Rackem Pool Magazine September Issue 2013

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L

MELISSA ITTLE

BOB THE

MONK

JEWETT

TOMSimpson

michaelglass



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2013 September

Anthony Beeler 14 Aramith 3 Ask the Viper 8 BCAPL / CSI 35 Big Dog Billiards 6 Black Diamond 6 Bob Jewett 10 C R Sports Bar 17 CueStix Int’l 36 Farmington Billiards 16 High Desert Shootout 21 Jamaica Joe’s 15 K K Billiards 16 Master Chalk 11 McDermott Cue 2 Michael Glass 13 Midwest Championships 20 Monk, The 12 Mueller 5 National Billiard Academy 9 Oneida Village 15 Q-Spot 16 Qzetta.com 22 Red Shoes Billiards Bar & Grill 23 Sharky’s Bar & Billiards 11 Sharky’s Billiards 17 Simonis 3 Tiger Products 4 TNT Billiard Products 11,15 Varsity Club 20 White Diamond 21

RACKEM

The Pool Palyers Magazine © 2013 Rackem

COVER ARTICLE

18 BEF Junior Nationals FEATURES

15 Fall Kick-Off 20 BCAPL Player Profiles 24 World 14-1 25 APA Nationals 33 APA Mourns

ITTLE

MONK

JEWETT

TOMSimpson

michaelglass

COLUMNISTS

8 Ask the Viper 9 Tom Simpson 10 Bob Jewett 11 Chalk Talk

12 The Monk 13 Michael Glass 14 Anthony Beeler

Live Streamer’s links

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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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LMELISSA BOB THE

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Amos Bush

Wins His First Omega Billiards Tour Stop!

On the weekend of August 3rd-4th, Amos Bush not only won the Omega Billiards Tour’s 5th stop of 2013 at Clicks Billiards in Arlington, TX, he did after losing his very first match! Winning 12 straight matches in a row, including a double dip in the finals, Amos captured the first place prize and moved himself squarely into the top 5 Rankings! Amos lost his very first match to the always formidable Jesse Hernandez 7-4. But that didn’t stop him – he went on a rampage and defeated Jim Colling 8-5, Anthony Shea 8-0, Willie Speed 8-4 and Jeff Georges 8-3 to make it to Sunday. On Sunday he defeated Shannon Modesitt 8-4 then Corey Flud 8-0. He then ran into a determined Tony Sulsar (winner of the last two stops), and that match went hill-hill with Amos coming out on top 8-7. Then Amos had a rematch with Jesse and won 8-4, and also toppled over the always-tough Crispian Ng (newly BCAPL Nationals 9-Ball Champ) 8-5 and then Mike Voelkering 8-5 to earn a spot in the finals. Mike Voelkering had another fantastic tournament placing 3rd. He made it into the hotseat match with only one opponent getting over 3 games against him. In the hotseat match, a heartbreaker carom on the 9 barely hung in the pocket for an almost hill-hill match. He fought hard against Amos in the semi-final but Amos was shooting good all weekend, also, and Amos won 8-5. Congrat’s to Mike for placing 3rd! Undefeated till the finals was a determined Jack Lynch (known as “Jersey Jack”). He had an excellent tournament and defeated a lot of good players to get to the finals! He had wins over Tony Matthew 7-1, Danny Williams 7-6, Dylan Weinheimer 7-5, Corey FLud 7-3,

Walter Huenerfuerst 7-2 and Mike Voelkering 7-5 where he then waited for Amos to make his way for the final match-up. In the finals, Amos caught a gear and won the first set 8-1. In the second set, Jersey was able to capture 4 games, but again Amos prevailed and won the second set 8-4. Amos earned $560 plus a beautiful Lucasi cue for First Place and Jersey earned $450 for Second. Mike earned $300 for 3rd place (payouts Left to right is Amos Bush (1st), Jack Lynch (2nd) and Mike Voelkering (3rd). do not reflect the Player Auction). A BIG shout out to newcomer Walter is the main sponsor of the Tour and owner of Omega Huenerfuerst for placing 5th in his first Omega Billiards Billiards Supply in Hurst, TX. Michael and Omega Tour event and also to Robert Sifuentes who might Billiards supply are well known for the huge booths at now be considered the “Giant Killer” as he got past many of the large tournaments across the country. The several high-ranked players to place an impressive 7th last stop on the Omega Billiards Tour is scheduled for place – his highest finish yet! October 5-6 at Speed’s Billiards in Arlington, TX. All The Predator Player Points Tracker is for sure of the six events for 2013 on the Omega Billiard Tour’s tested now with only one more stop left for the season inaugural season have been filled to their 64-player to see who wins the coveted Predator prizes at Season capacity, with a 60+ waiting list! Pool is alive and Finale! Tony Sulsar remains in 1st place, with Crispian thriving in Texas!! Ng in 2nd and Mike Voelkering moving up to 3rd. The Thank you to all the players, fans, sponsors and top 3 ranked players earn Predator Prizes at the end pool rooms!!! of the year and everyone is anxious and ready to place http://www.omegabilliardstour.com/ higher and higher in the stops to move up on the list! CSI / BCAPL are giving free entries to the 2014 BCAPL Nationals for players ranked 4th-8th at the end of the year, also. Thank you to our additional sponsors, OB Cues, Irving Ink 1 Amos Bush $560 plus Lucasi Custom Cue (valued at $350) and Thread, Lucasi Cues, Players Cues, 2 Jersey Jack $450 AZBilliards.com, and BilliardsPress. 3 Mike Voelkering $300 com. 4 Crispian Ng $200 Tour Directors Melinda Bailey 5/6 Jesse Hernandez and Brian Anderson would Walter Huenerfuerst $170 like to thank Click’s Billiards 7/8 Tony Sulsar, Robert Sifuentes $135 and their awesome staff for 9-12 Greg Sandifer, Coy Lee Nicholson, their great hospitality all Corey Flud, Steve Sheppard $90 weekend! A big thank 13-16 Brian Anderson, David Josephson, you also goes out to Juan Parra, Shannon Modesitt $50 Michael Hoang, who 17-24 Dylan Weinheimer Alberto Nieto, Jeff Georges, Steven Horne, Matt DeVance, Mike Roundtree, Friday, Joey Barnes $30

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“The“The Viper” Viper” More Facebook Questions to

An Interview with Pro Player David Matlock ...

At one time, people said he was THE best bar-table in the world; he has won hundreds of tournaments around the USA and was nominated “Player of the Decade” in the 80’s. It was a pleasure and honor to interview David and just to let you know this is the only interview he has given to the press. So thank-you David for giving us a grimace into your personal and professional life. Melissa Little

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

Read more articles by Melissa Little at www.onthebreaknews.com

– (913) 269-1077 Viper: Do you have siblings? Dave: Melissa, I have a huge family, I am one of 15 kids – I have four sisters and eleven brothers. Unfortunately, five of my siblings have past away. I am the 7th son and the 10th one born. Viper: Do or did any of them play pool? Dave: When I was younger my older brother Jimmy played pool, but as an adult he never stuck with the game. THE INTERVIEW: How did get you started? Viper: Where were you born? Dave: I was born in Colorado and then Dave: I was born Fort Carson, CO –I was my family moved to Rolla, MO. At the a military brat because my dad was in the age of 15 I played high school football David Matlock’s photo taken by Grady army. and in-between daily practices the boys Mathews and courtesy of Rick Lowell. Mary Kenniston’s Facebook Wall of Fame Viper: What are your biggest and I would go to a little place called accomplishments in the sport of billiards? Stan’s Pool Hall to play pool. Dave: The one tournament that really stands out is when I Viper: When I was a kid, I was told that you locked yourself won the 2006 Derby City Classic Banks event and during the in a room with a bar table for 6-months and came out a same week had a 5th-8th place finish in the 1-Pocket event champion. Is any of that true? which also gave me enough points to finished 2nd in the AllDave: No…Sorry to say Melissa none of that is true. But that’s Around division. a good story! Viper: Do you have a nickname? Viper: In your opinion, what parts of the world produces the Dave: Scott Smith, pro tournament director, for years has best players? been calling me the “Gun Fighter”. Dave: There is no question about it, the Philippines. Viper: What do you do when you’re not competing? Viper: Why: Dave: I am still very much involved with the sport and am Dave: I don’t really know how to answer that one. I do currently the house-pro at Shooters billiards in Olathe, KS know that it’s a rough life over there and they have to work www.shootersolathe.com really hard to get what they want – it’s a dog eat dog third I give lessons multiple times per week; my rates are $50 per world country. Their work ethic is off the chart; you can just hour with a minimum of 2-hours booked. That is one thing I automatically see their dedication to pool. truly enjoy most is teaching pool. Over the years, I have been so impressed with Pilipino player Viper: How would someone contact you for lessons? Efren Reyes; he literally changed the game of pool. When he Dave: They can call me on my cell and set up an appointment first came over to the US, he brought a whole new dimension (Viper continued on page 29)

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

The WPBA Touring Profession

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Settle Down

© August 2008 – All Rights Reserved – PoolClinics.com

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

Tom Simpson

Tom Simpson

Settle down, settle down! Every day, I see players shooting before they are ready. Before you take that hit stroke, you have to be ready – ready physically, ready mentally, ready emotionally. Well, OK, you don’t “have to” be ready – that is, unless you care about your results. We’ve all heard “Ready, Aim, Fire!” a million times. Aim and Fire are pretty clear, but what about Ready? What do they mean by that? I’d say Ready means you’ve been through your pre-shot routine nicely and there’s nothing left to do but shoot the shot. All systems go. Have you ever shot before you were fully ready? Of course, we all have. How else do we miss easy shots? It’s often said that one of the big differences between pros and amateurs is pros don’t miss easy shots. Funny, but true. Implied in the Aim portion of the “Ready, Aim, Fire!” routine is the idea that you don’t fire until you know you are ready and your aim is good. I’d say Aim begins all the way back at the beginning of the Ready phase. We line our bodies up to the distant target as we begin to address the cueball and take a stance. I believe it’s vital to focus everything you have down the target line, and to see the distant target sharply while you’re dropping into your stance and bridge. We need to aim as well as possible, from the beginning of the shot process, and maintain and refine that aim until we’re completely settled down and ready to shoot. For our purposes as pool players, it can be helpful to think instead “Aim, Settle, Fire!” Let’s talk about the Settle process. As we address the cueball, we go through our own unique, complex process of arranging our bodies for good alignment and comfort, using our vision and mental focus to manage the final details of our readiness. At some point, we are as Ready as we’re going to be. Of course, Ready includes confidence in our strategic decisions, our plan, and our final aim. But how do we know when we’re Ready? We’re Ready when the tumult of thoughts, fidgets, and doubts dies out. We’re ready when we’re Settled. Before you go down on the shot, you should be settled on your shot selection, strategy, and position route – the mental aspects of readiness. If you have any nagging doubts or indecision, or if you’re distracted by

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something, you’re not settled. Don’t go down yet. Choose to give 100% of your attention to the shot, and try again. Once you’re down, you begin to settle into your stance, becoming comfortable, stable, and athletic. Your weight should feel like it’s all down, like it’s disappearing through the balls of your feet. You want a flat, stable platform. If you can easily lift your heels, your weight is too far forward. If you can easily lift your toes, your weight is too far back. Settle into your feet. Your eyes may be ping-ponging back and forth from CB to OB. Settle down. Wait for your confidence to build and your eyes to quiet. Once you feel good about your aim, solidify your bridge. Make it a rock that is glued to the table until the shot is over. Most players take practice strokes. Players who count their strokes are in danger of occasionally shooting before they’re ready because they can’t stop the process. Take as many strokes as you need to become comfortable and confident. They’re not “practice strokes” – think of them as “confidence strokes.” At some point, all this physical stuff settles down, and you bring your tip to a full stop, close to the cueball. We call this “Set Position”. Now, it’s time to run your final check before you pull the trigger. Ask yourself “For this tip position on the cueball, for the direction my stick is pointed, and for the speed I have in mind, is this shot going to work?” If not, you’ll need to either make a micro-adjustment or get up, back away and do it again. Once you’re happy with your Set Position, the final phase of readiness is the emotional aspect – confidence. Your whole process works to build your confidence as you make your decisions and settle your mind, take your stance and settle your body. By the time you’re at Set, you are fully engaged in the shot. If you’re still thinking about strategy, still fidgeting, still plagued by doubt or fear, you are not settled. Stand up, take a breath, and sink back down like you’re a hydraulic lift, exhaling, settling athletically. Be patient with yourself. Sometimes it takes two or three false starts before you really get everything calmed, settled, and set. That’s OK, and is always better than blowing the shot. Aim, Settle, Fire! Don’t shoot until you see the white of the ball.

September 2013 - Rackem Magazine

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COLUMNIST

Bob Jewett

San Francisco Billiard Academy www.sfbilliards.com San Francisco Billiard Academy is a BCA Certified Master Academy.

