Jan
Northeast Indiana APA Hosts Legendary Allison Fisher in Poison Challenge
Posted by admin as APA, Billiard News, WPBA Tour
Northeast Indiana APA Hosts Legendary Allison Fisher in Poison Challenge
The Greatest of all time, The Duchess of Doom
Howe, Indiana – Dragon Promotions is pleased to announce The Northeast Indiana APA will be hosting 15x legendary World Champion Allison Fisher January 21, 2012 in The Poison Cues Challenge Match sponsored by Andy Cloth and Seyberts.com. “The Duchess of Doom” will be performing and meeting fans from 1pm-4pm during the NEIAPA Tournament at Piggy’s Brew Pub. The following day on January 22, fans can sign up for Allison Fisher‘s one day clinic and learn from the greatest women’s player in history.
“We are really thrilled to have Allison Fisher come to our event. We are celebrating our tenth anniversary of our league, so the timing is perfect. Our fans adore her, and to them it feels like a rock star is coming to town”, says Allan Gunthorp, League Operator for the NEIAPA which serves Northeast Indiana & South Central Michigan.
“The Poison by Predator Challenge Matches is one of our best series of events for pool enthusiasts during the year. We want the fans and players to enjoy a memorable experience and working with the Northeast Indiana APA will give everyone that!” , explains Nina Negros, Marketing Manager for Predator Group.
Fisher is a record 39 WPBA Tour stop winner including a record 5 US Open wins and an unequaled 4 World Championship titles. She has won major events on every major pool continent from Asia, Europe, and the USA. 75 total major pocket billiard titles, excluding her career as the greatest women’s snooker player in history as well. She was inducted without surprise into the BCA Hall of Fame in her first year of eligibility. She is currently the reigning WPBA US Open Champion.
“The NEIAPA team of Allan Gunthorp and Curtis Sperry have worked incredibly hard for their league and its growth. With a decade of experience now and over 1200 players it seems they know exactly what they’re doing. In their tenth year anniversary they’re planning on increasing their numbers to over 200 teams! I’m ecstatic that they chose to work with Dragon Promotions and host Allison Fisher at their event! It’s holding events like this that show how much they love their members and where the future of their league is headed”, said Joe K. Lee of Dragon Promotions Sports Management. Lee is the newest addition to DP’s talented team.
Allison Fisher‘s One Day Pool Clinic will be on January 22. Please email propoolschool1@gmail.com or contact the NEIAPA for more info. Allison Fisher is part of Dragon Promotions and is one of their elite stars including Mika Immonen of Finland, Rodney Morris of USA, Shanelle Loraine of Guam, Mike Davis of the USA, Charlie Williams of USA, and USA’s Johnny Archer. Visit www.Dragonpromotions.com and watch the 10 year anniversary music video with hundreds of the worlds most famous players.
The Northeast Indiana APA is celebrating its 10 year anniversay of serving Northeast Indiana & South Central Michigan. During that time it has grown to nearly 200 teams and over 1200 members. Please visit www.NEIAPA.com or call 260-562-9333 to join or for more info
Nov
Kamui Tips Offers Live Streaming Billiards Giveaway for Inside POOL Magazine
Posted by admin as APA, Billiard News
Kamui Tips Offers Live Streaming Billiards Giveaway for Inside POOL Magazine
First 50 Inside POOL Magazine Subscribers Receive Free Kamui Tip
Inside POOL Video and Kamui Tips are proud to announce special deal with Inside POOL Magazine and the live streaming of the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championships. The billiards event will be streamed live in HD at the Inside POOL Video page, InsidePOOL.tv. The event starts on Friday, November 4, 2011 and runs through Sunday, November 6, 2011. The event will be produced by the American Poolplayers Association (APA) and hosted by Strokers Billiards in Palm Harbor, FL.
Kamui will be giving a free Kamui Tip to the first 50 people to purchase a 2-year Inside POOL Magazine subscriptions at the special price of $27.99.
Kamui Tips and Inside POOL Video will be running a special offer for all the fans. The first 50 people who purchase a 2-year Inside POOL Magazine subscriptions at the special price of $27.99 (normally $36.99) will receive a voucher for one free Kamui tip to be redeemed at their local Authorized Kamui Tip installer, retail value $19.75. The special price will be available for a limited time.
The live streaming for the event will be in HD and feature the U.S. and Canadian top players performing. The live stream will officially kick off at 9am EST on Friday, November 4, 2011.
