by InsidePOOL Staff

Lee Van Corteza took first place at the First Annual Hard Times Mezz 10-Ball Open, defeating “Rocket” Rodney Morris in the finals. The 76-player field gathered at Hard Times Billiards in Bellflower, CA, May 7-9 for the $5,000-added event, sponsored by Mezz Cues.

Going into Sunday’s matches, Corteza was one of the final four undefeated players, but his first meeting with Morris changed that. The two players seesawed to a hill-hill score, with Morris moving on to the hot seat match. His opponent there was “Mad Max” Eberle, who had just defeated hometown favorite Oscar Dominguez 9-7. Morris defeated Eberle handily 9-5 and wait in the hot seat for a finals opponent.

On the one-loss side, Warren Kiamco of the Philippines challenged Thorsten “Hitman” Hohmann and advanced 9-6 to meet fellow countryman Corteza, just over from the right side of the chart. This was a close battle, but Corteza eked out a 9-7 victory to send Kiamco home in fifth place. After Roberto Gomez eliminated Rafael Martinez 9-2, he went on to face Dominguez. In another tight match, it was Dominguez who advanced to the quarterfinal match 9-7.

Corteza took first place at the First Annual Hard Times Mezz 10-Ball Open, defeating “Rocket” Rodney Morris in the finals.

Corteza was in full stride by now and was able to best Dominguez 9-5 and move on to the semifinals against Eberle. The L.A. resident made a few errors at the beginning of the match and they cost him, as Corteza used them against Eberle to take the match 9-7. The single race-to-11 finals were a rematch, as Morris had been responsible for Corteza’s sole loss. Corteza was not about to see that happen again, and he won the final match with a decisive 11-7 score.

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

by InsidePOOL Staff

The field at the Hard Times Mezz 10-Ball Open is closing in on the $4,000 first-place prize. Only eight players remain at the event, which is being hosted by Hard Times Billiards in Bellflower, CA, and sponsored by Mezz Cues.

Fittingly, it’s the local players who have risen to the top. Oscar Dominguez is one of four players remaining on the winners’ side, having defeated both Eddie Mataya 9-5 and then Sal Butera 9-2 today. Mataya, as the highest-finishing amateur in this event, earned a Mezz break cue. “The Big O”’s next match will be against another L.A. player, Max Eberle. “Mad Max” bested Dave Grau 9-6 and then former world 9-ball champion Thorsten Hohmann 9-4 today.

“Rocket” Rodney Morris had to play two tough Filipinos Saturday, starting off with the legendary Efren Reyes. After a 9-6 defeat of “Bata,” Morris went on to face Roberto Gomez, whom he bested in record time 9-1. Sunday Morris will play another Filipino, Lee Van Corteza, whose day consisted of a 9-1 routing of Steve Moore followed by another 9-1 drubbing, this time of Corey Harper.

View the Inaugural Hard Times Mezz Open tournament brackets (updated continuously throughout event)

The field at the Hard Times Mezz 10-Ball Open is closing in on the $4,000 first-place prize. Only eight players remain at the event, which is being hosted by Hard Times Billiards in Bellflower, CA, and sponsored by Mezz Cues.

Rafael Martinez is another player who endured a long day on the left side of the chart. But he eliminated 2009 Player of the Year Mika Immonen, Grau, Hunter Lombardo, and Harper to make it to Sunday’s matches. His opponent will be Gomez, who, after his 9-1 loss to Morris, went hill-hill with Marc “Spain” Vidal and won.

Matches Sunday begin at noon, and the final will be a single race to 11. Visit InsidePOOL for the latest news in the sport of billiards and pool.

Mika Immonen and Mezz Cues are proud to announce the Mezz Pro-Am Tour. The Mezz Tour is a 1-day Open Tournament with staggered entry fees and additional cash prizes for the top 2 finishers in the A/B and C/D division. Events will take place in the North East region.

