Rackem Magazine June Issue

Page 1


Losing Business? Profits Down? Reasons Why Successful Pool Locations Increase Advertising During Slow Ecomonic Times

1. Your competition is Likely to Cut Back on Advertising 2. The Frequest Ads of Successful Locations become more visible to the pool player 3. Studies prove that Locations Advertising during slow times INCREASE Market Share, pool player traffic and profits 4. Locations that cut Advertising will LOSE Market Share. Some will even go bust 5. Advertising Works over time because it builds name AWARENESS 6. It also works because without it the pool players may believe you do not have tournaments and you may not even be open 7. When you don’t Advertise a pool player quickly forgets your location and they don’t know why you are better than your competition 8. Research has shown that the best-performing pool halls/bars in the long term are those that continue Advertising during an eonomic slowdown 9. Your budget may seem tight right now but the current slowdown may be an ideal opportunity to bring in new pool players to your Location

Call us today at 406-285-3099 www.rackemmag.com The Magazine for the Midwest Pool Players

2 Rackem Magazine - June 2010


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Rackem Staff PUBLISHER/EDITOR Don “Cheese” Akerlow

MARKETING DIRECTOR Mary Akerlow

LAYOUTS & DESIGN Wendy Swenson Sunshine Ross Mary Akerlow Don Akerlow

Atlas Billiard Supply Skokie, IL BCAPL/CSI Las Vegas, NV Big John’s Omaha, NE billiardcoach.com Fargo Billiards Fargo, ND Hillbilly Heaven Wright City, MO Lone Star Tour Texas Losing Business? Mr 3 Cushion Bill Smith Mueller Lincoln, NE OTBnTV Live Q-Spot Tulsa, OK sammspocket.com Sharky’s Sedalia, MO Shooter’s Olathe, KS Two Stooges Fridley, MN Varsity Club Oshkosh, WI

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06/01/2010 9:00AM 1995 $50,000 Challenge of Champions Okumura vs. Ortman 06/06/2010 7:00AM Mosconi vs. Cranefield

06/28/2010 7:00AM Willie Mosconi vs. U.J. Puckett (1983) 06/28/2010 12:00PM 1998 Wmn Tourn. of Champs Lee vs. Fisher

06/07/2010 7:00AM Joe Balsis vs. Irving Crane 06/13/2010 7:00AM Lassiter vs. Murphy

07/04/2010 7:00AM Minnesota Fats vs. Irving Crane (1983)

06/14/2010 7:00AM Minnesota Fats vs. Luther Lassiter (1983) 06/27/2010 7:00AM Willie Mosconi vs. Irving Crane (1983)

Sheila Papke

Rackem is a monthly publication, dedicated to the advancement of the sport of pool and to promoting enthusiasm and encouragement among the players at all levels, regardless of their league affiliation, in addition to recognizing those businesses who support them all. Covering the midwest. Look for Rackem by the 10th of each month. The opinions expressed are those of the author or advertiser and do not necessarily reflect the views of Rackem or its staff. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher. © 2010 Rackem

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07/05/2010 7:00AM Minnesota Fats vs. Cowboy Jimmy Moore (1983) 07/11/2010 7:00AM Cowboy Jimmy Moore vs. U.J. Puckett (1983)

These schedules have been provided by ESPN. These are tentative dates and are subject to change

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June 2010 - Rackem Magazine 3


Don’t Be The Victim By Samm Diep, PoolTipJar.com © May 2010

I was recently directed to an April 26 article from The Huffington Post, The Internet Newspaper (huffingtonpost.com). “When Did We Become a Nation of Victims?” by Russell Bishop, shares an intimate victim story about W. Mitchell that brings perspective to an unlucky match or a bad roll. His story makes you realize that losing a pool game is nothing compared to the adversities of having 65% of your body burned off or being paralyzed for life. Merriam-Webster defines ‘victim’ as: 1) one that is acted on and usually adversely affected by a force or agent Samm Diep 2) one that is injured, destroyed, or sacrificed under any of various conditions 3) one that is subjected to oppression, hardship, or mistreatment 4) one that is tricked or duped Being the victim can be easy. You nudge open that perfect break out and just barely get hooked. Your opponent misses a shot so badly he completely snookers you behind his only remaining ball. And, don’t forget the perfect break that squats the cue ball dead center, only to have it kicked in the side pocket off three balls. Everyone gets hosed from time to time. It’s easy to feel victimized when these unfortunate events occur. The point it, ‘It’s Not What Happens to You, It’s What You Do about It’ (the title of the victim W. Mitchell’s book on taking responsibility for change). What you do about it is what separates the fighters from the victims. In Bishop’s article, he explains, “Each of us has unfortunate circumstances to bear, many of which might qualify under any definition of being victimized. However, the cruelest form of victimization is that which we inflict upon ourselves.” This means that from this day forward we will accept responsibility for our mistakes at the table. We will not blame the equipment or our opponent for our losses. We will empower ourselves by being accountable for our actions and not being the victim of unfortunate outcomes. No longer will we feel cheated from a “bad roll” that occurred during our matches due to poor equipment. Instead, we accept responsible for learning the nuances of how the table plays and adapt to them. Only you can determine how to interpret an event. There is no right or wrong answer. Use your mental energy to make good choices based on the facts, not your interpretation of the facts. Fact: The table rolls to the top left corner. Interpretation: I got screwed by the table roll. Fact: I got hooked because the rails are slower than I expected. Interpretation: I got a bad roll and got hooked. Sometimes we say to ourselves and others tell us that we got unlucky or we got a bad roll because we don’t want to feel bad or we don’t want to have regret for the decision we made. The truth is that being aware of when we are feeling victimized and changing that though process can empower you to make better decisions moving forward. Accept responsibility and take control of your match. You are not the victim. Visit PoolTipJar.com “random smatterings of pool thoughts, articles, & news”. Take polls, view article archives, and read tournament and training updates. Samm Diep, “Cherry Bomb” House Pro at Rack ‘Em Billiards (Aurora, CO) Author of “You Might Be A D Player If… (101 Classic Moves That All Pool Players Can Appreciate)” Player Representative for CB Custom Cues, Tiger Products, PoolDawg, IB Cue Cases, Predator SammsPocket.com (fun & unique products for pool players)

4 Rackem Magazine - June 2010

Aging: A Pool Player’s Gift or Curse?

