Stroke Magazine January Issue 2013

READSTROKE

POOL MAGAZINEin PRINT & ONLINE

http://www.mcdermottcue.com

w w w . a r a m i t h . c o m

Happy Birthday to Us.

w w w . s i m o n i s c l o t h . c o m

A u t h e n t i c . A c c u r a t e . A l w a y s .

®

®

Founded upon unwavering principles of quality and value, 2013 marks our 333rd continuous year in business.We are the oldest company in the billiard industry.

Being the oldest didn’t make us the best... being the best has made us the oldest.

Premium products with premium value. Iwan Simonis.

PERFORMANCE CUSHIONS byKLEMATCH

http://www.simoniscloth.com

READSTROKE

POOL MAGAZINEin PRINT & ONLINE

DEADLINE: 25th of each Month - CALL IF LATE

CONTACT US:***NEW ADDRESS***On The Break News

P.O. Box 1566Bozeman, MT 59771

Phone [email protected]

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 on or before the 15th 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. © 2013 Stroke

Publisher

Do

n “

Ch

eese

” A

ker

low

4 Stroke Magazine - January 2013 www.StrokeMagazine.net

STROKE STAFFPUBLISHER/EDITORDon “Cheese” Akerlow

MARKETING DIRECTORMary Akerlow

LAYOUTS & DESIGNErica Senf, Don Akerlow

Mary Akerlow

30

5 Zingales

6 Dr Cue 8 Columnists

13 Junior Profile

16 Mosconi Cup

23 World Juniors

27 Stephano Pelinga

ADVERTISERS150 N Out Billiards 11Amy’s Billiards 12Aramith 3Ask the Viper 8Bar Table Championships 35BCAPL/CSI 35BEF 13Bison Billiards 31Bob Jewett 10Cloth for Sale 30Corner Pocket 24CueStix International 36Gold Crown Billiards 11Lucky 7 Billiards 27McDermott 2Monk, The 9Mueller 4Sandcastle Billiards 24Simonis 3Subscription 34Swanee 35Tiger Products 14Zingale’s 12

Contents

FEATURES

15

YOU CAN ALWAYS FIND STROKE AT ONE OF THESE LOCATIONS OR ONLINE AT STROKEMAGAZINE.NET

POOL ON TV

These schedules have been provided by ESPN. These are tentative

dates and are subject to change

All times are Eastern time.

12

Cover Photo courtesy of:J P Parmentier

There are no scheduled broadcasts of pool or billiard events on any ESPN networks in January.

http://www.muellers.com

Dave “Doggin” Grossman Crowned Florida State 10-Ball Champion

Zingales Billiards Tallahassee Fl, hosted the Florida State 10-Ball Championships weekend of 12,1,2012. The $4000 added event drew 43 players.Dave “Doggin” Grossman would prove to be to strong on the weekend making his way to the hotseat where he would be matched up against road man Chris Bartram. This match looked like it was going to be a stroll in the park for Bartram as he moved swiftly to lead the match 8-5, Grossman had other ideas as he grinded out 5 racks in a row to capture the hotseat. Donnie Mills would be the man looking to take his place in the finals as he made his way back with a 8-2 win over Jason Richko, followed by a 8-3 win over James Roberts to set up a semi final revenge match with Chris Bartram who had early dispatched mills 9-4, Mills would avenge this loss with a very hard fought 8-7 win over Bartram to give himself a shot at Grossman. The poison tour has a sudden death format which means Mills would have to defeat Grossman in the first race to 9 to force a 1 Rack shoot out similar to the Champion of Champion format used. Both players were nervous with the Florida state title and $2000 for first place up for grabs. Grossman managed his nerves a little better, even after a miss on a simple 10-ball to win the match at 8-6 up it didn’t stop him from eventually running a nervy final rack to win the match 9-7 and be crowned the FL State Champion. Along with the beautiful glass trophy made by Javier Chirino and the $2000 first place Grossman received a custom Robert Harris cue. Grossman called himself “Doggin” Dave all day while taking down the title with an undefeated run, not to bad for two days of Doggin. Mills would receive $1200 plus a custom Robert Harris Cue and 2nd place trophy. There was also a $1000 added 2nd chance event to give the travelling

players that extra chance of making some money and James Davis Jr travelling from Texas managed to take first place down with two wins on the day over Nick Applebee to take 1st place prize money of $550. This was the final event of the season on the Poison tour 2012 schedule and it finished the season on a high note at Zingales Billiards Tallahassee Florida. Tour Director Tony Crosby would like to say a special thank you to Michael Zingale and his staff for hosting two great year ending events, Poison Cues the Tours Title Sponsor, Robertson Billiards for supplying Zingales with a beautiful custom pool table, cue makers Robert Harris main event and Triple Cross cues 2nd chance event. My wife and I would also like to thank all the players who have shown great support to the tour. We look forward to seeing you at our events in 2013 a new schedule will be released soon with events planned to start late January.

Donnie Mills, Tony Crosby, Dave Grossman

RESULTSMAIN EVENT1st Dave Grossman $2,0002nd Donnie Mills $1,2003rd Chris Bartram $8004th James Roberts $6005th Jason Richko $350 Jesse Middlebrooks 7th Ke Wu $200 Adam Wheeler9th Ronnie Wiseman $100 Denny Fox Tony Crosby Randy Jordan

SECOND CHANCE 1st James Davis, Jr. $5502nd Nick Applebee $3503rd Randy Jordan $2504th Stoney Stone $1505th Ronnie Wiseman, Jeff Jordan $100

www.StrokeMagazine.net January 2013 - Stroke Magazine 5


The 2012 Dr. Cue Classic “Artistic” Cup VI has etched its signature mark in billiard history once again. 25 of the world’s greatest Artistic Pool Playing Artists participated in this unique “Artistic Pool” Professional Challenge at the Marriott Indy East in Indianapolis, IN from November 30th to December 2nd. Florian “Venom” Kohler from France raced to the “artistic” victory circle with a slim 1 point winning margin – taking home the first place guaranteed prize money, beautiful “Victory” Cup trophy, and title honors! Florian also became the 1st repeat champion for this prestigious event, having won the Dr. Cue Classic Artistic Cup IV in St. Louis, MO two years ago. This special event of the Dr. Cue Classic Artistic Pool “Sport & Show” Tour showcased some of the greatest Artistic Pool players under the WPA / APTSA sport umbrella. In addition, top players from several league tour stops held in 2012 at respective National and / or International events of the BCAPL, VNEA, ACS, and APA, plus several “at large” entries participated. All event activities were done in conjunction with the APA Indiana State Invitational tournament with over 1100 APA players in attendance, along with a huge fan base watching in amazement at all that was going on. Competitors played side by side in special 3 / 4 person – player groupings with 7-foot Diamond tables and high percentage make rate shots creating an equalizer effect for all participants. Over $10,000 in guaranteed payout values and a rather large player / audience prize fund produced player and fan friendly opportunities in a reunion style billiard atmosphere. The APPA (Artistic Pool Playing Artists) crusader force showcased a “class” act

of billiard skills from each of the 8 magnetic disciplines of “artistic pool” – 1) Trick / Fancy Shots, 2) Special Arts, 3) Draw Shots, 4) Follow Shots, 5) Bank / Kick Shots, 6) Stroke Shots, 7) Jump Shots, and 8) Masse Shots. When the program of 40 “classic” shots / challenges were finished by the competitors a special awards ceremony honored the Overall event champion, eight Discipline champions, and two Sportsmanship recipients. In addition to the Cup VI event, the 1st ever Q & Cue Characters “Roll To Victory” Challenge took place with over 261 preliminary and / or “buy back” entries participating in this simple, and yet very unique “pool ball rolling” challenge – done without the aid of a cue stick. On Saturday night the magnetic finals took place for those that had qualified from the initial rounds, as 4 top finalists earned a share of the $1000 guaranteed prize fund. James Hess from Marion, IN displayed great focus and a steady hand on his way to becoming the event champ, while winning $400 for

1st place. Note: An added feature for this special challenge included raffle drawings for players entering the competition. Scott Smithhart (Evansville, IN) won a custom “Table Trotter” cue / case ($600 value) donated by McDermott Cue, and Greg Fox (Bloomington, IN) won a Dr. Popper jump cue valued at $125 donated by Mark “Dr. Popper” Dimick. Dozens of APA t-shirts were awarded to finalists out of the money, via raffle ticket drawings, and thru exciting “parade moments” with audience members. A special feature accented the 3 days of festivities when a unique presentation was made to Charles “Spitball Charlie” Darling from Washington, MO as the 2012 Cue-Dean-“E” IV Honoree. A large group of sport fans and fellow players witnessed the emotional moment, as “Charlie” was presented with a beautiful McDermott “Table Trotter” cue / case, plus a custom Cue-Dean-“E” IV plaque. These awards were given to signify his “E”ntertainment, “E”ducation, and “E”nergetic talents, plus his “E”nlightening “spirit gift” to the magnetic world of “artistic pool” and beyond.

Dr. Cue Artistic Cup VI

Artistic Cup VI continued on page 32

WINNERS' SIDE FINAL FOURPlayer Player Winner ScoreAndrzejKaldon OrlandoForgie OrlandoForgie 7-5DaveShlemperis TonyIgnomirello TonyIgnomirello 7-6

HOT SEAT MATCHPlayer Player Winner ScoreTonyIgnomirello OrlandoForgie OrlandoForgie 7-4

ONE-LOSS SIDE FINAL EIGHTPlayer Player Winner Loser(9-12) ScoreEmitYocul KimMeyer-Gabia KimMeyer-Gabia EmitYocul 8-7TeddyLubis HarryGuevarez HarryGuevarez TeddyLubis 7-5WonlopChantarakoikat KaprielDelimelkonoglu KaprielDelimelkonoglu WonlopChantarakoik 7-5GeorgePoltorak MarkPerel MarkPerel GeorgePoltorak 7-3

ONE-LOSS SIDE FINAL SIXPlayer Player Winner Loser(7-8) ScoreHarryGuevarez KimMeyer-Gabia KimMeyer-Gabia HarryGuevarez 7-4kaprielDelimelkonoglu MarkPerel MarkPerel KaprielDelimelkonoglu 7-4 ONE-LOSS SIDE FINAL FOUR Player Player Winner Loser(5-6) ScoreAndrzejKaldon KimMeyer-Gabia KimMeyer-Gabia AndrzejKaldon ForfeitMarkPerel DaveShlemperis DaveShlemperis MarkPerel 7-4

QUARTERFINALPlayer Player Winner Loser(4) ScoreKimMeyer-Gabia DaveShlemperis DaveShlemperis KimMeyer-Gabia 7-6TonyIgnomirello DaveShlemperis DaveShlemperis TonyIgnomirello 7-3

FINALPlayer Player Winner Loser(2) ScoreOrlandoForgie DaveShlemperis DaveShlemperis OrlandoForgie 9-3

Gotham City BilliardsThe saga of the Hurricane Sandy Tri-State is completed. Since October

28th,when hurricane Sandy struck, the Gotham City Billiards' B/D Tri-State Tour event sat on hold awaiting the its conclusion. On December 1st, Dave Shlemperis emerged as the winner, his tournament trail included wins over Gary murgia 7 - 0; Guy Iannuzi 7 - 4 and, Kim Meyer-Gabia 7 - 4, before suffering a loss to Tony Ignomirello 7 - 6. Orlando Forgie made his way to the Hot Seat, and probably holds the record for sitting in a Hot Seat longer than anyone, with a win over Tony 7 - 5. During this time, Dave Shlemperis continued to prevail on the loss side. Dave defeated Mark Perel 7 - 3 and Kim 7 - 6, to have a rematch against Tony Ignomirello. This time it was Dave's turn to win 7 - 3. Dave and Orlando faced off in the Finally. During the Finals, Dave took charge and maintained control winning 9 - 3. Special recognition goes to Orlando Forgie and Tony Ignomirello for strong second and third place finish respectively. The Tri-State Tour, staff and membership wish to thank Kevin and Isabel Buckley, the owners of Gotham City Billiards, for their generous support of the players, along with providing great playing conditions. Please provide a thank you to Sterling-Gaming, Ozone Billiards, Poison Cues, Ron Tarr Cues, Kamui Tips, Phil Capelle, BlueBook Publishing, Human Kinetics for their sponsorship leading to this event. Please leave tournament staff names out of this article, comments and credits to remain general. Thank You.

