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Jerry Briesath and Dennis Orcollo Elected to Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame

The Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Hall of Fame will welcome a world champion and one of the game’s most revered teachers to the Hall of Fame Class of 2022. The United States Billiard Media Association (USBMA) today announced that Filipino star Dennis Orcollo and legendary instructor Jerry Briesath have earned induction into the sport’s most prestigious club.

Orcollo, 43, was the clear choice of voters in the Greatest Players category and will be the fourth player representing the Philippines to be inducted into the BCA Hall of Fame, joining Pinoy legends Efren Reyes, Francisco Bustamante and Jose Parica.

Briesath, 85, was a unanimous selection in the Meritorious Service category. The longtime and legendary instructor is considered the father of formal billiard instruction in America, having helped develop and guide the program from concept to its current roster of more than 300 professional instructors across the globe.

Orcollo and Briesath will formally be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Friday, Nov. 4, at the Norfolk Sheraton Waterside Hotel in Norfolk, Va., in conjunction with the 2022 International Open pool tournament.

“Wow!” Orcollo said from his home in the Philippines, where he is awaiting a meeting with U.S. Immigration authorities to petition his return to action in U.S. tournaments. “I never really thought I would be in the Hall of Fame. This is a great award.

“I’m not Efren Reyes,” he laughed. “He is one of the greatest ever. I don’t think of myself that way, so I never really thought about it.”

For Briesath, an active pro player in the 1960’s and ’70s, the award is validation of years of service to players and the sport.

“This is just super,” Briesath said. “The Hall of Fame is about having the admiration of people in the sport and in the industry for what you’ve done. I’ve been to almost all of the Hall of Fame banquets and it was always wonderful to see great players and good people get recognized.”

A longtime poolroom owner in Madison, Wis., Briesath helped launch the BCA Certified Instructor Program (now known as the Professional Billiard Instructors Association) in 1992 and the BCA Summer Youth Cue Camps in 1993. He was awarded the BCA President’s Award in 1997 for his ongoing efforts to improve how players learn to play. He later helped create the BCA “How to Play Pool Right” book and video.

In addition to claiming the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) World 8-Ball Championship in 2011, Orcollo (known in pool circles as “Robocop”) won the BCA Open 9-Ball Championship (2007), Qatar World Open (2008), World Pool Masters (2010), and the China Open (2012).  He has been a dominant force at the annual Derby City Classic, winning the 9-Ball division twice (2011, 2017), the Banks division twice (2014, 2020), and the Master of the Table crown twice (2017, 2020). He holds major titles in 8-ball, 9-ball, straight pool, 10-ball, one-pocket and banks.

Voting for the 2022 BCA Hall of Fame was conducted by the USBMA Hall of Fame Board, which consists of USBMA members, elected At-Large members and living members of the Hall of Fame. In his third year on the ballot, Orcollo was named on 34 submitted ballots (80%). Holland’s Niels Feijen was named on 25 ballots (60%), while American Corey Deuel was named on 15 ballots (39%). Jeremy Jones, JoAnn Mason-Parker, John Schmidt, Vivian Villarreal and Charlie Williams completed the 2022 ballot. To be eligible for consideration in the Greatest Players category, a player (a) must be 40 years old by Jan. 1 of the year of their inclusion on the ballot; (b) must have a professional playing career of at least 10 years; and (c) must have recorded significant achievements in U.S.-based and international events recognized by the BCA.

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Hofstatter, Davenport Elected to Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame

Gerda Hofstatter (File photo courtesy of Diana Hoppe)

The Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame welcomes two of the game's top players of the '90s to the class of 2018. The United States Billiard Media Association today announced that Austrian import Gerda Hofstatter Gregerson and "California Kim" Davenport have earned induction as the 71st and 72nd members of the sport's most prestigious club.
 
Hofstatter Gregerson, 47, will enter the Greatest Players wing of the BCA Hall of Fame, while Davenport, 62, will be honored in the Veteran Players category. Both will be formally inducted during ceremonies on Oct. 26, 2018, at the Norfolk Sheraton Waterside in Norfolk, Va.
 
A native of Friesach, Austria, Hofstatter Gregerson was an accomplished athlete, competing in tennis and skiing, and winning a national junior fencing title before committing herself to pool. Hofsttater Gregerson won her first European Championship (and the first ever for Austria) at 18, and has collected 10 European Championship gold medals. In 1993, she relocated to the U.S. to join the new Women's Professional Billiard Association Classic Tour and promptly won the very first event. Over the next seven years, Hofstatter Gregerson added seven more Classic Tour titles, as well as the 1995 WPA World 9-Ball Championship, the 1997 WPBA National Championship and the 2000 BCA Open 9-Ball Championship. She added her ninth Classic Tour title in 2010 at the San Diego Classic.
 
