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.

by InsidePOOL Staff

The Derby City Classic began January 21 with a total of 386 players in the first division of the three-ring extravaganza, the 9-ball banks event. The 13th annual tournament is hosted by the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel in Elizabeth, IN, and is sponsored by Diamond Billiard Products, Inc., and Iwan Simonis.

Brumback continued to dominate banks at the Derby City Classic by starting off with a win at the Bank Ring Game.

Despite the inclement weather, the numbers are up from last year by over 50 players to vie for the $10,000-added prize purse. Defending banks champion and all-around winner John Brumback won his first match over Danny Hiner in a speedy 12 minutes, while former banks champ Stevie Moore bested Stephen Aylesworth in 14 minutes.

The familiar faces in banks are going strong with first-round wins. Shannon “The Cannon” Daulton bested David Maddux, Truman Hogue won over Joey Koontz, Cliff Joyner defeated David Hunt, Larry Price won his match with Eugene Tatum, and Louis D’Marco won over Mark Thwaites. Johnathan Pinegar upset former banks champion Jason Miller, and Brandon Shuff defeated former one-pocket division winner John “Mr. 400” Schmidt. Last year’s one-pocket winner, Scott “The Freezer” Frost, defeated Larry Howard in the first round.

An all-Filipino match-up between Francisco Bustamante and Warren Kiamco saw the most recent Hall of Fame inductee Bustamante advancing. Lee Van Corteza also made it through the first round undefeated with a victory over Sam Monday, and Ronato Alcano won his match over Evan Lundia. Efren Reyes, a frequent winner at the Derby City Classic, is not in attendance.

Jeanette Lee looks the strongest to contend for the female all-around title, winning over Michael Howard in the first round. First place in the female all-around will net $1,500 with a minimum of eight women participating.

Friday evening saw a six-person, short-rank banks ring game with John Brumback winning the winner-takes-all $9,000 prize and Shannon Daulton as runner-up. Rounding out the field were Jeremy Jones, Shannon Murphy, Mike Hughes, and Louis D’Marco.

Visit InsidePOOL for the latest news in the sport of billiards and pool.

Broomfield, Colo. – July 28, 2010 – During its general membership meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 13, 2010, the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) announced the results of the 2010-2011 Board of Directors elections, which are as follows:

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.

* Austin Rothbard (Brunswick Corporation), three-year term
* Elaine Gerber (Presidential Billiards, LP), three-year term
* Martin Bloom (Olhausen Billiard Mfg., Inc.), three-year term
* Thomas Rodgers (Robertson Billiard Supplies), three-year term

Category 2 (Retailer)

* Tony Stick (The Billiard Factory), three-year term

Category 3 (Room Operator)

* Nick Alexander (Clicks Billiards), three-year term

In follow-up elections, Ivan Lee (Iwan Simonis, Inc.) accepted a one-year term as BCA Board Chairman, as did each of the remaining seated officers: First Vice Chairman Karim Belhaj (Predator Group); Second Vice Chairman Kathy Vegh (Danny Vegh’s Billiards & Home); Secretary Skip Nemecek (Tweeten Fibre Co., Inc.); and Treasurer Mike Serra (MBS Group).

The remaining directors include: George Darafeev (Mikhail Darafeev, Inc.); Tom Gregory (Toltec Lighting); Danny Kuykendall (Danny K’s Billiards); Fred Cohen (D&R Industries/Championship LLC) and Eric Weber (CueStix International, Inc).

“I look forward to teaming with a very experienced and talented group of individuals who are committed the Billiard Congress of America and its mission to enhance the success of its members and promote the game of billiards,” said Chairman Lee. “The additional representation from the table manufacturers is welcome and their support and input will be invaluable over the next three years.”

About Billiard Congress of America

BCA logo
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 through education, marketing and promotional efforts, an annual industry trade show, tournaments and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody’s games. For more information, please visit bca-pool.com or call 303.243.5070.

The Women’s Professional Billiard Association (WPBA) is pleased to welcome back the longest running sponsor of the WPBA Classic Tour, Cuetec Cues. Through Imperial International, Cuetec will partner with the WPBA as the Official Cue of the 2010 Classic Tour. “We have been proud sponsors of the WPBA for the past 15 years. Part of our company’s mission is to support the industry and one of the ways we meet this goal is through our support of industry associations,” Stuart Helfgott, Imperial USA.

American Poolplayers Association, The World’s Largest Amateur Pool League, is another returning sponsor for the WPBA Classic Tour. “The APA is proud to once again support the ladies of the WPBA. This marks our 10th year sponsoring the Classic Tour, and we wish them the best of luck on another great season,” Jason Bowman, APA Marketing and PR Manager.

