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Stroke Magazine February Issue 2012

Mar 02, 2016

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Stroke Magazine

On The Break News Group welcomes Mike Massey as our newest columnist. You can read his Trick Shot on page 6 of the February Issue. Also in this issue are results from the Derby City Classic and WBPA Masters both of which just completed last weekend. We have more tournaments, results, instruction and a great product review for you to read this month. Enjoy!
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Page 1: Stroke Magazine February Issue 2012
Page 3: Stroke Magazine February Issue 2012

DEADLINE: 25th of each Month - CALL IF LATE

StrokeP.O. Box 100

Three Forks, MT 59752Phone 1-406-285-3099Fax 1-406-285-3098

Email [email protected]

CONTACT US:

LIVE StreamingWatch on www.OTBnTV.com ustream.tv/channel/otbntv-livewww.facebook.com/otbntvSponsored by:www.tigerproducts.com

POOL ON TV

These schedules have been provided by ESPN.

These are tentative dates and are subject to change

All times are Eastern time.

3/18/2012 1:30PM-4:30PM 2012WPBAMasters SoaringEagle Semifinal&FinalRounds

STROKE STAFFPUBLISHER/EDITORDon “Cheese” Akerlow

MARKETING DIRECTORMary Akerlow

LAYOUTS & DESIGNWendy Swenson

Don AkerlowMary Akerlow

21

5

FEATURES5 Gold Crown

7 MARBL

8 Seminole Pro Tour

13 Tri State Tour

14 DCC

21 WPBA

DEPARTMENTS6,10,12 Columnists

9 Junior Profile

11 Product Review

22 Lucky

24 Press Releases

ADVERTISERSAll Access 21Amy’s Billiards 12Atlas Billiard Supply 23BCAPL/CSI/USAPL 27Big Daddy’s Billiards 5Bison Billiards 20Capone’s Billiards 20CueStix International 28For Sale 20Gold Crown Billiards 5Help Wanted 20McDermott 4Mike Massey 6Monk, The 12Mueller 3OTBnTV.com 3,26Pool Rocks T-shirt 9Sandcastle Billiards 5TAP 2T J’s Billiards 7Tiger Products 17,26Video Encyclopedia 10

Contents

Cover Photo Courtesy of:Rixx Images

ABOUT USStroke is a monthly p u b l i c a t i o n , dedicated to the advancement of the sport of pool and to promoting enthusiasm and encouragement among the players a t a l l l e v e l s ,

regardless of their league affiliation, in addition to recognizing those businesses who support them all. Covering the Eastcoast and adjoining states. Look for Stroke by the 10th of each month.The opinions expressed are those of the author or advertiser and do not necessarily reflect the views of Rackem or its staff. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher. © 2012 Stroke

Publisher

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February2012-StrokeMagazine3

6

Page 4: Stroke Magazine February Issue 2012

4StrokeMagazine-February2012

Page 5: Stroke Magazine February Issue 2012

RESULTSFebruary2012-StrokeMagazine5

GARDNER IS KING OF THE HILLBY JANIS SESSIONS AND SEBASTIAN DEL MARMOL

Jim Gardner outlasted John Ditoro in a late night thriller to win the first 9-ball tournament held at Gold Crown Billiards in Hollywood Sunday, Jan. 15.

Gardner, one of the owners of the pool hall, battled his way through a 15-player field, all of who qualified to play in the final tournament by participating in at least four tournaments throughout the 10-weekly tournaments held Tuesday nights.

On Sunday, players were given practice time before the real action got started with Gardner calling out the Calcutta which drew even more interest to the tournament.

The tournament was handicapped with Anthony Meglino having the honor, and challenge, of being the highest rated player. Meglino had to win 15 games to take a match and often had to give up the 7 or 8 ball to his opponents, depending upon their ratings. Ditoro followed Meglino with a handicap of 11 games, while Ricky Charles (AKA "Miami Heat Rick) had to win 10. The rest of the field had to win anywhere from 5 to 8 games to win a match.

Once matches started the room filled quickly with many watching the play on tournament tables, while others enjoyed playing on the entertaining Golf Table located at Gold Crown. Not even the NFL playoffs shown on televisions across the room could distract spectators from the tournament action.

Throughout the tournament the quality of play was high with several players snapping in 9s on the break, others hitting combos to sink the 9,

while there were plenty of run outs and a sampling of kick shots that would have been replayed time-after-time had ESPN cameras crews been at the event.

Right out of the gates Meglino, Gardner, Eric Shriller, Maurice Bacsit, Kris Glueck, Warren Lee and Allen Dawson won their first round matches, while Ditoro had a bye. Sammy Williams, Rickey Charles, Judd Parker, Paul Bok, Sandy Nicholas, Bobby Scott, and Bob Coehrane started with loses and wound up on the loser side.

In those opening round matches, Meglino and Paul went double hill, with the

former pulling out the win. Paul graciously complimented Meglino's beautiful run to give him the final game in the 15-5 match.

In the next round, the number-one seed faced Gardner, with the room owner making his home-court advantage count. Gardner won and continued victorious until he faced Ditoro in the King of the Hill match. Although Gardner lost that initial meeting, the two had to play a second match because it was the room owner's first loss. In the rematch, which started after 1 a.m., Gardner pulled out the victory and took home the tournament win.

Bacsit played strong throughout the day and finished in third place. He even pushed Ditoro

to a double-hill match before the latter won out. Meglino finished in a disappointing 6th place and was ousted by Warren Lee. That match as went double-hill with Lee making a ball on his break and leaving the 9 hanging in a corner pocket and the 1 in position to combo it in. Lee finished 5th with Dawson rounding out the top four.

Congratulations to the King of the Hill – Jim Gardner.

1st $318 Jim Gardner 2nd $150 John Ditoro 3rd $100 Maurice Bacsit

The Calcutta raised a pot of $300 dollars, which was paid out to winning buyers

Above: Maurice Bacsit; Jim Gardner, Anthony Meglino and John Ditoro. Photo by Janis SessionsBelow: Jim Gardner filling in the board

GOLDCROWNBILLIARDS

(Oldest Pool Hall in Broward, FL)2233HollywoodBlvd,FL33020

(954)921-8439Open:Sun-Thurs11amto2am

Fri-Sat:11amto4am(11)9ft.Tables&(1)GolfTableTuesNight-9BallTournament

VarietyofSoftDrinksBeerBucketSpecials-HotFood

>>>UnderNewManagement<<<Big Daddy’sBilliards

7954 Baltimore Annapolis BlvdGlen Burnie, MD 410-760-1332

Feb 18: 9-Ball Race to 7/5Feb 25: Maryland Open8-Ball Championship

Page 6: Stroke Magazine February Issue 2012

Placeadimeaquartertoahalfinchawayfromtheedgeoftherail.Thedistancedependsonthelivelinessofthecushion.Placeaglassdirectlybehindthedimeontherail.Irecommendadoubleshotglass.Apapercoffeecupwouldalsowork,butthesoundofthecoinsettlingintheglasssoundssomuchneaterthanapapercup.Thecueballisplacedontheheadspot.Speediseverythingonthisshot.Shootstraightintotherailwithasofttomediumsoftstroke.

Youcanaddanotherelementofsuspensetothisshotbyhavinganaudiencemembercallwhetherthecoinwillcomeupheadsortailsintheglass.

MR.KIMURA’S57THTAKEIfyougetrealgoodatthisshotyoumighttryputtingtheglassonanothertableabout10feetaway.Aquarterworksbest.Lestyouthinkthisversioniseasy,keepinmindthatMr.YoshikazuKimura,madethisshotonhisvideo Mind-Boggling Trick Shots.However,it

required57takes!

Consideringittookhimthislongitmighttaketheaverageshooter570attempts.Don’tsayIdidn’twarnyou.

CoinintheGlassShot

EXPLANATION OF ABBREVIATIONS:SUR:SetupRatingsEXR:ExecutionRatingsMSR:Mike’sSuccessRatio

Mike Massey

Nine time World Champion, Mike Massey is considered pool’s best trick shot artist. He was voted the “Best in History” and is a member of the BCA Hall of Fame. Mike’s most amazing accomplishments were in two 24 hour poolathons. In one he pocketed 8,090 balls playing with one arm. In the other poolathon he ran 330 racks of 9-ball in Austria on live TV. Mike has consulted or appeared in the movies, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia”, “The Baron and the Kid”, “Justice”, “Chalk”, and “Pool Hall Junkies” Mike is available for exhibitions and clinics. Please contact Mike or Francine Massey at 435.640.5787 or [email protected]

MIKEMASSEYNineTimeWorldChampion

EXHIBITIONS & CLINICSContactMikeorFrancineMassey

[email protected]

To order Mike’s book call 888.295.7665 or 714.894.1157

Visit us on the web at www.billiardspress.com

2/3/12 ThePalmsHotelandCasino-LasVegas,NV.

