Rackem Pool Magazine July Issue 2015 by Rackem Magazine

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agazine

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Rackem 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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Don “Cheese” Akerlow

2015 July

PLACES PEOPLE PLAY

Publisher

YOUNG GUNS Sky Woodward & Justin Bergman

by: Don Akerlow On The Break News is again on a road trip this summer. We are currently visiting pool rooms in the Midwest. I had the opportunity to stop in at Teacher’s Billiards and Sports Cafe in St. Peters, Missouri for the start of the “Young Guns vs Old School” event June 19th and 20th. A $20,000 challenge match between Johnny Archer and Rodney Morris (Old School Team) against Justin Bergman and Sky Woodward (Young Guns Team). All well know players in the pool world.

Justin Bergman

Photo by: Don Akerlow

Teachers Billiards is owned by Richard Schenck and has been an institution in St Louis area for 25 years now. The pool room has fourteen 7’ Diamond Tables and four 9’ Diamonds. Richard made the decision to put all Diamond tables in his pool room last year and has never regretted his decision. As Richard put it he was looking for an advantage over the other locations where people could play pool and thought the new pool tables would give him just that. His choice has doubled and tripled his league play and tournament participation. He commented, “The popularity of the Diamond tables is clear, the players like it. It is an outstanding table.” Teachers has a full bar and an area with the 7 footers for league play. They are part of the Missouri 8-Ball League and Richard hosts his own in-house “Diamond League”. The 9 foot pool table area is separated and laid out in an arena-like setting. This is where the tournament took place. The walls were lined with seating. In an area on the back wall above the office and above the crowd, Richard constructed a Live Streaming Booth where OnCue2.com broadcast all the action on the tables on PPV. Richard said he just finished the construction on the booth in time for the event. They had cameras position around the room for different views of the pool tables. Commentating on the matches was Derrick Keith and Mark Wilson. The event was being live streamed by Derek Sexton of OnCue2.com

Photo by: Don Akerlow

Food was provided by Mr. Lucky’s Restaurant which is adjacent to Teachers and with whom Richard has an agreement for cooperation between the two

Sky Woodward 6

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A few weeks after opening Teachers Billiards in 1989, an 11 yr old named Andy Quinn walked in with his friends. He showed a lot of interest and ability and by the time he was 14 he was a National Junior Champion. He progressed to become the best player in St Louis and is a multiple time Missouri State Champion in both 8Ball & 9Ball. To honor his success and commitment to the game we are naming this 9 foot table ‘The Quinn’.

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OLD SCHOOL Johnny Archer & Rodney Morris

ST PETERS, MO

businesses. As a billiard room Richard likes to have the opportunity for his customers to order burgers, fries, chicken, wings, etc. and as a restaurant Mr. Lucky’s welcomed the additional business. It was a win-win situation for both businesses. The best part of it is that the food is outstanding. Now that the scene has been set, let’s get back to the Young Guns vs Old School event. The lights are dimmed and Derrick Keith, acting as Master of Ceremonies, announced the players for the match and worked the crowd. The format was Singles and Scotch Doubles play, Mosconi style in the disciplines of 8-Ball, 9-Ball and 10-Ball. Teams were given points for the matches won and the first team to reach 10 points would claim the prize money! The 8-Ball portion of the event was played Friday night and was a race to 10. Justin Bergman was playing very well and by the end of the night (3 am Saturday morning) the score was 4-2 and the Young Guns were ahead.

Now the only discipline left to play was 10-Ball and the race was on. Bergman defeated Morris 9-6 and Archer defeated Woodward 9-5. Teams scores were tied at 7. Morris defeated Woodward 9-3 and Bergman defeated Archer 9-4. Again the team score was tied. The entire match came down to the Scotch Doubles 10Ball, whoever won this would be the victor. And the winners were …. the Young Guns!!! Justin Bergman and Sky Woodward defeated Johnny Archer and Rodney Morris 9-5 making the team scores 10-8.

Photo by: Don Akerlow

Saturday afternoon’s start time was pushed back an hour (due to the late night play) for the 9-Ball portion of the challenge. It started at 3pm. By the end of the afternoon session, the tables had turned and the Old School team had caught back up. The team score now stood at 6-6.

Johnny Archer

In 1994 we opened our second location in Fairview Hts Il. Shortly thereafter Al Bergman brought in his son, Justin Bergman, and they became regular league players. I believe Justin was 10 or 11 yrs old. We all know the level of greatness that Justin has risen to, which includes multiple National Junior Championships, Professional Tournament victories, and selection to the 2014 Mosconi Cup team. It is our pleasure to name this 9 foot table ‘The Bergman’ to honor Justin’s success and commitment to the game of pool.

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When I spoke to Richard after the tournament he remarked that the lateness of play on Saturday night and the race to 10 in the 8-Ball portion proved to be a disadvantage to the Old School Team. The original race in the 8-Ball was to be to 8, but Archer wanted to play to 10 and Bergman agreed. (continued on page 8)

Rodney Morris Rackem July 2015

Photo by: Don Akerlow

YOUNG GUNS

ST PETERS, MO

OLD SCHOOL

knowledge of the game is amazing. He is The Leader in pool promotion. His dedication and persistence is to be commended. The sport is in good hands when Mark Wilson is involved. Lindenwood.....do you know what you’ve got? Do you know who is in your presence? Take care of the man. Derrick Keith’s Master of Ceremony work was fabulous. The introductions and audience participation activities were great fun. His level of energy is always high and it carries over to everyone who witnesses his events. Thank you Derrick for applying your talent to this event. I and the fans greatly appreciate it. Derek Sexton is the unknown, but soon to be known by many, greatest pool video streamer. His creativity is only matched by his willingness to get it right. He put an amazing amount of time into this event beforehand. Behind the scenes time that no one sees. Someone, somewhere, is behind all the good events you watch and Derek was that guy in this event. Those three spent 18+ hours in the booth, not counting their preparation. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Richard Schenck, Derrick Keith

Photo by: Don Akerlow

The length of time it added did not work out for the Old School. I was curious as to how this event all came about and asked Richard about it. He said that he had seen a post on Facebook from Johnny Archer challenging any of the younger players on the Mosconi Cup Team. Justin Bergman and Justin Hall were the original players approached but Hall declined and Sky Woodward stepped in to replace him. And the teams were set. What’s next? Richard hopes to have another event to announce in the near future so stay tuned. I would like to thank Richard for his hospitality while we were there and his friendly staff for their great service. I asked his permission to reprint a thank you that he posted on Facebook. Another special thanks to Derek Sexton, Mark Wilson, and Derrick Keith for their outstanding production of the Young Guns v Old School event. WOW. They produced the greatest stream ever and an outstanding live event. If you missed it...don’t miss the next one. The number of compliments I got from the fans was overwhelming. Mark Wilson’s commentary is second to none. He is always professional and his

Derek Sexton, Mark Wilson, Derrick Keith

Home of the Young Guns. . who’s next? • 4 - 9’ Diamonds • 15 - TV’s • 14 - 7’ Diamonds • Full Bar Watch Monday Night Matchup on the FREE stream at OnCue2.com LIVE STREAMING BY:

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MANKATO’S TAYLOR HANSEN IS REAL SHARP-SHOOTER

MANKATO — Taylor Hansen doesn’t know how far her skills on the pool table are going to take her, and she’s not very concerned about it. For now, Rankweil, Austria, seems plenty far enough. The 16-year-old junior-to-be at Mankato East is one of six billiards players from across the country to be selected to Team USA for the inaugural Atlantic Challenge Cup. The 19-under team will play against Team Europe on July 1-4 in Austria in a format similar to The Ryder Cup in golf. “Everything has happened so fast,” Hansen said. “It’s really just an honor to compete for Team USA.” The teenager’s journey to Austria actually started about seven years ago when she entered her first competition. Her father, Troy Hansen, is also a pool player, and she got hooked while watching her father practice and play. At age 8, Taylor and her younger brother, Tristan, were given a 10-and-1 table as a gift. Her dad coached her in the fundamentals and when she finished fourth in her first age-group tournament, she was hooked. “When she won that first trophy at an international tournament, that sort of drove her to get better,” said Jana Hansen, Taylor’s mom. “She really started practicing seriously and started moving up the scales every year.” Hansen seems to be getting hot at the right time. Over the weekend, she competed in the Valley National 8-Ball League Association international championships at Rochester. She won first-place trophies in all four of her events, which is believed to be unprecedented Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11AM-Midnight for someone her age. Fri-Sat: 11am-1am She won the Minor Divison singles bracket (ages 121 E Cherry St 14-17), Major Team title (ages 18-20), Scotch Mankato, MN Doubles bracket and Top Cat singles tournament, 507-388-7665 which consists of the top finishers across all age Weekly & Monthly groups. Tournaments Taylor will be joined on Team USA by her friend, 14 Diamond Pool Tables - Leagues April Larson, whom she met while competing in Full Menu Gourmet Burgers - Beer 2010. Larson hails from Bloomington, and the players are the only girls and only Minnesotans on the team.

