The Association of Billiard Professionals is now entering its second full year of representing the greatest international players from around the world. 2011 was a paramount opening year for the ABP as it increased its membership from the original eleven on its Board of Directors to nearly a hundred professional players. It created a website designed by Keith Larsen and it was able to obtain legal counsel in the person of Dennis M. Walsh of Chicago,Illinois, who was able to lend his time and assistance to the cause of helping the pool players. It also sanctioned its first event, the 70th World Tournament of 14.1.

Its most publicized achievement was, of course tackling the problem of unsecure prize funds, most notably at the US Open 9-Ball Championship. What started out as vague statements that the players will be paid ended up as the subject of numerous negotiating sessions culminating in a signed contract between the promoter and the ABP. The BCA, through its CEO Rob Johnson, helped enforce the terms of the agreement and for the first time in many years, the players were paid in a timely manner.

“We had a great 2011 and we are all closer to accomplishing the goals of the ABP. We aim to help professional players get closer to their dreams. Looking back, we are happy of the cooperation we had with Barry Behrman on the US Open 9-Ball, and the assistance from the BCA through it’s CEO Rob Johnson. 2012 is going to be even better with more promoters stepping up to do the right things and players getting more benefits”, said Johnny Archer, ABP President and 25 year touring professional player.

The Association of Billiard Professionals is now entering its second full year of representing the greatest international players from around the world.

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.

“We want to work with everyone and also let everyone know that we are here to stay. The professional players should always have representation. We want to be able to draw more coverage to our sport and get more money in so that promoters, sponsors, and players can all make a living. We need to first take care of the basics and do what we can to standardize the games, the rules, the equipment and the rankings. We need everyone’s help to make our sport organized. We know we have to crawl before we run,” added Rodney Morris, Vice President of the ABP and 20 year touring professional player.

Some of the prominent members of the ABP are world class professionals Shane Van Boening, Efren Reyes, Mika Immonen, Darren Appleton, Ralf Souquet, Niels Feijen, Dennis Orcullo, Oliver Ortmann, Alex Pagulayan, Thorsten Hohmann, legendary players Buddy Hall, Mike Sigel, Allen Hopkins and many more.

The ABP is a united assembly of international professional billiard players. The ABP was formed to be the voice of players worldwide in order to assist in tournament and industry challenges. ABP directives include standardizing equipment, rules, insure the timely payment of prize money, assistance to promoters and sponsors, and overall protection and security of professional players. The ABP works to improve the sport of billiards and jointly works with associations, promoters, s Read more ...]]> http://www.cuesandpool.com/billiard-news/association-of-billiard-professionals-2012.html/feed 0 http://www.cuesandpool.com/billiards-info/ralf-souquet-and-danny-diliberto-bca-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony.html http://www.cuesandpool.com/billiards-info/ralf-souquet-and-danny-diliberto-bca-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony.html#comments Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:46:15 +0000 admin http://www.cuesandpool.com/billiards-info/ralf-souquet-and-danny-diliberto-bca-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony.html Ralf Souquet and Danny Diliberto Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was help at the 2011 US 9-Ball Championship in Chesapeake, VA. See more pool and billiards videos at www.insidepoolmag.com

As everyone knows, the boycott of the US Open was lifted earlier this month after many days of negotiation between Barry Behrman, Shannon Behrman Paschall and representatives of the Association of Billiards Professionals. The ABP was going to issue a press release shortly after Barry’s but after looking at Barry’s release and the subsequent release of the actual agreement itself, The ABP did not see a need to issue yet another press release reiterating the agreement and the negotiations. In retrospect, this may have been an error and the ABP apologizes for not having released its own statement as to the ending of the boycott.

The ABP would like to take this opportunity to thank both Barry and Shannon for the civility and professionalism that they both showed throughout the process.

Since Barry and Shannon have restructured their business model, we feel confident that the problems of the past are behind us and that moving forward, we can all expect greater things from Barry and Shannon in cooperation with the ABP.

We would also like to thank the BCA for their part in helping the parties come together and offering a workable solution. Rob Johnson was especially helpful in working with the parties, the banks, and the accountants in an effort to come up with an arrangement palatable to both sides. In the end, it became clear that the ABP could not get the 100% guarantee that they wanted but the agreement that was signed by the parties, parts of which are administered by the BCA , was a strong step in the right direction. The players have confidence that Barry and Shannon will pay as agreed and on time.