Iwan Simonis, The Cloth of Champions also returns to sponsor in 2010. “We look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with the WPBA” stated Ivan Lee, President of Iwan Simonis Incorporated, “Our commitment to the professional women pool players remains strong even through these challenging times that we face as an industry.”

Aramith, the Belgian Billiard Balls also continues their partnership with the WPBA Classic Tour. Yves Bilquin, COO of SALUC SA /Aramith states, “We are proud to provide the official ball sets for the WPBA. With the San Diego event and other high end tournaments to come, Aramith is happy to contribute to their quality and success.” Aramith is introducing a new line of jewelry which can be viewed at www.aramith2wear.com.

A new supporter of the Classic Tour for 2010 is Delta-13, The True Triangle, by Executive Billiards. “The WPBA played an integral role in helping us design the ball rack that has now become their official rack. Naturally, we are thrilled to be working as a partner, helping to grow the sport and fan base. It’s an honor to be associated with such an outstanding organization filled with exemplary members,” says Terry A. Taggart, Executive Billiards President. He continues, “This partnership has, as its foundation, many shared values and one of those is giving back to the communities.” Delta-13 is introducing a special “hot pink” Delta-13 Elite rack with 10% of all WPBA Official Rack sales benefiting the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Taggart notes, “When players purchase the special “hot pink” Delta-13 Elite, they’ll know they are helping to save lives.”

Diamond Billiard Products will also join the WPBA team as the Official Table of the 2010 Classic Tour. “DIAMOND is proud to have been selected as the Official Table of the WPBA. We recognize the WPBA as one of the leaders in bringing professional pool to the masses and we look forward to building the DIAMOND brand in conjunction with the WPBA,” says Chad D. Scharlow, Vice President Diamond Billiard Products, Inc. “DIAMOND recognizes the commitment and hard work that the WPBA puts into their tour and hopes that this is only the beginning of a much broader relationship.”

The WPBA would also like to thank PoolDawg and Mueller Recreational Products for their support.

The WPBA will also partner with The Action Report to provide the live internet stream for the WPBA San Diego Classic March 10-13. Justin Collett of The Action Report invites fans to tune in, “Join us for some great matches featuring the finest women players in the world. The Live Coverage will feature interactive player interviews and commentary.” Live tournament coverage begins Thursday at 11 A.M. daily and can be found at WPBA.com. A special WPBA Pro-Am featuring some of the organizations biggest stars, local VIP’s and media personalities will also be streamed on Wednesday evening and fans are invited to watch online.

ESPN and the WPBA have joined forces for another three years and will continue to broadcast world-class events and female players all over the globe. Here’s a look at the 2010 ESPN/2 schedule:

The WPBA is proud to welcome back and include new sponsors for the 2010 season.

ORIGINALS:

2010 San Diego Classic – Semis & Final – Saturday, April 10, 12-3pm on ESPN2.

2009 Pacific Coast Classic – Quarterfinals – Saturday, May 1, 12-4pm on ESPN2.

2010 US Open – Quarterfinals: Sunday, Sept. 26, 1-5pm on ESPN2, Semis and Final: Sunday, Oct 3, 2–5pm on ESPN2.

RE-AIRS:

2009 Great Lakes Classic – Semis & Final: Sunday, May 9, 1-3pm on ESPN2.

2009 WPBA Tour Championship – Semis & Final: Sunday, May 16, 3-6pm on ESPN2.

WPBA President John Rousseau expresses gratitude to all WPBA supporters, “Thank you very much for your support of the greatest female pool players in the world, the Women’s Professional Billiard Association. Personally this support provides me with some time, early in my term, to learn the past strategies and review each as candidates for improvement, redesign and prioritization. Thanks to the current members of the board, past members, players and friends of the tour, I am prepared to do what is necessary to grow our tour. That begins with working closer with our sponsors to develop strategies that enhance the fiscal benefit of sponsoring the WPBA. Thank you very much and your support will be rewarded.”

2010 will mark the 18th year of the Classic Tour and the WPBA is pleased to announce the new and returning sponsors and supporters:

APA – Official Amateur League www.poolisfun.com

SalucSA/Aramith – Official Ball Sponsor www.aramith.com

Cuetec – Official Cue Sponsor www.cuetec.com

Delta 13 – Official Rack Sponsor www.delta-13.com

Diamond – Official Table Sponsor www.DiamondBilliards.com

Simonis – Official Cloth Sponsor www.simoniscloth.com

Mueller Recreational Products – Advertiser www.muellerrecreationalproducts.com

PoolDawg – Advertiser www.PoolDawg.com

The Action Report – Live Stream Provider for San Diego Classic www.TheActionReport.com

For more information about the WPBA please visit WPBA.com.