Left 1st place - Dave Shlemperis, Right 2nd place - Orlando Forgie



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. Melissa is currently the house-pro at the Wynkoop Brewing Company located in Downtown Denver. She teaches monthly clinics, gives private lessons, and has created a juniors program that promotes billiards education to the local youth.

For more information about Melissa please visit: www.melissalittle.com

Melissa Little

“The Viper”“The Viper”An Interviewby:

Read more articles by Melissa Little at

www.onthebreaknews.com

www.melissalittle.com

WPBA Touring Profession

The

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

An interview with WPBA Professional Melissa LittleOver the past few months, my FB friends have been requesting an interview of the Viper.

So your wish has been granted and here you go…

Where were you born?Viper: I was born in 1970 30-miles west of Denver in Boulder, Colorado. Where and when did you first start playing pool?Viper: I was 12-years-old when I first pick up a pool cue. Everyday after school I would walk to the local arcade on the Boulder mall called “The Milky Way” where my childhood friend Keith Lavender worked as a part time manager. I truly looked up to him as a gamesmanship – as he played so many games and well. Each day I would try and beat him at my favorite game, which at the time was foosball but never could. So one day I asked him to play a game of pool and I drilled him. He encouraged me by saying I was a natural and that I should continue playing. Agreeing to my friend’s compliments I ran to my moms work and shouted out loud to her that when I got older that I was going to be a famous professional pool player that played pool on TV. My mom nodded her head in disbelief and said, “They don’t even have pool on TV, forget about it and just focus on school”. I questioned her answer by hoping and saying that pool would eventually be on TV someday. I didn’t pick up cue again until I was 17 years old. In high school my mom was managing a Mexican restaurant in Broomfield, CO named Buenos Tempos that housed a few pool tables. The owner, Rich Hamilton, was also the previous owner of Billiards on the Hill in Boulder, CO. and was very familiar with the sport of billiards.

While my mom worked, Rich played pool with his friends and then a few times a week a couple of young kids would drive up from Boulder to gamble with him (Dave Evans and Kevin Satterfield). I was so intrigued by how good those young players were. One day they asked me to play a game and I almost beat them. Over the years, Rich continues to inspired me to be one of the best in the world and even bought me my first Gold Crown that is still

covered up at Buenos for only special people can play on. He even built be a Viper shrine that he brags about to this day. What was your biggest accomplishment in the sport of billiards?Viper: Back in the day, the criteria to play full-time on the WPBA tour was that you had to participate in x amount of tournaments and you had to place in the top-half of those tournament x amount of times per year. In 1999, I travelled to 18 different places trying to qualify for WPBA pro events. Going into that BCA pro event I knew if I finished in the top half of the field, I would establish my touring pro status. I had won my first two matches and lost a nail biter 9-7 match against Jeanette Lee, which put me into the loser’s bracket prematurely of

achieving my goals. My next match was a 7 PM feature match against now Hall of Famer Loree Jon Jones. The spectator seating of the Riviera ballroom was sold out and in the middle row was my mom and step-dad looking as nervous as ever. One of my biggest accomplishments was winning that match 9-7 and ending the tournament with a 5th place finish.

Viper continued page 27

http://www.melissalittle.com

Tim Miller

The M

onk


http://www.monkbilliardacademy.net/PHILIPPINEEXPERIENCE.html

The Philippine ExperienceYOU ARE READY FOR A NEW GAME AND A UNIQUE TRAINING MANUAL FULL COLOR WIRE BOUND FOR ONLY $129.95

ItistimetomakeourNewYear’sResolution.Howaboutskippingthediets,quittingsmoking,lovingpeoplemoreandgoontothemoreimportantthingslike,“Iwillhaveaworldclassgamein2013”. Inordertoachieveyourgoalsyoumust“beyourgoals”.Asaworldclassplayeryoudon’tmindaspecificandde-liberatetrainingprogram.Youdon’tmindhardwork.Youdon’tmindtraining.Youaresureofyoursuccess.Youhaveconfidencebecauseyouareyourgoals. AsIsayinPointtheWay.“Inordertofollowthepathyoumustbecomethepath.” LetmegiveyouapatternfromTHEPHILIPPINEEXPERIENCE.ThisisatrainingprogramIwroteformyPhilippinestudents.IamhereinthePhilippinesforsixmonthsworkingwithplayerswhowanttobeworldclass.Iaskeachstudenttoachievean80%suc-cessratewiththispattern.Thesearethekindofshotsthatwillwintournamentsandwingames.Timeforsometoughwork. Shoottheseven,thentheeightandfinishwiththenineanditdoesnotmatterwhichpocketyoushoottheballsinto.Theimportantthingistoachieve80%suc-cessrate.AllthroughthistrainingprogramIoffertwoandthreeballrunsthatyouneedtohavetheskillstorunouton.Withtheseskillsyouwillwinmoregames. Howmanytimeshaveyouwonderedwhyyoudidnotrunthreeballsthatwereonthetable?Wehitourselvesintheforeheadandfeellikefailures.Hereisapatternthatlookseasy.IfacedthisonetimeinthefinalsandwassohappyIhadthetrainingtosucceed.

Whenyouapproachthisfirstshot,visualizeexactlywhereyouwantthecueballtoendupandanythinglessthatthatisnotacceptable.Remember,youarestrivingtobethebestinyourarea. Itispossibleyoumayhavetoshootthispatternformonthsbeforeyoureachthe80%level.Whileyouaretraining,makesureyougothroughyourpreshotroutineineverysingleshotthiswayyouaregainingevenifyoudon’treachthe80%levelrightaway. Goonmywebsite,www.monkbilliardacademy.netandclickonTHEPHILIPPINEEXPERIENCEtofindoutmoreaboutthisprogram.Yourgameisworthyourinvestmentandthisprogramcostlessthanashaft. Intraining,alwaysstriveforexcellence.Westrengthenthatwhichwefocuson.Sowhenyouworkhard,youstrengthenyourskillsevenifyoudonotsucceedwiththeshot.Alwaysknowyourtraininghasvalue.Iwilllookforyouinthewinnerscircle.Tim"TheMonk"Millerhttp://www.monkbilliardacademy.net/

2013 is the year of the Pool Player


COLUMNIST

Bob Jewett

Bob

Jew

ett San Francisco Billiard Academy

www.sfbilliards.comSan Francisco Billiard Academy is a

BCA Certified Master Academy.

IfyouarelikemeandlikemostplayersI’vewatched,youneedtoworkonyourtechniqueforusingthemechanicalbridge.Someplayerswouldrathermissthanusethecrutch.They’lltwistandstretchuntilthere’snohopeofmakingtheballandthey’reluckyjusttohitit.Let’sbothtrytogetoverthat. Thefirstproblemistofindadecentbridge.Someroomshavenonesoyouwillhavetobringyourownbridgeheadatleast.Someroomsprovidebridgesbutthemetalheadshavesharpedges(fromflashing)thatwilltearupyourshaft.Evenifthebridgeheadisnotsharp,ifithasacornerrightwherethecuesitsitwillleaveadent.Ifyoudohavetoshootwithabridgethat’sdangerous,useahousecuefortheshot. Onceyousolvetheequip-mentproblemtrythepracticeshotsinthediagram.InShotAthegoalistomakethe1ballandjustbreakupthe2-3.Theshotitselfisnothard;thepointistoperfectyourtechniquewithsimpleshotsbeforemovingontotougherchallenges. Lotsofplayershavetroublewithstanceandstrokewiththemechanicalbridge.Herearethemajorpoints:Firstholdthebridgewithyourlefthand(forrighties,ofcourse)withthehandleflatonthetable.Ifyouwillneedtogetthebridgeoutofthewayduringtheshot,youcankeepyourlefthandwrappedarounditwithyourknucklesonthecloth.Occasionallyyoumayneedtoholdthebridgehandleupintheairtoavoidinterferingballs,butthat’slessstable. Second,holdyourcuestickwiththesamegripthatdartplayersuse--mostlybetweenthethumbandindexfingerwithyourpinkynearestthetip.Third,keepyourrightforearmhori-zontal. Fourth,makesureyoufollowthroughalittleextra.Thislastistomakesureyouhavethepoweryouneedandthatyour

strokeisasstraightaspossible. WhenplayingShotA,youwillneedsomerightdraw.PayspecialattentiontohowmuchyouhavetocompensatefortheEnglishandswerve.Oftenshotswiththebridgewillhavemoreelevationthanyouareusedtoandconsequentlywillneeddif-ferentcompensation.Afteryouarecomfortablewithmakingthe1ballandjustseparatingthe2-3,movethe2-3mini-clusterbackanotherfootandtryagain.Trysomeotherdistancesandanglessuchascomingstraightoffthecushionorgoingforwardtotheendrailwithleftfollow.Inallcases,makesureyouhaveaspecificgoalforthecueballsuchastouchingthepair. InShotBthegoalistobuildupyourpowerwiththebridge.Thecutonthe4istoothintotrytoholdthecueballbythefirstcushion,sotheplayistotakethecueballaroundthetablewithathinhitandalittlerightEnglish.Workyourwayuptospeedgradually;firstplaytheshotataspeedthatjustmakes

the4thenincreasethespeedtogocleararoundthetable.ThisshotcanalsobeplayedwithalittleleftEnglishsothecueballcomesstraightofftheendrail.Thispathwillrequirethatyougetthebridgeoutofthewaypromptly. Finally,gobacktoShotAbutplaceanextraobjectballjustonyoursideofthecueballsothatyouwillneedtodosomethingspecial.Somebridgeheadshaveconfigurationsthatgiveenoughelevationtogetoveranobstructingballlikethatbutmorecom-monlyyouwillhavetostacktwobridgesbyplacingthehandleofthetopbridgewherethecuestickwouldnormallybeonthebottombridge.Whenyouhaveaprecariousstructurelikethat,severelylimityourambitions;justrolltheobjectballintothepocket.Youmayhavetosettleforahardershotbutatleastyouwillstillbeshooting.

Bridge Work


539 E Plaza Drive - Mooresville, NC 704.660.5363Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30am - 2am Sun: Noon - 12am

Pool Tournaments Thurs, Sat & Sun

Over 12,000 sq ft

17 - 9’ Olhausens ~ 1-7’ Diamond ~ 6 Dart Boards24’ Shuffleboard ~ 10 TV’s ~ Full Kitchen ~ Beer & Wine

One of Billiard Digest’s Top 10 Pool RoomsFirst Pool Hall in Broward County

(11) 9 ft. Tables & (1) Golf TableOpen: 7 days 11am - 2am Everyday

-- Smoke Free --Call today & reserve your team

954.921.84392233 Hollywood Blvd, FL 33020

SINCE 1961GOLD CROWN BILLIARDS

By Skip Maloney - AzB Staff

Havingtriedtheloss-siderouteontheGreatSouthernBilliardTourinJuly,andcomeupjustshort,PhillipBrittoptedfortheshorter,undefeatedrouteinOctober.HerepeatedthateffortontheweekendofDecember1-2withanundefeatedrunthroughafieldof34towinhissecond2012GSBTstop.The$1,000-addedeventwashostedbyShoreThingBilliardsinMyrtleBeach,SC. Brittwasamongthewinners'sidefinalfour,facingDarrenBlitch,asGatlinAskins,hiseventualhotseatandfinalsopponent,squaredoffagainstAllenMixon.Brittadvancedtothewinners'sidefinalswitha9-3victoryoverBlitchandwasjoinedbyAskins,who'ddownedMixon7-6.BrittgaveuponlyasingleracktoAskinsinthebattleforthehotseat. BlitchmovedwestwherehemetupwithDennisCrist,who'ddefeatedScottLewis6-1andMikeSlaughter6-3.MixonpickedupBelindaCalhoun,who'dgivenuponlythreeinmatchesagainstJasonMartin(7-1)andScottRoberts(7-2).Calhoungotintothequarterfinalswitha7-4winoverMixon.Cristjoinedheraftera6-7victoryagainstBlitch. Calhoungotastepclosertothewinners'circlewitha7-5victoryoverCristinthequarterfinals,butfelltoAskins7-3inthesemifinals.AskinschalkedupthreemoreracksagainstBrittinthefinalsthanhehadinthehotseatmatch,butBrittprevailed9-4totakehissecondGSBTtitleatShoreThingBilliards. TourdirectorsShannonDaultonandMargeCooper

thankedShoreThingBilliards'ownersBrentandAnnHudginsfortheircontinuedsupportofthetour.ThenextstopontheGSBT,a$1,000-addedevent,isscheduledforDecember8-9atRaisin'Cain'sinInman,SC.