Photo by: Don Akerlow

Reprinted with permission Posted: Monday, June 22, 2015 2:32 pm By Jim Rueda jrueda@mankatofreepress.com http://www.mankatofreepress.com/sports/mankato-s-taylor-hansen-isreal-sharp-shooter/article_7c77b71c-1915-11e5-8499-c3e91ea0abb2. html

Taylor Hansen

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July 2015

14.1 Qualifier Big Dog Billiards Big Dog Billiards is pleased to announce the results of the World Tournament of 14.1 Qualifier event, held on June 13, 2015. This was the first World Straight Pool Qualifier event ever held in Iowa! Although the inaugural Qualifier event only attracted 8 players, the participants had challenging matches across the board. The participants were Randy Hanson (Partner, Big Dog Billiards, from Frazee, Minnesota), James Landrum (Partner, Big Dog Billiards, Des Moines, IA), Tom Karabatsos (Chicago, IL), Kevin Deane (Chicago, IL), and Somphet Thongsouk, Shannon Greiser, Bryan Driver, and Henry Smith, each from Des Moines, IA. The Double Elimination World Straight Pool Qualifier tournament got underway about 2PM, Saturday, June 13, and ended at about 1:30AM Sunday Morning. The top two finishers for this event are Tom Karabatsos and Randy Hanson. Both of these

participants qualified for, and earned prepaid entry into, the World Tournament of 14.1, to be held at Steinway Billiards in New York City, July 13-19, 2015. The 14.1 qualifier event was broadcast LiveStream on the TvMike.TV Network, Big Dog Billiards channel http://www.tvmike.tv/channels/bigdog. HDTV digital video files of all matches are available for viewing at TvMike.Tv (subscription required to view archived matches). Billy Wilson (Des Moines, IA) was the Live-Stream Director and did a great job producing the webcast, in coordination with TvMike. TV. Jon Brown (Des Moines, IA), Big Dog Billiards Tournament Director, ran a very smooth, wellorganized, professionally-presented event and officiated as Referee during the matches. The match results for the tournament: First Round: Henry Smith 100 vs Bryan Driver 75. Tom Karabatsos 100 vs James Landrum 27. Randy Hanson 100 vs Shannon Greiser 30. Somphet Thongsouk 100 vs Kevin Deane 47. Second Round, Winner Side. Tom Karabatsos 100 vs Henry Smith 15. Randy Hanson 100 VS Somphet

Thongsouk 95. Second Round, One-Loss Side. Kevin Deane 100 vs Shannon Greiser 58. Bryan Driver 100 vs James Landrum 68. Third Round Winner Side. Tom Karabatsos 100 vs Randy Hanson 93 Third Round One-Loss Side. Somphet Thongsouk 100 vs Bryan Driver 38. Kevin Deane (Default Winner) vs Henry Smith (forfeit). Fourth Round, One-Loss Side. Somphet Thongsouk 100 vs Kevin Deane 58. Fifth Round, One-Loss Side. Randy Hanson 100 vs Somphet Thongsouk 65. Final Round Tom Karabatsos 150 vs Randy Hanson 125. Also today we received a call from Dragon Promotions, extending an invitation to Somphet Thongsouk, third place finisher in the 14.1 qualifier, to participate in the world straight pool championship at Steinway. Somphet gracefully accepted the invitation.

TOM KARABATSOS RANDY HANSON

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SOMPHET THONGSOUK

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TRIPLE PLAY A Challenging Pool Game A Great Ring Game

Tom Simpson

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

Tom Simpson

Triple Play is a game that’s fun and calls for the entire range of shot making, safety, and strategy play. In addition, it’s fast moving, spectates very well, and gives you more bang for the buck on a coin-op table than anything else, and is a great game for three players. The rules are solid, and are backed by years of pool tradition. Good players like to play this game, and everyone likes to watch it when it’s played well. Elephant Balls founders Tom Simpson and Joe Oshins developed Triple Play in 1996 while working on the generally recognized problem in pool that Nine Ball, the standard game played by the pros, is not a good differentiator at that level. Many players feel that the pro Nine Ball tournaments tend to come down to who is breaking better. Triple Play could prove to be a much better game for televised tournaments. It will be an exciting game to watch, due to the need to make difficult cuts, kicks, banks, and safeties. Further, because of the game’s scoring incentives and the dynamics of ring game play, something is always about to happen. Let’s look at how it works: Essentially, it’s Nine Ball played with all fifteen balls and three “money balls” instead of just one. Here are the twists: • Rack up all 15 balls. 1-ball in front, 2 and 3 on the corners, 15 in the middle, 5 & 10 directly behind the 15. • There are three money balls – the 5, the 10, and the 15. • Each money ball is worth one point (one jellybean, one dollar, whatever). • If the same player sinks all three money balls in a rack, that player receives a bonus of one additional point, giving them 4 points for the rack. • If a player runs out all 15 balls in a rack, finishing with the 15-ball, they are awarded an additional bonus point, giving them 5 points for the rack. • Players race to some number of points, for example, 10 or 20 points. • Play standard Texas Express type 9-Ball rules. • Shoot a rack until all three money balls are down. Then rack again, and the player that sank the third money ball breaks. • Play until someone scores the number of points needed to win. Triple Play can be played by two players or more. This is where the televised matches could get very interesting. We suggest having three pros play together, in a “ring game” format. In a ring game, the three players take turns, all playing the same game together. This will bring a new level of interest, excitement, and competition to the game. A few minor adjustments to the rules make the

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three-player version work properly. Here are the differences: Two-Player Version: • If a player fouls on three consecutive shots, their opponent is awarded one point. Three-Player Version: • When a player fouls, the next player may opt to have that same player shoot again. If the player fouls again, the incoming player again has the right to make the shooter shoot again. If the shooter fouls three times consecutively in this manner, they are penalized one point. • When a player commits a cueball scratch in the Two Player Version, it works just like Nine Ball. The incoming player gets Ball In Hand anywhere on the table. However, in the Three Player Version, the incoming player gets Ball In Hand in the kitchen. If the lowest numbered ball on the table is also in the kitchen, it is considered down, and it is removed from the table. If the lowest numbered ball is in the kitchen AND it is a money ball or the ball prior to a money ball, it is spotted. Example: Cueball is knocked off the table. The lowest balls on the table are the 2, 3, 4, and 5, and they are all in the kitchen. The 2 and 3 would go down, and the 4 would be spotted. Of course, since the shooter fouled, the incoming player could choose to have the shooter shoot again. The scoring incentives make it possible for a player who is down to make a dramatic comeback or take a commanding lead. The fact that the action is always within a few balls of a money ball keeps the excitement level up – something is always just about to happen. Having fifteen balls on the table makes for a lot of imaginative shots. The dynamics of three pros competing makes for suspenseful, exciting situations. And if the prize money was paid out strictly according to who scored how many balls, that too would create interest and suspense. Example: The prize fund for the match is $10,000, and it’s a race to 15 points. The score ends up with Player A at 15, Player B at 4, and Player C at 6, totaling 25 points scored. Each point would then be worth $400 (10000/25), so Player A wins $6000, B wins $1600, and C wins $2400. There are many creative ways to work this out. This may be a good way for TV because getting paid for every money ball will cause the players to play aggressively no matter what the score is. The rules of Triple Play are copyrighted. Triple Play may be played by anyone, anywhere, without restriction. Matches may be taped and sold, rented, or broadcast, without restriction, and without the permission of the copyright holder.

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TABLE TALK

THE HUSTLERS A review of one of TruTV’s newest reality series

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

Recently, Tru TV brought us a new series about the “cutthroat, high-stakes world of competitive pool.” I had been looking forward to finally seeing a show that can let the rest of the world know what playing pool is all about. Unfortunately, I don’t think it is quite living up to that expectation. Let’s talk about hustling for a moment. Although there are multiple definitions for “hustle,” we all know that in this context, we’re talking about getting an advantage over your opponent, usually by underselling your skill set or making a sucker’s bet. To hustle pool meant that you travelled around the country, betting people on a game or series of games while making them think you stink at the game. Any good shots you make are just “dumb luck.” Give yourself an advantage, take their money, and move on. The fewer people that know you, the better. Here are the problems I have with The Hustlers: They do not travel around the country. Every episode takes place at Steinway Billiards in New York. These people are all regulars, and know each other very well, and you rarely see them play anyone outside the Hustlers circle. Every challenge match has all of the cast members sitting around the table watching the latest matchup. These matchups are almost always a challenge between two players on William Finnegan’s list, and they are always for $500 or $1000. I have heard that the producers give the money to them, so they are not even betting their own cash. About that list: a true hustler would never have his name put on a list. He does not want others to know how good he is, especially ranked against other players. Don’t get me wrong – there is nothing wrong with such a list, but it is not representative of the typical hustler. As for the games themselves… when they do finally get down to playing pool, this is where I believe the producers of this show got it all wrong. The music is all “original” tunes that sound like they belong in a porno. The camera work is fast and jerky, sort of like an MTV video. The best way to watch a game of pool is to see the whole table, not following a ball into the pocket. The editing of these games is the worst part. I have seen numerous shots where the player was lining up for a shot in the corner, and the next frame shows them pocketing the ball in the side. Or, they clearly got hooked behind the 8-ball, but the next shot shows them making

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Michael K Glass

a clear shot, with no 8-ball in the way. I get that sometimes shots need to be re-filmed, but how hard is it to set it up the way it was previously? It gives the impression that everything is fake. Yeah, I get it – it’s TV. But I had hopes. This shows me that the producers really don’t care about the pool… they just care about the drama. Ah yes, the drama. You just couldn’t have a “reality” series without drama, could you? My impression of this show is that the producers told all of the players to add some drama and fighting to make things more “interesting.” They say things to each other that I wouldn’t say to my worst enemies… and the reactions are almost always a smirk with some lame comeback. It just seems forced. Recent episodes had the Irish guy, Gary O’Callaghan, getting incredibly steamed and threatening to fight other players. And Jennifer Barretta’s husband Gregg McAndrews interrupted her game, throwing balls and causing her to forfeit that game while he was “fighting” with Gary. True pool players have a lot more respect for the game than that. I’m sure these guys are true players in real life, but in this show, they act like disrespectful idiots. If I were playing a game for $1000 and a spot on the list, and my spouse interrupted my game and caused me to forfeit by fighting with my opponent, I can assure you that we’d have some serious problems. I have a lot of respect for Barretta’s game and personality. She’s very level-headed. But I still find it hard to believe she would just sit there with a smile on her face, watching “the men” go at it during her match. It’s not a horrible show… I see The Hustlers as a show about some friends who like to challenge each other to see who is the best. But the show is not about true hustlers, and is quite obviously aimed at reality TV fans, not pool players. Pool is just the vehicle that allows this drama series to exist. It has its place, I suppose, but do not look to this show to help us promote the sport. I would love to get some feedback on this – what do you think of The Hustlers? What would you do differently? Do you enjoy it, or think that it detracts from our sport? Please feel free to contact me at pool@billiardsprofessor.com, or come to www.billiardsprofessor.com to join the discussion. Do you have any suggestions for future articles? Drop me a line at pool@billiardsprofessor.com. You can also find me hanging out at various pool rooms in the East San Francisco Bay Area. Be sure to say hello if you see me!

Rackem July 2015

San Francisco Billiard Academy www.sfbilliards.com PBIA certified instruction is available for all levels from beginners to instructor training.