© 2010 Mike Fieldhammer, BilliardCoach.com

Pool players can have the blind courage of youth or the wise knowledge of the aged. Time moves on and I’m stuck in the Middle Ages, old enough to know better, yet young enough not to care. Pool players can seem to grow old at a breakneck speed. Perhaps years in the pool room, on the road, or waiting for the next game take their toll. How does a player cope with the passage of time? What are some tools of the trade that ripen or rot when a player ages? Young players have assets like steady nerves, confidence and fearless aggression. Older players can be wise, patient, and knowledgeable. Ageism can be witnessed in the pool room. You may have overheard veteran pool players talk about young gunslingers. You’ve probably heard gems like, “That young kid doesn’t miss!” or “He has no fear!” or even occasionally, “He just doesn’t know how hard that shot is.” Young players sometimes say watching their elders, “What kind of spin did he use on that shot?” or “I didn’t see that shot!” or maybe, “That was a smart safety.” The complexity of the game and the fact that it can take a lifetime to learn is compelling. One of my favorite things about our glorious pastime is that it can be enjoyed by 10-year-olds and people into the nineties. I’ve taught eager young grade-schoolers as well as competitive elderly couples. The arc of aging certainly has an effect on a serious pool player. At what age does one’s game peak? Many players say that they never played as well as they did around age 18. They never missed and were never scared. Some players learn patterns and smart table management in mid life. Some veterans have steely nerves and play like they’ve got nothing to lose. For me, age is impacting my physical abilities in ways I never expected. Late last year I started having severe pain in my left hand near the base of my thumb. The soreness had come and gone for months but in October 2009 the pain became constant and seriously detrimental to my pool game. Mere days before my 40th birthday, I had my first MRI. The friendly reminder voice mail I received said to show up at 10 am on October 30th (the day before Halloween) for my MRI at the “Maple Grave,


Mid-West at Magoo’s

Tournament results from April 8-11, 2010 Magoo’s Billiards Tulsa, OK ONE-POCKET - $1000 ADDED - 13 PLAYERS 1st Gabe Owen, Tulsa, OK 2nd Chip Compton, Oklahoma City, OK 3rd David Strawn, Tulsa, OK 4th John Gabriel, Talala, OK Hot seat: Chip Compton defeats David Strawn 3-1, quarter finals: Gabe Owen defeats John Gabriel 3-1, Semi-finals: Gabe defeats David 3-2, 1st set of finals: Gabe defeats Chip 3-2, 2nd set of finals: Gabe defeats Chip 3-1 LADIES - $300 ADDED - 9 PLAYERS 1st Rhonda Pierce, Tulsa, OK 2nd Brittany Colbert, Tulsa, OK Hot seat: Rhonda Pierce defeats Brittany Colbert 7-5, quarter finals: Linda Meyer defeats Kathy McMinn 7-5; semi-finals: Brittany defeats Linda 7-3, 1st set of finals: Rhonda defeats Brittany 7-3

Aging

OPEN - $2200 ADDED - 45 PLAYERS 1st John Gabriel, Talala, OK 2nd Chip Compton, Oklahoma City, OK 3rd Shane McMinn, Tulsa, OK 4th Randy Cole, Pickle's Gap, AR 5-6th Dan Olson, Olathe, KS David Weaver, Tulsa, OK 7-8th Tom Joe Finnin, Tulsa, OK L.V. Abernathy, Salina, KS 9-12th Larry Hart, Oklahoma City, OK Chuck Raulston, Poplar Bluff, MO Jesse James, Bartlesville, OK Sam Waltz, Springfield, MO Hot seat: John Gabriel defeats Chip Compton 9-7, quarter finals: Shane McMinn defeats Randy Cole 9-4, semi-finals: Chip Compton defeats Shane McMinn 9-8, 1st set of finals: John defeats Chip 9-5 For more information visit the website for the Midwest 9-Ball Tour at http://www.MW9balltour.com

(continued from page 4)

excuse me, Maple Grove office.” Spooky, huh? The MRI seemed like overkill for what turns out to be Osteoarthritis of the CMC or Basilar joint. The temporary solution was to gulp down four Naproxen pills three times per day to decrease the swelling in the area and tame the pain. Pool playing over the next couple months was a nightmare. At best, an open bridge stung like a bee was attacking my left hand and at worst, pain of touching the cloth sent tears welling up followed by more of the emotional nature after the one stroke shot. The mental toll of playing so far beneath my capabilities was a complete surprise to me. Could you imagine being Carl Lewis in his prime with cinder blocks tied to his ankles being beaten in a 40 yard dash by a middle aged chubby banker who jogs at the club to meet girls? I went through months of not wanting to see a pool table. Thoughts of selling all my gear and flushing my billiard instructor career surfaced daily. All this came to a head when I sought other physicians’ opinions after a couple of friends offered referrals. On December 17th, I had a cortisone injection. Within the day, I could tell that it was treatment leagues above the pain pills. The following weekend, I finished third in a very difficult regional bar table 8-ball tournament. With my mind largely free from pain distress and genuinely excited to play pool, I had a successful week and gained a sense of hope for competitions to come. My options for treatment

in the future are to continue cortisone injections three times per year or have hand surgery. Once again in April I had a cortisone injection prior to a tournament and our team won in Minnesota and took the top spot in Las Vegas for the Mixed Open Team BCAPL Championship. Currently, I’m not sure when the surgery will happen, but one thing I do know is that aging as a pool player has plusses and minuses. Physical challenges may creep up on aging players, but care for one’s health and the knowledge and experience can make players competitive at any age. After all, Ralf Souquet is still at the top of his game and he is one year older than I am. Medical notes: What is Osteoarthritis? Arthritis literally means “inflamed joint”. The cartilagecovered surfaces of a joint wear out and cause bone on bone irritation and pain. I think I have a legitimate pool player injury hastened with a dose of hereditary influence. Here’s an image of my x-ray that shows the affected joint in my left hand. Image goes here Mike Fieldhammer - Professional Billiard Instructor www.billiardcoach.com / 612.802.0519 Mike is a full time tournament player and professional billiard instructor. He is available for private instruction or group clinics and events. Check out the new Billiard Coach Store: Serious Gear for Serious Players. Gift certificates are available. June 2010 - Rackem Magazine 5


HILLBILLY - BACK FROM QATAR AND BACK ON TEXAS’ RADAR…

The Lone Star Billiards Tour held its first ever Men’s & Ladies 9-Ball Open at the corporately owned Slick Willie’s dairy ashford location in Houston, Texas. Manager Gaylan Spreen was a fantastic host with his 27 Brunswick Medalist tables recently recovered with 860 Simonis cloth, re-leveled, and ready to go! Everyone was treated to a smoke free environment, polished pool balls, and the friendliest wait staff in Houston. This event drew 57 players who battled for over $5,000 in prize money. Tour favorites on the men’s side included Charlie Bryant, James Davis Jr., Sylver Ochoa, Andy Jethwa, David Parker, and Doug Young. All of these accomplished players made it to the final 12 on Sunday including Lake Charles’ own Derek Fontenot who defeated Danny Tam 9-5 to reach the winner’s side final four. Ochoa bested Jethwa 9-4, Bryant defeated Davis 9-3, and Parker served it up cold to Danny Tam 9-8. Fontenot and Bryant emerged as hot seat opponents but it was Bryant who found himself in all too familiar territory, once again. Fontenot patiently waited for the west side to play out. After Parker and Ochoa took a hit on the winner’s side, they met up with Jethwa and Tam respectively. Parker bested Jethwa 7-3 and Ochoa slid by Tam 7-6. Again, it was Parker who advanced two more rounds after he ousted Ochoa, then Fontenot, who finished a respectable third. It was Parker v. Bryant in the final. Bryant commanded the set early on, while Parker struggled to gain ground. Parker wowed spectators with his dramatic shot making but it proved no match for Bryant. Many congratulations and a debt of gratitude goes out to David Parker (Houston, Tx.), Derek Fontenot (Lake Charles, La.), and Charlie Bryant(Santa Fe, Tx.) for their outstanding play, sportsmanship, and personal friendship. On the ladies’ side, it was tour regular Ricky Casper who finished the event undefeated and captured her very first tour title. Belinda Lee put up a great fight, but lost to Casper 7-6 in the final match. Texas State Open Champion Kyu Yi finished third and also finished 13th-16th in the Men’s Open event, while tour rookie Kimmy Nguyen took home fourth. Well done ladies! We want to thank our tour sponsors: Poison Cues, Delta-13 Rack, James Barnett, and Eugene Lee. Special thanks go out to Gaylan Spreen and the Slick Willie’s Corporation, who hosted a first rate event. Also, congratulations to Ernesto Bayaua who won the AX5 Poison Cue Raffle! Our next event is at Crazy 8’s Billiards in Port Arthur, Texas, 1250 Hwy 365, (409) 960-7399. For more information visit www.