Bob Jewett

Do you remember the Elvis Presley song, “It’s Now or Never”? You are about to have a pool eventwatching opportunity that’s unlikely to repeat. I hope you can join me there. “There” is the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The event is the 20th Mosconi Cup -- the team competition between the US and Europe. You can be a part of it. Spectator participation is not only allowed, it’s encouraged, and Team USA needs your support. Last year I went to York Hall in London for the 2012 edition. Nominally there are five players per team but the European side had more like 200 with all the local support. The Hall has a curved roof so all the cheering bounces back to the crowd. And the European cheering was unbelievable. It followed in the tradition of soccer (they call it football) with about the same chants and tunes but with modified words for the pool players. One Euro-ite would start a chant and within three seconds nearly everyone in the Hall was screaming along. Enough to make your teeth rattle. And then the player would get down on the shot and complete silence -- not even crickets. With a few exceptions the crowd was respectful of the players and the game. I would like to tell you that the Americans at the previous five events in Las Vegas (each odd year since 2003) were as enthusiastic as those Euros, but I’d be lying. We have been trained at most tournaments to give out little smatterings of applause when someone makes a miracle on the table. That doesn’t apply at the Cup. It’s important for the players to know you’re there and you care. The video production by Sky Sports is the best in pool. There are eight to ten cameras covering the players and shots from all angles, including the pocket’s-eye view. The players enter through clouds of smoke to rocking theme music. The referees -- Michaela Tabb and Ken Shuman -- are two of the best in the business. One of the nicest features for the audience is the set of large flatscreen monitors hung up above the table. You can get both the view from your seat and the view the TV audience gets including all the replays. For me one of the most entertaining parts of attending is seeing how the whole production comes together. The teams are a mixture of veteran champions and new rising stars. The European team will have players such as Oliver Ortman, Ralf Souquet and Chris Melling while the US will field such players as Johnny Archer and Shane Van Boening along with Brandon Shuff and Mike Dechaine. Critical to the team effort is the captain on each team. This

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year the Europeans will be guided by veteran captain Johan Ruijsink while Johnny Archer will be player-captain for the Americans. Johnny has tapped fellow Hall-of-Famer Buddy Hall to be his assistant captain. This will be Johnny’s 17th appearance in the event. The dates of play are Monday, December 2nd through Thursday, December 5th. The tournament moved to weekday broadcasts to avoid direct collision with weekend sports. Since the whole twenty hours (or sometimes a little more) is broadcast live back in the UK, the matches start at 11AM in Las Vegas. The bad news is you have to be up by 11. The good news is that the matches end about 4PM and the rest of your afternoon and evening is free. Matches are races to 5 or 6 with either scotch doubles or individual play. An exception is the first match where everyone rotates in a singles format. The winner of the Cup is the first team to win 11 matches, so you get to see a lot of play. But wait, there’s more. This year the Billiard Congress of America’s Hall of Fame ceremony will be held on Monday, December 2nd in conjunction with the Mosconi Cup. The inductees are Jeanette Lee and Barry Hearn. Jeanette I’m sure you have heard of and would recognize instantly as the Black Widow. Even my non-pool-playing coworkers know who she is. She is being inducted in the “Greatest Players” category. Barry Hearn you may not have heard of. He is the driving force behind the Mosconi Cup and produces it and several European pool events through his company Matchroom Sport. He was the producer of the World Nine Ball Championships for the nine years it was in Cardiff, Wales. I had the pleasure of attending the first year and when I checked in to my hotel, I turned on the telly and there was the championship, live, on commercial TV. I think that event had about 60 hours of live broadcast. Barry is being inducted in the “Meritorious Service” category for all of the pool events he has guided to success over the last 20 years. The press release mentions that his events don’t normally charge any entry fees and they have paid out about $9,000,000 over the last 20 years. Imagine that. An example: the members of the losing Mosconi Cup team will each get about $8000 and expenses. Get your tickets soon. It is only the start of September and about a third of the tickets are already sold. The frugal way is to call the Mirage directly. Ticketmaster is also handling tickets but you pay an additional fee if you go through them. I recommend staying at the Mirage as well. If you find the right reservation, you can get a double for about $100/night with tax, resort fee and two free buffets per day included. My reservation was through my airline. Of course Las Vegas always has deals available if you’re willing to walk a little -- it’s not 140 degrees out in December. I’ll see you at the Cup. Bring flags. Europe has won or tied six of the last seven years and you need to do your part to reverse that trend.

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CHALK TALK Sponsored by: Master Chalk

BY: DON AKERLOW

Why are We CHEAP? THE SKY IS NO LIMIT

I’ll start this off by saying, I was as cheap as anyone I may criticize. With that said, “Why are billiard fans, at least in America, so cheap?” I can’t talk about anywhere else in the world because I haven’t been there to observe one way or the other. Let’s start with live streaming. I am a strong proponent of free live streaming This is because with any new product or idea, it needs time to build and grow and build a fan base. Could it be that it is not being marketed right? Possibly, but that is not the issue.

There’s been times that I have played pool all night long and nursed a soft drink or water. Where is my appreciation for the room giving all the hard work, dedication and money they put in that allows me to play? Of course, I pay for the time or quarters in the table. Again, I am showing my cheap side. Why do players do this? When I first started playing pool in 1966, I didn’t win a lot which is a kind way of saying I lost a lot ... of money. Was that the better players taking advantage of a newbie (there was a term for newbie that escapes me now maybe that’s because it cut deep ... but I digress)? That feeling of being taken advantage of, I think, lingers to this day and is something that I have tried to change over the past decade. If I go to a room to play or hang out, I will tip the bartender a 5 spot with the first Coke or water that I will get. You’d be surprised at how appreciative they are.

For the last couple of years the U. S. Open 9-Ball has been $60 plus to watch all week (and it is probably more than that). That to me is too much. Not that the people who run the live stream and take the countless hours it takes to set up, deliver and tear down don’t deserve it - because they do. I remember the first live streaming that I watched, Mosconi Cup 2005. At least I think that’s when it was. It was $5 a day. Reasonable price and by far some of the most talented players on the planet. But what is a fair price? Watching the 14-1 tournament at Steinway Billiards in Astoria, NY, you got an idea of how many fans were actually at the event. They were charging $18 at the door. My thought at first was, “Did that come with a beer? Or maybe a sandwich?” It sounded pretty high per person. Oh, Oh there I go again being cheap! Where else on the planet, can you rub elbows, engage in conversation and even give your opinions to a pro in any sport? Can you imagine being around Alex Rodriquez from the Yankees and telling him what you thought of his play or steroid use - or not? Or Joe Flacko of the Ravens, that he over threw a pass? Or Tiger Woods, telling him you know how to fix his game? Most of us would gladly pay pretty much anything to see and talk to

those stars and probably a whole lot more. What about souvenirs, T-shirts, autographs ...?

The fans of the game are the only ones that can change the perception of the fans of the game. You can always be generous with words. Tell the tournament director, “thank you”. If the owner of the room is around, shake their hand and tell them whatever you feel about their room. Don’t be critical, make it constructive if it is a negative. Be respectful and thank the sponsors. You might be surprised how far it might get you. And buy something! It is worth it, especially in the years to come. IMHO For those of you that don’t fall into what used to be my shoes ..... Thank You!

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11


How Not To Choke Choking shows up in all sports, even teams choke. And there is no cure.

The Monk

TIM MILLER

Everyone will choke at one time or another. The overall cause of choking is because a player is not comfortable when he reaches the position to win the match. It is not a familiar place to them. Many players will reach the final eight or the final four and continue to lose week after week in that spot. They get frustrated and almost expect to lose. The stroke, minus the interference, equals the shot. So they approach these games and are hesitant to deliver the one hundred per cent needed on all shots. They experience fear and this is the interference that affects their shot. You see this all the time in golf. It takes many second place finishes to finally reach first. For the longest time I could not run four racks. On the fourth rack I most often jumped the cue ball off the table on the break. I would do something to stop my run. Finally, I closed my eyes on the break stroke and used the break I have mastered after years of training. This broke that cycle. What is firmly established in your mind will control your actions. You must break the mindset that drives you to choke. How do you stop choking? I will be doing a workshop in Greensboro North Carolina at Gate City Billiards on October 8th, 9th, & 10th. I will

tell all my students how to approach each shot as one shot. Most of the shots can be identified through my training graphics. And the technique on shooting the shot is part of the training. In other words, you are to go through the same pre shot routine on all shots. This is how you prepare to deliver the stroke. When you prepare, go through the steps and you will not think about choking. You only think about the shot you face. If you react to choking which is to focus on not choking you are giving choking too much attention. Use the shot identity I teach. It is a shot. There is a specific way to shoot that shot. Make sure you deliver the winning stroke on all shots. Always remember, see the shot, know the stroke and shoot the shot. Give up your preoccupation with results. The best way to do this is to reach the level where you have absolutely no excuse for why you failed. If you fail on a shot, or in a game, match or tournament, offer no excuse. Accept it and move on. Once it is over, it is gone, does not exist. It only exists after it is over when you make excuses. After three days with me in a workshop your choking days are over. Learn to focus on what the shot is in front of you and you will deliver the winning stroke. May all the rolls go your way until we meet in the finals.

SPECIAL TRAINING MANUAL

Email me at: timiller7872@gmail.com

I designed this book just for the collector who cares about his game. Each page is in full glossy color. The cover is hard bound. It is a masterpiece. This is the only book I will sell while I am in the states. The book cost me one hundred dollars to produce. I got a good price on ten copies. You can order this book for just $79.95 + S&H

section then move on to the blue section, then through the green section and so on until you complete the training. You must master each session. You will have a top level game when you complete the training. Email me now for a buy now button. I am not putting this on the market as I only have ten copies in my inventory.

You have my full money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied in every way, I will refund your money.

This is the only book I will sell. When you order your copy, I will send you a digital download of my training book THE LESSON.

The training is color coded. You work through the red

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TABLE TALK

BY: MICHAEL K/ GLASS

Billiards Etiquette

Michael K Glass 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 mikekglass.com for pool tips or to schedule a lesson!

For many years, pool has had a tarnished image. Ask the average person, and they’ll tell you that it’s mostly hoodlums, bikers, and gangsters who play pool in seedy bars while Hank Williams, Johnny Cash or Lynyrd Skynyrd plays in the background (please no more Ring of Fire or Freebird!). In bar fights, cue sticks and balls are the weapons of choice, and most pool players spill their beers on the tables. Right? Well, Hollywood would have you believe this, anyway! Seriously, though. Pick a new song. The fact is, the vast multitude of leagues are doing their part to give pool a better, polished and wholesome family image. Unfortunately, only most players follow standard rules of etiquette. Not all do. This article is for those who need a refresher course on what makes for good manners around the pool table. Not you, of course. I know most of this will seem like common sense, but if you know anyone who could use it, please feel free to share this article with them. First and foremost, treat the table with respect. Don’t dance on it to some Miley Cyrus song, and don’t sit on the edge while you’re jawing with your buds. We all know the pain of shooting on a table that doesn’t roll straight, right? Let’s keep the tables as level as we can. So, yeah, take the bar fight outside too. Don’t eat or drink anything near the table, please. There are few things more annoying than playing on a table with beer and nacho stains all over it. And if you’re drinking a beer, please don’t put it in a pocket while you’re shooting! Yes, I have seen this many times. Keep the beer out of the pockets, and off of the rails. Are you a smoker? Please quit. Barring that, don’t smoke over the table. Your nasty ashes get on the cloth and on the balls. If you have ever shot the perfect cut shot only to have it skid on you because the balls are dirty, you know what I’m talking about. You do not look cool with that cigarette dangling out of the corner of your mouth while you shoot. Honestly, you look like an idiot. And speaking of getting debris on the cloth... Use some

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common sense when you’re powdering up your hand, OK? Look, I get it. You need the powder because you sweat like a call girl at church. But you only need a little bit on the shaft of your cue for it to slide smoothly through your bridge. You are not trying to soak up an oil spill. If you leave powder hand-prints all over the table, it will get on the balls, and they will skid on every other shot. Johnson & Johnson will not go out of business if you use your powder sparingly. Now, let’s talk about personal etiquette. Or, in other words, sportsmanship. Don’t shark your opponent by shouting at your friend at the bar just as your opponent is about to shoot the 8-ball. Give her a chance to shoot the ball free from distraction. Coughing, yelling, asking her which ball she is shooting just as she’s taking her stroke, are all forms of sharking that are just not cool. Stay out of her line of aim, as well. If you are sitting in your chair and she happens to line up a shot toward you, don’t twitch, and don’t move away. Just keep still and quiet. Most pool halls and bars have people milling about, and many bar patrons will walk right near the tables while people are shooting. Most of the time, it’s simply a hazard you have to deal with. But if you are playing in a league or a tournament, be aware of what’s going on around you. Don’t walk in front of someone’s field of view if they are down on a shot. Don’t bump into a shooter, either. Watch where you are going, and be courteous -- I am sure you’d want them to give you the same courtesy when you’re shooting, right? When it is your opponent’s turn to shoot, go sit in your chair, be still, and be quiet. The Golden Rule here really does apply -- do unto others as you would have them do unto you. When the game is over, shake your opponent’s hand, look them in the eye, and congratulate them on a good game, whether you win or lose. Yes, it sucks to lose, especially when you miss some easy shots. Unfortunately, I am guilty of this myself: I miss an easy shot, and I get angry, muttering to myself. I may even pound my stick on the ground. I am (Glass continued on page 29)

September 2013 - Rackem Magazine

13


I’d Bet my Nickel on Jack

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.

One of the most colorful pool playing characters I have ever come across was a gentleman named “Nickel” Jack Goode. Coined the nickname, “Nickel Jack” because he wore nickels in the crevice of his ears during play, Jack was a player from the “old school,” he played little defense, but was an astounding kick shot artist. In fact after playing against Jack for many years I cannot recall a single time where I ever saw him foul on a reasonable kick shot. On many occasions I tried to question Jack about why he was such a good kicker, but being the dramatic storyteller that he was he would always dance around the subject by telling a tall tale about a recent gambling excursion. To hear Jack tell it, no matter who he beat it was always for $2,600.00. One day, I went to the poolroom and was shocked when the room owner informed me that Jack was in the hospital and was given less than 24 hours to live. Surprisingly, when I returned to the poolroom a couple of days later, Jack was smoking a cigarette and was playing the Cherry Master machine. Being shocked, the first words out of my mouth were, “Aren’t you supposed to be dead?” Jack laughed and took long drag off of his cigarette, blew some smoke and said, “I am too mean to die!”

