Josh Roberts (Photo courtesy of Chris Lue, Next Action Media)
James Davis, Jr., “Junior”, of Austin, Texas, went undefeated in a 128-player field, to win the Space City Open VII, open 9-ball title, becoming the second player to win it twice. Josh “The Beast” Roberts not only defended his one pocket title, but finished second in banks, and thirty-third in the 9-ball, earning himself the “All-Around” title, and a hefty $1,500 bonus. First-time competitor, Evan Lunda of Detroit, Michigan, cleaned up in the 32-player, 9-ball banks division, going hill-hill with only a single opponent. In the 32-player, ladies 9-ball, Ming “The Empress” Ng redeemed herself in the second set of the true, double elimination final, securing her second title, and becoming the first, two-time winner in this division. Nine junior players, including eight young men, and one young lady, traveled from across Texas to compete in their very own division. Lazaro “Little Laz” Martinez, III, of San Antonio, Texas, went undefeated in this category, earning the first win in this division debut.
This year’s $7,500 added, Space City Open VII, was held December 6th-9th, 2018, and implemented a number of positive changes, including a $1,500 All-Around bonus, and a seventeen-and-under, juniors 9-ball division. In its seventh year, the “derby-like” event, now hosting five divisions over four days, was also held at a brand new venue. Big Tyme Billiards in Spring, Texas, stepped up to host, generously adding $4,000 to the purse, providing twenty Diamond bar tables and six nine foot tables, on which to compete. Twenty-six, brand new, Cyclop “Zeus” ball sets, and Accu-Racks by Outsville, were provided by Space City. The bar tables were a popular change from the eight foot tables used in previous years (for the open 9-ball division), and the format changes for one pocket and banks were also a huge hit. These divisions were still held on nine foot tables, but in a single elimination format as opposed to double, and the consensus was clear. Players loved the expediency, along with the added pressure and intensity of the “one-and-done” arrangement. For the first time, all divisions filled, with players on stand-by.
The open 9-ball division presented a monstrous, challenging field, played on the great equalizer; the bar table. On the road to victory, James Davis, Jr. defeated Matt Williams, Charlie Bryant, 9-8, Evan Lunda, 9-8, and Shelby Green, 9-5, to reach the winners’ side final eight. Espinosa logged wins over Angelina Dean, 9-1, Marshal Ward, 9-2, Eric Aicinena, 9-4, and Victor Rojas, 9-7, while Danny Smith defeated Mike Landry, 9-2, Colton Berzins, 9-1, John Morra, 9-5, and Mike Alonzo, 9-8. Jamie Baraks made quick work of Beto Cavazos, 9-3, Rick Moreno, 9-3, David Thomas, 9-7, and Shane McMinn, 9-4. Houston’s Andy Jethwa passed Grady Cooper, 9-1, Mark Galicia, 9-5, Sylver Ochoa, 9-8, and Corey Flud, 9-6. Richie Richeson ousted Alan Myers, Jerry Miller, 9-8, David Chow, and Billy “Big Tyme” Sharp, 9-4, while Alex Calderone overcame Chase Wheeler, 9-2, Ricki Casper, 9-6, Aaron Springs, 9-7, and Germany’s Can Salim, 9-8. On the one loss side and in the money, Kenneth Price upset Chris Robinson, 7-5, and bested Flud, 7-7, while Morra topped Curt Sheldon, 7-3, and Shelby Green, 7-2. Bryant subdued Angel Mentzel, but fell to Sharp by the same score, 7-2. Galicia upended Aicinena, 7-4, but fell to Salim, 7-2, while Moreno won an impressive five matches, ousting Springs, 7-3, and Rojas, 7-4. Following a second round loss to Morra, Ernesto Bayaua made a phenomenal comeback, securing five matches, including wins over Derek Fontenot, 7-3, and Poon, 7-0. Jesus