stroke magazine may issue 2012

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Don AkerlowMary Akerlow

44 Grady Mathews

11 Feature Story

13 Pocketeer

20 Sandcastle Match

21 SE Open

24 East Coast RTC

ADVERTISERSAmy’s Billiards 26Atlas Billiard Supply 19BCAPL/CSI/USAPL 27BCAPL Southwest 27BEF 9Big Daddy’s Billiards 22Bison Billiards 21Bob Jewett 10Capone’s Billiards 12CSI Tunica Open 27CueStix International 28Filmless Art 26Gold Crown Billiards 22McDermott 2Mike Massey 7Monk, the 12Mueller 3OTBnTV.com 3Pocketeer 13Sandcastle Billiards 20Southern Classic 15TAP 18T J’s Billiards 22Tiger Products 16,26

Contents

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

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

Publisher

Do

n “

Ch

eese

” A

ker

low

May 2012 - Stroke Magazine 3

7Cover Photo Courtesy of:

Full Splice Billiards

FEATURES

9

19

ESPN is not listing any Billiard telecasts

scheduled for May

http://www.muellers.com

Tribute to

Grady ‘The Professor’ MathewsJanuary 3, 1943 - April 18, 2012Article & Photos courtesy of OnePocket.org

A bearded 'Professor' photographed at one of the Red's tournaments in '83 or '84Photo courtesy Bill Porter

They called him ‘The Professor”, but they could just as aptly have called him Mr. One Pocket. It is hard to imagine a model for

contributing more to the game of One Pocket than exhibited over the career of Grady Mathews; he has truly been an ambassador to the game.

Born January 3, 1943 in San Antonio, Texas, when Grady was a teenager his family moved to San Mateo, California, just about 25 miles outside of the pool Mecca

of San Francisco. Grady was a good natural athlete, but once he got started with pool, that is where he turned his attention. He proved to be an adept student of pool, especially the game of One Pocket, honing his skills at fabled Cochran’s in San Francisco in the early 1960’s before he took to the road. Just about every great player of that era made appearances at Cochran’s. As Grady tells it, “You had guys there at Cochran’s like ‘Bananas’ Rodriguez. ‘Mexican Phil’ was another one. Those two guys couldn’t run a lot of balls, but boy could they play One Pocket! The young guys like me and Rich Marques and Ronnie Barber and Denny Searcy and ‘One Eyed Hank’; we’d kick shots around, trying different ways to do things. We learned pretty quickly as young people are wont to do. I don’t think you could find a better learning facility than Cochran’s.” Grady actually worked at Cochran’s for a while, until it became clear he could make more money playing pool than he could working. In the late 60’s, Grady moved to Texas and ended up at another great action room, Le Cue in Houston, frequented by such greats as Jack ‘Jersey Red’ Breit, Danny Jones and ‘Connecticut’Johnny Vevis, the winner of inaugural Johnston City One Pocket tournament.

In 1975 Grady opened his own poolroom in Denver, CO, which he ran for seven years. It was during this time that Grady’s One Pocket game really matured.

It was also during this time that he recalls first starting to take notes about the

Grady with tournament winner Ed Kelly photo courtesy Dennis Wilson4 Stroke Magazine - May 2012


In his role of Master of Ceremonies for the One Pocket Hall of Fame,Grady congratulates inductee and old friend Billy Incardona

nuances and details of One Pocket – the kind of studying that may have contributed to his moniker, ‘The Professor’. Those notes certainly contributed to his wealth of knowledge about the game, and over the years Grady really developed his role as teacher, including many years of regular magazine columns, eleven instructional videos on the game, hundreds of exhibitions, clinics and private lessons all over the US – mostly featuring One Pocket. As a tournament player, Grady topped very tough fields to win four major One Pocket tournaments: • 1983 Red’s Open One Pocket • 1984 Sid Mann’s World One Pocket • 1985 Red’s Open One Pocket • 1995 Olathe, KS Legends of One Pocket As a One Pocket tournament promoter Grady brought fans of the game 19 major One Pocket tournaments spanning twenty years, including his gold standard, Legends of One Pocket. The “Super”One Pocket tournament he and his good friend Richie Florence promoted in 1993 (won by Ed Kelly) featured what to this day is the highest purse for a One Pocket event. Many of his Legends of One Pocket tournaments were filmed by Accu-stats featuring excellent expert commentary, leading to a wide distribution of One Pocket knowledge to a whole new generation of players and fans. All of this adds up to why Grady was the top vote-getter for our very first One Pocket Hall of Fameelection back in 2004. He was the ideal candidate -- a great player, great teacher and tireless promoter of the game. Yes, he is ‘The Professor’, but you could also call him ‘Mr. One Pocket.’

Thank you, Grady Mathews, for your unsurpassed contribution to the legacy of pool, and especially One Pocket.

Grady competing in 1981Photo courtesy Billie Billing

MARBLMARBLC h a m p i o n s h i p To u r n a m e n t R e s u l t s

LEFT TO RIGHT: KYLE, LACIE, JOHN, STEVE AND JOSH

March 31st & April 1st

Maine Amateur Recreational Billiard League (M.A.R.B.L.) held it’s 3rd ever championship weekend “money week” hosted by Tj’s Classic Billiards in Waterville Maine. The newly formed league already has 105 players (20 teams) and plays four sessions each year with 100% payback every 12 weeks.

Of the twenty teams, ten made it to the final tournament with all ten places in the money. Six teams from Tj’s Classic Billiards (Waterville ME) and two teams from Schmenegee’s Billiards (Lewiston ME) qualified for money week along with one wild card team from each location which is determined by luck of the draw.

Last sessions winners, Team Beaudoin, faced a somewhat tougher road to the finals this time around. When they played a very close second match with Table Hawgs that went into tie breaker mode and was decided by one rack. They then lost to up and comers, Arabian Goggles who knocked them to the losers side forcing them to win close match after close match before finally reaching the finals late Sunday night.

On the winners side, Kyle Pepin was in dead stroke as he and his team, Arabian Goggles, cruised easily through to the hotseat and eventually beat Team Beaudoin winning $2200.00 cash and the coveted M.A.R.B.L

traveling trophy.

Tj’s room owners, Steve and Tammy Reynolds, and Schmengee’s room owners, Dave and Kathy Label, would like to congratulate all ten teams for a great tournament and we hope to see you all next session.

$100 MVP - (Waterville) - Taylor Reynolds$100 MVP - (Lewiston) - Kyle Pepin

$2200 1st Place - Arabian Goggles$1500 2nd Place - Team Beaudoin$750 3rd Place -Over Rated$400 4th Place - Redemptions$225 5th/6th - Sharks$225 5th/6th - Scratch This$150 7th/8th - Smooth Stroke4rs$150 7th/8th - Table Hawgs$100 9th/10th - Almost Perfect$100 9th/10th - Slim 2 None

In addition to these payouts, M.A.R.B.L held two tournaments adding $100 to each. M.A.R.B.L also pays an $8 bonus to any player who makes the 8 on the break during the session. This session there were 25 “8 on the breaks” for a total of $200.