Hofstatter Gregerson currently resides Charlotte with her husband Dan and daughters Sophie and Madison. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from New York University, and has a pilot's license.
 
After finishing second in voting in each of the last three years, Hofstatter Gregerson was named on more than 70 percent of the ballots in 2018, far outpacing first-time nominees Niels Feijen and Corey Deuel, each of whom were named on 36 percent of the ballots. Shannon Daulton, Jeremy Jones, Stefano Pellinga, Vivian Villarreal and Charlie Williams received votes on fewer than 25 percent of the ballots.
 
"My first reaction is, 'What am I doing in there with all those great players?'," Hofstatter Gregerson. "Honestly, I never expected to get in. Everyone who has gotten in is so deserving, I was just honored to be on the ballot. But I am excited, humbled and honored to be in such great company.
 
"It's a great thing for my kids," she continued. "They'll be so proud. And it's nice to know that you will be remembered in the history books."
 
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Born in Oklahoma, Davenport relocated to Modesto, Calif., in the early '80s. By mid-decade, Davenport was making a name for himself on the pro tour, winning events like the Bowling Green Open and Tar Heel Classic. He broke through in 1988, winning the highly regarded Japan Cup and Eastern States 9-Ball Championship. After adding three more titles in 1989, Davenport put in a Player of the Year performance in 1990, winning the Brunswick Challenge Cup in Sweden, the Sands Regency Open and the B.C. Open – all major tour titles. Davenport added eight more pro tour titles, before an injury to his left eye for all practical purposes ended his pool-playing career.
 
Davenport, who resides in Acworth, Ga., had been recommended for consideration by the Hall of Fame Veteran Players Committee after failing to garner enough votes for election on the general ballot prior to turning 60.
 
"That's really good news," said Davenport upon being informed of his election. "I had started to wonder if it would ever happen, so it's hard to explain how I feel right now. To be honest, I thought my record was good enough to get in before now, but better late than never.
 
"In the end, this is what 40 years of playing pool comes down to," he added. "And 100 years from now, people will see my name next to Mosconi's, which is not a bad thing."
 
About United States Billiard Media Assocation
Founded in 2007, the United States Billiard Media Association is a non-profit association dedicated to elevating the visibility and status of billiards in the media at large. The USBMA consists of professional print, radio, TV, public relations and Internet media persons who cover cue sports. One of the association's main functions is electing of billiard media members to the Billiard Congress of America's Hall of Fame Board for the purpose of nominating and electing players and notable figures to the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame.
 
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 Billiard Congress of America leadership.  The Billiard Congress of America 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.

Nominees for the 2015 Straight Pool Hall of Fame

The 5th Annual 14.1 Hall of Fame nominees have been announced via selection process from the World 141 Club  in a row. We are please to announce this year's ballot list which includes World Champions Allen Hopkins, Nick Varner, and Bobby Hunter in the Greatest Player Category. Mike Eufemia, Danny Barouty, and Tom Jennings are nominated in the Unsung Hero Category. Finally, 19-times World 14.1 winner Willie Mosconi will be honored posthumously in coordination with World Tournament of 14.1. The main event will take place once more in New York City. Dragon Promotions is pleased to keep the event alive with the production on July 13th-19th, 2015. As usual, a star studded field is expected this year at Steinway Billiards Cafe, who is once more hosting this world class event. The World Tournament Official Equipment include Viking Cue with all matches played on Andy Cloth. Event partners include Mr.Tom Gleich, Dr. Gregory Diehl, Mr. Greg Hunt of Amsterdam Billiards, & Mr. Jim Gottier of Greenleaf's Pool Room. Patron sponsors include Mr. Harold Siegel of Excelsior Graphics, Dr. James Heller, Mr. Charles Eames of Charles Eames Photography, Frank Scharbach of Frank's Billard Cafe, and the National Amateur Pool League. 
 
The World Tournament will be live streamed on AZBTV by going to www.worldstraightpool.com . Official media partners are www.NYCGrind.com , Pool & Billiard Magazine, & tech support by Gotham City Technologies. 
 
"The 14.1 Hall of Fame Banquet is an awesome event. The players are all dressed up and enjoying themselves. Dragon Promotions really does it right", said John Schmidt, 2012 World Tournament of 14.1 Champion.
 