“We are happy to work with Jose Burgos, who runs the best 1-day tournaments in this region. We hope to offer a highly competitive tournament and great prizes for pros and amateurs alike. We will also give each player a free raffle ticket for a Mezz Cue and Mezz Case at the Grand Finale Tournament along with prizes for the Top 10 point leaders of the year,” says Mika.
Jose describes, “I am honored to join forces with Mika Immonen and Mezz Cues. I believe having the best player in the world along with one of the leading cue companies in the industry as sponsors will make the Mezz Pro-Am Tour one of the premier tours in the region.”

Along with the Mezz Open Tour, we are also proud to announce a Mezz Women’s Tour overseen by WPBA Pro and Mezz USA President, Caroline Pao.

“With so many great female players in the Northeast region, this is a great opportunity to provide a competitive tour for them to participate in. We will feature great prizes at each stop as well as hold a Grand Finale tournament with added monies. Prizes will also be awarded for the Top 3 female players of the year with the Top Female receiving paid entry to the prestigious Turning Stone Tournament in Syracuse, NY. I am very excited be able to provide an opportunity for our local female players to sharpen their competitive edge. Once we complete the 8 event schedule, it will be on our official Mezz Tour website, www.mezztour.com,” explains Caroline.

Immonen and Mezz Cues are proud to announce the Mezz Pro-Am Tour.

As a prelude to our official launch of the Mezz Pro-Am Tour, we had a great event at Drexeline Billiards in Drexel Hill, PA on January 31st with an attendance of 53 players. Joey Testa and Ignacio Chavez were co-champions of this event with Victor Nau in 3rd and Josh Brothers in 4th place.

The next stop will be at on February 21st at :
Atlantic City Billiards
6701 Blackhorse Pike
Egg Habor, NJ 08234
(609) 645-7576

Visit the official Mezz Pro-Am Tour website, www.mezztour.com, for more information.
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@mezztour.com.

“The Simonis cloth company makes a conscious effort to assist with youth events for the present and future benefit of our sport and our industry” stated Ivan Lee, President of Simonis USA, “We are proud to lend our support to the World Junior 10-Ball Open and to encourage talented youth from around the world to continue their journey toward excellence in billiards.” Lee is also currently the President of the BCA.

Past World Junior 10-Ball Champions have included Hayato Hijikata of Japan with John Morra of Canada in silver. Both player have gone on to become top pro players. Yu Ram Cha of Korea won gold in 2007 over Anna Kostanian of USA. Cha has since joined the WPBA and is ranked #5 in the world and Kostanian in the top 10 WPBA. Last year’s winners were Germany’s Dominic Jentsch and Liz Lovely. The competition was tough with top juniors such as Landon Shuffett and Austin Murphy, finishing near the end.

The winners of the boys will receive $1000 plus free invite and entry to next year’s Mezz Classic Pro Event and the girls $700 1st plus entry to next year’s Mezz Classic Pro Event . Juniors are also allowed to play in the Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open 8-Ball and 9-Ball events at the same time, with no conflicts in schedule. Last year over 20 juniors played in both the US Amateur Open and World Junior 10-Ball. The final four juniors will also get to play their matches on center court in the pro arena.

“I remember when I was a kid and junior player. Didn’t have alot of money so I’d always try to find a way to get a free ticket or borrow money to watch the pros play. We all need to invest into the youth and the kids need to be able to watch their idols play. That’s why Dragon Promotions offers free admission to all juniors at all our events” explained Charlie Williams, DP Founder and top 5 USA pro. Williams was the 1991 BCA USA Junior Champion at age 14.

On August 8-9, 2009 Dragon Promotions will bring kids from all over to compete in the Simonis World Junior 10-Ball Open in Orlando, Florida at Corner Pocket Billiards.

Great companies such as Brunswick, Laser Rack, Master Chalk, Predator, Lucasi, Viking, are joining Simonis, Ozone Billiards and Mezz to invest into the sport’s future. Gold Level poolroom sponsors are helping as well with Rocky McElroy of Capone’s Billiards in Florida, Danny Kuykendall of Danny K’s in California, James Oswald of Diamond Billiards in Florida. Bronze sponsors include Greg Hunt of Amsterdam Billiards New York and Bob Maidhof of Drexeline Billiards Pennsylvania.