The live HD stream of the U.S. Amateur Championships will be simulcast at the following locations:
InsidePOOL.tv
Inside POOL live streaming billiards page
Inside POOL Billiards Streaming channel at Ustream
Facebook Live Streaming Billiards
Youtube Live Streaming Billiards
The 2011 U.S. Amateur Championships is proudly co-sponsored by Kamui Tips, Fury Cues, Milliken Super Pro Cloth, and Cuesight.com.
About Kamui
Imported from Japan, the Kamui layered tip consists of 100% Japanese pig leather. With a unique production process, the Kamui tip maintains high porosity in the pig skin, allowing the Kamui tip to grip onto chalk. Each layer is carefully laminated creating uniformed quality and performance. The Kamui Original tip comes in four grades: Super Soft, Soft, Medium and Hard. The Kamui Black comes in four grades Super Soft, Soft, Medium and Hard.
#1 in Playability and Consistency
For more information on the Kamui tips, please visit Kamui Tips official website.
**The first 50 viewers that purchase a 2-year Inside POOL Magazine subscriptions at the special price of $27.99, will receive a free Kamui Tip ($19.75 value) for free. After you purchase the 2-year subscription, we will send you the voucher to claim your free Kamui Tip. All Kamui Tips will have to be installed at an authorized Kamui installer (installation not included). Contest is only open to United States viewers in the continental 48 states, not valid for international viewers. Free Kamui Tip voucher has no monetary value and cannot be combined with any other offer or used to purchase any other items.
Enjoy the stream!
Read more ...Sep
Record Numbers for Billiards Event
Posted by admin as APA, Billiard News
RECORD TURNOUT AT APA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
More than $1 Million in Prize Money Awarded at 31st Annual Team Championships
LAKE SAINT LOUIS, MO (September 7, 2011) — Last year, Guinness World Records recognized the American Poolplayers Association (APA)’s National Team Championship as the “world’s largest pool tournament.” Not to be outdone, this year’s event featured more teams and more prize money than ever before! More than 2,000 8-Ball, 9-Ball, Doubles and Masters teams made the trek to Sin City to compete, Aug. 18 – 27, for more than $1 Million in prize money.
In the 8-Ball Open Division, English Crooks of Bridgeport, Conn., defeated Murder by Numbers of Paola, Kan., 3-2 in the finals to take home $25,000 in cash and the championship title. As Runners-Up, Murder by Numbers received $15,000 in prize money.
In the finals of the Ladies 8-Ball Division, it was Snook Hers of Arlington, Va., defeating Queen Bee’s of Newport News, Va., 3-1 to win $10,000 in 1st Place prize money. As Runners-Up, Queen Bee’s received $5,000 in cash.
In the semifinal round, Snook Hers defeated Simply Stuhned of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, 3-2. Queen Bee’s advanced to the finals with a 3-2 win over Just Chickens of Moore, Okla. Simply Stuhned and Just Chickens tied for 3rd Place and each received $2,500 in prize money.
All teams in the 8-Ball Championships squared-off in a modified single-elimination format that ensured each team played at least twice before elimination. All 8-Ball Open Division teams automatically received $350 in national qualifier money, and the top 8 teams won at least $5,000. In the 8-Ball Ladies Division, all teams automatically earned $350 national qualifier money, with the top 8 teams winning at least $1,000. The Open Division began play on Aug. 21 and concluded on Aug. 27. The Ladies Division of the tournament started on Aug. 18 and concluded on Aug. 21.
In the 8-Ball Open Division, English Crooks of Bridgeport, Conn., defeated Murder by Numbers of Paola, Kan., 3-2 in the finals to take home $25,000 in cash and the championship title.
In Open 9-Ball National Championship action, it was Now What of Dayton, Ohio, beating N.J.’s Breakers of Metuchen, N.J., 50-30 in the finals. Now What took home $15,000 of the more than $200,000 guaranteed purse. As Runners-Up, N.J.’s Breakers received $7,000 in cash.
The Mickey Mouse Club of El Monte, Calif., finished in 3rd Place and took home $3,500 in prize money.
The Open 9-Ball National Championship was held Aug. 18 – 22, with each team competing in a modified single-elimination format that ensured each team played at least twice before elimination. All national qualifiers received a minimum of $350, with the top 6 teams winning at least $2,000.
