - Rochester Squad

Major Scotch Doubles Winners - (l-r) Serena Black & Josh Franklin

Minor Team Champions - Southern Stars

Minor Scotch Doubles Winners - (l-r) Jakob Standley & Sam Klinger

Youth Team Champions - MN Cue Kids

Youth Scotch Doubles Winners - (l-r) Tristan Hansen & Grant Tonjum

On June 15-18, 2017, 220 excited Junior pool league players from 7 states, Ontario, Canada and New Zealand converged on the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, PA to compete on 80 Valley Pool Tables in 18 unique divisions including team events with all teams in matching shirts and 3 Scotch Doubles divisions. CompuSport provided tournament software. Opening ceremonies featured a colorful Parade of Flags, Singles awards presentation and many dignitaries. There was a Speed Pool Challenge, an Artistic Pool Competition featuring Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman, Hardluck Team Competition, personal professional instruction by Jerry Briesath,

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the 4th Annual “Top Cat Challenge” and live streaming provided by Billiardnet.tv. There were 26 separate Mini-Tournaments with the winners receiving cues donated by Valley and runner-ups landing cases. Special awards presented were the Jerry Briesath “Sportsmanship Award” and Dick Hawkins “All-Star Teams. There was a fun-filled players reception including Pizza & Pop sponsored by AMI Entertainment. VNEA thanks our wonderful sponsors Valley, Ozone Billiards, GW Cues, Aramith, AMI Entertainment, Fury, Warner Coin and Charters.

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August 2017

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12 Issues of Rack’em - 1 year y l for $30 n O Order all 3 Pool Magazines - 1 year 95 y l for $54. n O

Order online at: http://www.onthebreaknews.com/Subscription.htm - Offer subject to change without notice 12 Issues of Rackem Pool Magazine for ONLY $30. All 3 Magazines for $54.95 Send Check or Money Order for $30 or $54.95 (U.S. Delivery Only) On The Break News - P O Box 1566 - Bozeman, MT 59771 Name Address City State Zip Or call 406.285.3099 to order by phone --- credit cards only

August 2017

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Summer 9-Ball

Team USA Standings as of July 30th

The name of the game is to finish inside the top ten of the ranking once the 17th and final event has concluded in early September. Following that, Team USA supremo Johan Ruijsink will be making his picks from the top ten finishing players. To give himself some leeway in this make or break year for Team America, Ruijsink will be selecting four players from the top ten plus another whose final ranking won’t be of significance. RANKING 1 Shane van Boening 2 Dennis Hatch 3 Skyler Woodward 4 Oscar Dominguez 5 Billy Thorpe 6 Rodney Morris 7 Hunter Lombardo 8 Brandon Shuff 9 Johnny Archer 10 Donny Mills

140 119 87 76 61 56 51 45 43 40

Congratulations to the finishers today (July 22, 2017) at the Summer Open 9 Ball held at the Kato Cue Club in Mankato, MN! 1st Place $415 - Kris Brenke (pictured on right) 2nd Place $310 - Nick Marsolek (pictured on left) 3rd Place $205 - Robert Moua 4th Place $105 - Boyd Kessler

DOWNLOAD FULL RANKINGS & SCHEDULE at www.matchroompool.com/mosconi-cup

Wednesdays 9-Ball FREE entry $100 added 7:30PM

2017 MOSCONI CUP TEAM USA RANKING – NEXT EVENTS Aug 17-20: Chuck Markulis Memorial Sacramento, CA: Grade 2 August 23: Don Coates Memorial Raleigh, NC: Grade 1 Aug 31-Sept 3: Turning Stone Classic II Verona, New York: Grade 1 Sept 1-5: Texas Open 9-ball Champ. Round Rock, Austin, TX: Grade 2 Sept 9-10 Houston 9-Ball Open Legends Billiards, League City, TX: Grade 2

9 Ball Fri & Sat 8pm-$13 entry

22 Diamonds (16-7ft and 6-9ft) 1819 Bassett Ave SE, Decatur, AL 1-5x10 Snooker

Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM Sunday: Noon - 2:00 AM • •