6 Rackem Magazine - June 2010

lonestarbilliardstour.com. Watch our live pool action at ustream.tv/ channel/lonestarbilliardstour. God Bless Everyone, and God Bless Texas. OPEN 9-BALL PAYOUTS: 1st $800 Charlie Bryant 2nd $500 David Parker 3rd $300 Derek Fontenot 4th $330 Sylver Ochoa 5th 6th $225 Andy Jethwa, Danny Tam 7th-8th $150 Sonny Bosshamer, Doug Young 9th-12th 100ea. Danny Lee, Aaron Remijio, James Davis Jr., T.J. Ortiz 13TH-16TH 00. Rick Johnson, Ernesto Bayaua, J.C Torres, Kyu Yi LADIES 9-BALL PAYOUTS: 1st $200 Ricky Casper 2nd $110 Belinda Lee 3rd $70 Kyu Yi 4th $55 Kimmy Nguyen 5th-6th $35 Heather Bryant, Teresa Garland 7th-8th Laura Hsu, Loretta Lindgren 9th-12th Geraldine Guinto, Michelle Prince OPEN AUCTION PAYOUT: $1000 $700 $360 $200

THE LEADER IN LIVE STREAMING


APA AWARDS $450,000 IN CASH AND PRIZES AT NATIONAL SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPS World's Largest Pool League Crowns Seven Amateur Champions in Las Vegas

Davis Lastrapes

Raymond Procell

Craig Feyler

Anthony Marseco Jr

LAKE SAINT LOUIS, MO (May 14, 2010) — More than $450,000 in cash and prizes were awarded to APA members at the APA National Singles Championships held April 28 - May 1 in Las Vegas at the Riviera Hotel & Casino. The National Singles Championships consisted of both the 8-Ball Classic and 9-Ball Shootout Singles Championships and the Jack & Jill Doubles Championship. The final round of the 9-Ball Shootout featured three championship matches, one for each skill level tier, with two shooters in each match competing for $10,000 in cash and prizes. In the Green Tier (Skill Levels 1-3), Tina Johnson of Fayetteville, N.C., defeated Alyssa Popiela of San Diego, Calif. Johnson advanced to the finals after a semifinal round victory over George Merchan of Carrollton, Texas. Popiela advanced to the finals after defeating David Halbritter of Albuquerque, N.M. Merchan and Halbritter tied for 3rd Place. In the White Tier (Skill Levels 4-5), Angel Palomarez of Tucson, Ariz., defeated Seth Prentiss of Newfield, N.J. Palomarez defeated Shaun Bardell of Harvest, Ala., in the semifinal round to advance to the finals. Prentiss advanced to the finals by defeating James Schenck Jr. of Paragould, Ark. Bardell and Schenck Jr. tied for 3rd Place. In the Black Tier (Skill Levels 6-9), Nelson Montierth of

Longmont, Colo., defeated Michael Crowley of Richmond, Va. Montierth advanced to the finals after defeating Rick Halls Jr. of Danville, Ill., in the semifinals. Crowley advanced to the final round match after a victory over William Moye Jr. of Macon, Ga. Halls Jr. and Moye Jr. tied for 3rd Place. Each of the three Champions received a prize package worth $10,000. Runners-Up in each tier took home a prize package worth $5,000. Third Place finishers each received $3,000. More than 3,300 poolplayers made it to the regional level of the 9-Ball Shootout before the field was whittled down to 265 men and women competing for 9-Ball crowns in each of three skill level tiers. More than 6,000 APA members advanced to regional competition of the 8-Ball Classic, and just over 450 of those players advanced to the championship in Las Vegas. In the finals of the 8-Ball Classic, four champions each took home a prize package worth $15,000 for their performances. In the Blue Tier (Skill Levels 2-3), Davis Lastrapes of Macon, Ga., defeated Dean Veros of Atlanta, Ga. Lastrapes defeated Melissa McWhirter of Vanduser, Mo., in the semifinals to advance, while Veros defeated Victoria Clayton of Dry Fork, Va. McWhirter and Clayton tied for 3rd Place. In the Yellow Tier

(Skill Level 4), Anthony Marseco Jr. of Luzerne, Pa., defeated Spring SaylorGillis of St. Petersburg, Fla. Marseco Jr. advanced to the finals by defeating Shanon Shackelford of Niles, Mich., earlier in the day in the semifinal round. Saylor-Gillis defeated Patrick McGuire of Scranton, Pa., in the semifinals. Shackelford and McGuire tied for 3rd Place. In the Red Tier (Skill Level 5), Craig Feyler of Dover, Del., defeated Amy Encinias of Las Vegas. Feyler defeated Jeff Knox of Tylertown, Miss., in the semifinals to advance, while Encinias defeated Kim Mickulas of Manteno, Ill. Knox and Mickulas tied for 3rd Place. In the Purple Tier (Skill Levels 6-7), Raymond Procell of Coushatta, La., defeated Brandon Ryan of Hatfield, Mass. Procell defeated Wayne Hardee of Harrington, Del., in the semifinal round. Ryan advanced after defeating Shane Fisher of Hot Springs, Ark. First place winners received cash and prizes worth $15,000. Each Runner-Up received cash and prizes worth $9,000. Third Place finishers each received $3,000. In the annual Jack & Jill Doubles Championship, held in the MiniMania Room during the Singles Championships, Gene Steele and Becky Orwig of Toledo, Ohio, defeated Justin Mixon and Michele Thrasher of Gordon, Ga. Steele and Orwig took home $5,000, while