Broomfield, Colo. – June 29, 2009 – During its general membership meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 24, 2009, the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) announced the results of the 2009-2010 Board of Directors elections, which are as follows:

During its general membership meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 24, 2009, the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) announced the results of the 2009-2010 Board of Directors elections.

Category 1 (Manufacturer/Distributor)
• Tom Gregory (Toltec Lighting), three-year term
• Eric Weber (CueStix International), three-year term
• Fred Cohen (D&R Industries/Championship LLC), three-year term
• Skip Nemecek (Tweeten Fibre Co.), three-year term
• Michael Serra (MBS Group, Inc.), two-year term
• Thomas Rodgers (Robertson Billiard Supplies), one-year term

Category 3 (Room Operator)
• Danny Kuykendall (Danny K’s Billiards), three-year term

In follow-up elections, Ivan Lee (Iwan Simonis, Inc.) accepted a one-year term as BCA Board chairman, as did each of the remaining seated officers: First Vice Chairman Renee Lyle (American Poolplayers Association); Second Vice Chairman Kathy Vegh (Danny Vegh’s Billiards & Home); Secretary Eric Weber (CueStix International); and Treasurer Karim Belhaj (Predator Group).
The remaining directors include: Nick Alexander (Clicks Billiards); George Darafeev (Mikhail Darafeev, Inc.); Barry Hart (Viking Cue Mfg., Inc.); John Petti (Atlas Billiard Supplies); and Tony Stick (The Billiard Factory).

“The past year has been turbulent for the economy, as well as for our industry, and leading the Board though this period has been demanding,” said Lee. “However, I will accept the challenge to lead the Board once again and I will work diligently to ensure that the BCA’s key initiatives of enhancing the value of both membership and the BCA Expo will remain in focus. The Board members, individually and collectively, must remain dedicated and committed to the success of the BCA and I am confident that we can work together to accomplish our stated objectives.”

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 866.852.0999.

Gurnee, IL – March 23, 2009 – Iwan Simonis and the United States Billiard Association (USBA) are pleased to announce the finalization of a multi-year sponsorship arrangement which will guarantee that USBA events will be played on the internationally renowned Simonis 300 Rapide carom cloth. “Given our longstanding relationship with the USBA, it just makes sense for [Simonis and the USBA] to have this kind of arrangement” stated Ivan Lee, President of Iwan Simonis, Inc. “In these uncertain times, the USBA needs to focus on growing their tour and not worrying about sponsors.”

Iwan Simonis Incorporated and the United States Billiard Association (USBA) announce three-year sponsorship arrangement for the USBA Tour and the USBA National Championships.

The multi-year deal makes Simonis the exclusive cloth sponsor to the USBA, including both the USBA tour and the USBA National Championships. Bob Jewett, President of the USBA commented, “Simonis has been the main sponsor for the USBA National Championships for many years and has helped out with the National Qualifiers for at least a decade. Their generous increase in support came at an important time for the organization as we try to increase membership during a difficult economic situation. We hope to make the relationship as beneficial to Simonis as it is to the USBA.”

About Iwan Simonis
Founded in 1680 in Verviers, Belgium, Iwan Simonis is the premier cloth manufacturer to the billiard industry. Simonis cloth is distributed globally through a network of carefully selected dealers that are committed to uphold the company’s longstanding commitment to quality. Simonis cloth… Authentic. Accurate. Always. For more information, visit www.simoniscloth.com or www.iwansimonis.com.

About United States Billiard Association
The USBA is the governing body for all Carom Billiard games in the USA, in particular, 3-Cushion Billiards. For more information visit www.usba.net.