After winning their divisions in weekly APA 8-Ball and 9-Ball League play and then placing in Local Team Championships throughout the United States, Canada and Japan, 721 Open 8-Ball, 422 Open 9-Ball, and 58 Ladies 8-Ball teams, all consisting of five to eight players, qualified to compete in the 2011 National Team Championships.
In the Open 8-Ball Doubles Championship, it was U Just got Hoff’d of Windsor, Ohio, winning $6,500 in the finals with a victory over Tejas Winners of Houston, Texas. Tejas Winners received $4,000 as Runner-Up in the 384-team event.
The finals of the Masters Championship event featured Still Don’t Know of Richmond, Va., defeating Bubba N Da Boyz of Coushatta, La. Still Don’t Know took home $10,000 in 1st Place prize money, while Bubba N Da Boyz received $5,000 as Runner-Up in the 256-team event.
In the Open 9-Ball Doubles Championship, Take Care Brush Ya Hair of Cheshire, Conn., defeated Vegas Bound of Vinton, Va. Take Care Brush Ya Hair took home a 1st Place prize of $5,000 and the championship trophy, while Vegas Bound walked away with $3,000 in prize money.
Robert Prince Jr. of Beltsville, Md., defeated former champion Charlie Hans of Middletown, Ohio, for $1,700 in the finals of the APA Wheelchair Challenge. Hans took home $800 as Runner-Up.
In addition, the APA conducted nearly round-the-clock MiniMania tournaments, which took place daily and were open to all APA members. The MiniMania tournaments offered multiple formats with 100% prize money payback that awarded nearly $250,000.
The APA, based in Lake Saint Louis, Mo., sanctions the world’s largest amateur pool league, known as the APA Pool League throughout the United States, and as the Canadian Pool League in Canada. Nearly 270,000 members compete in weekly 8-Ball and 9‑Ball League play. Read more ...
Jul
Summer Issue of Billiards Magazine Released
Posted by admin as APA, Billiard News
July/August 2011 Issue of Inside POOL Magazine Released
Shane Van Boening Takes Derby City Classic Title
The July/August 2011 online issue of Inside POOL Magazine, featuring Mike Dechaine on the front cover, has been released at InsidePOOLmag.com. This month the download features more banking secrets from new instruction writer Freddy “The Beard” Bentivenga, Jason Lynch, Tom Simpson along with tons of great new technology in online billiards magazine viewing such as enhanced clarity, Bonus Content, loads of full-screen videos of professional matches, links to favorite web sites, flipping pages, zooming, emailing, sharing, and printing.
In the July/August 2011 issue, Mike Dechaine wins the Ultimate 10-Ball Championships. Thorsten Hohmann and Siming Chen claim the Philippine Open titles. Get coverage of the the APA Singles, the BCAPL Nationals and the ACS Nationals. Mitch Ellerman takes down the Seminole Pro Tour title in Mountainview, CA. Tom Simpson teaches us how to master the stun shot. Get all of the regional reports from around the world and instruction from the top instructors in billiards.
Two versions of the download are available, Premium and Freemium. The Freemium version includes all of the same features of the Premium version, but the Premium version includes 100% of the print version, plus a few extra features.
Access to the Freemium version is available at Inside POOL Magazine Free Library
Access to the Premium version is available by subscribing to the eSubscription to the Member Area at InsidePOOLmag.com.
Inside POOL Magazine publishes both print and online versions of each issue. The online version is made available for FREE (without a membership, but abbreviated) and Premium viewing and downloading around the first day of each month.
Want the real thing? If you would like to receive the print version of Inside POOL Magazine, please visit InsidePOOLmag.com to subscribe.
About Inside POOL Magazine
Inside POOL Magazine launched in 2001 and, with pool player-based content and high impact photography, quickly became the largest magazine in the world for the sport of billiards. The official web site, InsidePOOLmag.com, followed shortly after and became one of the largest web sites in billiards. The web site features videos, image galleries, pool lessons, custom pool cue makers, online games, player profiles, tournament brackets, live streaming video, rules, product reviews, and the latest billiard news from around the world.