Ozone Billiards has been providing pool players with top quality billiard products for more than eight years. Its commitment to customer service has helped Ozone Billiards grow to be one of the largest retailers of billiard supplies in the United States. For more information about Ozone Billiards and its product lines, visit www.ozonebilliards.com

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

Orlando,Florida-  The Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open is back and will bring forth some of the best amateur talents around the country. The event starts on August 5 until August 9,2009 at Corner Pocket Billiards in Orlando, Florida. The Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open is presented by Mezz Cues and will coincide with The Mezz Classic pro events. This 4th installment of this amateur extravaganza will feature 7 total tournaments with 9-Ball and 8-Ball disciplines, with divisions in Open, Women, Seniors, and Mixed Doubles. No Pros, No Semi-Pros, No Top Rated Amateur players will be allowed to play. These amateur events are created for the true amateur players, and even certain known amateurs are not allowed to play in the events to offer fair chance for anyone to win.  This event has been a pre-cursor of amateur players turning into professionals later on and is regarded as a major stepping stone for up and coming talent.

Ozone Billiards has had a history of supporting professional tours and events on ESPN, but now has turned its focus on regional tours,  up and coming players, and amateurs. And of course Ozone still sponsors major pro events and is the presenting sponsor of the Mezz Classic.

“We are always looking to try new things, and we see the importance and benefits of supporting not only major pro events, but the smaller events as well. We know it’s a tough economy now, but we want to do what we can to support and promote the sport on all levels.” said Shawn Gargano, President of Ozone Billiards. Ozone Billiards will help bring in such names to the Mezz Classic like Mika Immonen FIN, Charlie Williams USA, Raj Hundal IND, Rodney Morris USA, Thorsten Hohmann GER and many more pro stars!

Amateurs that have won the Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open and moved onto professional status are no longer eligible. Previous winners of the amateur events include Julio Delpozo of Orlando, Matt Tetrault of New Jersey, Liz Lovely of Ohio, Stephanie Mitchell of Tampa,FL, Dominic Jentsch of Germany, Ryan Stone of Ohio, and Yu Ram Cha of Korea. Jentsch and Stone have been moved upto professional class and even women’s champ Yu Ram Cha, who won the 82 man field of the men’s US Amateur in 2007 at tender age of 19, can no longer play in the men or women’s events and has since moved onto becoming one of the world’s elite players currently ranked #6 in the Women’s Pro Tour.

John Rousseau (pictured above with Jeanette "The Black Widow" Lee) will take another shot at the Seniors Divisions of the US Amateur Open as well as the Mixed Doubles with Loraine.

Previous years have always drawn over 100 players nationwide and this year should prove no different as Orlando is one of the top destination spots in the country as well as a hot spot for poolplayers in Florida with its central location.

Players will be playing for $3000 1st place in the 8ball and $4000 1st place in the 9-Ball with full fields, and minimum guarantees of $1000 for 1st in the 8-Ball Open and $1500 minimum for the 9-Ball Open despite any field size.

The amateur events will have great quality equipment on 9 ft professional tables. No coins needed to play matches as there will be a $20 registration and green fees all inclusive in every entry fee in all divisions. Players may also choose to play in multiple divisions with no scheduling conflicts.These events are open to all true amateurs(men or women) and no membership fee is required . There is also a Mixed Doubles 9-Ball so now men and women can travel and play together on one team, as well as play in their individual singles events .

Complete Updated Ineligible List of Players can be found at http://www.dragonpromotions.com/ineligiblelist.html

Eligible players are determined by the following:

are not ranked in the top 50 in the BCA or the top 20 in WPBA

-have never been ranked in top 16 in WPA rankings

-have never won a men or women’s major U.S. pro tournament

-have never won 1st or 2nd at a pro event in any country outside the USA

-have never finished in top 16 in any male pro tournament sanctioned by the current governing body of pro pool at that timenever been ranked in or have never won 1st or 2nd in the finals on these following men’s tours: FL Tour, Northeast Tour, Pro Senior Tour,

-We will use our discretion on certain players depending on their skill level and amount of 1st and 2nd place finishes in regional tours such as but not limited to: Kings Bay Promotions Amateur Tour, the Super Billiards Expo Amateur Open, Planet Pool Tour,  Fast Eddies Tour, Stan James Canada Tour, New England 9 Ball Series

-Have not been Men or Women Players of the Years or finished #1 Ranked for the Year on any major U.S. recognized regional tour

DP reserves right to use our own judgment as well if a player is deemed fit or unfit to play in the US Amateur Open events

Loraine will be vying in the US Amateur Women's Open.