"It's truly an honor to be inducted into this group of legends", said Oliver Ortmann, who was inducted into the 14.1 HOF in 2013.
 
"It's really an incredible event. I genuinely get goosebumps each year that night as I'm so excited to hear the speeches, the stories, the videos, and just generally appreciate the special atmosphere of that one night. The players are on their greatest behavior and you can tell they are just truly honored to all be there as a part of the event. The 14.1 Hall of Fame ceremony is an absolute must for any pool enthusiast", says Charlie Williams, Executive Producer of the World Tournament. 
 
Type your VOTE for the following and send to our Facebook page or email worldstraightpoolchampionships@gmail.com 
 
Greatest Player Category: 
Allen Hopkins (NJ) :World 14.1 Champion 1977. Runner -up in 1974, 1978, 1986. 
Nick Varner(KY): World 14.1 Champion 1980 & 1986
Bobby Hunter (MI) : World 14.1 Champion 1990. 14.1 Teacher of John Schmidt 2012 World 14.1 Champion 
 
UNSUNG HERO Category:
Danny Barouty(NY) : 3x Top Five finisher at the World 14.1. Promoter of 14.1 leagues & events in NY & CA
Tom Jennings (NY) : US Open 14.1 Champ 1976 & 1977
Mike Eufemia (NY) : Stardust 14.1 Champion 1967. Multiple 400 ball runner.
 
A special video presentation of each inductee will be produced and presented by www.NYCGrind.com's Jerry Tarantola
 
"The Straight Pool Hall of Fame banquet always ends up being an extraordinary evening. The food is delicious and the camaraderie fills the air with nostalgia and goodwill", said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions who has overseen the World Tournament for a decade now.
 

 

The Greatest Filipina Athlete to Captain Team Asia in AM8.com Queens Cup

Rubilen Amit (Photo courtesy of Bob Guerrero)

The most decorated female sports figure of her country, reigning World Champion Rubilen Amit will represent the Philippines in the 2015  AM8.com Queens Cup. She has also been called to duty as the captain of Team Asia this time around following her stunning performance from last year. The 5-Times SEA Games gold medalist says she is up for the task. The greatest rivalry in women's billiards is about to ignite. On April 16-18th, 2015 the second installment of the  AM8.com Queens Cup will feature champions vs champions as the best women from Asia will take on the best in the West! Last year, Team Asia had a dominating performance over Team West during the 3 days of competition. This year the USA & Europe will be looking to even the score. The  AM8.com Queens Cup will be hosted by the award winning Resorts World Manila Casino & Hotel and sponsored by Andy Cloth , Aramith Balls, and Viking Cue. The Queens Cup is a Dragon Promotions production.
 
Pay-per-view is now available at a special $20 pre-event sale by going to DragonPromotions.com or clicking here
 
"Bingkay (Amit's nickname) is the kind of Filipina athlete we can all look up to. She is incredibly disciplined and makes the most of her talent. She really deserves to be a part of this team, since she has a track record of success.", explains Bob Guerrero of Yahoo Sports. The ABS-CBN football and billiards sports analyst adds, "Bingkay should also be a terrific captain. She has the personality to bring out the best in the other Asian players, with whom she is very close to. Bingkay is a fun-loving young lady, so for sure she will keep things loose and fun as well. The East team will be very tough to beat with her in it."
 
"The last  AM8.com Queens Cup was truly an experience to remember. Im honored and thankful to be able to participate in this exciting event. Being chosen captain is such a huge honor and to be honest, it's a lot more pressure. But I learned so much from being a part of the past team events from leaders such as Efren Reyes. He is so inspiring with his will to win. I will follow in the footsteps of these great men and women that have led me in the past. I'm up for the challenge", said Amit when asked about moving from her typical role of player to leader. 
 
"Rubilen is one of those quiet champions that doesn't make a lot of noise, but when you talk about the best of the best, you have to include her. She has the humility of Efren Reyes, the precision of Dennis Orcullo, and the heart of Alex Pagulayan. And her stats in team competition is incredible. She was the obvious choice to captain Team Asia this year", explained Charlie Williams , Executive Producer of the   AM8.com Queens Cup . 
 
The Queens Cup will showcase the rivalry between the Asians and their western counterparts in Europe and USA, very similar to the Ryder Cup in golf or Davis Cup in tennis. Elite professional ladies from their respective countries and continents are selected onto two sides representing the East and West. The event will last 3 days in a 10-Ball format that will conclude when one team reaches 10 match wins. Style of play will include singles, doubles, triples, and 4-on-4. Captains will be put to the test to create the best strategy in partnerships and chemistry of match-ups. If the matches go 9 to 9 hill-hill, a final 4-on-4 play will set the scene for the dramatic conclusion.
 