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He then went on to inform me that it was a monumental day, because he had just picked the Kentucky Derby winner and had won several thousand dollars. I said you must be as good with horses as you are at kicking. Jack said, “Yep, almost!” Then he (Beeler continued on page 30)

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New Store Opening, come join us for our

FALL KICK-OFF

In these times of uncertainty for the billiard industry its nice to see some positive news for a change. Instead of another store or pool hall closing, we are looking at a successful store opening. Its been 6 months sense a group of individuals joined together to form TNT Billiard Products in St. Paul, Minnesota. The partners Troy & Christy Thoennes, Nate & Tracy Badger and Tom Kjos together have over 50 years experience in the billiard industry and offer a full service billiard store with sales, service and full cue repair. They not only have billiard product knowledge, they also are pool players so the know what players are looking for and understand the needs. They attribute a lot of their success to the wide range of products and services they offer their customers. With over 300 cues and cases on display with brands like Schon, Jacoby, Pechauer, OB Cues, McDermott, Tiger, Viking and their own brand of TNT custom cues, its hard not to find something that suits your needs. They also take in trades!!! The store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 6pm each day and closed Sunday and Monday. The store has a laid back atmosphere with a lot of the locals stopping by to chew the fat, replace a tip, get a shaft cleaned or maybe just play a game or two on the 7’ diamond pool table set up in the middle of the sales area. With summer coming to a close and the fall pool season upon us, TNT Billiard Products would like to invite everyone to come and visit us. On Saturday September 21st, they are having a FALL POOL SEASON KICK-OFF. Come on in and make sure your ready for the season, they are offering special discounts on

products and a free shaft cleaning with any tip replacement. There will be food, games, product specials and drawings all day. The pool table will be open for all challenge matches. The doors will open at 11am and close

please call 651-689-0236. TNT Billiard Products, Inc. 1828 Feronia Ave. St. Paul, MN 55104

sometime around 6pm. TNT Billiard Products would like to thank all of you for your support in the first 6 months and hope to see many new faces at this grand event. If you need direction to the store

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September 2013 - Rackem Magazine

15


DavisUndefeated Sr. & Velasquez In Round Rock James Davis Sr., Patrick Werren Austin favorite James “Bastrop” Davis Sr. was cool, calm, and collected, as he made his way through a field of 32 top competitors to capture the Open 9-Ball Division of the Lone Star Billiards Tour Texas Open Warm-Up III held this past weekend, August 10th-11th, 2013 at Skinny Bob’s Billiards in Round, Rock, Texas. In the final, Davis Sr. overcame European player Patrick Werren, 9-3, securing an undefeated, third tour victory. Amidst a field of 48 Amateur Division players, last year’s runner-up Chelo Velasquez captured his first tour victory over Raymond Cardenas, 7-1. Velasquez went undefeated as well without a single opponent surpassing 3 games. The event drew 80 players and paid out over $6,000 in prize money in addition to a free 9-ball division entry for each winner into the Space City Open II slated for December 6th-9th, at Bogies Billiards & Sports Bar, Houston, Texas. In the Open Division, Bastrop’s path to victory included wins over David “Little David” Henson, 7-1, and Ed “Big Ed” Ambrose, 7-1, while Garett Sitz of College Station, Texas entered his bid for the hot seat ousting Pittsburg native Bob Guzik, 7-5, and upsetting Patrick Werren, 7-6. Steve Pennington upset Waco’s Doug Young, 7-6 and bested Cesar Garcia, 7-1, while local player Brian Sanders disappointed a wave of talent including Erik Renteria and Kevin Guimond. On the west side, Ambros eliminated Renteria, 6-5, and Henson sent Guimond packing, 6-2. Comeback players John Palmore and Brian Anderson were stopped in 9th-12th positions by Werren and Coffman, respectively. On the second day, races increased to 9 on the winners’ side and 7 on the one loss side. Winners’ side action saw Sitz fall to Davis Sr., 9-7, and Sanders steamroll Pennington, 9-3. Davis Sr. and Sanders teed off for a nail biter of a hot seat match. It was 8-6 Davis’ favor when Sanders answered back tying the match at 8. The shot of the match came when

Davis Sr. kicked at a triple combination, the 1-ball to the 9-ball to the 8-ball, lined up towards the side pocket. As the shot was executed, long rail with deliberation and proper speed, the cue ball struck the 1-ball, hitting the 9-ball, in turn pocketing the 8-ball. Concluding the shot, the cue ball died, settling in front of a difficult 1-ball/9-ball combination, headed for the same pocket. With cue in hand, he pinpointed his aim, addressed the cue ball, and successfully pocketed the 9-ball. The crowd had little time to catch their breath as Werren forged ahead on the oneloss side eliminating Ambros, 7-1, Pennington, 7-1, and finally Sanders 7-5, to meet Davis Sr. in the finals. A young Werren shot out of the gate, taking a 2-0 lead. In the third game, Werren missed a routine 7-ball hooking the veteran player behind the 8-ball. Davis Sr. kicked one rail, long, and pocketed the 7-ball in the corner. The crowd gasped, followed by an explosion of clapping. Davis Sr. capitalized that game, consequently breaking and running the next rack. Werren answered back with an eight ball run, racking up his third game, but it would be his last as Davis Sr. replied with a 7 game shutout, besting Werren, 9-3. Amateur Division action saw 36 players eliminated the first day, bringing back the final 12 for Sunday. It appeared as if last year’s Amateur Division Champion Frank Ferrer Jr. might repeat while last year’s runner-up Chelo Velasquez threatened a first-time win. After an impressive run by Victoria’s Alex Cardenas, he was sent west by contender and cousin, Raymond Cardenas. Flip Edwards fell to Ferrer, 7-6, Velasquez dominated David Neumann, 7-3, and David Escobedo struck down Colt Jackson, 7-5. On the west side, A. Cardenas bested Justin Wyly, 5-2, and Cesar Garcia eliminated Edwards, 5-3. It was Neumann over Brian Anderson, 5-1, and Jackson over Paul Jobe, 5-2. The level field played down with little or no upsets as R. Cardenas fell to Ferrer Jr. on the

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east side, 7-6, and Velasquez pounded on Escobedo, 7-3. Duking it out on the one loss side, A. Cardenas eliminated Edwards, 5-1, and Neumann thrashed Jackson, 5-1. Escobedo squeezed by A. Cardenas, 5-4, and R. Cardenas sent Neumann packing, 5-2. Hot seat action saw Velasquez torture Ferrer Jr., 7-1, while R. Cardenas left Escobedo in 4th place. R. Cardenas executed revenge on Ferrer Jr., staging his first Amateur Division final. Even though Velasquez underwent recent shoulder surgery on his stroking arm, it didn’t seem to hinder him as he slaughtered R. Cardenas in the final, 7-1, grasping what was denied him in 2012. The Lone Star Tour would like to thank Skinny Bob’s Billiards and staff for hosting another first rate event. The Lone Star Billiards Tour is sponsored by Poison by Predator Cues www.poisonbilliards.com, Delta-13 Rack www.delta-13.com, APA of North Harris County www.facebook.com/apanorthharriscounty, www.ImproveYourShot.com, and Ozone Billiards www. OzoneBilliards.com. Live streamed, recorded matches from this event may be viewed at www.ustream.tv/channel/ lonestarbilliardstour. The complete event photo album can be found at www.facebook.com/lonestartour.

Raymond Cardenas, Chelo Velasquez OPEN DIVISION 1st James Davis Sr. 2nd Patrick Werren 3rd Brian Sanders 4th Garett Sitz 5th-6th Steve Pennington, Kevin Guimond AMATEUR DIVISION 1st Chelo Velasquez 2nd Raymond Cardenas 3rd Frank Ferrer Jr. 4th David Escobedo

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s Summer Heat e o J a aJ maic 9-Ball Classic

MIDWEST CITY, OK, August 24-25, 2013

Compton moved over and picked up John Gabriel, who’d defeatedJames Walden 9-7 and survived a double hill battle against Ken Jennings to reach him. Haddad drew Shane McMinn, who’d gotten byGreg Hogue 9-7, and J.C Riley 9-3. Compton and Haddad advanced to the quarterfinals; Compton with a 9-6 win over Gabriel and Haddad 9-7 over McMinn. Compton advanced to the semifinals with a 9-6 victory over Haddad, and then, denied Pierce a re-match against King with a 9-5 win. With momentum on his side, Compton took the opening set of the finals 9-1. King, though, came back in the second set to win it 9-5 and claim the event title. In the Ladies’ event, Melissa Little’s undefeated run ended with two wins over Rhonda Pierce. They met first in the hot seat match, when Little sent Pierce to the semifinals 7-4. On the loss side, Debi Aldridgewon the quarterfinal match over Michelle Davis 7-3, but was stopped by Pierce in a double hill, semifinal match. Little and Pierce fought to double hill in the finals, but Little survived to claim the Ladies’ title.

nda Pierce

ho Melissa Little & R

Melissa Little went undefeated to win the Ladies portion of the 2nd Annual Summer Heat 9-Ball Classic, held under the auspices of the Midwest 9-Ball Tour and hosted by Jamaica Joe’s in Midwest City, OK.Sean King gave up the first set of the double elimination finals, but came back to win the second and claim the Open title. The $2,000-added Open event drew 45 entrants, while the $500-added Ladies event drew 12. Shawn King and C King faced Chip Compton three hip Compton times; the first, in a winners’ side semifinal, as Mark Haddad and Richard Pierce squared off in the other. King sent Compton west in the first of their three 9-7, and in the hot seat match, met Pierce, who’d sent Haddad over by the same score. King and Pierce fought to double hill before King prevailed.

RESULTS TOURNAMENT RESULTS 12 ladies - $500 Added 1st $500 Melissa Little, Westminster, Co 2nd 300 Rhonda Pierce, Tulsa, Ok 3rd 120 Debi Aldridge, OKC, OK OPEN 45 players - $2000 Added 1st $1000 Sean King, Midwest City, OK 2nd 700 Chip Compton, OKC, OK 3rd 550 Richard Pierce, Tulsa, OK 4th 375 Mark Haddad, Westminster, CO 5-6 200 John Gabriel, Claremore, OK 200 Shane McMinn, Tulsa, Ok 7-8 125 Ken Jennings, Midwest City, OK 125 J.C. Riley, Tulsa, OK 9-12 75 James Walden, OKC, OK 75 Don Williamson, OKC, OK 75 Greg Hogue, Tulsa, OK 75 Marc Shelton, Norman, OK

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17


2013 Junior National Champions Crowned:

Hampton, Miller, Rivas, and Larson 1st Place Briana Miller

1st Place  Zachary Hampton

August 8, 2013 (Englewood, CO): The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) concluded its 25th Annual Junior National 9-Ball Championships July 25-28, 2013. 131 billiard student-athletes represented 29 states at the Convention Center of the Rio AllSuite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada for this special anniversary event. After the four day junior billiard extravaganza, four champions were crowned from each division and awarded trophies, gift bags full of sponsored prizes, custom engraved Delta-13 Select racks, academic scholarships, and entry into the 2013 WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships. 18 & Under Boys Division Of the 38 player field, taking top honors in the 18 & Under Boys Division is the reigning 2012 - 14 & Under Boys champion, Zachary Hampton. In his first year competing in the 18 & under division, Hampton lost his second match to last year’s top finisher, Chad Behnke, returning later to eliminate Behnke, along with two other familiar 18-year-olds, Brendan Crockett and Tyler Styer.

1st Place April Larson

1st Place Sergio Riva

1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place 4th Place

Zachary Hampton, 15 (Rocky Mount, VA) Trophy • Sponsored Prizes Custom Engraved Delta-13 Select rack Entry to Junior Worlds $1,000 Academic Scholarship Tyler Styer, 18 (Vernon, WI) Trophy • Sponsored Prizes Brendan Crockett, 18 (Bell Canyon, CA) Trophy • Sponsored Prizes James “Nick” Evans, 16 (St. Peters, MI) Trophy • Sponsored Prizes

18 & Under Girls Division In the 18 & Under Girls Division, 17-year-old Briana Miller set BEF history by going undefeated to claim her seventh consecutive win as Junior National Champion of her division. Since she was 11 years old, Miller has been dominating the girls divisions, medaled at the World event, and has won more in academic scholarships than any other participant, totaling over $6,000. Taylor Reynolds put up a strong fight in the finals but would have to wait until next year to claim the thrown. Newcomer Sierra Reams impressed the stands, proving she can have both academic and billiard accomplishments.   3rd Place s m a e R a Sierr

3rd Place   Emily He rp

18 Rackem Magazine - September 2013

3rd Place s n a v E l e Micha

el

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Brendan

3rd Place   Crockett


1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place 4th Place

Briana Miller, 17 (Allentown, PA) Trophy • Sponsored Prizes Custom Engraved Delta-13 Select rack Entry to Junior Worlds $1,000 Academic Scholarship Taylor Reynolds, 16 (Winslow, ME) Trophy • Sponsored Prizes Sierra Reams, 15 (Richmond, VA) Trophy • Sponsored Prizes Rachel Lang, 16 (Catskill, NY) Trophy • Sponsored Prizes

14 & Under Boys Division This year’s 14 & Under Boys Division saw the largest field of 51 players qualifying from all over the country. 14-year-old Sergio Rivas went undefeated to claim the title proving he’s ready to play against the 18-year-olds next year. Rivas took third last year and defeated Texas State Junior Champion, Joey Bourgeois, in the finals with a convincing score of 9-2. Michael Evans and Nathan Diederich also had impressive finishes. 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place 4th Place

Sergio Rivas, 14 (Milwaukee, WI) Trophy • Sponsored Prizes Custom Engraved Delta-13 Select rack Entry to Junior Worlds $500 Academic Scholarship Joey Bourgeois, 14 (Baytown, TX) Trophy • Sponsored Prizes Michael Evans, 14 (St. Peters, MI) Trophy • Sponsored Prizes Nathan Diederich, 14 (Victorville, CA) Trophy • Sponsored Prizes

14 & Under Girls Division The first round of the 14 & Under Girls Division saw a rematch from last year’s finals match. Karsyn Terry delivered reigning champion April Larson her first loss but the 4.0 student did not give up. Larson, known to her hometown as “The Shark”, fought her way back, overcoming two hill-hill matches to defend her title and represent her country again at the upcoming Junior World Championships. Larson defeated Terry and Emily Herpel, before facing Alex Booth in the finals; giving up only two games over the three matches. 1st Place April Larson, 13 (Bloomington, MN) Trophy • Sponsored Prizes Custom Engraved Delta-13 Select rack Entry to Junior Worlds $500 Academic Scholarship 2nd Place Alex Booth, 13 (Mount Ayr, IA) Trophy • Sponsored Prizes 3rd Place Emily Herpel, 13 (Freehold, NY) Trophy • Sponsored Prizes 4th Place Karsyn Terry, 14 (Chicago, IL) Trophy • Sponsored Prizes Online brackets were provided courtesy of Bad Boys Billiard Productions and available at CTSOnDemand.com. HD quality streaming of the finals matches was made possible courtesy of TheActionReport.com. Staff Great appreciation go to the event staff and volunteers who have made this a first class event for years, and many more to come: tournament director Earl Munson for his 8th year of support, tournament assistants & mini-tournament coordinators Mel & Tammy Jo Leonard, National Head Referee Rick Doner for his 10th year of support.