Mixon and Thrasher received $3,000 as Runners-Up. Sportsmanship Awards were presented to Amy Nevills of Waxhaw, N.C., and Victoria Clayton of Dry Fork, Va., for outstanding conduct throughout their matches in the 9-Ball Shootout and 8-Ball Classic, respectively. The APA, based in Lake Saint Louis, Mo., sanctions the world's largest amateur pool league, known as the APA Pool League throughout the United States, and as the Canadian Pool League in Canada. Nearly 270,000 members compete in weekly 8-Ball and 9-Ball League play. The APA is generally recognized as the Governing Body of Amateur Pool, having established the official rules, championships, formats and handicap systems for the sport of amateur billiards. The APA produces three major tournaments each year—the APA National Team Championships, the APA National Singles Championships and the U.S. Amateur Championship—that, together, pay out nearly $1.5 Million in cash and prizes annually! The APA and its championships are sponsored by Aramith, Action Cues and PoolDawg. For more information on the American Poolplayers Association, visit www.poolplayers.com (http:// www.poolplayers.com)

Nelson Montierth

Tina Johnson

Angel Palomarez

Sorry Partner - Gene Steele & Becky Orwig

June 2010 - Rackem Magazine 7


They Came They Played They Conquered 2010 BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships photos courtesy of Fred Stoll

While the temperature was unseasonably win the division. cool in Las Vegas during the 34th BCAPL The Women’s Open Singles is also a study National 8-Ball Championships, the pool in how the strong survive. After qualifying playing was hot. Held May 14-22 at the through the preliminar bracket stages, the Riviera Hotel & Casino, approximately 7000 final bracket of the Women’s open included amateur and professional players traveled several well known regional players such from across the world to battle for their chunk as Amy Chen from Georgia, Stacy Alsup of the $750,000 prize fund and be crowned from Las Vegas, Tara Williams (nee’ the best in their respective divisions. McCracken) and Melinda Bailey from Texas Prior to the BCAPL 8-Ball event starting on and four members of the NYC team Kiss of the 14th, the 9-Ball Challenge took place Death; Borana Andoni, Emily Duddy, Olga May 12-13. The 9-ball event, limited to 256 Gashgova and subsequent division winner players, is open to all BCAPL and Player Gail Glazebrook (9-ball league at Amsterdam Members from Open to Grand Master level. Billiards, NY, NY). Chris Melling took home the early event The top two finishers of the Women’s Master honors. Melling then beat “The Dakota Kid” divisions are well known players. Ming Ng Shane Van Boening in the Men’s Grand (NW Houston BCAPL), the 2009 WPBA Master division of the BCAPL 8-Ball National Regional Tour Champion, faced Gari Jo Championship making history by winning Bloomberg (Player Member) who comes from both the Men’s Grand Master Singles and a well known pool family in South Dakota and the 9-Ball Challenge. the aunt of top U.S. pro Shane Van Boening. The BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships Bloomberg cruised into the hot seat without 1st Place Women’s Open Team: We Got The Runs (Dallas, TX) started with the Scotch Doubles events. The facing even one hill-hill match. In the finals, Open Scotch Doubles had 341 entries. Kim she would retain that momentum as she Sanders and Brian Sanders, of the A.P.P.L.E - Austin Pool Player’s League, defeated Ng 7-3. remained undefeated taking home first If it could be said that if a player nearly dominated a division that player was Debbie place. In the Master Scotch Doubles, which Snook (Triple “P” Handicapped League, Pueblo, CO) in the Women’s Senior had 82 entries, the French Canadian duo Singles. Although of Veronique Menard and Francis Crevier she lost in her third had to grind their way to victory. Starting round to Lucille off on the one loss side of the final Master Donahue (4-2), that Scotch Doubles board, Menard and was her only sign Crevier won 8 matches to make it to the of weakness as she finals and then double dipped the dynamo plowed through the team of Glenn Atwell and Linda Carter one loss side playing from Washington State to take first place. 9 matches and losing Saturday, May 15th the crowd swelled only 10 games total as thousands of individuals mentally before meeting Kim prepared for the singles events. There Anderson (Player were 11 separate singles divisions: Men’s Member) in the finals. Super Senior, Men’s Senior, Men’s Open, Snook took both sets Men’s Master, Men’s Grand Master, Men’s (4-1) to secure the Player Member, Women’s Open, Women’s division top spot. Senior, Women’s Master, Women’s Grand The BCAPL Men Master and Women’s Player Member. and Women’s Grand In the Men’s Super Senior division, Bob Master divisions are 1st Place Open Scotch Doubles: Kim and Brian Sanders Oliver (MacDaddy’s In-House League, an opportunity for top 1st place Women’s Master Singles Little Rock, AR) breezed through the professional players to challenge themselves in bar table 8-Ball. Amateur players Gari Jo Bloomberg winner’s side to take also get to study up close the stroke and game of some of their first place. Writer Tom McGonagle (Silver Cue 8-Ball League, favorite pros. The Men’s Grand Master division had 46 players from Dorchester, MA) had several close matches to stay on the 4 continents and several national and international champions. It winner’s side and take the Men’s Senior division hot seat. was a lesser known pro from the U.K, Melling, who hoisted his cue McGonagle almost lost his momentum as Shane Harvey (Action in victory. The Women’s Grand Master division featured 22 women Billiard League, Lubbock, TX) took the first set of the finals 5-1. In including several world and U.S. champions. The finals featured set two, McGonagle regrouped beating Harvey out 5-4 narrowly two well known pros, “The Texas Tornado”Vivian Villarreal and winning first place. currently 4th ranked world champion Kelly Fisher. Villarreal would The Men’s Open Singles is a test of endurance, skill with a prevail this day taking home the $2,600 for first. sprinkle of luck tossed in for flavor. With 1291 contestants and 32 Both the Men’s and Women’s Player Member divisions gave the preliminary double elimination boards it takes a large dose of all opportunity for those who are not able to participate in a sanctioned three elements to win this division. The winner was Nuno Santos BCAPL league the chance to play in the BCAPL nationals. The (Federacao Portuguesa de Bilhar, Lisbon, Portugal) who strode Men’s Player Member had 123 entries with two South Dakota through his preliminary bracket only dropping 6 total games. In men, Justin Brandt and Dan Olson crossing cues. It was 17 year the finals board he had a tougher road going hill-hill on a majority old Olson who took the match. Stacy Lantz from Florida took the of his matches towards securing victory. 1st place prize in the Women’s Player Member group. The BCAPL Men’s Master division was stocked with well known Tuesday, May 18 was a day where the singles start to wind and seasoned players including Ryan Solleveld from Canada, down and everyone preps for the team event. This particular day Jim Carmona from Las Vegas, Chip Compton from Oklahoma and Nick Tafoya was also popular for those with a free day to stop by the U.S. Open 10-Ball from New Mexico to name a few, but the finals came down to the 2009 Men’s Championship, also produced by CueSports International, to watch the world Open winner Bruno Sousa and his fellow team mate from Portugal Manuel class action in the Royale Ballroom Pro Arena. Tuesday evening the BCAPL Gamma (both from the Federacao Portuguesa de Bilhar, Lisbon, Portugal). and the Billiard Education Foundation hosted Challenge the Stars. This is an Sousa won the hot seat initially sending Gamma to the one loss side. However annual event where the amateur players can challenge their favorite pros as a it was Gamma’s turn as he double dipped Sousa by a slim margin (7-6, 7-3) to fundraiser for the BEF. (continued on page 11)