Atencio, on a similar mission, marked up five on the one loss side, among the ruins, Reginal Samples, 7-1, and Alonzo, 7-5. Jimmy Krone racked up five victories on the one loss side, but was stopped by Ochoa, 7-4. Ochoa was taken out by McMinn, 7-6, wrapping up top sixteen action. Back on the east side, Espinosa throttled Perez, 9-1, Baraks triumphed over Smith, 9-7, while Davis, Jr. snuck by Jethwa, 9-7, and Calderone inched by Richeson, 9-8. Espinosa squeaked by Baraks, 9-8, and Davis Jr. served it up cold to Calderone, 9-4. The hot seat match-up marked an Austin-area shoot-out, and a short-lived set for Espinosa, who sustained his first blow from Davis, Jr., 9-5. On the west side, Morra took a stand, ending Price, 7-3, and Perez, 7-2, while Salim took out heavy hitters Sharp, 7-3, and Smith, 7-2. Bayaua recorded his seventh win on the one loss side, ending Moreno, 7-1, and Jethwa, 7-3. Ochoa finished off Atencio, 7-3, but fell to Richeson, 7-5. Salim went on to defeat Morra, 7-5, and Calderone, 7-3, while Bayaua buried Richeson and Baraks, 7-3. Bayaua registered his ninth win, but no more. Winning the case game against Bayaua, Salim secured his sixth win, and slid into third place. Espinosa was ready for Salim, but got off to a slow start. At a 6-3 deficit, Espinosa came back to win, 7-6, earning himself a second shot at Junior, and the title. Once again, Espinosa found himself in troubled waters, as Davis was in perfect rhythm with the table, and couldn’t be denied. Davis Jr. surged to a 9-3 win, and his second 9-ball title since the inception of Space City.
In the one pocket division, Josh Roberts took no prisoners, eliminating Charlie Bryant, Jamie Baraks, and Chris Robinson, 4-3, while Alex Calderone defeated Greg Trent, Jim McCary, and Sylver Ochoa, 4-2. Local favorite, Richie Richeson, defeated Marc Garza and Manny Perez, by the same score, 4-1, and John Morra, 4-1. Ernesto Bayaua rounded out the final four, booking wins over Bobby Roland, Aaron Springs, 4-3, and Evan Lunda. In the final four round, Roberts shut-out Calderone, 4-0, and Richeson slid past Bayaua, 4-3. For the first time, Richeson found himself at the end of the board, facing the defending champion. The pressure was on, as both players were in close running for the All-Around bonus. In the final, numerous games came down to the case ball. The fans were treated to an offensive juggernaut; a display of maneuvers and banks, not soon forgotten, but even the creativity of the venerable Richeson, was not enough. With an accounting of two, eight-and-out runs, Roberts was up 3-2, with one ball remaining in game six. Following an unforced error by Richeson, Roberts took it home, along with his second, Space City Open one pocket title.
Evan Lunda was in charge of the banks. The Detroit product eliminated Jim Walker, 4-0, Danny Smith, 4-3, and Jose Barbosa, 4-1. His upcoming challenger, Shane McMinn, took out Mike Alonzo, Gail Eaton and James Davis, Jr. by the same score, 4-2. Josh Roberts overwhelmed Marc Garza, 4-1, Kent Berthelot, 4-0, and John Morra, 4-1, while Richie Richeson completed the final four, with wins over Bret Harlan, 4-0, Jamie Baraks, 4-2, and Justin Hall, 4-3. Lunda ended McMinn, 4-2, and Roberts robbed Richeson, 4-1. Lunda and Roberts found themselves in their first, banks final, vying for new milestones; Lunda, aiming for his first title, and Roberts, going for first-time champion of two different divisions. Lunda’s casual style showcased epic moves, and wowed spectators as he banked his way to victory. He shut out Roberts in the final of the single elimination schedule, 4-0, to win his first Space City Open title.
