Americans Lead as Sixteen Winners Advance

Americans Lead as Sixteen Winners Advance

by Cristina De La Garza

The sixteen winners still in contention for the Predator World Tour Spain event have earned free hotel and airfare for the next Predator World Tour event which is tentatively scheduled for Sao Paolo, Brazil in the summer of 2010. Eight countries will be represented in the final stage of the tournament that began in Lloret de Mar, Spain but the Americans out number them all. Six players will make the trip from the USA to the next event to fight for the title with players from Sweden, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Afghanistan, Mexico, Spain and the Philippines.

Still on the hunt for his second Predator World Tour title, David Alcaide had an impressive showing in his home country. After suffering a first round loss, Alcaide came back strong with several wins to secure his spot in the final sixteen. World Champion, Mika Immonen, dominated tournaments throughout 2009 but had a disappointing finish in his first event of 2010 as he was eliminated by Mexico’s Ernesto Dominguez and settled for 17th – 32nd.

The support from players was overwhelming and everyone in attendance was flexible in meeting the unforeseen challenges that were presented. “I would like to thank the organization because I think it has been very generous of them to propose this new prize for 16 players and give us a chance to complete the tournament in Brazil. I wasn’t planning on going to that event but now I’m excited that I get to play two events there,” noted Huidji See of the Netherlands who defeated France’s Stephan Cohen in the last elimination round.

The sixteen winners still in contention for the Predator World Tour Spain event have earned free hotel and airfare for the next Predator World Tour event which is tentatively scheduled for Sao Paolo, Brazil in the summer of 2010.

Final 16 Players (in order of bracket placement)

Corey Deuel (USA)

Marcus Chamat (Sweden)

Rodney Morris (USA)

Thorsten Hohmann (Germany)

Niels Feijen (Netherlands)

Henrique Correia (Portugal)

Aziz Hamrah (Afghanistan)

Johnny Archer (USA)

Ernesto Dominguez (Mexico)

David Alcaide (Spain)

Huidji See (Netherlands)

Oliver Ortmann (Germany)

Tony Crosby (USA)

Steve Moore (USA)

Charlie Williams (USA)

Lee Van Corteza (Philippines)

17th – 32nd

David Alcoberro (Spain)

Fernando Bohorquez (Spain)

Noel Bruynooghe (Belgium)

Carlos Cabello (Spain)

Stephan Cohen (France)

James Davis Jr. (USA)

Jeffrey De Luna (Philippines)

Francisco Diaz (Spain)

Oscar Dominguez (USA)

Vincent Faquet (France)

Corey Harper (USA)

Raul Hebles (Spain)

Mika Immonen (Finland)

Nuno Santos (Portugal)

Jayson Shaw (Scotland)

Mike Sigel (USA)

The Predator World Tour will officially announce the next event in the coming months. For more information about the Predator World Tour visit www.Predator10Ball.com.

The Predator World Tour recognizes the following sponsors: Aramith, Atlas Billiard Supplier, Bilhares Carrinho, Billiard Master, Guitart Hotels, Kozoom Multimedia, Poison Billiards, QKS Cases, Simonis Cloth, Tiger Products and Uni-Loc.

American Grand Masters Heads to the Heartland

Team CSI – American Grand Masters Heads to the Heartland

CueSports International (CSI), in partnership with promoter Mark Cantrill, would like to announce that Team CSI – American Grand Masters is heading to the U.S. Midwest for the first leg of the Team CSI Tour.

The team is comprised of: BCA Hall of Fame inductee and 5 time U.S. Open 9-Ball Champion Earl “The Pearl” Strickland, 2009 Texas Open winner Charlie “Hillbilly” Bryant, 2006 U.S. Open 9-Ball Champion and 2009 Derby City Classic One Pocket winner John “Mr. 400” Schmidt, and 2001 U.S. Open 9-Ball Champion Corey Deuel who has also served on the U.S. Mosconi Cup Team 6 times.

Each of the four members of Team CSI still actively compete in both U.S. and international events, thus two members of the team travel together for each leg of the tour. The Midwest Tour, which is scheduled January 8-17, will feature Earl Strickland and John Schmidt.

“I have always enjoyed teaching and passing on knowledge in person. I also enjoy meeting new people and so this is going to be a great experience and can’t wait.” said John Schmidt.

Strickland and Schmidt will perform a series of exciting exhibitions and hold pool schools throughout Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska and Iowa. The pool school is 4 hours in length with a maximum of 12 students per school. Each student will have an opportunity for individual instruction with both Strickland and Schmidt addressing the student’s personal needs to progress in their respective games. The total cost to attend the pool school is $200 per student.

CueSports International (CSI), in partnership with promoter Mark Cantrill, would like to announce that Team CSI – American Grand Masters is heading to the U.S. Midwest for the first leg of the Team CSI Tour.