6 Stroke Magazine - May 2012

The first time I saw this shot was on a video by Yoshikazu Kimura. Everyone loves this shot, which Earl Strickland christened the Slam Dunk. Others call it the Smiley Face or Half Moon Shot.The set up is the big key to this shot because three of the balls must travel long distances to the corner pockets. So take care in lining up the combos and tangent lines as shown on the diagram. Hit the cue ball in the center and aim for a full hit on the 1-ball. Use a hard stroke. When practicing this shot, it helps to have a friend watch closely so they can tell you where each ball that misses hits the rail. This will help you make the necessary adjustments. For instance, if the 2-ball hits to the left of Pocket A, you will need to move it clockwise just a little so that the tangent line points a little farther up the long rail.You can place a series of object balls where the dots are located. This makes the shot even more impressive because the balls in the cluster appear to explode out of the center of the table. Once you’ve mastered this shot, you might try placing glasses of water where the dots are located. But be aware that an error could possibly damage the cloth.

GETTING WAXED IN JAPANI was in Japan for a TV show when disaster struck on the Slam Dunk. Before an exhibition I always go over the table and check out my shots, especially the set-up shots. After evaluating the table I decided to go to dinner before the show. While I was gone the organizers waxed the balls to a bright

shine. The producers wanted them to look their best for the show. Before I left for dinner the balls looked immaculate. So when I went back to the table I didn’t think the waxing would affect my shots. I was wrong. I set up the Slam Dunk with 13 shot glasses full of water spaced so that the balls would go between the. When I shot hard into the 1-ball, it forced through a little more than I had planned for and hit the point of the side pocket. It then bounced out across the table, breaking four of the glasses. I was reminded of why 13 is the unluckiest of numbers.It was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Now when I do an exhibition and use glasses of water, I always leave this shot for last just in case. In all of the times I’ve played this shot, this is the only time I’ve spilled a drop. Whew!

Mike Massey

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

MIKE MASSEYNine Time World Champion

EXHIBITIONS & CLINICSContact Mike or Francine Massey

[email protected]

To order Mike’s book call 888.295.7665 or 714.894.1157

Visit us on the web at www.billiardspress.com

Mike MasseyC O L U M N I S T

Slam Dunk (aka Smiley Face or Half Moon)

EXPLANATION OF ABBREVIATIONS: SUR: Set up Ratings EXR: Execution Ratings MSR: Mike’s Success Ratio

SUR: 3.5EXR: 2.5MSR: 95%


MARBL


Janet Atwell played both amiable hostess and event champion at the Kick-Off event of the 2012 MissCues Regional Ladies 9-Ball Tour. In addition to the $325 first prize, Atwell's undefeated weekend also earned her an entry into the WPBA US Open in June. The $500-added Kick-Off event drew 14 entrants to Atwell's Borderline Billiards in Bristol, TN.

Atwell opened her five-match campaign with victories over Jessica Human and Sam Patton, which moved her among the winners' side final four to face Melody Kuty. Buffy Jolie, in the meantime, who would end up facing Atwell twice, defeated Stephanie Goens and Tonya Wiser to square off against Teresa Gifford in the other winners' side semifinal. Atwell sent Kuty

west 5-2, and was joined in the hot seat match by Jolie, who'd sent Gifford over 5-1. Atwell sent Jolie to the semifinals 5-2 and sat in the hot seat to await her return.

First up for Kuty in the loss bracket was Shannon Crosthwaite, who, following an opening round defeat at the hands of Chelsea Hardwick, defeated Debbie Cervantis 5-3 and shut out Wiser. Gifford drew Hardwick, who, after defeating Crosthwaite, was sent west by Kuty and was in the midst of a four-match, loss-side winning streak that would eventually put her into the semifinals against Jolie. Hardwick defeated Dana Cartier 5-2 and Patton, double hill, to meet Gifford.

Hardwick defeated Gifford 5-2, and in the quarterfinals, got a second chance against Crosthwaite, who'd downed Kuty double hill. A second double hill match for Crosthwaite yielded a second victory over her for Hardwick, who moved on to face Jolie.

Jolie ended Hardwick's loss-side streak 5-3 and got her second chance against Atwell. Atwell took the final match 7-1 to complete her undefeated weekend.

Following the WPBA Regional Tour Championships, April 13-15, at 150 N Out Billiards and Darts in Mooresville, NC, the MissCues Tour will stop at Diamond Billiard Pub in Lexington, KY on June 23-24.

Kick-Off event of MissCues Regional Ladies 9-Ball Tour

ATWELL WINS

JANET ATWELL, CHELSEA HARDWICK, SHANNON CROSTHWAITE, & BUFFY JOLIEBy Skip MaloneyAZBilliards.com

1st JanetAtwell $325

2nd BuffyJolie $275

3rd ChelseaHardwick $200

4th ShannonCrosthwaite $120

5th TeresaGifford $75

5th MelodyKuty $75

RESULTS

JUN

IOR

PLAY

ER P

ROFI

LESHAWN D. BEGAY

NAME: Shawn D. Begay HOME TOWN: Gallup, New MexicoBIRTH DATE: August 28, 1997SCHOOL YOU CURRENTLY ATTEND: Gallup High SchoolGRADE: FreshmenFAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Math and GeometryAT WHAT AGE DID YOU START PLAYING POOL: 9 years oldTITLES/HIGH FINISHERS: • 2011 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships, Runner- up, 14 & Under Boys’ Division• Lucasi Tour, Phoenix, Arizona - First Place• BEF New Mexico State Junior 9-Ball Champion• Navajo Nation Fair Boys & Girls Club Pool Tournament, Window Rock, Arizona – First PlaceOTHER NOTABLE AWARDS: Represented the United States at the 2011 WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships in Kielce, PolandWHAT KIND OF CUES DO YOU USE: Lucasi HybridLEFT OR RIGHT HANDED: RightSPONSORS: Lucasi Hybrid - Florida; Kamui Tips - California; and Slop Shot Billiards - Gallup, New Mexico

FAVORITE BAND/MUSIC: CountryHOBBIES: Hunting and Playing Basketball MEMORABLE POOL MOMENT: When I was invited to play in the WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships in Kielce, PolandFAVORITE FOOD: Navajo Traditional recipesREAL - WORLD HERO: My DadFONDEST CHILDHOOD MEMORY: Family cook-outsGOALS (PERSONAL AND/OR CAREER): Complete grade school and go to college to study to be an Electronic Technician


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

Pool Player

San Francisco Billiard Academy

www.sfbilliards.com

Bob Jewett

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

C O L U M N I S T Bob Jewett


Passing Through How many times towards the end of a game of 8 ball have you found yourself frustrated by a position like those in the diagram? You have cleared your group and are ready to claim a win except for one unfortunately placed ball of your opponent. Here are six techniques that may help you escape from this trap and win on this turn. In Shot 1 the 8 and the 11 are frozen together. In this situation, if you shoot the 8 straight towards the 11 -- and in the diagram hitting the 8 full will drive it directly towards the 11 as required -- the 8 will travel forward after the 11 leaves. Draw on the cue ball will help with this but it’s not absolutely required. To test the shot without draw, put a third object ball in front of the 8 where you want the cue ball to land and try the 3-ball combo. Shoot firmly. The middle ball (8) should follow the other ball into the pocket. The 8 and 11 must be really, really touching; even a small gap will destroy the action. In Shot 2 a different technique is needed because the 8 is not touching the 12. Depending on the balls, it may be possible to use draw on the cue ball and transfer enough follow to the 8 ball that it will follow the 12 into the pocket. Try this on your table with about a quarter-inch between the 8 and 12 and with medium draw on the cue ball. Super draw is bad here because it will just slip on the 8 and not grab. Try different speeds from moderate to high to see what works. While trying the draw shot method, you may have found the third technique: if you shoot Shot 2 hard with a little elevation, the cue ball may jump up a little and land on the 8 which is still whereit was when it hit the 12. This is a little risky as you might land the cue ball on the floor instead. A fourth technique works in Shot 2 if you are playing with a “bar ball” -- a large cue ball on a table that has that kind of ball-return sorter. Just shoot firmly with draw. The cue ball, being more massive than the 8, will not stop on contact but will slide through to contact the 8 ball a second time. In situations like this you can get remarkable draw from a cue ball that normally destroys your backspin. A fifth technique, also for the position in Shot 2, is to use follow on the cue ball. This is a finesse shot and you must shoot along the right line with the right speed. If the shot is not absolutely straight, you will have to

