Dennis Orcollo (Photo courtesy of Dave Thomson – Mediumpool.com)
Diamond Derby City Classic XXII, January 24-Feb.2, 2020
Caesars Southern Indiana, Elizabeth, IN
David Thomson
DIAMOND BANK POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Short Rack. Race to 3.
451 began. At last accounting, 1.
“Robocop” Robs Banks!
That’s all there is to say. Dennis Orcollo robbed everyone who dared approach his table. He was unbeaten through a field of 451. He never needed his buy-back option to secure his 2nd Diamond Derby City Classic Championship.
There were 3 left. Dennis, Billy, and that spunky kid form Detroit we introduced to you yesterday, Evan Lunda. We can also add humble and calm under pressure to his description.
These characteristics, perhaps, attributed to Evan having a helluva tourney. In closing the day, he had given Filler his first loss and thwarted last year’s runner-up Omar Al Shaheen’s aspirations.
It was Billy who had finally handed Evan his first loss.
Billy’s journey included eliminating three time Champion John Brumback, And Filler, Shaw, Shane and Alex, just to name few.
So there were 3. Evan drew the bye, therefore, Billy had to play Dennis. Dennis had a buy-back so, If Billy won, Dennis would use that option while Billy would play Evan.
The winner of that match would then play Dennis for the title. That’s the long version, you know, the result which could keep the Accu-Stats’ video crew up ’til dawn.
The short version is, if Dennis would beat Billy, then Evan, he would take the title.
And, so it began, race to three for $16k!
Billy got an opening. He blasted 4, then nailed the elusive one to take the first rack. 1-0
Thorpe was not intimidated. He was in full throttle.
Dennis, in Robocop mode, broke and drilled 4, then 1, and it was 1-1
Game 3, in almost a repeat performance, Orcollo ran 4, and it was 2-1.
Game 4: Dennis ran 3. Billy ran 3 and pocketed a hanger that sent the cue ball, “safe,” near the top rail. Dennis jacked up, aimed, and speared in the re-spotted Cyclop off the short rail. His shape on his fifth required orb proved fatal for Billy. In 40 minutes, Dennis was in the Final.
Evan, as he has said, gets, “Fired up competing with the ‘heavy hitters.”
But, this was a whole new ball-game. The environment was new to him: He was, now, on the big stage with the “heat” of Accu-Stats TV lights, LIVE on a world-wide stream, and of course facing Dennis the Menace…in murder-mode.
Frankly, Orcollo wasn’t in quite the same form demonstrated against Billy. None-the-less, he didn’t miss much. Lunda, on the other hand, was off quite a bit. On his tight, short rail banks, he should have been calling triples. He didn’t manage a game. At 3-0, in 37 minutes, it was trophy time.
Dennis had obliterated their bank accounts so quickly that they were last seen in search of an ATM! That would be Diamond. Billy got $5,350 and Evan received $8,000 for 2nd. Dennis deposited $16,000 for first!
Play continues at NOON Wednesday. 9-Ball is in the mix, too.
See it LIVE from the Accu-Stats TV Arena on the DIAMOND 9’ Pro Am.
Visit accu-stats.com
DIAMOND ONE POCKET CHAMPIONSHIP
365 entries, up 20 from last year!
Crafty, and very creative, Corey Deuel kicked off the Accu-Stats TV Arena productions of the Diamond One Pocket Championship by truly manifesting his craft in the craftiest of all pool disciplines, One Pocket.
The closing game in his 3-0 annihilation of Dennis Orcollo showed just how creative Corey is. No one knows what he is thinking. To see all the kisses and caroms he articulated, Accu-Stats director Pat Fleming commented, “We had to utilize so many instant replays just to see what he’d done.”
Dennis, now down 2-0, had attempted an always tricky carom, back-cut kind of-a-thing, into his pocket. Two balls got in the way of each other and the rack, which should have been his, was wide open.
Corey got 5 and, in an attempt at opening a few more balls, his shape was obstructed by an inconsiderate, roaming orb. End of run, no clear shot at his hole. Not for crafty Corey it wasn’t. He decided on caroming a ball off another–that was sitting 2 feet from the pocket!
“He bet the game on that,” was announced from the commentary booth.
Never a doubt, he landed perfectly for his last two balls.
Deuel had decided that the odds were with him to make that carom, and that he would win the match from there. He was, wisely, all offense.
You can be sure we’ll get this DVD. “How’d he do-dat?”
Danny Olson, left the Accu-Stats TV Arena 10 minutes after his one-sided defeat by daunting dualist, 2012 Diamond Southern Classic Banks and One Pocket Champion Justin Hall.
Danny was not having his best day. He then faced Jayson Shaw who was empowered by his BIG Foot title.
One-Pocket, isn’t Jayson’s game of choice tho,’ he is vastly improved. He doesn’t quite have the “moving” skills yet, but his pin-point position play, compounded by his fire power, compensate admirably.
Years ago, when Jayson first entered the DCC One Pocket event, Danny Diliberto had asked him, “Do you play One Pocket?”
“No. I’ll just run out,” he answered naively.
That’s exactly what he did, to Olson–3 times! In 16 minutes he was registering his win at the tournament desk.