Rubilen Amit was born in the Cebu region of the Philippines, and graduated with an accounting degree along with a couple collegiate billiard titles. In 2005, she started officially representing her country as she was selected on the Philippines National Team for the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) where she won took home the gold. This would be the first of 7 gold medals that she would win in her career for her country. Her breakthrough came when she shocked the world by winning the Women's World 10-Ball in 2009, and then becoming the only player to repeat the feat when she won again. Aside from singles events, Amit has had an unusually high success rate in team competitions. She has won two World Mixed Doubles titles with her hero Efren Reyes both times, took the silver in the Team Philippines finale at the World Team Championship, and nearly went undefeated for Team Asia all 3 days of the last Queens Cup.  
 
The AM8.com Queens Cup brings a level of excitement and pressure never before seen in women's billiards. On April 16th, The Empresses of Pool Battle for Glory.

 

The Leading Lady to Captain Team West in AM8.com Queens Cup

Ewa Laurance

The epitome of the word legend. Team West will be injected with iconic blood as Ewa Mataya Laurance will don the role of Captain as her Team West gears up for Team Asia in the  AM8.com Queens Cup.  Ewa, born in the Nordic country of Sweden, is known on tour as the "Striking Viking" with countless international wins including the World Championship and US Open. With 37 years in the sport, Ewa will be a huge factor to the attitude of Team West. The greatest rivalry in women's billiards is about to ignite. On April 16-18th, 2015 the second installment of the  AM8.com Queens Cup will feature champions vs champions as the best women from Asia will take on the best in the West! Last year, Team Asia had a dominating performance over Team West during the 3 days of competition. This year the USA & Europe will be looking to even the score. The  AM8.com Queens Cup will be hosted by the award winning Resorts World Manila Casino & Hotel and sponsored by Andy Cloth , Aramith Balls, and Viking Cue. The Queens Cup is a Dragon Promotions production.
 
Pay-per-view is now available at pre-event sale by going to DragonPromotions.com or clicking here
 
"Ewa is a great selection as captain for Team West. She has so much experience in the sport and I like that she is not afraid to take control and make decisions. Plus she knows how to handle anything that comes at them with all her years in the industry", said Tony Robles, veteran men's pro player.
 
"Ewa did an awesome job playing for Europe in the World Trickshot Team competition. She knows how to lead and is always the consummate professional ", says Shari Stauch, former veteran pro on tour & publisher for Pool & Billiard Magazine. 
 
"Ewa's mantle of 'Leading Lady of Billiards' is so fitting. She's been one of the people I looked up to as a kid growing up and she is one of the classiest people in our sport. I can't think of anyone better to captain the Americans and Europeans on the team in the defining event of ladies pool", said Charlie Williams, Executive Producer of the Queens Cup.  
 
"I was really glad when I heard Ewa was chosen for our team. She has been playing as good as I've ever seen", said Jennifer Barretta, Ewa's teammate for Manila.
 
"I'm very excited to play in the  AM8.com Queens Cup to play for Team West. America has been my home for most of my career and it's great to be able to represent both USA and my Swedish heritage", said Ewa. "Being selected as the captain of Team West is a thrill and I really feel that we have a extremely solid team that may surprise people ." 
When asked on her Queens Cup predictions, she replied, "Asia is full of talented young players of course, but I think our team has a lot more experience. Plus we have Jennifer Barretta who is a notorious student of the game and she will be handy in the 10-Ball matches and preparations." 
 
The Queens Cup will showcase the rivalry between the Asians and their western counterparts in Europe and USA, very similar to the Ryder Cup in golf or Davis Cup in tennis. Elite professional ladies from their respective countries and continents are selected onto two sides representing the East and West. The event will last 3 days in a 10-Ball format that will conclude when one team reaches 10 match wins. Style of play will include singles, doubles, triples, and 4-on-4. Captains will be put to the test to create the best strategy in partnerships and chemistry of match-ups. If the matches go 9 to 9 hill-hill, a final 4-on-4 play will set the scene for the dramatic conclusion.
 