pick the angle that will maintain the needed cue ball-8 ball contact. Shot 3 shows a situation where the table will provide the needed follow for the 8 ball. As the 8 travels across the cloth to the 13, it will pick up top spin by rubbing on the cloth. The amount depends on the distance it travels before hitting the 13, the stickiness of the cloth, and the speed of the shot. On this shot you do not want high speed as that doesn’t give the 8 ball time to pick up spin. Try this shot on your table with a variety of speeds and distances between the balls to see what works best. Finally, you shouldn’t overlook a safety opportunity if you are not ready for the “hero shot.” In Shot 2, playing the combo very softly will leave your opponent stuck for a shot if he doesn’t have something nearby to shoot at.

Pool Player

Pool PlayerMay 2012 - Stroke Magazine 11

Bob Maidhof Drexeline Billiard club

Going back to the beginning of getting the pool bug. I was 11 or 12 years old when I got my first taste of what a pool table looked like. Walking down the main drag of the area where I use to live, there was a new complex of store fronts with many different businesses, one being a new pool room. The picture window had been removed to deliver the pool tables for this room. As I passed, I was amazed at these large tables with holes and beautiful green topping. I stepped through the window to get a better look and heard this voice yelling at me to evacuate. I was young and started to shed a tear as the loud voice upset me. The voice came from an old guy who was putting this pool room together for public use, if you had the money to pay table time. His name was Joe Parzile, a retired mob guy from N.Y. probably in his late 60’s. He felt bad he had upset me and told me to come back when he got open. He would show me what this great game was all about. Anyway , this pool room was called, Escuepade Billiards, and it would be my home for the next 15 years as well as Congress Bowl. Plenty of stories to tell about my internship at these pool rooms but I will fast forward to the age of 15. Hanging out around the pool room , you would get all the latest info. on what was happening. Found out that Willie Mosconi was giving an exhibition at a new pool room in south Miami. Willie Mosconi & Jimmy Caras would travel for Brunswick to promote any new room opening that was featuring their equipment. Just worked out that Brunswick was sending only Mosconi for this opening.This was a bummer, as we were looking for a “Two for One”! (When I say WE, I am referring to the older guys at the pool room that had taken me under their wing and looked out for me.) Well, Mosconi would do as beggars can’t be choosers as the old saying goes. We went to the exhibition and it was great. Mosconi was all of that and then some. You have to remember that the time was around 1967-68, can’t remember exact year but it is one or the other. Mosconi was still in rare form. I could not get enough. When the exhibition was over, Willie was standing around chatting with the spectators. I weaseled my way in and asked him for an autograph. He told me to get lost. That was when I declared Jimmy Caras my new Number 1 Pool Idol, and lost respect for the great Willie Mosconi. I still had high respect for Willie’s ability, but as a person, anyone that knew him would tell you he could

be difficult. That brings me to the point of this article. The neatest thing in the world happened to me 30 years or so later. As I had written in my previous articles of my friendship with Jimmy Caras I had neglected to talk about how he had been in my thoughts for as long as I had been around the Billiard World and for Jimmy Caras to have been my very close friend was really a dream come true. Was it Luck, Fate, or just a Coincident that it turned out that way? I will never know. All I know is that it could not have turned out any better. Another quicky. Got word that Minnesota Fats was doing an exhibition at the Miami Beach Convention Center. This was also around 1967-68 again can’t remember but it was one or the other. Talked the guys into going. There was an admission charge that pool players did not want to pay, so it was a chore talking these guys into going but I convinced them. Mission On. The convention center looked like it would hold about 2000 people. When inside it looked like about 100 people had showed up. Anyone that knew Fats knew that he could talk an Arab into buying sand. He had the gift of gab for sure. He must have done some very fancy talking to have persuaded the convention people to book his gig. Ok, the show has started, and Fats is running his mouth the whole time. The crowd is eating it up as Fats has that gab in high gear. His banks and trick shots, I must say were very good. Now he has announced that he would like a challenger. My hand went up like a rocket ship. Wouldn’t you know it, he picks me. He states that we will play a 2 out of 3 set of 8-Ball. He gave me the first break. I broke and ran out. Boy oh boy he had a lot of gab for that. He then took the second break. He broke and ran out. Score 1 each. Now my break. He would not shut up. Anyway, I broke and ran out to win set. The Miami Herald News was there. They took pictures of Fats and I. Fats told me my picture would be in the paper the next day, with a story about how I had defeated him. The next day I went and bought about 6 papers. Got home, opened the paper, and what do you think it said? FATS BEATS ALL ONCOMERS! Not a word was mentioned about any of the crowd, except that it was a great turnout, and a fabulous exhibition. That Fats sure had a golden tongue.

Pool Player

FLASHBACKS OF A

Tim Miller

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

May all the rolls go your way,

The Monk

CALL THE MONK TODAY

1-603-566-6229

C O L U M N I S T The Monk

KEYS TO SUCCESS!CONFIDENCE LUCK AND CONCENTRATION

http://www.monkbilliardacademy.net/9-balltrainongprogram.html


I am in Manila right now filming a clip for a company in New Zealand. This place has a wonderful following for the game of pool. In many restaurants they have a poster of Effren Reyes. He is a national hero in the Philippines. How do you become a hero in this game? You must learn how to practice. This is vital to any form of skill development. Deliberate practice and specific training will take away any limits you might have. It is not talent that brings you to the top it is commitment and a dedication to excellence. Effren once walked in to a Chicago pool hall broke and ran three racks of rotation in a row. That killed all his action. He is that good. He could very well be the greatest player who ever played the game. He told me he spent hours upon hours working on one shot. He did not run balls he worked on building skills. He would set up a shot and see if he could get the cue ball three rails to land on a dime circle. He ever told me he used my 2-7-2 Cue Ball Speed system to perfect his position play. What I like about these Filipino players is that they perfect one shot before they move on. They know how to train. I had a student in Russia who went through my book The Lesson and mastered every single lesson. When I was in Moscow we filmed him shooting each shot. His sponsor told me he worked on The Lesson book for almost two years. In New Zealand Matt Edwards worked on shots from The Lesson until he became the top player in the south Pacific. I really enjoyed working with this remarkable boy. We spent two years together. His skills are enormous. You become a hero when you work on skill development. These players and many more champions did not throw balls on the table and play games. They did not go out and compete in meaningless matches, instead, worked for hours on Cue Ball Speed, Shot Making and the Four Strokes of Pool. I went to a pool hall here in Manila and worked on a Cue Ball Speed pattern from my book THE ROAD PLAYERS