On Sunday morning, thirty-two women started battling it out in the ladies 9-ball division. The 2013 ladies 9-ball division champion, Ming “The Empress” Ng, began her trek with wins over Terri Resendez, 7-2, two-time ladies 9-ball champion, Gail “Virginia Slim” Eaton, 7-6, and Kim “Texas Heat” Pierce, 7-1, as Robyn Petrosino plowed through Ruth Paine, 7-0, Brittany Kromer, 7-3, and Teresa “Princess of Pool” Garland, 7-1. Yvonne “Casher” Asher made her way to the cash, defeating Karen Reilly, Tam “MZ Tam” Trinh, 7-3, and Jillian Nickerson, 7-6, while Ricky “The Ghost” Casper, drifted past Matty Sword, 7-1, Sara Bork, 7-3, and Hopey “Hurricane” Lawrence, 7-2. Ng went on to shut out Petrosino, 7-0, and Casper stopped Asher, 7-4. In the hot seat match, Ng emerged victorious over Casper, 7-4. On the one loss side and in the final eight, Pierce and Eaton shut out Garland and Nickerson, respectively, 5-0. Pierce derailed Asher, and Eaton eliminated Petrosino, moving into the final four. Eaton went on to eliminate Pierce, 5-0, and Casper, 5-4, to meet Ng in the finals. Ng, going for her second title, and Eaton, searching for her third, battled to the bitter end. In the first set, Ng simply couldn’t get it together, and Eaton was on fire, taking the first set, 7-1. Following a five minute break, the second set got underway. This time, Ng took her turn, beating Eaton 5-3, to win her second, Space City Open title.
Nine players, seventeen and under, competed in the inaugural, juniors 9-ball division. Lazaro Martinez, III, aka “Little Laz”, outplayed April Gonzales, 5-2, and Alex Fonseca bested Jonathan Cortez, 5-1. Jacob Gonzales beat John Benavides, but fell to Kyle Yi, while Gabriel Martinez passed Nathan Garay, 5-1. Martinez, III logged a third win against Fonseca, 5-2, and G. Martinez ousted Yi, for a brother versus brother, hot seat match-up. G. Martinez denied his brother, and awaited his final opponent. On the one loss side, and in the final six, Fonseca eliminated Garay, and Yi overcame Benavides. Yi eliminated Fonseca, but fell to Martinez, III. Once again, “Little Laz” faced off with brother, Gabriel, in the final. The final told a different story, as Little Laz overwhelmed Gabriel, 5-2, 5-3, to win his first Space City Open title.
Space City Open VII goes down in the record books as the most successful one to date. “I have no words for the outpouring of support from the Texas pool community. Even with the last minute venue and format changes, the event over-filled. Billy Sharp and Deborah Sharp of Big Tyme Billiards came through for all of us” commented Kim Newsome, Space City Open Founder and Director. Space City Open extends a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone involved in the production of this event; John Newsome and Johnny Gonzales of Eagle Plumbing who sponsored the $1,500, All-Around bonus; staff members Kim Newsome, John Newsome, Erica Hanlon, and Chuck Adams who managed every facet of the event; Ceferina Ramirez and Ruth Paine for their contributions; Mike Fabacher with Southern Streaming who provided a free, four-day live stream; Chris Lue of Next Action Media, whose photographs captured the essence of the event; sponsors Roger Schuett with the APA of North Harris County, Mike McDonald of VaporKnightsUSA.com, Poison by Predator Cues, Cyclop Pool Balls, Chris Renfro with Outsville Billiards, Charlie and Heather Bryant of Brutal Game Gear, and David Taylor and Teresa Garland with Houston Best of Billiards; vendors Jerry Olivier Cue Repair, Joe Salazar Connoisseur of Custom Cues, Arthur Politte with Qxtender.com, Darrold Stiehl with Champions Cues, and Brutal Game Gear.
Finally, Space City would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the players who support this event, year in and year out. Without the players, none of this would be possible.
Space City Open is one of the biggest billiard events in Texas, and is held annually, the first week in December. For more information, visit www.SpaceCityOpen.com.