2/4/12 StageBarandBilliards-Arlington,TX

2/7/12 Stubby’s-Needville,TX

SlickWillies-Katy,TX

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2/16/12BigTymeBilliards-Spring,TX

2/17/12TinCupSportsBar-Huffman,TX

ClicksBilliards-Houston,TX

2/21-23/12 Clinic-ParkCity,UT

3/3/12 BigMikes-BatonRouge,LA

3/11/12HighRollersSportsBar&PoolHall-Greensburg,LA

EXHIBITIONS & CLINICS

Mike MasseyC O L U M N I S T

6StrokeMagazine-February2012

Page 7: Stroke Magazine February Issue 2012

February2012-StrokeMagazine7

RESULTS

POOL ON YOUR COMPUTERLiveStreamer’slinks&schedules

presents

http://ontherailtv.com/LastSaturdayofeverymonth:FloatingSaturdayOnePocket:Streamstartsat12pm(3pmest)

http://www.ustream.tv/user/cmbwsu/crowds

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/greatsouthernbilliardtour

http://live2ustreams.com/Mi_Billiards.html

http://www.actionpooltour.com/live-streaming.html

http://www.theactionreport.com

http://poolactiontv.com/

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/accu-stats-on-location

This weekend at Schmengee’s Billiards & Tj’s Classic Billiards the final 8 teams of the second ever MARBL eight ball league played for almost $5,000.00 in total prize money and the coveted MARBL trophy. The top eight teams out of seventeen played a double elimination tournament with all eight finishing in the money. Team Beaudoin seamed to be on cruise control straight through to the hot seat while the Cutters had some very close matches like their semi-final match with Vengeance which was a nail biter through and through. While many of the railbirds at Tj’s looked on, Ron Patterson of the Cutters edged out Mark Haines to send his team to the finals. After a four hour wait, it was

interesting to see if Team Beaudoin could catch the same gear that got them to the hot seat. As it turned out, they hadn’t cooled off at all and dominated the match leaving the Cutters with a not so unbearable second place price of $1,100.00. Owners of Schmengee’s Billiards, Kathy & Dave Lebel, and owners of Tj’s Classic Billiards, Tammy & Steve Reynolds would like to thank all the players for a great season. We would also like to remind everyone that the league is expected to get even bigger when our next season begins on January 9th we will be welcoming Sneaky Pete’s Billiards owned by Jacqueline & Gareth Steele in Windham to our league. Any questions about how to join

the MARBL league could be directed to Steve Reynolds at (207) 877-7665.

Schemengee’s Billiards MVP - Ray Beaudoin

Tj’s Classic Billiards MVP - Jeff LaFlamme

1st $1,800 The Beaudoins2nd $1,100 The Cutters3rd $650 Vengeance4th $350 Scratch This5th/6th $150 Almost Perfect Over Rated7th/8th $100 Gift Certificates The Outlaws, Odd Angles

TEAM BEAUDOIN TAKES DOWN MARBLLEAGUEII&$1,800CASH

T J’s Billiards

14.1AirportRd-Waterville,ME207-877-7665

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULEFeb4-5:9-BallMaineResidentsMar3-4:8-BallMaineResidents(playedatSchemengee’s-Lewiston,ME)Mar24-25:MaineStateStraightPool$60entrieswith$500addedDoorsopenat11-Playstartsat1

Page 8: Stroke Magazine February Issue 2012

Future of Seminole Pro TourThe Seminole Pro Tour would like to thank all of the fans, players, room owners and especially sponsors who have supported the tour through the past five years that the tour has been in existence. It is with great sorrow and lament that the Seminole Tour will not have a season in 2012 and will continue to suspend operations indefinitely. From its small beginnings as a regional tour in South Florida, to its growth as the premier national 10-ball tour in the country, the Seminole Pro Tour has always strived to put the player’s and fan’s interest first. The operations were not munsoned, but rather an executive decision to suspend operations was made. The amount of support that the Tour has had has been overwhelming. The countless correspondence that has been received expressing their support for the Tour has not gone unnoticed. The Seminole Pro Tour and the Seminole Tribe would like to say, “Sho-naa-bish (thank you).”The Tour would especially like to thank a few people specifically. John DiToro, the creator of the original Seminole Pro Tour, is not only one of the best tour directors, but also a wonderful person. It was his vision and dedication that got the Seminole Pro Tour to the heights of the industry. John is a true professional and his work ethic is second to none. Thank you, John.The Seminole Tribe had the pleasure to sponsor a couple of players. Corey Deuel, the Prince of Pool, was a true cornerstone to the betterment of the Tour’s operations. Corey’s professionalism and true love of the game helped the Tour grow leaps and bounds. If not for Corey, the Tour would have never been able to reach the levels that it did. Thank you, Corey.The many sponsors and room owners that helped make the Tour possible are another group of people that were essential to the Tour’s operations. Without dedicated room owners and sponsors, the Tour would have never been able to reach the number of fans all over the country and the world. One room owner who stood by the Tour through thick and thin has been Rocky McElroy. No matter what the situation, The Tour could always count on Rocky to be there with his support and the support of his pool room, Capone’s. Thank you to all the sponsors, room owners and Rocky.The Tour could not have grown without all of the great players that have honored the Tour by playing in the tournaments. The Seminole Pro Tour was unique in that it allowed average players to play alongside of World Champions. The Tour has seen several great matches and players in each tournament. If the great players would have never supported the Tour, there would have never been a national Tour. Thank you to all players who played in the tournaments.The Tour would like to thank all of the staff and workers who dedicated themselves and sacrificed their time to make sure the Tour ran as smoothly as possible. Gerry Mayen, Tiffany Marquez, Kevin Pickard, Brenda Mello, Bobby Frank, OB Osceola and Elrod Bowers all had their mark on the operations of the Tour. Without their hard work in the office and on the road, the Tour would not have been so successful. Thank you, Seminole Pro Tour staff.Lastly, the tour would like to thank all of the fans who supported the Tour. So many great fans came to see the events all over the country and thousands more watched online through our web streams. The fans are who the Tour was created for and their unconditional support is appreciated. Thank you, fans.The Seminole Tribe of Florida has decided to pursue other operations within the Tribe and therefore will not be considering any further pool-related ventures at this time. TheSeminoleprotour.com website will remain running so the final inventory of merchandise can be sold with extremely reduced prices.

8StrokeMagazine-February2012

Page 9: Stroke Magazine February Issue 2012

February2012-StrokeMagazine9

JUNIOR BILLIARDS...PLAY. SPONSOR. GET INVOLVED WWW.BILLIARDEDUCATION.ORG

JUNIORPLAYERPROFILE: BILLY THORPENAME: Billy Thorpe HOME TOWN: Dayton, OhioBIRTH DATE: 8-31-1996NICKNAME: BillySCHOOL YOU CURRENTLY ATTEND: Northmont HighGRADE: 9THFAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: MathAT WHAT AGE DID YOU START PLAYING POOL? 3TITLES:• BEF Junior National 9-Ball Champion 2011 & 2010, 14 & Under Boys’

Division• VNEA 8-Ball National Champion, 3 times

OTHER NOTABLE AWARDS: • United States representative to the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA)

World Junior 9-Ball Championships in 2010

WHAT KIND OF CUE(S) DO YOU USE? Robert WeirLEFT OR RIGHT HANDED: RightSPONSORS: None CurrentlyFAVORITE BAND/MUSIC: SHINEDOWN, COUNTRY AND ROCKHOBBIES: LOVE POOL and BILLIARDS, SPORTS, VIDEO GAMESMEMORABLE POOL MOMENT: DERBY CITY PLAYING PIGGY BANKS

ON THE T.V. TABLE AND WINNING FAVORITE FOOD: SPAGHETTIFICTIONAL HERO: FAMILY GUYREAL-WORLD HERO: TRAVIS PASTRANAFONDEST CHILDHOOD MEMORY: WINNING THE PEE-WEE

SUPERBOWL; I HAD AN INTERCEPTIONGOALS- PERSONAL AND/OR CAREER: TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL

POOL PLAYER AND TO WIN SOME WORLD TITLES

Page 10: Stroke Magazine February Issue 2012

San Francisco Billiard Academywww.sfbilliards.com

Bob Jewett

San Francisco Billiard Academy is a BCA Certified Master Academy.The academy offers:Private InstructionBasics ClinicEight Ball ClinicNine Ball ClinicIntroduction to Billiard InstructionBCA Recognized Instructor CourseBCA Certified Instructor Course

Thin-hiT ConTrol

C O L U M N I S T Bob Jewett

Hereisapositionsituationthatchallengesintermediateplayers.Youhaveafairlythincutandneedtocontrolthecueballtraveleithertominimizeitortogetitjustright.Thesetwodrillswillhelpyouperfectyourtechniqueforsuchshots.

InShot1thegoalistopreciselycontrolthedistancefromafairlythinhit.Theobjectballisrightbetweenthesidepocketsandadiamondoutfromtheintendedpocket.Thegoalistopockettheballandtakethecueballsuccessivelytodistances1through6goingstraightupanddownthetable.Ihaveshowntheshotwiththeangleatabouta60-degreecutbutyoucanmaketheshotthinnerorthickertochangethedifficulty.

Fordistance1youwanttoleavethecueballrightontheendcushion.Youmayneedtousealittledrawtoslowthecueballdownonthisshot.Theideaistoplaytheshotwithenoughdrawsothereisstillsomeafterthecueballhitstheobjectballsothecueballslowsafterthecollision.Ifyouslowdowntoomuchbeforethecollision,theobjectballmightnotmakeittothepocket.

ConsidertheshotOKifyouleavethecueballwithinadiamonddistanceofthegoal.Fordistance2youneedtobringthecueballbacktoevenwiththesidepocketsandfor3youwanttoleave

itonthebottomendcushion.Similarly,shots4,5and6aretosuccessivelygreaterdistances.Distance6isverytoughtoalsokeepthecueballgoingstraightupanddownthetable--considertheshotOKifthecueballstaysbetweenthecenterofthetableandthesidecushion,whichistosaywithinadiamondofperfect.

Toscorethisdrill,takethreetriesateachdistanceandgiveyourself3,2or1pointsforagoodshotdependingonhowmanytriesittakesyou.Thisdrillisoneof170drillsshownontheDVDseriesIrecentlymadewithDr.DaveAlciatore,theVideoEncyclopediaofPoolPractice.Forsomevideopreviewsofdrillsfromthatseries,gotohttp://billiards.colostate.edu/normal_videosandscrolldowntowardsthebottomofthepage.

Shot2isanothercommonsituation.Youhaveathincutalongthecushionandyouneedtominimizethetravelofthecueball.Youwanttheobjectballtobarelyreachthepocket.Doyouhaveagoodfeelfor“barelypocket”speed?Canyoualsopredicthowfarthecueballwillgoforaslowest-possibleshot?Thestartingpositionshownisabouta45-degreecutshot.Afteryougetthespeedanddistanceforthistryincreasingtheangleofthecut.Notethatiftheobjectballisclosertoorfartherfromthepocket,lessormorespeedandconsequentlycueballtravelwillbeneeded.

Knowledgeoftheangle-speed-distancerelationshipsonshotslikethisareessentialifyouaregoingtomastertheminimizationofcueballmotion.