NINE BALL TRAINING. I told myself to slide across the table for an angle shot on the next ball. Many times I went too far and ended up straight. I continued my training. It was vital I build the muscle memory that would enable me to land the cue ball in a specific spot. Once I achieve this, I logged it in my mind and continued to deliver the stroke that would give me the desired results. I became aware of how it felt, what it sounded like and the visual experience of seeing the ball slide to the right spot. In other words, I mastered the skill until it became mine. When you “pile rocks” you must focus on one specific skill. I will shoot balls and pay close attention to how I land on the cue ball and my finish. I shot many shot like this. I also focus on the sound of the cue tip going through the cue ball. There will be times in a match when I am tired and cannot think. I will need to recall how it sounds to hit a good shot. I build skill in everything I do. Training is skill development. You must also build the way you think. Effren Reyes once faced a tough three rail shape shot to win close to a half of million US dollars. He could have clinched the shot and then had a tough shot on the eight ball. I would have done that. I would not have taken the chance with the three rail shot for position. Effren, on the other hand, knows what shot to shoot. That is his mind set. “I try to shoot the right shot all the time”. He is not thinking about the money. He has mastered his mind. After he delivered the stroke, he was straight in with an easy shot on the winning eight ball. See the shot know the stroke shoot the shot. You should begin your training so you become a hero, if not a hero in the world, a hero in your home town. Become the player you deserve to be. I have scheduled a two day workshop in Atlanta Georgia for May 26th & 27TH. I hope you will make plans to attend. Go to my web site, www.monkbilliardacademy.net and learn the details of this remarkable workshop. As always, I bring exciting guest teachers so you receive personal attention to your skill development.

KEYS TO SUCCESS!CONFIDENCE, LUCK AND CONCENTRATION


Mulligan sToPs Challenge by MCelroy

- By Skip Maloney - AzBilliards.com

Cassidy Mulligan gave up a single match in the opening set of a true double elimination final against Lisa McElroy, but came back to win the second, claiming first place in the Bay Area Amateur Tour stop on Saturday, March 31. The $300-added, second stop on the tour drew 14 entrants to Hammerheads in Holiday, FL. From among the winners' side final four, Mulligan sent Echo Pinkley west 4-1, as Jessica Barnes was busy doing likewise to Vanessa Seaver 6-3. Mulligan then defeated Barnes 5-4 (Barnes going to 7) and sat in the hot seat, waiting for the return of McElroy. Seaver moved to the loss side to meet up with her sister, Jeannie, winner of the first BAAT stop, who'd defeated Terri Cockrell 6-1 and Lana Loomis 8-1. Pinkley picked up McElroy, who'd been sent west from among the winners' side final eight by Barnes, and then defeated Cortney Bernard 3-2 (Bernard going to 4), and Kelly Cavanaugh 3-3 (Cavanaugh going to 6). Jeannie Seaver shut out sister Vanessa, and was joined in the quarterfinals by McElroy, who'd downed Pinkley 3-1. McElroy had sent Jeannie Seaver to the loss side in the opening round of play, and duplicated that effort in the quarterfinals, shutting her out. McElroy then turned to face the woman who'd sent her over, Barnes, in the semifinals. A 3-3 victory (Barnes going to 5) sent McElroy to the double elimination finals against Mulligan. In a straight-up race to 4, McElroy won the opening set 4-2. In the second set, reduced to a race to three, Mulligan gave up only a single rack to secure the event title.

The victory moved Mulligan into second place in the current, two-stop tour standings, behind Jeannie Seaver, whose fourth place finish, allowed her to remain atop the leader board. McElroy moved from fifth to third, behind Mulligan. Next stop on the BAAT tour is scheduled for May 26, at Wally's in

Lakeland, FL.

RESULTS:1st $260 Cassidy Mulligan2nd $180 Lisa McElroy3rd $125 Jessica Barnes4th Jeannie Seaver

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On April 14, 2012, Pocketeer Billiards of Buffalo, NY held their quarterly 9-ball open tournament. This was the first quarterly tournament of the year with a field of 16 players which included a lot of great shooters (i.e. Ron Kingsley who was favorered to win, Shane Morrow, Brian Barr, Dave Scheuter, Mark Hatch and Dave Mills.)Ron Kingsley and Shane Morrow were the favorites to win. It was no surprise when Ron and Shane met early in the tournament and a lot of the players stopped playing their matches to watch these shooters go at it.Ron jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead with back-to-back break and runs. On the third rack, Ron snapped the 9-ball on the break,, jumping out to a 3-0 lead. Shane came back tying it up 3-3. The two shooters went back and forth with Ron Kingsley beating Shane Morrow 7-5 putting Shane into the losers bracket. After that, Ron blew through the winners bracket to win the winners side bracket. Shane Morrow played through the losers bracket beating the likes of Mark Hatch, Dave Miller, Dave Schuster, and defeating tough defensive player Brian Barr going hill to hill with Shane break and running the last rack to win 7-6 and winning the losers bracket. So in the finals it was a rematch from earlier in the tournament Ron Kingsley vs. Shane Morrow with Shane having to defeat Ron two sets. They flipped for the break and Ron won the toss. Just like in the first meeting, Ron broke and ran two straight racks. Was this going to be a repeat of the first meeting? Answer: NO! Shane came back with a vengence. Shane jumped out to a 6-3 lead in the first set. This time Ron had to fight from behind. Ron came back and made it 6-6. The final game of the first set Ron broke and didn’t make a ball. Unfortunately for Ron, Shane ran out the rack to win the first set. In the second set it was like a whole different person that showed up. Ron Kingsley broke and ran out racks, played perfect safes and snapping 2-9 balls on the break defeating Shane Morrow 7-3.Pocketeer Billiards would like to thank the Buffalo APA director, Jonathan Walker, all the poolhalls who we sent flyers to, and to Stroke Magazine for their support. We look forward to seeing everyone at our next quarterly tournament on Saturday, September 8, 2012.1st place - Ron Kingsley $350.002nd place - Shane Morrow $125.003rd place - Brian Barr $100.004th place - Dave Scheuter

Ron Kingsley Dominates


I never met Steve personally, but had talked to him in the chats during live streamings, both his and mine and by emails. We talked on the phone once when I let him use a song that I had published called, “Welcome Home”. It was created for Vietnam Veterans coming home and written by Tenley Topins. He added photos to it in a slide show and we put the music behind it. He had a link on his website. He told me it brought tears to his eyes and I told him it was just my way of Welcoming Back

our heroes.

Steve recommended that we stream the National USBA Championship in Tacoma, Washington at the Elks in 2010. Steve was one of the good guys. It was my honor to have known him.---- Don Akerlow

In Memory of ... Steve ElzingaSteve passed away on April 13, 2012 at the age of 63 from Lung Cancer. Born on March 24,1949 and lived in Grand Rapid MI.

One of Steve interests was Ski Diving and had 720 jumps to his name during the years of 1985 to 1993.

He also liked to play billiards and had played it for 40 or so yrs. Steve helped to promote the game by filming and streaming live 3-cushion tournaments over the course of 4 yrs. His streaming partner Michael Christenson a very close friend of Steve’s worked together and both helped a lot of people on the forums and helped a lot of streamers get started and produce better streams.

His name here was sde and was Mi_Billiards and sde on the streams. Steve was a proud Viet Nam vet and was buried with honors at the Ft. Custer memorial cemetery in Battle Creek Michigan. Steve was a great friend and will be surely missed by!!

Product Review

PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONTiger Hustler Series Cue (TH-2)This HUSTLER cue features Sneaky Pete design in Bacote, fully spliced into a light color Canadian Hard Rock Maple forearm and accented with black, natural and black point trims. Thin black phenolic ring complements the butt cap and wood to wood joint creates solid one piece cue look.Each cue features the Ultra-X® high performance patented technology shaft (low deflection shafts are optional) and a radial Tiger joint protector.