May
APA Crowns National Singles Champions
Posted by admin as APA, Billiard News
APA MEMBERS TAKE HOME $450,000 IN CASH AND PRIZES AT NATIONAL SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPS
World’s Largest Pool League Crowns Seven Amateur Champions in Las Vegas
LAKE SAINT LOUIS, MO (May 10, 2011) — APA members took home more than $450,000 in cash and prizes at the APA National Singles Championships held April 27 – 30 in Las Vegas at the Riviera Hotel & Casino. The National Singles Championships consisted of both the 8-Ball Classic and 9-Ball Shootout Singles Championships and the Jack & Jill Doubles Championship.
The final round of the 9-Ball Shootout featured three championship matches, one for each Skill Level Tier, with two shooters in each match competing for $10,000 in cash and prizes.
In the Green Tier (Skill Levels 1-3), Nicole Goin of Danville, Ill., defeated Veronica Ovens-Head of Largo, Fla. Goin advanced to the finals after a semifinal round victory over Megan Fraser of Fletcher, N.C. Ovens-Head advanced to the finals after defeating Apryl Green-Wilds of Kansas City, Mo. Fraser and Green-Wilds tied for 3rd Place.
In the White Tier (Skill Levels 4-5), Troy Cooper of Anoka, Minn., defeated Kyle Coleman of Niles, Mich. Cooper defeated Liming Luan of Nashville, Tenn., in the semifinal round to advance to the finals. Coleman advanced to the finals by defeating Gloria Villa of Seattle, Wash. Luan and Villa tied for 3rd Place.
Olinger adds an APA Singles title to his resume while picking up $10,000.
In the Black Tier (Skill Levels 6-9), Alex Olinger of Kettering, Ohio, defeated Nick Chirco of Fort Hood, Texas. Olinger advanced to the finals after defeating Andrew Lawson of Fairmount, Ill., in the semifinals. Chirco advanced to the final round match after a victory over Omar Gutierrez of Whittier, Calif., in the semifinal match. Lawson and Gutierrez tied for 3rd Place.
Each of the three Champions received a prize package worth $10,000. Runners-Up in each tier took home a prize package worth $5,000. Third Place finishers each received $3,000.
More than 3,400 poolplayers made it to the regional level of the 9-Ball Shootout before the field was whittled down to 277 men and women competing for 9-Ball crowns in each of three skill level tiers.
More than 6,200 APA members advanced to regional competition of the 8-Ball Classic, and just over 460 of those players advanced to the championship in Las Vegas.
In the finals of the 8-Ball Classic, four champions each took home a prize package worth $15,000 for their performances.
In the Blue Tier (Skill Levels 2-3), Duane Green of Willingboro, N.J., defeated Kevin Belue of Athens, Ala. Green defeated James Rockwell of Columbus, N.J., in the semifinals to advance, while Belue defeated Christopher Gloerson of Stratford, Conn. Rockwell and Gloerson tied for 3rd Place.
In the Yellow Tier (Skill Level 4), Patrick Wheeler of Manhattan, Ill., defeated Julio Delvalle of Trenton, N.J. Wheeler advanced to the finals by defeating Alfredo Garcia of Tuckahoe, N.Y., earlier in the day in the semifinal round. Delvalle defeated Robbie Engesether of Fridley, Minn., in the semifinals. Garcia and Engesether tied for 3rd Place.
In the Red Tier (Skill Level 5), Michael Jaeck of Whitehouse, Ohio, defeated Sait Gurer of Irwin, Pa. Jaeck defeated Mark Pfahler of Davenport, Fla., in the semifinals to advance, while Gurer defeated William Simmons of Drummonds, Tenn. Pfahler and Simmons tied for 3rd Place.
In the Purple Tier (Skill Levels 6-7), Steve Knoll of Sarasota, Fla., defeated James Silva of Los Angeles. Knoll defeated Jeff Anderson of Shelbyville, Tenn., in the semifinal round. Silva advanced after defeating Dale Fazenbaker Jr. of Lonaconing, Md. Anderson and Fazenbaker Jr. tied for 3rd Place.
First place winners received cash and prizes worth $15,000. Each Runner-Up received cash and prizes worth $9,000. Third Place finishers each received $4,000.
In the annual Jack & Jill Doubles Championship, held in the MiniMania Room during the Singles Championships, Daryl Lane Jr. and Keira Graves of Nashville, Tenn., defeated Jason Fortun and Louisiana Le of Terrytown, La. Lane Jr. and Graves took home $5,000, while Fortun and Le received $3,000 as Runners-Up.