This event is designed for non-full time playing amateurs who do not play pool for a career. Note that below does not all apply to women. Click “Amateur Eligibility” to read Dragon Promotions Amateur Events Eligibility. Besides that list, the organizers of the event reserve the right to use their judgment if they deem a player not eligible for the event. Players who are not sure if they would be able to play should contact Dragon Promotions prior to the event.

Questions on Amateur event call 1-407-782-4978 email at dpamateurevents@gmail.com

Ozone Billiards has been providing pool players with top quality billiard products for more than eight years. Its commitment to customer service has helped Ozone Billiards grow to be one of the largest retailers of billiard supplies in the United States. For more information about Ozone Billiards and its product lines, visit www.ozonebilliards.com

Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open Events

Aug 5-7: Open 8-Ball

1st Place $3000 ($1000 minimum guaranteed)

Limited to 200 Players

Aug 5-7 : Women’s 8-Ball Open

1st Place $1000 ($300 minimum guaranteed)

Limited to 64 Players

Aug 5-7: Seniors 8-Ball Open

(must be 50 years old and up-bring ID)

Limited to 64 Players

Aug 7-9: Open 9-Ball

1st Place $4000 ($1500 minimum guaranteed)

Limited to 200 Players

Aug 7-9 : Women’s 9-Ball Open

1st Place $1250 ($500 minimum guaranteed)

Limited to 64 Players

Aug 7-9 : Seniors 9-Ball Open

(must be 50 years old and Must-bring ID)

1st Place $1400 ($500 minimum guaranteed)

Limited to 64 Players

Aug 9 : Mixed Scotch Doubles 9-Ball Open

(1 Man & 1 Woman per team)

1st Place $1000 ($500 minimum guaranteed)

Limited to 32 Teams

The amateur event will be at same venue and next to the pro event. Tickets can be bought in advance at www.dragonpromotions.com   Amateur event players can also purchase tickets to watch the pro event at the door .

Big time pool returns to Orlando after five long years! Mezz Cues and Dragon Promotions are pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Mezz Classic to be held at Corner Pocket Billiards on August 6-9,2009. The Mezz Classic will feature two pro events with the Mezz Classic Straight Pool Invitational and The Mezz Classic 10-Ball Invitational. This is the first pro event Mezz Cues has title sponsored and they will join alongside presenting sponsor Ozone Billiards. Ozone Billiards will be once again hosting the 4th Annual Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open. Dragon Promotions, Ozone Billiards, and Mezz will also sponsor the 3rd Annual World Junior 10-Ball Open.

Straight Pool and 10-Ball will be the disciplines to be mastered at the Mezz Classic. The event will invite 48 pro players to both tournaments with names such as World Champion and Mezz player Mika Immonen, 2x Reno Open Champ “Iron” Mike Davis, and Korean Women’s Champion Yu Ram Cha plus many more. Last year’s defending 14.1 Champion Thorsten Hohmann of Germany will be expected to defend his title and the 10-Ball Division Champion Charlie “Korean Dragon” Williams will definitely be back as well.

Charlie Williams and Thorsten Hohmann will be the #1 seeds in their respective divisions at The Mezz Classic as the defending champions

“Mezz is really thrilled to head this event with Dragon Promotions. DP is the largest producer of international billiards worldwide, and Mezz has become an international brand so it’s a great fit. Fans always think that I’m using a custom made cue,they are always surprised when they learn Mezz is a manufactured cue. It’s that good!” commented Mika Immonen, Co-Founder of Mezz USA. “Title sponsoring a Dragon event is an elite honor, and Mezz is an elite brand in Asia. Teaming with the Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open events, the World Junior 10-Ball Championship, and the Mezz Classic, the events will really showcase what a great product Mezz really is. We are looking forward to exposing the Mezz brand more into the US market”.