8 Rackem Magazine - June 2010


U S Open 10- Ball

More photos available at: http://www.pbase.com/otbntv/usopen10ball

Lee Van Corteza

Down to the Wire Corteza Takes 2010 the table of the few remaining balls and securing a spot U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship in the finals. The U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship, May 17-22 at Lo Li-Wen from Taiwan and Corteza from the Philippines the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas had one of the took center stage for the finals at 8 pm. Li-Wen and toughest 128 player open fields in recent U.S. history. Corteza are used to playing in front of a large and Participants included players from 18 countries and attentive crowd. Approximately 300 spectators sat in included 11 world champions, 4 of the top 10 World the Riviera Royale Ballroom Pro Arena and thousands Pool Billiard Association (WPA) ranked women and half viewed the match via The Action Report (TAR) live of the top 50 world ranked men. This heady field was stream. also joined by many top regionally known players from The match initially started slow, with each player trading North America such as Francis Crevier of Canada, Dan thoughtfully executed safeties. However Pin-Li was Louie and Glenn Atwell of Seattle, Frankie Hernandez playing unusually slow, which seemed to actually hinder of New York and Ernesto Dominguez and Sal Butera of his game and soon Corteza had a 7-3 lead. Before the California. start of game 11, Assistant Tournament Director Ken Going into the final day of the premier 6 day event on the Shuman warned both Li-Wen and Corteza to speed up winnerís side were Lo Li-Wen, and Lee Van Corteza. The play or the match would be subject to a shot clock. This following 6 players started on the one loss side: Shane warning was taken seriously by both players and the Van Boening, Charlie Williams, Rodney Morris, Manny pace of the match quickened to a more acceptable level. Chau, Mika Immonen and Francisco Bustamante. The accelerated speed of play benefited Li-Wenís game In the rack your own, call pocket, winner break format, and he appeared to gain confidence and soon tied the any and all things could happen. With this caliber of field match 7-7. Again the match see-sawed back and forth each player was aware their opponents were capable of with neither player keeping a sustainable lead and soon running rack, yet the challenging pro-cut Diamond tables it was hill-hill with one game remaining for essentially encouraged smart safety play when required resulting in $7,500. While both players had their opportunity at the numerous hill-hill nail biting matches. table, Corteza was the man who faced the final three In the quarter finals Bustamante demolished 2009 Player balls for the win. With only the 10-ball remaining, Corteza of the Year Immonen 9-1 and a young unknown, Manny stood back up and laughed at his own nerves. That Chau, come close to knocking out Van Boening. ìThe seems to calm him down and in his gentle and subdued South Dakota Kidî prevailed surviving Chau 9-7. Two manner cut the 10 down the short rail for the win. of the most studied players in pool, Bustamante and The 2010 U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship was Van Boening, now would face one another to see who sponsored by OB Cues (www.obcues.com), Diamond progressed and who would go out in 4th place. Today Billiard Products (www.diamondbilliards.net), Simonis was the ìKidsî day. Van Boeningís break was in strong (www.simoniscloth.com), Aramith (www.saluc.com), form and subsequently bounced Bustamante out of the Delta-13 (www.delta-13.com), Billiards Digest (www. tournament 9-6. billiardsdigest.com)† TAR, BadBoys Billiard Productions The next round featured Van Boening and Corteza. (www.badboysbp.com) and BreakRAK (www.breakrak. Immediately out of the gate Van Boening took a strong com) and produced by CueSports International (CSI). lead (4-1) with his booming break in place. Corteza CueSports International is dedicated to creating more got off to a slow start with an uncharacteristically tight choices for all players. CSI is the parent company of the stroke. While it appeared Van Boening would cruise into BCA Pool League, the National Championship Series the finals, Corteza gathered himself and meticulously (NCS), and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces chipped away at Van Boeningís lead by playing dead on independent events such as the U.S. Bar Table safeties and smoothing out his stroke and adjusting his Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial and the rhythm. Soon the score was 5-5. However, Van Boening U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship. Visit www.playcsipool. answered back to Cortezaís rally, by aggressively taking com, www.playbca.com and www.playusapool.com or the next 3 games putting him on the hill. call 702-719-7665 for more information about CSI and Both players are accustomed to winning and do not its divisions. bow down to pressure easily. Corteza, never wavering from his calm demeanor had an opportunity in game 14 as Van Boening broke dry for the first time in the match. The room was stunned and waited to see if Corteza could capitalize on Van Boeningís misfortune. Quietly and calmly, Corteza played perfect on each shot keeping Van Boening in his chair. Within 20 minutes the match went from 8-5 to hill-hill with Corteza breaking. Not being a run out pattern, Corteza and Van Boening volleyed a few safeties before either had a good shot at running out again. Being a call shot format, while the table was wide open, Van Boening had a tough choice, either call a carom off the 6-ball or decide to go for a cross side bank. He chose the cross side but missed and pocketed a non-called ball thus relinquishing the table back to Corteza. Corteza quietly started back to work running Lo Li-Wen

June 2010 - Rackem Magazine 9


Double the Rail To Double Your Position Shots By Bill Smith “Mr3Cushion”, Old School Pool.net

Playing Reverse-English Position Shots WHY DO SO many American billiards players play doublethe-rail shots incorrectly? Or, for that matter ignore them completely? When they do indeed select such shots, they're not incor¬porating the concept of speed into them. Most players in this country choose a shot that allows them to play "hard" to the first ball. Strok¬ing the cue ball firmly without regard for the speed of the first object ball may well be easier for them. By doing so, they are concentrating on managing one ball, not two or three for better position play. While that may simplify things mentally, it’s a short-sighted concept of three-cushion billiards. “Easier," occasional¬ly equates with "right" in three-cushion billiards. It's one tough game. Once you master the techniques and speeds of the various double-the-rail shots, you'll be very pleasantly surprised at how often such shots can be helpful in making both longer and more precise runs in your game simply because the element of poor speed has been removed. Most double-the-rail shots involve some basic principles: 1) for max¬imum cue-ball and object-ball action, always try to make your first-ball carom that is the most natural and pure. 2) Don't forget the speed hitting the first ball thin. Obviously, that ball will travel more slowly with less distance than the cue ball. Thus, you need more precision to consider its final resting place 3) On shots requiring you to hit the first ball fuller than the natural angle, use a bit more force and apply more side and follow English. This stops the bounce off that first ball. That's why attempts at double-the-rail shots go flat off the second cushion so often and perhaps why so few players ex¬ecute them correctly or let alone try them. 4) Whenever the carom is close to a corner, don't use as much English, the cue ball develops English rapidly from striking those two rails in quick succession.