Britt goes undefeated for second time on GSBT stop in Myrtle Beach

PLACE PLAYERNAME PRIZEMONEY1st PhillipBritt $650.002nd GatlinAskins $360.003rd BelindaCampos-Calhoun $250.004th DennisCrist $150.005th AllenMixon $100.005th DarrenBlitch $100.007th ScottRoberts $50.007th MikeSlaughter $50.00

GREAT SOUTHERN BILLIARD TOUR STOP RESULTS

Greg Dix (TD), Phillip Britt (Ski-Bo), Gatlin Askins, & James Carroll (manager of Shore Thing Billiards)


by Kia Sidbury

ItwasnosurprisethatLindaHaywood-Shea,#1rankedinanddirectoroftheJ.PechauerNortheastWomen'sTour(JPNEWT),wentundefeatedattheseasonfinaleeventoftheyear.TripleNinesBar&BilliardsinElkridge,MarylandhostedthefinaleontheweekendofNovember10-11,2012.HurricaneSandycameandwentandthenwewerehitwith“Hurricane”Haywood-Shea.Shesweptthroughafieldof15ladiesundefeatedatthis$500-addedevent. Asasidebar,JPNEWTsponsoreditsveryfirstamateurJPNEWTeventonNovember3,2012atLucy’sARLinShirlington,VA.Ji-HyunParkwasgraciousenoughtoorganizeandrunthisevent.Fifteenplayerscompetedforachancetoreceivefreeentryintothisseasonfinaleevent.TheamateureventwasdesignedtoattractleaguemembersandtoexposeJPNEWTtootherswhoneverknewofanall-women’sevent.WecongratulateJenniferNhekforwinningtheJPNEWTamateureventandjoiningusfortheseasonfinale.WehopetoseemoreofJenniferandtheotherplayersnextyear. LindaHaywood-SheawasfocusedandcalmthroughthestormshestirredupasshebreezedthroughTriciaTennant7-4,SharonO’Hanlon7-4,andKiaSidbury7-3.Meanwhile,JudieWilsonconqueredtwodouble-hillmatchesagainstDeniseReeveandKathyFriendbeforebeingsentwestbyLinda7-2;puttingLindainthehotseat. WilsonwasdeterminedtomakeitbacktoHaywood-SheaforarematchandachancetowinherfirstJPNEWT.Inthemeantime,shehadtowaitforKathyFriendandNicoleNestertobattleitoutinarematchinwhichearlier,FrienddownedNesterinaclean-sweepmatch.AfterdefeatingNicoleVincent7-5,DeniseReeve7-2,andKiaSidbury7-5,NesterfoughthardagainstFriendinadoublehillmatchbuttonoadvancement.However,Nesterwashappytocash-insincejoiningJPNEWT. Friend(defeatedbothColleenShoopandNicoleNestertwice)advancedtothesemi-finalsforarematchagainstWilson.Wilson,withherdeterminingdrive,wastednotimesendingFriendhome7-3andgotherawaitingopportunityagainst

Haywood-Sheainthefinals.However, LindaheldtruetoformdefeatingJudie7-3andtakingJPNEWT’sseasonfinaleundefeated.

Topfinishersinthiseventwiththeirpayoutswere:

1stLindaHaywood-Shea-$4252ndJudieWilson-$2853rdKathyFriend-$1904thNicoleNester-$125

TheJ.PechaurerNortheastWomen’sTourthanksalltheplayersandspectators(localandviaUstream.tv)foryourparticipationandinterest.AcontinuedthankyougoesouttooursponsorJ.PechauerCustomCues.Last,butnotleast,thankyouTripleNinesBar&Billiardsforsupportingthetourandprovidinggreatservice.

SHEA Undefeated at Final 2012 JPNEWT

1861 W Tennessee St.Tallahassee, Florida

22 - 9’ pool tables - HD TVs Darts - Liquor - Full Kitchen

10,000 Sq FeetTournaments weekly and monthly

850 224-8644

JUN

IOR

PLAY

ER P

ROFI

LE


IULIAN CERNATINSCHI

FULL NAME: Iulian CernatinschiNICKNAME: The EagleHOME TOWN: Jersey CityBIRTH DATE: 7/5/12GRADE: 9thFAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: BiologyWHAT KIND OF CUE(S) DO YOU USE? Lucasi Hybrid Playing cues, Dunkel Custom Cues Jump cue, Dunkel Custom Cues Masse cue.AT WHAT AGE DID YOU START PLAYING POOL? 12LEFT OR RIGHT HANDED? RightOTHER NOTABLE AWARDS: Sportsmanship Award at the 2012 Artistic Pool World Championship. SPONSOR(S): Lucasi Hybrid,Kamui Tips,Seybert’s Billiards Supply, Dunkel Custom CuesHOBBIES: Shooting Videos and Pictures, Learning Languages and Volleyball.

FAVORITE POOL GAME: 10-ball FAVORITE POOL PLAYER: Shane VanBoeningGOALS (PERSONAL AND/OR CAREER): Video Producer and being member of the Mosconi team. ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I enjoy creating videos and I’m fluent in a few languages such as Romanian and Russian. Also I have a wide knowledge of Spanish and French.

14 Stroke Magazine - November 2012

http://www.tigerproducts.com



On November 11, at Stop # 22 on the Mezz Pro Am Tour, Adam Kielar double-dipped hot seat occupant Ronnie Alcano to win the event. A little over a month later, on December 15, Alcano once again made it to the hot seat, but this time, when Kielar came back from a three-match, loss-side winning streak, Alcano shut him down in the finals to claim the top prize. The $1,000-added event that drew 33 entrants to Castle Billiards in Edison, NJ, was to have played out over two days, but players chose to finish things late on Saturday night. The two met first among the winners' side final four, where Alcano survived a double hill match that sent Kielar west. Michael Wong, in the meantime, defeated Joe Landi 6-3 and moved into the hot seat match against Alcano. Alcano prevailed 6-4 (seven of the event's final 14 matches were decided by that score) and waited in the hot seat for his second straight finals matchup against Kielar. Kielar moved west to pick up Matt Krah, who'd gotten by Bill Gallagher and Mike Miller, both 6-4. Landi drewRob Hart, who'd also chalked up

two 6-4 victories over Wali Muhammad and Bruce Nagle. Two more 6-4 victories - Hart over Landi, and Kielar over Krah - sent Hart and Kielar to the quarterfinals, where yet another 6-4 win sent Kielar to the semifinals against Wong. Kielar and Wong broke the 6-4 pattern that had characterized the previous five loss-side matches and battled to double hill before Kielar prevailed for a second chance against Alcano, and his second straight finals meeting with him on the tour. With memories of November no doubt on his mind, Alcano got right to work, and never stopped, winning six straight to claim the event title.

Place Playername Prize Money1st Ronnie Alcano $830.002nd Adam Kielar $425.003rd Michael Wong $280.004th Rob Hart $150.005th Joey Landi $100.005th Matt Krah $100.00

Alcano shuts Kielar outRonnie Alcano

MO

SC

ON

I C

UP

20

12 Americans battle to first day lead

Europe 2 – 3 USA | Europe 3-5 USA

Nikos Ekonomopoulos, Chris Melling, Johan Ruysink (team captain), Barry Hearn (founder Matchroom Sport), Darren Appleton, Nick van den Berg, Niels Feijen

Jim Wych & Jerry Forsyth (live streaming commentators)

Niels Feijen Nick van den Berg

Chris Melling

Mike Dechaine

Shane Van Boening

Brandon Shuff Johnny Archer

Nikos EkonomopoulosTEA

M U

SAT

EAM

USA

TEA

M U

SA

TEA

M E

URO

PE

TEA

M E

URO

PE

TEA

M E

URO

PE

TEA

M U

SA

TEA

M E

URO

PET

EAM

EU

ROPE



- Melling & Van Den Berg 4-5 Archer & Shuff- Niels Feijen 5-0 Mike Dechaine

- Appleton & Ekonomopoulos 4-5 Hatch & Van Boening- Darren Appleton 5-2 Brandon Shuff

TEAM USA, the pre-match underdogs took the early lead in the 19th running of the PartyPoker.com Mosconi Cup as they took the team and pairs matches but lost both of the singles matches in front of a very noisy crowd at London’s York Hall. It was just the sort of start US captain CJ Wiley was looking for but at this stage the match is anyone’s. The opening match of the competition featured all ten players playing racks at a time and there were plenty of nerves in the early stages – Feijen missed a couple of makeable balls to hand his rack to Dennis Hatch and then Mike Dechaine was forever chasing a lost position before finally missing the 9 ball to give Nick Van den Berg the game. Some typical Mosconi Cup gamesmanship entered the next one as one of the American players incorrectly accused Nick Ekonomopoulos of nudging the 4 ball after playing an outstanding full table kick shot to deposit the 3 ball. The Greek rookie went on the miss a tough pot on the 8 ball to give Brandon Shuff the game. That took the score to 3-2 to the USA. Feijen look in much better shape in his next outing as he made the score 3-3. Shuff won the battle of the rookies in the seventh game as he once again beat Nick Ekonomopoulos and Mike Dechaine was back to take the match for the USA with a tidy 6/9 combination. The Americans made it two out of two as a game Johnny Archer and Brandon Shuff came back from 4-1 down to beat the Euro pair of Nick Van den Berg and Chris Melling. It was a nervous affair as all four players missed balls but the American duo stuck with it and capitalised on a few gifts to put themselves into a 2-0 lead. “It’s never over until it’s over and you must never give up,” said a relived Shuff. “I’ve never experienced a crowd like this but I have the experienced

the pressure but it’s not fading me and I’m doing good. This could be the best team we have had in years, everybody has been saying that, and it does feel good,“ he added. “We are definitely the underdogs, that is for sure, everybody says it,” added Archer. “We know that all we have to do is stay together. Absolutely we are good enough. We are a great team, a great bunch of guys, we have a great new guy and some experience so it is a lot of fun,” he concluded. Niels Feijen got the Europeans back on track in the third match as he took Mike Dechaine to the cleaners, winning 5-0. Dechaine was not at his best, giving his opponent chances throughout and the Dutchman was all over him. “This match was a must win as we didn’t want to go down 3-0 because that means we’ve lost the session and the best we can get is 3-2 and that puts a lot of pressure on the other guys,” said Feijen. “They’re not going to run over us – we’re here to stay. I don’t feel like I’m any better than the other guys and I put my faith in them.”