MSRP $409

I wanted to try out the new HUSTLER cue by Tiger Products and asked Tony to send one to me for evaluation. He sent the TH-2. It has a Sneaky Pete design, which I really like. I was struck by the feel of the stick when it hit the cue ball. The Sniper laminated cue tip which comes standard provided the perfect hit.

Tiger’s patented cue design is unlike any other and you really want to try this cue out. It features the Ultra-X® high performance shaft that Tiger is known for and that plays so well.

Visit the Tiger Booth (23-24) at the BCAPL National 8 Ball Championships in Las Vegas in May. Tell Tony that “Stroke” sent you by to test out the cue. I recommend it.

Don Akerlow, Publisher “Stroke”


http://www.southernclassictournament.com

16 Stroke Magazine - April 2012

http://www.tigerproducts.com

By Skip Maloney

Brandon Shuff won five straight on the loss side to meet and defeat Tour Director Ozzy Reynolds twice in the finals of the Action Pool Tour stop on the weekend of April 14-15. The event, drew 40 entrants to Break Time in Salisbury, MD. Shuff was challenged immediately at this event, surviving a double hill battle versus Chris Garrett in the opening round of play. He went on to defeat Mike Mcnaughton 9-5, and then got caught up in a second double hill battle; this time, against Brett Stottlemyer. At double hill, Stottlemyer actually sunk the 9-ball, but the cue ball traveled multiple rails, and hung in a pocket, before dropping in to essentially give Shuff the victory. Shuff then ran right into Brian Deska and a third straight double hill match that sent him to the loss side. Deska moved on to face Reynolds among the winners' side final four. Joining them were Fred Scott and Danny Bell. Reynolds downed Deska 9-7, and moved into the hot seat match against Bell, who'd defeated Scott 9-6. Reynolds survived a double hill match against Bell, and for the first time since April of 2011 on the Great Southern Billiard Tour, he was in the hot seat. Deska moved over to face Kevin West, who'd defeated Jeremy Perkins 9-6 and Paul Helms 9-2. Scott picked up Shuff, who, following his defeat at the hands of Deska, had defeated Josh Brothers 9-3 and Derek Schwager 9-1. Shuff downed Scott 9-5 and was denied a quarterfinal re-match against Deska, when West defeated him

9-3. Shuff defeated West 9-7 in those quarterfinals, and followed that with a 9-6 win over Bell in the semifinals. In the opening set of the true double elimination finals, Reynolds appeared to be on his way to a single set victory. Shuff took the opening game, but Reynolds ran four straight, including two break and runs to take an early 4-1 lead. They traded racks to 6-3, and Reynolds added another to stretch his lead to four games at 7-3. Shuff won two in a row to narrow that lead to two games, and Reynolds won the 13th rack to reach the hill first. Shuff came back to win four straight and force a second set. Reynolds opened the second set with a win, but Shuff came back to break and run the second rack and add five more for a commanding 6-1 lead. Reynolds took the next game, but it proved to be his last. Shuff won three in a row to win the second set. Cheryl Sporleder claimed the 8-entrant Second Chance Tournament title on Sunday, defeating her husband, Sean Sporleder twice to do it. He'd defeated her in the hot seat match 5-2, and she'd gone on to shut out Paul Oh in the semifinals. She returned to double dip him in the finals.

Action Pool Tour

Shuff double dips Reynolds to take Action Pool Tour stop

1st BrandonShuff $8002nd OzzyReynolds $5003rd DannyBell $3504th KevinWest $250

5th BrianDeska $150 FredScott $1507th PaulHelms $100 DerekSchwager $100

Action Pool Tour Stop results


http://www.tapleague.com

TAP ON!

Halifax, PA, April 24 - TAP Players in the Heart of PA and Soul of MD know they got a good thing in their league. And the word is spreading throughout its borders. Keystone TAP started in May 2007 operating in 6 Counties in PA. In 2009, the purchase of another PA TAP operation took place which included two additional territories and the players from Hagerstown, MD and Frederick, MD wanted to join in too. Creating a league extending over 13 counties in Pennsylvania and 2 in Maryland. “In the beginning two years, it was getting a feel for everything in the league business and in each area”, Owner, Kelly Senior stated, “then it was getting everyone on the same page, incorporating old with new, trial and error, learning from our mistakes and building upon a solid base.” Today, Keystone TAP can boast it has a unique hotel tournament experience three times a year and a National Qualifier event called the Keystone Klassic for it’s 8 Ball Participants. Players from all divisions are represented at each of these events. “It is the highlight of the league”, Senior says. The love is in the details and the organization of the event. Table vendors and hotels alike have seen it grow into a very sportsmanlike, respectable and fun event. Accolades have been made by players throughout these events and are looking forward to what the future holds. What does the future hold? “Now that we have been established, and the events have been fine tuned to provide the ultimate entertainment experiences for our

players, we look forward to expansion and future successes.” Senior continued, “the players are our customers, we work tirelessly to provide the best for them every day, and now we just want to show more of them what we have to offer.” Keystone TAP offers several formats to the Pool Player,

8 Ball, 9 Ball, Singles and Scotch Doubles. 9 Ball Team divisions also enjoy a titleholder event three times a year and a Keystone Klassic event and is continuing to grow. Players enjoy local MVP Plaques, qualifying and participating in the Rally in the Valley singles, in Philadelphia, PA. Captains enjoy membership being paid for by the league for their hard work and coordination with

their teams. Teams enjoy multiple qualifier chances to win a trip to the TAP Traveling Nationals, along with Pins, Plaques and

Prizes. This league doesn’t skimp on its players benefits, they are too numerous to mention. Don’t miss the excitement of Keystone TAP and it’s upcoming events, industry leading advancements in computer technology provided by the TAP Corporate Offices, in an inverted pyramid company structure, that put’s its players on top. Want more information about KeystoneTAP? Check out our website, www.keystonetap.com; Facebook Page www.facebook.com/keystonetap and / or contact us, through our office by phoning 717.921.2334 or emailing [email protected]. Join the countless others that have been checking us out. We look forward to hearing from you !


KEYSTONE TAP

Celebrating 5 Years in 2012Keystone TAP, LLC - Established, Entertaining and Expanding

http://www.cuestik.com

A A 20 Stroke Magazine - May 2012

By Geoff Conway - Contributing writer for AZ BilliardsPhoto courtesy of Karl Kantrowitz

8:00 pm on Friday the 6th of April at Sandcastle Billiards in Edison NJ, we saw the first in the series of the Arena Rules DVD Collection. This match will long be remembered for the thrilling result that the packed

crowd surrounding the Accu-Stats Simonis Arena, witnessed in this PPV exhibition match between consecutive US Open Champions Darren Appleton vs. Mika Immonen. (Darren won in 2010 and 2011 and Mika in 2008 and 2009.)

One of the unique formats of the Arena Rules, is that the player in control of the table after the break, must push out or request that his opponent push out. (Generally the player in control of the table will make his opponent push out.) These rules are the brainchild of Pat Fleming, the owner of Accu-Stats Video Productions, who certainly had a smile on his face at the end of the evening when the match got to hill-hill at 12-12.

However, the match was anything but close early, as Darren just could not seem to get in stroke early on, and after quite a few uncharacteristic misses, soon found himself down 7-1, in this race to 13 match. (Another of the unique Arena Rules is the Sudden, Sudden death, early hill-hill finish. Which puts the match on the hill at 9-9, 10-10, 11-11 and 12-12.)Darren seemed to get a giddy up in his step as he clawed his way back to 8-6. But Mika soon stretched his lead to 12-7. At this point in the proceedings, it looked as though Mika had the win in the bag, yet immediately he seemed to stall. This in conjunction with Darren, really appearing to come to terms with the push out rule and becoming less threatened by the three large 30 second shot clocks that are very prominently placed around the arena, helped Darren to win five consecutive games; to put the match on the hill at 12-12, much to the pleasure of the cheering VIP spectators around the arena and the eight deep crowd behind them.