10 Rackem Magazine - June 2010

Now for some practical examples, the position of Diagram 1 shows itself several times in an average game and most players will play it conventional¬ly. That is drawing the cue ball to the long rail and around the table. That's fine if you need only a point to win and if there's no kiss. (There frequently is a kiss on shots like this where you're striking the first ball fairly full.) But if you want to start a run from this shot, the correct play is to double that long rail off the right side of the first ball using 2 O’clock English and com-pleting the billiard as shown. For cor¬rect speed for your next-shot position, imagine you're banking that first ob¬ject ball cross-corner; you might even want to follow it visually after contact. If the hit and speed on that first ob¬ject ball are correct, the cue-ball path should take care of itself. Execute this properly and you'll have a juicy leave with all three balls near the long rail.

Diagram 2 shows a shorter version of Diagram 1. The mistake most players make here is to play to thin off the left side of the white, leaving it on the short rail with no position for the next shot. Instead, hit it a bit fuller, slowing the cue ball and drive the object ball two cushions cross-table, leaving it near the corner; you'll see you will have an excellent shot if you score as diagrammed. Using 10 O’clock English with a half-ball hit will serve you well here. Don't be discouraged by your previous attempts to double-the-rail with a fuller hit on the first ob¬ject ball; you can do this with correct speed, spin and stroke. In fact, this is a very reliable position shot. In Diagram 3, we have another ex¬ample of a shot often misplayed by striking the first ball too thin, leaving it close to the middle of the far short rail. Hit a little more ball and focus on speed, bringing it back to the long rail as shown and you'll be rewarded with the start of a nice run. You'll need a very smooth stroke to keep

English on both the cue ball and object ball; 3 O’clock English and a slightly elevated cue will achieve the proper effect. Finally, Diagram 4 offers a somewhat abstract view of playing position. Here you can't see enough of the white ball to employ a short-angle shot. So with a little imagina¬tion, this double-the-rail bank yields superior position for the next shot. Shoot through the corner with extreme 9 O’clock English and a soft stroke so as not to drive the object balls too far. And, remember not to go too deeply into the corner. This was explained at the beginning of this section.

The point here is to demonstrate the value of a precise controlled stroke. Use speed to manage all three balls so that you can fully capitalize on the natural angles that these shots will bring you. This concept will teach you the true meaning of not playing a "hard" game. Even better, it will in¬crease your overall average.


BCAPL

(continued from page 8)

The team competition got underway Wednesday, May 19 with 6 divisions: Mixed Open, Mixed Trophy, Women’s Open, Women’s Trophy, Mixed Master, and Women’s Master. The mixed teams can have up to 10 people on their team roster and play 5 players per match. This year Women’s teams only fielded 4 players per match and could have up to 8 players on each team roster.

1st Place Men’s Mixed Open Team: Who Needs A Coach

The Mixed Open Team division had 16 preliminary brackets, 674 teams and was a double elimination race to 13 with $11,000 going to the first place team. Minneapolis, MN team “Who Needs a Billiard Coach,”headed by billiard photographer and coach Mike Fieldhammer took the top honors. The Mixed Trophy Team division had 74 entrants. The “The Italian Job”coming from the hot seat took on the “Rack Pack.”In a true double, the Rack Pack decisively took set one (13-6). It was a nail biter in set two as the two teams went hill-hill, the pack pulled it out winning set two (13-12). The two final teams in the Mixed Master Team division had divergent experiences on the board. Good Eggz went down in the first match against former division winners Hustlin’ making them have to navigate the one loss said the remainder of the event. In the hot seat was Portugal Master’s who contained Manuel Gamma who finished 1st in the Men’s Master Singles. It was a good week for

1st Place Women’s Master Team: Magoo’s Masters (Tulsa, OK)

team Portugal as their momentum never wavered beating Good Eggz 13-8. Late Saturday afternoon after the Mixed Master Finals was completed the entire Portuguese team hoisted glasses of Champagne in the event main lobby singing the Portuguese national anthem. This year there were 20 more Women’s Open Teams than in 2009. The Dallas, Texas ladies “We’ve Got the Runs” went undefeated and beat Wisconsin team “Jackson Cue & Mickey’s.” The Women’s Trophy Team division had 8 teams in a double elimination race to 8. “Pocket Aces” from San Francisco, CA took the honors by dominating the bracket and beating “Full House’ from Edgemere, MD 8-2. The Tulsa, OK Women’s powerhouse team, “Magoo’s Masters” took out the Chicago team “Tick Tick Boom” to be the division top women. 2010 again showed why the BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships have been called “The Best Tournament in the World.” In addition to BCAPL nationals being the best U.S. based national championship event, CSI continues to demonstrate each year its commitment to expand the sport and the experience of the players. This year they launched new texting and email notification and live scoring features to their CueSports Tournament System (CTS), the online bracket and real time tracking system. Players are now able to receive text or email notification of when and where their matches were to be played thus allowing them more freedom to enjoy their time in Las Vegas and the Riviera Hotel & Casino. The 34th BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships were sponsored by OB Cues, the Official Cue of this year’s event, Diamond Billiard Products, Simonis, Delta-13, Billiards Digest, TAR and BreakRAK. www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com and for more information

June 2010 - Rackem Magazine 11


BUSTAMANTE CAPTURES BONUS BALL

The World Professional Billiard League held their first ever event this weekend. It was held in Canada at the beautiful, McPhillip Station Casino in Winni peg. It was a huge success. Statistically, the two best players were found battling it out in the finals. That is what tournament director Barry Bremner and owner, Larry Chiborak predicted prior to the inaugural event. "The game of Bonus Ball uses a scoreboard and time clock that operated flawlessly", stated Chiborak. "The players made a few mental mistakes due to t he challenge of having to think fast on their feet, but at the end of the event, all eight players were showing why they are called professionals!" Bremner s aid..."Perhaps, Corey Deuel, who seemed at odds with the new game, came storming back on the final day, playing flawless! I was very impressed with the size of his heart. Most players would have packed it in the final day. That was not the case with Deuel. I expect Corey to be muched improved in the next event". SUNDAY PLAY-OFFS There was a movie in the 60's about a gunslinger who hauled a coffin behind his horse and took out an entire force with a battling gun hidden inside the coffin. This character was named "Django" Francisco"Django" Bustamante acted the part of gunslinger all weekend and took out anyone in his way ! What an outstanding performance he put on. In a race to five, after Archer r an the first two tables to go up two games to nothing, this gunslinger won five straight to win the tournament. Here's how today's action played out to set up the final. The noon match featured the fifth place finisher, John Schmidt against the 6th place finisher, Erik Hjorleifson, a "raised in Winnipeg" product. In this consolation event, Erik got a couple of bad breaks, scratching after making his object ball, once in each of the first two games, allowing "Mr 400" to go up two games to none in a race to three. After a back & forth battle, Schmidt prevailed in the third game to finish fifth in the standings after event number one. This event was a great experience for "Big Red". "I need to practice more to bring my game up. Banking was so important this weekend." noted Erik.