Sportsmanship Awards were presented to Miguel Rodriguez of Ocala, Fla., and Jim Legothetis of Pekin, Ill., for outstanding conduct throughout their matches in the 9-Ball Shootout and 8-Ball Classic, respectively.
The APA, based in Lake Saint Louis, Mo., sanctions the world’s largest amateur pool league, known as the APA Pool League throughout the United States, and as the Canadian Pool League in Canada. Nearly 270,000 members compete in weekly 8-Ball and 9‑Ball League play. The APA is generally recognized as the Governing Read more ...
May
6th Annual Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open
Posted by admin as APA, Billiard News
6th Annual Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open
The 2011 Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open is back in its 6th year and will bring forth some of the best amateur talents around the country. The event starts on July 28 until July 31 at Emerald Billiards in New Iberia,Louisiana. The Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open is produced by Dragon Promotions and will coincide with The Poison DP Pro Classic events. This 6th installment of this amateur extravaganza will feature 7 total tournaments with 9-Ball and 8-Ball disciplines, with divisions in Open, Women, Seniors, Mixed Doubles and new Pro-Am 9-Ball Open which allows all players pro or amateur to play. No Pros, No Semi-Pros, No Top Rated Amateur players will be allowed to play in the 8-Ball events. The amateur 8-Ball events are created for only the true amateur players, which makes it a fair chance for anyone to win. However Pro-Am 9-Ball events will let even the best players in the world play and welcomes the top amateur talents as well. The Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open has been a pre-cursor of amateur players turning into professionals later on and is regarded as a major stepping stone for up and coming talent.
The winner of the Open 8-Ball will receive $3000 and the winner of the Pro-Am 9-Ball $5000 based on moderate field sizes. The event is sponsored also by Poison Cues by Predator, Simonis Cloth, and APA Acadiana.
The 2011 Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open is back in its 6th year and will bring forth some of the best amateur talents around the country.
“We are really pleased to continue this long standing event. It’s now in its sixth year, and the Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open keeps drawing bigger and stronger fields. It’s exciting to also work with the local APA franchise and for the amateurs to qualify and play with the pros in the Poison DP Pro Classic. There are several events for each player to play, so they have more than one shot to play. Men, women, and seniors from all over the country get an opportunity to do it all during the Ozone US Amateur Open”, said said Shawn Gargano, President of Ozone Billiards.
Ozone Billiards has had a history of supporting professional tours as well such as The Predator International 10-Ball Championship, The World Straight Pool Championship and the Dragon Promotions Pro Classic.
The host Emerald Billiards opened in 2008 but moved in 2009 to a new million dollar facility by owner Keith Hulin. Emerald Billiards has 20 Valley Bar Tables and 8 Brunswick Gold Crown Vs and has hosted major amateur events such as the APA Tri-Cup with over 800 players. This will be the second time Emerald will host both the amateur and pro events. The event is also supported by the APA Acadiana operated by Preston and Lisa Granger, who run one of the top ten largest pool leagues in America with over 4000 members.
Emerald Billiards and the APA Acadiana will also be running numerous qualifiers where amateur players can earn a free spot into the pro events for $15-20 entry fees.
“This is one of the premier amateur events in the country and we are really happy to host it in Louisiana once again. And we are proud to be the only place in Louisiana bringing the best pros in the world”, said Keith Hulin, Owner of Emerald Billiards. This year top names such as Mika Immonen, Johnny Archer, Rodney Morris, Shane Van Boening, Shawn Putnam, Charlie Williams, and Thorsten Hohmann will be attending.
The pros themselves who attended last year were very impressed by the hospitality of Mr.Hulin and the Emerald Billiards staff and fans. “I never signed so many autographs in a poolroom in my life,” said top ranking pro Shawn Putnam. All seven of the advertised pro players from last year are all returning once again. This year’s pro events will have a $2000 added 9-Ball and a $3,000 added 10-Ball back-to-back.
The amateur events will have great quality equipment on Valley 7 ft bar tables. No coins needed to play matches as there will be a $20 registration and green fee inclusive in every entry fee in all divisions. Players may also choose to play in multiple divisions with no scheduling conflicts.These events are open to all true amateurs(men or women) and no membership fee is required . There is also a Mixed Doubles 9-Ball so now men and women can travel an Read more ...