10StrokeMagazine-February2012

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February2012-StrokeMagazine11

Product ReviewVideo Encyclopedia of Pool Practice

CREDENTIALSDR.DAVEauthoroftheinnovativebook,CD-ROM,DVD,andwebsite:“TheIllustratedPrinciplesofPoolandBilliards.”Co-authorofthepopularinstructionalDVDseries:“TheVideoEncyclopediaofPoolShots(VEPS).”InstructionalauthorandmonthlycolumnistforBilliardsDigest.HeadinstructorforDr.Dave’sPoolSchool.Inventorofthe30-degree-ruleandtrisect-systempeace-signtechniques.

BOBJEWETTinstructionalauthor,coach,andrefereefor30years.Long-timecolumnistforBilliardsDigestandOnTheBreakNews.SolidplayerandpastACUIcollegiatechampion.Leadingauthorityonallaspectsofthegame.Veryactivesupporterofthepoolcommunity.

BY: DON “CHEESE” AKERLOWThefiveDVD’sofferyouonlineresourcestofurtheryourinstructions.Speedcontrol,stop,followanddrawarejustafewofthepracticeshotsthatyouwillfind.TheseDVD’saregoodforthebeginner,amateur,tournamentplayerandwouldserveanyprothatishavingtroublewithhisgame.Rememberwhenyourgameisoffyoushouldreturntothebasicfundamentalsofthegame.TheseDVD’sallowyoutorememberthefundamentalswheneveryouneedto.Theyusetrainingaidesforshotselections.Youaregivenillustratedpracticeshots,cueballandpositioncontrol,andbasicenglish.TheseDVD’swillnotonlytakeyoubacktoyourbasicsbutwillalsoteachyoumorethanwhatyouknew!IrecommendtheVideoEncyclopediaofPoolPractice(VEPP)highly.Withpatience,determinationandpractice,yourgamewillimprove.ThesearethebestDVD’sonmakingyourgamebetterthanitisorbringingyoubacktowhereyouwere!Theyareeasytounderstand.Coupledwiththeadditionalresourcesonlinewhichgivesyoumorevideos,diagramsandinstruction,theentiresetwhetherpurchasedindividuallyorasacompletesetiswellworththeprice.YoucanpurchasetheVideoEncyclopediaofPoolPracticeonlineat:http://www.dr-dave-billiards.comTaughtbyDr.DaveAlciatoreandBobJewett

DiscI-FundamentalsandBasicPositionControlDiscII-PositionControlandEnglishDiscIII-PatternsandSafetyPlayDiscIV-Banks,Kicks,andAdvancedShotsDiscV-Challenges,Games,andAdvice

Page 12: Stroke Magazine February Issue 2012

Tim Miller

This is not a feel good program. This is the real deal. You will be working with the monk for over four months. You will be working step by step to build the skills at nine ball that your opponent does not have. You will master the important moves this game calls for. You will become a master nine ball player and play better nine ball than you have every played this game before.

May all the rolls go your way,

The Monk

CALL THE MONK TODAY

1-603-566-6229

C O L U M N I S T The Monk

OnMarch24thIamvisitingCaliforniaforaspecialONEDAYWORKSHOPinLAatVIPBilliards.BecauseIgettotheheartofthistraining,Iofferamoneybackguarantee.Howmanyinstructorswillreturnyourmoneyifyouarenothappywiththelesson?Ialwaystellmystudentsthattherearethreethingstheyneedtolearnaboutpocketbilliardstobecomeagoodplayer.One,TherearefourstrokesinthisgamewemustmasterTwo.Thestrokedeterminesthetracklineofthecueballaftermakingcontactwiththeobjectball.Three,Thestrokedeterminesthespeedofthecueball.WhenIhelpyoumasterthefourstrokesandshowyouhowtomovethecueballaroundwiththestroke,youhavejustmovedtothenextlevel.Youwon’taskforyourmoneyback.Noonehaseveraskedfortheirmoneyback.ThenIteachwhichstrokegivesyouabetterchancetopockettheobjectball.Therearetimeswhenweaimperfectlybutmisstheshotbecauseweusedthewrongstroke.A good nine ball break calls for a specificstroke.Sinceyoucannotdeliverapurestrokewithoutpropermechanics,Ihelpyougetintopositiontomakequalitycontactwiththecueball.Inthisgameitisallaboutqualityofhit.Manyinstructorstrytoteachyouaboutthegamebeforeyoulearnhowtohitthecueball.Thisruinsyouforlife.Youmustlearnhowtohitthecueballbeforeyoumoveontogamestrategy.

IfyouattendmyspecialCaliforniaworkshopyouwillmasterthestrokesandthenbeenrolledinmyROADPLAYERSTRAININGPROGRAM.Thisisasixteenleveltrainingprogramthatisdesignedtohelpyouwinmoregames.Haveyoueverwonderedwhytherearesofewworldclassplayers andsomanypoolplayers?Thereasonisskill

development.Therearesomecloselyguardedsecretsinthegameofnineball.Itwouldtakesevenyearsoftrainingtouncoverthesesecrets.Gradysaystwomillionballs.Theprofessionalplayerhaspaidahighpricetolearnthismaterialandhe/sheisnotgoingtogiveitaway.InmyworkshopIsupplyyouwithamanualthatincludesthesesecrets.ThatiswhyIcanguaranteemywork.Youwillmovetothenextleveloryourmoneyback.IamgoingtobeinCaliforniaonlyonetime.Theclassislimitedtotenstudents.IhaveanassistantMonkMasterheretohelp.Callmeifyouareinterestedinjoiningus.1-603-566-6229IapologizeifIusedthisarticletopromotemystop.Iofferyousomevaluabletipsonthisgreatgame.IamvisitingyourareaonetimesoIwantyoutoknowaboutit.

FollowingmyCaliforniavisitIamgoingtoManilaPhilippinestofilmmyspecialtrainingprogram.Untilwemeetinthefinals,mayalltherollsgoyourway.The Monk will be at VIP Billiards 20627 Golden Springs Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91789 with one full day of training featuring THE ROAD PLAYERS NINE BALL TRAINING PROGRAM, MARCH 24th, starting at noon.

“WHATDOESTHEMONKTEACH?”

12StrokeMagazine-February2012

More detailed information available onlinehttp://www.monkbilliardacademy.net/9-balltrainongprogram.html

ROAD PLAYERS 9-BALLWORK WITH THE MONK,

STEP BY STEP WITH NO RISK FOR $300.00!!!!

WOULD YOU PAY $300.00 TO BECOME A TOP PLAYER IN YOUR TOWN?

Page 13: Stroke Magazine February Issue 2012

February2012-StrokeMagazine13

Ben Castaneros wins A/D 9 Ball Tri-State at Gotham City Billiards. His tournament trail of 9 wins and 1 loss, included wins over Tom McManamon 6 - 5; Kyle Bubet 6 - 4 ; Alan Chan 6 - 5 and Luis Jimenz 6 - 4, before suffering a loss to Raymond Lee, who was devastating all of his opponents, 6 - 1. Ben never gave up and fought his way back to the Finals. His comeback included wins over Mike Strassberg 7 - 4; Alex Osipov 6 - 4 and Bryan Jeziorski 7 - 4. Considering the event was two days, the Finals could include two sets should Ben win the first. Ben proceed to take charge over Raymond and win 6 - 2. The second set went the same way with a 6 - 1 victory.....what a way to finish! Both 3rd place Bryan Jeziorski with an impressive 5/2 win/loss record in spite of a tough draw and 4th place Alex Osipov deserve praise for their solid performance. Enough can not be said about the beautiful conditions at Gotham City Billiards and the hospitality of owners Kevin and Isabell Buckley, who continually go out of their way to support the sport and its players. The next Tri-State event is a $500 Added A/D at Castle Billiards in East Rutherford, NJ on January 14, 2012. Please provide a thank you to Sterling-Gaming, Ozone Billiards, Ron Tarr Cues, Kamui Tips, Phil Capelle, BlueBook Publishing, Human Kinetics for their sponsorship leading to this event.

ItwasRonGabiawhowenttothehotseatmatchafterahill/hillbattlewithJoePaloneonlytosendCorySohlmanwest,notlettinghimwinarack.Meanwhile,EdCulhane,afterlosinghis1stmatchtoJoePalone,reeledoff9victoriestogettothefinals.becauseofthelatehour,GabiaandCulhanedecidedtosplittheprizeandgiveGabia1stplacesincehehadnolosses.

Gabia and Culhane Go One Two

3rd Place Bryan Jeziorski, 2nd Place Raymond Lee ; 1st Place Ben Cataneros

TRI-STATE TOURNAMENTSCastaneroswinsatGothamCityBilliards

RESULTS

1st $1,250 Ben Castaneros

2nd $870 Raymond Lee

3rd $590 Bryan Jeziorski

4th $420 Alex Osipov

5th - 6th $270 Ron Gabia, Mike Strassberg

7th - 8th $190 Ed Culhane, Andrzej Kaldan

9th - 12th $140 Robert Plaut, Arturo Reyes

Luis Jimenez, Alan Chan13th - 16th $120

RESULTS1st 700 Gabia2nd 450 Culhane3rd 275 Sohlman4th 150 Dacosta5th - 6th 100 Palone, Osipovitch7th - 8th 75 Flores, Shellhouse9th - 12th Jeziorski, Zimny, Jiminez, Vogelsang

Page 14: Stroke Magazine February Issue 2012

ohn Morra may not be known for his bank pool game, but that will be be a thing of the past as he has won the Derby City Classic Bank Pool event. There were 404 players in the

Banks competition at DCC.

Morra started the event with a fairly manageable draw but that is only half the battle in any tournament. Morra displayed a bank game that many fans were not expecting from him with notable wins over Jerry Matchin, Josh Smith and Josh Oneal in the early rounds. The level of competition picked up after that as Morra rattled off wins against Louie Ulrich,Charlie Bryant and John Brumback to make his way undefeated into round twelve with only three players remaining.