Will Felder took down the Poison Lone Star Billiard Tour’s amateur 9-ball division, winning his first amateur title since 2013, while Manny Chau secured his third open division win this year. Felder faced off with Brian Rosenbaum, losing the first set of the true, double elimination final, 5-4. Following a first round loss, Rosenbaum came back to win an astounding eight matches to meet Felder in the finals. In the second set, Felder overcame Rosenbaum, ending his streak, and clenching the division, 5-4. In the open 9-ball division, Manny Chau took a third round hit, and won eight in a row to meet hot seat winner, Chase Rudder, in the finals. Chau overcome Rudder in both sets, by the same score, 7-2.
On Saturday, August 26th, 2017, Hurricane Harvey’s torrential downpours inundated the Houston area. Due to the potential for flooding, this Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour event was concluded in one day, instead of its customary two days, to ensure players would not have to brave flood waters on Sunday. Bogies West in Houston, Texas, hosted another first-rate event, along with tour title sponsor Poison by Predator Cues PoisonBilliards.com, and sponsors Cyclop Pool Balls facebook@CyclopPoolBalls, Ozone Billiards OzoneBilliards.com, APA of North Harris County facebook@APANorthHarrisCounty, OutsvilleBilliards.com, and Realtor Jimmy Jenkins.
As the winds kicked up on Saturday, the amateur and open 9-ball divisions kicked-off. In the amateur 9-ball division, Felder fended off Brian Humphrey, Pablo Trinidad, 5-1, and newcomer Foots Ferguson, 5-1, while Lake Jackson’s Jason Galetka ousted Randy King, C.J. Escalera, 5-1, and Chuck Adams, 5-4. Sonny Bosshamer bested James Costello, Jerry Cook, 5-4, and David Chow, while J.C. Torres sought to defend his title, blazing through Shelby Green, Viet Do, 5-3, and Alan Myers, 5-3. As the final four on the winners’ side took shape, the one loss side was full steam ahead. Brian Rosenbaum took a first round hit, and came back to win eight matches, securing wins over Cook, 5-1, Alan Martin, 5-0, and Ferguson, 5-0. Myers eliminated James Costello, 5-2, Green overcame Chow, and Rivera eliminated Adams, rounding out the final four players on the one loss side. On the winners’ side, Torres made quick work of Bosshamer, 5-1, while Felder slid by Galetka, 5-4. On the west side, Rosenbaum booked his third 5-0 victory over Rivera, then ended Bosshamer, 5-4. Myers defeated Green, 5-3, but fell to Galetka, 5-4. East side action witnessed Felder secure the hot seat over Torres, 5-3. Rosenbaum made his way to the finish line, eliminating Galetka and Torres, by the same score, 5-4. Felder prepared for what he knew was going to be a tough battle. Rosenbaum added an eighth notch to his tournament belt, besting Felder in the first set, 5-4. A resilient Felder stepped back up to the plate, and came with it, ending Rosenbaum’s run, 5-4. Congratulations to Will Felder on another long-awaited title!
In the open 9-ball division, Chase Rudder was on his way, logging wins over Will Felder, 7-2, and J.C. Torres, 7-0, while Waco’s Doug Young overwhelmed Jason Galetka, 7-2, and Foots Ferguson, 7-1. Brian Rosenbaum defeated Brian Humphrey and David Chow by the same score, 7-5, while Ernesto Bayaua hit Erik Renteria, 7-2, Manny Chau, and Alan Myers, 7-4, finalizing the final four on the winners’ side. Following a second round blow at the hands of Bayaua, Chau came back to win a total of eight matches, including wins over Viet Do, 7-1, and J.C. Torres, 7-1. After a first round upset at the hands of J.C. Torres, Richie Richeson came back to win three in a row, eliminating Shelby Green, 7-6, Humphrey, 7-2, and Ferguson, 7-3. Felder made a run, taking out Marcus Flores, 7-6, and Alan Myers, 7-6, while Tom Rehm powered through Erik Renteria, C.J. Escalera, 7-4, and David Chow. Down to the final eight, on the winners’ side, it was Rudder over Young, 7-3, and Bayaua over Rosenbaum, 7-4. Rudder went on to defeat Bayaua for the hot seat, 7-2. On the one loss side, Chau rolled over Richeson, 7-0, and Rosenbaum, 7-1. Felder ended Rehm, 7-6, but fell to Young, 7-5. Chau overcame Young, and Bayaua, 7-0, to meet Rudder in the finals. Needless to say, Chau was on fire, blasting through Rudder the first set, 7-2. In the second set, Chau soared to the finish line, 7-2. Congratulations to Manny Chau on his win, and third open division title of 2017.