Sponsored and payout tournaments Pool leagues every Monday - Thursday

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21 Bar Boxes 2-9’ Diamonds 6 Reg. Dart Boards 1 Golden Tee 2 Full Bars

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Smoking Allowed Full Bar & Grill Club Membership Required (Must be 21 + $10/year)

Kansas Hold ‘Em Keno AMI trivia Dart leagues

810 W 56 Hwy - Olathe, KS 913-780-5740

601 Kasold Dr, Lawrence, KS (785) 749-7699

Hours: M-F: 2pm-2am Sat: 11am-2am Closed Sunday

2013 Nelson St Shreveport, LA 318-425-8112

741 W 6th St - Junction City, KS 785-579-6465

First Sat at 7pm Monthly 9 ball $35 entry Players Auction $500 added.

(256) 686-3171

ments

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Sundays Rated 9-Ball $15 entry Break Challenge 1PM

Serving: Lunch, Dinner & Late night snacks!!! Ice cold beverages served till 1:30am Pool ~ Darts Live Entertainment 26 N Main Cape Girardeau, MO

573-837-1148

Specials!!!!!

Everyday till 9pm

Hours: Mon-Sat: 2pm - 1:30am & Sun: 2pm - Midnight

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8525 Cottonwood St NW Coon Rapids, MN 763-780-1585

Watch for Upcoming Tournamnts August 2017

WEEKLY TOURNAMENTS If you have any changes to your weekly pool tournaments EMAIL: billiards@OnTheBreakNews.com DATE CITY Mondays Davenport, IA Houston, TX Des Moines, IA Tuesdays Lawrence, KS Des Moines, IA Houston, TX Wednesdays Midwest City, OK Des Moines, IA St Peters, MO Houston, TX Alsip, IL Oshkosh, WI Thursdays Azle, TX Oshkosh, WI Davenport, IA Lawrence, KS Fridays Azle, TX Houston, TX Coon Rapids, MN Des Moines, IA Shreveport, LA Midwest City, OK Round Rock, TX Oshkosh, WI Mankato, MN Olathe, KS Olathe, KS Olathe, KS Decatur, AL

LOCATION Sharky’s Bar & Billiards Bogies Billiards Big Dog Billiards Astro’s Big Dog Billiards Bogie’s West Jamaica Joe’s Big Dog Billiards Teachers Billiards Bogies Billiards Red Shoes Varsity Club Open Table Sports Grill Varsity Club Sharky’s Bar & Billiards Astro’s Open Table Sports Grill Bogies Billiards CR’s Sports Bar Big Dog Billiards Sidepockets Jamaica Joe’s Skinny Bob’s Billiards Varsity Club Kato Cue Club Shooters (1st Fri) Shooters (2nd Fri) Shooters (5th Fri) 6 Pockets

PHONE (563) 359-7225 (281) 821-4544 (515) 266-6100 (785) 749-7699 (515) 266-6100 (832) 912-4432 (405) 736-0590 (515) 266-6100 (636) 441-9964 (281) 821-4544 (708) 388-3700 (920) 651-0806 (817) 400-1990 (920) 651-0806 (563) 359-7225 (785) 749-7699 (817) 400-1990 (281) 821-4544 (763) 780-1585 (515) 266-6100 (318) 425-8112 (405) 736-0590 (512) 733-1111 (920) 651-0806 (507) 388-7665 913-780-5740 913-780-5740 913-780-5740 256-686-3171

EVENT / RULES 9-Ball 9 Ball on 8’ tables-Race 4/3 8-Ball-Race to 3 BCA 8-Ball Handicap 8-Ball-DE 9 Ball-Limit 32 9 Ball - 10 & under Open 9-Ball 5,6,7 9-Ball - Race to 3+ 8 Ball on 8’ tables-Race 2/1 10 Ball 9-Ball Beginners BCA 8-Ball 2/2 DE 9-Ball Intermediate 8-Ball BCA 9-Ball BCA 8-Ball 2/2 DE 8-Ball-on Bar Tables 8-Ball on 7’ Diamonds Open 10-Ball-Race to 6/5 9-Ball Open Open 8-Ball - Rated 9-Ball Race 3/3-Last Woman $ 9-Ball 8-Ball Progressive - Hdcp Open 8-Ball or 9-Ball Open 10-Ball B Rated 9-Ball 9-Ball