In the quarter final match up, The "South Dakota Kid", Shane Van Boening, who finished third after the round robin portion of the tournament, was up again st his Mosconi Cup team mate, fourth place finisher Johnny "The Scorpion" Archer. Johnny jumped out quickly to a one nothing lead and Van Boening won three straight, two of them in over-time, to get to the hill. Archer fought his way to the hill as well and ran out the final game to win the prize of facing N ick "The Kentucky Colonel" Varner in the semi-final. The semi final, like the quarter final, was a race to four. Varner came back from being down seven -nothing to capture the first game nine - seven. At that point "The Scorpion" once again found his stinger and won four straight game s to sideline Mr. Varner. What a great tournament Nick Varner had though. If retirement was ever really on his mind, that has been p ut on the back burner. Bonus Ball brought out all the skills that Varner has specialized in the past and brought him back into the spot light. Without a doubt, Nick Varner was quite a show! With the quarter final and semi final matches, Johnny had won seven of his last eight games and was on a roll!Bustamante was well rested for the final. Winning the round robin, rewarded him with a birth into the play-off finals, while Johnny had just come through some pressure situations and had a couple of barn burners to get there. Archer came out very focused i n this race to five and ran out the first two games. That's when Bustamante took over and proved to be too much for Archer on this night. Fra ncisco was very strong from Thursday evening right through the entire event and was deserving of the win. What an amazing three and a half days of Bonus Ball and the "Super Series of Billiards was just that... super! Mike Massey had a crowd everywhere that he went. The World Champion trick shot artist was a crowd pleaser for sure. Mike Massey was the player that convinced Larry Chiborak to use only three pockets in his game to help make Bonus Ball more challenging for seasoned players. It was a great a ddition to the game to great billiard entertainer.

Reno Open Relocates

United States Pool Players Association & Reno Open to Re-Rack at The Peppermill Full Fields in All Events & Prize Money will exceed $200,000

San Francisco, California – May 10, 2010 - After 27 years and over 45 events, The United States Pool Players Association (USPPA) is pleased to announce the Reno Open will relocate to the fabulous Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in Reno, Nevada. The complete schedule of events will take place between November 19th and December 6th, 2010. Tony Annigoni, President of The USPPA and Principal in Two Cushion Club which will manage the event dubbed The Pacific Rim International Billiard Expo explains, “We thank the Sands Regency for all its support over the years, however, the future for our association and in some ways billiards in America, is with The Peppermill.” With a new home and more space, the event menu is expanding. While the Reno Open and USPPA Pro Am will once again be the main stays, the word International is not merely a title. “Working with The WPA in 2008 to host the World Juniors and World Wheel Chair tournaments reinforced for me how international the game is and, in some ways, how billiards internationally is in much better shape than in the States.” Annigoni continued. “I was looking for a venue and added formats that would enhance the International presence 12 Rackem Magazine - June 2010

as well as deliver a playing format that would give American players, who I still feel are the best in the world, ‘For the Cash’ a chance to shine. To that end, we’ve added a new event, The Simonis Tour Championship which will run conjunctively with the Reno Open. And as an incentive to encourage participation, we’re also adding the Two Cushion Club Poker Challenge.” The Peppermill Resort Spa Casino features 1,635 luxurious rooms and suites, two resort pools, 10 award-winning restaurants, 16 themed bars and lounges including EDGE nightspot and Terrace Lounge, free nightly entertainment in the Casino Cabaret, 24/7 gaming action, headliner entertainment as well as the 43,000 square foot Spa & Salon Toscana and Fitness Center featuring northern Nevada’s only Caldarium with indoor pool, sun deck and Secret Garden. For more information regarding The Pacific Rim Billiard Expo contact Tony Annigoni at ta@ twocushionclub.com or at 831277-0216. For more information on the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino contact Julia Jeffers-Peaua at jjeffers@peppermillreno.com or at 775-689-7114.


Orcollo is World Pool Masters Champion He Beats ‘Unknown’ Kuribayashi for Title

OVER 750 players from around the world attempted to win the 2010 PartyPoker. net World Pool Masters but in the end after five days of play at the Riviera Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, it was Dennis Orcollo of the Philippines who claimed the title and with it the $20,000 first prize. He beat the relatively unknown 25 year-old Japanese player Toru Kuribayashi 8-3 in front of an enthusiastic Las Vegas crowd to cement his position of one of the world’s top players. For Kuribayashi it was a week of superb performances and his name will now be known throughout the pool world. "I'm very happy and you can see the tears in my eyes. If I could fly in the sky then I would fly. This tournament is really hard to win but I made it and I'm really proud to have won this. It's my biggest win,” said a jubilant Orcollo. "It was very difficult to play in the final as you try to not think that if you win this game then you are the champion. In the semi-final I wasn't feeling like that but in the final I had to tell myself to just try and control my emotion. "If you can't stay in control of your emotions then you can't do anything and your mind goes blank. So I just controlled myself and continued my game right until the end,” he added. Orcollo came through the double elimination stage of the competition with an opening win over Shaun Wilkie, then a 9-8 defeat to Marcus Chamat and then victory against Jasmine Ouschan to reach the last 32. There he avenged his defeat to Chamat with a 9-7 win before beating Raj Hundal 8-1 in the last 16. John Morra (Canada) was his quarter final victim before beating compatriot Roberto Gomez in the semi-final. Kuribayashi got off to the worst start to the event, losing to Charlie Williams in his opening match, but made his way through to the last 32 stages with wins over Ahmad Taufiq and Tony Drago. There he beat Taiwan’s Kuo Po Cheng before whitewashing Daryl Peach in the last 16. The quarter-final saw him take revenge over Charlie Williams before disposing of Oliver Ortmann in the last four. Both players greeted the crowd as they were introduced to the arena and Orcollo looked set to take the first but left a green 6 ball wobbling which cost him the rack and Kuribayashi broke and ran the second to go into a 2-0 lead. Orcollo had ball in hand in the third and converted it well to get on the scoreboard before he made an error in the next as he scratched, playing a safety and Kuribayashi made him pay to lead 3-1. Kuribayashi looked in good shape in the next but lack of pace on the cue ball meant his run broke down. They exchanged safeties on the pink 4 before an attempted bank from Kuribayashi failed and Orcollo ran the rack to get to 2-3. There was ball in hand opportunity in the next for Orcollo as Kuribayashi scratched making a jump shot and the Filipino converted his chance to level things at 3-3. Kuribayashi left the 3 ball hanging over the pocket after an attempted safety and Orcollo dished up to take the lead for the first time and increased his lead to 5-3 in the next with a break and run. Orcollo began to find his groove in the ninth game as he ran out his second consecutive rack to put