Shaw’s self confessed secret is that he’s been working 8 hours a day on his game. Isn’t that a normal day’s work for a fair day’s pay?
In addition, he smashed Dee Adkins’, recently mentioned, fastest Bank’s match record by about 10 minutes.
Mika wasn’t having his best DCC day either. He’d traded strokes with Tyler Styer to end up at the buy-back booth.
Then, speaking of “I’ll just run out,” he got down 2-0 to Joshua Filler. “So I started to grind him, got even, and then made a simple position error to hand him the match!” He’s now practicing 9-Ball.
In other action, Tony Chohan didn’t escape Pagulayan’s prowess. Django got Cliff Joyner, who’s gone, and Lunda sent Olinger to the booth at 3-1.
A funny thing happened with that match. Lunda had gotten distracted and was gazing at action on an adjacent table. Olinger was composing a sweet run-out when he ran afoul of an obscuring ball. Making a valiant attempt, he missed. That left 2 balls hanging in both their pockets.
Evan made a gallant effort at caroming on one of Alex’s balls while cross-banking the other to combo a ball in his pocket. His soft stroke was too soft and it hung in the lip.
“Why did you do that?” Alex questioned. “You were straight in on your ball.”
“I didn’t see it,” laughed laid-back Lunda.
Olinger joked, “I thought I was gonna learn a new move.”
DIAMOND 9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP
Players meeting was at noon, Wednesday.
Don’t miss a stroke at accu-stats.com
Accu-Stats thanks its Arena Sponsors: Diamond Billiards, Simonis Cloth, Cyclop Balls, Cuetec Cues, Cue and Case, MEZZ Cues, McDermott Cues, National Billiard Academy.
Keith McCready with Scott Frost and Shannon Daulton (Photo courtesy of Dave Thomson-Mediumpool.com)
Derby City Classic XX, January 19-27, 2018
LIVE from the Horseshoe Southern Indiana Casino, Elizabeth, IN
DCC ONE POCKET CHAMPIONSHIP
393 entrants have been depleted to 9.
Shannon Daulton is the man with the momentum. By Round 11, he had a buy-back and had gotten a bye!
At press time, those 9 players were still in action.
Bustamante and Bergman, who like Daulton is undefeated, were dueling in the Accu-Stats TV Arena. Chohan was jousting with Orcollo, as was Jeff DeLuna with Justin Hall. Billy Thorpe was contending with Warren Kiamco who had given Bustey his first loss by dispensing a blistering 8-and-out and 9-and-out!
Earlier, like in a flashback, Billy Thorpe and Alex Pagulayan had clashed in the TV pit in a near repeat performance of last year’s finals.
Alex, drained, then had to fade his 3-0 defeat as he entered into combat with Kiamko who calmly put him out of his misery.
Joshua Oneal waved bye-bye to Brumback who had been sent to buy back by Orcollo. Dennis had been given his first loss by the unshakable Billy Thorpe.
Jayson Shaw put a dent in Deuel’s hopes before Orcullo disposed of him. DeLuna had leveled Corey’s first loss.
Justin Hall, while quietly slipping up the ranks, ended Alcano’s aspirations as Ronnie had done to newly inducted One Pocket Hall of Fame member, Jeremy Jones.
Justin Hall delivered Kiamco to the buy-back booth as Bustey had to Tony Chohan.
It’s around this time that the All-Around Championship points enter into the equation. They are, currently, too close to tell, yet, with his 120 for first in Bank Pool, Corey remains a contender.
Due to scheduling delays created by the sheer volume of competitors, the Semis and Finals originally planned for Thursday evening will be broadcast on Friday.
Visit Accu-Stats.com for match times.
DCC BANKS RING GAME
The highly entertaining, 6 players, “all-in,” action packed short-rack Bank game, hosted by banking living legend, Truman Hogue, is not to be missed. Schedule permitting, the festivities should begin around 8 pm Friday..
DCC 9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP
363 entries are well underway and, with no player draws of distinction, we begin with a road story.
When there are 363 players from far and wide, you can’t know them all. There lies the caveat: Not knowing your opponent can cause confusion, just ask, Dan Koste.
Tony Chohan walked over to his designated table and presumed that the player practicing was his match.
“It’s you and me,” he said.
When Tony was ahead around 7-2, Josh Roberts approached the table. Well-aware of who Chohan was, he inquired of his opponent, “Are you Dan Koste?”
“I am,” Dan replied. “Well, you are supposed to be playing me.”
“Oh,” said Dan, secretly relieved as he pondered the score beads. Tony, always a gentleman, quietly excused himself from the match. Roberts proceeded to administer similar punishment as Chohan.
6 women are in contention, including World Champions Karen Corr and Loree Jon Hasson, pro tour players Allison Fisher, Kelly Isaac, Stacy Sinclair and, the recently wed Mrs. Pia Filler: Congratulations to her and Josh on tying the knot just after the Mosconi Cup.
Other than that, there is not much to report. Friday and Saturday will be jam-packed.
LIVE 9-Ball Play continues at Accu-Stats.com
Accu-Stats thanks its Arena Sponsors: Diamond Billiards, Simonis Cloth, Cyclop Balls, Lucasi Custom, MEZZ Cues, McDermott Cues, National Billiard Academy, and Samsara Cues
The George Fels Memorial Straight Pool Challenge And, after 4 full days of scrambling for tables, waiting patiently for someone to miss, the top 8 high-runs recorded were:
Dennis Orcollo, 227, who tied Jayson Shaw’s Historical record.
