Ralf Souquet Player of the Year for 2011

Inside POOL Magazine has released the February 2012 online issue. The February 2012 online issue of Inside POOL Magazine, featuring Ralf Souquet on the front cover, has been released at InsidePOOLmag.com. This month the download features Ralf Souquet in honor of being named Inside POOL Magazine’s Player of the Year for 2011, news from the top billiards events from around the world, pool lessons from top instructors, and 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.

Souquet graces our cover in honor of being named the Player of the Year for 2011.

Ralf Souquet blasts off of our cover for February 2012 as Inside POOL Magazine’s Player of the Year. Also get a closer look at Player’s of the Year, Siming Chen and Alex Olinger. Learn hoe to get your “Balls in the Air” from instruction columist Tom Simpson. Don’t miss the low down on all of the regional tours from around the world.

Kamui Tips is offering a FREE Kamui Tip, valued at $19.95, online subscribers to a one-year Premium Membership for only $9.95.

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.

View February 2012 Freemium issue.

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? Kamui Tips is offering a FREE KAMUI TIP with one-year U.S. Subscriptions and specially priced two-year U.S. Subscriptions to Inside POOL Magazine.

If you would like to receive the print version of Inside POOL Magazine, please visit InsidePOOLmag.com to subscribe and receive a FREE Kamui Tip.

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.

by InsidePOOL Staff

Pro player Mike Davis took off the January 21 stop of the Tiger Classic Tour, double-dipping John Souders in the finals to take the title. The open event drew 32 players to Cue Phoria in Winter Park, FL.

Davis first encountered Souders in the winners’ side final four, where Souders delivered Davis to the one-loss side 7-3.

Davis first encountered Souders in the winners’ side final four, where Souders delivered Davis to the one-loss side 7-3. In the other bracket, Harry Nathan bested George Sanders 7-5 to move on to the hot seat match and face off with Souders, who took that match 7-4.

Nick Applebee eliminated Sanders in fifth place to advance to the quarterfinal match. Meeting him there was Davis, who had just ousted Julio Aquino in a fifth-place tie with Sanders. Davis dominated Applebee 7-2 and continued his trek through the west side.

In the semifinal match, Davis easily handled Nathan 7-4 to reach the double-elimination finals against Souders. Souders struggled to take the title, but Davis notched a narrow 7-5 win in the first set and then whitewashed Souders in the second to claim his victory.

Results:
1st Mike Davis $450
2nd John Souders $200
3rd Harry Nathan $100
4th Nick Applebee $80
5th George Sanders $60
Julio Aquino

by InsidePOOL Staff

Joe Palone enjoyed an undefeated run through the field at the Tri-State Tour’s January 28 stop to take the title over Randy Mackin in the finals. The $750-added stop attracted 41 A-D players to Port Richmond Billiards in Staten Island, NY.

Palone and Mackin first met in the hot seat match after wins over Rhio Anne Flores 7-2 and Tony Ignomirello 6-3, respectively. The winners’ side final match went double-hill, with Palone eking out a 7-6 victory and sending Mackin to the left side of the bracket.

left to right: 2nd Place - Randy Mackin; 1st Place - Joe Palone , 3rd Place - Rick Shellhouse

Flores foundered on the one-loss side and was sent home in fifth place by Rajesh Vannala 7-4. Tying with her was Ignomirello, who was eliminated by Rick Shellhouse in a lopsided 6-1 match. Shellhouse went on to play Vannala in the quarterfinal match, narrowly winning 8-6.

Eager to earn revenge over Palone in the finals, Mackin soundly defeated Shellhouse in the semis 6-2. In his second meeting with Palone, though, Mackin found it difficult to keep up, and Palone soon skated to the winner’s circle 7-3.

Results:
1st Joe Palone $650
2nd Randy Mackin $440
3rd Rick Shellhouse $270
4th Rajesh Vannala $160
5th Rhio Anne Flores $105
Tony Ignomirello
7th Gary Murgia $80
Ben Castaneros

Allison Fisher US Open MT. PLEASANT, MI – The WPBA Masters at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort has now concluded, and the winner is none other than Ewa Mataya Laurance (right), defeating #2 ranked Allison Fisher (left) in an epic battle of two veteran champions.