SPEEDY DRAW

Bob Jewett

In my last article I gave some advice about developing a good quality draw shot. The included practice shot was to get the most draw on a fairly soft shot. This kind of draw is often needed in play when you have a small cut angle and you have to bring the cue ball back as straight as possible. This time let’s turn up the speed and work on your power draw. Shot 1 looks like the setup we had last time but the speed is very different. You shoot the 1 ball straight up the table to end cushion and draw the cue ball back to the other end. The goal is for the cue ball to get to the cushion before the object ball gets back and hits the cushion. Some reminders about good technique: Chalk well. Even more important is to check your tip for an even coat of chalk so you can fix any bald spots. C Hit the ball as far off-center as you can without miscuing. If you don’t miscue a few times during practice you haven’t found the limit of lowness yet. A firm bridge and a straight, level stroke will help B you hit where you intend to hit. Start the drill with the 1 ball at the position shown, even with the third diamond. This distance should be easy, but if your stroke has trouble winning the race, move the object ball closer to the Finish Line A so the cue ball doesn’t have to travel as far and the object ball has to travel farther. As you get the hang of lively draw, gradually move the object ball up the table. A good goal is to have it even with the side pocket at B. You will find that to get that far you need to hit the cue ball firmly but not really hard. If you hit very hard, you may get a lot of draw on the cue ball but the object ball will be going so fast that the cue ball doesn’t have time to accelerate before the object ball whizzes back by it. On good equipment, it is possible to move the object ball up to C and still win the race. Some things that may change the best you (or anyone) can do is a cushion that is dead or extra bouncy, sticky or slippery cloth, and a cue ball that is light or heavy. As with the soft draw shot last time, there will be a best distance between the object ball and the cue ball. Too far and the cloth rubs off too much draw before the collision. Too short and your stroke will be cramped. I like a little less than 1 diamond (or 1 foot) separation. Once you have your lively draw stroke perfected, you can show it off with the second shot. The goal is to pocket the 2 ball and make a wide curve around the 3. To provide a potential pay-off, place the 9 ball in the jaws of pocket P. The 3 is there as a sort of hurdle and to make the curve clearer. The cue ball and 2 ball are set up so that the

July 2015 Rackem

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Just showin’ off 3

Shot 1

A race to the cushion Finish Line P REJ

cut angle is a little fuller than a half-ball hit. You need to adjust this a little for your draw and the conditions to get the correct final angle to the 9. Fuller and the cue ball will curve sooner and come straighter back, and the opposite for a thinner hit. To get a really remarkable curve, use a little hard wax or silicone spray on the cue ball. This will make it slide way out before it curves back as if on new cloth. You will probably have to hit the object ball fuller or it will slide clear to the cushion before the draw can take. Be sure to clean any wax off the cue ball before serious play or control of draw will be nearly impossible.

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DISTRACTIONS Distractions epitomize what professional pool players try to avoid when they are performing. Distractions can come in many forms and in order for you to eliminate them; you need to recognize what they are. What is a distraction? A distraction is anything that takes your focus away from the 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.

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Here are some examples: • “Sharking” • Room temperature • Shot clock • Health issues • Fatigue • Worrying about who you play or how your opponent is performing • Ego – What will others think? • Memories of past losses These are just a few of the things that can become distractions during a match. It really doesn’t make any difference which of the aforementioned distractions is plaguing your game—all need to be eliminated. Playing in the present is the key to keeping your mind focused and calm. Your mind must focus on one shot at a time and you cannot afford to divide your concentration into multiple areas. Practiced often enough, you will create the habit of focusing on the process. This will not allow any negative thoughts to reside in your mind for any extended period of time. Consequently, your mind will remain as positive as possible during your match, which will enable you to play your best. Let me suggest that you begin practicing and implementing a well thought out pre-shot routine. Once you have done it literally hundreds or even thousands of times, it will simply be a pattern of movements and thoughts that are guided by your subconscious. The process serves to separate your mind from distractions and put you into “dead stroke.” Aside from the process, learn to enjoy yourself. Then, when it comes time to shoot, begin your pre-shot routine and let your subconscious take over. The next time you see a player trying to “shark” you, challenge yourself to be patient. Let the process serve to separate you from the distraction. If you can’t separate yourself, it’s best to start the process over. I can remember when I was in the finals of a pretty big tournament. As I got down to pocket the final nine-ball for the title, my opponent stood directly in front of me and started powdering the shaft of his cue. There was so much powder in the air it almost looked like a “dust cloud.” Instead of shooting the ball, I got up and walked around the table and stood right in front of my opponent. I said, “Are you about finished?” Luckily, he put his powder away and I restarted my pre-shot routine and pocketed the ball. The moral of the story is never shoot until you are completely ready. On the other hand, if it is a health issue that is distracting you, let that pain be a trigger to induce deeper focus on the present moment. All too often it is our nature to make excuses for our bad play and blame it on some sort of medical condition. In order to play at our best, we have to find ways to stay focused and rise above the challenges we face. What if you are playing against someone you dislike, and you have this overwhelming desire to win? This person might be way ahead. You must realize that you have no control over what he is doing and cannot afford to divide your concentration. Good players eliminate thoughts of things they cannot control and learn to focus on the process. If I had to pinpoint weakness that causes people to play poorly it would be the fact that they worry about things that are out of their control. Finally, it is critical that we work hard to create good habits that will help us eliminate our distractions. Always remember that if the process does not become habit, you may struggle with consistency. Creating good habits is a crucial part of eliminating unwanted distractions.

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Rackem July 2015

THE IMPOSSIBLE BANK SHOT

The Impossible Ba

I am surely glad to announce the start of my monthly column in this fine magazine. To this regard, I would like to thank my friend and publisher, Don Akerlow, for offering me this opportunity which I can finally accept, as I now have more spare time since my retirement from Italy’s Police Department and from Trick Shots competitions. Beginning with this article, I will teach you trick shots of increasing difficulty, possibly focusing on those which can actually come in handy during a pool game. There will not be any unusual props involved and all the shots will consist of a single stroke of the cue on the cue ball, unlike what trick shots competitions have become in recent years. So look out for a new shot each month and practice it at home, at your favorite poolroom or bar until you master it. For your reference, I will describe the amount of spin needed for each trick shot by using the clock analogy, and the number of cue tips away from the Cue Ball’s dead center, being 3 tips the max where miscueing is very possible. I will rate the speed/power of the stroke 1 to 5, with 1 being the stroke necessary for the CB to travel one table length; 2 being more or less At 12 o’clock, 3 tips o the amount of power needed to very low on the table lag and so forth and so on. The cue elevation will be described in degrees with 0⁰ equaling to the cue parallel to the table’s surface and 90⁰ equaling to the cue held straight up as in a masse’ shot. The first shot I would like to share with you is considered a milestone At 12 o’clock, 3 tips of top spin with the cue among pool trick shots. The very low on the table (5-‐10⁰). Speed: 2-‐3. majority of us were introduced to where you want to sink the OB. Hit the CB at it in 1961 by the movie “The Hustler”. In that 12 using 3 tips of English with a 2-3 speed. The classic motion picture Paul Newman “fooled the OB will non-perceivably sink into the rubber yokels” with this great shot. In reality this trick of the rail, giving the CB barely enough time to shot, just like all the others, was performed by clear its path towards the opposite corner pocket. the then World Champion Willie Mosconi. It is I actually made this shot in a 9-ball game a few a legal shot. Place the Object Ball frozen to the years ago although the setup was slightly different long rail at about a half ball distance from the so I had to adjust it. I made the 6-ball with it but point of the corner pocket, then place the Cue the pool room patrons were not much surprised as Ball frozen to the OB in a straight line, that is they expected me to pull off such a shot. Maybe parallel to the short rail. Position your cue at a they were right! slight angle so that its butt is close to the pocket

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.

The Impossible Bank Shot

Cueball Hit

July 2015 Rackem

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JUNIORS SUMMER SHOOTOUT Big Dog Billiards - Des Moines, IA June 27, 2015

JOSH GOODNIGHT - 1ST 14 AND UNDER

HANNAH HOHN - 1ST 14 AND OVER

MADISON BOND, DAVE BOND The First Big Dog Billiards & Sharky’s Kids/Young Gunz Junior Summer Shootout was small, but successful. All of the Juniors and their adult Scotch Doubles partners had a great time participating in

BRAIDEN KRAMER - 2ND 14 AND UNDER

this first of many junior events to be held at Big Dog Billiards. Participating Juniors included, Madison Bond, Colby Case, Treyton Weber, Austin Gibson, and April Czarnecki (each representing Big Dog Billiards and Central Iowa APA, Des Moines IA), Tristan Ingham (representing Big Dog Billiards and Central Iowa APA, from Rockford, IA), Alex Booth (Mt. Ayr, IA), Hannah Hohn (representing Sharky’s Kids/ Young Guns, from Mitchell South Dakota) Joshua Goodknight (both representing Sharky’s Kids/Young Gunz, Quad Cites, IA), Braiden and Adam Kramer (representing Cuemasters Billiards, Dubuque, IA). Adults participating in the weekend Junior Summer Shootout include James Goodknight, Jimmy Goodnight, Jim Case, Steve Hofer, Neill Weise, Joel Kramer, Tracy Ingham, and Billy Wilson. Adult partners in the Sunday Scotch Doubles include Dave Bond (Madison Bond), Jim Case (Colby Case), Kris Weber (Treyton Weber), Joel Kramer (Braiden Kramer) Davis Bond (Adam Kramer), Steve Hofer (Hannah Hohn) Michelle Czarnecki (April Czarnecki), and Tammy Booth (Alex Booth).