Mar
March 2011 Billiards Magazine Available for Free Download
Posted by admin as APA, Billiard News
March 2011 Issue of Inside POOL Magazine Released
Shane Van Boening Takes Derby City Classic Title
The March 2011 online issue of Inside POOL Magazine, featuring Shane Van Boening on the front cover, has been released at InsidePOOLmag.com. This month the download features more banking secrets from new instruction writer Freddy “The Beard” Bentivenga, Jason Lynch, Tom Simpson along with tons of great new technology in online billiards magazine viewing such as enhanced clarity, Bonus Content, loads of full-screen videos of professional matches, links to favorite web sites, flipping pages, zooming, emailing, sharing, and printing. Also, Inside POOL Magazine welcomes Scott Frost to our instruction staff as our new one pocket columnist.
Van Boening captured our front cover with his victory at the Derby City Classic.
In the March 2011 issue, Shane Van Boening wins the All-Around title at the 13th Annual Derby City Classic. Get the low-down on restaurants for the Super Billiards Expo and check out the map of the Super Billiards Expo. Swing the Hammer and get a lesson from Tom Simpson. Find out about taking a foul in one pocket from Scott Frost. Learn about cross-sides and double banks from Freddy Bentivegna. Beware of the trick shot from Jason Lynch. Get all of the regional tournament reports from around the world. Make sure to catch our Pool on TV listings. See who are the APA and BilliardCommunity.com players of the month. Inside POOL shines a spotlights the Billiards Education Foundation junior player of the month. Get the latest billiard news from the regional tours from around the world.
Two versions of the download are available, Premium and Freemium. The Freemium version includes all of the same features of the Premium version, but the Premium version includes 100% of the print version, plus a few extra features.
Access to the Freemium version is available at Inside POOL Magazine Free Library
Access to the Premium version is available by subscribing to the eSubscription to the Member Area at InsidePOOLmag.com.
Inside POOL Magazine publishes both print and online versions of each issue. The online version is made available for FREE (without a membership, but abbreviated) and Premium viewing and downloading around the first day of each month.
Want the real thing? If you would like to receive the print version of Inside POOL Magazine, please visit InsidePOOLmag.com to subscribe.
About Inside POOL Magazine
Inside POOL Magazine launched in 2001 and, with pool player-based content and high impact photography, quickly became the largest magazine in the world for the sport of billiards. The official web site, InsidePOOLmag.com, followed shortly after and became one of the largest web sites in billiards. The web site features videos, image galleries, pool lessons, custom Pool Cue makers, online games, player profiles, tournament brackets, live streaming video, rules, product reviews, and the latest billiard news from around the world.
Dec
Billiards Superstar Lee Embarks on Tour
Posted by admin as APA, Billiard News
APA ANNOUNCES BLACK WIDOW TOUR FOR 2011
Jeanette Lee to Perform Exhibitions in 10 North American Cities
LAKE SAINT LOUIS, MO (December 17, 2010) — The Black Widow, Jeanette Lee, may be coming to an area near you in 2011, courtesy of the American Poolplayers Association (APA). The APA Black Widow Tour will open with two shows on January 12 & 13 in Chicago, Ill. Other tour stops include:
Miami – January 19
New York City – February 21
Dallas – May
Memphis – May
Seattle – September
Toronto – September
The APA Black Widow Tour will open with two shows on January 12 & 13 in Chicago, Ill.
Specific dates for each city will be released at a later date.
The final three cities will be determined directly by APA members. The three APA League areas that grow the most members between Spring and Fall will win a visit from the Black Widow. The final three tour stops are tentatively scheduled for late fall 2011.
Each exhibition will feature Jeanette talking about how she overcame scoliosis and got involved in pool, challenge matches against spectators and a photo and autograph session. Most of the exhibitions will be free of charge.
The APA, based in Lake Saint Louis, Mo., sanctions the world’s largest amateur pool league, known as the APA Pool League throughout the United States, and as the Canadian Pool League in Canada. Nearly 270,000 members compete in weekly 8-Ball and 9‑Ball league play. The APA is generally recognized as the Governing Body of Amateur Pool, having established the official rules, championships, formats and handicap systems for the sport of amateur billiards.
The APA produces three major tournaments each year—the APA National Team Championships, the APA National Singles Championships and the U.S. Amateur Championship—that, together, pay out nearly $1.5 Million in cash and prizes annually!
The APA and its championships are sponsored by Aramith, Action Cues and Pool Dawg.
For more information about the APA Black Widow Tour, visit www.apablackwidowtour.com.