The APB would also like to thank others behind the scenes who offered suggestions to both parties, including Ivan Lee of the BCA, Jerry Forsyth of AZBilliards, Mike Panozzo of Billiards Digest, Pat Fleming of Accu-Stats and BCA Hall of Famer, Danny Diliberto. The players deeply regret the temporary uncertainty that their actions caused in the Pool World, but feel that making sure that the players will be paid as promised is something that needed to be done to make pool stronger.

Las Vegas, Nevada – July 12, 2011 – Each year the Chairman of the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Board of Directors has the opportunity to recognize an outstanding individual who has made significant contributions to the billiard industry with the presentation of the BCA President’s Award.

2010-2011 BCA Board Chairman Ivan Lee announced during the BCA General Membership Meeting that he has chosen Rob Johnson, current Chief Executive Officer of the Billiard Congress of America, as the recipient of the 2010 President’s Award. Johnson has been the CEO of the BCA since 2006, and has earned a reputation for strong leadership in the industry and a desire to promote billiards at every opportunity.

Each year the Chairman of the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Board of Directors has the opportunity to recognize an outstanding individual who has made significant contributions to the billiard industry with the presentation of the BCA President

“In choosing this year’s President’s award recipient, I wanted to choose someone whose work often may go unnoticed or unappreciated, yet someone who is really working hard to make a positive impact on our industry,” Chairman Lee stated. “This year’s award recipient is a true professional. Rob is hardworking, honest, loyal and fair. He has great enthusiasm and always displays a positive attitude regardless of the situation at hand.”

Johnson’s previous experience in professional sports has provided him the necessary skills to help drive the association’s mission of supporting its membership and promoting the game of billiards. Prior to his position at the Billiard Congress of America, Johnson served in a variety of sports management positions, including serving as president of Pikes Peak International Raceway and the Denver Grand Prix.

As CEO of the BCA, Johnson is focused on growing a united, prosperous and highly regarded billiard industry. In a recent interview with Pool and Billiard Magazine’s Shari Stauch, Rob mentioned that his saving grace has always been to keep himself, the BCA staff and the BCA Board of Directors focused on the mission of the Billiard Congress of America.

During his tenure, Johnson has worked hard to provide industry members with tangible benefits designed to support their businesses. Such benefits include industry, retail and room operator-specific research, an enhanced level of education during the BCA Expo and the development of non-industry partnerships with such companies as Coca-Cola, and First Data, who offer association members price discounts on products and services. He has also streamlined the association to make it easier to do business with the BCA and reduced overall operating expenses by more than 60 percent since his arrival.

Other industry leaders concur with Lee’s assessment of Johnson’s successful leadership. “Having worked with five of the previous BCA Executive Directors I can confidently say that Rob Johnson is the most personable, approachable, and professional CEO the BCA has ever had,” says Skip Nemecek, former BCA Chairman.

“The BCA is fortunate to have a person of Rob’s integrity, energy, knowledge and enthusiasm working daily for the benefit of players, wholesalers and retailers,” said Sean Cummings, former BCA Chairman.

“Rob is the coolest cat on a hot tin roof I have ever known. His ability to stay calm whilst juggling the diverse points of concern and interest in the billiards industry is astounding,” declares Jerry Forsyth, founder of AZBilliards.

Under Rob Johnson’s direction, the BCA Instructor’s Committee and its programs have flourished as never before. “When I talk to Rob, it gets done… quickly,” stated Randy Goettlicher, Chairman of the BCA Instructor Program.

New Exhibits, Strong Education and Summit 2012 Highlight News During Event

Broomfield, Colo. – July 20, 2011 – The 2011 edition of the Billiard Congress of America’s (BCA) International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo, was held at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 13 – 15, 2011.

Attendance for the three-day event was 1,275, with the 100 exhibiting companies taking a total of 388 booths.

Attendance for the three-day event was 1,275, with the 100 exhibiting companies taking a total of 388 booths.