Ewa Mataya Laurance was born in Gävle, Sweden and has graced the cover of New York Times magazine which impacted the entire sport helping to change the image of the sport from a seedy, men's dominated game to a professional sport of elegance and class. She has been the longest sponsored player in history of Brunswick Billiards for over 20 years. In 2012 Ewa shocked the world by a flashback comeback defeating the top 3 player son tour in back to back fashion which were Jasmin Ouschan (Austria), Ga Young Kim (Korea) and toppled Allison Fisher (UK) in the finals. Ewa still maintains a top 5 USA ranking and is looked up to by generations of players, men & women, as an exemplary role model. Ewa is also a sports writer with her own monthly feature in Pool & Billiard magazine, as well as a sports commentator for ESPN. In 2004, she was inducted into the Billiard's America's Hall of Fame. She has been nicknamed "The Leading Lady of Billiards" and the "Striking Viking". 
 
The AM8.com Queens Cup brings a level of excitement and pressure never before seen in women's billiards. On April 16th, The Empresses of Pool Battle for Glory.

 

Taiwanese Legend Selected for Team Asia

Jennifer Chen

A veteran force joins the Eastern team. Taiwan's world renowned Jennifer "China Doll" Chen is the next Asian player selected for Team Asia in the  AM8.com Queens Cup to play against USA/Europe next month.  Chen has 12 major international titles as well as a gold at the highly coveted Asian Games,  and will be the senior member of Team Asia with 24 years of professional competitive experience. The greatest rivalry in women's billiards is about to ignite. On April 16-18th, 2015 the second installment of the  AM8.com Queens Cup will feature champions vs champions as the best women from Asia will take on the best in the West! Last year, Team Asia had a dominating performance over Team West during the 3 days of competition. This year the quad squad from USA & Europe will be looking to even the score. The  AM8.com Queens Cup will be hosted by the award winning Resorts World Manila Casino & Hotel and sponsored by Andy Cloth and Viking Cue. The Queens Cup is a Dragon Promotions production.
 
"Chen is a very fun player to watch. Especially when she get's hot on the pool table", says Shari Stauch, former veteran pro on tour & publisher for Pool & Billiard Magazine.  
 
"Jennifer's has strong physical skills like jumping balls really well and she never goes to the table with doubt. She's always been that way", comments all-star American pro Vivian Villarreal. " The experiences she has playing great players for big stakes on the line and winning are huge. That's what gives her that killer focus, which is one of her biggest strengths and a big asset for Team Asia."
 
"I was surprised and very honored when I was selected for the  AM8.com Queens Cup to play for Team Asia. I've been a 9-Ball player for 20 years, but I think now that I've been introduced to 10-Ball, I like that game more", said Chen.  When  asked on her Queens Cup predictions for this year, she replied, " Asians have been more dominant in pool. Because we start training at a young age and have so many good, young players compared to the West. So, I think this is why we will win."
 
The Queens Cup will showcase the rivalry between the Asians and their western counterparts in Europe and USA, very similar to the Ryder Cup in golf or Davis Cup in tennis. Elite professional ladies from their respective countries and continents are selected onto two sides representing the East and West. The event will last 3 days in a 10-Ball format that will conclude when one team reaches 10 match wins. Style of play will include singles, doubles, triples, and 4-on-4. Captains will be put to the test to create the best strategy in partnerships and chemistry of match-ups. If the matches go 9 to 9 hill-hill, a final 4-on-4 play will set the scene for the dramatic conclusion.
 
Jennifer Chen has had an incredible career in billiards, attaining world fame through her accomplishments on the table, as well as public fame off the table becoming a national celebrity in her home country of Taiwan. She started her junior career off winning the China/Japan Pool Championship  and then a year later won the prestigious US Open 14.1. She then won the Japan Open and then achieved world acclaim with a silver medal at the World 9-Ball Championship, helping her earn the Rookie of the Year in women's pool. A couple years later she was world ranked at #1, and had added 2 more gold medals for Taiwan in consecutive Asian Games. Chen also won the coveted Amway Cup World Open, making her all in all a serious component of experience and class for Team Asia.
 
"Jennifer Chen is one of the very few Asian women that has achieved an iconic status in billiards. She is going to be a solid foundation of experience for the younger Asians on the team", said Charlie Williams, former top American pro and Executive Producer of the  AM8.com Queens Cup. 
 
Off the green felt, Jennifer Chen became a mainstream celebrity with her model looks backed up by world class skills. She was in numerous TV shows, soap operas, magazines, and even had books published on her. Today, Chen is a business woman running her upscale billiards bar and restaurant called  JC Billiards & Club in Shanghai, China. 
 