Billiard Congress of America (BCA) and Women’s Professional Billiards Association (WPBA) Hall of Famer and former Grand Ledge, Michigan resident, Ewa Mataya Laurance took an early 2-1 lead in the short televised race to 7 against fellow BCA Hall of Famer, #2 ranked Allison Fisher. Ewa then extended the lead to 3-1, 4-1 and 5-1… And then Allison mounted a comeback!

Laurance took an early 2-1 lead in the short televised race to 7 against fellow BCA Hall of Famer, #2 ranked Fisher.

5-2, 5-3, 5-4 and suddenly the score was tied 5-5; a race to two, with Allison breaking. Ewa dug deep and pulled out the next two games for a 7-5 victory and $10,000 payday in the first WPBA event of 2012!

In the first sem-final, Ewa proved she’d be a formidable contender when she defeated #1 ranked Ga Young Kim 7-6 for her place in the title bout.

The other semifinal was a battle of the Fishers: Kelly Fisher vs. Allison Fisher (pictured left). Though they’re not related, they both hail from the U.K. and both yield a deadly cue. Allison pulled out all the stops and defeated Kelly 7-4 to head to the finals against Laurance.

Final Results Top 24 (24 Placed Paid):
1 Ewa Mataya Laurance $10,000
2 Allison Fisher $5,500
3/4 Ga Young Kim, Kelly Fisher $2,750 ea.
5/6 Helena Thornfeldt, Jasmin Ouschan $2,000 ea.
7/8 Jeanette Lee, Eleanor Callado $1,750 ea.
9/12 Liz Ford, Dawn Hopkins, Monica Webb, Brittany Bryant $1,500 ea.
13/16 Karen Corr, Line Kjorsvik, Jennifer Barretta, Gerda Hofstatter $1,250 ea.
17/24 Emilyn Callado, Susan Williams, Joanne Ashton, Teruko Cucculelli, Tamara Peeters, Jennifer Chen, Jessica Barnes, Nicole Keeney $1,000 ea.

To view the final tournament chart, visit www.wpba.com and click on “2012 Soaring Eagle Tournament Board.” The three final-round one-hour matches will be broadcast by ESPN for on Sunday, March 18, from 1:30 – 4:30 pm EST.

About the Women’s Professional Billiard Association (WPBA)

The WPBA was established in 1976 as the Women’s Professional Billiard Alliance, and will celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2011 as the oldest pro player organization in the sport. The WPBA sanctions and produces the Women’s Pro Billiard Tour, which features ESPN-televised events with the world’s greatest women players. Visit www.wpba.com for more. The WPBA Classic Read more ...]]> http://www.cuesandpool.com/billiard-news/laurance-claims-wpba-masters.html/feed 0 http://www.cuesandpool.com/billiard-news/allen-hopkins-and-super-billiards-expo-sanctioned-by-abp.html http://www.cuesandpool.com/billiard-news/allen-hopkins-and-super-billiards-expo-sanctioned-by-abp.html#comments Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:37:44 +0000 Pool and Billiards News http://www.insidepoolmag.com/?p=16728 Allen Hopkins Supports ABP: Sanctioned Event & Promoter of 2012 Super Billiards Expo

From Oscar Dominguez – ABP Board Secretary & Treasurer

Chicago, IL – The ABP has been making strides for the betterment of pool players and promoters alike. The newest development of the ABP and professional pool comes with the full cooperation and support of legendary player and promoter Allen Hopkins with his annual Players 10-Ball Championship. The Super Billiard Expo will celebrate its 20th year in 2012, in a new, larger, and more accommodating facility for players and spectators alike. This will be the first fully sanctioned full ABP ranking points tournament. Allen has fully committed his support to the players by listening to the players’ desires to help make pool better for everyone. By making minor adjustments to rules and length of play, Allen has stepped up to the plate and met the ABP’s requests to make pool a sport of skill.