Results for the Saturday Junior Summer Shootout Junior tournament are: Hannah Hohn, 1st Place, 14 and Over, Madison Bond, 2nd Place 14 and Over, Josh Goodknight 1st place 14 and Under, Braiden Kramer 2nd Place 14 and under. 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5/6 7/8 9th

Madison Bond and Dave Bond, Des Moines, IA, Big Dog Billiards, Central Iowa APA League Hannah Hohn & Steve Hofer (Sharky’s Kids/Young Gunz, Quad Cities, IA) Alex and Tammy Booth (Central Iowa (Specific location unknown)) Jim and Colby Case (Des Moines IA, Big Dog Billiards, Central Iowa APA) Joshua & James Goodknight Jr (Sharky’s Kids/Young GunzQuad Cities, IA) Joel & Braiden Kramer, Cuemasters, Dubuque, Iowa Adam Kramer (Cuemasters, Dubuque, Iowa) and Davis Fong (Des Moines, IA) April & Michelle Czarnecki, Des Moines, IA, Big Dog Billiards, Central Iowa APA League Treyton & Kris Weber, Des Moines IA, Big Dog Billiards, Central Iowa APA League

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Rackem July 2015

14.1 QUALIFIERat Red Shoes Billiards but again, he said he was coming down to help support straight pool in our area. In his first match he bested a young sharpshooter named Chris Medvid, who has been in a few of Red Shoes straight pool leagues, but with a new baby, has had to cut back on his pool playing recently. Tom Karabatsos who has been playing straight pool forever and is a pupil of Dallas West’s matched up with Ted Antle, who is a great straight pool supporter and is in the 14.1 club this year as well as being a 2016 George Fels Memorial Derby City Straight Pool Challenge sponsor. Tom has owned various pool halls over the years including Cue-Can-Do in Schaumburg, Illinois, Cue-N-You in Grayslake, Illinois, Cue-Phoria in River Grove, Illinois, G-Cue in Chicago and On-Q in Elgin, Illinois. Tom has a high run in straight pool of 280 and was able to best Ted in their first round matchup. Jim Colling is an electrical engineer who calls Dallas, Texas home, although he originates from this area. He has flown back to visit relatives, whenever we have a big Straight Pool event and came in second place his last time up. He has been playing straight pool for about 7 years and boasts a high run of 70. In the first round, he matched up with Vince Crovetti, a local golf pro who has been playing in Red Shoes Straight Pool Leagues, Illinois Billiard Club Leagues, and who has played in other tournaments closer to the Wisconsin Border where he lives for many years. Vince got his love for straight pool from his father who ran over 100 balls and was also a very good golfer. Jim got the better of Vince in their opening round match. Rich Klein who has been running most of the straight pool leagues in Chicago, ever since we drafted him to “help out a little” with the excel sheets, and who is a member of the 141 club and a sponsor yearly for the George Fels Memorial Derby City Straight Pool Challenge was matched up against one of the Ohio lads, Peter Hull. Peter Hull is a lawyer from Hinckley, Ohio, who is active in Ohio TOP PHOTO FROM LEFT, EMPLOYEE OF RED SHOES, straight pool circles and has played in the World Tournament of 14.1 before. He JOHN LAVIN, FRANK “SAILOR” STELLMAN, RON told me has a pool table and a billiards table in his DOBOSENSKI AND WALTER MA (STUDENT OFheSAILOR’S). basement. BOTTOM LEFT: BOB COZZOLINO

The first qualifier for the 2015 World Tournament of 14.1 took place Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Red Shoes Billiards in Alsip, Illinois for the 7th straight year. Most of the usual suspects were there, but a few out- of- towners showed up to take a shot at the biggest straight pool event in the world. We had Hal Johns and Peter Hull coming in from Ohio this year and we had Jim Colling making the trip from Texas as well as Ron Dobosenski and Robert Crawford coming down from Madison Wisconsin all for the second straight year. The rest of our 15 man field was rounded out by local guys from the Greater Chicago area. Ed Latimer, who has been a straight pool fixture in Chicago forever started out with a match against one of the Ohio fellows, Hal Johns. Hal is a straight pool enthusiast who has made trips to Chicago before most notably, whenever Danny Diliberto was in town to give lessons. Hal is an old school player who owns a Balabushka cue. He said he was just getting in the tournament to help support our effort, yet he acquitted himself well, falling just a bit short with Mr. Latimer, 67-100. Bob Crawford of Madison Wisconsin had been in the Red Shoes Straight Pool League last session, making the 3 hour plus drive twice a month to compete. He had recently made 140 balls in back to back innings,

July 2015 Rackem

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TOM KARABATSOS Peter ran a 37 en route to dispatching Rich and moved ahead in the brackets. Yours truly, Dennis Walsh got the dubious honor of matching up with Bob Cozzolino in the first round. Coz, as we call him has already been to the big show three previous times and Walsh has never ever beaten him. Bob was tutored by Frank Oliva when he was a youngster in Chicago many moons ago. Bob has not shared with us what his high run is, but he has run some hundreds as recently as last week. Coz, possibly conserving his energy for later matches, allowed Walsh to get to 95 before running 7 and out to win his first match. Ron Dobosenski is from Madison, Wisconsin where he lives with his wife of 39 years. He is a former multiple state and Midwest champion who played numerous professional events in the early 1980s. He is a student of 14.1 Hall of Fame inductee, Frank “Sailor” Stellman and boasts a high run of 211. He is now retired and has started playing again. Ron owned various pool rooms in Duluth, Minnesota and in Madison, Wisconsin. He is now the House Pro for the Brass Ring in Madison, Wisconsin. He met up with Mario Galletti in the first round. Mario is a friend of Vince Crovetti’s who also lives in the northern suburbs of Chicago. This was his first trip to Red Shoes, but he is no stranger to Straight Pool. Unfortunately, he met up with a determined Ron Dobosenski in his first match and was sent over to the left side of the charts. The fellow who got the bye in the first round, Joe Klein, was rewarded by getting to match up with Tom Karabatsos in the second round. Joe has been in

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14.1 QUALIFIERat Red Shoes Billiards Straight Pool Leagues in the Chicago since the beginning. He worked for Jim Parker at the Illinois Billiard Club many years ago, when it was at its first location. Whenever he gets the time, he will camp out at Red Shoes for an all day session of Straight Pool with whoever can give him a game. Tom has probably played Joe many times over the years and was able to take him down and move on to the next round. In the other second round matches on the winners side, Bob Crawford got to 70 something against Ed Latimer. Jim Colling got to 81 against Cozzolino and Ron Dobosenski was able to beat Peter Hull. In the next round on the winner’s side, Ed Latimer got to sit in his chair while Tom Karabatsos had two 40 ball runs against him. Bob Cozzolino got ahead of Ron Dobosenski 86-79, but he must have blinked because Ron ended up winner JIM COLLING 100-87. This led to the winner’s side matchup between Ron Dobosenski and Tom Karabatsos. Ron had played Tom twice in last year’s qualifier and Tom had won both games, sending Ron back to Wisconsin. This year, Ron saved his best for last, running 52 and a 28 back to back, winning easily.

Tom then had to wait while Walsh and the rest of the losers had to battle it out on the left side for the opportunity to play Tom for the second spot. There was a lot of commotion over on the loser’s side, but eventually, Bob Cozzolino beat Peter Hull to take on Tom Karabatsos for the final spot. Bob saved his best for last running a 40 and 2 20s on his way to victory. Bob had the same match up two years earlier with the same result. Last year’s inductee to the 14.1 Straight Pool Hall of fame, Frank “Sailor” Stellman was there watching most of the matches and hand delivering his $250 donation to the 141 club to help with the prize fund. As always, John Lavin was the perfect host , making everyone feel welcome and creating a 14.1 oasis in the Midwest that cannot be beaten. Thanks to all of the players and all of the spectators for creating a wonderful Straight Pool Event once again. Subsequent to the tournament, Tom Karabatsos went to Big Dog Billiards in Des Moines, Iowa and took first place in their qualifier, so he will be going to New York. Thereafter, Jim Colling of Texas and Peter Hull of Ohio, received invitations to the World Tournament which they have accepted. Red Shoes would like to wish all 5 players who are going to the Championship good luck.

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Rackem July 2015

Champions Crowned

at 2015 Illinois Junior State 9-Ball Championships

18 & Under Boys

18 & Under Girls

14 & Under Girls

14 & Under Boys

18 & Under Boys Division 1st Place Josh Franklin, age 17 Creve Coeur, IL 2nd Place Tyler Howell, age17 Davenport, IA 3rd Place Timmy Bly, age16 Decatur, IL Colton Adams, age16 Cerro Gordo, IL Zachery Johnson, age 16 Mount Zion, IL

Gold trophy + $50 scholarship + State Title certificate + $40 tourney winnings Silver trophy + $25 tourney winnings Bronze medal + $10 tourney winnings + Paid entry to 2015 BEF Jr Natls Invitation to 2015 BEF Jr Natls Invitation to 2015 BEF Jr Natls

18 & Under Girls Division 1st Place Kindra Hurlbert, age18 Northfield, MN 2nd Place Serena Black, age 16 Decatur, IL 3rd Place Katelin Ballou, age15 Granite City, IL

Gold trophy + $50 scholarship + State Title certificate + $10 tourney winnings + Paid entry to 2015 BEF Jr Natls Silver trophy + $5 tourney winnings Bronze medal

14 & Under Boys Division 1st Place Brandon Roady, age13 Alton, IL 2nd Place Joshua Goodknight, age 13 Davenport, IA 3rd Place JJ Kogel, age 9 Decatur, IL

Gold trophy + $45 scholarship + State Title certificate + $15 tourney winnings + Paid entry to 2015 BEF Jr Natls Silver trophy + $5 tourney winnings + Invitation to 2015 BEF Jr Natls Bronze medal + Invitation to 2015 BEF Jr Natls

14 & Under Girls Division 1st Place Christian Kogel, age 13 Decatur, IL 2nd Place Jaylen Hentz, age 9 Peoria, IL 3rd Place Pia Schoenbein, age 8 Deer Creek, IL

Gold trophy + $45 scholarship + State Title certificate + $10 tourney winnings + Paid entry to 2015 BEF Jr Natls Silver trophy + $5 tourney winnings Bronze medal

July 2015 Rackem

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Price and Pacheco Celebrate Father’s Day Wins on Lone Star Tour Houston’s own Kenneth Price, player and father, fought his way through an elite, 37-player open 9-ball division, besting Chase Rudder in the finals, 9-7, while Deer Park’s Bobby Pacheco, a father as well, took care of business in the 49-player amateur 9-ball division, overcoming Ft. Worth’s Jeff Williams in the true double elimination final, 7-0, 5-2. Price and Pacheco captured their very first Lone Star Billiards Tour titles this past Father’s Day, at Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar, where over a half dozen father-son duos came out to enjoy a weekend of pool fun! Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar, along with tour sponsors Poison by Predator Cues www.poisonbilliards.com, Delta-13 Rack www.delta-13.com, Ozone Billiards www. ozonebilliards.com, www.ImproveYourShot.com, and the APA of North Harris County www.facebook.com/ apanorthharriscounty, facilitated another successful event for Houston’s thriving pool community with a generous $1,000 added to the event, and owner David Richardson couldn’t have been more pleased with the turnout. Currently, Bogies (located at 3040 FM 1960 E. in Houston) is undergoing some long-awaited renovations. New carpet, pub chairs, countertops, and black top in the parking lot are just a few of the latest additions. Bogies’ moniker, “Family Pool Hall”, painted in bright yellow and red on the outside of the windows, rang true as families gathered for the weekend’s festivities. Richardson says, “I’m very proud of the changes and our customers are really enjoying the new amenities.” There were nearly 60 players in attendance and 86 division entries at the Lone Star Tour 9-Ball Event held this past weekend, June 20th-21st, 2015 at Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar in Houston, Texas. Open division action saw Kenneth Price defeat Jason Byrd, David Richardson, Jeff