Immonen has become a businessman with his Mezz USA as well as being one of the world's most elite champions.

“Dragon Promotions is really thrilled to team with Mezz Cues to continue this great Florida based event. Mezz is a strongly reputed name in Asia, and the most sought after cue in Japan. It was only a matter of time for them to expand to the western markets”, explained Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions. “This event is so well liked with the players and fans, and we feel the Mezz Classic will continue growing in future years as have our other DP events.”

Coinciding with the pro event, will be the 4th Annual Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open from August 5-9,2009. The amateur events will have 8-Ball and 9-Ball divisions with Mens, Women, Seniors, and Mixed Doubles. The 3rd Annual World Junior 10-Ball Open will also take place on Aug 8-9,2009. All total there will be 11 events taking place at Corner Pocket Billiards over 5 days.

“We’re thrilled to host this professional event! There is already a buzz in town because it’s been years since a major pro event has been in Orlando. I already started working on upgrading all our Brunswick tables with new rubber, cloth, and tighter pockets to make it pro caliber”, said Tesh Patel, Owner of Corner Pocket Billiards. “Our staff and fans really love to see the champions and when Dragon Promotions offered to bring it here, I didn’t hesitate” ,

“The last major event in Orlando was in 2004 at the Predator International Championship that we produced. Since we moved it to Jacksonville and later to Las Vegas, there has been an empty spot here. Orlando is my home, so I’m really heartfelt in that I’m happy that our DP team approved of this event coming to Orlando” said Charlie Williams, Co-Owner of Dragon Promotions.
Players wishing to enter pro events can email mezzclassic@gmail.com Amateurs can email dpamateurevents@gmail.com . Fans can soon purchase tickets at Corner Pocket Billiards for advance sales on the Pro Straight Pool event and the Pro 10-Ball event . There are limited number of VIP seats available. Any remaining tickets can be purchased on site at the tickets sales counter. All info on events please call DP at 1-407-782-4978 Corner Pockets at (407) 282-5894

Miki Co., Ltd. has been making pool, snooker and carom cues since 1960 from their very own factory in Japan. The final product today is the testament of 50 years in the art of cue making. It’s no surprise that Mezz Cues is the #1 brand in Asia. Mezz is happy to be able to offer the Mezz line of products in the US, Europe, and Asia. Mezz translates into “something that is loved and treasured”, and that is exactly what every person that owns a Mezz feels. Mezz Cues are used by a variety of international professionals such as World Champion Mika Immonen of Finland, World Champion Kunihiko Takahashi of Japan, World Champion Alex Pagulayan, European Champion Marcus Chamat of Sweden, and American pros Jennifer Barretta, Hunter Lombardo, Sarah Rousey, and Caroline Pao. For the latest news and information of Mezz products and players, visit www.miki-mezz.com and www.mezzusa.com

Dragon Promotions is one of the leading producers of billiard programming in the world today. Dragon produces over 40 events a year airing on networks in the Philippines, USA, Korea, India, and Europe such as ESPN, MBC ESPN, XTM, XPORTS, and Euro Sport. Events include The Women’s World 10-Ball Championship, The World 14.1 Championship, The Predator International 10-Ball Championship, King & Queen of Carom, Empress Cup, Pro Pool Schools, Women’s Trickshot Challenge, World Junior 10-Ball Championships, Korea vs USA, and many more. Dragon also manages some of the world’s best players including Mika Immonen, Shanelle Loraine, Mike Davis, Yu Ram Cha, Raj Hundal, Rodney Morris, Charlie Williams, and many more.
Visit www.dragonpromotions.com or www.dragonpromotions.co.kr

WPBA Professionals Sarah “Heartbreaker” Rousey and Jennifer “9MM” Baretta along with US Professional Hunter Lombardo join top players Mika Immonen, Alex Pagulayan and Marcus Chamat as part of Team Mezz USA.

Sarah Rousey, who finished in 5th place at the 2009 WPBA San Diego Classic, says “I have decided to switch to a Mezz EC7 series because I like the feel and consistency of their products. The shaft I use is low deflection but still has the feel of an original maple shaft. I feel like my arsenal of shots has increased. I can spin the ball in ways I couldn’t before and my confidence in shots has gone way up. With my new Mezz cue I feel like my game is going to rise to a new level. And the Power Break II is unbelievable! I usually break with a lot of Power. But with the Power Break II, I get the same break reaction with less effort. I almost feel like it’s cheating with all the movement and reaction I get out of this break cue!!”