“It’s like a breath of fresh air finally having a promoter who wants to work with the professional players without any issues or agendas. Allen is a promoter who truly understands the importance of a strong men’s professional association. He wants the players to be able to play by the same rules, format, and have a voice. He is definitely a role model for all other promoters to follow”, said Rodney Morris, Vice President of the ABP.

“I’ve been a player my whole life, so I’m always going to support the players. I’m a promoter, but in my heart a player first. When it comes to prize money, players should always be paid in full and on time. That’s why I support the ABP and what they are trying to do”, said Hopkins. Allen Hopkins is a 40 year veteran of the game and one of the sport’s most successful promoters. Hopkins was recognized for his achievements and inducted into the BCA Hall of Fame in 2008 in the Greatest Player category.

The ABP has been making strides for the betterment of pool players and promoters alike.

The Super Billiards Expo will be March 8-11, 2012 at The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks. It will be the 20th anniversary event, the largest and longest running independently owned expo show in billiards history. The new venue has double the space which allows The Players Championship to expand to 128 players. The Players Championship will use ABP rankings to seed players and follow all ABP Format and Rules to standardize the game. Last year, the SBE had 120 vendor spaces and now it will nearly double with over 200 vendor spaces available. There will be an additional 32 tables in a separate room and they will host daily tournaments for all players with a total of over 200 tables on site hosting the World Artistic Championship and a Pro 3-cushion event.

“The timing is great with the ABP launching alongside our 20th Anniversary of the Super Billiards Expo. With the top ABP pros there, along with the vendors, industry leaders, fans, and amateurs, this will be one of the best billiard extravaganzas we ever hosted”, said Allen Hopkins, Jr., who has been his father’s right hand man in producing the huge show each year.
Allen Hopkins, Sr. adds, “I’m a little anxious about it all because it’s a big move. But we have much more space, double the parking, and a new hotel built for the SBE 2013. I’d like to make this event eventually the major trade show of the billiards industry. There’s huge potential here at the new venue to expand, so, all in all, it’s a very good thing.”

In 2012, the ABP plans to sanction more events and in that regard will be introducing the ABP International Ranking Point System which has been created by ABP associate Joel Pope. The ABP will also be introducing the ABP Rules & Format which it hopes will standardize the sport further. The planned integration will be a process, and the ABP is not expecting an overnight change, and is ready to work with promoters and associations to take time to integrate these needed changes into our sport.

“Allen is a good friend to the tour, and to the professional players. He’s the kind of man and promoter we can always count on”, said Johnny Archer, ABP President.

“The conversation with Allen on sanctioning his event with the ABP took less than 2 minutes. He agreed right away without hesitation. He didn’t ask for any concessions or demands. Allen thinks it’s the right move for the players to make uniform the rules and guidelines. He understood what the ABP is trying to do and he has always believed in the men professionals being together. HeR Read more ...]]> http://www.cuesandpool.com/billiard-news/allen-hopkins-and-super-billiards-expo-sanctioned-by-abp.html/feed 0 http://www.cuesandpool.com/billiard-news/14-1-challenge-and-fatboy-challenge-finals-set-at-derby-city-classic.html http://www.cuesandpool.com/billiard-news/14-1-challenge-and-fatboy-challenge-finals-set-at-derby-city-classic.html#comments Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:09:07 +0000 Pool and Billiards News http://www.insidepoolmag.com/?p=16726 Pagulayan and Souquet to Meet in 14.1 Finals

Moore and Bustamante Square off in Fatboy

Action in the 14.1 Challenge and the Fatboy Challenge at the Derby City Classic continued at the Horseshoe Casino in Elizabeth, IN. The Derby City Classic event attracts the top pool players from around the world with the 14.1 Challenge and Fatboy Challenge giving these players a chance to display their skills in disciplines that are not included in the main event.