“While the billiard industry is still suffering from a slow economy, I was pleased with the overall positive comments regarding sales activity on the show floor, content of the keynote presentation, and the Business of Billiards Seminar Series,” said BCA Expo co-chairman Ivan Lee. “The Expo continues to attract a who’s-who of the billiard and home recreation industry and delivers a great platform for sales, networking and educational opportunities. The feedback we received from exhibitors, retailers and room operators was very positive.”

During the event, the Billiard Congress of America also announced Chicago as the location for its 2012 annual industry gathering. The association unveiled the new name, logo and tagline for next year’s event: Summit 2012: Redefining the billiard business…together.

Summit 2012, formerly known as the International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo, will be held Wednesday, July 18 through Friday, July 20 at the Renaissance Chicago/Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center. More information will be available as it develops at bcasummit.com.

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, tournaments and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody’s game. For more information, visit bca-pool.com or call 303-243-5070.

Broomfield, Colo. – July 25, 2011 – During its general membership meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 12, 2011, the Billiard Congress of America announced the results of the 2011-2012 Board of Directors elections, which are as follows:

During its general membership meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 12, 2011, the Billiard Congress of America announced the results of the 2011-2012 Board of Directors elections.

Category 1 (Manufacturer/Distributor)

Ivan Lee (Iwan Simonis, Inc.), three-year term
Mike Serra (Championship, LLC), three-year term

Category 2 (Retailer)

Jonathan Goudeau (Indoor Recreation Co., LLC), three-year term

In follow-up elections, Mike Serra (Championship, LLC) accepted a one-year term as BCA Board Chairman, as did each of the remaining seated officers: Vice Chairman Skip Nemecek (Tweeten Fibre); Secretary Martin Bloom (Olhausen Billiard Mfg., Inc); and Treasurer Ivan Lee (Iwan Simonis, Inc.).

The remaining directors include: Nick Alexander (Clicks Billiards); Elaine Gerber (Presidential Billiards, LP); Tom Gregory (Toltec Lighting); Thomas Rodgers (Robertson Billiards); Austin Rothbard (Brunswick Corporation); Tony Stick (The Billiard Factory); and Eric Weber (CueStix International, Inc).

“I believe with the new Board of Directors we will be able to get right to work and continue the momentum established from the previous Board,” said Chairman Mike Serra. “The ability for the new BCA Board of Directors to stay focused on the BCA mission and maintain the energy put forth by the out-going Board will ensure that the BCA will continue to move in the right direction.”

Also approved during the general membership meeting were several bylaw revisions that were recommended by the BCA Board of Directors. The new bylaws, which immediately go into effect, can be viewed at bca-pool.com.

“The most significant revisions to the bylaws will now allow for billiard media to join the Billiard Congress of America as a Category 1 member with the ability to vote in membership elections and bylaw revisions,” said Chairman Serra. “However, this new designation will still exempt them from obtaining seats on the Billiard Congress of America Board of Directors.”

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, tournaments and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody’s game. For more information, visit bca-pool.com or call 303-243-5070.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) Junior National 9-Ball Championships is the most prestigious junior event in North America. Young billiard athletes, ages 18 & under, will be competing for academic scholarships, prizes and an opportunity to represent North America at the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) World Junior 9-Ball Championships. The 23rd annual event will be held at Northern Illinois University (NIU) in DeKalb, Illinois, July 6th-10th, 2011.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) Junior National 9-Ball Championships is the most prestigious junior event in North America.

Juniors are encouraged to play in qualifiers that are currently underway throughout the United Stated. Be a part of over 120 junior competitors in the 4 division event at Junior Nationals: 18 & Under Boys, 18 & Under Girls, 14 & Under Boys, and 14 & Under Girls. View upcoming qualifier dates and locations at www.BilliardEducation.org.

Junior leagues, junior tours, billiard rooms, schools and other junior billiard programs are invited to get involved and host a qualifier or send a junior representative to the 2011 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships.

If you are interested in providing an educational experience to juniors and would like to support junior billiards, become a sponsor and/or product donor. For more information about the BEF, visit www.BilliardEducation.org or call Laura Smith at 303-926-1039.

The 2011 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championship sponsors include: Simonis Cloth, Billiard Congress of America (BCA), Northern Illinois University (NIU), CueSport College International, Aramith Billiard Balls, and BEF supporters.