Unfortunately, as the top 8 high-run finishers were still in both the One Pocket and 9-Ball events, it was deemed impossible to schedule the hours it would have taken to complete the event.
The 8 players opted to split the $22.300 tournament prize money.
ONE POCKET HALL OF FAME DINNER
On Wednesday, Jan 24th, Jeremy Jones and the late Eugene “Clem” Metz were honored for their propagation of the chess game of pool, One Pocket.
There are no more opposite personalities than the precocious and boisterous, living legend Keith McCready and the more subdued and suave Charles “Country” Martin. Both, deservedly, were honored with the “Lifetime Pool in Action Award!
One Pocket Hall of Famers Shannon Daulton and Scott Frost entertained the sold-out crowd with their personal encounters with the honorees as they anchored the evening’s festivities.
1998 One Pocket Champion Jeremy Jones, proved he was more than a “mover” when, in 2003, he captured the US Open 9-Ball Championships and earned membership on the Mosconi Cup’s Team America.
Jeremy praised the infamous Jersey Red as his primary mentor and thanked Johnny Archer for guiding him to compete on the pro tour. “If you want to improve, that’s where you need to be,” Johnny advised. Jones took the journey and, with his acquired knowledge of both action and tournament play, became one of the game’s great communicators.
Pat Fleming, whom Jeremy also acknowledged as inspiration, was aware of Jeremy’s One Pocket prowess and invited him to compete in the 2016 Accu-Stats “Make It Happen” One Pocket Invitational.
During conversation, Fleming observing “Double J”’s communication skills invited him into the booth. His clearly stated concepts of pool’s most abstruse discipline determined that he return to commentate with Danny Diliberto on the 2017 “Make It Happen” 8-Ball and 14.1 Invitationals. Jeremy’s contribution to the Accu-Stats Vimeo On Demand series is more than commentary, it’s instruction.
Jeremy ended his stint at the podium by recalling a simple statement that had a lifetime effect. While under the tutelage of Jersey Red, Jones committed a one pocket cardinal sin, he had lost concentration and scratched. “Scratched?” said Red, “One time, I didn’t scratch for 8 years!” That’s a good mentor.
On a more somber moment, Mr. Incardona’s son Anthony’s untimely passing was honored by a minute of silence.
One Pocket Hall of Fame creator Steve Booth, always delving into history for the most deserving inductees, discovered Charles “Country” Martin.
His smooth demeanor, compounded by sartorial elegance allowed “Country” to gain trust wherever he went. Billy Incardona had heard many a tail of the impeccably dressed, spit-polished shoes, Italian knit sweater swagger of the handsome Martin.
“He was perhaps the smartest gambler ever. His six-figure wins were legendary. Country was clearly one of pool’s very special characters.”
He didn’t always play. He, for example, discovered Cisero Murphy and backed him on the road.
Martin was more than a gambler, he was a winner. Who else would invest the money made wagering and put his daughter, Sonya, through college.
“My father was my hero,” beamed Sonya.
Eugene “Clem” Metz, born in 1931, was renowned as one of the most patient safety players on the planet. Referring to the new breed of brash, like Ronnie Allen, he asserted he would “…stick all those hustlers in the shit house.”
Billy Incardona was invited to comment, “I didn’t know him too well but the word was that he was considered the best player in the world.”
Booth had then introduced Metz’ son Donny who thanked the room for honoring his father. “My dad always stated that,”You don’t have to be the best player, you just have to be the best game maker.”
Eddie Taylor, considered to be the greatest bank player ever, always left broke.
Game making is everything.
Let’s hear what McCready has to say.
“You always have to find a way to get the money.”
From about 10 years old, that was what it was all about from him.
Danny DiLiberto told the story of when one of the few days he was in school, for security, Keith asked the gym teacher to hold some money for him. The wad would have choked the proverbial horse. The story goes that they thought he was a drug dealer and he never went back.
Others, realizing his talent, took him on the road when he was 15. He, soon, fell into the improvised post “Hustler,” drink on, drug out, 70’s culture.
Sure, he attended tournaments but rarely entered. He went there to make games.
“You always have to find a way to get the money.”
He’s reputed to have matched up with Fats. They are cut from the same cloth: Hold their attention ’til you hold their money; Never let them think that you took it, make them feel that they gave it to you.
He was immortalized in The Color of Money with his line, “It’s like a nightmare, isn’t it.”
Taking the podium, Mary Kenniston shared when, in her pool room in Vegas, “He’d bring in these cute girls and tell them he was a movie star.” She’d put on the movie and propagate the myth.
By the 90s, battered and bruised by drugs and booze, he fell off the radar.
Rumor had it that he met a girl.
He resurfaced on Facebook. He maxed out at 5,000 “friends.” It’s no surprise, really: Keith McCready–social media mogul.
And here he is, now 60, honored as one of the greatest game makers of all time.
Maybe, there’s an extra C in Keith’s surname. Maybe, it should be McREADY. Never known to shy away from action, last night from the altar, he woofed at anyone in the building to step up. “I’m ready. Are you?