In Friday’s action in the 14.1 Challenge, Darren Appleton squared off against Niels Fiejen in a first round. The back and forth battle saw some safe exchanges that resulted in Fiejen taking a three foul penalty to fend off the surge of a trailing Appleton. Niels made it to 122 balls until missing, giving Appleton the green light to run out 64 balls to win, 125-122. The next match featured Ralf Souquet against Darren Appleton. This match was a classic, knock-down, drag-out, fight-for-every-shot match. However, this time fortune did not shine on Appleton so well as Souquet posted a monster run to finish off Appleton. The finals for the 14.1 Challenge will feature Ralf Souquet vs Alex Pagulayan and should kickoff early afternoon on Saturday.

Pagulayan advanced to the finals of the 14.1 Challenge but fell short of advancing to the Fatboy Challenge finals after a strong comeback by Moore.

In the FatBoy Challenge action, Stevie Moore trailed Alex Pagulayan 11-5, and went on to win 10 of the next 11 games to defeat Pagulayan, 15-12. The other semifinals match was more lopsided as Francisco Bustamante bested 2012 Derby City Classic Bank Division champion John Morra, 15-5. The finals of the Fatboy Challenge will feature Francisco Bustamante vs Stevie Moore and should kick off late Saturday.

More action on the FREE live stream table will continue on Saturday at InsidePOOL.tv

The 14.1 Challenge enjoyed an $8,500 added purse that pays out $300 for the daily high run, $200 for second place daily and $100 for third place daily. The prize breakdown for the main event of the 14.1 Challenge are as follows:

1st – $2,600
2nd – $1,900
3rd-4th – $1,200
5th-8th – $700

Sponsors for the 14.1 Challenge include Diamond Billiard Products, Bob Jewett, Stu Mattana, Rich Klein, Jeff Mohl and Simonis Cloth. Patrons include James & Sons Jewelers, Arnold Kupec, Angel Levine, 14and1.com, America’s Straight Pool League, Stan Haines, Ted Antle, James Franklin, Larry Moy, Jay Helfert and Phil Capelle.

The free live stream is being broadcast by Inside POOL TV in HD at 1-year subscription to the online version of Inside POOL Magazine.

Sponsors that make the free live stream of the 14th Annual Derby City Classic include Diamond Billiard Products, Kamui Tips, Fury Cues, The bankshot Calculator, Hammerhead Hustling Clothing, Sharks web series, Pool Player Excuses billiard towel, Definitive Synergy billiards management software and Tom Simpson’s National Billiard Academy.

The 14.1 Challenge at the Derby City Classic continued on Thursday with action in the first round of the single elimination bracket. Three of the four matches were played with one match postponed to Friday due to scheduling conflicts presented by Niels Fiejen and Darren Appleton playing in other events.

The match saw Souquet, Inside POOL Magazine's 2011 Player of the Year, defeat Immonen 125-109. Souquet posted a high run of 70 balls on his way to the victory.

The first match on the FREE live HD stream produced by Inside POOL TV was between Ralf Souquet and Mika Immonen. The match saw Souquet, Inside POOL Magazine’s 2011 Player of the Year, defeat Mika Immonen 125-109. Souquet posted a high run of 70 balls on his way to the victory.

The second match on the free live stream was between John Schmidt and Johnny Archer. Schmidt played well, taking advantage of some early opportunities. Schmidt dominated the match even though his high run was only 44 balls.

The remaining match posed Alex Pagulayan versus Dennis Orcollo. Both players fought hard with some decent runs, but it was Pagulayan that pulled out the victory.

The match between Fiejen and Appleton is scheduled on the FREE live stream channel at InsidePOOL.tv for approximately 11:30 am EST on Friday.