The Midwest Tour schedule dates and locations are:

• Friday, January 8th Open to Public Exhibition: 7:30 pm, The Rack, Livonia, MI

• Saturday, January 9th Pool School: 11 am – 4 pm, The Rack, Livonia, MI

• Saturday, January 9th Exhibition: The University of Michigan Student Union, Ann Arbor, MI

• Sunday, January 10th Pool School: 1 pm – 5 pm, Big Shot Billiards, Muncie, IN

• Sunday, January 10th Open to Public Exhibition: 7:30 pm, Big Shot Billiards, Muncie, IN

• Tuesday, January 12th Private Exhibition: 7:30 pm, Springfield, IL

• Wednesday, January 13th Private Pool School: 4 pm – 8 pm, Springfield, IL

• Thursday, January 14th Pool School: 4 pm – 8 pm, Big Dog’s Billiards, Des Moines, IA

• Friday, January 15th Exhibition: 7:30 pm, Big Dog’s Billiards, Des Moines, IA

• Saturday, January 16th Exhibition: 7:30 pm, Heidelberg’s, Lincoln, NE

• Sunday, January 17th Pool School: 11 am – 3 pm, Heidelberg’s, Lincoln, NE

Strickland started working with Cantrill in 2008 with the Legends and Champions Tour. With Cantrill’s partnership with CSI, as Team CSI – American Grand Master’s will be able to expand the team and offer more opportunity to bring these accomplished professionals to area pool communities to broaden the sport and help expand the skills of local pool enthusiasts.

“I am really excited that we are heading to the Midwest, the people are always welcoming and friendly whenever I have been there,” said Strickland.

For information about Team CSI visit the CSI website at www.playcsipool.com. For more information about the tour, to schedule an exhibition or pool school in your area, and to register to attend a pool school contact Mark Cantrill at (480) 612-7732 or email him at markc@playcsipool.com

In addition to CSI, Team CSI – American Grand Masters 2010 Midwest Tour is sponsored by, Mueller Recreational Products, Cornhuskers Billiards, Sterling Gaming, and Nielsen’s Billiards.

CueSports International (CSI) is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League, the National Championship Series (NCS), and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events such as the U.S. Bar Table Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial and the U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship. Visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com and www.playusapool.com for more information about CSI and its divisions.

American Grand Masters Heads to the Heartland

Team CSI – American Grand Masters Heads to the Heartland

CueSports International (CSI), in partnership with promoter Mark Cantrill, would like to announce that Team CSI – American Grand Masters is heading to the U.S. Midwest for the first leg of the Team CSI Tour.

The team is comprised of: BCA Hall of Fame inductee and 5 time U.S. Open 9-Ball Champion Earl “The Pearl” Strickland, 2009 Texas Open winner Charlie “Hillbilly” Bryant, 2006 U.S. Open 9-Ball Champion and 2009 Derby City Classic One Pocket winner John “Mr. 400” Schmidt, and 2001 U.S. Open 9-Ball Champion Corey Deuel who has also served on the U.S. Mosconi Cup Team 6 times.

Each of the four members of Team CSI still actively compete in both U.S. and international events, thus two members of the team travel together for each leg of the tour. The Midwest Tour, which is scheduled January 8-17, will feature Earl Strickland and John Schmidt.

“I have always enjoyed teaching and passing on knowledge in person. I also enjoy meeting new people and so this is going to be a great experience and can’t wait.” said John Schmidt.

Strickland and Schmidt will perform a series of exciting exhibitions and hold pool schools throughout Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska and Iowa. The pool school is 4 hours in length with a maximum of 12 students per school. Each student will have an opportunity for individual instruction with both Strickland and Schmidt addressing the student’s personal needs to progress in their respective games. The total cost to attend the pool school is $200 per student.

CueSports International (CSI), in partnership with promoter Mark Cantrill, would like to announce that Team CSI – American Grand Masters is heading to the U.S. Midwest for the first leg of the Team CSI Tour.

The Midwest Tour schedule dates and locations are:

• Friday, January 8th Open to Public Exhibition: 7:30 pm, The Rack, Livonia, MI

• Saturday, January 9th Pool School: 11 am – 4 pm, The Rack, Livonia, MI

• Saturday, January 9th Exhibition: The University of Michigan Student Union, Ann Arbor, MI

• Sunday, January 10th Pool School: 1 pm – 5 pm, Big Shot Billiards, Muncie, IN

• Sunday, January 10th Open to Public Exhibition: 7:30 pm, Big Shot Billiards, Muncie, IN

• Tuesday, January 12th Private Exhibition: 7:30 pm, Springfield, IL

• Wednesday, January 13th Private Pool School: 4 pm – 8 pm, Springfield, IL

• Thursday, January 14th Pool School: 4 pm – 8 pm, Big Dog’s Billiards, Des Moines, IA

• Friday, January 15th Exhibition: 7:30 pm, Big Dog’s Billiards, Des Moines, IA

• Saturday, January 16th Exhibition: 7:30 pm, Heidelberg’s, Lincoln, NE

• Sunday, January 17th Pool School: 11 am – 3 pm, Heidelberg’s, Lincoln, NE

Strickland started working with Cantrill in 2008 with the Legends and Champions Tour. With Cantrill’s partnership with CSI, as Team CSI – American Grand Master’s will be able to expand the team and offer more opportunity to bring these accomplished professionals to area pool communities to broaden the sport and help expand the skills of local pool enthusiasts.