C J Wiley (USA team captain)

Nikos Ekonomopoulos Dennis Hatch TEA

M U

SA

TEA

M U

SA

TEA

M E

URO

PE

TEAM EUROPE

Mosconi Cup Day 1 continued on page 28

MO

SC

ON

I C

UP

20

12

Appleton/Melling 4-5 Archer/DechaineNick Ekonomopoulos 5-3 Shane Van Boening

Feijen/Van Den Berg 5-2 Hatch/ShuffChris Melling 5-3 Dennis Hatch

Appleton/Feijen 4-5 Van Boening/Archer TEAM EUROPE won the second session of the 2012 Mosconi Cup by three points to two to leave the annual Europe v America match dead level at the halfway stage. There were wins for American pairs in the first and last doubles matches of the day while Europe took both singles matches as well as the second doubles match. With America leading 3-2 from the first day’s play but underdogs at the start of the competition, there was a feeling that both teams would have been happy being tied at the end of the day. It was Johnny Archer, playing in his 16th Mosconi Cup and Shane Van Boening who squared it up in the final match of the evening as they beat the stellar European team of Darren Appleton and Niels Feijen. It was another 5-4 match – the fourth of the competition and the fourth won by the American team – but Archer and Van Boening came with some

great shots under pressure to record the win.The Europeans got off to a bad start to the session though, as the English duo of Darren Appleton and Chris Melling lost a squeaker to Mosconi legend Johnny Archer and Mike Dechaine. The Americans had lead 4-2 before Europe clawed their way back into it with a pair of quality run outs. At 4-4 Dechaine broke, but Archer missed a fine cut on the 1 ball. Melling was left with a full table pot on the one but it failed to drop and in the end Dechaine took the point with a 6/9 combination. That took the overall score to 4-2 in favour of the away team but Archer was as cautious as a man who has played in 15 Mosconi Cups could be; “It is going to be nip and tuck all the way, any match you could lose it at any time or you could win it at any time. We made a mistake tonight but we have to take advantage of whatever first shot we have and Melling made a mistake to give us the opportunity. “I want to say congratulations to Mike because he felt bad after losing yesterday but he came out today and played wonderful like the champ that he is.”

It’s all square at the halfway stageEurope 5 – 5 USA



Europe supershow puts Cup in sight Europe9–6USA

Van Den Berg & Ekonomopoulos 5-4 Dechaine & ShuffNick Van Den Berg 4-5 Johnny Archer

Ekonomopoulos & Feijen 5-4 Hatch & DechaineChris Melling 5-2 Brandon Shuff

Darren Appleton 5-0 Shane Van Boening TEAM EUROPE needs just two more points to make it three PartyPoker.com Mosconi Cups in a row after a blistering night at the York Hall that saw them win four of the five matches with only a game Johnny Archer offering any sort of resistance. The two teams shared the opening two matches before the Euros squeezed past the USA in the final doubles match of the tournament. Then followed two demolition jobs as the English pair of Chris Melling and Darren Appleton beat Brandon Shuff and Shane Van Boening respectively, conceding just two racks in the process. Appleton looked super-focused as he pasted Van Boening, capitalising on the American’s errors and taking full advantage of his own excellent break. The Englishman’s win made the final score 9-6 and with most of the American side distinctly under-powered, it looks a big ask for CJ Wiley’s men. The session got off to a flyer as the two Nicks – Van den Berg and Ekonomopoulos – finally won a hill-hill match as they took a thrilling

decider against the American pairing of Mike Dechaine and Brandon Shuff. The Americans looked strong at outset but both players missed balls to let the Europeans back in the match. There was drama as the Americans lead 4-3 and Van den Berg made the 9 on the break but scratched into the middle pocket. Dechaine and Shuff came with a couple of miracle shots to keep the run out going before Dechaine missed a bad one on the 6 ball and the Europeans made it 4-4. Both had chances in the final rack before Dechaine missed another one – this time a 4 ball down the rail. Van den Berg made it and made perfect position on the 6 ball and he and Ekonomopoulos ran the last three balls to spark wild scenes of celebration. Van den Berg was back out for the second match of the evening as he faced a revitalised Johnny Archer in the first singles match of the evening. Archer had won all three of his doubles matches while Van den Berg was also in great shape. The Dutchman looked rock solid as he lead 4-2, not missing a ball but somehow Archer clawed his way back into it, fighting both Van den Berg and a rowdy crowd who at times stepped close to the line. Archer, playing in his 16th consecutive Mosconi, showed immense heart as he took the game to a deciding rack and then gave Team USA its fifth 5-4 win


MO

SC

ON

I CU

P 2

01

2



MO

SC

ON

I C

UP

20

12


Nikos Ekonomopoulos 3-5 Dennis HatchNiels Feijen 1-5 Johnny Archer

Darren Appleton 1-5 Shane Van BoeningChris Melling 5-2 Brandon Shuff

Nick Van Den Berg 5-2 Mike Dechaine EUROPE HAVE retained the PartyPoker.com Mosconi Cup, defeating the USA 11-9 in front of a packed York Hall to make it three wins in row in the annual transatlantic team tussle. It was Holland’s Nick van den Berg who dropped the final 9 ball of the four day event to spark wild scenes of celebration. The Americans were on the floor after the Wednesday night session, trailing 9-6 going into the final day but they dug deep and turned the tide as they won the first three matches to level it at 9-9 and make it anyone’s match. It was Chris Melling though, a deserving MVP, who stopped the rot with a confident 5-2 over Brandon Shuff and then Nick Van den Berg who closed out a dog fight with Mike Dechaine to win the final match for the Europeans. “That was by far the most thrilling Mosconi Cup win of all,” said a jubilant captain Johan Ruijsink. “They pulled out a big gun today and it was really hard work. I’m happy for the fans and the team; absolutely delighted and over the moon!” he added. Van den Berg was relieved to get the team over the line in what must rank as the greatest moment of his career. “I think my heartbeat was about 220 the whole match and Johan told me to calm down but it was almost impossible. That last shot, I had to break it open, but it worked out perfectly. That must be the most exciting match of my life but also I made a lot of mistakes but in the end I won.” All players had fired throughout the tournament and England’s

Darren Appleton consolidated his position as a potential Mosconi Cup legend. “The emotion is amazing, it is all about the team. The Americans fought really hard today, showed a lot of heart but at 9-9 Melling played unbelievably and Nick at the end that was just a dog fight. “The pressure is unreal, it is just crazy out there and the crowd is amazing.” Chris Melling looked assured throughout and his MVP trophy was the result of three superb singles wins, “It has been unbelievable. It is a dream come true to win it once but to win it twice is just unbelievable. Wow! I cannot believe I have won the MVP. The first two days I started off very slowly, lost two 5-4s which I could have easily won but I came good at the end.” For Niels Feijen it was his fifth Mosconi Cup win and sweeter than the

Europe claim third Mosconi in a rowEurope11–9USA




Mike Wise went undefeated through a field of 40 entrants on hand for the Great Southern Billiard Tour stop on the weekend of December 8-9, but not before being challenged in the finals by Zach Robbins, who'd won five straight on the loss side to get there. The $1,000-added Amateur event was hosted by Raisin' Cain's in Inman, SC. A good cross-section of amateur rankings were featured among the winners' side final four. It was Wise (B) and Josh Newman (A) who squared off in the hot seat match. Wise had sent Josh Richards (C) to the loss side 7-5, as Newman was busy sending Jared McGee (AA) over 9-6. Wise sent Newman to the semifinals 7-2, and waited in the hot seat for what turned out to be the return of Robbins. Robbins loss-side streak, which began when he'd been sent west from among the winners' side final eight by Richards, commenced with a shutout over Jeff Abernathy and a 7-2 victory over Joel Cain, which set him up to face McGee. Richards picked up Scott Howard, who'd gotten by Justin Price 7-2, and Daniel Autry 7-4. With four on the wire at the start, Robbins ended McGee's AA-run with a double hill win, while Richards (C) did likewise to Howard (B). Robbins then wreaked his vengeance on Richards in the quarterfinals 7-4, and went on to defeat Newman in the semifinals 7-6. In a straight-up, battle of the "B"s, final race to 7, Robbins and Wise fought back and forth to double hill. Robbins scratched shooting at the 8-ball in two separate games, which, in effect, cost him the set. Wise prevailed to secure the event title. Tour Directors Shannon Daulton and Marge Cooper thanked Raisin' Cain's owners Joel and Sheila Cain for their hospitality. They also extended wishes for a Happy Holiday season to all of their players, sponsors, room owners and spectators, as well as announcing that the GSBT would be back in action on the weekend of December 17-18, for a $1,500-added Christmas/Player Appreciation Tournament, to be hosted by Speak Eazy Billiards in Sanford, NC.

Wise stops loss-side run by Robbins to win

Great Southern Billiard Tour Stop Results

PLACE PLAYERNAME PRIZE MONEY1st Mike Wise $700.002nd Zach Robbins $440.003rd Josh Newman $225.004th Josh Richards $175.005th Scott Howard $100.005th Jared McGee $100.007th Daniel Autrey $50.007th Joel Cain $50.00

MEGLINO/JACOBS finish off the FBT

Winter 8-Ball Open atSLATE BILLIARDS

New tournament format seeks to level playing field

Boynton Beach, Fla. (Dec. 15, 2012) – Forty players packed Slate Billiards in Boynton Beach, Florida, Saturday night at the Flamingo Billiards Tour $300-added Winter Open handicapped 8-Ball tournament. In the end Anthony Meglino and Smokey Jacobs split the top two spots and the prize money. This modified double elimination format, race to three, with three skill levels allowed players in all three levels to make the money. Players initially competed against others in the same skill level. The highest finishers in each level then redrew into a final board of eight. At that point, the matches were handicapped and the format switched to single elimination. Making the final board: Alicia DeAbrue, Christian Lopez, Tom McCloud, Matt Lussier, Anthony Meglino, Smokey Jacobs, Sam Kantor, and Johnny Aguilar. DeAbrue, Lopez, Lussier and McCloud lost in the first round, Meglino then stopped Kantor, and Jacobs got by Aguilar. Due to the lateness of the event, Meglino and Jacobs split the pot. Some of the event matches can be viewed at Ustream.com (search “Palm Beach ACS”), the Palm Beach ACS Stream page, and the Flamingo Billiards Tour Stream page. Thanks to everyone who came out to play during this holiday season, and to room owners Mike Bradford and Joe Sistarelli (www.slatebilliards.com).

RESULTS($300-added, modified double-elimination)

1st/2nd Anthony Meglino $1951st/2nd Smoky Jacobs $1953rd/4th Sam Kantor $1203rd/4th Johnny Aguilar $1205th Tom McCloud $655th Christian Lopez $655th Matt Lussier $655th Alicia DeAbreu $65

Alicia DeAbreu also won the paid spot to the Flamingo Billiards Regional Tour Qualifier to be held at Ultimate Billiards in Ft. Pierce, Florida, January 12, 2013. For more information, visit www.flamingobilliardstour.com.


BOYS RESULTS:

Cheng-Chieh Liu Chinese Taipei Gold MedalTobias Bongers Germany Silver MedalMoritz Lauwereyns Belgium Bronze MedalBerk Mehmetcik North Cyprus Bronze Medal

GIRLS RESULTS:

Kamila Khodjaeva Belgium Gold MedalOliwia Czuprynska Poland Silver MedalKaren Garcia Nicaragua Bronze MedalSzu-Ting Kuo Chinese Taipei Bronze Medal

WHEELCHAIR RESULTS:

Henrik Larsson Sweden Gold MedalJouni Tahti Finland Silver MedalFred Dinsmore Ireland Bronze MedalRoy Kimberley Great Britain Bronze Medal

Champions Crowned at WPA

World Junior & Wheelchair Championships

December 7, 2012 (Englewood, CO): Cheng-Chieh Liu of Taiwan, Kamila Khodjaeva of Belgium, and Henrik Larsson of Sweden secure gold medals at the 21st Annual WPA Junior & Wheelchair 9-Ball Championships in Willingen, Germany. In the junior boys division, Liu went undefeated to take top honors among the strong field of 32 players. In the girls division, Khodjaeva defeated reigning champion, Czuprynska, in the finals with a convincing score of 7-0. Meanwhile, Larsson received his sixth medal, and fourth gold medal, in the wheelchair division. Over 30 countries were represented at this prestigious event and the Billiard Education Foundation coordinated international travel for the nine North American junior representatives: Brendan Crockett (USA), Chad Behnke (USA), Brady Behrman (USA), Manny Perez (USA), Brianna Miller (USA), April Larson (USA), Charles Guimont (CAN), Cody Ward (CAN), and Kayla Roloson (CAN). Miller and Behnke both continued to day three of competition, finishing just one spot away from achieving a medal. The BEF congratulates our young North American players for their hard work and dedication. These junior players achieved their chance to compete in this world event through the junior state and national championships. 2013 marks the 25th Annual Junior National 9-ball Championships. Summer dates and location will be announced soon. The WPA provided online brackets, live scoring, and complete event information at www.wpapoolonline.com. Live was made available by www.kozoom.com. The online photo galleries are courtesy of Markus Hofstaetter: http://blog.markus-hofstaetter.at/. 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.