Needless to say the crowd went crazy, as Darren sunk the final 10 ball to win this exciting match 13-12. This first event in the Arena Rules Collection was certainly a home run for both Accu-Stats and Sandcastle Billiards and it was appreciated by the PPV audience who love hill-hill matches.

More Arena Rules matches are planned at Sandcastle Billiards; the new home of the Accu-Stats Simonis Arena. Watch out for future dates and match ups.

NOTE: Due to the excitement and great play witnessed in the above match between Darren Appleton vs Mika Immonen, Accu-Stats has been inundated with requests from fans to be able to watch the above Arena Rules DVD Collection Match. To accommodate this request before it comes out in DVD, Accu-Stats are making it available on PPV for $5:95 for a limited time only by going to: www.accu-stats.com

Appleton Immonenvs IN FIRST ACCU STATS ARENA RULES MATCH

AT

DARREN APPLETON VS MIKA IMMONEN

SE Open

KENNEDY WINS OPEN, SINGLETARY WINS AMATEUR

EVENT ON SE OPEN 9-BALL TOUR TOMMY KENNEDY

CAME FROM THE LOSS SIDE OF AN OPEN EVENT ON HIS

OWN SOUTHEAST OPEN 9-BALL TOUR ON SATURDAY,

APRIL 14, AND DEFEATED HOT SEAT OCCUPANT, DENNY

SINGLETARY, IN THE FINALS. SINGLETARY WOULD GO

ON, THE NEXT DAY, TO WIN THE TOUR STOP’S AMATEUR

EVENT. THE $1,000-ADDED EVENTS ($500 EACH), HOSTED BY

ZINGALE’S BILLIARDS IN TALLAHASSEE, FL DREW 25 (OPEN)

AND 19 (AMATEUR) ENTRANTS.

While the Open event featured Kennedy's return from the loss side to win, the Amateur event featured some headline matchups, outside the realm of its top winners. First among these was a 5th/6th place match between room owner Mike Zingale and his father, Jim. The other story was about 11-year-old Landon Harris, who, though finishing in the four-way tie for 9th, turned a few heads with back-to-back, double hill victories against much older opponents (Brandon Posey and Dylan Clark). The seeds for the Zingale family match in the Amateur event were sown among the winners' side final four, when son, Mike, was sent west by Singletary 6-3. J.R. Rossman, in the meantime, who had been eliminated by Kennedy in the Open event the day before, faced and defeated Huyen (pronounced "win") Cam 6-1. In the hot seat match, Singletary and Rossman battled to double hill before Rossman prevailed to deny Singletary his second hot seat occupancy of the weekend. Cam moved to the loss side and picked up Joe Davis, while Mike Zingale ran into his father, Jim. Davis defeated Cam 5-2, and the younger Zingale defeated the elder Zingale by the same score. Davis then dropped the younger Zingale into fourth place in a double hill match, only to be dropped himself into third place by Singletary, whose 5-1 victory put him into the finals for the second time. He won it this time, defeating Rossman 9-4 to capture the Amateur title. It was a set of three, 7-5 victories among the final four winners that left Singletary in the hot seat in the Open event on Saturday. Kennedy was sent west by Jimmy Garza, Singletary sent Stoney Stone over, and finally, in the hot seat battle, Singletary sent Garza to the semifinals. Kennedy moved over and picked up Rossman, while Stone drew Arthur Hynh. Kennedy and Stone picked up where they'd left off, defeating Rossman 6-2 and Hynh 6-4, and turning to face each other in the quarterfinals. Kennedy finished Stone's day 6-4, and then in a 'vengeance is sweet' moment completely shut out the man who'd sent him to the loss side (Garza) in the semifinals. He completed his three-match, loss-side winning streak with a 9-6 win in the finals that secured the event title. Ashleigh Harrel picked up $50 as the top female finisher in the Open event, and John Amiss picked up $50, as well, as the oldest player in the event. The elder Zingale won a $50

prize for being the oldest player in the Amateur event. Two women - Tracie Majors and Jessica Fincher - split a $50 prize as top finishers in the Amateur tourney, while 11-year-old Landon Harris picked up $25 as the top finishing junior. Tour director Tommy Kennedy thanked Mike Zingale and his staff for their hospitality, as well as sponsors Tiger Products, Mueller Recreational Products, David Adams, Ed Cabrera, Simonis Cloth, Cliff Manning of Manning Custom Cues, Andy Gilbert Custom Cues, and Harris Cue Company.

SEOPEN9-BALLTOURSTOPPlace Player Prize1st TommyKennedy $4802nd DennySingletary $3503rd JimmyGarza $2504th StoneyStone $1505th ArthurHynh $100 JRRossman $100

SEOpen9-BallTourAmateurEventPlace Player Prize1st DennySingletary $4002nd JRRossman $3253rd JoeDavis $2254th MikeZingale $150

By Skip Maloney, AzB Staff


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

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

Coming

Western New York Tour


STORY

BY: ANDREW MONSTIS

Lucky Plays the Pescado GrandeLucky #14

GOLD CROWN BILLIARDS

(Oldest Pool Hall in Broward, FL)2233 Hollywood Blvd, FL 33020

(954) 921-8439Open: Sun-Thurs 11am to 2am

Fri-Sat: 11am to 4am(11) 9 ft. Tables & (1) Golf TableTues Night - 9 Ball Tournament

Variety of Soft DrinksBeer Bucket Specials - Hot Food

>>> Under New Management <<<

3rd part of this adventure continued from last 2 months …… Crackkkk there was that sound again. Couple of games and we were “in the money” Lucky had again laid down the same break all the even balls went in the holes. Pescado Grande was constantly on the phone. Finally turned off his phone, Bet it was his girlfriend he was arguing with calling him. It was too late for Pescado Grande Lucky finished off the set and the money was ours. Time too quit………..The Mystery man who put up the $20,000 wanted to go again. His nose was open blaming Pescado Grande babe girlfriend for his temporary demise.They were not done. We have been up for almost two days hard on me it had to be harder on Lucky. We want a break Lucky said. The Bank of America was now open. Lucky had me meet him in the Office where the safe was and get our money out of the safe. Lucky said to give him the money. We stuffed it in his coat and pants pocket anywhere we could put it that would not be obvious. He said he would be right back. He went over the Bank and deposited the money except what we would need. Still a lot.When Lucky came back he said the Bank said that he brought in more money then they had on hand. They were likely expecting a shipment of cash from the main branch to conduct business with. That how banks work…Pescado Grande still looked pretty good considering they just played 18 hours. Lucky said he wanted to play but not at this moment. Needed a couple of hours. The guy showed us more five hundred dollar bills. I was wandering where someone got that many of those McKinley’s as they are rarely in circulation. I know better then to ask how he came by those bills. but the bank didn’t question them being counterfeit at the deposit.We agreed to meet at 9pm that would give everyone time to rest. We went and got a motel room. Slept until 7pm got ready then got a bite to eat on the way. I had Roast pork loin and rice pilaf and