The other two players left at that time were Shane Van Boening and Brandon Shuff. Van Boening had dropped a match to Francisco Bustamante in the 8th round, but had come back with wins over Efren Reyes, Jonathan Pinegarand Alvis Fitch. Shuff had dropped his 7th round match against

Truman Hogue, but had wins over Pinegar, Robb Saez and Danny Smith to compliment a bye in the 10th round.

With three players left in the 12th round, one player would get a bye and fate would smile on Morra as he got to sit out and watch Van Boening and Shuff try to knock each other out of the tournament.

Van Boening eliminated Shuff and got ready for the unenviable task of trying to hand Morra back to back losses.

Shane was up to the task in the first match 3-2, but the second match saw Morra take a 2-0 lead and then at 2-1, take advantage of a number of hung balls by Van Boening to notch a 5-3 win in the final game for the 3-1 win and the

banks title.

Morra Wins Banks

J

Senior One Pocket Tournament and the results from the 83 player event

were as follows...1st $800 Bob Herchik2nd $400 Walt Anderson3rd $200 Charlie Lane 3rd Dennis Schell5th $50 Jerry Matchin Jose Parica John Henderson Sy Brown

ARTICLESCOURTESYOF:AZBILLIARDS.COMPHOTOSCOURTESYOF:RICKYBRYANT

JOHNMORRA

14 Stroke Magazine - February 2012

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VANBOENINGWINSDERBY9-BALL/ALLAROUNDTITLEInthemostdominantperformanceinDerbyCityClassichistory,ShaneVanBoeningplayedinthefinalsofallthreedivisionsandwontwoofthosedivisions.Inordertogettothefinals,VanBoeninghadtogetbyMikeDechaineinroundtwelveofthe9-balldivision.DechainehasoneofthebesttournamentrecordsofanyoneagainstVanBoening,butthiswasnottobeanotherentryinDechaine’sresumeasVanBoeningtookadvantageofcarelessmistakesbyDechaineandaddedfourtablerunstowinthematch7-0.Withonlythreeplayersgoingintothatroundofplay,itwasStevieMoorewhocaughtthebyeandhadtheeasyroutetothefinals.MoorecameoutearlyinthefinalmatchagainstVanBoeningandprovedthathebelongedinthefinalswhenherodea1-9comboandabreak&runtoa2-1lead.TheleadwouldbeshortlivedforMooreasVanBoeningkickedatwoballinandranouttotiethematchat2-2.ApooresafetybyMooreinthefifthrackledtoa3-2leadforVanBoeningandthenaverycarelesssafetyattemptbyMooreinracksixgaveballinhandtoVanBoeningandhejumpedontheopportunity.VanBoeningranthatrackandthenexttwofora6-2lead.Moorewouldaddonemorebeadtohissideofthescorelineafterwinningasafetybattleinracknine,butadrybreakinracktenwasMoore’slasttimeatthetableasVanBoeningranoutforthe9-balldivisionwinand$16,000inprizemoney.AsfarastheMasteroftheTablecompetition,thatracewasdecidedveryearlyinthe9-balldivisionasShaneonlyhadtogetoutofthethirdroundtolockupthetitleforthesecondstraightyear.JohnMorratooksecondintheallaroundcompetitionandBrandonShufffinishedinthird.TheFatboy10-Balleventfinals,aswellasthe14.1finals,areyettobeplayed.BothofthosematcheswillstilltakeplaceonSaturdaynightaftertheawardsceremonyforthemainevents.

VANBOENINGWINSDERBYONEPOCKETTheOnePocketDivisionofthe14thAnnualDerbyCityClassicendedthesamewayitendedlastyear;withShaneVanBoeningpocketingthefinalballforthewin.VanBoeningmadehiswaythroughafieldof311otherplayerstodefendhistitlefromlastyear.

TheseatswerejampackedforVanBoening’ssemifinalmatchwithanotherDerbyCityClassicFavorite,EfrenReyes.Thatmatchendedwithalopsided3-0scorelineafterShanelookedtohaveEfrenrightwherehewantedhim(down2-0and7-(-1)inthethirdgame).ReyesdisplayedsomeofthatvintageReyesmagictogetthescorebackto7-6butheranoutofmagicdustwhenanintendedtworailbankfoundVanBoening’spocketinsteadofEfren’s.

Whilethatmatchwasgoingon,25yearoldJoeyGraywasgettingthemaximumenjoymentoutofhisfirstDerbyCityClassicashedefeatedDarrenAppletontosetupashowdownwithVanBoeninginthefinals.

Thefirstrackofthefinalswasaquick5-minutetussleasVanBoeningmadeaballoffofGray’sbreak,butcouldonlymanagethreeballsbeforeleavingaballinthejawsandwatchingGrayruneightforthegame.

Thesecondgameincludedsomeclassiconepocketsafetyplay,butVanBoeningcamewithtoughshotstotakecontrolforsmallruns.At5-0,VanBoeningbackcutaballintotheheartofhispocketandlefttwogimmestoendtherack8-0.

ShanemadeaballafterJoey’sbreakagaininrackthree-butthenmissedaballintherack-leavingwhatlookedlikeacompletelyopentableforGray.TheyoungsterfromOklahomaCitycouldonlymanagearunoffourballsbeforemissingasmallwindowofshape.Fromthere,thegamelookedalotlikethepreviousgamewithGrayplayingsomegreatonepocketshotsandVanBoeningpatientlywaitingforashotbeforefearlesslymakingtheshotandrunningballs.VanBoeningputthreedifferentshortrunstogetherforan8-4win.

ThefourthrackstartedoutwithasafetybattlethatleftShane“ahead”(-1)-(-2).Onceagain,Grayappearedtoout-moveVanBoeningbutendedupeventuallyleavingashotandVanBoeningtookfulladvantage.AdoublekissedattempttoclearShane’spocketbyGrayleftanopeningforShaneandhequicklyendedthegameandmatchwitha9ballrunforhissecondstraightonepocketcrownandwhatappearstobeahammerlockontheallaroundtitle.Master

OFTHETABLESHANEVANBOENING

February2012-StrokeMagazine15

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Atthe8thannualOnePocketHallofFamebanquet,Tuesday,January24th,2012,wehonoredthisyear’sinducteesforOnePocket,BuddyHalland‘SanJoseDick’McMorran,andoneofourveryfewrepeatinductees,asNickVarnerishonoredforBankPoolthisyear,afterhavingbeeninductedforOnePocketbackin2005.

WelookedforwardtowelcomingGradyMathewsontheothersideofthepodium,ashealthissues

areforcinghimtotakeabreakfromhisusualroleofhostingourHallofFameeveningasoneofourMastersofCeremonies.ThisyearweturnedthetablesonGradyandtreatedhimtosomewelldeservedlivinglegendrecognitionandroastingforallthathehasdoneforus,andforthisgreatgameofoursovertheyears.

Asthesegreatplayerswerehonoredbytheirpeers,theirfriends,theirfamilyandtheirfansweallhadaneveningthatguaranteedarollickinggoodtime!

ONEPOCKETHALLOFFAMECELEBRATINGTHELEGACYOFPOOLINACTION

FranciscoBustamanteendedhis2012DerbyCityClassicwithalopsided15-5victoryoverStevieMooreinthefinalsoftheFatboy10-BallChallenge.

HeldimmediatelyfollowingMoore’slossinthefinalsoftheDerbyCity9-balldivision,thematchsawMooreappearingtobeoffofhisgamewhileBustamantehadnosuchproblems.Bustamanteheldanearly2-0leadandonlyascratchonthe10-ballinrackthreekepthimfroma3-0lead.Moorecamebacktotiethescoreat2-2andwascloseat3-4downbeforeBustamantefoundthezoneandrolledoffninestraightgamesforaninsurmountable13-3lead.

Mooretookabreakat13-3downwhenBustamantebrokedry,whichseemedtotakeBustamanteoutofthezonemorethanithelpedMooregetintothezone.Theplayersswappedracksuntilthescorewas14-5Bustamante,andMoorethrewinthetowelafterascratchonthebreakinthe20thrack.

Bustamanteearned$12,000forthewin,whileMooresettledfor$7000inprizemoney.JohnMorraandAlexPagulayanbothpocketed$3,500eachforthirdplace.

BUSTAMANTEWINSFATBOYCHALLENGE

ARTICLECOURTESYOF:AZBILLIARDS.COMPHOTOCOURTESYOF:RICKYBRYANT

ARTICLECOURTESYOF:AZBILLIARDS.COMPHOTOCOURTESYOF:RIXXIMAGES

FRANCISCOBUSTAMANTE

16StrokeMagazine-February2012

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February2012-StrokeMagazine17

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18StrokeMagazine-February2012

BY STEVE MCDONALD

For25yearsrunning,Nashville,Tennessee’spremierbilliardclub,JOBBilliardClub,hostedthe25thannualMusicCity9-BallOpenheldJanuary11-15,2012.MillerLite,AlexBrickCustomCues,DiamondBilliardProducts,SimonisCloth,NickVarnerCuesandCases,MagicBallRack,andTheBigtruckShow/poolactiontv.comsponsoredtheevent.ThiswasthesecondyearforJOB’snewowner,RickyGamble,asJimBlaylock,previousowner,isstillenjoyingretirement.Rickystillhas,formerWPBATouringPro,PegLedmanasGeneralManageroftheclubandtheyarekeepingthetraditionaliveforJOB’s.

TwoHallofFamerswerepresentforthisevent……..JohnnyArcherandBuddyHall.Also,legendarycuemakerandplayerBillStroudenteredthisevent.LegendsandtraditionarecommonplaceatJOB’s.

ThisyearJohnnyArchergotlotsofplayingtimeinandcompletedaverytoughtask,ashewonboththeMidnightMadnessonSaturdaynightandthemainevent,whichendedabout2:00amMondaymorning.Andhedidsoagainstfieldsofverystoutplayers.

TournamentDirectorSteveMcDonaldhadabusyweekas55minitournamentplayers,85opendivisionplayers,andafullfieldof32ladiesdivisionplayersshowedupforthecompetitionthatwasheldon7-footDiamondSmartTableswithSimonisCloth.ThisyeartheMagicBallRackwasusedineverymatchandthereweremanybreakandrungamesandanumberofupto8rackstringsputtogether.

