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/csi-supports-bca-as-governing-body-for-cue-sports-in-north-america.html http://www.cuesandpool.com/billiard-news/csi-supports-bca-as-governing-body-for-cue-sports-in-north-america.html#comments Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:32:11 +0000 Pool and Billiards News http://www.insidepoolmag.com/?p=16703 CSI Supports BCA as Governing Body for Cue Sports in North America

As a long time member of the Billiard Congress of America (BCA), CSI supports the BCA in their recently announced pro pool initiative to provide funds to send North American players to international events. CSI is one of the first industry leaders to support the BCA initiative as a “2012 Official Contributor to International Competition.”

A solid framework for both North American and world professional pool has long existed, with the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) as the world body, and the BCA as the WPA member for North America. CSI commends the BCA on their commitment renewal as the “Governing Body for Cue Sports in North America.” CSI supports the BCA as the governing body, its pro points program, and the player selection process for international events.

As a long time member of the Billiard Congress of America (BCA), CSI supports the BCA in their recently announced pro pool initiative to provide funds to send North American players to international events.

With a decline in US player participation in world events, the time has come to change the structure of how pro pool in North America is supported. This is a great step in building that structure which will allow the top US and Canadian players to continue to compete and represent their countries internationally.

CSI, which produces the “US Open 10-Ball Championship,” one of the BCA pro point events, believes the future and strength of the sport lies in creating a synergy between the industry, the amateurs, the professionals, and the general public. Two years ago CSI launched the USA Pool League with that goal in mind, and a portion of CSI’s proceeds from the USAPL is pledged to promote and fund pro awareness.

We at CSI encourage industry support of the BCA in their new endeavor. In the past, CSI partnered with five other industry leaders to help support and fund the BCA Hall of Fame. It is time for all organizations that have the sport and industry foremost in mind to band together in support of the BCA.

CueSports International (CSI) is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. In the past seven years CSI has directly paid out approximately seven million dollars to players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events such as the US Bar Table Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial, the US Open One Pocket Championship and the US Open 10-Ball Championship. Visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com and www.playusapool.com for more information about CSI and its divisions.

CSI leads the billiard industry in the development of technology. For more information on the state-of-the-art software systems for league and tournament management visit www.leaguesys.net and www.ctsondemand.com.

Versatility and longevity are the common threads that bind 2011 Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame inductees Ralf Souquet and Danny DiLiberto, who earned election into pool’s hallowed halls in voting conducted by the United States Billiard Media Association. Souquet, 42, and DiLiberto, 76, will be formally inducted into Greatest Player wing of the BCA Hall of Fame on Oct. 20 during ceremonies at the Chesapeake Marriott in Chesapeake, Va.

Souquet, born in Eschweiler, Germany, has been a dominant player in Europe for more than 25 years, having won more than 40 German titles and 34 European Championship medals. But his record is nearly as impressive in top U.S. and international events. “The Kaiser,” as Souquet is known, boasts world titles in both 9-ball (1996) and 8-ball (2004), a gold medal in 9-ball at the 2009 World Games, and is a four-time winner of the World Pool Masters. On American soil, Souquet owns a BCA U.S. Open 14.1 Championship crown (2000), a U.S. Open 9-Ball title (2002), a pair of BCA Open 9-Ball Championship titles, and has won the Derby City 9-ball crown three times.

Souquet, 42, and DiLiberto, 76, will be formally inducted into Greatest Player wing of the BCA Hall of Fame on Oct. 20 during ceremonies at the Chesapeake Marriott in Chesapeake, Va.

“This is great news!” said Souquet, who had finished second in Hall of Fame voting to Francisco Bustamante in 2010. “It’s a great honor. When you talk about the greatest players, like Archer and Strickland and Varner, they’re all in the Hall of Fame. Being mentioned in the same list with those names is a great achievement.”

Souquet becomes the seventh foreign-born player inducted into the BCA Hall of Fame.

“I’m also proud to be the first European male player in the Hall of Fame,” Souquet added. “I think it’s probably harder for a foreign player to be voted in, but it’s nice that the American pool community believes that my overall game and approach to the sport has been positive. I must have done something right.”

Born in Buffalo, N.Y., DiLiberto chose billiards ahead of boxing, bowling and baseball, all sports at which the multi-talented athlete excelled. In fact, DiLiberto boxed professionally and was undefeated as a professional fighter. Under the tutelage of famed trainer Angelo Dundee, and boxing under the name Danny Toriani, DiLiberto posted a 14-0-2 record, with 12 knockouts in the late ’50s, until his oft-injured hands forced him to retire from the ring.