The 14.1 Challenge enjoyed an $8,500 added purse that pays out $300 for the daily high run, $200 for second place daily and $100 for third place daily. The prize breakdown for the main event of the 14.1 Challenge are as follows:

1st – $2,600
2nd – $1,900
3rd-4th – $1,200
5th-8th – $700

Sponsors for the 14.1 Challenge include Diamond Billiard Products, Bob Jewett, Stu Mattana, Rich Klein, Jeff Mohl and Simonis Cloth. Patrons include James & Sons Jewelers, Arnold Kupec, Angel Levine, 14and1.com, America’s Straight Pool League, Stan Haines, Ted Antle, James Franklin, Larry Moy, Jay Helfert and Phil Capelle.

The free live stream is being broadcast by Inside POOL TV in HD at 1-year subscription to the online version of Inside POOL Magazine.

Sponsors that make the free live stream of the 14th Annual Derby City Classic include Diamond Billiard Products, Kamui Tips, Fury Cues, The bankshot Calculator, Hammerhead Hustling Clothing, Sharks web series, Pool Player Excuses billiard towel, Definitive Synergy billiards management software and Tom Simpson’s National Billiard Academy.

MT. PLEASANT, MI – The Women’s Professional Billiard Association’s (WPBA) WPBA Masters kicked off with 11 am matches. The event is hosted by the Soraing Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasant, MI. The day session featured 32 unseeded players matching up to determine who would first face the top 16 seeds.

In the evening session, the top 16 played their first round. Upsets included Joanne Ashton over Cathy Metzinger; Dawn Hopkins over Gerda Hofstatter; Eleanor Callado over Line Kjorsvik; and Liz Ford over #5 ranked Monica Webb.

To view the chart and ongoing results, visit www.wpba.com and click on “2012 Soaring Eagle Tournament Board.” One-loss side matches begin at 11:00 a.m. Friday. The sixteen undefeated players compete at 3 and 6 p.m.

Ford upset number 5 seed Webb at the Saoring Eagle Casino WPBA event.

Round One (Unseeded) Results:

Jacqui Herrera d. Emily Duddy 9-5

Dawn Hopkins d. Emilyn Callado 9-2

Jessica Barnes d. Val Finnie 9-6

Joanne Ashton d. Susan Williams 9-7

Liz Cole d. Cheryl Pritchard 9-2

Belinda Calhoun d. Teresa Gifford 9-4

Liz Ford d. Teruko Cucculelli 9-3

Erica Park d. Janet Atwell 9-4

Laura Smith d. Barbara Lee 9-8

Morgan Steinman d. Lonnie Fox 9-5

Jana Montour d. Jennifer Chen 9-8

Eleanor Callado d. Tina Hess 9-3

Naomi Williams d. Rebecca Wagner 9-1

Maureen Seto d. Vicki Paski 9-8

Melissa Little d. Angel Paglia 9-6
Kyoko Sone d. Erin McManus 9-4

Round One (Seeded Round):
Ga Young Kim d. Jacqui Herrera 9-5
Dawn Hopkins d. Gerda Hofstatter 9-7
Ewa Laurance d. Jessica Barnes 9-5
Joanne Ashton d. Cathy Metzinger 9-6
Karen Corr d. Liz Cole 9-8
Brittany Bryant d. Belinda Calhoun 9-1
Liz Ford d. Monica Webb 9-6
Helena Thornfeldt d. Erica Park 9-3
Jasmin Ouschan d. Laura Smith 9-6
Nicole Keeney d. Read more ...]]> http://www.cuesandpool.com/billiard-news/wpba-soaring-eagle-casino-day-1-results.html/feed 0 http://www.cuesandpool.com/billiard-news/immonen-leads-charge-in-14-1-challenge-at-derby-city-classic.html http://www.cuesandpool.com/billiard-news/immonen-leads-charge-in-14-1-challenge-at-derby-city-classic.html#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:22:27 +0000 Pool and Billiards News http://www.insidepoolmag.com/?p=16717 Immonen Leads Charge in 14.1 Challenge at Derby City Classic

Appleton Launches Title Defense

The Derby City Classic continued Wednesday at the Horseshoe Casino in Elizabeth, IN. The 9-ball event kicked off as the One-pocket and 14.1 Challenge entered critical stages. Mika Immonen took charge of the 14.1 Challenge by putting in the high run of 156 balls.