“I can look at the guys in here right now, I got games for all of them.
“I have my millionaire lawyer with me. He has told me to go right ahead.”
Tuning in to a more serious note, Keith acknowledged that he had a really good woman behind him, ”And, without her, I might not even be here, right now.”
McCready’s life became a veritable disaster. To survive, he certainly had to clean up his act. “I’ve been drug-free for 13 years. I quit smoking 4 1/2 years ago,” he paused and reflected fondly, “And it’s all because of her.”
Keith continued that in life there were always four or five guys that don’t really agree with what you do then, you have the 95 guys who love you like a brother so, I’m so happy to be here and thank you all for being here.”
Nothing has changed, “I got about 18 more hours here and, me and my big lawyer here, we’re ready. So get it together!”
He then signed autographs and reminisced with old friends who made the trip just to be with him. He also made a lot of new ones before wandering off into the night.
Bustamante won the lag and broke strong, forcing Thorpe to go for a bank, which he missed. He left Bustamante with an easy shot, which he made and used to open the stack. He then artfully worked his way around the balls on his way to an opening run of 8 and out.
In game 2 Bustamante was in a trap, made a ball for Thorpe, but sold out. Thorpe then ran 5 before failing to get difficult shape, and left the table leading 6-0. Bustamante trapped Thorpe, who answered with a short rail bank, then missed the gamewinner. Thorpe made one for Bustamante and now led 7-1. Bustamante made a trick shot, banking a ball across the table three times into his pocket! He ran four more to close to 7-6. He went after a pinch long rail bank, missed, but made the ball in another pocket. It spotted and Thorpe, with the cue ball on the end rail, cut it in!
The score: 1-1.
After some defensive maneuvers Thorpe left Bustamante with an easy cut down the short rail with an angle for going into the stack. Bustamante took full advantage as he sliced it in, spread the balls, and ran to as simple bank, which he made, to run 8 and out, taking a 2-1 lead.
Bustamante opened the scoring with a bank/combo, found a dead ball, and ran 7 plus one for Thorpe’s side. Thorpe made a bank, missed, and left Bustamante a thin cut. He made it to win the game, 8-2 while taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the race to four.
In game 5 Thorpe tried for a bank, but got kissed out and left Bustamante a shot. He ran four before running out of shots after a break shot failed to produce a shot. In a subsequent turn Bustamante made a dead ball, then hung a double table length bank. Thorpe made a bank, then missed one, leaving Bustamante with three super easy shots for the win. The score: 8-2 and 4 game to 1. Bustamante is now 1-1 while Thorpe dropped to 0-2.
Reyes opened the scoring with a backcut bank, made one more available shot, then played safe. Reyes played a long distance offensive kick, but left Roberts with a shot – and he responded with a five ball run before missing close on a bank. Reyes lagged it in and Roberts now led, 6-2. Roberts fired in a bank off the third diamond, then made a straight in to win the first game.
In game 2 Roberts made a tough combo, then took a ball out of Reyes’ pocket. Reyes answered with a double bank. 1-1. Roberts made a bank, followed to the end rail and made another bank to lead, 3-1. Roberts made a combo and now led 5-1. A long shot off the end rail and a thin cut by Reyes narrowed the gap. After a Robert’s safety Reyes gambled on a combo, missed, and left a shot. Roberts made it, but fouled. So the score remained at 5-3 Roberts. Roberts made a carom shot, but failed to play shape. 6-3. So, after a couple of safeties, the six remaining balls were now up table – which spells safety time! Reyes made a long and thin cut with inside english leading to shape on an easy bank, and he now trailed, 6-5. After several safeties Roberts made a two railer that Incardona called “A ten.” He reached the hill with a 7-5 lead. Reyes fouled and now trailed, 7-4, then he missed a bank and left Roberts a long shot which he rolled it in to win game 2, 8-4. 2-0 Roberts.
In game 3 Reyes made a ball but failed to play position. Roberts rolled a bank in front of his pocket and Reyes softly kicked it in. Reyes had fouled, but he then hung a ball and Roberts made it. The score: 1-1. Roberts made another one for Reyes. 2-1 the Magician. Roberts pocketed a long thin cut, then a dead ball before missing to take a 3-2 lead. Reyes made a hanger for himself, then one for Roberts – so it was 4-3 Roberts. Reyes made a bank and one more, then missed a makeable shot after jumping up. Reyes now led 5-4, but he left Roberts a shot and he ran three to moved ahead, 7-5. Roberts misplayed a safety and Reyes ran three and out to win, 8-7
Reyes played what looked like a fine three ball take out, but he left Roberts a bank, which he made, igniting a run of 8 and out – the final ball being a superbly struck cross corner bank. Roberts now led in the match, 3-1.
Roberts made a billiard, then played a safety. He then made a spin bank and one more to lead, 3-0. Reyes misplayed a bank and made it for Roberts! Roberts then ran four and out to win the match, 4-1. Both players are now 1-1.
Bustamante won the lag, but quickly found himself in trouble after a strong move by Van Boening. He tried a take-out shot, but accidently made a ball for Van Boening, and compounded his troubles by leaving Shane with an easy shot. Van Boening ran six balls before missing a tricky combo on the game ball. A could of innings later Bustamante left game ball in front of Van Boening’s pocket, and he made it to win game 1, 8-0.