Boxing’s loss was billiards’ gain, as the colorful DiLiberto spent nearly 30 years near the top of the game. DiLiberto won numerous national-class tournaments in the ’60s, but was at his peak in the 1970s when 14.1 was the game of champions in the pool world. After falling in the title match of the prestigious BCA U.S. Open 14.1 championship in both 1968 (to Joe Balsis) and 1972 (to Steve Mizerak), DiLiberto won the straight pool division at the 1972 Johnston City World All-Around Championships. DiLiberto then went on to defeat 9-ball division champ Billy Incardona and one-pocket division winner Larry “Boston Shorty” Johnson in a three-man playoff to earn the Johnston City All-Around crown.

DiLiberto’s versatility at the table shown through in the ’80s when he defeated Nick Varner in the title match to win the 1981 BCA National 8-Ball Championship, then won the ’83 World One-Pocket title and the 1984 Classic Cup 9-Ball crown, giving him a major national title in the four major pool disciplines.

“I’m really choked up,” DiLiberto said after being informed of the honor. “I really thought the Hall of Fame would wait until I was dead to vote for me. It’s truly an honor. This makes my day, my month, my year!”

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 in the Greatest Players category is awarded to the player named on the most ballots. A second player is elected if both players are named on mor Read more ...]]> http://www.cuesandpool.com/billiard-news/souquet-and-diliberto-garner-hall-of-fame-nods.html/feed 0 http://www.cuesandpool.com/billiard-news/johnson-receives-billiard-congress-president%e2%80%99s-award.html http://www.cuesandpool.com/billiard-news/johnson-receives-billiard-congress-president%e2%80%99s-award.html#comments Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:59:45 +0000 Pool and Billiards News http://www.insidepoolmag.com/?p=16148 Rob Johnson Honored with Billiard Congress of America 2010 President’s Award

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.

Broomfield, Colo. – June 30, 2011 – The Billiard Congress of America today issued a correction to a recent news release issued by the Association of Billiard Professionals (ABP) regarding the World Tournament of 14.1. In their announcement, the ABP indicated that the upcoming World Tournament of 14.1 is a, “BCA/ABP ranking event for 1/2 points.”

The Billiard Congress of America would like to clarify that this is not a BCA point-ranking event for the 2011 calendar. The Billiard Congress of America further clarified that it does not recognize a, “BCA/APB ranking system.”

The Billiard Congress of America today issued a correction to a recent news release issued by the Association of Billiard Professionals (ABP) regarding the World Tournament of 14.1.

As the North American representative to the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA), the Billiard Congress of America is responsible for maintaining a points system designed to rank American players according to their performance in American tournaments. The ranking is then used for inviting American players to compete in WPA sanctioned world championship events.

In order for tournaments to be designated as a BCA point-ranking event they must meet or exceed a predetermined set of requirements and must request such designation from the Billiard Congress of America’s WPA Committee. At this time, neither the ABP nor the World Tournament of 14.1 promoters have requested from the BCA’s WPA committee to become a BCA point-ranking event.

For a complete list of 2011 BCA Ranking Events or for a complete explanation on how the point system works please visit the ‘Follow Pool’ section on the BCA Website at bca-pool.com > Follow Pool > BCA Standings.

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 bca-pool.com or call 303-243-5070.

Broomfield, Colo. – June 30, 2011 – The Billiard Congress of America today issued a correction to a recent news release issued by the Association of Billiard Professionals (ABP) regarding the World Tournament of 14.1. In their announcement, the ABP indicated that the upcoming World Tournament of 14.1 is a, “BCA/ABP ranking event for 1/2 points.”

The Billiard Congress of America would like to clarify that this is not a BCA point-ranking event for the 2011 calendar. The Billiard Congress of America further clarified that it does not recognize a, “BCA/APB ranking system.”

The Billiard Congress of America today issued a correction to a recent news release issued by the Association of Billiard Professionals (ABP) regarding the World Tournament of 14.1.

As the North American representative to the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA), the Billiard Congress of America is responsible for maintaining a points system designed to rank American players according to their performance in American tournaments. The ranking is then used for inviting American players to compete in WPA sanctioned world championship events.

In order for tournaments to be designated as a BCA point-ranking event they must meet or exceed a predetermined set of requirements and must request such designation from the Billiard Congress of America’s WPA Committee. At this time, neither the ABP nor the World Tournament of 14.1 promoters have requested from the BCA’s WPA committee to become a BCA point-ranking event.

For a complete list of 2011 BCA Ranking Events or for a complete explanation on how the point system works please visit the ‘Follow Pool’ section on the BCA Website at bca-pool.com > Follow Pool > BCA Standings.

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 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.