Wheelchair Winner: Henrik Larsson, Sweden

Jr. World Winner: Kamila Khodjaeva, Belgium



Withdeliveryofanunopenedtoy,participantsintheDecember8-9ToysforTotsTournament,undertheauspicesoftheActionPoolTour,got$10knockedofftheirentryfee.TheexchangeaccruedtothebenefitofToysforTots,morethanthepoolplayers,becauseunlessyou'rebuyingatoddlertoy,thechancesofitcosting$10orlessareremote.Thatsaid,the63entrantswhosignedonforthe8-balltournament,hostedbyVIPBilliardsinCatonsville,MD,broughtfarmorethan63toystothesite. "Ididn'tcount,"saidtourdirectorOzzyReynolds,"butwehadtwobigbinsfullofthemandoneplayer(GuyYates)broughtasmallbicycle.VIPBilliards'owner,SteveDidier,madethearrangementswithToysforTots,includingthepresenceofaUSMarinetoguardthosetoysonSaturday." MikeDavis,wentundefeatedthroughthe8-balltournament,chalkinguphisfirstvictoryofthe2012/2013APTseason(he'dwonthe2011/2012seasonfinaleinSeptemberatthesamelocation).InadditiontogettingbyDominicNoetwice,Davisendedthetournamentwithan83%winningaverageover59gamesplayed;sevenmatchesinwhichhegaveupatotalofonly10racks,nineofthemoverthefinalthree. Daviswentthroughtheopeningroundsofthetournamentlikeahotknifethroughsoftbutter,shuttingoutDavidSund,JamesPounds,andJeremyPerkins.BetweenPoundsandPerkins,LeeFallinhadchalkedupasinglerackagainsthim.Fromamongthewinners'sidefinalfour,familiarAPTopponentBrianDeskachallengedhim,buta7-4DavisvictorysentDeskawest,andDavistothehotseatmatch.Noe,inthemeantime,gaveupeightracksinhisfirstthree,againstBruceGardner(1),BillyGallagher(4)andOzzyReynolds(3),beforeshuttingoutRafaelReyesforawinners'sidefinalfourmatchagainstBrettStottlemyer. DavisdownedDeska7-4,asNoewasbusysendingStottlemyerover7-3.Davistookthehotseatmatch7-3,andwaitedforNoetoreturn. Deskamovedoverforare-matchagainstDaveHunt,whomhe'dsenttothelosssideinthethirdroundofplay.Hunt

gotbyfouropponents,includingGregSabinsandMikeMcNaughton,both5-2.Stottlemyerdreware-match,aswell,againstRobbSaez,whomhe'dsentwest,alsointhethirdround.Saez,too,gotbyfourforthere-match,includingashutoutoverShaunWilkie,anda5-3winoverAndyLincoln. ItwasStottlemyerandDeskahookingupinthequarterfinals,afterStottlemyerhadeliminatedSaez5-1,andDeskaendedHunt'sday5-2.InafamiliarAPTmatch-upbetweenDeskaandStottlemyer,itwasStottlemyeradvancingwitha5-2winforasemifinal

re-matchagainstNoe.Noetooktheirsecondmeeting5-3,andturnedforasecondshotagainstDavis.A7-2winbyDaviscompletedhisundefeatedrunthroughthefieldof63. KiaSidbury,whofinishedinthetiefor25thplace,won$100asthetopfemalefinisher.AregularontheJ.PechauerNortheastWomen'sTour,Sidburywaslastseeninthewinners'circleataPlanetPoolTourLadiesDivisionstopinOctoberatthesamelocation.

Davis wins 83% of his games captures Toys for Tots Tournament on Action Pool Tour

NOW FULL LIQUOR

12686 Starkey Rd - Largo, FL727.330.7822

Happy Hour: 11:30am-7pm & 12am-3am

10 - 9’ pool tablesPlay pool from 11:30am - 7pm and

Midnight -3am for only $5

Mention this ad and play free any daytime

Mike Davis

The Tri-State Tour

Borana Andoni went to the hotseat in the tour stop at Castle Billiards after enduring 2 hill-hill matches on her way, after being sent west by Eddie Medina. Victor Nau reels off 7 victories in a row to get a shot at the title but because of the late hour, he and Borana Andoni decided to split the cash and give Andoni the title since she had no losses.


1st $700 Borana Andoni2nd $400 Victor Nau3rd $250 Kyle Bubet4th $100 Joe Varvaro5-6 $75 Kapriel Delimelkonoglu, Ray Marisette

Scott Bannon wins House of Billiards’ A/D Tri-State Tour event. During the event, Scott went undefeated through the field of players. His tournament trail included wins over Jerry Troy 7 - 5, Ed Medina 7 - 3, Justin Muller 7 - 4, Gary Murgia 7 - 5 and, Anthony Dahab 9- 8 for the Hot Seat.

After Anthony Dahab defeated Bogie Uzdejczyk 8 - 2, he was set for a rematch with Scott in the Finals. Scott repeated his past performance against Anthony with a 9 - 7 victory. Special recognition goes to runner-up Anthony Dahab and third place Bogie Uzdejczyk.

Please provide a thank you to Sterling-Gaming, Ozone Billiards, Poison Cues, Ron Tarr Cues, Kamui Tips, Phil Capelle, BlueBook Publishing, Human Kinetics for their sponsorship leading to this event.

1st $560 Scott Bannon2nd $320 Anthony Dahab3rd $210 Bogie Uzdejczyk4th $125 Robert Veit5-6 $70 Gary Murgia, Dennis Kennedy

ANTHONY DAHAB, SCOTT BANNON, BOGIE UZDEJCZYK

VICTOR NAU, BORANA ANDONI, KYLE BUBET

www.melissalittle.com

WPBA Touring Profession

The

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

Did you ever play in a pool league?Viper: I tried it once but in reality I have always been an independent player pursuing to be a top ranked pro player. Are you good at any other sports?Viper: Oh yea…Being born a very competitive person I could honestly say that I play all games well. As a matter of fact my boyfriend of 8-years Mark Haddad and I have had numerous world championship games between the two of us in games like real tennis, table games, bowling, and race car driving. Oh, and he still can’t beat me playing any game on our Wii system at the house. Describe yourself in three words?Viper: Tenacious, diligent and loyal If you had to live your life over again, what would one thing you change about yourself and/or your career?Viper: When I was younger I truly wanted to become who I am today so I would have to say nothing. Who were/are your favorite professionals? Viper: All of my WPBA sisters who I compete against, without them I would be nothing. I am a Mark Haddad fan, of course when he is in stroke; I love to watch him play. I also like Warren Kiamco, he is such a true gentleman and a heck of a player. How did you prepare for events?Viper: I learned from Cory Deuel that you have to put in 50 hours of play before majors, whether that is playing in tournaments, gambling or just practicing with friends. I took that advise to heart, these days I try and stay active all the time so you don’t have to put those 50 hours in because your already there. What was the best advice you were ever given?Viper: My friend, 1st coach and mentor Sam Jones once told me that when approaching the cue ball you should always look to make sure you are hitting center ball. I still do that to this day and I suggest you try it too. What is one thing that you enjoy most while playing pool?Viper: It is a complete honor to me to have represented my country USA in six world championships, there’s nothing like it in the world. If you could say one thing to a young up-coming player what would it be? Viper: Follow your dreams…have the courage to plow through any fears that stop you from accomplishing any of your lifetime desires. What’s your Favorite game?Viper: ALL games that have to do with pool. I live, dream, and love to play pool. 9-ball, 10-ball, 1-pocket, 3-cushion billiards, you name it, I love them all. Facebook Questions:Phil Carpenter from Atlanta, GA asks, what is your high run?

Viper: In straight pool I once played my friend Howard Ashford who tried to give me 50 points to 100 for dinner and I won 100-7. I think I ran 45 balls before he shot…lol Denise White from Vancouver, WA asks, can you tell us of a time when it looked like you were going to lose, but you came back to win. What did you focus on to come back and win?Viper: I once played Mike Hellmer (great player from here in Colorado) in a tournament and he broke and ran the first 6 racks in a race to 7, then scratched and I ran 6 racks right back on him, played safe, he scratched and then I ran the rest of the set out. Jason Christopher Hunt from Buffalo New York asks, do you think the young talent of America needs to rise up? Viper: Jason, one of the biggest reasons that I support kids playing pool is that we need them playing. It takes like 10-years to become halfway decent, so if we can get them playing at a younger age then we hope they will stick with it and become the next generation of pro players. Colin Brandt from Rock Island, IL asks, I see you play a lot of men’s events as well as women’s, which do you prefer? Viper: Colin, I like to play in both men’s and women’s because they both offer different challenges. It seems like I play in more men’s events because these days they have more tournaments to offer me. Chris Smith from Belton, TX asks, through trials and tribulations, what made you decide to go pro?Viper: Even as a young commutative person I just knew that was what I wanted to do for a living. I surrounded myself around encouraging people, stepped fear aside and went for it. Rick Worby Jr. from Bridgeport, CT asks what do you think about having something similar to a Mosconi Cup for women??Viper: Watching the men’s Mosconi cup this year, I think it’s a terrific idea and the WPBA should segregate the players into countries and instead of just having USA vs. Europe but we could incorporate other countries like Asia and Canada? Jackie Claxton from Springfield, MO asks, when you practice, what do you practice on more mental or physical aspects of the game? In your off time, away from everything pool, what do you do for enjoyment?Viper: Jackie, what a cool question to ask. Thinking about it I practice both and by doing so, I try real hard when I play pool, whether I am playing in a tournament or playing my mom my demeanor is always the same. For enjoyment I like to go to the movies, play Wii, watch football, and shop till I drop…

Gary Pacatan from Orange Park, FL asks, what drives you to do what you’re doing, with your life and with the kids, in your future goals, in what puts a smile on the Viper’s face?Viper: Gary, a long time ago, a friend asked me what did pool offered me during my career and I said a lot; pool has offered to take me to places I would have never gone to before, meet all of the different people and to have a career that I truly love! The same person asked me but what have you offered the game of pool? So I use that motto to encourage me each day and create events that can make a difference for our sport. Lissie Baguio from Bronx, NY asks, what drills do you practice the most and for what amount of time? How many days a week? How do you fit it in your normal life schedule? Viper: Lissie, your right about having a tight schedule but in reality you have to make time to play. I do not do drills anymore but I do schedule workouts with friends and family and we play an array of different games in the same time frame for instance I might play a set of 9-ball, a race in 1-pocket and a set of bank pool. Michael Gray from Boulder, CO asks, Do you think the fact that everyone is heartless and refuses to gamble for even small amounts (without the mortal nuts) has hurt the game? It seems to me that having even a small financial incentive in a match is the difference between motivation to focus and lax/lazy process. How can we get the new players to gamble? Can we pass some legislation to make it mandatory?Viper: Michael, in earlier postings I wrote that pool is like a subculture with multiple subdivisions. Pool offers tournament, money, league players, and then we have the sweaters and stake horses, then all of the different type of players that play all the different games?? But the most important thing is that we all enjoy the same sport. Some people like to gamble and others don’t. I personally think that you should play for something to keep your focus a little bit longer. But it’s not a necessity to gamble… A special “Thank-you” to ALL of my FB friends who participated in this interview. Next month I’ll be back interviewing other pros.