The  AM8.com Queens Cup will be broadcasted worldwide to very receptive audiences who loved the last one. This year predicts for an even bigger viewership for this highly entertaining and competitive event. Yahoo Sports writer Bob Guerrero described the event in his article "Queens Cup is a breath of fresh air for pool" . 
 
 
The AM8.com Queens Cup brings a level of excitement and pressure never before seen in women's billiards. On April 16th, The Empresses of Pool Battle for Glory.

 

Jennifer Barretta Suits Up for USA

Jennifer Barretta

Manila, Philippines-  Here she comes. NYC's all-American girl Jennifer "9mm" Barretta has been selected to represent USA on Team West against Asia in the AM8.com Queens Cup ! Barretta is currently ranked in the WPBA elite Top 10 for the past 4 years and has been itching to suit up for America! The greatest rivalry in women's billiards is about to ignite. On April 16-18th, 2015 the second installment of the  AM8.com Queens Cup will feature champions vs champions as the best women from Asia will take on the best in the West! Last year, Team Asia had a dominating performance over Team West during the 3 days of competition. This year the quad squad from USA & Europe will be looking to even the score. The AM8.com Queens Cup will be hosted by the award winning Resorts World Manila Casino & Hotel and sponsored by Andy Cloth and Viking Cue. The Queens Cup is a Dragon Promotions production.
 
"I've played her a whole bunch of times and I can tell you Jennifer has got a lot of fight in her. First, her mechanics are really strong, and you can tell right away that's not an accident. She's a dedicated practice machine. Plus she has a really good mental game. That makes her a natural pick to represent the USA in the Queens Cup. And she always carries herself well on and off the table. As my pool buddy would say, 'Win or lose, she's always a perfect gentleman' ", said top ranked American pro Jeremy Sossei, a top contender himself to make Team USA for the men's Mosconi Cup. 
 
"I'm very excited that I will have the opportunity to play in the AM8.com Queens Cup. It's always a great honor to be chosen to represent your country, but getting to experience that honor in front of the best pool fans in the world makes it even more special", said Barretta on being selected to play for USA on Team West, and playing in front of the pool crazed fans of the Philippines. 
 
The Queens Cup will showcase the rivalry between the Asians and their western counterparts in Europe and USA, very similar to the Ryder Cup in golf or Davis Cup in tennis. Elite professional ladies from their respective countries and continents are selected onto two sides representing the East and West. The event will last 3 days in a 10-Ball format that will conclude when one team reaches 10 match wins. Style of play will include singles, doubles, triples, and 4-on-4. Captains will be put to the test to create the best strategy in partnerships and chemistry of match-ups. If the matches go 9 to 9 hill-hill, a final 4-on-4 play will set the scene for the dramatic conclusion.
 
Barretta is not a complete stranger to team competition format. She played for the USA in the World Mixed Doubles in China, and had a winning record in the USA vs Korea 2 day dual tournament where she was a key member in USA's victory over Korea's team of Ga Young Kim, Jeanette Lee, Charlie Williams, and Min Hu Baek. 
 
"Jennifer is what I call a hard nosed player. She's ultra competitive. When the first Queens Cup was announced, she called me and told me she wanted in. That team was already set but got slaughtered by Asia. And so, well, it took a little longer but now she gets her shot",  explained Charlie Williams, Executive Producer of the AM8.com Queens Cup. "Selecting the players for the team is a daunting task when going against a powerhouse like Asia. It requires things that are more than meets the eye. There's going to be a ton of pressure that many of these players have never experienced before, and it's also going to require a player to give 110% of their all. And Jennifer Barretta is all of those things."
 
A late starter in billiards, Barretta quickly climbed the amateur ranks to first become the "Player of the Year" on the Chesapeake Area Tour for women, which earned her spots into all of the professional events on the pro tour. By the end of the pro tour season, Jennifer evolved from amateur to professional when she accumulated enough points to achieve the prestigious "Touring Pro" status with the Women's Professional Billiards Association. By the next season Jennifer proved she was more than just a pretty face when she defeated the #1 ranked player during the quarter-finals of an ESPN televised match, ultimately finishing the pro event in 3rd place. A year after that she captured her first international title by winning the Empress Cup in Korea defeating Yu Ram Cha, Jeanette Lee, and Ga Young Kim in front of their home crowd to record breaking television audiences. Since then, Barretta has been a staple top 3 ranked American player for several years now and is the second highest ranked American in the world rankings.
 
Besides becoming a top player, Jennifer Barretta has also transformed into a popular figure and ambassador of the game and able to promote it to the masses. Utilizing her movie star looks, fitness, and professionalism, she has appeared in numerous mainstream media including FHM Magazine and will be one of the stars in an upcoming reality TV show airing on TruTv this summer.
 