Rousey takes a shot with a bridge at a recent event.

Jennifer Barretta, who returns to the WPBA Classic Tour after taking a year off to spend time with her family, is equally impressed with the Mezz line of products. “Since I’ve started playing with the Mezz AYA series and the Dual Force Break Jump cue I’ve noticed more consistency in my shot making and more power in my break. Both of these cues have amazing balance and the most solid hit I’ve ever encountered.”

Hunter Lombardo recently finished in 4th place on the Seminole Pro Tour. When asked about his outstanding performance he said, “I recently changed to the Mezz [WD700] playing shaft and it’s given me a new lease to want to play more. It’s my first tournament with the new shaft and I’m really happy with the results. It’s one thing knowing what you want, but to finally feel what you want…that’s Mezz!”

Mezz USA Co-Founder and reigning US Open Champion, Mika Immonen says, “After Hunter started using the Mezz shaft, he seems to have found the passion he thought he lost. That seems to be the case with a lot of the players I’ve encountered using Mezz.”

Barretta is another welcome addition to the Mezz Cues group of players.

“Miki Co., Ltd. has been making cues since 1960 from their very own factory in Japan. The final product we have in our hands today is the testament of 50 years in the art of cue making. It’s no surprise that Mezz Cues is the #1 brand in Asia. We are glad to finally be able to offer the Mezz line of products in the US and the feedback we’ve been getting, from amateurs as well as professionals, has been very positive. We are very happy to have Hunter, Sarah and Jen on our team and to have Mezz be a part of their future success.” says Mezz USA President and current WPBA Professional, Caroline Pao.

Hunter Lombardo currently resides in Florida and can be found competing in the Seminole Pro Tour where he is currently ranked 12th. You can visit Sarah Rousey at http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.sarahrousey.blogspot.com and Jennifer Barretta at http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.jenniferbarretta.wordpress.com.

For the latest news and information of Mezz products, visit www.mezzusa.com.

Chicago, IL – Poison Cues Challenge Match Series i Chicago started off with stop #1 at Pressure Billiards. Dragon Promotions with host Wahib Merchant presented pool champions Mika Immonen, Francisco Bustamante, and Charlie Williams to Chicago fans for a night of billiard fun and education.

The trio of champions started with a free one hour clinic teaching fans special tips on draw shots, drills, speed control, kicking, and the break. The room was packed with fans squeezing next to each other to get a glimpse of the instruction by some of pool’s greatest. Next a limited nine spots for VIPs were all sold out to challenge the pros in a race to 5 games playing 9-Ball. Although nobody could upset the champions, many won their share of games and excitement with one fortunate fan winning a new jump cue for winning four games, more than any other amateur.

“It’s nice to see such a great crowd showing up for this event. It’s a very hip and modern room with nice demographics.” said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.

In the main event, Lucasi 10-Ball Classic Champ & Predator Rep Williams took on Mezz Cues Rep & US Open Champion Immonen first in a race to 5 10-Ball match. Immonen took a 3-1 lead before Williams mounted a comeback to tie at 4-4. A missed 3ball by Mika gave Charlie a chance for an out and he ran down with two balls left. Unfortunately he missed position on the 8-Ball with the 10-Ball nearby, and gave Immonen the 5-4 win.

Bustamante, Presssure Billiards owner, Immonen and Williams

Next Williams was back again to take on Filipino terror Bustamante, sponsored by Puyat Sports. Both players used their thunderous breaks to open the balls up, but it was Williams who gained the most success. Williams kept control of the match as he won the first game and never lost control of the match. He finished off Bustamante for a 5-2 win.

Finally Bustamante had a chance to redeem himself against Immonen. He led the match early and went to the hill first leading 4-3. Mika then made a great bank to tie the match at 4-4. Mika broke the final rack and the cueball was kissed to the corner pocket. Fortunately it hung in the jaws and Immonen came with a great cut on the 2ball and ran out for the 5-4 win to stay undefeated for the first Poison Challenge Match. Williams record stands at 1-1 while Bustamante at 0-2.