The tour would like to recognize its 2017 sponsors and venues: Poison by Predator Cues, Cyclop Pool Balls, Ozone Billiards, APA of North Harris County, Outsville Billiards, and Realtor Jimmy Jenkins. This year, the tour welcomes back Texas venues Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar (Houston), Bogies West (Houston), Skinny Bob’s Billiards (Round Rock), and brand new venues, Fat Racks Sports Bar and Billiards (San Antonio), and CK Billiards (Dallas).
Without the nearly 300 players who attend Poison Lone Star Tour events, annually, production of this tour would not be possible. The tour would like to thank each and every player for their participation, whether it’s one event, or every event year round. It is because of your patronage, that the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour celebrates its 9th birthday this year, serving players across Texas and in surrounding states. The tour welcomes everyone back for the next event, to be held on September 30th-October 1st, at Bogies Billiards, 3040 FM 1960 E., in Houston, Texas. The full 2017 schedule is published at www.LoneStarBilliardsTour.com. The Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour encourages everyone who loves to play pool and compete in a friendly atmosphere, to attend an event. “Like” us on Facebook @LoneStarTour and “Follow” us on Twitter @LoneStarTour09.
Round Rock’s Justin Espinosa clenched his third, consecutive amateur 9-ball division title on the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour, defeating Hiro Nakahara in the second set of the true, double elimination final, 5-0. Espinosa now joins an elite list of fellow tour players whose game has drastically improved on tour, and have graduated to the tour’s prominent “Open Division Player List”. In the open 9-ball division, an undefeated Manny Chau racked up his second win of the year, overcoming Chase Rudder in the final set, 7-2.
On June 10th-11th, 2017, Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar in Houston, Texas, along with tour title sponsor Poison by Predator Cues PoisonBilliards.com, and sponsors Cyclop Pool Balls facebook@CyclopPoolBalls, Ozone Billiards OzoneBilliards.com, APA of North Harris County facebook@APANorthHarrisCounty, OutsvilleBilliards.com, and Jimmy Jenkins Realty , facilitated another successful event for Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour players. The tour would like to thank room owners David and Shannon Richardson, and their entire staff, for hosting another first-rate event.
In the 41-player, amateur 9-ball division, Justin Espinosa made his way to the final four winners’ side with wins over Tom Rehm, 5-1, Cody Smoke, 5-1, Robbie Salinas, 5-0, and Steve Williams, 5-2, while Jeff Chauncey ousted Will Felder, 5-3, Bill Fuller, 5-2, and Bob “Pittsburgh Flash” Guzik. Doug Gray ousted Gerald Holland, 5-4, Sonny Bosshamer, 5-2, and Robert Cooper, 5-0, while Hiro Nakahara overcame Dave DeVaney, Johnny Cope, 5-0, Robyn Haak, 5-0, and Jim McCary, 5-4. After losing his second round match to Bosshamer, 5-3, Pete Charles came back to win eight matches on the one loss side, including wins over Kevin Johnson, 5-4, Holland, 5-3, Joe Fagan, 5-3, Salinas, 5-0, and Robert Cooper. Bill Fuller terminated Vic Sorto, 5-0, and Richard Hernandez, 5-3, before falling to Jim McCary, 5-3. In similar fashion, Felder sent home Brian Rosenbaum, 5-1, newcomer Red Hutch, 5-0, and Chris Ramoz, 5-3, only to be stopped short by Guzik, 5-3. Bosshamer made his play, ending DeVaney, Chris Rocha, 5-0, and Steve Williams, rounding out the final four on the one loss side. Winners’ side action witnessed Gray fall to Nakahara, 5-1, and Espinosa surge past Chauncey, 5-3. Espinosa was on a roll, and went on to secure the hot seat over Nakahara, 5-1. Back on the west side, it was Guzik over Bosshamer, 5-3, and Charles over McCary, 5-1. Following his seventh win, Charles slid by Guzik, 5-4, but fell to Nakahara, 5-3. This turn of events pitted a rematch for Nakahara, whose only hope to win this event, was to beat Espinosa two sets. Hungry for his first tour win, Nakahara overwhelmed Espinosa the first set, 5-1. Espinosa collected himself, bearing down and winning the second set, 5-0. Congratulations to Justin Espinosa on his third, amateur division title.