About Billiard Education Foundation
The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which is committed to promoting education and encourages the development of life skills through youth billiard programs. The BEF funds academic scholarships, produces the Junior National 9-Ball Championships, supports billiard athletes to attend the WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships and promotes “Pool In School” programs. For more information, please visit www.BilliardEducation.org or call 303.926.1039.

Thorsten Hohmann has won the Philippine Open Men’s Division and Siming Chen has won the Women’s. Chen won in dominating style, never giving Kelly Fisher a breath of air as her offensive style left few opportunities for challenge. The 17-year old Chinese native defeated Fisher 9-3 and is yet the latest superstar female to emerge from the emerging giant that is Chinese pool.

The 17-year old Chinese native defeated Fisher 9-3 and is yet the latest superstar female to emerge from the emerging giant that is Chinese pool.

Thorsten Hohmann had a bit more of a battle on his hands in his victory. He and Ralf Souquet went rack for rack with never more than a single point between them until Souquet gained his first lead of the match at 10-9 in the race to 11. From there Hohmann won the next two racks to claim the title. When Hohmann won the rack to get him to double-hill it was his third hill-hill match in the last four. He had also won against Carlo Biado and Ricky Yang by the same margin.

It was rather ironic that Hohmann would win this event. He was not even supposed to be there. He had had a personal commitment that was preventing him from attending and that commitment did not go away until the last minute. Neither the BCA, the EPBF, the WPA nor the promoter could find a slot for him at that late hour. But a player pulled out of the tournament at the last moment and Yen Makabenta gave Thorsten a call just on the off chance that he might be able to get to Manila and compete. Within a few hours of the call Hohmann was on his way to Manila and the incredible week of pool that lay ahead for him.

Photo courtesy of Rayasports.com

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is pleased to announce that Northern Illinois University (NIU) will host the 23rd Annual BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships on July 6 -10, 2011.

Over 150 young billiard athletes are expected to qualify for the BEF Junior Nationals which will be held at the Huskies Den located in the Holmes Student Center on the NIU campus in DeKalb, Illinois.

Over 150 young billiard athletes are expected to qualify for the BEF Junior Nationals which will be held at the Huskies Den located in the Holmes Student Center on the NIU campus in DeKalb, Illinois. The seventeen (17) 9-foot billiard tables will be draped with Simonis Cloth and will set the stage where junior players will be competing for scholarships, prizes and an invitation to represent the United States at the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) World Junior 9-Ball Championships.

To participate in the BEF Junior Nationals, players must earn an entry through a BEF qualifier or must be appointed by their local junior league. The national event features 4 divisions: 18 & Under Boys, 18 & Under Girls, 14 & Under Boys, and 14 & Under Girls. Qualifiers will be held throughout the United Stated and are currently being scheduled through May. For more information about hosting a qualifier, sending a player representative through your league, or viewing a list of upcoming qualifier dates and locations, visit www.BilliardEducation.org.

The 2011 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championship sponsors include: Simonis Cloth, Northern Illinois University’s Huskies Den, Billiard Congress of America (BCA), CueSport College International and the BEF supporters such as the American CueSports Alliance. (ACS).

About Billiard Education Foundation

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which is committed to promoting education and encourages the development of life skills through youth billiard programs. The BEF funds academic scholarships, produces the Junior National 9-Ball Championships, sponsors billiard athletes to attend the WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships and promotes “Pool In School” programs. For more information, please visit www.BilliardEducation.org, e-mail info@BilliardEducation.org or call 303.926.1039.

Deuel has become the number one ranked player on the BCA ranking list after his victory at the Turning Stone Casino last week.

Corey Deuel has passed Mika Immonen to claim the number one Billiards Congress of America (BCA) ranking. The ranking became official after the conclusion of the Turning Stone Classic, which Deuel won on December 19, 2011.

The rankings are tabulated by assigning points to finishes of pool players in BCA Points Ranking tournaments. The tournaments are given different amounts of points depending upon size of the field and the size of the purse.

View the current BCA Rankings

The list of tournaments that players earn BCA ranking points are:

U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships
Turning Stone Casino
Steve Mizerak Championship