ENTRY ADDED $12 $100 every 16 $7 $100 w/20 $10 Call $5 Matching $10 Call $12 $15 $5/player $10 Call $13 $5 side pot $7 $100 w/20 $15 Call $8 Call $10 $100 every 16 $10 Call $10 $100 every 16 $5 Matching $10 $100 every 16 $10 Call $16 $100 w/16 $10 $3/player $20 Call Call Call $12 Call $15 $50 $16 Call $10 Call $10 Call $15 Call $13 Call

TIME 7PM 8PM 7PM Call 7PM 8PM 7:30PM 7PM 7:30PM 8PM 8PM Call 8PM Call 7PM 7PM 8PM 7PM 7PM 7PM 7PM Call 8PM 7PM 6:30PM 7PM 7PM 7PM 8PM

Saturdays Lawrence, KS Astro’s Azle, TX Open Table Sports Grill Houston, TX Bogies Billiards Cape Girardeau, MO Blue Diamond Tulsa, OK T’s Billiards Decatur, AL 6 Pockets Round Rock, TX Skinny Bob’s Billiards Houston, TX Bogie’s West Olathe, KS Shooters St Peters, MO Teachers Billiards Springfield, MO Shooters Billiards Sundays Azle, TX Open Table Sports Grill Davenport, IA Sharky’s Bar & Billiards Lawrence, KS Astro’s Olathe, KS Shooters Round Rock, TX Skinny Bob’s Billiards Oshkosh, WI Varsity Club Springfield, MO Shooters Billiards

(785) 749-7699 817-400-1990 (281) 821-4544 573-837-1148 (918) 622-7747 (256) 686-3171 (512) 733-1111 (832) 912-4432 913-780-5740 (636) 441-9964 (417) 315-8340 (817) 400-1990 (563) 359-7225 (785) 749-7699 913-780-5740 (512) 733-1111 (920) 651-0806 (417) 315-8340

8-Ball NAPA rules $5 Matching x2 1PM BCA 8-Ball 2/2 DE $10 $100 every 16 8PM 8-Ball on Bar Tables $10 $$$ 8PM Alt 9-Ball / 8-Ball $10 $200 w/16 2PM Alt 8/9 Ball - Vegas Style $25 $100 every 8 1PM 9-Ball $13 Call 8PM 9-Ball Race 4/3 9-Ball Break Pot $12 Call 8PM 8 Ball-Limit 32 $11 $100 w/20 4PM B Rated 9-Ball $12 Call 7PM 9-Ball - Race to Hcp - DE $15 $5 side pot 1PM 8-Ball $5 $100 7:30PM BCA 8-Ball 2/2 DE $10 $100 every 16 8PM 10-Ball $12 $100 every 16 7PM 3-Ball Rounds - Winner take all $1 10AM Big Table Open 8-Ball or 9-Ball $12 Call 4PM 10-Ball Race 5/3 9-Ball Break Pot $12 Break&Run Pot 2PM 10-Ball on 9’ tables-Race to 5 $15 Call Call Majority Rules $5 $100 6PM

Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice

Special Events Coming Up - Let us know about it Contact Info on page 5

August 2017

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REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.

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July 2017

Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice DATE Aug 5

CITY Decatur, AL

LOCATION 6 Pockets

PHONE 256-686-3171

EVENT / RULES 9-Ball

ENTRY $35

ADDED $500

TIME 7PM

Aug 12

Alsip, IL

Red Shoes

708-388-3700

Qualifier World 14.1

$105

Top 2 Qualify

Call

Aug 12

Davenport, IA

Sharky’s

563-359-RACK

No Master 9-Ball Color of Summer

$40 incl g.f.