HUGE THANKS goes to those who also volunteered their time to support the event and our fundraising efforts: Kathy Coffee, Marc & Kimberly Griffiths, Travis & Tarasa Escoubas, Taren Stewart, Josh Bustos, Cody Escoubas, Katie Bustos-Barnhill, Winfield Hong, John Leyman, Bill Stock, Buddy Eick, Dave Merrill, Darryl Farley, David High, Mike Johnson, Gibbi Tkatch, Dwayne Payne, James Hester, Janet Okamoto, Phil Eickhorn, Doug Garn. Scott Manuel, Larry Noel, and Judie Peters. Special Thanks also go to the amazing staff at Ric & Bonnie Jones, Rich Parkeson and all of the staff at Bad Boys Billiard Productions, TheActionReport.com crew (Justin Collett, Andy Chen, and Tim Wampler), Ken Shuman, David & Linda Vandenberghe, Mark & Sunny Griffin, Mark Estes, Aric Pfeifer, the CSI staff, and Steve Schoenfelder of Pechauer Sales & Repair. We cannot thank you enough for all your support and many of your generous donations. We’d also like to thank our guest speakers Jennifer Barretta and “The Dragon” Tim Chin for their inspirational presentations during the annual event banquet which hosted over 300 attendees (including players, family members, sponsors and supporters). Both players also participated in the popular annual adult-youth scotch doubles tournament. Barretta relentlessly helped to raise funds throughout the week through her movie sales, challenge matches, and exhibitions. Sponsors Please be sure to support all our amazing sponsors/underwriters and product donors who helped make the event possible: Str8-Shots.com (this year’s Academic All-American Award sponsor, as well as generous supporter), Simonis, Aramith, Dr. Dave Alciatore, Tom & Janie Riccobene, Pechauer Custom Cues, CueSports International, Sterling Gaming, Delta-13, PoolDawg.com, Walgreens, The Drill Instructor, Tiger Products, Kamui, Texas Bumps, Red Robin, and RT9 Designs. The following businesses also contributed to our fundraising efforts: McDermott Cues, Play the Game Clothing, PoolAHolic, OB Cues, Focused Apparel, Blackburn Cue Repair, Meuller, Las Vegas Photo & Video, Predator Cues, Omega Billiards, Universal Cues, Bodie Mechanics, PoolandBilliardUSA.com, Castillo Leather Goods, and Frank’s Center. Thanks also to the Mark Wilson, Lauren Nystrom, and the Lindenwood University staff who were present, actively recruiting budding young student-athletes for a chance to further their education while pursuing their billiard dreams. As always, we recognize our loyal media sponsors: AzBilliards.com, Billiards Digest, InsidePool, Pool&Billiard, Cue Times Billiard News, and On The Break News. Any young players interested in participating in next year’s BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championship or State Championships should visit the BEF website at BilliardEducation.org or call the office at (303) 9261039. Two more boys will be joining the top finishers at the upcoming junior world event. To be announced at a later date. The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to promoting a lifelong love of pool and building the next generation of players through youth programs and academic scholarships. Visit billiardeducation.org or call (303) 926-1039 to learn more about junior billiard programs in your area.

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e  2nd Plac nolds y e Taylor R

2nd Place  Alex Booth

e  2nd Plac r Tyler Stye

2nd Place  Joey Bourgeois

Photos courtesy of JP Parametier

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19


Women’s Senior Singles

Linda Asleson

This year’s Champion hails from Billings, Montana and has been playing in leagues for the last 20 years. Linda has many awards to her credit but this year’s win at the BCAPL Singles in Las Vegas is her most prestigious. In the finals Linda faced Connie Williams of Tulsa, Oklahoma and had to defeat her twice to take home the win. She even broke and ran the table twice during her final match. Linda’s road to the finals saw her winning 11 out of 12 matches. Her only loss coming in the third round after that there was no stopping her. When asked how she felt about the new venue for the BCAPL, Linda remarked, “The Rio is so much nicer. I hope it stays there. Whether it was in May or July didn’t really matter much.” She also liked being able to watch the pros at any time. As for her most exciting part of the tournament she replied, “Seeing how happy Doug was. I’ve never seen him so excited”. In the national ACS tournament also held in Las Vegas this year, she led her Women’s team to a first place finish in the Advanced Women’s division. Linda is a quiet, humble player with the true grace of a champion.

Women’s Master Singles

Eleanor Collado

I flew in Friday night (July 19th) and spent the night relaxing and prepping for the tournament. I am not the party type, so I spent a lot of the time just eating great food, playing a bit of slots and of course, focusing on the tournament as much as possible. I grew up primarily playing 9ball and never caught the “8ball bug.” I didn’t care for its deliberate and slower paced play. I’ve always been a more aggressive player, so 9ball was my thing. About 2 months before Vegas, I watched 8ball matches and practiced everyday, liking 8ball more and more as each day passed. So, by the time I played my first match, I was eager and had a better understanding of how to play the game. My perspective changed a lot from last year’s experience. I was surprised, but pleased with my overall play. I found a lot of inspiration from watching matches of professionals I grew up admiring and wanting to play like. Through that, I was able to take my 8ball play to a whole new level. I didn’t know I had it in me. I arrived a few hours after the power outage had passed. I heard about it and was glad I wasn’t caught in it! My most memorial event play wise was: I lost to Tara and battled my way back to the finals, where I beat her in two sets. She is a wonderful player.

Women’s Master Team

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OCTOBER 9 - 13, 2013 EARLY BIRD 9-Ball CHAMPIONSHIPS Wednesday, October 9, 2013, Start at 3:00 PM $50.00 Entry ($35.00 Entry $15.00 Green Fee) LADIES: Race to 4 Double Elimination MEN’S OPEN: Race to 4/4 Double Elimination

SENIOR 8-Ball CHAMPIONSHIP THURSDAY October 10, 2013, START at 1:00 PM $50.00 Entry ($35.00 Entry, $15.00 Green Fee ) Men’s & Women’s Age 50+, NO MASTERS Race To 3

SINGLES 8-BALL CHAMPIONSHIPS THURSDAY, October 10, 2013 $50.00 Entry ($35.00 Entry, $15.00 Green Fee) MEN’S A DIVISION - 1:00 PM ★ MEN’s B DIVISION (6 & Under Average) 4:00 PM WOMEN’S DIVISION - 6:00 PM ★ WOMEN/MEN ADVANCED DIVISIONS 8:00 PM Women Race 4/3 M4/4 Double Elimination, Rack Your Own, VNEA State & Nat’l Mstr/Intrmdt, ACS, BCA-PL State & Nat’l Mstr/Advanced, and TAP/APA Upper 7s play Advanced

NO ENTRY FEE SPORTSMAN SINGLES FRIDAY October 11, 2013, 2:00 PM For Sportsman Competition Masters Race to 6, Open A’s Race to 5, Open B’s Race to 4 SCOTCH DOUBLES REGISTRATIONS TAKEN ON-SITE

3-PERSON TEAM COMPETITION FRIDAY October 11, 2013, 7:00 PM Start $150 Entry ($90.00 Entry, $60.00 Green Fee) One MASTER/ADVNCD Allowed Per Team Race To 9, Open Race to 8 Double Elimination $500 Added SPORTSMAN TEAMS—Saturday October 12, 2013 2:30 PM Start MENS/WOMENS FINALS Sunday October 13, 2013 at 10:00 AM SPECIAL BONUS EVENT!! Nick Varner, 8 Time World Champion Skills And Trick Shot Exhibitions

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20 Rackem Magazine - September 2013

BY: PHYLLIS FERNANDEZ

I had been asked to join the team about a month or two before registration deadline Andrea Sans Maez was to be on the team, but personal reasons had her back out & I was accepted to join the team. After registration was sent in, I wasn’t sure if I could make it to Vegas. My dad got ill & I had to fly back home to Hawaii. I was able to spend a couple of days with him before he passed. The Big Island, where I am from, doesn’t have any (good) pool tables, nor was I in the mood. I got back to Spokane at the end of June & had two weeks to GET in the mood! I was PUMPED knowing that I was on a team with Cindy Doty, Kimberly A. Hole & Kim Jones. WOW! What a treat! Knowing all of their passed track records, I was going in this with the reality that I was the “weakest link” & that I better crank it up a few notches. I have played with Cindy before, but had only played against the Kim’s. Being on the same team with these gals was AMAZING. We had our first test on our first match. I think we were down approximately 7-3 on a race to 9. Everyone stayed positive & no one gave up as we all laughed at Kim Jones GAME-FACED puckered lips. :-) We ended up beating that team 9-8. These gals were a joy to play with--both on & off the table. For as FiErCe as they are ON the table, they are just as good hearted off the table. I am fortunate that everything fell in place & had the opportunity to play with them.

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Briana Miller

This year was my first time visiting Las Vegas. I was there for almost 2 weeks. I competed in the BCA Nationals as well as BEF Junior Nationals. I would say my visit was quite exciting. Overall my matches went well. My first match was against Liz Lovely. We went hill hill and it came down to the final 3 balls. I did win the match but I would have to say that was one of the toughest matches for me in the tournament. I won 5 more matches after that to advance to the finals. In the finals I played against a tough competitor, Bernie Stone, who I had previously beaten in the semi-finals. The final match started off

Women’s Advanced Singles

shaky as I could not get into stroke but I took my break and came back from a 1-4 deficit to win the match 5-4. I was not affected by the power outage. However, I was in the tournament room when it happened and I have to say it was pretty scary. Being my first time playing in the BCAPL Nationals, winning the tournament will always be a memorable experience for me. Also, right after the BCAPL Nationals the BEF Junior National Championship was being held and I won my seventh Junior National title which is a huge accomplishment for me.

The last couple of years at nationals & regionals have been quit a ride. In March 2012 At the Western BCA Regional 8-ball tournament in Lincoln City I took 2nd in a field of 64 in the masters singles and then won the master teams event. The WBCA event I believe is one of/ if not the biggest regional tournament in the nation. Just to mention a few of our regular top players like Dan Louie, Stan Tourango, Rich Geiler and Glen Atwell makes this quit an event. A few months later in May At the BCAPL I grinded Through the open division field of about 1,100 players finishing in 4th place after 12 matches. Come to Find out there were two pro players from Taiwan that snuck in and finished 1st -2nd. They were the only two players to beat me. Both players were disqualified because this was an open level event. They still gave me 4th place but I got paid more then 2nd place money.. Just a bit over $8k. All in all 2012 was a great year for me in pool. This year again at the WBCA state 8ball tournament in March I swept through a field of 64 players and won the point. After a couple days we finally had the finals. I played a tough player from Washington and could not find my break or rhythm resulting in a double set loss. I was a little bit discouraged but didn’t let it get me down. I still had the desire to redeem myself at the upcoming BCAPL nationals event in Las Vegas. So now I’m at the bcapl nationals in July at the new venue the Rio.This year I entered the 9ball challenge and won a few rounds including a Hill hill win over Chris melling (Europe’s second best player and last years mosconi cup mvp). Lost the very next match to a no name player.Then had a tough loss to Dennis Hatch. The next event was scotch doubles. I played with Eve Stockstill and finished 5/6th. We had a chance to play for the point but lost a match after being up 4-0 in a race to 5. The following day we had to play the returning champs who put us out. Pretty tough losses on both sides. Now it’s time for mens master singles. But The night before we had a storm which knocked out all the power in the pool rooms stopping the tournament for the night. So directly after our scotch doubles loss on the A side being up 4-0 I had to play my singles match against a buddy fromy my area. I defeated him 7-0 and my next opponent Matt Krah 7-4. The following matches I won 7-1 and 7-5 leaving me to play Joey Gray for the hammer. I ended up beating Joey 7-4 after being down 4-1. That kid can play! He lost serve from dry breaks and scratching which led to my win. Now the finals. After my last couple tough losses regionaly I learned a few things that helped me get through this tough match.Arguably my toughest match/finals thus far in my amature career.

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Men’s Master Singles

Luke Thomas

The first set was neck and neck with both of us breaking and running out. The 13th and final game he broke dry and I ran out. It felt like slow motion in that last game. I was shocked I was able get a chance and ultimately win. I just played slow and steady. Staying positive and capitalising on his mistakes was some of what I learned previously which helped lead me to this victory. You’re always going to have ups and downs in whatever it is you do. If you stick with it , work hard and stay positive good things will happen.