BOBBY PACHECO AND SON ROMEO Williams, 9-4, and Jesse Langston, 9-7, on his way to meet Chase Rudder for the hot seat match. Rudder bested Scott Mackenzie, 9-4, Joe Heinaman, 9-6, David Parker, 9-5, and Bill Fuller, 9-2. Price handily won the hot seat, 9-1. On the one loss side, Bill Fain eliminated Genaro Flores, and it was Joey Torres over Parker, 7-3. Heinaman ousted Williams, 7-2, while Bobby Pacheco conquered Bobby Perez, 7-3. After a third round loss to Williams, 9-5, Joey Torres came back to win six consecutive matches, including wins over

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Photo by: Michael Moon Photography

PRICE AND PACHECO Celebrate Father’s Day Win at Bogies Billiards

KENNETH PRICE Marc Garza, 7-1, Val Charles, 7-3, Flores and Langston, by the same score of 7-3. Meanwhile, Pacheco made his way past Fuller, 7-2, but was stopped short by Torres, 7-5. Rudder ended Torres’ run, 7-3, to meet Price for another round. In the finals, Price forged past Rudder, securing the set, 9-7, and his first open division title. Congratulations to Kenneth Price for finally breaking through in the open division! In the amateur division, newcomer Jeff Williams was on fire! His victims included Anthony Authorlee, Will Felder, 7-4, Bill Fuller, 7-6, and Bill Fain, 7-4, while Bobby Perez blew through first-time competitor Ayham Shaddeh, Sonny Bosshamer, 7-6, Jeff Harris, 7-2, and finally Bobby Pacheco, 7-4. Williams and Perez battled it out for the hot seat, with Williams emerging victorious, 7-5. On the top of the one loss side, after losing his first match to Mark Cardenas, Port Lavaca’s own Joe Heinaman secured six consecutive matches, including wins over David Chow and Will Felder by the same score, 5-3, Joe Fagan, 5-4, and Jeff Harris, 5-0. After losing his first match to Williams, tour newbie Jim “The Pilot” Tomassoni also won six consecutive matches with victories over Joe Pelayo, 5-2, Anthony Gepayo, 5-1, J.C. Torres, and Rick Castillo, 5-4. Tomassoni took out Heinaman, 5-4, and Bill Fain ended Tomassoni’s run, 5-1. On the bottom of the one loss side, after suffering a 7-4 loss to Pacheco in the third round, Kenneth Price eliminated Jim Bishop, 5-2, while

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Bill Fuller overwhelmed Sonny “The Boss” Bosshamer, 5-3. Price slipped by Fuller, 5-4, only to be defeated again by Pacheco, 5-2. Pacheco went on to eliminate Fain, 5-3, and Perez, 5-2, to meet Williams in the finals. To say that Pacheco was on point would be a massive understatement. The long-time, Texas competitor, well-known in Houston for his affinity for bar table play (although this event was on 8’ tables), took down the undefeated Williams in the first set, 7-0. It wasn’t over yet. The ever-so-steady Williams made his bid for the second set, but Pacheco raged on, proving too much for Williams. Pacheco closed out the second set, 5-2. Congratulations to Bobby Pacheco who fought hard to win his first-ever Lone Star Tour title, with his son, Romeo, by his side the entire weekend! There were four, beautiful and talented ladies who participated in the Lone Star amateur 9-ball division; Tangela Hunt, Marie Rodriguez, Yvonne Ramirez, and Regine Delores. A definitive “Top Lady” finisher could not be determined, therefore, each of these women will receive a discount on their next Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Tour event entry! Many thanks to the entire Bogies staff for hosting another first-rate event! Special thanks to room manager Adam “Coop” Cooper for his part in tournament direction and long-time resident player Chuck Adams for his role in the players’ meeting. During the Poison Raffle on Saturday, first-time event goer Jason Byrd took home a beautiful pearl, Poison Strychnine 1 playing cue, compliments of Poison Billiards. There were many new players at this event and at least a half dozen cities across the state of Texas were well-represented. For several players, this was their very first tournament experience! The Tour would like to encourage everyone who loves to play pool and compete in a friendly atmosphere, to attend a Lone Star Tour stop. The next opportunity to participate will be August 22nd-23rd, when the Lone Star Tour will descend on Round Rock, staging its 6th Annual Lone Star Tour Texas Open Warm-Up Event hosted by Skinny Bob’s Billiards. There will be a Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Tour 9-Ball Event on Sunday, August 23rd, players’ meeting beginning at 11:00am. Following the Gulf Coast event at Skinny Bob’s, the Gulf Coast Tour will stage it’s firstever, $1,000 added women’s 10-ball event at Bogies Billiards (3040 FM 1960 E., Houston) on September 12th-13th. For more information on the Gulf Coast Tour, visit www. Facebook.com/GulfCoastTour. For more information on the Lone Star Billiards Tour, visit www.LoneStarBilliardsTour.com. “Like” us at www. Facebook.com/LoneStarTour. Lone Star Staff OPEN FINISHES 1 $500/$525 Kenneth Price 2 $380/$350 Chase Rudder 3 $200/$200 Joey Torres 4 $125/$120 Bobby Pacheco 5/6 $50 Bill Fuller, Jesse Langston 7/8 $35 Joe Heinaman, Genaro Flores AMATEUR FINISHES 1 $520/$450 Bobby Pacheco 2 $340/$280 Jeff Williams 3 $200/$120 Bobby Perez 4 $120/$70 Bill Fain 5/6 $50 Kenneth Price, Jim Tomassoni 7/8 $35 Bill Fuller, Joe Heinaman 9/12 $25 Jeff Harris, Jim Bishop, Sonny Bosshamer, Rick Castillo

Rackem July 2015

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7th Annual

AFH Pool Tournament

PHOTO INFO: The mother of Alden Fast Horse (Lois Two Bears) and Grandma (Blanche White Eagle) with Rory Hendrickson

Marc Oelslager

This year the venue changed from a local bar to the Prairie Knights Casino in Fort Yates ND, but the tournament in honor of Alden Fast Horse still drew a fierce level of competitors. The family and friends of Alden did a wonderful job of hosting a top notch event. The tournament was played on 7 foot valley pool tables with 8 tables in total and the players raced to 5 wins. This event was limited to 64 players and was full with all entries paid three weeks prior to the event. With a full field

Calcutta on Friday evening that brought in over $9,000. Rory Hendrickson of Fargo, ND (manager of Fargo Billiards and Gastropub) came from the one loss side steam rolling through his final 3 opponents. In the finals he met back up with Marc Oelslager (owner of Moorhead Billiards, Moorhead MN) dishing out revenge from his earlier loss. He double dipped Marc to claim the title, $1200, a star quilt (donated by Alden’s grandma), a delta 13 rack, and trophy.

Results 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th/6th 7th/8th 9th-12th

Rory Hendrickson Marc Oelslager Kenny Azure Damion Johnson Robert Pulver / Tyler Perry Brent Donahue / Dean Flanders Lou Lendshishorse / Steve Ironroad / O.j. Greybear / Ryan Johnson

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Rackem July 2015

Fifth Omega Billiards Tour Stop of 2015 On the weekend of May 30-31, the Omega Billiards Tour was honored to play at a new location, Fox and Hound in Dallas, Texas. With two large separate areas to play in, great food, wonderful atmosphere, and great staff, the Omega Tour players already can’t wait to play here next year. Shout-out to Zach and all the staff for making us feel so welcome! Who would win this event? On Sunday there were a lot of new faces vying for first place, and some familiar ones. There would be SEVERAL personal high finishes by many players. In the end, recently crowned BCAPL Texas State Champion, Greg Sandifer, would eventually win the $,1,500-added event with 80 players. Greg Sandifer had his hands full all weekend and defeated James Dye 7-0, Gary Pope 7-4, Robert Kempf 7-3, Curtis Cardwell 7-5, Carl Bodeker 7-0 and then Kirit Patel 7-4 for a spot in the finals. Who would Greg play in the finals? Carl Bodeker! Carl’s good luck charm was in attendance (his daughter) and it gave him additional drive and focus. Carl defeated Joseph Pruitt 7-2, Ethan Townsend 7-2, Monica Anderson 7-0, Crispian Ng 7-5, and Nick Conner 7-1 before getting sent to the one-loss side by Greg. From there, Carl didn’t give up and he defeated Crispian Ng 7-4, Curtis Cardwell 7-2, and Kirit Patel 7-5 for a spot in his first finals on the Omega Billiards Tour! In 9th-12th places, Bobby Martinez, Kyle Rowland and Steve Singleton placed their highest finish yet on the Tour! They were joined by Anthony Schaeffer. 7th/8thwas filled by Jake Hulsey (local cue maker and also his highest finish yet) along with 2014 Tour Champion, Nick Conner. 5th/6th was filled by Crispian Ng and Ricky Carpenter (his highest finish, also). 4th place was filled by Curtis Cardwell who was the one who took down most of the higher ranked players all weekend. He also placed his highest finish so far on the tour. And not yet done – Kirit Patel placed an impressive 3rd (also his highest finish yet). And with Carl in the finals – it was already his highest finish yet on the Omega Tour, as well! Carl won the first set in the finals against Greg 7-4. Carl was playing great! While Carl’s daughter might have been in attendance, Greg’s son had a birthday that weekend and therefore Greg also had some inspiration. Greg played fantastic the second set and came back to win the entire event with a score of 7-5! Both players played really well in the finals and it was a treat for all the fans who were there watching their impressive play. Congrats’ to ALL the players for a great event!