“I talked to my customers and everyone was really happy. So far it’s just been great reviews.” said Wahib Merchant, Owner of Pressure Billiards.

Other sponsors have caught on with the grass roots buzz to keep billiards promoted in communities. Delta-13 Rack, Simonis Cloth, Brunswick Billiards, and Master Chalk are all sponsoring the events in Chicago that week produced by Dragon Promotions. 

To visit Pressure Billiards in Chicago goto http://www.pressurebilliards.com/     6318 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60660   1(773) 743-POOL 

Palace Billiards will host the second installment of Chicago’s Poison Challenge at 7:30pm on Feb 7 in Villa Park, an area just minutes outside Chicago. Palace earlier in the day will be hosting the very prestigious and successful Predator Pro Pool School program developed by Dragon Promotions featuring Immonen, Bustamante, and Williams. The school continues through Sunday with students spending a total of 15 hours face to face with the champions, learning the secrets of professional pool.  Palace Billiards info can be found at www.myspace.com/palacebilliards.

For questions and info on hosting a challenge match exhibition or Pro Pool School, please contact DP at 407-782-4978 or  email dragonpromotionsnews@gmail.com   

Poison Billiards, an international billiards industry leader, is a high-performance recreation pool cue producer focused on bringing cutting-edge designs, with Predator engineering for best-in-class playability, to billiards players worldwide. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, Poison Billiards is a division of The Predator Group whose core brands also include Predator Cues and Uni-Loc®. For more information regarding The Predator Group, visit www.thepredatorgroup.com. For information on Poison Billiards visit www.poisonbilliards.com.

All photos courtesy of Zarah Delrosario 

Dragon Promotions is one of the leading producers of billiard programming in the world today. Dragon produces over 40 events a year airing on networks in USA, Korea, India, and Europe such as ESPN, MBC ESPN, XTM, XPORTS, and Euro Sport. Events include The World 14.1 Championship, The Predator International 10-Ball Championship, King & Queen of Carom, Empress Cup, Pro Pool Schools, Women’s Trickshot Challenge, World Junior 10-Ball Championships, Korea vs USA, and many more.  Dragon also manages some of the world’s best players including Raj Hundal, Shanelle Loraine, Rodney Morris,  Charlie Williams, Jeanette Lee, Mika Immonen, Mike Davis, Yu Ram Cha and many more.

Fans of Finnish billiard professional Mika Immonen can now hear straight from the Ice Man’s cool fingertips as he recounts his latest triumphs (and tragedies) in his pool career. Fans will enjoy the personable accounts of the former World 9-Ball Champion. People may read his blog at www.icemanmika.blogspot.com (http://www.icemanmika.blogspot.com/).

I believe all players can learn something from Mika’s blog as he writes about his own experiences. In my opinion he is a very modern player. I follow his blog myself, so I suppose you can say I’m a Mika fan. says 2-time World Champion Thorsten Hohmann.
Mika is an ultra consistent player. He is always right there at the end of a tournament. He’s the kind of guy you want to fight for your life on a pool table. says Rodney Morris, Former US Open Champion.

He comes with more tough clutch shots than any other European I’ve ever seen. comments Johnny Archer, #1 Ranked in the USA.

Mika Immonen is known for his tremendous offense, banking,kicking and all around game that has made him one of the most consistent and most feared players in the world today. Immonen has won the World 9-Ball Championship, European Straight Pool Championship, Korea Pro Tour Championship, US Pro Tour Championship, Philippines 9-Ball Open, and UPA Atlanta Open back to back times among countless other wins. Immonen was voted 5th Best Player in the World’s Top 100 Players of 2006 , a poll taken only by professional players. Mika has shown his warmer side in charitable causes such as the Boys Girls Club of America and Police Athletic League(PAL) . Immonen is sponsored by Mezz Cues, Cafe Puro and managed by Dragon Promotions.

www.icemanmika.blogspot.com (http://www.icemanmika.blogspot.com/)