$1,000 & Auct.

11AM

Aug 12

Waco, TX

Click’s Billiards

254-776-2261

Waco Open 9-Ball Shootout

$65-Limit 48

$500 w/48

11AM

Aug 17-20

Grayslake, IL

Shooters

847-548-8820

Summer 10-Ball Classic

Call

$5,000 w/64

Call

Aug 18-20

Round Rock, TX

Skinny Bob’s

512-733-1111

9-Ball

$50 Limit 64

$700

Call

Aug 18-20

Round Rock, TX

Skinny Bob’s

512-733-1111

9-Ball - Women’s

$35 Limit 32

$300

Call

Aug 18-19

Midwest City, OK

Jamaica Joes

405-736-0590

One Pocket

$60

$500

1PM

Aug 19-20

Midwest City, OK

Jamaica Joes

405-736-0590

Bar Table 9-Ball

$65/$50

$2,500

Noon

Aug 17-18

Sacramento, CA

Hard Times Billiards

916-332-8793

1 Pocket - 9th Chuck Markulis Mem. $60

$2,500

Call

Aug 19-20

Sacramento, CA

Hard Times Billiards

916-332-8793

9-Ball - 9th Chuck Markulis Mem. $60 Mosconi Cup $5,000

Call

Aug 19

Hixson, TN

Sweet Melissa Billiards

423-803-6748

Open 9-Ball

Aug 19-20

Knoxville, TN

Aug 23

Decatur, AL

Aug 24-27 Aug 26

$35 incl g.f.

$250

Call

Billiards & Brews Open 8-Ball-limit 64

$75 incl fees

$500

10AM

6 Pockets

256-686-3171

9-Ball Mini - Single Elim Max 32

$35 incl g.f.

Call

6:30PM

Decatur, AL

6 Pockets

256-686-3171

Southeastern 9-Ball Championship

$100-Max 128 $5,000

6:30PM

Decatur, AL

6 Pockets

256-686-3171

9-Ball Winner Take All- Max 8

$500

Call

8PM

Aug 26

Davenport, IA

Sharky’s

563-359-RACK

Summer Sizzler 9-Ball

$65 incl g.f.

$1,500 & Auct.

11AM

Aug 26

Round Rock, TX

Skinny Bob’s

512-733-1111

Ladies 9-Ball

$25

$500 w/32

10AM

Aug 31-Sep4 Round Rock, TX

Skinny Bob’s

512-733-1111

9-Ball Scotch Doubles

$125+$25 g.f. $1,000

11AM

Sep 1

Round Rock, TX

Skinny Bob’s

512-733-1111

9-Ball-Single Elimination

$25

Call

8PM

Sep 1

Round Rock, TX

Skinny Bob’s

512-733-1111

Ring Game

$100+$5 g.f.

Call

3PM

Sep 1

Round Rock, TX

Skinny Bob’s

512-733-1111

Open 9-Ball Division-MC Qual.

$125+$25 g.f. $8,000

8:30PM

Sep 2

Round Rock, TX

Skinny Bob’s

512-733-1111

Ladies 9-Ball Division Limit 32

$75+$15 g.f.

$2,000

6PM

Sep 2

Decatur, AL

6 Pockets

256-686-3171

9-Ball

$35

$500

7PM

Sep 2-4

Spokane, WA

Black Diamond

509-891-8357

Spokane 9-Ball Open Limit 128

$100 incl fees $4,000 w/ff

Sep 9

Davenport, IA

Sharky’s

563-359-RACK

8-Ball Limit 64 Labor Day Shootout $40 incl g.f.