ThisyearalltheactionwascoveredvialivestreamingbyTheBigtruckShowatpoolactiontv.com.BigTruckRayHansendidagreatjobprovidingfanseverywhere

withlivepoolactionfromJOB’s.Checkoutpoolactiontv.com.AndasusualforJOB’stournaments,Spiderwastheretotakephotosofalltheaction.Hegotlotsofphotosfortheevent,soifyouneedphotos,callSpiderat615-804-4671.

Actiongotkicked-offWednesdaynightwitha9-ball,race-to-9,singleeliminationminitournament.55playersenteredthiseventanddefendingchamp,JoshO’Neil,fromlastyearsminiwonagain,defeatingRobbSaezinahilltohillfinalmatch.

Themaintournamentformatis9-ball,race-to-11,doubleeliminationintheOpenDivisionandrace-to-7intheLadiesDivision.Thistournamenthasalwaysbeenafulldoubleeliminationevent,andthisyeartheOpenDivisionwentthefulltworoundsinthefinalwith,HallofFamer,JohnnyArcherdefeatingLarryNevel,afirsttimerattheMusicCityOpen,intwosets.YoungGunShaneMcMinnfinishedastrongthird,withRoadManJustinConeroundingoutthetopfour.

IntheLadiesDivision,WPBATouringPro,NicoleKeeney,steppedupfromlastyearssecondplaceandwentundefeatedthroughthefieldtowinoverKristanTidwell.LisaPorterplayedagreattournamentfinishingthirdandDonnaFavorsfromChattanoogaroundedoutthetopfour.

OnSaturdaynight,JOB’salwayshasMidnightMadnessatthisevent.Thisalwaysprovestobeagreatandexcitingevent,asitis8playersinasingleeliminationformat,race-to-11,winnertakeall9-ball.Itisa$500entryfee,sothatmakes$4000tothewinner.ThisyearHallofFamer,JohnnyArcherdefeatedNickHickerson,formerVolunteerStateChampion,inthefinal.JohnnyplayedlateSaturdaynight,gotverylittlerest,thenwonthemaineventonSunday.Thatistoughbyanystandards.

Abeautiful$1500AlexBrickCustomCuewasraffledoffandgivenawayjustbeforethefinals.TheluckywinnerwasRachelKnight,alocalJOB’sregularplayer.

KICK-OFF MINI TOURNAMENT1st $465 JoshO’Neil2nd $300 RobbSaez

OPEN DIVISION1st $3470 JohnnyArcher2nd $2040 LarryNevel3rd $1300 ShaneMcMinn4th $865 JustinCone5/6 $600 RobertFrost,JohnathanHennessee7/8 $390 JohnGabriel/NickHickerson9-12 $245 GabeApollos,MikeDunklin,TonyMougey,JoshO’Neil13-16 $185 TommyGreer,RobbSaez,LeeUhles,RandyVaughn17-24 $125 BobbyConner,EricHall,MikeJones,BillyMartin, SamMonday,ChuckRaulston,JohnTate,JoeyYarbroughLADIES DIVISION1st $930 NicholeKeeney2nd $675 KristanTidwell3rd $460 LisaPorter4th $275 DonnaFavors5/6 $215 LonnieFox/AmandaTownsend7/8 $155 AshleyNandrasy/RebeccaSullins

Music City 9-Ball OpenArcher Wins Back 2 Back

JOHNNY ARCHER

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February2012-StrokeMagazine19

ThePredatorPro/AmTour’s2012SeasonkickedoffSaturday,January14th,atSteinwayBilliardsinAstoria,NY,apoolroomwhichhasrecentlyhelpedpositivelycontributetoasurgeincompetitivepoolinQueens,NY.InadditiontobecomingthenewesthostlocationforthePredatorTourandWilliamFinnegan’stwoweeklytournamentsonMondaysandWednesdays,themanagementhaveinvestedinnewSimonisClothandhavesteppeduptheirequipmentmaintenance…inefforttocatertoaspiringandtoptalent.Theinauguraleventofthe2012PredatorTourseasonbeganatnoononSaturdaywiththeAmateurevent,whichbroughtinanimpressivetotalof81playersparticipatinginthetourstop.TourFounderTonyRoblesandTourDirectorWilliamFinneganinvitedthetop16playersbackonSunday,toplayintheSundayMoneyrounds,whereeachplayerwasinthemoney,andeachmatchbuiltwithexcitementandmeaning.Eachtourstop’scharthasanA/BbracketaswellasanC/Dbracket,givingeachlevelanopportunitytostandoutamongsttheirpeers.Gameonthewirespotskeeptheplayersfromdifferentrankingscompetitive.The81participantswereallvyingtostarttheseasonoffontherightfoot,andtrytotakeanearlyleadintheseason’spointsstandings,earnbraggingrights,andmakeittothecash.SeveralnotableplayerswentintobattleintheA/Bdivision,suchasLionelRivera,SteveWright,EricTang,JohnAlicea,JackSmith,TonyLiang,WellingtonReyes,andthe16-year-oldphenom,formerJuniorNationalChampionBrianaMiller.Briana,whoisalsoamultiple-timeJPNEWTRegionalTourChampion,cameinatB+andeventuallywasraisedtoanAforputtingonaremarkableperformance.ThereweremanyplayersparticipatingintheAmateur9-Balleventwhowerediggingdeepandplayinghardforachancetowinthe1stprizeof$1,225andstarttheseasonat#1.Otherstand-outperformanceswereseenfromTrevorHealandStevenWright,whobothbroughtacombinationoffearlessshotmakingandapatientapproachtogrindoutseveralclutchsets,whichstirredupgreatbuzz.LionelRivera,AlexPlatonov,andDaveAscolese(whohadimpressivefinishin3rdplace)alsoleftitallonthetableintheirpushinthisevent.Several‘C’classplayersmadeastatement,showingtheytheyhavewhatittakestowintoughmatchesincludingJuniorSingh,WellingtonReyes,andBobSchlott,whohadseveralimpressivewins.15-year-oldtopjuniortalentDarwinVergaraalsoshowedalotofheart,andwowedafewpeoplewithhowhisgamehasimproved.DarwinmentionedthatoneofthereasonsheisplayingbetterisbecausehehasrecentlybeensponsoredbySteinwayBilliards,givingtheyoungaspiringtalentfreetabletimetopracticeandhonehisgame.Hisfather,MhetVergara,alsoparticipatedthisweekend,intheOpen/ProEvent.Takingtheleadroleinthewinner’sbracketwasRayFeliciano,whowentthroughundefeatedwinsoverNikoBerdzeniskvili7-1,OmarChavez7-6,MarvinSt.John7-1,Fabulous7-1,JuniorSingh7-5,andDaveAscolese8-3earninghimthehotseatandapositioninthefinalmatch.BrianHunterwouldbetheplayertoeventuallyfaceoffagainstRayFelicianointhefinals,aftermakinganimpressiverunthroughtheone-lossside.BrianlosthisveryfirstmatchtoRikkiRagoonananat7-5beforegrindingthroughthewestsideofthebracket.Brian’sroadtothefinalsincludedwinsoverRafaelOrtiz7-3,DarwinVergara7-6,JerryTarantola7-3,DanCintron7-4,EricTang7-5,TonySinacore7-6,SteveWright7-5,LionelRivera7-2,BobSchlott7-6andDaveAscolese7-4.ThisrunoftenconsecutivewinsleftBrianHunterfeelingconfidentthathecoulddefeatRayFeliciano,whowashavingabreakoutevent.Inthefinals,RayFelicianostartedoutslow,whileBrianHuntertookcontrolofthepaceandmomentumoftheset.Raywasabletostarttosettleinandfightback,andfoughthardforapotentialcomefrombehindwin.BrianHunterclutchedoutduringseveralkeymomentstoendupcapturingthefirstPredator9-BallToureventoftheseasoninaexcitinghill-hillfinalmatch.Brianwasveryimpressiveinshowingalotofgritanddeterminationashefoughtbacktowintheevent,despitelosinghisfirstmatch.CongratulationstoPredator9-BallTour’sStop#1WinnerBrianHunter,whostartsouttheseasonranked#1.

TheOpen-Pro10-BalleventofthefirstPredatorPro-Am9-BallTourstopofthe2012seasongotunderwayatnoononSunday,January15withafieldof21players.Thedouble-elimination,called-shoteventwasaracetoeightonthewinner’ssideandracetosevenontheone-lossside.Anumberofthearea’stopplayerscameouttotakeashotatthisopeningevent,includingSean“Alaska”Morgan,TonyRobles,MikeFingers,ZionZvi,MhetVergara,FrankieHernandez,JeremySossei,andmanyothers.Someofthearea’sstrongestup-and-comingplayershadastandoutdayatthisevent,includingRaphaelDabreo,whodefeatedJerryTarantola8-2andEvanBroxmeyer8-0,beforelosingtoJeremySossei8-5onthewinner’sside.Dabreowouldfinishtiedfor7thplacewithSeanMorgan.DabreothenmetupwithJerryTagainontheone-lossside,whereTarantolaavengedhisearlierloss,winning7-4.Previously,Tarantolahadasolidrunthroughtheloser’sbracket,knockingoutAlexBorukhovich7-5,RobPole7-5,andTonyRobles7-5.AfterdefeatingDabreo,JerryTfoughtatoughbattleagainstJorgeRodriguez,whocameoutthewinnerat7-5,leavingTarantolatosettleforfourthplace.Jorge“J-Rod”RodriguezhadalongjourneytogettothatquarterfinalmatchafterhavinglosthisfirstroundmatchtoJeremySossei8-6.Rodrigueztorethroughtheone-losssideinimpressivefashion,defeatingVictorNau7-5,FrankieHernandez7-6,EvanBroxmeyer7-0,ZionZvi7-4,SeanMorgan7-2,JerryT7-5,andJeremySossei7-2,tolockinaspotinthefinalsagainstJenniferBarretta.Jenniferhadthebeenthestorythisweekend,withimpressivewinsoverFrankieHernandez8-7,RobPole8-2,SeanMorgan8-6,andJeremySossei8-7inanexcitinghill-hillthrillertotakethehotseat.BarrettamadeheadlineslastseasonwhenshebecamethefirstfemaletowinthePredatorTour’sOpen/Proevent,defeatingSosseiinthefinals.Rightnow,Jenniferisplayingthebestpoolofhercareer,andprovingthatthewomencanwinagainstthebestplayersintheTri-Statearea…showingshehasmajorgametobackupthebuzz.JenniferBarrettahasbeennamedbyESPNasoneofthe50SexiestAthletes,andhasbeenfeaturedinMaximandPlayboymagazine…andhasnowearnedtherespectofmanymoreknowledgeableNYpoolfansthathaveanewappreciationforthefirepowerthisgirlispacking.Inthefinals,