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September 2013 - Rackem Magazine

21


Khanh Ngo

When I think about the annual BCAPL National 8 Ball Championships I often think of it as a vacation for the addicts, being held in sin city and all. I look upon it as a getaway where I can indulge in my pool addiction, spend time with friends and develop relationships (old and new) with my league mates and loose network of pool acquaintances. As much of a pool addict as I am I never really consider myself good and consistent enough to compete on any serious level so going to Vegas has always been about getting my 24/7 pool addiction fix with a side of competition and a heavy dose of fun. Mostly, it is a vacation with friends and about having a good time. Having only participated in the team events since 2009, I signed up the 8Ball Women’s Open Singles not knowing what to expect besides it being tough and challenging. Why not? I was finally able to get enough time off work to spend 11 days in Vegas. I still can’t believe I spent 11 days in Vegas. I had hoped to compete and had hoped that maybe, if I’m lucky or shoot well enough I could shoot my way to a small hundred dollar pot or so and chalk it up to being a good experience. So when I found myself sinking the final 8 ball to win the second set in the finals match I was ecstatic although you couldn’t really tell because I was a little in disbelief. It was more than I expected. I had a great experience playing some really strong players and somehow managed to come out on top. I also had an amazing time playing scotch doubles with my scotch partner and our team, Short ‘n Surly. I love my teammates so it’s just a lot of fun. I met some really great players and people along the way. It was an overall amazing experience. I was on the team Short ‘n Surly finished 25-32 in the 8WOT Ed Sinchai and I finished 65-96 in the 8OSD. In the 8WOS I had a rough first match with bad rolls and a couple of premature 8s that went hill/hill before I managed to win. The next couple of matches went a lot smoother resulting in 4-0 for both. In the next match I found myself in an 0-2 hole and managed to come back to win it 4-2. I found my stroke again in the next two matches and finished 4-0 in both. I let the next one get away from me and found myself in another hill/hill game which I won. My next match was for the hot seat which I won 4-1. My finals match opponent was definitely the strongest player I played in the whole event. Eugenia Gyftopoulos is one tough shooter. Her two table runs and how she ran them in the first match got into my head, had me all knotted up and playing from inside my head for much of first and second match. She was up on me 3-1 in the first match. I managed to come back to get on the hill game. I had a chance

open late

Women’s Open Singles to win the last game but choked it away by scratching on a shot I overcommitted to, trying to get on the 8. The second match started out similar to the first one with me being down 1-3. When she was finishing up her 3rd win in the match I told myself that coming in 2nd is still pretty awesome since I never even expected to be there. From that moment on I was able to relax since I was resigned to taking second. No longer feeling the pressure, I ran the next table and managed to win the next one too to get myself to the hill/hill game. It came down to one game to win it all. At some point I attempted to play a safe shot in attempt to block and overtake a pocket. I failed and gave Eugenia BIH. She took the opportunity to set up to break out her final ball, which was cluttered between three of my balls, by pocketing one of her balls. The breakout didn’t work out as well as she had hoped leaving her to kick at it, which she did legally. I had a majority of my balls on the table and so I had options and proceeded to run out. That was it. No, I was not affected by the power outage. My scotch doubles partner and I were fortunate enough to not have to deal with the effects of the thunder storm. We finished our final match for the day a couple of hours prior to the outage and were scouring for food when the electricity went out. The outage had apparently disabled the use of the kitchens at some of the restaurants at the Rio. It was a bit trying for those of us who had back to back matches all day, were starving and hoping for a good hot meal. In the end those of us who resisted the buffet relented since it was one of the few options that still had a functioning kitchen and resigned ourselves to stuffing our faces silly. I really enjoyed having the tournament at the Rio. Great upgrade and change. Besides winning in the WOS, there were a couple of interesting moments, some pool related and others not. One of my friends and teammate decided that Shane Van Boening would make a great scotch doubles partner for me now that I have to find a master or above level player to play with. It was about 1AM in the morning and we were all hanging out at the round central bar in the Rio. Shane, Mika, Bustamante, Biando and a few others were also there. My friend went up to Shane and introduced herself and they started chatting. After a while she asked him if he plays scotch doubles and if he would be my scotch doubles partner while pointing at me from across the room. His answer….hell no! Ok maybe not in those particular words, but no nonetheless. He explained that his game is not well suited for playing with partners. So I can now check “getting rejected by Shane” off my bucket list. Oh and of course taking my picture with the Advance 1st place women’s trophy. They misplaced/lost my trophy when I went to get it. After searching for awhile and not finding it, they decided that I needed to take a picture and had me pose with the Advance trophy. I protested that it was unfair to the Advance winner, but they went ahead and took the picture anyways. Sorry Brianna Miller. Finished 7-8 in the Tigers 9 Ball Women’s Tour a couple of seasons ago (2 yrs ago?) 2012 BCAPL National Tournament (Vegas) - Team Short ‘n Surly (8WOT) finished 17-24 2012 BCAPL National Tournament (Vegas) - Team Short ‘n Surly (9WT) finished 2nd 2012 US Bar Table Championships - WPPA finished 12-24 2011 BCAPL National 9 Ball Championships - Team Hook-Her Please (8WOT) finished 5-6 2010 BCAPL National 8 BAll Championships - Team Pocket Aces (WTT) finished 1st

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T J Steinhaus I am 18 years old and recently just won the 2013 BCA Men’s open singles Championship in late July. I have been playing competitively since I was 12 when I first joined pool leagues with my dad. My parents are just a few of many I would like to thank because they got me to where I am at, they have taught me to be a great sportsmanship and to not let anything get to me when I am playing. They told me that win or lose have fun with what you are doing and it has impacted me dramatically. Another person I can thank for helping improve my game in the last few years is Brian Haffner, he has made my game reach new levels. Over these past few years I have accomplished so much at such a young age. I started out playing in junior leagues and in the past 6 years I am a 5 time junior national team champion and a 2 time singles champion. This past year my team won the majors which makes it 4 years in a row now and I also won the majors singles which makes me a repeat singles champion. This all happened in the middle of June. Now after that had all wrapped up and ended I was mentally and physically preparing for my first ever trip to Vegas. I had known about going to Vegas for the past year but as it got closer and closer I had my sights set on doing well out there. Now with this being my first trip to Vegas and as the dates came closer my adrenaline was off the wall. I had been hearing some pretty cool things about Vegas and when I got there it was like nothing I had seen before. Seeing 300 pool tables in just one or two rooms is insane, and also seeing

Men’s Open Singles

so many people playing in one tournament like that was amazing. My dad and I had arrived in Vegas on a Thursday night and singles wasn’t scheduled to start until Saturday at 9am. Well, as my first scheduled match came closer to its time my adrenaline got higher, and I told myself that I need to just play my game because I know that I’m good enough to do well. As the first day of the singles play arrived I cruised my way through my first two matches winning 5-0, I then played two more that night and won both of those. My first goal before Vegas was to go out there and give it my all and win my first few matches and as I kept winning my confidence and my ability had been reaching new levels and that’s when I knew that I was going to be there for a while and was going to do well. I finished my last match at 10:30 Saturday night and my next scheduled match wasn’t until 9pm Sunday night and that was to get into the finals on the winners side. I kept my momentum going through that match too and won with a score of 5-1. Knowing that this match would put me in the final bracket I tried and gave more than 100% as I did in the whole tourney. After winning that match I went up to the room after a while to give my body a rest knowing tomorrow would be a long day of playing matches in the final board. The next morning I had found out that the guy I had to play was the one who won the nine ball challenge but that didn’t faze me, I kept telling myself that nine ball is a different game and that I can beat him. I did exactly that as I won with a score of 5-3. I then played two more tough matches after that and won both of those putting me in 9-12th on the winner’s side. That’s when I took my first loss, it was a guy from England named John Sullivan, and he played good as I was down 4-1 in a race to 5. I told myself that I was still in it because it was my break when the score was 4-1 and as I kept telling myself that, I had found myself fighting back making it hillhill. I had a chance at the ninth game but just couldn’t get it done. Now knowing that I am on the loser’s side I knew that these matches meant more than the last one, so I kept my mentality the same and my confidence never moved, in fact as I was telling some of my supporters, “That match gave me so much more fire power.” This match didn’t finish until almost 11pm on Monday night and if I had lost which I did I would have to play at 9am on Tuesday. The kid that I played on the loser’s side where I was guaranteed 9-12th has beaten me twice in two big table tourneys and I knew he was going to be tough but I told myself that bar table is a different game and that gave me the power to beat him 5-1. Now with my back against the wall on the loser’s side I found myself in some ensuing matches being down by just a couple of games and fighting my way back. Most people have that feeling of anxiety knowing that with one more loss they are done, well that wasn’t the case for me, I kept playing my game with all the confidence I had and the wins just kept

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piling up. In my match where I was guaranteed 4th I had been playing alright but not good enough to be ahead and I had found myself from being up 2-1 to now being down 4-2 because the guy had put a three pack on me to take the lead. I don’t get upset when I’m down because I know I will get my chance, well with it being the other guys break in the race to 5 and him being up 4-2 I knew I needed a miracle. While the guy was racking I had turned around to see all my supporters from the Minnesota area (Mankato, Coon Rapids, and etc.) I had made a comment to my dad and one of the guys from Coon Rapids and I had said, “You ready for a 3 pack from me?” and they all just shook their heads in the yes fashion. So as the guy breaks I see that he didn’t make a ball, so I remained focused and ran that one, broke and ran to make it hill-hill and then it was his break and once again he broke dry and I ran out. Now I’m guaranteed 3rd and kept making some amazing shots and outs to show the world what I have and the next thing you know I am playing for the championship. I was supposed to be playing my championship match against Paul Scott from the Chicago area at about quarter to 8 Vegas time but with him being in a nine ball team match it got pushed back 2 hours. During that time I had gotten a little more tired but kept my eyes on the prize. After he finished his match we finally got to start the finals and with about 35 Minnesotans cheering and supporting me in the finals I had more momentum and beat him the first match 5-2, forcing a second match for all the marbles. The next match started smoothly for me as I had him down 3-0 and it got later and I started feeling more tired and that’s when I found him creating some sort of comeback. He made it 3-1, then 3-2, then I made it 4-2, and then he came back with two more to make it hill-hill for the Championship. I wasn’t feeling too nervous as I knew I had the skills and mentality to win so it was my break and I had a decent opportunity to get out and I had made a mistake and rattled a ball in the corner. I was feeling a little more nervous as he had a pretty open table but one little mistake by him trying to get too fancy caused him to scratch in the side. At that point I knew it was time to get out, so I told myself when I stood up, “This is it, take advantage and put it away,” and I had done exactly that leaving myself exactly straight in the corner to pocket the eight ball. It was a feeling of complete amazement, I am honored to have won that tournament and be able to have shared the glory with my supporters. It still sends chills down my spine when I think about that whole tournament. It is a memory that I will never forget, along with walking into the Rio for the first time, just experiencing Vegas. My sponsers are CR Billiards and Ducks Billiards

September 2013 - Rackem Magazine

23


Thorsten Three Times Hohmann Wins Olhausen World Tournament 14.1

Thorsten Hohmann has become the first player to win the World Tournament 14.1 three times in this century. New York, New York - Germany is once more back on top of the straight pool world with Thorsten Hohmann claiming the crown of World Tournament champion once more. The Fulda native defeated Englan’ds Darren Appleton to claim the title a record three times, more than anyone in 50 years. Dragon Promotions and Dr. Michael Fedak brought another

24 Rackem Magazine - September 2013

globally star studded field at this year’s 73rd Olhausen World Tournament hosted by Steinway Billiards in Austoria, NY on August 19th-24th,2013. Live stream broadcast was provided by www.insidepool.tv . Through additional support from such sponsors such as Olhausen Tables, Championship Cloth, Aramith Balls, Amsterdam Billiards, Pool & Billiard Magazine, Master Chalk, and now FURY Cues, the absolute best pool players from around the world arrived on the birth country of 14.1 once more to attend this prestigious event. All to vie for the coveted title of greatest straight pool player in the world. Thorsten’s opponent is Darren Appleton of the United Kingdom. In the semi finals Darren has done something no player has done in the 102 years of pocket billiards championships. Appleton on his first opening offensive inning ran a perfect 200 point game. This put him in the record books with a 200 to 1 score over Filipino world champ Francisco Bustamante. The finals started with Hohmann taking first blood with a 42 ball run. Appleton came back and tied the match. Both players had blowout leads in their previous semi-finals matches, but it could be seen early on the mental fatigue was setting in. Hohmann would take the lead back at 134 to 52 before missing an open shot. Appleton made a nice 50 ball run but was stuck later and tried a difficult combination involving 3 balls. He missed the shot leaving at 115 balls. But amazingly Hohmann ran only 3 balls before committing a out of the sky foul when he double hit the cueball to the gasp of the audience.