some space between himself and Kuribayashi as the score went to 6-3. More great play from Orcollo put him on the hill at 7-3. In fitting style, Orcollo ran out what was the final rack to win 8-3 and claim the title of 2010 PartyPoker.net World Pool Masters champion. "I was worried when I missed the 6 ball (in the first rack) and it was unexpected but sometimes that can happen. "After that I knew he (Kuribayashi) would be feeling confident because I had made a mistake but I was still hoping to get another chance and get back some momentum. "The tournament is short races and if you lose one rack you could then be out. It's a big difference to money games as if you lose a rack there then you have a chance of making a game again,” said Orcollo afterwards. "In a money game it might not matter if you play badly at the beginning you can still recover but in a tournament if you start badly you may lose. "This is great news for the Philippines and many people have followed this competition in my country and they will be celebrating. I would love to bring this competition to my country.” The Final Earlier, Orcollo had beaten compatriot Roberto ‘Superman’ Gomez 8-6 to secure his berth in the final. It was a high quality encounter and after 12 racks they were tied up at six apiece. It was anyone’s but went in Orcollo’s favour as he edged the final two racks to make his second Matchroom Sport pool final, following his World Pool League victory in Poland in 2006. In the other semi-final, Kuribayashi put on a display of shot-making and power breaking to beat Germany’s Oliver Ortmann. Playing fluently throughout, the young Japanese came with all the shots when required to seal an 8-3 win. It was a great performance from Ortmann though in reaching the semi-finals and he is still a force to be reckoned with on a major stage. After 17 years as a 16-player invitational competition, the Masters, one of the longest established tournaments in pool, is now a 64 player event and takes place over five days instead of three. Working in conjunction with Cuesports International, the Masters takes place during the annual BCA National 8-Ball Championships, which sees thousands of players and fans flock to the Riviera for a lengthy festival of pool. Television is produced by Matchroom Sport and will be seen as 15 x one hour programmes in 14 countries around the world with more to be added to the list. The prize fund is set at a guaranteed $100,000 with $20,000 going to the eventual champion. RESULTS: 1st $20,000 2nd $10,000 3rd/4th $5,000

Dennis Orcollo (PHI) Toru Kuribayashi (JAP) Roberto Gomez (PHI) Oliver Ortmann (GER)

June 2010 - Rackem Magazine 13


Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice

DATE

CITY

LOCATION

PHONE

EVENT / RULES

ENTRY

ADDED

TIME

June 5-6 June 5-6 Jun 12 Jun 12-13 Jun 17-20 Jun 18-20 June 19 Jun 19 Jun 19-20 Jun 19-20 Jun 26-27 Jul 8 Jul 9-11 Jul 9 Jul 10 Jul 10-11 Jul 17-18 Jul 17-18 Jul 24-25 Aug 7 Aug 7 Aug 7-8 Aug 14-15 Aug 21-22 Aug 28-29

Waco, TX Port Arthur, TX Lewisville, TX Waco, TX Rochester, MN Lawton, OK Kirksville, MO Lees Summit, MO Houston, TX Houston, TX Wichita, KS Olathe, KS Olathe, KS Omaha, NE Lewisville, TX Houston, TX Omaha, NE Austin, TX San Leon, TX Tulsa, OK Lincoln, NE Houston, TX Houston, TX Odessa, TX Port Arthur, TX

Fast Eddie’s Side Pocket Crazy 8’s Click’s Billiards VNEA Babalou Opie’s Side Pockets Slick Willie’s Q-Stix Billiards Side Pockets Shooters Shooters Big John’s Crazy 8’s Bogies Billiards Big John’s Fast Eddie’s Casper’s Billiards Magoo’s Drifters Fast Eddie’s Q-Stix Billiards Fast Eddie’s Side Pocket

(254) 399-9300 (409) 960-7399 (940) 595-6091 (972) 306-3935 (800) 544-1346 (580) 483-2115 (573) 439-5311 (816) 524-2400 (713) 303-8111 (713) 825-1411 (316) 729-4000 (913) 780-5740 (913) 780-5740 (402) 592-3545 (940) 595-6091 (713) 825-1411 (402) 592-3545 (512) 248-0646 (713) 825-1411 (918) 663-3364 (402) 261-3617 (281) 586-8077 (713) 825-1411 (432-550-0190 (409) 960-7399

9-Ball Open & Ladies $65/$35 $1,500/$350 Call 9 Ball/One Pocket/Ladies 9Ball $45/$100/$25 $1,550 Call 9-Ball Handicapped $40 $500 Guar Noon OB Cues Ladies Tour Call $2,000 Call VNEA Junior Nationals Varies Call Summer Slam 8-Ball $25 $400 w/64 7PM Opie’s 8-Ball $60 Call Noon 8-Ball Judd Flanders Mem. Call Call Noon 8-Ball $30 $500 Call 10-Ball & Ladies 9-Ball $40/$25 $1,000/$350 Call 9-Ball Bobby Wells Mem $35 $2,500 Call Midwest 1 Pocket $60 $1,000 8PM Midwest 9 Ball $65/$50 (L) $4,000 8PM 9-Ball Open $40 $750 Call 9-Ball Handicapped $40 $500 Guar Noon 9-Ball Open & One Pocket $40/$25 $1,000/$200 Call Open 9 Ball $40+$5 g.f. $750 Call 9-Ball Open & Ladies $65/$35 $1,500/$350 Call 9 Ball/One Pocket/Ladies 9Ball $45/$100/$25 $1,350 Call OK State 8 Ball $65/$55 (W) $2,000 Call Team 8-Ball $60/t $$$ 11AM Fast Eddie 9-Ball Tour Call $1,850 w/48-w/16 Call 8 Ball/One Pocket/Ladies 9 Ball $45/$100/$25 $1,850 Call Fast Eddie 9-Ball Tour Call $1,850 w/48-w/16 Call 9 Ball/One Pocket/Ladies 9Ball $45/$100/$25 $1,550 Call

WEEKLY TOURNAMENTS Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice DATE

CITY

LOCATION

PHONE

EVENT / RULES

ENTRY

ADDED

Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Fridays Saturdays Sundays

Kansas City, MO Kansas City, MO Wright City, MO Oshkosh, WI Kansas City, MO Oshkosh, WI Tulsa, OK Oshkosh, WI Kansas City, MO Tulsa, OK Fridley, MN Kansas City, MO

The Brass Rail The Brass Rail Hillbilly Heaven Varsity Club The Brass Rail Varsity Club Q-Spot Billiards Varsity Club The Brass Rail Q-Spot Billiards Two Stooges The Brass Rail

(816) 468-6100 (816) 468-6100 (636) 745-8020 (920) 651-0806 (816) 468-6100 (920) 651-0806 (918) 779-6204 (920) 651-0806 (816) 468-6100 (918) 779-6204 (763) 574-1399 (816) 468-6100

Bar Table 9-Ball - DE- race to 3 $5 Matching Bar Table 8-Ball - DE - race to 2 $5 Match+$100 Missouri 8-Ball $10 $100 9-Ball Beginners $8 Bar Table 9-Ball - DE - race to 3 $5 Matching 9-Ball Intermediate $10 8-Ball 7 & under $5 9-Ball Open - Break Pot $15 $5/player Guar. Big Table 9-Ball - DE - race to 3 $5 Matching 9-Ball 7 & under $10 (incl. g.f.) 9-Ball Open on 7’ DE Race to 5 $15 (incl g.f.) $75 w/16 Bar Table 9-Ball - DE - race to 4 $10 Matching

TIME 8 PM 7 PM 7:30PM Call 8 PM Call 9 PM Call 2 PM 9 PM 6:30 PM 6 PM

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June 2010 - Rackem Magazine 15



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