World Pool Masters / Las Vegas, NV
by InsidePOOL Staff
The PartyPoker.Net World Pool Masters, presented by Matchroom Sport and sponsored by Brunswick, Aramith, Iwan Simonis, and Predator Products, kicked off the afternoon of May 9 with its first three matches. This international event brings a top field of 16 players from around the world to vie for the first-place prize of $20,000 and is hosted by the Riviera Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, NV.
In the first match, defending champion Thomas “The Lean Machine” Engert was matched up with Rodney Morris, currently of Houston, TX. The score seesawed to 2-all before Morris made his move, breaking and running out two of the next three racks to surge ahead 5-2. A couple of odd misses by Engert gave Morris the hill, and then the German made a move toward a comeback, taking the next rack after an empty break by Morris. But it was too little, too late for Engert, for when he missed a routine 8 ball in the final rack, “Rocket” won 8-3.
Former world champ Alex Pagulayan squeaked past snooker champion Mark Gray in the second match. “The Lion” took the first three racks with ease but did not reckon on his opponent putting up a fight, for Gray took advantage of several missed shots by Pagulayan to take control and win the next five racks in a row to make it 5-3 in his favor. They traded the next several racks, and then a foul by Gray made the score 6-all. A missed 6-9 combo by Gray gave Pagulayan the hill, but when Pagulayan fouled in the subsequent rack, brushing the 7 ball en route to the 4, Gray made it a double-hill nail-biter. Attempting to kick out of a safety on the 2 ball in the last rack, Gray fouled, giving Pagulayan ball in hand and the match.
View the 2008 World Pool Masters image gallery (/gallery2/v/Pool+Tournaments/world-pool-master-2008/)
Italian champion Bruno Muratore didn’t get much time at the table in the third match of the afternoon. His opponent, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, took the first game with a 3-9 carom and raced toward the finish line from there. One missed 9 ball and one foul by Muratore, in addition to two break and runs by Bustamante, made the score 5-0. In the seventh rack, Muratore managed to put a game under his belt when Bustamante fouled on the 1 ball, leaving Muratore with ball in hand for the 1-9 combo. But that was as far as Muratore got—he came up empty on his next break and Bustamante ran out, and another foul in the final rack handed Bustamante the match 8-1.
Saturday’s afternoon matches will be Shane Van Boening versus Imran Majid, Ralf Souquet versus Ko Pin-yi, and Tony Drago versus Niels Feijen.
Tonight, instead of more World Pool Masters matches, the World Pool Masters Trickshot event will take place, featuring Mark Dimick, Alex Pagulayan, Daryl Peach, Stefano Pelinga, Ralf Souquet, and Bogdan Wolkowski. Visit InsidePOOL for the latest news in the sport of billiards and pool.

By InsidePOOL Staff
InsidePOOL Magazine’s 2007 Player of the Year, Shane Van Boening, scored another home run at the Diamond Open 9-Ball Professional Players Championship when he defeated Shaun Wilkie in the finals. This event brought 64 of the top men in pool out to the 16th Annual Super Billiards Expo and was sponsored by Iwan Simonis, Diamond Billiards, Viking Cues, Mueller Recreational Products, and the Delta 13 Rack.
First up in the quarterfinal match were Rodney Morris and Mika Immonen vying for the chance to play Van Boening in the semifinals. A few errors on Immonen’s behalf saw Morris gain a 5-1 and then a 7-2 lead. At that point, Immonen caught a gear and began forging a comeback, but not in time to catch “Rocket,” who ultimately won 10-7.
Super Billiards Expo image gallery (/gallery2/v/Pool+Tournaments/super-billiards-expo-2008/)
But it was a different Morris who showed up at the semifinals, for nothing he did seemed to come out right. Tied 3-all, the score flew up in Van Boening’s favor after a foul and then a scratch on the break by Morris, followed by Van Boening dropping the 9 ball on the break. Several more dicey decisions on behalf of Morris put Van Boening en route to the finals with a 10-3 win.
In the extended race-to-13 finals, Wilkie, who seemed to have a large fan base in the crowd, grabbed hold of the lead and brought the score to 4-1. The scales tipped the other way, though, and Van Boening clawed back to make it 4-all and then surpass his opponent, winning another four racks in a row. They traded the next few games, bringing the score to 11-7 Van Boening, and then Van Boening reached the hill when Wilkie slammed the 8 ball in an attempt to get position on the 9 and missed. In the final rack, despite having one inning at the table, Wilkie was unable to stop the onslaught, and Van Boening took home another title with a 13-7 victory.

Open Results:

1st
Shane Van Boening
$10,000

2nd
Shaun Wilkie
$6,000

3rd
Rodney Morris
$5,000

4th
Mika Immonen
$4,000

5-6th
Tony Crosby
$3,000

Tony Robles

7-8th
Adam Smith
$2,000

Shawn Putnam

9-12th
Louis Ulrich
$1,500

Johnny Archer

John Morra

Gabe Owen

13-16th
Mike Dechaine
$1,250

Ronnie Wiseman

Steve Moore

Charlie Williams

17-24th
Luc Salvas
$1,000

Raj Hundal

John Schmidt

Frankie Hernandez

Ralf Souquet

Mike Davis

Dennis Hatch

Visit InsidePOOL for the latest news in the sport of billiards and pool.

Wendy Jans

A native of Belgium, Wendy Jans won her first snooker title at the age of 13. Her birthday is June 14, and she owns a Chihuahua named Elmo.

Jans is sponsored by Iwan Simonis and House of Billiards in The Netherlands. She supports UNICEF and plays with a Peter Ernst custom cue. Visit Jans’ website at wendy-jans.com.