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Appleton ran a short run however before relinquishing the table back to Hohmann with both players needing under 70 balls for the championship. Hohmann could only muster another rack and a half though before he scratched on his break shot off the stack and hit the side rail and crossed to the other side pocket. However, Appleton ran till he needed 36 balls and again missed. He had the option to take an intentional foul because he forgot that Hohmann was on a foul first. Needing 18 balls for the win, Thorsten ran to 196 and had a great break shot lined up. But after making it , he made the next ball and overran position and was stuck in the pile with only needing 2 balls at 198. He studied the table for awhile, and eyed a 1ball for some time. It looked as if Appleton may have one more chance, but Hohmann made the 1ball and the next shot to complete his journey to the title once more. Hohmann had only 1 loss in the event during the round robin to Earl Herring, and had made a total of 1650 balls. “I’m so happy right now to win this again. It’s been an incredible two weeks and playing 14.1. It’s my first time to win in the capitol of straight pool, New York City which has the greatest 14.1 fans in the world”, said an elated Hohmann. “I’m a little sick now from losing especially after my strong performances earlier. But Thorsten is a great champion and winning this three times is an incredible achievement. But second sucks!”, said Appleton to the laughter of the audience in the after finals speech. All Photos by Charles Eames Photography Official Photograpaher of the World Tournament 14.1

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HOH THORSTEN

DARREN APP

MANN

From Thorsten’s Facebook page a day after he won: What an amazing couple of weeks it has been for me. Its straight pool season and I love it. First the Accu Stats Invitational at Sandcastle Billiards where I won six out of eight matches competing against Mika, Oliver, Ralf and Danny with three 100+ runs and then the total climax winning the World 14.1 Tournament for the third time! I wanna thank everybody believing in and supporting me. Randy Goldwater, who gave me the opportunity in 2006 to turn my dream to live in New York City into reality and has been my crazy friend and supporter to this day. I miss the good old days playing 14.1 with you for endless hours at Amsterdam Billiards. To my girlfriend Janice So Chua, who has been my lucky charme and inspiration to strive for the best I can be in everything I do. What a

LETON

wonderful woman you are. I miss you. Come back here to me already! To my sponsors Lucasi Hybrid Cues, Simonis Cloth, Kamui Products and Qpod. I only affiliate myself with the best and your support and trust helps me focus on the game and reach for the stars. To my parents who are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this month, I love you. Thanks for making me! Congratulations to Darren Appleton for maturing into one of the greatest straight pool players today. Your 200 and out unfinished was incredible. You probably havent realized how much of an accomplishment that is. I’ve trying to run out for years. LoL. To Oliver Ortmann, my favorite straight pool player, friend and now Hall of Famer. You started the European Invasion by winning the US Open in 1989 and like Ralph Eckert said in his speech - you made us Europeans believe in ourselves and tought us how to win! To all you crazy pool nuts out there like me. Pool is the best sport/game/ art in this world. One day it will get the recognition it deserves. Thanks you whether you were rooting for me or for my opponents. We all need to stick together. I believe pool will raise again. Now lets go after Mosconi’s record...

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September 2013 - Rackem Magazine

25


MASTER TEAM DIVISION

The finals of the Masters Championship took place on Wednesday evening, Aug. 21, at the Top of the Riv. It was EZ Pass of Humble, Texas – Billy Sharp, Mark Avery and Ernesto Bayaua paired against Wolf Pack of Hatboro, Penn. – Alan Waldo, Joe Hong and Shaun Dobson. Up in the first match was Avery of EZ Pass and Hong of Wolf Pack. Hong took the match 7-2. The second match paired Sharp of EZ Pass against Dobson of Wolf Pack. In the end, Dobson won the match 7-1 and secured the Masters Championship title. Wolf Pack took home $10,000 for the win! EZ Pass earned $5,000 for their Runner-Up finish.

8-BALL LADIES TEAM DIVISION

Wolf Pack

Boobie Trap from Gambrills, Md., are this year’s champions in the Ladies 8-Ball Division. Boobie Trap defeated St. Kitts Chicks of Burlington, Ontario. The victory was good for a $10,000 payday for the ladies of Boobie Trap. St. Kitts Chicks didn’t leave empty handed though, as they took home $5,000 in Runner-up prize money. Boobie Trap advanced to the finals with a victory over The Ball Breakers of Danville, Ill. St. Kitts Chicks defeated All Stars of Hamilton, Ohio. The Ball Breakers and All Stars finished tied for 3rd Place and each took home $2,500. Shooting Stars of Toronto, Ontario received the Sportsmanship Award in the Ladies 8-Ball Division.

Champions – Boobie Trap from Gambrills, MD (L to R): Charsett Brown, Charlynn Dzambo, Karen Briscoe, Beverlee Dillow, Keri Williams, Suzi Holtz, Cynthia Barrow

9-BALL DOUBLES The Top of the Riv took center stage for the 9-Ball Doubles Championship on Friday afternoon, Aug. 24. Come Get Some – Wayne Walsh (SL6) and Chris Cholaj (SL4) of North Wales, Penn., was paired against Fobia – Darren McCannon (SL5) and Mark Leski (SL4) of Minneapolis, Minn. In the end, it was Fobia taking home the Champion trophy and $5,000 prize. Come Get Some didn’t go home empty-handed, taking home $3,000 for the Runner-Up finish.

Champions - Fobia of Minneapolis, MN Darren McCannon and Mark Leski

26 Rackem Magazine - September 2013

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OPEN 8-BALL TEAM DIVISION The Gators from Shreveport, La., are this year’s champions in the Open 8-Ball Division. The Gators defeated We Keeps It Real of Trenton, N.J. The victory earned them a $25,000 payday. We Keeps It Real took home $15,000 in Runner-up prize money. The Gators advanced to the finals with a victory over Breakers 1 of Mt Orab, Ohio. We Keeps It Real advanced to the finals with a win over The Snipers of Wheaton, Md., in the semifinal round. Breakers 1 and The Snipers tied for 3rd Place and each received $7,500. Tex Mex of Oxnard, Calif., received the Sportsmanship Champions – Gators from Shreveport, LA (L to R): Bryan Veuleman, John Tabor, Karen Wallace, Chrissy Veuleman, Curtis Horn, Jeff Roblow, Award in the Open 8-Ball Division. Kevin Johnson, Jimmy Johnson

9-BALL OPEN TEAM DIVISION

Champions – Pool Mafia from Lake Worth, FL Eric Aiken, Sr., Ruben Martinez, Brenton Schrecengost, Nick Ferriell, Eric Aiken, Kim Aiken, John Lamb, Dale Costner

Pool Mafia from Lake Worth, Fla., are this year’s champions in the Open 9-Ball Division. Pool Mafia defeated Gilbert’s Bar & Grill of Louisville, Ky. The victory was good for a $15,000 payday for the champs. Gilbert’s Bar & Grill took home $7,000 in Runner-up prize money. Pool Mafia advanced to the finals with a victory over Sick Sick Sick of Lowell, Mass. Gilbert’s Bar & Grill advanced to the finals as a result of a disqualification in the semifinal round. Sick Sick Sick finished in 3rd and received $3,500. Double Trouble of Montgomery, Ala., received the Sportsmanship Award in the Open 9-Ball Division.

8-BALL DOUBLES

Champions - Sharpshooters from Martinville, LA Scotty Douet, Jr. and Chase Champagne

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The finals of the 8-Ball Doubles Championship on Saturday evening, Aug. 17, paired The Incredibles – Jimmy Coleman (SL7) and John O’Donnell (SL3) of Falls Church, Va., against Sharpshooters – Scotty Douet, Jr. (SL6) and Chase Champagne (SL5) of St. Martinville, La. The race was to 3 for The Incredibles and 4 for Sharpshooters. In the end, the match went hill-hill with Sharpshooters pulling through for a 4-2 win. Sharpshooters take home $6,500 for their Champion finish, while The Incredibles earn a $4,000 payday for finishing as Runners-Up.Pass against Dobson of Wolf Pack. In the end, Dobson won the match 7-1 and secured the Masters Championship title. Wolf Pack took home $10,000 for the win! EZ Pass earned $5,000 for their Runner-Up finish.

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September 2013 - Rackem Magazine

27


Glass

(continued from page 13) not mad at my opponent, but when I display my anger, it still affects him, and it’s bad etiquette. This is a factor of my game that really needs work. If I have done this during one of our games, I apologize. However, no matter how angry I get, when the game is over, I make sure to shake my opponent’s hand, and congratulate them with “good game.” Whatever you do, don’t make some snarky comment about how lucky they were, or how unlucky you were. If you had a rule dispute during the game, forget about it when the game is over. There is no reason to continue discussing the issue afterward, and no reason to make

your opponent feel guilty for his win. Don’t be a sore loser. And definitely don’t be a sore winner. The game of pool is supposed to be fun. It’s a chance to get away from your everyday life of work, sleep, eat, work. You play the game for your own reasons, but I’m going to guess that you play it because you enjoy it. So, enjoy it, and let others enjoy it, too. We all have a love of billiards in common, and if you play with good manners, we can all have fun together. And for the love of all that’s holy, stop playing Ring of Fire twelve times in one night!

Viper (continued from page 8) to us American players – He really taught us what one foul pool was by the way he kicked at balls and maneuvered the cue ball in and out of traffic for suburb position. Viper: Who is/was your favorite pro player growing up? Dave: Buddy Hall was my favorite. At one time, his 9-ball game was so powerful and when he was playing well he made pool look beautiful to watch. It’s a shame and unfortunate that today’s generation couldn’t see Buddy in his prime. Viper: Did you ever play in a pool league? Dave: No – just tournaments. Viper: Are you good at any other sports? Dave: When I was younger I loved to play baseball, I played with some of the best semipro players from MO, and some of them even eventually tried out for the major leagues. I was pretty good myself for a little guy with a big arm, they didn’t call me “The cannon” for nothing! Viper: Describe yourself in three words? Dave: The Good, the bad and the ugly… lol Viper: If you had to live your life over again, what would one thing you change about yourself and/or your pool career? Dave: One thing I would change is that I wouldn’t have played so much on the bar table. I wish I had played more on big (9 ft) table. I never really gave myself an opportunity to try and get the recognition of becoming the #1 player in the world. I never played a full year out on tour. But don’t get me wrong, I still had a lot of enjoyment playing on the bar table. If a younger player was making a choice to which table to start off on, I would suggest playing on the 9 ft tables, besides these days everyone plays well on the bar table. Viper: How do you prepare for events? Dave: I always practiced by myself and before big events I would put in at least 6-7 hours a day for 3-4 days in a row. Viper: What was the best advice you were ever given? Dave: When I was 15-years-old I was given the knowledge of the “5-System”. A long time friend of mine in the pool hall taught me this technique on a 3-cushion billiards table. Later, The 3-Rail System really woke my game up and taught me how to kick, bank and play good position. I encourage all of the readers to learn about it and apply it to there game. Viper: What is one thing that you enjoy most while playing pool? Dave: I have always enjoyed helping other players with their games. Its an awesome feeling when one of your students comes up to you and says that they won there first tournament, or banked in a shot or kicked a ball in on there opponents just from learning from you! I love it! Viper: If you could say one thing to a young up-coming player what would it be? Dave: Stay in school and focus on your studies. It’s so important to follow your education and it doesn’t take up that much time to finish high school and attend college. You can always play pool down the road later on in life. Viper: What’s your Favorite game? Dave: 3-Cushion Billiards, Snooker and bar pool. Really ALL the games pool has to offer, I truly love them all!!! Viper: Did anyone give you pool lessons? Dave: Some people would share information but mostly I was self-taught and playing 35-40 always helps too. Viper: Did you ever compete playing 3-Cushion Billiards tournaments? Dave: I only played in two 3-cushion events in my whole pool career and both were in 1975, I finished 8th in the first event and 2nd place the other one.

28 Rackem Magazine - September 2013

Okay Dave, here are some questions from some of my Facebook friends… Facebook questions: Bill Akers from Mediapolis, Iowa asks: Throughout the years who was his biggest rival and who was his toughest competition on the bar box? Dave: I really didn’t have any rivals, but some of my goals were to beat players like Keith McCready, David Howard Aka “Little David” and of course Buddy Hall. Eventually I beat them all on the bar table. Josh Soneathit Souvannakasy from Anchorage, Alaska asks: If he were a hustler what pool name he would like to be? Dave: “The Outlaw” Josey Wales. Improve your Shot from San Antonio, Texas asks: How does he over come the Jitters? Dave: The best way to get rid of the jitters is by constantly staying in action and also playing the best players. But I want you to know that EVERYONE gets nervous and it how long it takes you to get into your rhythm is the key. If someone has told you then never get nervous I would have to say they are lying or they are not trying to play there best. Even the top pros get a little nervous, all it means is your ready to go. Your ready to rumble on the table Justin Wray from Salem, Arkansas asks: Which particular opponent’s high gear actually made him nervous? Dave: I would have to say Wade Crain Aka “Boom-Boom” from NC, he could put some racks together on you and he had a very powerful break. I think if I am not mistaken he was one of the only players from the men’s Camel Pro Tour that ever had perfect Accu-Stats score of 1000, and it was in the finals against Buddy hall. Justin also asks: Are there any “current” players that remind him of his younger self? Dave: There are so many great players I have seen over the past 35-40 years of my playing but one player’s sticks out a little more than the others and that’s Jessie Bowman. I think he’s got a great all-around game and he has become quite the bar table specialist. I like his game a lot! Richard Penny from Starke, Florida asks: What’s it like knowing that whichever bar or tavern you walk into, with a bar box table, you are the winner? Dave: It’s a good feeling – in the 70s and 80s I played most of the great players! Dawayne Pearson from Plainfield, Indiana asks: I’m curious to know his highest billiard run is playing 3-Cushion Billiards? Dave: Dawayne, I was playing in a tournament in IL and between matches I played 3-Cushion Billiards with a friend of mine and ran 15 Billiards in a row. Mark Chernin from Lecompton, Kansas asks: Is he 60 years old yet? Dave: Mark, not yet… I am 59 years old. David Cockayne from Des Moines asks: What is his record of racks run in a row playing 9-ball? Dave: David, I have run 13 racks of 9-ball once on my opponent. Todd Ward from Kansas City, Kansas asks: How’s he deal with age and eyesight issues? I’m 47 and every day it seems different? Dave: Todd, it seams like you need to see the eye doctor? I have not been able to see up closeup since my early 40’s. When I was younger I used to hold my cue on the wrap area of my cue but now that I am older and cant really see close up anymore, I tend to hold my cue further in the back of the cue, like around the butt end. Try it; it might help to get that extra length to see a little bit better. It works for me anyways.