July 2015 Rackem

Greg Sandifer Wins Again A HUGE thank you goes out to our sponsors, Omega Billiards Supply, Predator Cues, Poison Break Cues, BCAPL/CSI, and Lucasi and Players Cues. We would also like to give a big thanks to our additional sponsors, Hulsey Custom Cues, OB Cues, Irving Ink and Thread, Pro Billiard Service, AZBilliards.com, Billiards Digest, and BilliardsPress. com. After five stops this year, Daniel Herring remains in first place on the Predator Player Points Tracker with 530 points. Greg Sandifer is close behind with 475 points and Crispian Ng remains in third place with 345 points. It’s a tight points race for the end of season Predator prizes! And four more stops to go! Tournament Director Melinda Bailey would like to thank Fox and Hound owners and staff for their awesome hospitality all weekend! They worked hard to get the place ready for all the players. A big thank you also goes out to Michael Hoang, main sponsor of the Tour and owner of Omega Billiards Supply in Hurst, TX. Michael and Omega Billiards Supply are well known for the huge booths at many of the large tournaments across the country. The next stop of the Omega Billiards Tour will be June 27-28 at Rusty’s Billiards in Fort Worth, Texas. $1,500 added and limited to 64 players. Still 4 more stops left before the $4,500 Season Finale! Pool is alive and thriving in Texas! Check out the website for more details about the tour: http://www.omegabilliardstour.com/

Results

1 $900 2 $530 3 $400 4 $320 5/6 $240 7/8 $180 9-12 $90 13-16 $70 17-24 $30

Greg Sandifer Carl Bodeker Kirit Patel Curtis Cardwell Ricky Carpenter, Cristpian Ng Jake Hulsey, Nick Connor Bobby Martinez, Kyle Rowland, Steve Singleton, Anthony Schaeffer Sharik Sayid, Robert Clark, Scott Willoughby, Keith Aikens Robbie Smith, Robert Kempf, David Bell, Larry Land, Daniel Herring, Bobby Diggs, Steve Raynes, Jeff Georges

Last Lady - Monica Anderson $75

— Greg Sandifer, Carl Bodeker,Kirit Patel

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Petersen & Weiher

win Jack & Jill Scotch Doubles League at Back Alley Billiards

Tammy (right) & Don Mendenhall (left) take 3rd place in the Jack & Jill Scotch Doubles league at Back Alley Billiards in McAlester, Okla.

Rachel Petersen (right) & Shan Weiher (left) are named league Champions in the Jack & Jill Scotch Doubles 8-Ball league at Back Alley Billiards in McAlester, Okla. After 22 weeks of league play, Rachel Petersen & Shan Weiher were named league Champions in the Jack & Jill Scotch Doubles 8-Ball league at Back Alley Billiards in McAlester, Okla. Petersen & Weiher won 1424 points out of 1600 possible. They had 3 undefeated matches, 2 break & runs and 2 errorless run-outs. They won $254 for their first-place finish. They also won $20 for most perfect matches and another $20 for most run-outs in the season. Finishing in the runner-up spot were Cody and Shawta Davis. They won 1374 points out of 1600 and had one undefeated match. The Davisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s won $242 for their second-place finish. Tammy and Don Mendenhall finished the league in third place. They won 1351 points out of 1600, had two undefeated matches, two errorless run-outs and one 8-ball break. The Mendenhallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s won a total of $234. Brian Skaggs and Brenda Smith won a special award for most 8-Ball breaks during the league session. The couple won $10 and had a total of three 8-Ball breaks. Back Alley Billiards hosts leagues and tournaments throughout the week. For more information about our leagues and tournaments, call the pool hall at 918916-CUES (2837).

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Brian Skaggs (left) & Brenda Smith (right) win a special award for most 8-Ball breaks during the Jack & Jill Scotch Doubles league at Back Alley Billiards in McAlester, Okla.. The couple won $10 and had a total of three 8-Ball breaks.

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Cody (left) & Shawta Davis (right) finish 2nd Place in the Jack & Jill Scotch Doubles league at Back Alley Billiards in McAlester, Okla..

Rackem July 2015

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ur: 3-7pm ev OPEN eryday 24 hou rs

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VNEA’s “25th anniversary” World

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eekly ournaments $100 added w/20 players Night Owl Bar Table 8-Ball: Fri & Sat Nights @ 2am Races 2/1 $7 entry Monday Nights @ 8pm - 9-Ball on 8’ tables. $7 entry. Races 4/3. Wednesday Nights @ 11:30pm - 8-Ball on 8’ tables. $7 entry. Races 2/1

FREE POOL on 8’ tables Mon & Thurs 7pm to 2am 1/2 PRICE POOL on 9’ tables Midnight to 10am

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WEEKLY TOURNAMENTS

Friday 9-Ball, $12 entry, 8pm, Races 3/3 (last woman standing wins cash prize) Saturday 9-Ball, $12 entry, 8pm, Races 4/3 (plus 9-ball break contest) Sunday 10-Ball, $12 entry, 2pm, Races 5/3 (plus 9-ball break and break & run contests) 300 Hester’s Crossing, Ste A1 - Round Rock, TX 78681 512-733-1111 www.skinnybobs.com

SINGLES: Hurlbert MINOR FEMALE nah Hohn, Emily an H , on rs La ril n, Ap (l-r) Taylor Hanse

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July 2015 Rackem

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JUNIOR Pool Champions

male Singles

MAJOR MALE SI NGLES: (l-r) Blake Baker, Ty ler Steinhaus, James -Th

omas Flogdell, Kane

Erickson (missing)

300 Hester’s Crossing, Round Rock, TX 78681 www.Skinnybobs.com

MINOR MALE SI NGLES: (l-r) Joshua Frankl in, David Lihou, Ri ver Bu

rke, Drake Spence

Sept. 3rd, 11AM: Scotch Doubles 9-Ball $125 per team Race-to-7 Double Elimination Limited to 32 teams Two-day Event

Sept. 3rd, 8PM: 9-Ball $25 entry Race-to-3 Single Elimination Limited to 128 players

Sept. 4th, 3PM: Ring Game $100 entry Limited to 16 players

Sept. 4th, 8:30PM:

Sept. 5th, 6PM:

Main Event Men’s Division

Main Event Ladies' Division

$125 entry

$75 entry

Race-to-9

Race-to-7

Double Elimination

Limited to 128 players

Limited to 32 players

Four-day event

Three-day event

Accepting Entries Starting July 1st Online or In Person

New: Second Chance Tournaments

YOUTH MALE SI NGLES: (l-r) Tristan Hanse n, Jack Ellis, Dylan Legried

, Rodger Sims

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Rackem July 2015

VNEAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 25th Anniversary World JUNIOR Pool Champions

Scotch Doubles MAJOR SCOTCH DOUBLES: 1st (l) Taylor Hansen & Tyler Steinhaus 2nd (r) Brandon Locey & Blake Baker

YOUTH SCOTCH DOUBLES: 1st (l) Ashley Fullerton & Aaron Vollmers 2nd (r) Kameron Fuller & Joshua Goodnight

MINOR SCOTCH DOUBLES: 1st (l) Brent Rogers & Jacob Elliott 2nd (r) April Larson & Alexis Burciaga

Pool Table Sales Installation, Moving Service and Repair

Tournament Director Bill Fuller 281-477-0013 tnt9balltour@aol.com

West

PRO SHOP CUES & ACCESSORIES

We build Custom Cues

4510 East 14th St - Des Moines, IA

40 POOL TABLES - FOOSBALL DARTS - LARGE SCREEN TV

515-266-6100 www.bigdogbilliards.com

Weekly Tournaments: Sun-Mon-Tues-Fri 1st & 3rd Saturday Tournaments http://www.facebook.com/bigdogbilliardsdsm

Full Service Bar - Great Food!! 28 July 2015

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VNEA’s 25th Anniversary World JUNIOR Pool Champions

Teams MAJOR TEAM CHAMPIONS: CR’S STARS

YOUTH TEAM CHAMPIONS: MN CUE KIDS

MINOR TEAM CHAMPIONS: NZ MASSE - GREEN

Griffith Billiards & Doc’s Lounge

HOURS: 11:00am to 1:30am Monday thru Thursday. 11:00amto 2:00am Friday & Saturday. 1:00pm to 1:30am Sunday

Jamaica Joe’s Billiard Bar & Grill

Indiana’s Finest Upscale Pool Room

Full Service Bar & Grill Pro Shop - Leagues Weekly & Monthly Tournaments Wednesday Night 9-Ball at 7:30PM - $15 entry - House matches $5 per player 5920 S.E. 15th. Midwest City, OK - 405-736-0590

www.jamaicajoes.net

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116 S Broad St - Griffith, IN 219-934-7665

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Rackem July 2015

Big Tyme BilliardsSpring, Classic Texas ONE POCKET: (Thursday Only, 32 Players) 1/2 $3,900 Jeremy Jones / Alex Pagulayan - Split 3/4 $650 Josh Roberts, Daniel McKenney 5/8 $325 Jamie Ferrell, Sky Woodward, Jonathon Pinegar, Chip Compton 9 - BALL BANKS: (Friday Only 32, Players) 1/2 $3,900 Jeremy Jones / Chip Compton - Split 3/4 $650 John Morra, Justin Hall 5/8 $325 Jamie Ferrell, James Davis Jr, Alex Olinger, Shane McMinn WOMENS: (Sunday Only, 28 Players) 1 $720 Vivian Villarreal 2 $450 Ricki Casper 3 $270 Julie Comitini 4 $180 Teresa Garland 5/6 $90 Kimmy Ngyuen, Tam Tran

Photo by: Don Akerlow

SENIORS: (Sunday Only, 32 Players) 1 $740 Denis Strickland 2 $460 Ronnie Wiseman 3 $300 Coy Lee Nicholson 4 $190 Joe Espindola 5/6 $125 Mark Avery, Sonny Bosshamer 7/8 $80 Bob McFerren, John Turner

VIVIAN VILLARREAL

July 2015 Rackem

Photo by: Don Akerlow

ALEX PAGULAYAN MAIN EVENT: (128 Players) 1 $4,000 / $20,890 Alex Pagulayan 2 $2,000 / $10,150 Ramon Bautista 3 $1,400 / $7,760 Yu-Hsuan Cheng 4 $1,000 / $5,370 Sky Woodward 5/6 $700 / $3,580 Billy Sharp, Manny Chau 7/8 $400 / $2,090 Jamie Ferrell, Jonathon Pinegar 9/12 $200 / $1,045 Devin Poteet, Robb Saez, Eric Brown, Josh Roberts FRIDAY NIGHT MINI TOURNEY: ($50 Entry, 16 players) 1/2 Hillbilly Bryant & $400 Each Daniel Mckenney

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a l w t u s” O “ win the Spring/Summer After 22 weeks of league play, the “Outlaws” were named league champions of the Spring/Summer session of 9-Ball league in McAlester, Okla. Team members include Fred Legg, Mel Taylor and Butch Fields. They won 227 of 360 games played during the session and got $420 for their 1st Place finish. Butch Fields and Fred Legg were named co-Team MVPs. They each won 79 of 120 games played and finished with a 65.8 winning percentage. They each had one undefeated match and Butch had two 9-Ball breaks during the season. Both Butch and Fred tied for runner-up for League MVP. Finishing in second-place was the “Rat Pack,” with team members Albert Braswell, Ron Taylor and Troy Franks. They won 209 of 360 games played and got $405. Ron Taylor was named team MVP, as well as League MVP. Ron won 87 of 120 games played and had a 72.5 winning percentage. He led the league with 4 undefeated matches, an errorless

9-Ball league

The “Outlaws” split up their winnings after being named league champions of the Spring/Summer session of 9-Ball league in McAlester, Okla. Team members include, from left, Fred Legg, Butch Fields and Mel Taylor.

run-out, a break & run and two 9-Ball breaks. Taking the third-place spot was “Hodge Podge.” Team members include Jim Wills, John McLaughlin and George Trevino. They won 198 of 360 games played and got $390 for their 3rd-Place finish. Goerge Trevino was named Team MVP. He won 62 of 102 games played and had one 9-Ball break. Rachel Petersen had the most 9-Ball breaks during the season. She had a total of 4 9-Ball breaks. Rachel Petersen is co-Owner of Back Alley Billiards in McAlester, Okla. For more information about leagues and tournaments at back Alley Billiards, call 918-916-CUES (2837).