Van Boening deposited a bank, then played safe. Bustamante made a super tough long backcut, but was rewarded by making one for Van Boening, who now led 2-1. As a consolation, he did lay down a strong safety. A couple of turns later Van Boening answered a poor safety with a short rail bank, then went on to run six and out. He now led in the match, 2-0.
Van Boening was forced to kick at a ball in front of Bustamante’s pocket, missed the mark, and left a shot. Bustamante ran three, then played safe. Van Boening attempted a take-out and again left Bustamante with a shot. Bustamante ran another three to go ahead, 6-0. Van Boening banked a ball in front of his pocket and Bustamante followed through one ball and made the hanger! It was now 6-1. Van Boening double kissed a bank and Bustamante made a short rail bank, and now led, 7-1. Van Boening made an easy long railer, then, on his next turn three more banks (none were easy) and a long slice to close the gap to a single ball at 7-6. Bustamante put a ball near his pocket, but Van Boening removed it. Van Boening sliced a ball across the table in front of his pocket and Bustamante had to make it for him – 7-7!! Then, after all of this work, Van Boening tried for a double bank, sold out, and Bustamante fired in the gamewinner!
Bustamante played a super aggressive safety, left Van Boening with a shot – and he missed! Bustamante sank one, but came up empty on a break shot, and led, 1-0 with the balls now spread all over the table. The time: 8:03.
Van Boening lagged a bank in front of his pocket. Bustamante then gambled on a combo, made it, and then tried to masse in Van Boening’s ball. He missed it, and left Van Boening with a shot in the jaws. Shane ran five to take a 5-2 lead. But he left Bustamante a long shot, which he made – before selling out after missing a bank. Van Boening made one to go ahead, 6-3. Bustamante missed a bank and Van Boening made a ball from behind the head string before missing game ball. Bustamante ran three to pull to within a ball at 7-6. Bustamante made a long rail bank on a ball that was spotted, tying the score at 7-7, then pocketed the last ball. Van Boening took a foul and now trailed, 7-6! Van Boening made a short rail crossover bank to tie the score, 7-7, then made the 15th ball in the far corner – and it spotted up. At this point both players made an all-out effort to not lose – resulting in a gazillion safeties. Honestly, I have no clue as to how or why this one will ever end. The time: 8:41. “I should have been counting the safes,” said Danny Diliberto. “This has gotten personal,” said Billy Incardona. Then the crowd goes nuts when Bustamante almost makes a two railer. At 8:51 Van Boening got a shot at a tough long rail bank and made it to win this marathon, and to go ahead, 3-1.
Bustamante got the first shot and ran four before losing position and leaving Van Boening with a shot. Big mistake. Van Boening ran seven, then barely missed the match winning bank – but he now led. 7-4. A few turns later all of the balls were up-table, suggesting another marathon could be coming. But Bustamante barely missed a long rail bank and Van Boening made a sharp back cut to win the game, 8-4, and the match, 4-1. He is now 3-0 while Bustamante fell to 1-2.
Thorpe opened with a difficult carom before playing an aggressive safety. Thorpe kicked for a ball in front of Pagulayan’s pocket, but failed to make it and Alex made only one ball. The score: 1-1. Thorpe went for another carom but missed this time and Pagulayan ran seven and out.
Thorpe broke, but Pagulayan left a ball in front of his own pocket and Thorpe pocketed it. Pagulayan took a foul and the game was again scoreless – then he took yet another one. Thorpe attempted a bank, missed, and left Pagulayan with shot. He made only one and then missed a bank. Thorpe ran four to lead, 4-0. Pagulayan made a tough backcut, then played safe, but left Thorpe with a thin cut that he spun in. He played safe, but left Pagulayan with a bank, which he hung in the jaws. After Thorpe made it for him, Thorpe now led, 5-2. He made a bank and two cut shots to win the game, 8-2.
Thorpe fouled. Pagulayan then slammed in a bank and made one more before failing to execute a simple position play. He now led, 2 to -1. Thorpe made a crossover bank and three more to move ahead, 3-2. Several innings later Thorpe hung a bank and Pagulayan made it for him. 4-2, Thorpe. Pagulayan unluckily left Thorpe a shot on the short side far up the table, and Thorpe added two balls to his score. Thorpe made a billiard and now led, 7-2. Pagulayan made a long rail bank, then a long backcut to cut into Thorpe’s lead. Thorpe closed out the game with a super tough cross table bank in which the ball hit the side rail six diamonds up on the opposite side of the pocket. He now led the match, 2 games to 1.
Pagulayan committed a foul and left Thorpe with a shot. He took full advantage by running 8 and out to reach the hill with a lead of 3-1.
Pagulayan was in a tough spot and took a foul, and then another. Thorpe made one for Pagulayan and now led, 0 to -1. Thorpe fouled, so both were now owed a ball. Pagulayan ran four, and now led, 3 to -1. Thorpe made a difficult bank, then ran four more to take a slim 4-3 lead. He did leave Pagulayan with a crossover bank, and he made it and three more before slamming home a game winning long rail bank. Thorpe now led in the match, 3-2.