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RESULTS Shooters Olathe, KS • August 8-11, 2013 One-Pocket

Left to right: Joey Gray, Mike Durbin sponsor, Skyler Woodward

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

Ladies 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5-6th 5-6th 7-8th 7-8th

Open

Open: Alex Olinger, Mike Durbin sponsor, Chip Compton

Ladies: Melissa Little, Josh Treadway sponsor, Nicole Keeney Like us on Facebook

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1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5-6th 5-6th 7-8th 7-8th 9-12th 9-12th 9-12th 9-12th 13-16th 13-16th 13-16th 13-16th 17-24th 17-24th 17-24th 17-24th 17-24th 17-24th 17-24th 17-24th 25-32nd 25-32nd 25-32nd 25-32nd 25-32nd 25-32nd 25-32nd 25-32nd

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$900 600 450 330 210 210 150 150 80 80 80 80

58 players $1000 Added Joey Gray, OKC, Ok Skyler Woodward, Paducah, KY John Gabriel, Claremore, OK Marc Vidal, Denver,CO Will Freeman, Centralia, IL Shane McMinn, Tulsa, Ok Dale Pence, Olathe, KS Mark Haddad, Westminster, CO Dusty, Meyer, Olathe, KS Chip Compton, OKC, Ok Ike Runnels, Kankakee, IL Kevin Carron, Hillsboro, MO

28 players $500 Added $500 Melissa Little, Westminster, CO 300 Nicole Keeney, Littleton, CO 200 Brittany Colbert, Tulsa, Ok 150 Liz Lovely, Dayton, OH 100 Luci Cook,. Columbia, MO 100 Karen Lincoln, Kansas City, MO 65 Jessica Frideres, Ft. Dodge, IA 65 Carrie Williams, Catoosa, OK 139 players $3500 added $2300 Alex Olinger, Dayton, OH 1700 Chip Compton, OKC, Ok 1100 Billy Thorpe, Dayton, OH 750 John Hennessee, Manchester, TN 500 Mark Haddad, Westminster, CO 500 Dustin Gunia, Omaha, NE 300 David Matlock, Olathe, KS 300 Marc Vidal, Denver, CO 250 Gabe Owen, St. Peters, MO 250 Sergio Rivas, Milwaukee, WI 250 Johnny Neels, Hillsboro, MO 250 Aaron White, Wichita, KS 200 Gordy Vanderveer, Edmond, OK 200 Darren Everett, Ozark, MO 200 Kurt Sabin, Lincoln, NE 200 Shane McMinn, Tulsa, OK 100 Jake Santora, Bonner Springs, KS 100 Patrick Brown, Joplin, MO 100 Dustin Bishop, Kansas City, MO 100 John Gabriel, Claremore, OK 100 Sharik Sayed, St. Louis, MO 100 Skyler Woodward, Paducah, KY 100 Jay Pettlon, St. Louis, MO 100 Greg Fix, Rochester, MN 50 Chris Siefken, Lincoln, NE 50 T. K. Anderson, Kansas City, KS 50 Jamie Fenton, Fairbanks, IA 50 Anthony Asher, St. Joseph, MO 50 Doug Patrick, Olathe, KS 50 Ike Runnels, Kankakee, IL 50 Jaron Williams, Tulsa, OK 50 Shannon Grieser, Des Moines, IA

September 2013 - Rackem Magazine

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Beeler

(continued from page 14)

said, “I never did tell you about the strategy I use on kick shots.” According to Jack, you’re better off going into a pocket on a flatter, narrower angle. “It’s much easier to hit and control,” he said. After talking to several pro players, what Jack said was in fact true and accurate. To prove this, set three balls up along the long rail. Then shoot each ball into the end rail as shown. Notice that ball 1 will go into the pocket after hitting

the rail, but ball 2 jaws the pocket and ball 3 doesn’t come close. Now, imagine you are on the opposite side of the table and had to kick at that same pocket. You would be better off kicking further down (near where ball 1 was positioned) and shortening it up with left English. The flatter angle makes the kick much easier to pocket and the inside spin makes the ball roll into the pocket. The ball obviously can be pocketed kicking higher

on the cushion, but kicking lower on the rail and shortening the shot up with inside spin gives you a much wider margin of error. In fact, there is a Grady Mathews kicking system that can be used to calculate such a kick. The starting point for the kick shot is the cue ball in front side pocket diamond aiming into the first diamond on the opposite side of the table as shown below (dotted cue ball). Here, kick into rail with maximum left spin. Hit the cue ball with a firm speed and it will take you to the corner pocket. Adjustments are made in halves. So in other words if you were 1 diamond above the side (cue ball “A”) you would aim ½ a diamond higher than the starting point (using the same speed and spin). If you were 2 diamonds higher (cue ball “B”) you would aim 1 diamond above the 1st diamond starting point and so on. Sadly, after a long battle with cancer Jack finally passed away, but each time I return to his hometown of Campbellsville, Kentucky, I think about the day that Jack shared a closely guarded secret. Jack was the best kick shot artist that I ever had the pleasure of playing against. During a local tournament I think one local man said it best, “I’ve seen a lot of players come and a lot of players go, but when it comes to kick shots one thing is for certain, If I had to pick a player, I’d bet my nickel on Jack.”

Scoreboard

Red Shoes Billiards

Red Shoes Billiards “house and tournament rules” are for the non-shooting player to get a “caller” on a questionable hit BEFORE the shot is executed. With the “shooting” player (Hincks) insisting he made a “good hit”....the “call” goes to the shooter. Perez “TAKING” a ball in hand now gave Hincks a ball in hand and that is how it ended.

9 BALL TOURNAMENT (8/17/2013) Conditions were ideal for the Red Shoes Billiards “9 BALL TOURNAMENT” held on Saturday August 3rd, 2013. The pool room had just completed an extensive renovation in the final weeks of July. In addition to the new carpeting and furniture, Red Shoes added a complete VIDEO GAMING section (slots/video poker) so players and other patrons could try their “luck” at the new mini-casino. Most Important to the pool players though was the one week old Simonis #860 HR cloth on ALL the tables which was just broken in enough to make “play” perfect. New faces (players) made up over half the field. Although “not playing”, guest appearances (side rail sweating) were put in by some of the mid west’s great old champions including “Freddie the Beard” Bentivegna, George Pawalski, Jeff Carter, Glen “Piggybanks” Rogers and Tony Fargo. From a participant standpoint, Eric Hincks claimed the “hot seat” going though the winner’s (races to 7) undefeated. The play-off’s on the “B” side saw mostly hill-hill matches for those that remained until Sergio Perez emerged to take one more “crack” at Hincks for top prize money. Red Shoes Billiards tournament formats use a single race (“A” side vs “B” side) in all tournament finals. Perez only had to defeat Hincks once to win it all. With the score 5 (Hincks) to 2 (Perez) a critical mistake was made by the “B” side champion. Perez “took” a ball in hand on what he thought was a bad hit on a 2 ball. Hincks objected saying the hit was “good” (split hit on 2 ball & 8 ball). The tournament director was called and questioned the “sideline”....no determination could be made from the spectators.

30 Rackem Magazine - September 2013

NEXT TOURNAMENT: One Pocket (9/14/2013) RESULTS 1st place Eric Hincks 2nd place Sergio Perez 3rd place Kevin Hall 4th place Roy Schuler 5th-6th place Mark Pratico Ike Runnels

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Red Shoes Billiards 10 BALL TOURNAMENT (8/17/2013) 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place 4th Place

Kevin Hall Sergio Perez Tom Karabotsos Roy Schuler

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

WEEKLY TOURNAMENTS

DATE CITY Mondays Green Bay, WI Davenport, IA Des Moines, IA Hanover Park, IL Chicago, IL Melrose Park, IL Dundee, IL Rockford, IL Kansas City, MO Tuesdays Cedar Rapids, IA Palatine, IL Troy, MO Barnhart, MO Des Moines, IA Kansas City, MO Lenexa, KS Wednesdays Chicago, IL Dundee, IL Des Moines, IA Midwest City, OK Palatine, IL Wright City, MO Alsip, IL Green Bay, WI Oshkosh, WI Thursdays Oshkosh, WI Davenport, IA Orland Park, IL Chicago, IL Palatine, IL Kansas City, MO Kansas City, MO Lenexa, KS Manhattan, KS Fridays Cedar Rapids, IA Chicago, IL Dundee, IL Coon Rapids, MN Des Moines, IA Farmington, MN Barnhart, MO St Peter’s, MO Tulsa, OK Topeka, KS Kansas City, MO Davenport, IA Round Lake Rockford, IL Aurora, IL Tonganoxie, KS Topeka, KS Raytown, MO Jonesville, LA Oshkosh, WI Saturdays Green Bay, WI Jonesville, LA Raytown, MO Topeka, KS Grandview, MO Eureka, MO St Peter’s, MO Kansas City, MO Oak Lawn, IL Joliet, IL Aurora, Il Fox Lake Chicago, IL Salina, KS Kansas City, MO Topeka, KS Blue Springs, MO Lenexa, KS Tulsa, OK Sundays Des Moines, IA Davenport, IA Barnhart, MO St Peter’s, MO Chicago, IL Topeka, KS Chicago Hts, IL Jonesville, LA Raytown, MO Raytown, MO Lenexa, KS Oshkosh, WI

LOCATION K K Billiards Sharky’s Bar & Billiards Big Dog Billiards Bungalow Joes Chicago Billiards Elite Cafe Billiards Hammerheads Rockford Billiards Side Pockets 2nd Ave Corner Pocket Quentin Corner Pocket Georgee’s Pub Kenny’s Bar & Grill Big Dog Billiards Brass Rail Side Pockets Chris’ Hammerheads Big Dog Billiards Jamaica Joe’s Quentin Corner Pocket Hillybilly Heaven Bar & Grill Red Shoes K K Billiards Varsity Club Varsity Club Sharky’s Bar & Billiards Pro-Tyme Classic Chicago Billiards Quentin Corner Pocket Boomers Bar & Grill Brass Rail Side Pockets Fast Eddy’s Billiards 2nd Ave Corner Pocket City Pool Hall Hammerheads CR’s Sports Bar Big Dog Billiards Farmington Billiards Kenny’s Bar & Grill Teachers Billiards Q-Spot Billiards Diamond Joes Country’s Tavern Sharky’s Bar & Billiards Rebecca’s Pub Rockford Billiards Rudy’s Place Helen’s Hilltop Terrys Billiard Club Raytown Rec Les Charles Inn & Gameroom Varsity Club K K Billiards Les Charles Inn & Gameroom Raytown Rec Terrys Billiard Club Zone Sports Bar JP’s Sports Bar 3rd Base Boomers Bar & Grill Demma’s Pool Loft Rudy’s Place Bay Billiards Chris’ Sunset Billiards & Sports Bar Brass Rail Diamond Joes Roadies Rock House Side Pockets Q-Spot Billiards Big Dog Billiards Sharky’s Bar & Billiards Kenny’s Bar & Grill Teachers Billiards Chris’ Terrys Billiard Club Oasis One-Sixty Les Charles Inn & Gameroom Raytown Rec Raytown Rec Side Pockets Varsity Club

PHONE EVENT / RULES (920) 737-2904 8-Ball A/B Semi-slop (563) 359-7225 9-Ball (515) 266-6100 8-Ball - Race 4 - No handicap (630) 830-8899 8 Ball (773) 545-5102 8 Ball (708) 344-7112 8 Ball (847) 836-8099 10 Ball (815) 962-0957 9 Ball (816) 455-9900 9 Ball (319) 366-0979 8-Ball-Race to 2 (847)705-1361 8 Ball (636) 528-9601 9 Ball (636) 464-9070 8 Ball (515) 266-6100 8-Ball Race to Hdcp (816) 468-6100 8 Ball (913) 888-7665 9 Ball (773) 286-4714 8 Ball (847) 836-8099 9 Ball (515) 266-6100 Rackers Choice (405) 736-0590 9 Ball (847) 705-1361 9 Ball (636) 745-8020 8 Ball (708) 388-3700 10 Ball (920) 606-2639 9-Ball (920) 651-0806 9-Ball Beginners (920) 651-0806 9-Ball Intermediate (563) 359-7225 8-Ball (708) 403-0600 9 Ball (773) 545-5102 9 Ball (847) 705-1361 9 Ball (815) 639-3333 8 Ball (816) 468-6100 9 Ball (913) 888-7665 9 Ball (785) 539-4323 8 Ball & 9 Ball (319) 366-0979 8-Ball-Masters Race to 3 (312) 491-9690 8 Ball (847) 836-8099 8 Ball (763) 780-1585 8-Ball on 7’ Diamonds (515) 266-6100 10-Ball - race varies (651) 463-2636 8 or 9-ball rotation (636) 464-9070 9 Ball (314) 210-8064 9 Ball (918) 779-6204 8-Ball 7 & under (785) 783-2883 8 Ball (816) 231-8007 8 Ball (563) 359-7225 Coin Toss decides (847) 740-5405 8 Ball (815) 962-0957 Open 8 Ball (630) 898-7769 Call (913) 369-3772 8 Ball (785) 273-3553 8 Ball (816) 358-5977 Players Vote (318) 339-4540 8 Ball (920) 651-0806 8-Ball Open - Race to 2 (920) 737-2904 Open 9-Ball - BCA Rules (318) 339-4540 8 Ball (816) 358-5977 9 Ball (785) 273-3553 9 Ball (816) 331-6044 8 Ball (636) 938-5030 8 Ball (636) 447-5300 9 Ball (816) 436-7245 8 Ball (708) 636-1240 8 Ball (815) 722-0964 8 Ball (630) 898-7769 Call (847) 587-8888 8 Ball (773) 286-4714 9 Ball (785) 826-9992 Multiple (816) 468-6100 Big Table 9 Ball (785) 783-2883 9 Ball (816) 228-7625 8 Ball (913) 888-7665 APA Rated 8 Ball (918) 779-6204 9-Ball 7 & under (515) 266-6100 9-Ball - Race 6/5 (563) 359-7225 10-Ball (636) 464-9070 9 Ball (314) 210-8064 9 Ball (773) 286-4714 10 Ball (785) 273-3553 9 Ball (708) 756-0600 9 Ball (318) 339-4540 9 Ball (816) 358-5977 One Pocket (816) 358-5977 Players Vote (913) 888-7665 9 Ball (920) 651-0806 10-Ball on 9’ tables-Race to 5