$1,000w/64

9AM 11AM

Sep 22-24

Davenport, IA

Sharky’s

563-359-RACK

U.S. Amateur Qualifier 7’ tables

poolplayers.com Call

Call

Sep 22-24

Cape Girardeau, MO

Blue Diamond

573-837-1148

U.S. Amateur Qualifier 7’ tables

poolplayers.com Call

Call

Sep 22-24

Mobile, AL

Bumpers Billiards

251-342-0425

U.S. Amateur Qualifier 7’ tables

poolplayers.com Call

Call

Sep 22-24

Indianapolis, IN

John Wayne’s Pub

317-882-8124

U.S. Amateur Qualifier 7’ tables

poolplayers.com Call

Call

Sep 22-24

Lenexa, KS

Side Pockets

913-888-7665

U.S. Amateur Qualifier 7’ tables

poolplayers.com Call

Call

Sep 22-24

Louisville, KY

Bankshot Billiards

502-587-8260

U.S. Amateur Qualifier

poolplayers.com Call

Call

Sep 22-24

Memphis, TN

High Pockets

901-761-1583

U.S. Amateur Qualifier

poolplayers.com Call

Call

Sep 22-24

Houston, TX

Bogies Billiards

281-821-4544

U.S. Amateur Qualifier

poolplayers.com Call

Call

Sep 22-24

Richardson, TX

Billiard Den

972-792-7665

U.S. Amateur Qualifier 8’ tables

poolplayers.com Call

Call

Sep 23

Alsip, IL

Red Shoes

708-388-3700

9-Ball “Ironman”

$50 incl g.f.

$500 w/ff

Noon

Sep 23

Davenport, IA

Sharky’s

563-359-RACK

Pick your Poison-Limit 64

$40 incl g.f.

$1,000 w/64

11AM

Oct 7

Decatur, AL

6 Pockets

256-686-3171

9-Ball

$35

$500

7PM

Oct 5-8

St Michaels, ND

Spirit Lake Casino

701-230-7288

Open 8-Ball

Oct 5-8

St Michaels, ND

Spirit Lake Casino

701-230-7288

Open 9-Ball

$60+$15 g.f.

7PM

Oct 6

St Michaels, ND

Spirit Lake Casino

701-230-7288

Men’s 8-Ball

$75+$15 g.f.

6PM

Oct 6

St Michaels, ND

Spirit Lake Casino

701-230-7288

Women’s 8-Ball

$50+$15 g.f.

6PM

Oct 7-8

St Michaels, ND

Spirit Lake Casino

701-230-7288

B Division 8-Ball

$20+$10 g.f.

Call

Nov 3-5

Long Beach, WA

Long Beach Tavern

360-261-2008

4 Man Team-Limit 32

$125 incl g.f.

$1,500

Call

Nov 3-5

Long Beach, WA

Long Beach Tavern

360-261-2008

Singles 8-Ball

Call

Nov 4

Decatur, AL

6 Pockets

256-686-3171

9-Ball

$35

$500

7PM

Nov 10-12

Oklahoma City, OK

Jamaica Joe’s

405-736-0590

11th Annual OK 9-Ball Champ.

$65-Limit 128 $5,000

August 2017

Rack’em

OnTheBreakNews.com

$10,000 total add

9PM

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PERFORMANCE

MAKES ALL OF THE DIFFERENCE The most important factor in cue ball deﬂection is cue end mass. Katana shafts use a ferrule that is half the length with thinner walls to reduce the amount of cue ball “squirt” during play.

7 Responsive Top Layers The top 7 layers are medium density boar hide, tanned naturally up to 12 months to achieve maximum control and consistency.

3 Foundation Layers The bottom 3 layers are high density pig skin, selected for its premium durability and legendary feel.

KATXS1

TIP: 12.5mm Katana tip by Tiger FERRULE: 3/8” Long Thin Wall Fiber TAPER: Pro

KATXS2

TIP: 11.5mm Katana tip by Tiger FERRULE: 3/8” Long Thin Wall Fiber TAPER: Conical

KATANA PERFORMANCE SHAFT TECHNOLOGY 10-Piece Spliced Radial Construction The grain in a solid wooden shaft creates a natural spine which affects how the cue ball reacts to impact. Rotating the cue, even a quarter turn, will change how the shaft performs. By splitting the shaft into ten sections and alternating the direction of the grain, Katana removes natural variances and provides lower deﬂection and more consistent results.

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