Thorpe scored first to lead. 1-0. He then made a ball near Pagulayan’s pocket, so the score was tied at 1-1. Thorpe fouled when playing a soft kick shot. Pagulayan hung a bank, leaving Thorpe with a golden opportunity to run balls. He responded with four, then made Pagulayan’s hanger – and now led, 4-2. Thorpe fouled, following a ball into the corner. Pagulayan took ball-in-hand and ran four before failing to separate a cluster – so he left the table leading 6-3. Pagulayan made a clutch crossover bank to reach game ball, but missed it – badly! Thorpe ran only two before playing poor position, and then missing a triple tough cross table cut. So, Pagulayan now led, 7-5. He barely missed a three rail bank. Thorpe made a super difficult cross table cut, but failed to take out the ball, so Pagulayan won the game, 8-6, tying the match at 3 games each.
Thorpe missed a bank and left Pagulayan an easy shot. He broke the balls, they opened well, and he proceeded to run 8 and out. His record improved to 2-1 while Thorpe fell to 0-3 is the first player to fall out of the chase for the title.
SPONSORSHIP
Ivan Lee and Simonis Cloth are sponsoring this coverage. For more information of Simonis Cloth and Aramith balls, please visit their web site at:
For the 10th edition of our MIH series, six super-talented professional players were selected to compete in this year’s Accu-Stats’ “Make-It-Happen” One-Pocket Invitational. They are:
This four-day event will again be staged at Sandcastle Billiards in Edison, New Jersey in the Aramith/Simonis TV Arena. These events only work because supporters like you purchase “Make-It-Happen” packages which finance the entire production. As always, 100% of the support money goes into the event. Accu-Stats takes nothing.
The six players’ airfare and lodging are taken care of, and there are no entry fees. Usually, players are out of pocket about $2,000 at most pro events after paying for their airfare, lodging, and entry fees. At our “Make-It-Happen” events, the players get a free ride . . . LIKE THEY DESERVE! They only have to focus on pocketing $1,000 for each win.
All races will be to four games on a 9’ Diamond Pro-Am Table with Simonis 860 Cloth and Aramith Balls. The round-robin format has everybody playing everybody else. Every match is of “finals” caliber. After playing five matches each, the two players with the best won-lost record will advance to the finals for the title and another payday.
Every match is played in the TV arena. Whether you are there live, watching live on the Internet, viewing DVDs, or logging on to Vimeo, you won’t miss a single match. Each one is covered in its entirety with our legendary expert commentators Bill Incardona and Danny Diliberto.
Accu-Stats needs your support to “Make It Happen”. We are not asking for donations or sponsorships. We’re offering a bundle of products and services with a retail value in excess of $500 at a special price of $300. You may even share in the $1,000 “Won-Lost Challenge” prize being awarded to the two supporters who predict the most winning matches.
Go to www.accu-stats.com for more information and see what you’ll get by supporting this event. Don’t hesitate to call me personally at 973-838-7089. You can “Make It Happen”.
This four day event will be staged at Sandcastle Billiards in Edison, New Jersey in the Aramith/Simonis TV Arena. These events only work when supporters purchase “Make-It-Happen” packages which finance the entire production. As always, 100% of the support money goes into the event. Accu-Stats takes nothing.
The six players’ airfare and lodging is taken care of, and there are no entry fees. Usually, players are out of pocket about $2,000 at most pro events after paying for their airfare, lodging, and entry fees. At our “Make-It-Happen” events, the players get a free ride . . . LIKE THEY DESERVE! They only have to focus on pocketing $1,000 for each win.
The races will be to ten games on a 9’ Diamond Pro-Am Table with Simonis 860 Cloth and Aramith Balls. The round-robin format has everybody playing everybody else. Every match is of “finals” caliber. After playing five matches each, the two players with the best won-lost record will advance to the finals for the title and another payday.
Every match is played in the TV arena, so whether you are there live, watching on the Internet, or viewing the DVD later, you won’t miss a single match. Each one is covered in its entirety with our legendary expert commentators Bill Incardona and Danny Diliberto.
For more information about this event, go to accu-stats.com and see what you’ll get by supporting this event. Cash prizes totaling $1,000 will also be awarded to our contest winners. Don’t hesitate to call me personally at 973-838-7089. You can “Make It Happen”.
With less than a month to go, the “Make-It-Happen” One-Pocket Invitational is one step closer to crowning a champion. On June 2-5, 2016, these one-pocket superstars will play in a round robin format. Everyone will play everyone else! The two players with the best won-lost record will play one more match for the title. Bill Incardona and Danny Diliberto will provide the play by play.
This is Accu-Stats’ third one-pocket invitational in its “Make-It-Happen” series. This special event invites six players with an all expenses paid trip and no entry fee. Each player wins $1,000 for each match won. The only way that this is even possible is with the help of supporters who purchase the “Make-It-Happen” package. 100% of the support money goes into the four day event. Accu-Stats takes nothing.
The tournament will be staged in the Aramith/Simonis Arena at Sandcastle Billiards in Edison, New Jersey. All of the matches will be played on a Diamond Pro-Am pool table with Simonis Cloth and Aramith balls. We can’t do any better than that!