Eight players of the forty six that entered advanced through the preliminary rounds to go into a single elimination bracket, which will begin play on Thursday.

The players ranked as follows:

Immonen leads the pack with a high run of 156 balls as the 14.1 Challenge moves into the single elimination phase.

1. Mika Immonen – 156

2. John Schmidt – 144

3. Alex Pagulayan – 141

4. Darren Appleton – 140

5. Niels Fiejen – 113

6. Dennis Orcollo – 112

7. Johnny Archer – 109

8. Ralf Souquet – 108

Thursday’s matches in the first round will be:

Immonen vs. Souquet

Schmidt vs. Archer

Pagulayan vs. Orcollo

Darren Appleton vs. Niels Fiejen

Notable players that missed the cut this year were Huidji See with 105 balls and Mats Schjetne with 102 balls. Defending champion Darren Appleton was the leader until the final few hours of qualifying, which saw Alex Pagaulayan, Schmidt and Immonen surpass his high mark. Alex Pagulayan and John Schmidt leap-frogged several players and subsequently eliminated Huidji See from the event in the finals minutes of qualifying.

The 14.1 Challenge enjoyed an $8,500 added purse that pays out $300 for the daily high run, $200 for second place daily and $100 for third place daily. The prize breakdown for the main event of the 14.1 Challenge are as follows:

1st – $2,600
2nd – $1,900
3rd-4th – $1,200
5th-8th – $700

Sponsors for the 14.1 Challenge include Diamond Billiard Products, Bob Jewett, Stu Mattana, Rich Klein, Jeff Mohl and Simonis Cloth. Patrons include James & Sons Jewelers, Arnold Kupec, Angel Levine, 14and1.com, America’s Straight Pool League, Stan Haines, Ted Antle, James Franklin, Larry Moy, Jay Helfert and Phil Capelle.

The free live stream is being broadcast by Inside POOL TV in HD at 1-year subscription to the online version of Inside POOL Magazine.

Sponsors that make the free live stream of the 14th Annual Derby City Classic include Diamond Billiard Products, Kamui Tips, Fury Cues, The bankshot Calculator, Hammerhead Hustling Clothing, Sharks web series, Pool Player Excuses billiard towel, Definitive Synergy billiards management software and Tom Simpson’s National Billiard Academy.

What started with 404 pool players reduced to one player Monday night at the Horseshoe Casino in Elizabeth, IN. Canadian John Morra defeated Shane Van Boening in a two-set final that kept the crowd mesmerized.

Canadian John Morra defeated Van Boening in a two-set final that kept the crowd mesmerized.

The day started with several dozen players left in the bank pool division of the Derby City Classic. After a few rounds there were three remaining players; John Morra, Brandon Shuff and Shane Van Boening. The draw allowed John Morra, who was undefeated at the time, to advance to the finals while Van Boening and Shuff played for their right to advance. After a hard-fought battle, Van Boening advanced to meet Morra.

The first set of the finals was a display in banking by both players, with Van Boening getting the win. The second set saw a good start from Morra and a mistake by Van Boening that will haunt him for some time. Van Boening called a 4-rail bank but made the shot 2 rails. After he moved several balls to claim victory, his mistake was noticed and he was charged with a loss, giving Morra a 2-0 lead. Van Boening fought back, but Morra persevered to take home the win and the title.

John Schmidt had the high run at the 14.1 Challenge with a 127 and the was plenty of action at the Inside POOL Action Room, which is offering a free live stream daily throughout the event. The room will be broadcasting action and the 14.1 Challenge 24 hours daily.

Diamond Billiard Products, Kamui Tips, Fury Cues, Hammerhead Hustling, Sharks web series, Tom Simpson Billiards Instruction have made the free live stream possible. Kamui Tips is offering a FREE Kamui Tip with a purchase of a two-year or one-year subscription to Inside POOL Magazine or an .