undefeatedJenniferBarrettatookonahotJorgeRodriguezataround4amamMondaymorning.Rodriguezcontinuedhisverystrongplayfromthroughouttheeventinthismatch,withimpressiveshotmakingthatwasexcitingtowatch.WhileRodriguezwasinprimeform,Barrettashowedsignsoffatigueandwasnotabletokeepuphertopgamesheshowedthroughouttheevent.Thematchendedwithastrong11-2winforJorgeRodrigueztotakethetitle.Withthiswin,JorgesolidifieshimselfasoneofNY’sstrongestplayers,andstartsoutleadingthepointsrankingsofthePro/AmTour.CongratstobothJorgeandJennifer,alongwith3rdplacefinisherJeremySosseiontheirperformancesinthisevent!StayontheNYCGrindfortheupcomingfinalresultsfromthetwo-dayPredatorTourAmateur9-Ballevent.Forthesecondyearinarow,thePredatorPro/AmTourisgoingtobeawardinganOpen/ProplayerwithanentryintotheinvitationalU.S.Open10-BallChampionships.Aftertheendofthe7thstopoftheseason,theplayerwhoaccumulatedthemostpointswillwintheentry(worth$500)tothebigeventinVegas.Belowisthebreakdownofthepointsgiventothetopfinishers.Goodlucktoalltheplayersworkingtowardsearningthisbigentry!COMPLETEPAYOUTSABCD1st BrianHunter $1,2252nd RayFeliciano $9003rd Dave“DevilDave”Ascolese $6504th BobSchlott $4505/6 JuniorSingh,WellingtonReyes $3007/8 BrianRussell,LionelRivera $2009-12 MikeFisher,SteveWright,AlexPlatonou,Fabulous $12513-16 AlexOsipov,TonySinacore,NikoBerdzeniskvili,TrevorHeal $80COMPLETEPAYOUTSOPEN/PRO1st: JorgeRodriguez $8002nd: JenniferBarretta $6003rd: JeremySossei $3504th: JerryTarantola $2005/6 RaphaelDabreo,SeanMorgan $75

BY JERRY TARANTOLA, NYCGRIND.COM

L-R: JENNIFER BARRETTA (2ND) & JORGE RODRIGUEZ (1ST)

L-R: DAVE ASCOLESE, BRIAN HUNTER, RAY FELICIANO

10-Ball Season Opener

Page 20: Stroke Magazine February Issue 2012

A A 20StrokeMagazine-February2012

P R E S S R E L E A S E

MonsterBreakBilliards.comispleasedtoannounceitsnewpartnershipwithAmericanCueSportsAlliance(ACS)andlooksforwardtoservingtheACSmembership.“Wearealwayslookingforadditionalbenefitsforourmembers,andournewrelationshipwithMonsterBreakBilliards.comservesthatpurpose,”surmisedACSPresident,MikeWilson.MonsterBreakBilliards.comisaleadingonlineretailerofbilliardsuppliesandaccessoriesandoffersawide-rangeofproductsandsuperiorcustomerservice.TheyhasalargeselectionofpoolcuesfromalloftheleadingmanufacturersincludingLucasi,Viking,McDermott,FURY,JossandPredator.Andalsocarriesafulllineofcasesinvarioussizesandmaterials.AtMonsterBreakBilliards.com–Wehaveeverythingyouneed!·PoolCuesfromalloftheleadingmanufacturers·PoolCueCasesinvariessizesandmaterials·Chalk,TipsandChalkHolders·CueAccessories·BilliardBallsandIndividualReplacementBalls·TrainingAids-BooksandDVDs·GameRoomFurniture&Lighting…andmuchmore!!ACSSpecialDiscountACSmemberssaveanextra5%discountoffouralreadylowpricesPLUSFREESHIPPINGonallordersover$75!Toplaceanorder,gotowww.MonsterBreakBilliards.comorcallourorderline1-877-595-8539.Whencheckingout,entercouponcode“ACS”toreceiveyour5%discountandfreeshippingonallordersover$75.WE’REHERETOHELP.AtMonsterBreakBilliards.comyoursatisfactionisourmainpriority.Everythingis100%Guaranteedbyour45-Dayreturnpolicy–soyoucanbuywithconfidence!

MONSTERBREAKBILLIARDS.COMPARTNERSWITHACS

$250 Added GuaranteedBar Box 8-Ball 1st Saturday of the Month

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

Coming

Western New York Tour

Page 21: Stroke Magazine February Issue 2012

February2012-StrokeMagazine21

WPBA MastersEpic Battle of the Hall of Famers!

MT.PLEASANT,MI-TheWPBAMastersattheSoaringEagleCasino&Resorthasnowconcluded,andthewinnerisnoneotherthanEwaMatayaLaurancedefeating#2rankedAllisonFisher(left)inanepicbattleoftwoveteranchampions!BCAandWPBAHallofFamerandformerGrandLedge,Michiganresident,EwaMatayaLaurancetookanearly2-1leadintheshorttelevisedraceto7againstfellowBCAHallofFamer,#2rankedAllisonFisher.Ewathenextendedtheleadto3-1,4-1and5-1...AndthenAllisonmountedacomeback!5-2,5-3,5-4andsuddenlythescorewastied5-5;aracetotwo,withAllisonbreaking.Ewadugdeepandpulledoutthenexttwogamesfora7-5victoryand$10,000paydayinthefirstWPBAeventof2012!Inthefirstsem-final,Ewaprovedshe’dbeaformidablecontenderwhenshedefeated#1rankedGaYoungKim7-6forherplaceinthetitlebout.TheothersemifinalwasabattleoftheFishers:KellyFishervs.AllisonFisher(picturedleft).Thoughthey’renotrelated,theybothhailfromtheU.K.andbothyieldadeadlycue.AllisonpulledoutallthestopsanddefeatedKelly7-4toheadtothefinalsagainstLaurance.FinalResultsTop24(24PlacedPaid):1 $10,000EwaMatayaLaurance2 $5,500 AllisonFisher3/4 $2,750 GaYoungKim,KellyFisher5/6 $2,000 HelenaThornfeldt,JasminOuschan7/8 $1,750 JeanetteLee,EleanorCallado9/12 $1,500 LizFord,DawnHopkins,MonicaWebb,BrittanyBryant13/16 $1,250 KarenCorr,LineKjorsvik,JenniferBarretta,GerdaHofstatter17/24 $1,000 EmilynCallado,SusanWilliams,JoanneAshton, TerukoCucculelli,TamaraPeeters,JenniferChen, JessicaBarnes,NicoleKeeneyToviewthefinaltournamentchart,visitwww.wpba.comandclickon“2012SoaringEagleTournamentBoard.”Thethreefinal-roundone-hourmatcheswillbebroadcastbyESPNforonSunday,March18,from1:30-4:30pmEST.

EWAMATAYALAURANCE Photoby:LineKjorsvikonFacebook

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22StrokeMagazine-February2012

STORY

Lucky #11 BY: ANDREW MONSTIS

Life After Vegas………whoo … The Vegas stretch was a long one. It’s hard to be in one place too long.

After Vegas we went back to Lucky’s ranch. We had to check the ranch before heading out again. Lucky checked with the folks he had watching the farm, and then stopped by the Post Office in town to get his mail. Waiting while Lucky went inside I sat there watching people heading here and there, living their lives. I rolled down the window and tried to shoo a fly out of the car who had decided my nose was an interesting place to park. Took forever to get that darn fly out of the car. I was thinking what an amazing trip so far. I had to sort out all the things I planned to put in the next chapter about this amazing road trip with this amazing man. Seemed like Lucky was always surprising me with one thing or another, and the substance of this enterprise was just piling up how am I going to translate to everyone.

Lucky returned, climbed in and unloaded a pile of mail on the seat between us. He pointed to one letter on top as he started the engine. It was from Mr. Top Spin. “I can’t get him to stop sending me money!” Lucky went on to explain. He was from Buffalo New York originally. Lucky beat him out of a whole bunch of money. Mr. Top Spin was one of those guys Lucky learned something from. “Truly the best follow player I have ever seen” Lucky says. “I remember when we played for days and days, until he went broke. I agreed to play him on the wire and I kept winning that, too. It’s been almost twenty years now and he still sends me checks! I told him ten years ago to forget it and quit sending me money!” Lucky shook his head and chuckled, “Mr. Top Spin said, he always pays my debts and besides, he gained a lesson more valuable than the money. Lucky suggested he do something positive with the money instead of sending it to him. “I hear he’s doing charity pool activities now and taking a few vacations He’s an honorable man.”

Lucky opened the mail and showed me the $5,000 check that was in it. Made out just to “Lucky,” the signature on the check said Mark Edwards. He put the check back in the envelope. “I’ll put it with the other I haven’t cashed yet!.”

“But why don’t you cash the checks?” I asked, remembering Mark from some of his visits to the Northwest. “You could use it right about now.”

“Well, he keeps sending it, and I keep telling him not to, so it’s kind of a standoff. Like I said, he’s an honorable man and is keeping his word to pay off the loss.” With a bemused shake of his head, Lucky said, “Stubborn, eh?”