Of course, there’s still time to help support this event because we still have a ways to go to generate enough funds. Go to www.accu-stats.com and read about the goodies that you’ll receive or call me, Pat Fleming, at 800-828-0397 and I’ll tell you all about it!
This is the first 10-Ball event in our “Make It Happen” series. The six player field is stunning! Bill Incardona, the Voice of Accu-Stats, and Danny Diliberto will be in the booth for all the action.
There will be sixteen matches. The two players with the best won-lost record after fifteen matches will advance to a “FINALS” match.
This four day event is scheduled for Thursday thru Sunday, December 17-20, 2015 in the Aramith/Simonis Arena at Sandcastle Billiards in Edison, New Jersey.
An Accu-Stats “Make It Happen” Event
Discipline is 10-Ball: Race to 13.
Six Players: As always, everybody plays everybody. All matches are “finals” caliber.
The Format: Single Round Robin – Each player will play at least five matches.
Final Match: The two players with the best record will play one “finals” match.
Shot Clocks: 40 second shot clocks will be in clear view for players and viewers.
The invited players will incur no entry fees, no travel expenses, and no lodging expenses.
Prize Breakdown: The winner of each match will receive $1,000.00.
Accu-Stats will also pay for the production crew’s travel and lodging expenses.
A “car service” will be hired to shuttle players and attendees to and from the airport, hotel, and tournament site at no charge.
A “Make It Happen” supporter will win or share $1,000 in our “Best Won-Lost Challenge”.
A total of six superstars will compete in the 2015 “Make It Happen” 10-Ball Invitational, scheduled for December 17-20, 2015. Three-peat Turning Stone Champion Jayson Shaw was recently invited by Accu-Stats. Four more will be voted in by supporters like you who purchase a “Make It Happen” package. After that, Accu-Stats will invite one more player to fill the field. This will guarantee you a show with six of the best 10-ball players in the world.
This is Accu-Stats’ first 10-ball tournament, and the seventh “Make It Happen” event in the popular Aramith/Simonis Arena series. Considering that the six players pay no entry fee, pay no travel expenses, pay no lodging expenses, and will be guaranteed prize money, the “Make It Happen” event is one the players can’t pass up. The chosen six will play in a round-robin format where everybody plays everybody else.
The only reason this kind of event has succeeded six times, and will continue to do so, is because of those supporters who purchase the “Make It Happen” package. As always, 100% of the support money goes into the event. Accu-Stats takes nothing! This is a home run for six talented 10-ball specialists.
This four day round-robin event will be staged in the Aramith/Simonis Arena at Sandcastle Billiards in Edison, New Jersey. In addition to an all expense paid trip, each player will receive $1,000 for each win and YOU are guaranteed that every match will be of “finals” caliber.
Sixteen matches, all races to thirteen, will be played on a regulation 9-Foot Diamond Pro Am Table with Simonis 860 Cloth and Aramith Balls. The best commentators in the business, Bill Incardona, Danny Diliberto, and Kenny Shuman will provide the play by play.
To find out more, go to accu-stats.com and see what you’ll get by supporting this event. You may even win $1,000 for yourself. Don’t hesitate and feel free to call me personally at 800-828-0397. Only you can “Make It Happen”.
The first qualifier for the 2015 Andy Cloth World Tournament of 14.1 took place Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Red Shoes Billiards in Alsip, Illinois for the 7th straight year. Longtime 14.1 specialists Ron Dobosenski of Wisconsin and Chicago's Bob Cozzolino took the top honors. For the 10th year in a row, qualifiers will be held nationwide for the 75th edition of The World Tournament of 14.1. Players all over the United States will be able to take their chance to win a spot into the grand slam of straight pool! Each qualifier winner will be guaranteed a minimal of 6 round robin matches in the finale main event. The main event will take place once more in New York City. Dragon Promotions is pleased to keep the oldest billiard event in the world alive with the 75th 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 . Official media partners are www.NYCGrind.com , Pool & Billiard Magazine, & tech support by Gotham City Technologies.
Most of the usual suspects were there, but a few out of towners showed up to take a shot at the biggest straight pool event in the world. We had Hal Johns and Peter Hull coming in from Ohio this year and we had Jim Colling making the trip from Texas as well as Ron Dobosenski and Robert Crawford coming down from Madison Wisconsin all for the second straight year. The rest of our 15 man field was rounded out by local guys from the Greater Chicago area.
Ed Latimer, who has been a straight pool fixture in Chicago forever started out with a match against one of the Ohio fellows, Hal Johns. Hal is a straight pool enthusiast who has made trips to Chicago before most notably, whenever Danny Diliberto was in town to give lessons. Hal is an old school player who owns a Balabushka cue. He said he was just getting in the tournament to help support our effort, yet he acquitted himself well, falling just a bit short with Mr. Latimer, 67-100.
Bob Crawford of Madison Wisconsin had been in the Red Shoes Straight Pool League last session, making the 3 hour plus drive twice a month to compete. He had recently made 140 balls in back to back innings, but again, he said he was coming down to help support straight pool in our area. In his first match he bested a young sharpshooter named Chris Medvid, who has been in a few of Red Shoes straight pool leagues, but with a new baby, has had to cut back on his pool playing recently.