ENTRY ADDED $15 (incl. g.f.) $12 $100 every 16 $10 $$$ $5 150% payback $10 100% payout $15 $100 1st w/8 $15 $$$ $14 Call $5 $5 $7 Call $7 Call $10 $100 $10 $$$ $5 $6 $10 Call $5 $5 + /player $10 $$$ $15 $5/player $7 Call $10 $$$ $15 Call $15 (incl. g.f.) $8 $10 $10 $100 every 16 $20 Call $10 100% payout $7 Call $5 $10 $6 $15 $5 $15 Call $5 Call $16 $75 $10 $$$ $15+$5 g.f. $50 w/16 $10 Call $10 Call $5 $5 $10 $10 $100 every 16 $10 100% payback $10 Call $15 $100+ w/10 $10 $5 $10 $5 $12 $15 $$$ w/32 $5 $25 $5 $5 $10 $$$ w/8+ $15 Call $5 $10 Call $15 Call $15 $100+ w/10 $15 Call $10 Call Call $5 $10 $5 $10 $10 (incl. g.f.) $15 $$$ $12 $100 every 16 $10 $100 $10 Call $15 Call $5 $10 $5 $25 $10 $6 $15

TIME 7PM 7PM 7PM 8PM 8PM 8PM 7:30PM 7:30PM 7PM 7PM 7:30PM 7PM 6PM 6PM 7PM 9:30PM 8PM 7:30PM 7PM 7:30PM 7:30PM Call 8PM 7PM Call Call 7PM 7:30PM 8PM 7:30PM 7:30PM 7PM 9:30PM 6PM 7PM 7PM 7:30PM 7PM 7PM 6:30PM 7:30PM 7:30PM 9 PM 8PM 8PM 7PM 8PM 7:30PM 7:30PM 7:30PM 7PM 2AM 8PM 6:30PM 2PM 8PM 12PM 7PM 6:30PM Noon 1PM 7:30PM 3PM 4/5PM 7:30PM 8PM 7PM Call 2PM 8PM 8PM 1PM 9 PM 5:30PM 7PM 6PM 1:30PM 8PM 7PM 6PM 8PM 3PM 2AM 9:30PM Call

Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice 32 Rackem Magazine - September 2013

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Press Release

APA Family Mourns

Archer set for recordbreaking 17th appearance AMERICAN pool legend Johnny Archer will be making a record-breaking 17th consecutive PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup appearance when the 20th anniversary event takes place in Las Vegas in December – with the added pressure of captaining the American side. The 44 year-old from Georgia, who went undefeated at last year’s event, winning five out of five matches, has a huge job ahead of him as he attempts to lead the US to victory for the first time in four years. “I am so excited and I feel like I’m playing better now than I ever have in my career,” said a delighted Archer. “It is very important for the US to win this time because we haven’t won since 2009 and we need to establish ourselves again as the dominant team, just like back in the 90's.” Archer has been on the winning side on nine occasions and sports a playing record of 44 wins from 79 matches, one win behind Ralf Souquet’s all-time record of 45. With the European crowds having played such a big part in previous years, Archer is determined that the American fans will play a similar role at the Mirage. “Hopefully, the American crowd will be our sixth man because they can put a lot of pressure on the European team, the way they do to us every time we’re in Europe. I have many plans and we are going to be doing some things a whole lot different than in previous years,” he added. The PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup takes place at the Mirage Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas from Monday 2nd to Thursday 5th December and features two five-man teams representing the USA and Europe. The Europeans are the defending champions, having won 11-9 in London last December, their fifth win in six years. Due to the added workload of being a playing captain, Archer has opted to include American pool legend Buddy Hall as his assistant captain. The Rifleman has never competed in the Mosconi Cup but the Hall of Famer has had a glittering career at the top level and will know the American team as well as anyone. "It is an honour and a privilege to be chosen to be a part of such a wonderful event and I am so excited to be Vice Captain of the USA team. We will do whatever it takes to bring the Mosconi Cup back to USA where it belongs,” said Hall. "It will be my pleasure to team up with Johnny Archer to take back what is ours and that is the Mosconi Cup. I know we are going to have a lot of fun but we are there to do just one thing and that is to win!” concluded Hall. Archer added, "Buddy Hall is the greatest player that I have ever played. I still get really nervous even today when I am around him. He is my hero but as great a player that he is, he is a much better person. “It is an honour for me to call him my friend and he will bring knowledge, experience, laughter, and confidence to the USA team which is what we really need this year.” Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.com (Search ‘Mosconi Cup’) or directly from the Mirage on (+1) 702 792 7777 or 1-800-963-9634. The 2013 Mosconi Cup is delighted to work with our valued suppliers –Iwan Simonis: Official Cloth; Aramith: Official Balls and Predator: Official Cue.

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LAKE SAINT LOUIS, MO (August 23, 2013) — The APA network is sad to report the passing of APA CoFounder and Billiard Hall of Famer Larry Hubbart. Hubbart, passed away on August 22 at his home after a long battle with various health issues. Hubbart leaves behind his wife, Nancy, six children, eight grandchildren and countless family and friends. Originally from Rochester, N.Y., Hubbart was one of the top professional poolplayers of his era during the late 70s and early 80s, winning numerous titles including the 1976 U.S. Open 8-Ball Championship, 1977 World 9-Ball Championship and the 1979 World 8-Ball Championship. He will best be remembered however for bringing countless amateurs to the sport of pool through the APA Leagues. In the late 70s, Hubbart teamed with partner Terry Bell, to establish the vision for the APA Pool Leagues. That vision lead to an organization

that today boasts more than a quarter-million active members and hosts the world’s largest pool tournament. “We’re all extremely saddened by Larry’s passing. He was a great man who was dedicated to his family, his business and to the sport of pool. Larry fought a very courageous battle the past few years, and we hope he has finally found some peace. Our prayers go out to Nancy and the entire Hubbart family,” said APA President Renee Lyle. Hubbart’s last public appearance came in October 2010, when he and Bell were inducted in into the Billiard Hall of Fame. It was perhaps the crowning achievement for a life devoted to the sport of pool. 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.

Larry Hubbart

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September 2013 - Rackem Magazine

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Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice

Click on the MAP link online to get directions to each location DATE Sep 6 Sep 7-8 Sep 7 Sep 7 Sep 7 Sep 13 Sep 14-15 Sep 14 Sep 14-15 Sep 20-22 Sep 21 Sep 21 Sep 21 Sep 21 Sep 21-22 Sep 21-22 Sep 21-22 Sep 27-29 Sep 27-29 Sep 27-29 Sep 27-29 Sep 29 Sep 28 Sep 28-29

CITY Midwest City, OK Midwest City, OK Des Moines, IA Lafayette, LA New Iberia, LA Cape Girardeau, MO Cape Girardeau, MO Alsip, IL Clinton, IL Thibodaux, LA Des Moines, IA Farmington, MN Rock Island, IL Midwest City, OK Round Rock, TX Round Rock, TX Tyler, TX Rawlins, WY Rawlins, WY Rawlins, WY Rawlins, WY Rawlins, WY Davenport, IA Cahokia, IL

LOCATION Jamaica Joe’s Jamaica Joe’s Big Dog Billiards Fast Eddies Billiards Emerald Billiards Billiard Center Billiard Center Red Shoes Billiards Breakers Bar & Grill Cue Sport Big Dog Billiards Farmington Billiards 4 Play Sports Bar Jamaica Joe’s Fast Eddie’s Billiards Fast Eddie’s Billiards Brass Star Community Cntr Community Cntr Community Cntr Community Cntr Community Cntr Sharky’s Billiards Break Billiards

PHONE 405-736-0590 405-736-0590 515-266-6100 337-237-6577 337-364-9922 573-718-8260 573-718-8260 708-388-3700 217-935-6503 985-387-2066 515-266-6100 612-226-7665 309-283-7042 214-914-4179 512-248-0646 512-248-0646 903-597-5777 307-329-8924 307-329-8924 307-329-8924 307-329-8924 307-329-8924 563-359-7225 618-332-0330

EVENT / RULES 10-Ball Sc Dbls - Minis OK Open 10-Ball Handicapped 8-Ball 10-Ball Open - Limit 64 Women’s 9-Ball Big Muddy Warm-up Big Muddy 9-Ball - Hdcp One Pocket 8-Ball Cajun Classic Handicapped 8-Ball Rider Cup Golf & Pool 9-Ball Handicapped Ladies 9-Ball - 7’ Diamonds 9 Ball Open 9 Ball Ladies 9-Ball High Desert Shootout Expert High Desert Shootout Classic High Desert Shootout Sportsmens High Desert Shootout Saratoga High Desert Shootout Hard Luck 10-Ball Scotch Doubles-Hdcp Bar Table 9-Ball

ENTRY $50 $50 $25+$10 g.f. $25 $25 incl. fees $10 FREE Entry! $50 $35 incl. g.f. Call $25+$10 g.f. $85 $20 + $10 g.f. $30 $55 $35 $35 $150 incl. g.f. $100 incl. g.f. $50 incl. g.f. $50 no g.f. $30 no g.f. $60 incl g.f. $35

ADDED TIME Call 7PM $2,500 w/64+ 11AM $1,000 w/64 Noon $500 11AM $500 11AM $200 7PM $2,500 10AM $500 w/full field Call $500 w/32 10AM $1,000 Call $1,000 w/64 Noon Call 8:00AM $250 11AM $1,250 Guar 10AM $1,000 11:30AM Call 11:30AM $1,500 w/64 Noon $5,000 9:00AM $1,500 7:00PM $500 6:00PM $500 7:00PM $500 TBD $1,000 w/32 10AM $2,500 Call

LINK MAP MAP MAP MAP MAP MAP MAP

MAP

MAP

Turn-Key Pool Hall For Sale .... See ad page 6 Oct 5 Oct 5 Oct 9-13 Oct 10-13 Oct 10-13 Oct 10-13 Oct 11-13 Oct 11-13 Oct 12-13 Oct 12-13 Oct 15-20 Oct 15-20 Oct 19 Oct 19-20 Oct 19-20 Oct 26-27 Nov 2 Nov 8-10 Nov 16

Lafayette, LA Des Moines, IA Gary, IN Gary, IN Gary, IN Gary, IN Gary, IN Gary, IN Gary, IN Quincy, IL Lincoln City, OR Lincoln City, OR Des Moines, IA Deadwood, SD Three Lakes, WI Lafayette, LA Des Moines, IA Midwest City, OK Des Moines, IA

Fast Eddies Billiards Big Dog Billiards Majestic Star Casino Majestic Star Casino Majestic Star Casino Majestic Star Casino Majestic Star Casino Majestic Star Casino Majestic Star Casino Rack Daddy’s Western BCA Western BCA Big Dog Billiards VFW Club Oneida Village Inn White Diamond Big Dog Billiards Jamaica Joe’s Big Dog Billiards

337-237-6577 515-266-6100 219-465-8101 219-465-8101 219-465-8101 219-465-8101 219-465-8101 219-465-8101 219-465-8101 815-228-7498 360-703-4081 360-703-4081 515-266-6100 605-641-5111 800-374-7443 337-989-9889 515-266-6100 405-736-0590 515-266-6100

10-Ball Open - Limit 64 Handicapped 8-Ball GMPA Early Bird 9-Ball GMPA Senior 8-Ball GMPA Singles 8-Ball (Men A-B) GMPA Singles 8-Ball (W) GMPA Sportsmens Singles GMPA 3 Person Team GMPA Sportsmens Teams Bar Table - Race to 9/9 10-Ball Open Men’s 10-Ball Open Women’s Handicapped 8-Ball 9-Ball Deadwood Shoot-out Women’s 3-Person Singles Bar Table 9-Ball - limit 128 Handicapped 8-Ball OK Bar Table 9-Ball Handicapped 8-Ball

$25 $500 11AM $25+$10 g.f. $1,000 w/64 Noon MAP $50 incl. g.f. Call 3:00PM MAP $50 incl. g.f. $5,000 1:00PM $50 incl. g.f. 1 & 4PM $50 incl. g.f. 6 & 8PM FREE 2:00PM $150 incl. g.f. 7:00PM Call $500 2:30PM $60 incl. fees $1,000 w/64 Noon $125+$25 g.f. $4,000 w/24 Call MAP $100+$25 g.f. $3,000 w/16 Call $25+$10 g.f. $1,000 w/64 Noon MAP $40 $1,000 limit 128 5PM Fri MAP $75 Call Call MAP $40 $1,000 w/full field 9AM MAP $25+$10 g.f. $1,000 w/64 Noon MAP $50 $5,000 Guar 10PM Fri MAP $25+$10 g.f. $1,000 w/64 Noon MAP

Local Coverage National Exposure If you like this Pool Magazine and you don’t get it in your pool room........DEMAND IT!!! TM

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September 2013 - Rackem Magazine

35


The Ronin stands alone. He holds his sword as the only means to find truth and make legend. A Samurai who answers to no man, he is now bound by his own code of honor. He will live and die as a free warrior, solitary in mind and spirit, depending on a single weapon to deliver justice, his

The Way of the Sword www.cuestix.com

qualified dealers welcome - free catalog

800.645.9803


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