“I am really excited that we are heading to the Midwest, the people are always welcoming and friendly whenever I have been there,” said Strickland.

For information about Team CSI visit the CSI website at www.playcsipool.com. For more information about the tour, to schedule an exhibition or pool school in your area, and to register to attend a pool school contact Mark Cantrill at (480) 612-7732 or email him at markc@playcsipool.com

In addition to CSI, Team CSI – American Grand Masters 2010 Midwest Tour is sponsored by, Mueller Recreational Products, Cornhuskers Billiards, Sterling Gaming, and Nielsen’s Billiards.

CueSports International (CSI) is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League, the National Championship Series (NCS), and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events such as the U.S. Bar Table Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial and the U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship. Visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com and www.playusapool.com for more information about CSI and its divisions.

U.S. Qualifiers Gear Up for the World Stage

U.S. Qualifiers Gear Up for the World Stage

Presented by Masterpool Promotions, the Predator World 10-Ball Tour in Lloret de Mar, Spain will be the first major international billiard event of 2010. In addition to several top Americans already invited to play, five American players have earned a spot through various qualifiers to play in this event which will be the first of many international tour stops.

Two Mosconi Cup team members won their qualifier spots in November at the UPL 10-Ball Invitational at the Innisbrook Resort in Florida. Noted for its unique and progressive format, this tournament rewarded players for break and runs and games won. Johnny Archer and Corey Deuel rose to the top earning a spot in Spain and $8,000 and $5,000, respectively.

Representing the KF Cues Tour and Hammer Head Pool Room in Holiday, FL, Tony Crosby defeated Tommy Kennedy in a hill-hill battle to capture his spot in Spain. In addition to competing on the professional pool scene, Crosby runs the KF Cues Tour and is involved in managing several other businesses within the pool industry.

Presented by Masterpool Promotions, the Predator World 10-Ball Tour in Lloret de Mar, Spain will be the first major international billiard event of 2010.

Hall of Fame Billiards in Warren, Michigan also held a qualifier where professional player, Adam Smith won. This was the site of the first tour stop for the new Northern Action 9-Ball Tour.

Meanwhile, across the country, the Lone Star Billiard Tour was underway. This qualifier was held in conjunction with their tour finale at Bogies Billiards in Houston, TX. James Davis Jr. earned his spot at this event and was the only amateur American player to be invited to the Predator World 10-Ball Tour through a qualifier. “I would like to thank Predator giving me the opportunity to play in this event. I have been practicing a lot in preparation for Spain so I hope all of my hard work pays off. I’m stoked to be competing in an international event of this caliber,” said Davis.

The Predator World 10-Ball Tour in Lloret de Mar will kick off on January 6, 2010 and already has a stellar player list including many World Champions. Fans can follow the event on the live internet stream at www.Predator10Ball.com.

Familiar Faces Continue at Turning Stone Billiards Event

Team USA Going Strong at Turning Stone
Turning Stone Classic XIV / Verona, NY

by InsidePOOL Staff

The massive 128-player field that came to play for the $25,000-added prize purse at the Turning Stone Classic XIV has been winnowed to a mere 6 contenders as of December 20. The event began December 17 and is being hosted by the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY.

Interestingly, all six of the remaining players have all been members of Team USA at Matchroom Sport’s Mosconi Cup event at one time or another. This year’s MVP, Dennis “The Hatchetman” Hatch, is one of two players who are undefeated as yet. His most recent victories have come over fellow 2009 Mosconi Cup teammates Johnny Archer 9-6 and Oscar Dominguez 9-4.

Meeting Hatch in the hot seat match will be “Rocket” Rodney Morris (pictured), another Mosconi Cup favorite when he is on the team. In his last two rounds he has sent Dave Grau west after their hill-hill match and then faced Charlie Williams, whom he had an easier time with and defeated 9-4.

The massive 128-player field that came to play for the $25,000-added prize purse at the Turning Stone Classic XIV has been winnowed to a mere 6 contenders as of December 20.

View the Turning Stone tournament brackets (will be updated regularly)

Now on the one-loss side, Williams will face off against Archer to see who ties for fifth place and who advances. After Archer’s loss to Hatch, he ousted Steve Moore 9-4 and then Sweden’s Marcus Chamat 9-4. In the other fifth-place match, Kim Davenport will meet “The Big O.” Davenport suffered a second-round loss to Chamat and has worked his way through the west side of the chart to this point, eliminating players such as Marc “Spain” Vidal and 2009 Mosconi Cup teammates Corey Deuel and Shane Van Boening.

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