The Viper continued from page 12


Hours: Mon-Fri 3pm to 2am Sat-Sun Noon to 2am

Lucky 7 BilliardsHollywood, FL 954-239-8254

Home of the Pink Table (pinkie)

Smoke Free Environment

4850 South State Road 7

14 Pool Tables - 1 Snooker Table - Weekly Pool TournamentsAPA - TAP - Player Leagues

www.lucky7billiards.com

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, November 17, 2012 -- Stefano Pelinga, a 5-time World Champion in Artistic Pool, has been inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame. In the presence of approximately 500 VIP guests and many sports stars such as Tommy Lasorda, Mike Piazza, Tony Esposito and Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, Stefano has been awarded this honor, becoming a member of this group of legendary Italian Americans. Also inducted that evening were former World Boxing Middleweight Champion Vito Antuofermo, World Series Champion John Smoltz, Stanley Cup champion Mark Recchi, Olympic Medalist Alicia Sacramone, New Jersey Devils CEO and GM Lou Lamoriello, GM of the Los Angeles Dodgers Ned Colletti, President of Comcast SportsNet Chicago Jim Corno and the Venturini Family (Venturini Motorsports). All of them, together with Stefano, are extremely proud and humbled to represent the Class of 2012. Past NIASHF Hall of Famers include Joe DiMaggio, Rocky Marciano, Jake LaMotta, Mario Andretti, Lou Ferrigno, Franco Columbu, Vince Lombardi and Willie Mosconi…to name a few! This year was a special occasion for NIASHF as it celebrated its 35th anniversary since it was founded by George Randazzo in 1977. Stefano, now residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, hails from Rome, Italy, where he has served since 1985 as a police officer for the Italian government (Polizia di Stato), until his retirement in 2011. He began to play pool at the age of 12, drawing inspiration from his favorite singer and actor, Dean Martin. Stefano, currently a 5-time World Champion in Pool Trick Shots, won several titles in Italy in straight pool and nine-ball throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. In 1990, he devoted himself entirely to “Artistic Pool,” commonly referred to in its practice as “Trick Shots.” In a few years, Stefano became not only the reference point but a true idol for fans of this exciting game worldwide, earning the names of “Mr. Trick Shots” and “Il Maestro” from his loyal fans. Stefano has given the sport considerable international exposure by performing exhibitions, organizing competitions and raising funds for a variety of charitable organizations with his personal appearances. He has been featured for over ten years in the prestigious ESPN’s televised tournaments, as well as in articles and on the covers of many pool and billiards publications around the globe. In addition to having won several international titles, Stefano’s achievements have been numerous and remarkable in other facets of the sport: he produced best-selling instructional videos and he was appointed official instructor of cue sports by FIBIS (Italian Billiards Federation) and CONI (Italian Olympic Committee). He was also awarded the honorary title of Professor of Sport Games by the University of Kharkov (Ukraine).Stefano has the largest repertoire of Trick Shots and is able to execute more than 1,000 unique and “fancy” shots. Due to his outstanding achievements, Stefano is recognized worldwide as one of the greatest Trick Shot champions in the history of the sport, and has also earned a spot in ESPN’s Trick Shot Magic Hall of Fame.

Stefano Pelinga Inducted



Mosconi Cup Day 1 continued from page 17

MO

SC

ON

I CU

P 2

012


Unfortunately for the Europeans, Team USA regained their two point leading margin as the heavyweight pairing of Shane Van Boening and Dennis Hatch held on to beat Darren Appleton and Nick Ekonomopoulus 5-4. The crowd, who nearly blew the roof off the venue in the earlier part of the evening were becoming increasingly subdued and Hatch took full advantage with a few taunting chants of ‘USA, USA!’. Appleton looked increasingly uncomfortable as they spurned a 2-0 lead and found themselves 4-2 down. The fought back to 4-4 but the Americans ran out the last for the win and a 3-1 lead. In the final match of the session, World 9 Ball Champion, Darren Appleton had a chance to make amends as he faced

US debutante Brandon Shuff and he did just that winning 5-2 to leave the event poised at 3-2 to the Americans. It was a big point for the Europeans as the alternative was a nasty looking 4-1 deficit which they managed to avoid. “I went in and we were losing 3-1 which was amazing as we should have won the first doubles match; me and Nikos were a bit unlucky and on another day we’d have won,” said Appleton. “I felt like we’ve played pretty well but we didn’t break well in the first half of the evening. 3-2 is probably a fair score but winning that last match was massive so at least we’ve something to build on for tomorrow,” he concluded.

Dechaine enjoyed the moment, “It is incredible; I feel I have had to go back to basics with my game because of the crowd yelling and everybody cheering Europe on. I feel that might put some more pressure on them as well because they have to win in front of their own crowd.” That put enormous pressure on European captain Johan Ruijsink as arguably his weakest player Nick Ekonomopoulos went out to face the pick of Team USA in Shane Van Boening.However, the nervy Greek debutant clearly hadn’t read the script as he powered to a 5-3 win to pull his team off the floor and set the York Hall on fire. Aided by one or two rolls at opportune times, Nikos, as he is known in his home country, stayed with Van Boening in the opening stages before the tide turned. At 3-3, the American looked a little less confident than at the outset when he shot into a 2-0 lead. Ekonomopoulos looked a different player from yesterday’s slow-paced bundle of nerves as he moved swiftly around the table punching the cue ball with authority. He took the final two racks to take his team to within one of the Americans. “I feel great, with so many people cheering,” said a delighted Ekonomopoulos. “It was a very difficult game and Shane Van Boening is a very good player, a great player. I tried to be relaxed, I think I was relaxed and I won. We lost three matches 5-4 and I believe we were unlucky. But now it will be better for us I think. I think the crowd helps me, I like to play in front of these people.” There was more joy for the Europeans in the next as the dynamic Dutch duo of Nick Van den Berg and Niels Feijen turned the momentum in a big way as they beat Dennis

Hatch and Brandon Shuff 5-2 in front of an increasingly vocal York Hall crowd. Everyone was talking about a miracle jump shot that Van den Berg executed to set up a run out at a decisive point in the match. Using a strange looking Perspex bridge, he dug into the cue ball and clipped the orange 5 down the rail. Afterwards Van Den Berg said, “Unbelievable, did I make that shot?! I was running to the table to get the rest and I heard the shot clock so I just totally went for it. “I just couldn’t reach it with my bridge hand so Darren Appleton had said before the match that he had this tool and I said we would never use it! I have never used that before.” Feijen added, “I played horrible shape for him to get there. There was nothing for him to do, he couldn’t reach the jump, he couldn’t reach with the normal cue, the extension was gone and he had only 10 seconds left, so he is running back to the chair to get this thing. ‘Where is that thing?’ he said, and I said ‘What thing, you have five seconds!’ He runs back, manoeuvres it around and 3, 2, 1, boom he makes it.” Chris Melling piled on the misery for the Americans in the next as he outplayed Dennis Hatch to give the Europeans the lead for the first time in the Mosconi Cup. The boisterous crowd gave ‘The Hatchetman’ a run for his money and he seemed to lap it up but it was Melling who cashed in on Hatch’s errors to run out a 5-3 winner. And in the final match of the day Archer and van Boening levelled it to leave the 2012 PartyPoker.com Mosconi Cup intriguingly poised at five points each.


of the competition to level the scores. “Our team needed that, they needed some boost. I didn’t play too well, I really was going to blow it for our team if I didn’t do something there because I had chances but I was lucky enough to have chances at the end and I just came through,” said a relieved Archer. “I didn’t play well, Nick made some mistakes but I didn’t know if I was going to get a shot, I was praying and it worked out. As a team we play hard, we grind it hard. We haven’t played great as a team but I know the guys have fought hard and are giving it heart and I would rather that happen than everything go well. “We lost a couple of heartbreakers but we won some we could have lost so it has evened out. Morale has to be a little better now that I have won that one.” The final doubles match of the competition saw the Europeans regain the lead as Nick Ekonomopoulos and Niels Feijen won the third 5-4 game as they beat Dennis Hatch & Mike Dechaine. Europe motored to the hill first as the experienced Feijen and rookie Ekonomopoulos looked sharp throughout. The Greek debutant had played superbly over the past two days despite looking shaky on day one. The Americans came back but once again the decider was claimed by the Europeans for a 7-6 lead. There were scenes of celebration in the arena and somehow Feijen failed to shake Dechaine’s hand which lead to a verbal

exchange. “We were 4-2 up and we played pretty well but USA came back to make it 4-4 so they showed a lot of heart there. Everything is going 5-4 so it was close,” said Feijen. “Mike said I was waiting to shake your hand. Everybody gets carried away a little bit, it is the pressure and I meant no harm to the guy. I wanted to shake his hand I didn’t see him in the corner of my eye and everyone was going crazy. It was a misunderstanding and it is no big deal I hope.” In the penultimate match of the evening, England’s Chris Melling, making his second Mosconi Cup appearance, put on a masterclass to overpower Brandon Shuff and give Europe a two point lead. Melling hadn’t looked at his best in the opening two days and with a point to prove took Shuff to the cleaners. After the three hill-hill battles of earlier, the match seemed over in a flash as Melling cued perfectly and left his opponent at the starting gate. That left the stage clear for Dynamite Darren Appleton to make it a massive night for Team Europe as he whitewashed Shane Van Boening to put one hand on the Mosconi Cup.

others, “This is the best, the heat was really on. We were up 9-6 and they came back and left us really nervous. Chris came out, started firing and then the pressure on Nick was unbelievable.” Finally, debutant Nikos Ekonomopoulos played a huge part as he took down America’s top player in his opening singles match to set the tone for days two and three, “It is very exciting, the atmosphere is very nice. I like it very much. We played very well, I think we deserved it but the USA also played very well.” The Americans started the evening three behind and first out was Dennis Hatch, playing in his third Mosconi Cup, and he needed to do something to stem the flow and give his side a chance and he did just that, beating Nick Economopoulos 5-3 to put his side within two of the Europeans. Hatch looked better than he had done at any point in the tournament in what was a scrappy match but he took advantage of some errors to claim the win. Johnny Archer continued to show the sort of form that has given him the record for Mosconi Cup appearances, as he took care of Niels Feijen 5-1 to give the European side an uneasy feeling as their three point lead started to evaporated. The Georgia veteran was the definition of focus as he kept everything out and played about as good as he could under the testing circumstances. In fact, Archer was unbeaten throughout the week – a stunning feat. There was more American joy in the next as Shane Van Boening did a number on Darren Appleton, running out a 5-1 to tie the Mosconi Cup up at 9 all. The Englishman suffered a couple of bad rolls, but like Hatch and Archer before him, Van Boening was a picture of focus and determination. The South Dakotan ended the watch with a spectacular table length combination bank shot on the 9 ball. He had run out of position and it was his only real option and it paid

off in spades. Finally it was Chris Melling who stopped the rot when he beat Brandon Shuff 5-2 to put Europe on the hill. Shuff was fighting the nerves as well as Melling but like his team mates before, tried to stay focused and he stayed with the European in the early stages. Melling though started to come with his best in the latter stages and in the end there was only one man in it. His piece de resistance was in the final rack when, blocked behind the 8 ball, played a side rail kick shot to pocket the 6 ball in a move that would have done Efren Reyes proud. That set the stage for Nick Van den Berg to seal another glorious Mosconi Cup win for the Europeans. They will be returning to Las Vegas in December 2013 as they go for win No.4. For the Americans it was more disappointment and they have now won this tournament just once in the past seven years. However, they can take some heart from the courage that they showed in the final day. “For the first three matches we were playing very well, we had the momentum, and then we had a key match that could have gone either way,” said skipper CJ Wiley. “I cannot complain, the first three players did a fantastic job and we just had a little hiccup on the fourth one but there is next year. We have plans for them in the United States. I hope they enjoy it, for one year.” Finally, Johnny Archer summed up American feelings; “Firstly I would like to say I am very proud of my team, they showed a lot of heart today. We were down and my hat is off to the European guys, they outplayed us for the week. “The guys showed a lot of heart today, we were all so nervous and under a lot of pressure but they are great champions.”