Read more ...Sep
Pool Players Flock to APA National Championships by Thousands
Posted by admin as APA, Billiard News, Players
More than $1 Million in Prize Money Awarded in 30th Annual Team Championships
by InsidePOOL Staff
The American Poolplayers Association’s (APA) 30th Annual National Team Championships saw a record number of teams compete in the newly expanded ten-day extravaganza. Nearly 2,000 8-ball, 9-ball, doubles, and masters teams made the trek to Sin City to compete August 19-28 for more than $1 million in prize money. Because of record participation, the event had to be extended an extra day.
The American Poolplayers Association’s (APA) 30th Annual National Team Championships saw a record number of teams compete
Finishing in third place were “Deep Pockets” of Osawatomie, KS, and “That’s How We Roll” of Baton Rouge, LA. Each received $7,500 in prize money. In a four-way tie for fifth place were “The Legends” of Kirksville, MO; “Dream Busters” of Fairfield, OH; “Ice Breakers” of East Peoria, IL; and “Mack’s 8-Ballers” of Louisville, KY. Each team received $5,500 for finishing tied for fifth place.
In the finals of the ladies’ 8-ball division, it was “Don’t Need a Man” of Clover, SC, defeating “Fight Like a Girl” of Hixson, TN, 3-2 to win $10,000 in first-place prize money. As runners-up, Fight Like a Girl received $5,000 in cash.
Don’t Need a Man advanced to the finals with a victory over defending champions “Let It Ride” of Bakersfield, CA, in the semifinals. Fight Like a Girl defeated “All Or Nothin” of West Monroe, LA, in the semifinals to advance. Both Let It Ride and All Or Nothin each took home $2,500 for their third-place finishes.
In a tie for fifth place were “Hustlers” of Gretna, LA; “I’m Just Saying” of South Park, PA; “Chicks with Sticks” of Jackson, MS; and “Pink 8’s” of Lafayette, LA. Each fifth-place team received $1,000 in prize money.
All teams in the 8-ball championships squared off in a modified single-elimination format that ensured each team played at least twice before elimination. All 8-ball open division teams automatically received $350 in national qualifier money, and the top eight teams won at least $5,000. In the 8-ball ladies’ division, all teams automatically earned $350 national qualifier money, with the top eight teams winning at least $1,000. The open division began play August 22 and concluded August 28. The ladies’ division of the tournament started August 19 and ended August 22.
In open 9-ball national championship action, it was “The Fort” of Baltimore, MD, defeating “Ryders” of Meriden, CT, 52-48 in the finals. The Fort took home $15,000 of the more than $200,000 guaranteed purse. As runners-up, the Ryders received $7,000 in cash.
Two teams tied for third place in the open 9-ball division: “9-On-The-Run” of Woonsocket, RI, and “Land Sharks” of Garner, NC. Each team took home $3,500 in prize money.
Finishing in fifth place were “Bad Attitudes” of Memphis, TN, and “Good Fellas” of Mississauga, Ontario. Each fifth-place team received $2,000 in prize money.
The Open 9-Ball National Championship was held August 19-23, with each team competing in a modified single-elimination format that ensured each team played at least twice before elimination. All national qualifiers received a minimum of $350, with the top six teams winning at least $2,000.
After winning their divisions in weekly APA 8-ball and 9-ball league play and then placing in local team championships throughout the United States and Canada, 723 open 8-ball, 399 open 9-ball, and 57 ladies’ 8-ball teams, all consisting of five to eight players, qualified to compete in the 2010 National Team Championships.
In the open 8-ball doubles division, it was “Carolina Express” of Dunn, NC, winning $6,500 in the finals with a victory over “Melissa and Joseph” of Madison, TN. Melissa and Joseph received $4,000 as runners-up in the 384-team event.
The finals of the masters’ championship event featured “Triple Fish” of Montgomery, AL, defeating “Zack Attack” of Portland, OR. Triple Fish took home $7,800 in first-place prize money, while Zack Attack received $3,600 as runners-up in the 192-team event.
In the open 9-ball doubles championship, “Kool Katz” of Stoneham, MA, defeated “Yeaa Buddy” of Lake Worth, FL. Kool Katz took home a first-place prize of $5,000 and the championship trophy, while Yeaa Buddy walked away with $3,000 in prize money.