The  AM8.com Queens Cup will be broadcasted worldwide to very receptive audiences who loved the last one. This year predicts for an even bigger viewership for this highly entertaining and competitive event. Yahoo Sports writer Bob Guerrero described the event in his article "Queens Cup is a breath of fresh air for pool" . 
 
The AM8.com Queens Cup brings a level of excitement and pressure never before seen in women's billiards. On April 16th, The Empresses of Pool Battle for Glory.

First Player Named for The AM8.com Queens Cup

Eun-Ji Park

South Korea's Eunji Park has been selected to play for Team Asia in the upcoming AM8.com Queens Cup. The 27 year old Incheon native has proven herself a top notch opponent capable of big performances on the world stage. The greatest rivalry in women's billiards is about to re-ignite. On April 16-18th 2015 the second installment of the AM8.com Queens Cup will feature champions vs champions as the best women from Asia will take on the best in the West! Last year, Team Asia had a dominating performance over Team West in a 10-4 final score over the 3 days of competition. This year the quad squad from USA & Europe will be looking to even the score. The AM8.com Queens Cup will be hosted by the award winning Resorts World Manila Casino & Hotel and sponsored by Andy Cloth. The Queens Cup is a Dragon Promotions production.
 
"Eunji is an extremely solid player. She has a very consistent style, which has a basis in snooker from her father, a former national coach for South Korea. This has enabled her to topple numerous world champions. She never plays too fast or slow, and keeps a calm demeanor. Which will come in handy under the intense pressure of the AM8 Queens Cup", explained Charlie Williams, Executive Producer of the event.
 
"We promised everyone new faces with the highest level of skill. Eunji has learned from some of the most renowned coaches in the world, and has delivered great results in big time events. This is an opportunity she has trained her entire life for", said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.
 
"I'm very nervous but also excited to play my first time in representing Team Asia. It's a huge honor beyond just ordinary prize money and trophies. It's an awesome feeling to know I will have great players around me every moment, and I am ready to give my all for the team and bring glory to our respective Asian countries", said Eunji Park originally from Incheon, South Korea. The Philippines may be a lucky place for her as she has had some major victories including two top 5 finishes at the World Championships there.
 
Park has won numerous pro events in Korea and showed promised early on in her career representing South Korea at the World Junior Championship. She was awarded the Korea Pro Tour Rookie of the Year at age 19, and a few years later trained in the United States under the tutelage of renowned pro player and coach Charlie Williams. She went on in her first year in America to win a WPBA US Open qualifier and then finished 3rd at her debut WPBA appearance defeating Jeanette Lee on ESPN in the quarter-finals. She has stayed in the top 3 rankings of Korea for the past 5 years. 
 
The Queens Cup was broadcasted worldwide to very receptive audiences. This year predicts for an even bigger viewership for this highly entertaining and competitive event. Yahoo Sports writer Bob Guerrero described the event in his article "Queens Cup is a breath of fresh air for pool" . 
 
The AM8.com Queens Cup brings a level of excitement and pressure never before seen in women's billiards. Last time Team Asia celebrated a commanding performance over their Western counterparts during the 3 days of the historic inaugural event. Eunji Park will be aiming to continue the celebration into 2015. 

 

The AM8.com 2015 Queens Cup II Announced

Team Asia Celebrates

Manila, Philippines-  The greatest rivalry in women's billiards is about to re-ignite. On April 16-18th 2015 the second installment of the AM8.com Queens Cup will feature champions vs champions as the best women from Asia will take on the best in the West! Last year, Team Asia had a dominating performance over Team West in a 10-4 final score over the 3 days of competition. This year the quad squad from USA & Europe will be looking to even the score. The AM8.com Queens Cup will be hosted by the award winning Resorts World Manila Casino & Hotel and produced by Dragon Promotions.
 
The Queens Cup was broadcasted worldwide to very receptive audiences. This year predicts for an even bigger viewership for this highly entertaining and competitive event. Yahoo Sports writer Bob Guerrero described the event in his article "Queens Cup is a breath of fresh air for pool" . 
 
"AM8.com is really thrilled at bringing the Queens Cup back to the Philippines. When we saw the event, we knew we had to be a part of it. It has a lot of potential for future growth and AM8.com likes being a part of winning formulas. This is just the beginning of some great collaborations with Dragon Promotions", said Bridgette Cruz, AM8 representative.
 