I knew Lucky had won a ton of cash over the years, and it seemed to me like he ought to have some of it left. “It doesn’t make sense to me,” I protested. “Can I ask what you’ve been doing with your winnings all these years?”

“Oh, some of it went towards the ranch. And I send a little to a couple of charities now and again. Well, I guess maybe most of it, actually. I don’t need much… ‘cept now for them damn pills. Speaking of which, I do need to stop and check in with the Doc Cranford before we go again.”

Well, the home stop was short and uneventful. A good night sleep we headed out next day for a spot about 20 driving hours away, and picked a little town down the road where Lucky said he’d heard there was a good local tournament venue. We were now into several months of road play. I want to say again and at the risk of being redundant, Lucky is a wise old codger. We stay only in small towns for the night, avoiding the larger bergs. Each night we check into a decent hotel or motel and then scout out the local pool action. It is better to stick around for days to find players and see their speed but in little town it’s not necessary. Since Lucky does not look like much of a pool player, he always can get some games for one to three bills. He’s grown his beard back some, and still wears that Where’s the Beef hat, and all in all does a reasonable imitation of a retired geezer. In many places he was invited to basically take more money, but he’s careful not to build up a reputation like many road players do. “Next thing you know,” he says, “the jungle drums are telegraphing the next town that you’re coming and they are definitely

ready and waiting to do some hustling of their own or just flat say no.” We do need to win a certain amount each day, just to meet expenses…around a hundred and twenty a day, I figure. It can be expensive to travel these days. I get play too, now and again to contribute to the trip, but truthfully, I’d rather watch Lucky in action than anything else. His subtle maneuvering of the whole show is fascinating to me.

This night we hit an empty hole and didn’t make a dime. The weekly tournament had been cancelled, and no one was around to play. I guess the tavern owner got mad at the players who show up and complain about the tables all the time and it went from there. From the looks of the tables I couldn’t blame the local players, but I knew they’d be back the next week. We just came back to the hotel and watched bad TV and the worse movies. As usual, I had to make sure Lucky took his “pills” before he turned in. Better luck tomorrow night, next town.

You find out a lot about someone when you ride next to him for hours on end. Lucky’s music tastes are surprisingly eclectic. He likes all kinds of music. I know pretty much everyone likes the Beatles, he knows all the words of every Beatles songs. Who’d have thought Lucky’s favorite tape would be the Beatles Revolver. And the next tape he plugged in was the Who. I think he has good taste.

The next day brought us to another town Lucky wanted to hit, partly for the food at a nice café called Donna’s. The food was great. This was a town Lucky played in many years ago and won a ton of money. The waitress told us that they play pool down at this place now on 12th Street. We went over there after dinner. No one was in the place. We asked around but no one talked like they knew what action was. We struck out again. A bum steer.

The natural scenery was way too cool. Some of the most beautiful views from the road I have ever seen. We were enjoying one incredible sunset beaming through fields and forest as we drove by. Lucky I was the passenger able to just get mesmerized looking through the tinted glass window.

Page 23: Stroke Magazine February Issue 2012

February2012-StrokeMagazine23

All of a sudden Lucky pulled to a stop and got out of the car. I watched in amazement as he walked back down the road and stomped out a burning cigarette butt. He came back to the car, and seeing my look, shrugged and said, “I saw the guy in the car front of me throw it out. I’d hate to see forest get burnt up.”

Something else about Lucky I didn’t really know. He has compassion for people. We stopped three different times to see if people needed help along side the road. One woman had stopped for a stretch and couldn’t get her car started up again. Lucky found a broken starter wire and fixed it. She gave him a big kiss. Hard to believe Lucky is shy but… Lucky fidgeting turned beet red. He soaked it up and beamed for hours while driving behind the wheel. He reminds me of a modern day Robin Hood, the way he takes down the arrogant and cocky ones without intimidation and pretty much lets everyone else alone, unless it’s to help if it’s needed.

Not everything on the road is fair. We ran into a couple of tournaments where the house actually took money from the entry fees. One was ten percent and the other was fifteen percent. I never heard of such a thing. Guess they never heard of such a thing as the house adding money. We wanted to say something about it but deferred to the need to remain low key. We just got into the car and

took off.

Lucky’s pointed out that some pool towns are not thriving as it once were. The excellence of the pool as sport has been lacking of late. Many areas are not promoting higher levels of play. There is becoming little to no action. Players are rarely matching up. A lot of the industries emphasis has been on the recreational level players. Those are the bulk of pool players. That is where making a buck is too. It’s probably good for the sport in some way I guess. Still little pool support exists to strengthen the above average and top local players. At one time in the recent past all major cities had significant pool action. The pool economies were doing well. There are still places where people play and gamble. Lots of areas have succumbed to what Lucky calls a B player mentality.

We hit a lucky stop for the night in White Bird at Hoot’s Motel & Restaurant, not because we found a million dollar game, but because we awoke to a spectacular view of the canyon there, and it just set the day spinning right………

STORY

Lucky #11

Page 24: Stroke Magazine February Issue 2012

P R E S S R E L E A S E

CSI Supports BCAAs a long time member of the Billiard Congress of America (BCA), CSI supports the BCA in their recently announced pro pool initiative to provide funds to send North American players to international events. CSI is one of the first industry leaders to support the BCA initiative as a “2012 Official Contributor to International Competition.” A solid framework for both North American and world professional pool has long existed, with the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) as the world body, and the BCA as the WPA member for North America. CSI commends the BCA on their commitment renewal as the “Governing Body for Cue Sports in North America.” CSI supports the BCA as the governing body, its pro points program, and the player selection process for international events. With a decline in US player participation in world events, the time has come to change the structure of how pro pool in North America is supported. This is a great step in building that structure which will allow the top US and Canadian players to continue to compete and represent their countries internationally. CSI, which produces the “US Open 10-Ball Championship,” one of the BCA pro point events, believes the future and strength of the sport lies in creating a synergy between the industry, the amateurs, the professionals, and the general public. Two years ago CSI launched the USA Pool League

with that goal in mind, and a portion of CSI’s proceeds from the USAPL is pledged to promote and fund pro awareness. We at CSI encourage industry support of the BCA in their new endeavor.

In the past, CSI partnered with five other industry leaders to help support and fund the BCA Hall of Fame. It is time for all organizations that have the sport and industry foremost in mind to band together in support of the BCA. CueSports International (CSI) is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. In the past seven years CSI has directly paid out approximately seven million dollars to players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events such

as the US Bar Table Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial, the US Open One Pocket Championship and the US Open 10-Ball Championship. Visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com and www.playusapool.com for more information about CSI and its divisions. CSI leads the billiard industry in the development of technology. For more information on the state-of-the-art software systems for league and tournament management visit www.leaguesys.net andwww.ctsondemand.com.

WorldPPA Joins the 19th US Bar Table Championships in 2012Februarymaybetheshortestmonthoftheyear,butalsoushersinthelargestopenbartableeventintheUnitedStates:the19thUSBarTableChampionships.February12-19,2012playerswillarrivetotheGrandSierraResortandCasino,Reno,Nevadawithexpandedopportunitiesforplay.InadditiontothesixdivisionsoftheUSBarTableChampionshipson7’DiamondTables,theWorldPPARenoShootoutwilltakeplaceFebruary17-19onDiamond9’Tables.Entriesarebeingtakenonlineviawww.ctsondemand.comforbothevents.Youcanalsoenterviamailorfax.Todownloadandprinttheentryformsforthe19thUSBarTableChampionshipsvisithttp://playbca.com/Events/2012USBarTableChampionships.aspx.TodownloadandprinttheWorldPPARenoShootoutentryformvisithttp://playbca.com/Events/2012WorldPPARenoShootout.aspx.Besuretogetyourentryfeeinearly(beforeFebruary8th)toavoidlatefees.Roomratesforthe4starGrandSierraResort&Casinoarelowat$39/$49forupto4guestsperroomandwithoutaresortfee.Call800-501-2651andusegroupcode:POOL12toreserveyourroom.TheentryfeefortheWorldPPARenoShootoutis$110(includes$25registrationand$10greenfees);$75perentrygoestowardprizefund.Asoftoday,wehave

$1,000(verylikelycouldbehigherdependingondepositsmadebytournamentdirectors)fromtheextradollarRenofund.With128players,thetotalprizefundwouldbe$10,600;everyonewillwinsomething;therewillbenolosersattheRenoWorldPPAShootout.

Thegroupofevents,the19thUSBarTableChampionshipsandtheWorldPPARenoShootoutarebeingscheduledsoplayersinterestedincompetinginbothwillbeableto.CueSportsInternational(CSI)isdedicatedtocreatingmorechoicesforallplayers.InthepastsevenyearsCSIhasdirectlypaidoutapproximatelysevenmilliondollarstoplayers.CSIistheparentcompanyoftheBCAPoolLeagueandtheUSAPoolLeague.CSIalsoproducesindependenteventssuchastheUSBarTableChampionships,theJaySwansonMemorial,the

USOpenOnePocketChampionshipandtheUSOpen10-BallChampionship.Visitwww.playcsipool.com,www.playbca.comandwww.playusapool.comformoreinformationaboutCSIanditsdivisions.CSIleadsthebilliardindustryinthedevelopmentoftechnology.Formoreinformationonthestate-of-the-artsoftwaresystemsforleagueandtournamentmanagementvisitwww.leaguesys.netandwww.ctsondemand.com.

DESTINATIONRENO

24StrokeMagazine-February2012

Page 25: Stroke Magazine February Issue 2012

February2012-StrokeMagazine25

P R E S S R E L E A S E

March 2012 starts off with another exciting venue for TAP Pool League members. Hundreds of TAP players from different parts of the United States and Canada are preparing their activities for this historical event. Whether it be a Dream Team 8-Ball spot, our newly added Dream Team 9-ball, or you’re testing your skills in the 8-Ball Singles Championship event, your experience will truly be rewarding, memorable and entertaining. To take some of the pressure off from the main events, TAP also offers minis to keep your game warmed up. TAP is proud to announce this years Rally in the Valley represents our 16th year. Rally in the Valley is held in conjunction with the Super Billiards Expo at it’s new and exciting location “The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center At Oaks”. To see the formats of Rally and past photos click hear . If you have any questions regarding this event feel free to call us at 800-984-7665 or visit our online help desk on the right of our national website for quick FAQ’s. Be sure to join our Facebook for these updates and more.