Dale Fitch of Federal Way, WA, defeated Andrew Niebrugge of Decatur, IL, for $2,400 in the finals of the wheelchair challenge. Niebrugge took home $1,000 as runner-up.
In addition, the APA conducted nearly round-the-clock MiniMania tournaments, which took place daily and were open to all APA members. The MiniMania tournaments offered multiple formats with 100% prize money payback that awarded nearly $200,000.
The APA and its championships are sponsored by Aramith, Action Cues, and PoolDawg.
Jul
Francisco Bustamante, Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart Gain BCA Hall of Fame Election
Posted by admin as APA, Billiard News, World Pool Championship
Francisco Bustamante, Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart Gain BCA Hall of Fame Election
Filipino star enters in Greatest Player category; Hubbart, Bell recognized for Meritorious Service
BROOMFIELD, Colo., July 27, 2010 — Francisco Bustamante, one of the most accomplished players to come out of the Philippines, has been elected for induction into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in voting conducted by the United States Billiard Media Association. Also, in the Meritorious Service, Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart, founders of the American Poolplayers Association league system in 1979, were elected for induction. Bustamante, 46; Bell, 66; and Hubbart, 69, will be formally inducted into the BCA Hall of Fame on Oct. 21 during ceremonies in conjunction with the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship in Chesapeake, Va.
Bustamante, one of the most accomplished players to come out of the Philippines, has been elected for induction into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in voting conducted by the United States Billiard Media Association
Bustamante finally garnered his first recognized world title in 2010, winning the WPA World 9-Ball Championship in Doha, Qatar. His strongest game is 9-ball, where his blockbuster break is legendary; although he is more than proficient at all the major games, as witnessed by his All-Around title at the 2008 Derby City Classic.
Upon hearing the news that he would be the second Filipino in the BCA Hall of Fame (after Efren Reyes’ 2003 induction), Bustamante was completely shocked.
“Really? I’m still young!” Bustamante said. “Two things that I always dreamed of were to be world champion and to be in the Hall of Fame. This year both dreams came true. We all dream to be in the BCA Hall of Fame, so I am very happy today. We are heroes in the Philippines, but for the American people to recognize me like this makes me very proud.”
Bell and Hubbart spent several years pouring all of their time and resources into developing the APA and its franchise system.
Bell and Hubbart spent several years pouring all of their time and resources into developing the APA and its franchise system. With the support of sponsorship from Busch beer as a title sponsor beginning in 1981, the APA grew from 1,000 to 100,000 members over the next decade. Their ability to garner such non-endemic national sponsorship allowed the APA to grow into a league that today has more than a 250 thousand players and 270 franchisees. As a matter of fact, the APA was listed earlier this year as one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s “10 Great Franchises For Less Than $20,000.”
“We were outcasts for a long time because we were looked at as competition,” Bell said. “But Larry and I just tried to build a business and do something worthwhile. We’ve always felt like we’ve done things that have helped the industry.”
Voting was conducted by the USBMA Hall of Fame Board, which consists of USBMA members, elected At-Large members and living members of the BCA Hall of Fame. Induction is awarded to the player named on the most ballots. A second player is elected if he or she is named on more than 70 percent of the ballots. Bustamante (56 percent) was the leading vote getter, edging out familiar foe Ralf Souquet (46 percent) and fellow Filipino Jose Parica (44 percent). No other players were named on more than a quarter of submitted ballots.
According to BCA Hall of Fame voting rules, this was the last year of eligibility for Parica and Jim Mataya in the Greatest Players category. Both individuals will be past the age of 60 in 2011, which means the Veterans Committee will consider them for possible induction in future years.
To be eligible for consideration in the Greatest Player category, a player a) must be 40 years old by Jan. 1 of the year of their induction; b) must have a professional playing career of at least 10 years; and c) must have recorded significant achievements in U.S.-based events.
Hubbart and Bell were placed on the general election ballot after the USBMA’s Board’s 10-member Meritorious Service Committee named them as its official nominee. Thirty-one of 39 board members voted to approve Hubbart and Bell, with a simple majority required for induction.
About Billiard Congress of America
Founded in 1948, the Billiard Congress of America is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to growing a united, prosperous and highly regarded billiard industry through BCA leadership. The BCA seeks to enhance the success of its members and promote the game of billiards though educational, marketing and promotional efforts, annual industry trade shows and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody’s game. For more information, visit www.bca-pool.com or call 303.243.5070.
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