Team Asia was captained by South Korea's Ga Young Kim with Philippines World Champion Rubilen Amit, Taiwan's Pei Chen Tsai, and China's Siming Chen all who had winning records. Team West was comprised of England's Kelly Fisher who captained her side which included Great Britain's Allison Fisher, Austria's Jasmin Ouschan, and USA's Vivian Villarreal. The big question will be who will be selected for the honor this year to represent both sides.
 
"There will be some mainstays but also some changes to the lineup. Obviously we have to keep a good pulse on the current top players and who's performing well on tour. But we can promise you there will be new faces this time and a more dynamic event" said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions. The Queens Cup Executive Producer Charlie Williams added, "There's been good results by the ladies from recent events in Asia as well as America. The performances at our Women's International Pool Championship will be a factor as well. We are also keeping our eye on results in Europe. It's a lot to take in but we have a good idea of who should be in this time. It's going to be a competitive match-up."
 
 "The real key though is chemistry. That's something the Asians had last year and something the West will need to bring."
 
The AM8.com Queens Cup brings a level of excitement and pressure never before seen in women's billiards. As these champions can attest:
 
 
"There's definitely a entirely different kind of pressure in the Queens Cup when you play for a team. You feel worse when you let your teammates down. I'm not happy with my performance at all. But I did enjoy the event", explained Ouschan.
 
"It definitely was better for me when I play singles. I really struggle with trying to learn my teammates styles", said Amit of the Philippines.
 
"I wasn't comfortable at all the first two days and definitely felt the pressure. But the third day I finally settled down and felt good. But it was too late at that point", said Allison. "It was a great trip and I really enjoyed the Queens Cup. Fun to play with my competitors on the same team."
 
"We want revenge!" exclaimed Villarreal.
 
"We are proud to be hosting this one of a kind event here at Resorts World Manila. May the best ladies win!"  Francis Bonnevie Director for Special Events and Promotions Resorts World Manila.

 

Van Boening Takes #1 Seed: Strickland vs Immonen. Deuel vs Appleton. World 14.1 Heating Up

Shane Van Boening

Shane Van Boening has stayed undefeated through both stages of the World 14.1 and with the elimination of Thorsten Hohmann, he has taken the #1 seed.  The third and final stage of the Andy Cloth World Tournament of 14.1 has begun with the final sweet 16 players. 
 
The ANDY CLOTH World Tournament is taking place on August 4th-9th, 2014. Also sponsored by Andy Cloth, Kamui Brands, OB Cues, Amsterdam Billiard Club, Realrealcool.com, Pool & Billiard Magazine , Aramith Balls, and George Beckman Kinetic Sculptures. Official patron 14.1 aficionados are Stu Mattana, Tom Gleich, Harold Siegel, Dr. Greg Diehl Plastic Surgery, and Official World 14.1 photographer Charles Eames.  A star studded field has made it back once again to the 14.1 extravaganza taking place at Steinway Billiards Cafe, who is once more hosting the world's greatest straight pool championship.
 
Van Boening crushed Scotland's Fulcher 150- 46 to earn his spot into the sweet 16 final races to 200. Shane made it to this stage last year but lost to John Schmidt and tied for 9th. He is looking better this year in his 14.1 skills and could be making a run to the finals if he can get by Archer today.
 
"Shane is definitely the most consistent player I've seen this week. He's been blowing out all his opponents, so it appears he has been working on his straight pool skills. I would definitely pick him as the top dark horse favorite to win", said Charlie Williams, Executive Producer of the World Tournament. 
 
Even though they will not be the main feature TV match, the Strickland vs Immonen match will be entertaining. At the speed they both play, it likely won't be a long match even with 200 points to play.
 
Appleton and Robles remain to be the other undefeated players left. Appleton has not performed like last year yet, but still managed to win his matches and will face Corey Deuel today. Robles has never made it to this stage of the event undefeated before, and is looking like a real threat. He faces Jonni Fulcher of Scotland. 
 
Brackets & Watch online Pay Per View at www.worldstraightpool.com 
 
Stream TV Match schedule are the following for today August 8th: 
The Final Bracket. 
Day 5 TV today at www.worldstraightpool.com .
 
11:00 am Lackner(GER) vs Shaw(SCO) 
1:30 pm Van Boening(USA) vs Archer(USA) 
5:00 pm Robles(USA) or Fulcher(SCO) vs Bergman(USA) or Stalev(RUS). 
7:30 pm SVB or Archer vs Strickland or Immonen . 
 
$15 price for races to 200 points. Order PPV Matches LIVE for today at www.worldstraightpool.com