Mosconi Cup Day 3 continued from page 19M

OS

CO

NI C

UP

20

12



Press Releases

I’vebeenplayinginpoolleaguessince1987.IhavebeentheleagueoperatorinCentral,NewJerseyforthe

past2years.JerseyBoys45,ourterritory,encompassesfivecounties:Middlesex,Union,Mercer,Somerset,andEssex.WehavegrownTAPfrom23teamsto54nowandwithmanymoretocome.WeareonFacebookandjustopenedupawebsite;www.jerseyboys45.com.Weplay8-ballmostly,withone9-ballleagueonWednesdaynight.WeplayfromMondaythroughSunday,allinTaverns,Inns,andBars.HopefullyinJanuarywewillhavesomebilliardparlors.IamveryexcitedandcertainthatTAPisthebestleagueinourarea.ItwillcontinuetoflourishinNewJersey,especiallynowthatthe“RallyinEdison”isinourbackyard. OnapersonallevelIhaveabeautifulwifeof28years,Ceciliawhohasblessedmewith4daughters;Danielle22,graduateofRutgersUniversity,Ashley20,currentstudetatSetonHallUniversity,andthetwins,SarahandJayme,15,freshmaninColoniaHighSchool.MywifeandDaniellehavebeenagreathelpingrowingTAP.I,aswellasmydaughtersandwife,arehugeNYGiantfootballfans,attendingeveryhomegameandevensomeroadgames.IplayTAPaswell,ratingouttoa6. Thankyouforthiswonderfulhonor.Iamveryhumbledtobeapartofthebestbilliardleaguearound.TAPon!

Jim Sydlo is TAP Licensee of the month By Derek Blaguski,

McDermott Cue

MENOMONEE FALLS, WI (December 6, 2012) - McDermott Cue Mfg. LLC is a leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of pool cues, performance shafts and billiard accessories. McDermott is proud to announce that they have moved to a brand new location. The new location features an upgraded facility and showroom. In the past, McDermott's showroom has primarily consisted of their own brand of pool cues and accessories. The new showroom will now add popular game room gear such as pool tables, foosball tables, air hockey tables, shuffleboard tables and billiards lights. "We are proud and excited to add Connelly pool tables, Tornado foosball, Dynamo air hockey and Champion shuffleboard tables to our retail showroom product lineup," said Jayme Cernicka, Showroom Manager. "These 'Made in the USA' products align perfectly with the commitment to quality, performance and value that is synonymous with McDermott cues." The showroom isn't the only thing upgraded at the new facility. The pool cue manufacturing process has been improved with new production equipment and a streamlined workflow. "Over the last 35 years, we've become much more efficient with our cue building process," said Larry Liebl, Executive Vice President. "We are now able to build more cues in less time using less space." McDermott's new factory showroom is open in time for the holidays and operates from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday at N84 W13660 Leon Rd, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051. McDermott Cue is headquartered in Menomonee

Falls, WI and markets under the brands of McDermott Cue,Star Cue, Lucky Cue, Element Cue, Wildfire, Pool Prodigy, Intimidator i-Shafts, G-Core Shafts, Big Boy Shafts, Sledgehammer Break Cue, Stinger Break/Jump Cues and Elephant Balls.

McDermott Cue Mfg. moves to new facility in Menomonee Falls


Press ReleasesWPA World Artistic Pool Championship Joins CSI at the Rio in July 2013 CueSports International, Henderson, Nevada (December 11, 2012) - CueSports International (CSI) is proud to announce the 2013 WPA World Artistic Pool Championship will be held at the Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino on July 18-21. The prestigious world artistic event will be held in conjunction with the 37th BCAPL National Championships (July 17-27, 2013). CSI and Diamond are donating the use of 9' Diamond tables for the artistic competition in Rio’s state-of-the-art conference center.The growing roster of events that will be staged in Las Vegas this coming July will now include the following: • 2013 WPA World Artistic Pool Championship • 37th BCAPL National Championships (30 divisions) • 3rd USAPL National Championships (3 divisions) • 14th US Open One Pocket Championship • 5th US Open 10-Ball Championship (BCA points event) • 1st US Open 8-Ball Championships (BCA points event) • 3rd CSI 14.1 High Run Challenge For details and entry information for the 2013 WPA World Artistic Pool Championship contact Mark Dimick at [email protected] or call (405) 642-5641. For information on the CSI roster of events being held in July at the Rio-All Suite Hotel & Casino visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com or www.playusapool.com. CueSports International is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. In the past 8 years CSI has directly paid out $8,000,000 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, the US Open 8-Ball 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.

$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

December 19, 2012 (Englewood, CO): The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) announces its 25th Annual Junior National 9-Ball Championships to be held July 26-29, 2013 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. This special anniversary event will be hosted alongside the CueSports International (CSI) annual amateur and professional events. Many of the top professional players today got their start with this prestigious junior event and it continues to attract the nation’s finest youth with its four divisions: boys’ 15-18, boys’ 14 & under, girls’ 15-18, and girls 14 & under. These young competitors vie for titles, scholarships, and prizes each year, along with an opportunity to represent the US at the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) Junior World Championships. “I’m very excited for next year’s venue. With CSI’s support, we’ll be able to offer professional equipment, live streaming, real-time scoring, online brackets, and more! The juniors will play alongside their favorite pros, and even attend clinics featuring many of them,” said BEF Executive Director, Samm Diep-Vidal, “we’re looking forward to a memorable 25th anniversary.” “CSI has been actively supporting junior programs for years and look forward to putting them on center stage. We are happy and proud to be able to provide the juniors with the best playing equipment and conditions possible (Diamond tables, Simonis cloth, and Aramith balls),” added Mark Griffin, CEO of CSI. For more information on the BEF, Junior Nationals, and other junior billiard programs, visit the BEF website at www.billiardeducation.org.

2013 Junior National 9-Ball Championships

Heads to Vegas

There were 10 shooters, almost $900.00 in cash prizes, and the final 4 had APA handicaps of 3,4, 5, and 7.Two 5s, four 6s, and a 7, all fell before reaching the quarter finals. Young Kevin Bridenbaker, from Gowanda, a 3 handicap, won his first four matches before losing to Mark Hatch on the hot seat. Rick Pendleton, a 4, won 2 in the winners bracket and 2 in the losers bracket before losing the left side finals to Kevin. Bob Brott, a 5, won 1 on the winners side and 3 on the losers side, his only 2 losses were on the hill, both to Rick Pendleton. With all the hill-hill matches, it’s obvious that the APA handicap system is working. Mark Hatch put on an incredible exhibition of shot making and defensive pool, to go undefeated during the tournament. special thanks to Jonnie Walker for his help in making this a great APA Tournament.1st Mark Hatch $170.00 plus $325.002nd Kevin Bridenbaker $85.00 plus $150.003rd Rick Pendleton $50.00 plus $80.004th Bob Brott $30.00

BISON BILLIARDS


Artistic Cup VI continued from page 6

Below is a brief recap of the top 4 positions of finish for the “Artistic” Cup VI:1st Florian “The Venom” Kohler Kingersheim, France $1,500 + Cup 2nd Tim “The Dragon” Chin Las Vegas, NV $1,250 + Cup 3rd Chris “Juggler 314” Kelly Plainfield, NJ $1,000 + Cup 4th Curtis “Redneck Cue Guy” Robertson Abilene, TX $750 + Cup Cup VI Discipline Champions – $100.00 each, plus special award medal:Trick / Fancy Tom Kinzel Special Arts Tim ChinDraw Shots Jeremiah Owens Follow Shots Chris WoodrumBank / Kick Chris Woodrum Stroke Shots Josh UlrichJump Shots Josh Ulrich Masse Shots Charles DarlingCup VI Sportsmanship Recipients – Special honors and award medal: Jeremiah “Daddy-O” Owens (IL) – By vote of players John “Johnny B” Harty (IN) – By vote of directors / staff

Below is a brief recap of the top positions for the Roll To Victory Challenge :1st James Hess Marion, IN $400.00 2nd Scott Smithhart Evansville, IN $300.00 3rd Adam Koehler Decatur, IL $200.004th Brad Biggs Evansville, IN $100.00

CHALK TALK.....What you are about to read in no way has anything to do with Team USA.While sitting at home watching the 2012 Mosconi Cup on my computer, something struck me that I find very odd. I noticed it at the 2011 Mosconi Cup in Las Vegas, watching it live at the MGM Grand. I was taking photos and rooting for the U.S. Team, but it never struck me what I was seeing.Now back to today, watching it live on my computer. The camera pans, as they say, after the final ball was potted for the Europeans to win 5-4 in the match between Chris Melling and Brandon Shuff. The camera pans the audience as they erupt. I have rarely seen such enthusiasm from any player, let alone a spectator. Members of the audience were jumping up and down, hugging each other as if they themselves had won the match. It dawns on me the audience has been doing this all along during each match. Even when the Europeans lost it was a crushing, emotional blow to them. Yet by the time of the next match they were raring to go. The enthusiasm was BACK.In comparison to the American spectators, it would be like they would high five each other or one or two fist pumps. I don’t want to psychoanalyze them or even myself for stating what I am, but the enthusiasm that the spectators show and what they give to the players cannot be measured by a win or loss but by momentum. Whether to change it, keep it or exploit it. I am not saying in any way, shape or form that the American team doesn’t want to win but they would

surely need to tap into the enthusiasm that they all possess whether players or spectators. Momentum is a huge factor that is driven by enthusiasm along with other emotions. It is a sad state of affairs when the Mosconi cup here in America can’t even draw enough spectators to fill a 3 sided arena that has seating for 500 to 1,000 spectators.If the pride and enthusiasm in the American team is not shown, especially from the spectators, it may very well be that the United States will not win another Mosconi Cup in the near future. I hope this, with all my heart, not to be true. We must support the U. S. Team 110% if not more. I’ll be there in Vegas in 2013 for the 20th Mosconi Cup. Hope to see all of you. Just come up and say “Hi”.IMHO

It’s All About the MomentumBY: DON “CHEESE” AKERLOW

If you have something to say about anything in pool, billiards or any of the games played on the felt, send it to Chalk Talk.Did you get sharked or is someone sharking you?Let’s make this game better by weeding out what is wrong or tell us what you like.Email: [email protected] line: Chalk Talk

Note: Complete event results / stats for Cup VI available by email! [email protected]: Dr. Cue “Artistic” Cup VI & “Roll To Victory” Challenge, plus Cue-Dean-“E” IV Honoree Event Venue / Location: Marriott Indy East – Indianapolis, IN Dates: 11/29 – 12/2, 2012

Documented / Submitted: Tom “Dr. Cue” and Marty “Ms. Cue” Rossman December 20, 2012 Dr. Cue Classic Artistic Cup VI Roll To Victory Event DirectorsCue-Dean-“E” IV International Honoree Selection Committee Dr. Cue Classic Artistic Pool “Sport and Show” Tour Administrators