some steamed greens, corn bread and glass of milk. Lucky had baked fish the same flavorful greens I had but he had the senior portion. We both had coffee as we talked about what was going to happen. Everybody by now knew we were there but who Lucky was also a mystery and we wanted to keep it that way. Lucky was more concerned now about the money. It would attract a criminal element. We took our time we did not want to be on an advertised schedule because it could make us more vulnerable. So I went in first and surveyed the place did see new faces including a known players like Jose Parica. I told the principle people that Lucky was on his way he in traffic. He was waiting in the car for my phone call. Lucky was stalling it was now 10pm some people waiting to sweat the match were starting to leave, Some thought Lucky was afraid of big money and skipped out with what he won. I assured the Mexican and the mystery man he was in traffic and on his way. I did lie a little, but it was for security reasons. Lucky was packing some real money.All of a sudden we all noticed that Lucky was sitting in the bleachers watching us talk. Popped out of thin air…Oh I’ve been there for a while he said. I am ready to play are you guys. Pescado Grande says, “Of course, my friend.” Jack it to $3000 a game ok! Thought we were playing One Pocket but it was 9ball. They set down equipment at the same table the backer came up and brought out the McKinley’s again. We were in ACTION BABY. This was so exciting. Lucky won the lag. Crackkkk there was that sound again. It’s incredible how he only makes the even balls on this break. I know he’ll explain it to me some time later. Lucky went right to work running out rack after rack each break looked exactly the same each and every time. The old man still has it.Lucky allowed the games to go back and forth again, putting everyone watching asleep. I got some water for Lucky, they did not have Lucky’s favorite water Fuji

water he took a sip of what I got him, he said Fuji is the best. I am ready, while every body was thinking another long match they were paying less attention. Pescado Grande broke and scratched, Lucky adjusted his cinnamon stick went on to5 straight effortless run outs and $30,000 more in sight towards Lucky’s goal, Lucky looks at the stunned group who were now paying attention again and says, “If I miss a ball in the next five games, I will start all over… at zero any side bets.” I know they want to do this. Who wouldn’t? Then Lucky whispers, “get all the side bets possible”. What are they going to say? Nothing said for the longest moment. Lucky waits patiently, working the cinnamon stick. The look on their faces -- I can see each and every brain working overtime, eventually coming out with the answer -- Play the odds. No one runs out that much! The old man is loco I heard A good bet. I got a pencil and note pad and took names and amounts. Some bet $20 and few bet over $200. about 15 people bet some reaching into their socks pulling out the cash. I made them post it to, which I held on too if they wanted to bet.Pescado Grande says, “Of course, my friend.” Doubting Lucky’s ability and bet $200 and mystery backer bet $500. over two thousand collected here we go..On the next game Lucky makes the 9 on the break. Something he never did for the past 2 days. Pescado Grande racks Lucky breaks another 9ball….. three in a row Lucky pockets the nine in a different pocket each time. Pescado Grande racks the game. Lucky breaks and makes the nine in the side. Pescado Grande racks goes to his chair, reaches for his cue case, opens it, unscrews his stick and puts it away. Lucky breaks anyway and pockets the nine in his breaking corner. It took less then 60 minutes. The entire crowd just sits there amazed, and then, slowly, one by one, they begin to applaud realizing what just happened. It was just like hypnotist who brings people out of a hypnotic trance.

Though they are frustrated at knowing they just got beat out of their money by an old man who bested their man as well, still they are compelled spontaneously to show respect for what they know is the best pool playing they will ever see. I had tears in my eyes. I still have the money stuffed in my pocket too. We are going to get out alive, I think. Lucky looks at me and smiles wearily, as he acknowledges the respect by shaking everyone’s hand, saying, “Muchas gracias, amigos.” Only one will not shake Lucky’s hand – the backer, who is too stunned that his horse has lost, and is already heading out the door, the pulse in his neck pounding and his cheeks burning. Lucky bought round for all there. We pack up quickly and head out/ slipped while everyone was feeling goodIn the car and safe Lucky talked about what we might do this next year maybe Derby City, other hot spots in the country and possibly Asia and Europe he did say depending on his health. He was into it for sure, like the old days he said. We headed to the airport so I could get home for Christmas. Lucky said he needed to do some important things, seems mysterious, that he does this every year at Christmas time. His beard was getting longer too….no …no way he could be…no.. We went to the airport I got my bags out of the car. I was to keep all the side bet money. He said he’d be fine driving home dropped me off I went in bought an airline ticket. In the plane have relived it in my mind so many times what happened my brain hurts. It’s one thing to be there watching it happen, but to realize that old Lucky had just played his game, and it was something only a very few would ever be privileged to see, and I was one, well, it is just too much.I’m back home now, doing all the normal stuff you do at home. My wife and I are enjoying getting in some Christmas stuff and ready for the New Year It’s nice being home. Being on the road with Lucky for so long is hard. Life on the road is more grueling than people think. It transforms you to some degree to the environment and the people. How you start out can easily change into something other than what you are expecting. Lucky said that when we first met. He was so right. But it sure was the experience of a lifetime. I know I will be there to help him out if I can, and look forward to going along for the ride, wherever that might be. I am waiting for Lucky to call when he is ready for the road again…….Lucky stories can be found at “On The Break” website, look them up……copyright 2012 by Andrew Monstis

Big Daddy’s

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

Maryland 14.1 Straight PoolAug 17-19, 2012

$300 Pros/$225 Am/LadiesCall Richard for info

T J’s Billiards

14.1 Airport Rd - Waterville, ME207-877-7665

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULEDATES ARE BEING SET

CALL FOR TIMES


Winners of the BEF Event qulaify to play in the JR NationalsJR Qualifiers from Gate City Billiards Club in Greensboro, NC. All 5 of the players listed are qualified to play in the JR Nationals. This was an officially sanctioned BEF event.

18 & Under 1st Place Zack Leonard, 2nd Place Tyler Chappell

14 & Under

1st Place Austin Russell, 2nd Place Garrett Kinney

Top placing female Olivia Templeton

It was like a dream come true when I found out that I was eligible to play for the East Coast WPBA Regional Tour Championship. I have been waiting for this opportunity and when I received an email from Mimi McAndrews, Director of Flamingo Tours; “I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT!” I’m like, “WOW, I FINALLY MADE IT!!!”

My Experience at the

East Coast WPBA Regional Tour Championship This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and I can’t be thinking about what my chances are of winning. I worked hard to finally make it this far and I will give it my best shot. After learning that I will be attending the tour, I immediately booked a flight and made reservations. Luckily, three other Flamingo Tour players were also going to the tournament: Kelly Cavanaugh, Melissa Durkins and Elenor Freeman aka “Jane”. It felt good to know that my fellow players will

be joining me and we can support each other. Jane and I booked the same flight and shared a hotel room together.

Finally, April 13th arrives and Jane and I flew to Mooresville NC. The event was held at place called 150 n Out Billiards & Darts. After we settled in our hotel, we went to check out the facility. The place was fantastic and the whole setup was what every pool player dream of: great layout of the tables, spacious and the

Article & Photos By: Janis Sessions

Becky in the front and her sister in the back. Enjoying lunch at billiard place. Becky was our director.

All 32 players

This is Bob and Janice the owners of 150 N Billiards and Darts Meg (Second Place) My (Winner)



tables play fast. I met Bob and Janice, who were the owners of the place. They said that they did their homework first on how they wanted the place to look like. They did a phenomenal job of planning this and they have a great staff and people. Check out their website at www.150noutbilliardsanddarts.com.

That night during practice, we met some of the players like Shanna Lewis who was playing at the J. Pechauer Tour. Some of the ladies whom I met over the years were playing at the Miss Cues Regional Tour. After practice, we head back to our hotel to rest up because tomorrow is the “Big Day”.