Tom Karabatsos who has been playing straight pool forever and is a pupil of Dallas West’s matched up with Ted Antle, who is a great straight pool supporter and is in the 14.1 club this year as well as being a 2016 George Fels Memorial Derby City Straight Pool Challenge sponsor.
Jim Colling of Texas matched up with Vince Crovetti, a local golf pro who has been playing in Red Shoes Straight Pool Leagues, Illinois Billiard Club Leagues, and who has played in other tournaments closer to the Wisconsin Border where he lives for many years. 9Ball Jim, as he calls himself on AZBilliards has been a nine ball player and is a good shooter, but has been transitioning his game to Straight Pool for probably the last 5 years. He boasts a high run of 70, so far. He was able to beat Vince in their opening round.
Rich Klein who has been running most of the straight pool leagues in Chicago, and who is a member of the 14.1 club, and who is a sponsor yearly for the George Fels Memorial Derby City Straight Pool Challenge was matched up against one of the Ohio lads, Peter Hull. Peter Hull is a lawyer from Hinckley, Ohio, who is active in Ohio straight pool circles. He told me he has a pool table and a billiards table in his basement. He ran a 37 en route to dispatching Rich and moved ahead in the brackets.
Yours truly, Dennis Walsh got the dubious honor of matching up with Bob Cozzolino in the first round. Coz, as we call him has already been to the big show three previous times and Walsh has never ever beaten him. Perhaps because it was early or perhaps because he was conserving his strength for later, Coz allowed me to get to 95 before running 7 and out to win his first match.
Ron Dobosenski is from Madison, Wisconsin where he lives with his wife of 39 years. He is a former multiple state and Midwest champion who played numerous professional events in the early 1980s. He is a student of 14.1 Hall of Fame inductee, Frank “Sailor” Stellman and boasts a high run of 211. He is now retired and has started playing again. He met up with Mario Galletti in the first round and was able to emerge triumphant.
The fellow who got the bye in the first round, Joe Klein, was rewarded by getting to meet up with Tom Karabatsos in the second round. Tom has probably played Joe many times over the years and was able to take him down and move forward.
Bob Crawford got to 70 something against Ed Latimer. Jim Colling got to 81 against Cozzolino and Ron Dobosenski was able to beat Peter Hull.
In the next round on the winner’s side, Ed Latimer got to sit in his chair while Tom Karabatsos had two 40 ball runs against him. Bob Cozzolino got ahead of Ron Dobosenski 86-79, but he must have blinked because Ron ended up winner 100-87.
This led to the winner’s side matchup between Ron Dobosenski and Tom Karabatsos. Ron had played Tom twice in last year’s qualifier and Tom had won both games, sending Ron back to Wisconsin. This year, Ron saved his best for last, running 52 and a 28 back to back, winning easily.
Tom then had to wait while me and the rest of the losers had to battle it out on the left side for the opportunity to play Tom for the second spot. There was a lot of commotion over on the loser’s side, but eventually, Bob Cozzolino beat Peter Hull to take on Tom Karabatsos for the final spot. Bob saved his best for last running a 40 and 2 20s on his way to victory.
Last year’s inductee to the 14.1 Straight Pool Hall of fame, Frank “Sailor” Stellman was there watching most of the matches and hand delivering his $250 donation to the 14.1 club to help with the prize fund. As always, John Lavin was the perfect host , making everyone feel welcome and creating a 14.1 oasis in the Midwest that cannot be beaten. Thanks to all of the players and all of the spectators for creating a wonderful Straight Pool Event once again.
The finale qualifier will be held at Amsterdam Billiards in New York City. Amsterdam has been a huge supporter of the World Tournament of 14.1 from the start of its resurrection in 2006 and has held a qualifier every year for 10 years straight, giving them the distinction of being the only billiard room to do so. This has all been due to the enormous generosity of Greg Hunt, owner and founder of Amsterdam Billiard Club since 1989.
These four superstars were voted in by supporters of the “Make It Happen” One-Pocket Invitational scheduled for June 25-28, 2015. They will join two young superstars, Justin Hall and Danny Smith, who were chosen by Accu-Stats.
Although the voting is over, there is still time to say “I made it happen.”
Only the best are invited to “Make It Happen” tournaments:
Efren Reyes: Six Time DCC One-Pocket Champion
Shane Van Boening: DCC and Accu-Stats One-Pocket Champion
Alex Pagulayan: Current DCC One-Pocket Champion
Scott Frost: DCC One-Pocket Champion
Justin Hall: DCC One-Pocket, Banks, and Ring Game Champion
Danny Smith: Respected One-Pocket High Stakes Competitor
This four day round-robin event will be staged in the Aramith/Simonis Arena at Sandcastle Billiards in Edison, New Jersey. Everybody plays everybody and every match is of top echelon caliber.
Sixteen matches, all races to three, will be played on the regulation 9-Foot Diamond Pro Am Table with Simonis 860 Cloth and Pro Aramith Balls. And for the first time, the two players with the best won-lost record will play one more match . . . a Finals match!
The best commentators in the business, Bill Incardona and Danny Diliberto will be providing the play by play.
This is the sixth event in the “Make It Happen” series produced by Accu-Stats. Please go to http://www.accu-stats.com/2015MIH1P.pdf and see what you will receive by supporting this event. Then call me personally at 800-828-0397.