Mondays Levittown, NY Leisure Time Billiards & Cafe (516) 796-4600 9-Ball Call Call Somerville, MA Good Time Emporium (617) 628-5559 8 Ball $15 7PM Brookhaven, MS Brookhaven Billiards (601) 754-4422 8 Ball $5 7PM Warren, MI Ultimate Sports Bar (586) 751-2222 9 Ball $20 $100 w/32 7PM Warren, MI Hall of Fame (586) 939-8880 Open 9 Ball $10/$20 Call 8PM Dayton, OH Airway (937) 274-1230 Open 9 Ball $5 Call 7PM Hilliard, OH Bankshots (614) 777-0022 9 Ball $10 Call 8PM Akron, OH Crown Billiards (330) 644-3985 Open 9 Ball $8 Call 7:30PMTuesdays Edison, NJ Sandcastle Billiards (732) 632-9277 Open 9-Ball $30 Calcutta 7PM Branford, CT Branford Cue & Brew (203) 483-1388 8-Ball $12 7PM Bowling Green, KY Cue Time (270) 782-2740 8 Ball $5 Call 8PM Columbus, OH Sportsmen’s (614) 279-5888 Open 9 Ball-Ladies play free $10 Call 8PM Wednesdays Tallahassee, FL Zingales (850) 224-8644 9-Ball Handicap $10 8PM Butler, PA P J s (724) 285-7307 8 Ball $6 7:30PM Monroe, MI Cones & Cues (734) 241-5533 8 Ball $10 Call 7PM Livonia, MI Snookers (734) 422-9510 8 Ball $13 Call 7PM Livonia, MI The Rack (734) 422-7665 8 Ball $10 Call 8PM Dayton, OH Airway (937) 274-1230 8 Ball $10 Call 7PM Columbus, OH Player’s (614) 239-7665 8 Ball $8 200% payout 7PMThursdays Williamsville, NY Bison Billiards (716) 632-0281 9-Ball Handicap-SE $15 (incl g.f.) Call 7PM Mooresville, NC 150 n Out Billiards (704) 660-5363 9-Ball Handicap-Round Robin $15 $$$ 7PM Levittown, NY Leisure Time Billiards & Cafe (516) 796-4600 9-Ball $Call Call Bowling Green, KY Cue Time (270) 782-2740 9 Ball $5 Call 8PM Lansing, MI Coaches (517) 882-2013 8 Ball $5 Call 7:30PM Warren, MI Ultimate Sports Bar (586) 751-2222 9 Ball $20 $100 w/32 7PM Vernon, IN Phat Guy Birds (812) 346-0870 Open 9 Ball $5 Call 7:30PM Columbus, OH 8 Ball Sports Bar (614) 436-2948 Open 9 Ball $10 Call 7PM Columbus, OH Player’s (614) 239-7665 8 Ball $7 100% payout 7PM Columbus, OH Sportsmen’s (614) 279-5888 3 Cushion $15 Call 7PM Springboro, OH Whiskey Barrel (937) 829-7948 9 Ball $15 $200 5PMFridays Jackson, MS Rack (601) 372-6576 8 Ball $10 8PM Port Clinton, OH Rack Attack Billiard Cafe (419) 732-7225 8 Ball $10 8PM Grand Rapids, MI The Break Room (616) 454-0899 9 Ball $5 Call 7PM Grand Rapids, MI The Break Room (616) 454-0899 8 Ball $5 Call 7PM Adrian, MI Good Times (517) 263-9490 8 Ball - Race to 1 $10 Call 7:30PM Portage, MI Play Time (269) 323-2295 8 Ball $15 Call Call Columbus, OH 8 Ball Sports Bar (614) 436-2948 8 Ball $8 Call 8PMSaturdays Hollywood, FL Lucky 7 Billiards (954) 239-8254 8-Ball-Race to 2-DE $5 Match w/20+ 8PM Ft Pierce, FL Ultimate Billiards (772) 464-7665 9-Ball Open-Handicap $7-$12 $3/player 11:30AM Mooresville, NC 150 n Out Billiards (704) 660-5363 8-Ball Race to 2-DE $5 $$$ 7:30PM Port Clinton, OH Rack Attack Billiard Cafe (419) 732-7225 9 Ball $10 8PM Leitchfield, KY Scooters on Main St (270) 230-1879 8 Ball 7PM Holland, MI Guppies (616) 396-1071 8 Ball $15 6PM Grand Rapids, MI The Break Room (616) 454-0899 9 Ball $5 Call 6PM Grand Rapids, MI The Break Room (616) 454-0899 8 Ball $5 Call 6PM Battle Creek, MI Brickyard (269) 968-0692 8 Ball $20 Call 1PM Battle Creek, MI Brickyard (269) 968-0692 9 Ball $20 Call 7PM Columbus, OH 8 Ball Sports Bar (614) 436-2948 8 Ball $8 5 Chip Elim. 7:30PM Canton, OH Fiddlestix (330) 498-8422 8 Ball $7 Call 7PM Reynoldburg, OH Scotty’s (614) 755-9407 8 Ball Call 200% payout 3PMSundays Mooresville, NC 150 n Out Billiards (704) 660-5363 10-Ball Handicap-Race to 5 $15 $$$ 2PM Jackson, MS Rack (601) 372-6576 9 Ball $10 6PM Jackson, MS Rack (601) 372-6576 9 Ball $10 8:30PM Orlando, FL Chicks Billiards (407) 275-6064 Mixed 8 Ball & 9 Ball $7 2PM St Claire Shores, MI Pepperbottoms (586) 419-4144 8 Ball $10 Call 6:30PM Portage, MI Play Time (269) 323-2295 9 Ball $15 Call 4PM Livonia, MI Snookers (734) 422-9510 8 Ball - bank the 8 $10 Call 2PM Vernon, IN Phat Guy Birds (812) 346-0870 8 Ball Call Call 7:30PM Columbus, OH 8 Ball Sports Bar (614) 436-2948 8 Ball $5 $$$ 7PM Dayton, OH Airway (937) 274-1230 Alt 8 & 9 Ball Call Call 7PM Columbus, OH Cushions (614) 882-5986 9 Ball $10 Call 8PM Fairfield, OH Michael’s (513) 860-0044 8 Ball $6 Call 8PM Mansfield, OH Sundown (419) 564-4538 8 Ball $7 1/3 pot 5:30PM Springboro, OH Whiskey Barrel (937) 829-7948 8 Ball $10 $3/player 2PM

DATE CITY LOCATION PHONE EVENT/RULES ENTRY ADDED TIME

WE

EK

LY

TO

UR

NA

ME

NT

SIf you have any changes to your weekly pool tournaments EMAIL: us at [email protected]


Call to see how to list your weekly pool tournaments 406.285.3099


DATE CITY LOCATION PHONE EVENT/RULES ENTRY ADDED TIME LINK

Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without noticeClick on the MAP link online to get directions to each location

www.facebook.com/donakerlow

TM

www.twitter.com/onthebreaknewswww.ustream.tv/channel/otbntv-live

Each issue of Stroke Pool Magazine delivered to your door every month. Never miss an issue!

Sign up online athttp://www.onthebreaknews.com/Subscription.htm

N IELS

FE I J EN

MVP

ASTEAM

EUROPE

DDOMINATES

M O S C O N I C U PW I N SS T A T SR E S U L T SH I S T O R YR E C O R D S

Shane Van BoeningU.S. Open One Pocket

BCAPL ResultsU S Open 10-BallAPA National Singles

wins K e l l y F i s h e rW o r l d 9 - B a l l C h a m p i o n

A l l i s o n F i s h e rB a c k - 2 - B a c kW P B A U . S . O p e n

Lucky’s VegasVacation

VNEA VegasTeam Results Justin Hall

M A S T E R O F T H E T A B L ET u n i c a S o u t h e r n C l a s s i c

BEF JuniorNationals

Tiger BayArea Amateur

S o u t h e r n C l a s s i c C o mp l e t e R e s u l t s

Miss CueLadies Tour

Action Pool Tour

TheU.S.OpenChampionShane Van BoeningShane Van Boening

Mosconi CupCaptain?U.S. Open Notebook

Ultimate BilliardsCues for the Cure

LuckyLuckyTAP PR

2012

2012

Lincoln City, ORJasmin OuschanJasmin Ouschan

Subscribe for 2013

only $30/year

Jan 5 Williamsville, NY Bison Billiards (716) 632-0281 8-Ball Bar Box $35 (incl g.f.) $250 Guar Noon MAPJan 11 Fargo, ND Fargo Billiards (701) 282-4168 9-Ball $40 $500 6PM MAPJan 12-13 Fargo, ND Fargo Billiards (701) 282-4168 Midwinter Shootout 8 Ball $60 $2,500 9:30AM Jan 11 Fairfield, OH Michael’s Billiards (513) 860-0044 Bank Ring Game-Limit 7 $300 CallJan 12-13 Fairfield, OH Michael’s Billiards (513) 860-0044 Old Style Bank $60 $500 w/32 CallJan 19 Hartsville, SC Pool Time (843)383-0884 9-Ball Sc Dbles $20 Call 5:30PMJan 19-20 Williamsville, NY Bison Billiards (716) 632-0281 NE 9-Ball $60-A/$40-B $1,000 Guar 11AM MAPJan 20 Williamsville, NY Bison Billiards (716) 632-0281 2nd Chance - Players out $20 $250 Guar Ask Jan 25-Feb 2 Elizabeth, IN Derby City Classic (812) 288-7665 9-Ball Banks (buy back option) $110 $10,000 Guar Noon MAPJan 27-Feb 2 Elizabeth, IN Derby City Classic (812) 288-7665 One Pocket (buy back option) $135 $15,000 Guar Noon MAPJan 27-Feb 2 Elizabeth, IN Derby City Classic (310) 370-3994 Straight Pool Challenge $100 $6,000 Guar 9:00AM Jan 29-Feb 2 Elizabeth, IN Derby City Classic (812) 288-7665 10-Ball Challenge Call $10,000 Call Jan 30-Feb 2 Elizabeth, IN Derby City Classic (812) 288-7665 9-Ball (buy back option) $160 $25,000 Guar Noon Feb 2 Williamsville, NY Bison Billiards (716) 632-0281 8-Ball Bar Box $35 (incl g.f.) $250 Guar Noon MAPFeb 23-24 Bellflower, CA CSI (702) 719-7665 Jay Swanson 9-Ball (Max 192) $80/$85 $3,000 Min Call MAPFeb 25-Mar 3 Reno, NV CSI (702) 719-7665 10-Ball Bar Table-Open Div Call $5,500 Call MAPFeb 25-Mar 3 Reno, NV CSI (702) 719-7665 10-Ball Bar Table-Wmns Div Call $1,000 w/16+ Call Feb 25-Mar 3 Reno, NV CSI (702) 719-7665 9-Ball Bar Table-Open Div Call $5,500 Call Feb 25-Mar 3 Reno, NV CSI (702) 719-7665 9-Ball Bar Table-Wmns Div Call $1,000 w/16+ Call Feb 25-Mar 3 Reno, NV CSI (702) 719-7665 8-Ball Bar Table-Open Div Call $5,500 Call Feb 25-Mar 3 Reno, NV CSI (702) 719-7665 8-Ball Bar Table-Wmns Div Call $1,000 w/16+ Call Mar 14-17 Wheeling, WV Corner Pocket Billiards (304) 280-8688-Jay Eastern Reg BCAPL 8/9 Men $45 ea $10,000 Guar 9AMMar 14-17 Wheeling, WV Corner Pocket Billiards (304) 280-8688-Jay Eastern Reg BCAPL 8/9 Wmn $35 ea Payout 9AMMar 14-17 Wheeling, WV Corner Pocket Billiards (304) 280-8688-Jay Eastern Reg BCAPL Men Team $275 9AMMar 14-17 Wheeling, WV Corner Pocket Billiards (304) 280-8688-Jay Eastern Reg BCAPL Wmn Team $200 9AM

http://g.co/maps/5y5f5

http://g.co/maps/gdw9t

http://g.co/maps/4j5t8

http://g.co/maps/qb7mr

http://g.co/maps/tvsya



http://www.playcsipool.com

http://www.playbca.com

BILLIARDS 4LIFE

black metal skull ornament

new 3D embossing technique

tribal flames screenprinting

waterproof exterior

holds up 30” sticks

$175 MSRP

www.cuestix.com qualified dealers welcome - free catalog 800.645.9803

walk the walk

http://www.cuestix.com

Stroke Magazine January Issue 2013

Documents

t i o n

o n i s c

c o ma u t h e n t i

c c u r

bison billiards

sandcastle billiards

amys billiards

c o mhappy birthday