If you are one of the lucky ones to attend the Super Billiards Expo and Rally in the Valley, please stop by our expo booth and see what great opportunities we have for you. Come take a look at our newly released phone APP and much more ( Booths #335 and #415).

TAP closes 2011 with another year of record growth, servicing not only our existing members but also thousands of new members. With this growth TAP Pool Leagues have expanded into new counties, states, zip codes and Provinces across the United States and Canada.

The message from TAP is clear, you as a player and host location do have a choice to replace or add to your league activities, at TAP we work

for you. TAP is also proud to close 2011 not only with a record growth, but with the comfort that we offer added employment for TAP Licensees and extra revenue to the league locations. If you are a league location, player or entertainer, be a part of the TAP family today. What’s going on with TAP in 2012? Keep your eyes on us and you will see!

TAP DREAM TEAM RallyintheValleyandMuchMuchMore

TheBilliardEducationFoundation(BEF)isacceptingapplicationsforthe2012scholarshipawards.TheobjectiveoftheBEFAcademicScholarshipProgramistograntscholarshipstohighschoolseniorswhohavebenefitedfromthesportofbilliardsandarepursuingacollegeeducation.TheBEFAcademicScholarshipProgramisdividedintotwocategories:ExcellenceinEducationscholarship(asingle$2,000award)andAimingforHigherEducationscholarships(threeindividualscholarshipsat$1,000each).Eachapplicantwillbeconsideredinbothcategories;onlyonecompletedapplicationisrequiredandmustbepostmarkednolaterthanMonday,April2nd,2012.ApplicationscanbedownloadedattheBEFwebsite:www.BilliardEducation.org.Studentsmustadheretothefollowingscholarshipcriteria:1)holdaminimum3.0cumulativeGPA(ona4.0scale);2)musthaveanACTscoreofatleast23orSATcombinedscore(criticalreading+math)of1050orhigher;3)submita500-1000wordessayonhowbilliardshasbeenanintegralpartoftheirlife;4)mustbeacceptedtoanaccreditedundergraduateacademicprogrambyJune1;5)mustattendanaccreditedundergraduateinstitutionandcarryatleast12hourspersemester.

Thefinalapplicationmustalsoincludealetterfromtheapplicantoutliningacademicachievements,leadershipand/orcommunityservicework,adescriptionoftheapplicant’sbackgroundandcareerobjectivespluspersonalandprofessional(academic)goals.ApplicantsmustalsosubmitanofficialHighSchoolTranscriptandSAT/ACTscores.TheBilliardEducationFoundationhasawardedover$200,000inscholarshipssince1993.SaidBEFexecutivedirectorLauraSmith,“TheBEFisproudtohelpyoungadultswhohavebenefittedfrombilliardstooffsettheireducationexpensesandbecomeourfutureleaders.”

AboutBilliardEducationFoundationTheBilliardEducationFoundation(BEF)isa501(c)(3)non-profitorganizationwhichiscommittedtopromotingeducationandencouragesthedevelopmentoflifeskillsthroughyouthbilliardprograms.TheBEFfundsacademicscholarships,producestheJuniorNational9-BallChampionships,supportsbilliardathletestoattendtheWPAWorldJunior9-BallChampionshipsandpromotes“PoolInSchool”programs.Formoreinformation,visitwww.BilliardEducation.org.Tobecomeasponsor,makeadonationorinquiry,pleasecontactLauraSmithatinfo@BilliardEducation.orgorphone303.926.1039.

BEF Scholarship Opportunities

Page 26: Stroke Magazine February Issue 2012

26StrokeMagazine-February2012

DATE CITY LOCATION PHONE EVENT / RULES ENTRY ADDED TIME

Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice

Feb 4 Buffalo, NY Bison Billiards (716) 632-0281 8-Ball Bar Box $35 (incl g.f.) $250 Guar NoonFeb 4 Brooklyn, NY Gotham City Billiards (718) 714-1002 9-Ball Tri State Tour C-D Call $1,000 CallFeb 4-5 Waterville, ME T J’s Billiards (207) 877-7665 9-Ball Maine Residents Only $60 $500 11AMFeb 4-5 Bellflower, CA CSI (702) 719-7665 9-Ball Jay Swanson Mem. $80 $3,000 Guar CallFeb 11 E Rutherford, NJ Castle Billiards (201) 933-6007 9-Ball Tri State Tour A-B-C-D Call $500 CallFeb 12-19 Reno, NV CSI (702) 719-7665 10-Ball Bar Table Open Call $6,000 CallFeb 12-19 Reno, NV CSI (702) 719-7665 10-Ball Bar Table Women Call $1,000 w/16 CallFeb 12-19 Reno, NV CSI (702) 719-7665 9-Ball Bar Table Open Call $6,000 CallFeb 12-19 Reno, NV CSI (702) 719-7665 9-Ball Bar Table Women Call $1,000 w/16 CallFeb 12-19 Reno, NV CSI (702) 719-7665 8-Ball Bar Table Open Call $6,000 CallFeb 12-19 Reno, NV CSI (702) 719-7665 8-Ball Bar Table Open/Wmn Call $1,000 w/16 CallFeb 18 Glen Burnie, MD Big Daddy’s Billiards (410) 760-1332 9-Ball - Race 7/5 $45-$85 Call 1PMFeb 18-19 Winter Park, FL Cue-Phoria Billiards (321) 972-1867 9-Ball Amateur/Open 10-Ball Call $2,000 CallFeb 19 Jackson Hghts, NY BQE Billiards (718) 779-4348 9-Ball Tri State Tour A-B-C-D Call $1,000 CallFeb 25 Glen Burnie, MD Big Daddy’s Billiards (410) 760-1332 8-Ball Maryland Open $50/$75 pro Call 10AMFeb 25 Ft. Pierce, FL Ultimate Billiards (772) 464-7665 Flamingo Billiards Tour Call Call CallFeb 26 Baydise, NY Cue Bar (718) 631-2646 9-Ball Tri State Tour A-B-C-D Call $1,000 CallMar 3 Buffalo, NY Bison Billiards (716) 632-0281 8-Ball Bar Box $35 (incl g.f.) $250 Guar NoonMar 3 E Rutherford, NJ Castle Billiards (201) 933-6007 9-Ball Tri State Tour A-B-C-D Call $500 CallMar 3-4 Providence, DI Snookers Billards (401) 351-7665 NE P&B Hall of Fame 9-Ball $125 Call CallMar 3-4 Lewiston, ME Schemengee’s (207) 777-1155 8-Ball Maine Residents Only $60 $500 11AMMar 3-4 Tallahasse, FL Zingales Billiards (850) 224-8644 9-Ball Amateur/Open 10-Ball Call $2,000 CallMar 10-11 Lafayette, LA White Diamond Billiards (337) 989-9889 9-Ball Mini Tournament $20 Call CallMar 10-11 Lafayette, LA White Diamond Billiards (337) 989-9889 9-Ball Bar Table - Race to 7 $40 $1,000 w/128 9AMMar 11 Levittown, NY Cue Nine Billiards (516) 796-4600 9-Ball Tri State Tour A-B-C-D Call $1,000 CallMar 18 Brooklyn, NY Gotham City Billiards (718) 714-1002 9-Ball Tri State Tour B-C-D Call $1,250 CallMar 24 Staten Island, NY Port Richmond Billiards (718) 727-0800 9-Ball Tri State Tour B-C-D Call $750 CallMar 24-25 Waterville, ME T J’s Billiards (207) 877-7665 Maine State Straight Pool $60 $500 w/20 11AMMar 31-Apr 1 Brooksville, FL Capone’s (352) 688-9965 Poison Pool Tour Call $2,000 CallApr 7 Buffalo, NY Bison Billiards (716) 632-0281 8-Ball Bar Box $35 (incl g.f.) $250 Guar NoonApr 21-22 Vero Beach, FL Cunningham’s Billiards (772) 562-1171 Poison Pool Tour Call $2,000 CallMay 9-20 Las Vegas, NV BCAPL (702) 719-7665 BCAPL Nationals Varies $800,000 payout CallMay 10-13 Las Vegas, NV CSI (702) 719-7665 U S Open One Pocket Call $10,000 Guar CallMay 14-19 Las Vegas, NV BCAPL (702) 719-7665 U S Open 10-Ball Call $25,000 Guar Call

Presents

The Leader In Live Streaming

April 19-22, 2012 MCMOA State 8-Ball ChampionshipsLIVE from Billings, Montana

Page 27: Stroke Magazine February Issue 2012

“Come Celebrate the Life of a Gentle Giant”

Tournament Entry

ONLINE REGISTRATION AVAILABLE AT WWW.CTSONDEMAND.COM

17450 Bellflower Blvd., Bellflower, CA 90706 (562) 867-7733

No Checks After January 21, 2012

All mailed entries must be received no later than January 31, 2012

On-site entries will be accepted in CASH ONLY.

Make Checks payable to: CueSports International or CSI

Mail to: CueSports Intl, 2041 Pabco Rd., Henderson, NV 89011

Fax Entries to: (702) 719-7667. CSI Phone: (702) 719-7665

www.hardtimesbellflower.com

Open to All Players / Doors Open at 9 a.m. Play Begins at 10 a.m.(includes $20 reg./green fee + $5 late fee)

(includes $20 reg./green fee)Race to 7 winner side ~ 6 one loss side (final 48 one loss side to 7)

Final Single Race to 11 ~ Double Elimination.

Field Limited to 192 Players. Early Sign-Ups Encouraged.

(we reserve the right to modify races to accomodate tournament time restraints)

$3,000 Added Guaranteed

$4,000 Added With Full Field

February 4 - 5, 2012$80.00 Entry Fee

$85.00 Day of Event

Hard Times Billiards

The 16th Annual Jay Swanson

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