The “Rat Pack ” finished in 2nd -Place in the Sp Summer 9-ball ring/ league in McA lester, Okla. Pic from left, are te tured, am members A lbert Braswell, Taylor and Troy Ron Franks. laws” are play, the “Out ue ag le of ks ee /Summer After 22 w s of the Spring on pi am ch ue named leag lester, Okla. l league in McA ylor and session of 9-Bal ed Legg, Mel Ta Fr e ar , ft le om Pictured, fr 360 ey won 227 of Butch Fields. Th

122 1/2 E Carl Albert Pkwy - McAlester, OK Open 7 days a week opens at 2pm M-F Noon Sat-Sun

8 Valley Pool Tables - (1) 9’ Brunswick - 1 Snooker Jukebox - Video Games - Sports on the Big Screen OnTheBreakNews.com

Ron Taylor (right), is pictured with his father, Mel Taylor, after Ron is named League Most Valuable Player in the Spring/Summer 9-Ball league in McAlester, Okla. Ron won 87 of 120 games played and had a 72.5 winning percentage. He led the league with 4 undefeated matches, an errorless run-out, a break & run and two 9-Ball breaks.

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“Hodge Podge” finished in 3rd-P lace in the Spri Summer 9-Bal ng/ l league I McA le st er members, pict , Okla. Team ured from left, are George Trev John McLaugh ino, lin and Jim Will s

Rackem July 2015

If you have any changes to your weekly pool tournaments EMAIL: us at Pool@OnTheBreakNews.com

WEEKLY TOURNAMENTS

DATE CITY Mondays Davenport, IA Houston, TX Des Moines, IA Appleton, WI Green Bay, WI Dundee, IL Rockford, IL Kansas City, MO Tuesdays Spring, TX Des Moines, IA Houston, TX Lenexa, KS Wednesdays McAlester, OK Davenport, IA Midwest City, OK Houston, TX Alsip, IL Oshkosh, WI Thursdays Oshkosh, WI Davenport, IA Des Moines, IA Chicago, IL Spring, TX Chalmette, LA Kansas City, MO Lenexa, KS Manhattan, KS Fridays McAlester, OK Olathe, KS Houston, TX Coon Rapids, MN Des Moines, IA Farmington, MN Spring, TX Spring, TX Tulsa, OK Poplar Bluff, MO Davenport, IA Chalmette, LA Appleton, WI Aurora, IL Round Rock, TX Topeka, KS Raytown, MO Jonesville, LA Oshkosh, WI Saturdays Jonesville, LA Houston, TX Olathe, KS Round Rock, TX Kansas City, MO Oak Lawn, IL Joliet, IL Aurora, Il Fox Lake Chicago, IL Salina, KS Houston, TX Topeka, KS Blue Springs, MO Lenexa, KS Tulsa, OK Sundays McAlester, OK Des Moines, IA Davenport, IA Olathe, KS Spring, TX Round Rock, TX Jonesville, LA Lenexa, KS Oshkosh, WI

LOCATION Sharky’s Bar & Billiards Bogies Billiards Big Dog Billiards KK Billiards KK Billiards Hammerheads Rockford Billiards Side Pockets Big Tyme Billiards Big Dog Billiards Bogie’s West Side Pockets Back Alley Billiards Sharky’s Bar & Billiards Jamaica Joe’s Bogies Billiards Red Shoes Varsity Club Varsity Club Sharky’s Bar & Billiards Big Dog Billiards Chicago Billiards Big Tyme Billiards Lacy’s Cue Brass Rail Side Pockets Fast Eddy’s Billiards Back Alley Billiards Shooters Bogies Billiards CR’s Sports Bar Big Dog Billiards Farmington Billiards Big Tyme Billiards Big Tyme Billiards Q-Spot Billiards Smokin’ Aces Sharky’s Bar & Billiards Lacy’s Cue KK Billiards Rudy’s Place Skinny Bob’s Billiards Terrys Billiard Club Raytown Rec Les Charles Inn & Gameroom Varsity Club Les Charles Inn & Gameroom Bogies Billiards Shooters Skinny Bob’s Billiards Boomers Bar & Grill Demma’s Pool Loft Rudy’s Place Bay Billiards Chris’ Sunset Billiards & Sports Bar Bogie’s West Diamond Joes Roadies Rock House Side Pockets Q-Spot Billiards Back Alley Billiards Big Dog Billiards Sharky’s Bar & Billiards Shooters Big Tyme Billiards Skinny Bob’s Billiards Les Charles Inn & Gameroom Side Pockets Varsity Club

PHONE (563) 359-7225 (281) 821-4544 (515) 266-6100 (920) 830-0083 (920) 432-0059 (847) 836-8099 (815) 962-0957 (816) 455-9900 (281) 288-0800 (515) 266-6100 (832) 912-4432 (913) 888-7665 (918) 916-2837 (563) 359-RACK (405) 736-0590 (281) 821-4544 (708) 388-3700 (920) 651-0806 (920) 651-0806 (563) 359-7225 (515) 266-6100 (773) 545-5102 (281) 288-0800 (501) 682-6199 (816) 468-6100 (913) 888-7665 (785) 539-4323 (918) 916-2837 (913) 780-5740 (281) 821-4544 (763) 780-1585 (515) 266-6100 (651) 463-2636 (281) 288-0800 (281) 288-0800 (918) 779-6204 (573) 712-2900 (563) 359-7225 (501) 682-6199 (920) 830-0083 (630) 898-7769 (512) 733-1111 (785) 273-3553 (816) 358-5977 (318) 339-4540 (920) 651-0806 (318) 339-4540 (281) 821-4544 (913) 780-5740 (512) 733-1111 (816) 436-7245 (708) 636-1240 (815) 722-0964 (630) 898-7769 (847) 587-8888 (773) 286-4714 (785) 826-9992 (832) 912-4432 (785) 783-2883 (816) 228-7625 (913) 888-7665 (918) 779-6204 (918) 916-2837 (515) 266-6100 (563) 359-7225 (913) 780-5740 (281) 288-0800 (512) 733-1111 (318) 339-4540 (913) 888-7665 (920) 651-0806

EVENT / RULES ENTRY ADDED TIME 9-Ball $12 $100 every 16 7PM 9 Ball on 8’ tables-Race 4/3 $7 $100 w/20 8PM B/C 9-Ball $10 $$$ 7PM 9-Ball-Race to 4-Alt Break-DE $10 $50 w/16 7PM 9-Ball-Race to 4-Alt Break-DE $10 $50 w/16 7PM 10 Ball $15 $$$ 7:30PM 9 Ball $14 Call 7:30PM 9 Ball $5 7PM 8 Ball $10 Call 9:30PM Handicap 8-Ball-DE $15/$10/$5 7PM 9 Ball-Limit 32 $11 $100 w/20 8PM 9 Ball $6 9:30PM 9 Ball Open - Race to 3 $5 $$$ 7:30PM 8-9-10 Ball Winner Chooses $10 (incl g.f.) $100 every 16 6:30PM 9 Ball $15 $5/player 7:30PM 8 Ball on 8’ tables-Race 2/1 $7 $100 w/20 8PM 10 Ball $15 Call 8PM 9-Ball Beginners $8 Call 9-Ball Intermediate $10 Call 8-Ball $5+$3 g,f, $100 every 16 7PM Short Rack 8-Ball-Race to 3 $10 11PM 9 Ball $10 100% payout 8PM 9 Ball $10 50% 8PM 9-Ball Open $30 $500 Guar 6PM 9 Ball $10 7PM 9 Ball $6 9:30PM 8 Ball & 9 Ball $15 6PM 8 Ball Open - Race to 3 $10 $$$ 7:30PM 9-Ball Open $15 (incl. g.f.) up to $160 8:30PM Night Owl 8-Ball-Race 2/1 $7 $100 w/20 2AM 8-Ball on 7’ Diamonds $16 $75 7PM Open 10-Ball $15/$10/$5 $3/player 7PM 8 or 9-ball rotation $15+$5 g.f. $50 w/16 6:30PM One Pocket $10 Call 8PM 8 Ball - APA 5 & under $6 50% 8PM 8-Ball 7 & under $5 9 PM 9 Ball $10 $200 7PM Coin Toss decides $10 $100 every 16 7PM 9-Ball FREE $100 Guar 6PM 8-Ball-Race to 2-Alt Break-DE $5 $50 8PM Call $15 $100+ w/10 7:30PM 9-Ball Race 3/3-Last Woman $ $12 8PM 8 Ball $5 7PM Players Vote $10 2AM 8 Ball $5 8PM 8-Ball Open - Race to 2 $12 6:30PM 8 Ball $5 8PM Night Owl 8-Ball-Race 2/1 $7 $100 w/20 2AM 9-Ball Call Call 7:30PM 9-Ball Race 4/3 9-Ball Break Pot $12 8PM 8 Ball $5 7:30PM 8 Ball $10 Call 3PM 8 Ball $15 Call 4/5PM Call $15 $100+ w/10 7:30PM 8 Ball $15 Call 8PM 9 Ball $10 Call 7PM Multiple Call Call 8 Ball-Limit 32 $11 $100 w/20 4PM 9 Ball $10 8PM 8 Ball $5 8PM APA Rated 8 Ball $10 1PM 9-Ball 7 & under $10 (incl. g.f.) 9PM Scotch Doubles - Race to 3 $10 $$$ 5:30PM 9-Ball - 2 Div-DE $15/10 6PM 10-Ball $12 $100 every 16 7PM 8-Ball - Race to 3 - No pros $10 Call 7:30PM 10 Ball $12 50% 6PM 10-Ball Race 5/3 9-Ball Break Pot $12 Break&Run Pot 2PM 9 Ball $5 8PM 9 Ball $6 9:30PM 10-Ball on 9’ tables-Race to 5 $15 Call

Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice

July 2015 Rackem

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RESULTS

Ochoa Takes Bogies West

Red Shoes Billiards Alsip, IL 6/20/2015 “9 BALL” 1st Troy Johnson 2nd Jason Klatt 3rd Rick Coleman 4th Ike Runnels

Spring 2015 UPA Iowa League Singles Division Championships

1st 2nd 3rd

Roger Goodwin (above left) Dave Stecker Marla Taylor (above right)

Shreveport, LA

The Fourth event of The 2015 Viking Tour, Presented by Bogies West Billiards in Houston Texas, was held on June 13th. Sylver Ochoa went undefeated and was crowned Champion. All events will now be 9 ball with $500.00 added. First Place is also awarded a new Viking Cue. The next event will be held July 11th. Sylver Ochoa was awarded the first place cash prize and a New Viking Cue. Sylver defeated Darrell Taylor 7-2, David Richardson 7-1, Denis Strickland 7-5, Joey Torres 7-4 and Eric Hsu 7-1 to win the hot seat. Eric defeated Marc Garza 7-4, Sonny B 7- 1, Bob Guzik7-5 before falling to Sylver 7-1 in the hot seat match. Eric then defeated Joey Torres 7-5 to reach the finals where Sylver was undefeated and decided the winner of the 4th stop at The 2015 Viking Tour and his First win at the 2015 Viking Tour. 1 USA OCHOA Sylver 500 2 USA HSU Eric 350 3 USA TORRES Joey 250 4 USA GUZIK Bob 180

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Justin

Robb

June 20-21, 2015 - Open 9-Ball 1st 2nd 3rd 4th

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Payout Calcuttas $1,600 Justin Hall $5,600/$800 $1,000 Robb Saez $3,000/$400 $600 Clint Freeman $1,800/$200 $400 Carl Smith $800

Rackem July 2015

Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice DATE Jul 4 Jul 4 Jul 4 Jul 10-12 Jul 11-12 Jul 11 Jul 11 Jul 11 Jul 11 Jul 11-12 Jul 18 Jul 18 Jul 18 Jul 18-19 Jul 25 Jul 25 Aug 1 Aug 1 Aug 1-2 Aug 8 Aug 8 Aug 8 Aug 14-16 Aug 15 Aug 15 Aug 15 Aug 15 Aug 15 Aug 22 Aug 22 Aug 22-23 Aug 23 Aug 29 Aug 29 Sep 3 Sep 3-4 Sep 4 Sep 4 Sep 5 Sep 5 Sep 12 Sep 12-13 Sep 18-20 Sep 19-20 Sep 19 Sep 19 Sep 26 Oct 8 Oct 9-11 Oct 10 Oct 10-11 Oct 17 Nov 14

CITY McAlester, OK Alton, IL St Peters, MO Mankato, MN Mankato, MN Houston, TX McAlester, OK St Peters, MO Indianapolis, IN Jackson, MS Des Moines, IA Alton, IL McAlester, OK Mankato, MN McAlester, OK St Peters, MO McAlester, OK Alton, IL Richardson, TX McAlester, OK St Peters, MO Appleton, WI Poplar Bluff, MO Alsip, IL Alton, IL Houston, TX McAlester, OK St Peters, MO McAlester, OK St Peters, MO Round Rock, TX Round Rock, TX Appleton, WI McAlester, OK Round Rock, TX Round Rock, TX Round Rock, TX Round Rock, TX Round Rock, TX Alton, IL Alsip, IL Arlington, TX Midwest City, OK Midwest City, OK Alton, IL Houston, TX Appleton, WI Appleton, WI Appleton, WI Alsip, IL Arlington, TX Alton, IL Appleton, WI

LOCATION Back Alley (see ad p31) Riverbend Billiards Teachers Billiards (see ad p8) Kato Cue Club (see ad p9) Kato Cue Club (see ad p9) Bogies West (see ad p28) Back Alley (see ad p31) Teachers Billiards (see ad p8) Brickyard Billiards Cross Corner Big Dogs (see ad p11) Riverbend Billiards Back Alley (see ad p31) Kato Cue Club (see ad p9) Back Alley (see ad p31) Teachers Billiards (see ad p8) Back Alley (see ad p31) Riverbend Billiards Wizard’s Back Alley (see ad p31) Teachers Billiards (see ad p8) KK Billiards (see ad p26) Smokin Aces (see ad p27) Red Shoes (see ad p8) Riverbend Billiards Bogies West (see ad p28) Back Alley (see ad p31) Teachers Billiards (see ad p8) Back Alley (see ad p31) Teachers Billiards (see ad p8) Skinny Bob’s (see ad p26) Skinny Bob’s (see ad p26) KK Billiards (see ad p26) Back Alley (see ad p31) Skinny Bob’s (see ad p27) Skinny Bob’s (see ad p27) Skinny Bob’s (see ad p27) Skinny Bob’s (see ad p27) Skinny Bob’s (see ad p27) Riverbend Billiards Red Shoes (see ad p8) Clicks Billiards Jamaica Joes (see ad p29) Jamaica Joes (see ad p29) Riverbend Billiards Bogies West (see ad p28) KK Billiards (see ad p26) KK Billiards (see ad p26) KK Billiards (see ad p26) Red Shoes (see ad p8) Speed’s Billiards Riverbend Billiards KK Billiards (see ad p26)

July 2015 Rackem

PHONE 918-916-2837 618-462-4435 314-614-9920 507-388-7665 507-388-7665 832-912-4432 918-916-2837 314-614-9920 317-248-0555 731-819-3229 515-266-6100 618-462-4435 918-916-2837 507-388-7665 918-916-2837 314-614-9920 918-916-2837 618-462-4435 972-235-0371 918-916-2837 314-614-9920 920-830-0083 573-712-2900 708-388-3700 618-462-4435 832-912-4432 918-916-2837 314-614-9920 918-916-2837 314-614-9920 512-733-1111 512-733-1111 920-830-0083 918-916-2837 512-733-1111 512-733-1111 512-733-1111 512-733-1111 512-733-1111 618-462-4435 708-388-3700 817-649-POOL 405-736-0590 405-736-0590 618-462-4435 832-912-4432 920-830-0083 920-830-0083 920-830-0083 708-388-3700 817-640-7675 618-462-4435 920-830-0083

EVENT / RULES 8-Ball Progressive (#4)-Open 8-Ball B-C players only 8 or 9 Ball Short Rack Summer Open-One Pocket Summer Open-8-Ball-Limit 32 9-Ball-Limit 64 9-Ball 7 & under-Race to 5 C’s Only One Pocket Ladies 9-Ball 9-Ball Mississipppi Open No Master 8-Ball 8-Ball Rated 8-Ball for all players Womens-8-Ball-Limit 32 8-Ball 6 & under-race to 4 MO State Bar Box 10-Ball 8-Ball Progressive (#5)-Open 8-Ball B-C players only Call 8-Ball 7 & under-Race to 5 5’s & 6’s Scotch 9-Ball 9-Ball 8-Ball Bar Box Open-Limit 16 10-Ball 8-Ball 9-Ball-Limit 64 8-Ball All Players Ladies 8-Ball 8-Ball 5 & under Diamond Allstars 9-Ball Open/Amateur Women 9-Ball Open 8-Ball 8-Ball Jack & Jill Scotch 9-Ball SE Limit 128 Scotch Doubles 9-Ball-Limit 32 Texas Open Ring Game Texas Open 9-Ball Texas Open Women 8-Ball B-C players only Bank Pool Call 8-Ball-Limit 16 Open 9-Ball-Limit 64 8-Ball 9-Ball-Limit 64 No Master 8-Ball Big Table 10-Ball 10-Ball Cheesehead Classic One Pocket Call 8-Ball No Master 8-Ball

OnTheBreakNews.com

ENTRY $20 $20 Call $40 Limit 16 $85 incl g.f. $50 incl fees $20 Call $55 $40 $50 no g.f. $20 $20 $40 incl g.f. $15 Call $20 $20 $45 $20 Call $25+$10 $2,000 $50 incl g.f. $20 $50 incl fees $20 Call $15 Call Call Call $40 $30 $25 $125/team $100 limit 16 $125 limit 128 $75 limit 32 $20 $50 incl g.f. $45 $2,000 $50 $20 $50 incl fees $100+$10 $400 1st 16 $100 $50 incl g.f. $45 $20 $40

ADDED Call $1,000 w/32 $200 Call $500 $500 w/32 $$$ $300 $500 w/16 $2,000 w/64 $500 $1,000 w/32 $$$ Call $$$ $500 Call $1,000 w/32 $1,500 $$$ $1,000 $250/$250 $2,000 min. $500 w/f.f. $1,000 w/32 $500 w/32 $$$ $1,000 $$$ $1,000 $1,000 $500 $750 $$$ Call Call Call $3,200 Guar $800 Guar $1,000 w/32 $500 w/f.f. $1,500 $2,000 $500 $1,000 w/32 $500 w/32 $1,000 Call $12,000 Guar $500 w/f.f. $1,500 $1,000 w/32 $750

TIME 1PM 11AM Call 6PM 10AM Noon 1PM Call 10AM 1PM 9:30AM 11AM 1PM 10AM 1PM Call 1PM 11AM 1PM Call 9AM 6PM Noon 11AM Noon 1PM Call 1PM Call Call Call Noon 1PM 8PM 11AM 3PM 8PM 6PM 11AM Noon 10:30AM Call Noon 11AM Noon Noon 7PM 4PM Noon 10:30AM 11AM Noon

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