Saturday, April 14th was tournament day. There were a total of 32 players. 4 boards with a round robin format having 8 players on each board. Jane, Kelly, Melissa and I (Flamingo Tour players) was placed separately on each board. The match began at 10:00 am. We are playing 6 rounds and a race to 5. What’s nice about this format is that we have the opportunity to play all the players on your board. This allows players to play a lot of pool time.

On my board I played against: Teruko Cucculelli, Cheryl Pritchard, Kathy Friend, Nicole Vincent, Kia Sidbury, Christina Hansen and Buffy Jolie. I met Kia’s husband and daughter who also enjoy shooting pool. Another thing I have in common with her is that we share the same faith in our Lord, which was “super neat”. That day, it was nice to see family and friends coming out to support us.The last round was held on Sunday. All the players return to see who receives the cash prize and who makes it to the Final 8. The Final 8 players will play a race to 9, single elimination match.

I won 22 games out of a total of 57 games. One match won over Cheryl P., another match was double hill with Buffy Jolie. Both players made it to the Final 8. I was pleased with how I played. It was a great experience and I got to meet players who came from Chicago, Pennsville, Maryland and North Carolina.

From our Flamingo Tour players, Kelly Cavanaugh and Melissa Durkins got in the money and finished 13th place. Congrats

to both of them. Kelly had the toughest round having to play Janet Atwell, Megan Smith and My-Hahn Lac.

FINAL8PLAYERSWERE:Buffy Jolie vs. Shanna LewisMegan Smith vs. Lisa CossetteBraiana Miller vs. Cheryl PritchardEugenia Gyftopoulos vs. My-Hanh Lac

During the Final 8 match, there were some pretty amazing safety plays and winning shots like combo on the 9-ball. There were players who brought out there jump cue sticks.

FINAL4PLAYERSWERE:Buffy Jolie vs Megan SmithBraiana Miller vs. My-Hanh Lac

Smith and Lac played strong to finish their matches as they both advance to the final round to compete for the East Coast Regional Tour Championship.

FINAL2PLAYERSWERE:Megan Smith vs. My-Hanh Lac

The matches played at the final round were at a WPBA level of play. Lac had the lead and had a very nice break and run. Smith returned with her own break and run. Sometimes the players will get the ‘hangers’, those balls that just won’t go in. When that happens, it just drives you crazy. The score ended up with a double hill match. Smith was about to take it home but had one of those ‘hangers’ which left the 8-ball for Lac to clean-up and win the final match. Great game!

I hope the WPBA will keep these events going. I want thank Becky Todd for all the hard work that she did along with her sister who helped out as well as Robin Kelly for making this an amazing 2-day tour. Also, thanks to Bob and Janice for hosting this event and for putting together a fantastic billiard room. But most of all, thanks to friends and family for supporting and encouraging me via text messages. I will definitely be taking more lessons from my coach, Harvey Mason.

What I got out of this whole experience is to keep practicing, stay focused and most of all, have fun playing pool.

4 for the Flamingo Tour (Kelly, Jane, Janis and Melissa)


DATE CITY LOCATION PHONE EVENT / RULES ENTRY ADDED TIME LINK

Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice

May 5 Buffalo, NY Bison Billiards (716) 632-0281 8-Ball Bar Box $35 (incl g.f.) $250 Guar Noon MAPMay 5 Greensboro, NC Gate City Billiards (336) 856-8800 Carolina Senior Challenge $40 Call Noon MAPMay 5 E Rutherford, NJ Castle Billiards (201) 933-6007 Tri State Tour Call $500 CallMay 5-6 Catonsville, MD VIP Billiards actionpooltour.com Action Pool Tour Stop $90-$40 Online Online May 12 Staten Island, NY Port Richmond Billiard Club (718) 727-0800 Tri State Tour Call $750 CallMay 9-20 Las Vegas, NV BCAPL (702) 719-7665 BCAPL Nationals Varies $800,000 payout Call MAPMay 9 9-Ball SinglesMay 10 Open Scotch DoublesMay 11 Master/Advanced Sc DblsMay 12 Grand Master SinglesMay 16 Open/Women TeamsMay 17 Master/Trophy TeamsMay 10-13 Las Vegas, NV CSI (702) 719-7665 U S Open One Pocket Call $10,000 Guar Call MAPMay 14-19 Las Vegas, NV BCAPL (702) 719-7665 U S Open 10-Ball Call $25,000 Guar CallMay 26 Lakeland, FL Wally’s (863) 688-4460 Tiger Bay Call $500 max CallMay 27 Warwick, RI Bo’s Billiards (401) 732-7665 Ride the 9 Tour Call Call CallJun 2 Buffalo, NY Bison Billiards (716) 632-0281 8-Ball Bar Box $35 (incl g.f.) $250 Guar Noon MAPJun 2-3 Norristown, PA Markleys Billiards (610) 278-1595 JPNEWT Call $500 CallJun 9 Rochester, NY Six Pockets (585) 266-1440 Western NY Tour Call Call CallJun 9-10 Virginia Beach, VA Q Masters actionpooltour.com Action Pool Tour Stop $90-$40 Online OnlineJun 16 Pittsburgh, PA Breakers Billiards (412) 531-2250 Western NY Tour Call Call CallJun 23-24 Manassas, VA Whetzel’s Billiards (703) 330-5661 JPNEWT Call $500 CallJun 23-24 Lexington, KY Diamond Billiard Pub (859) 317-9513 Miss Cues Ladies Tour Call $250 Call Jul 7 Buffalo, NY Bison Billiards (716) 632-0281 8-Ball Bar Box $35 (incl g.f.) $250 Guar Noon MAPJul 20-28 Tunica, MS Southern Classic (p18) southernclassictournament.com 9-Ball Banks Online $10,000 total Online MAP One Pocket Online Online MAP 9-Ball Online Online MAPJul 20-22 Tunica, MS CSI (702) 719-7665 8-Ball - Men’s Open Division $50+$25 fees $3,000-1st w/64 Noon 8-Ball - Women’s Division $50+$25 fees $500-1st w/16 Noon 8-Ball - Men’s Sr (55+) Division $50+$25 fees $1,000-1st w/32 Noon MAP 8-Ball - Juniors Division FREE (w/8) Prizes-Entry Noon Jul 21-22 Herndon, VA Breakers Sky Lounge actionpooltour.com Action Pool Tour Stop $90-$40 Online Online Jul 23-25 Tunica, MS CSI (702) 719-7665 9-Ball - Men’s Open Division $50+$25 fees $3,000-1st w/64 Noon 9-Ball - Women’s Division $50+$25 fees $500-1st w/16 Noon 9-Ball - Men’s Sr (55+) Division $50+$25 fees $1,000-1st w/32 Noon MAP 9-Ball - Juniors Division FREE (w/8) Prizes-Entry Noon Aug 11-12 Catonsville, MD VIP Billiards actionpooltour.com Action Pool Tour Stop $90-$40 Online Online Aug 17-19 Glen Burnie, MD Big Daddy’s Billiards (410) 757-3488 MD State 14-1 Straight Pool Varies Call 6PM MAP Aug 30-Sep 3 Scottsdale, AZ BCAPL playbca.com Southwest Regionals Varies $6,000 Online MAPSep 8-9 Glen Burnie, MD Big Daddy’s Billiards actionpooltour.com Action Pool Tour Stop $90-$40 Online Online MAP

Presents

Click on the MAP link online to get directions to each location

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stroke magazine may issue 2012

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