In the 39-player, open 9-ball division, Manny Chau began his trek with wins over Kevin Johnson, 7-6, Robyn Haak, 7-2, and Brian Rosenbaum, 7-2, while Waco’s Doug Young bested Robbie Salinas, 7-2, Hiro Nakahara, 7-2, and Jim McCary, 7-5. Chase Rudder defeated Paul Alderete, 7-3, Bill Fuller, 7-1, Justin Espinosa, 7-2, and Joey Torres, 7-3, while Sonny Bosshamer took care of Adam Gomez, 7-3, Jamie Polk, 7-5, and Richard Hernandez. Following a 7-2 upset at the hands of Hernandez, Ernesto Bayaua took charge, eliminating Chris Ramoz, 7-1, Tom Rehm, and Jim McCary, 7-4. Other one loss side action witnessed Espinosa take out Cody Smoke, 7-2, David Chow, 7-0, and Brian Rosenbaum, 7-1. Nakahara was on the comeback trail, blazing through Mike Robles, 7-2, Will Felder, and Hernandez. Guzik made his bid for the final four on the one loss side, logging wins over Fuller, 7-6, Haak, and Richie Richeson, 7-3, until he was halted by Torres, 7-2. Back on the east side, Rudder overcame Bosshamer, 7-5, and Chau made quick work of Young, 7-2. Thirsty for his second tour victory of the year and anxious to regain his number one ranking, Chau overcame Rudder for the hot seat, 7-5. Back on the west side, Espinosa took out Bayaua, 7-0, and Bosshamer, 7-0. Torres tamed Nakahara, 7-6, but fell to Young, 7-6. Young went on to defeat Espinosa, 7-5, only to be put out of commission by Rudder, 7-2. It was a hot seat rematch for the two, heavy hitters. Rudder, vying for his first title of the season, faced off with Chau, who was anxious to repossess his place in the rankings. Chau was focused, and his determination bled through to the table. Rudder was controlled and concise, but couldn’t keep up. Chau closed out the first set, 7-2, taking home his second victory, and enough points to regain his throne in the open division rankings.
Hopey Carter from Shreveport, LA, won the Poison Cue Raffle, taking home a VX Stroke Playing Cue, valued at $239.
Serving pool players, pool rooms, and sponsors since 2009, the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour celebrates its 10th Anniversary in 2018 as the longest-running billiards tour in the south. A special 10th Anniversary Event will be held for players who compete in at least two events between now, and January 1st, 2018. The tour strongly encourages all players to meet the eligibility requirements, in order to gain entrance into this one-of-a-kind tournament. The next tour stop will be held on July 7th-8th, 2017, at Fat Racks Billiards in San Antonio, Texas. This event will feature one, open 9-ball division, open to all players (limited to 64), with the option to pre-pay, online. For more information, please visit www.LoneStarBilliardsTour.com.
Johnny Griffin was the big story at the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour Fall 9-Ball Event, going undefeated in the 48-player, amateur 9-ball division, besting John McDowell in the final, 7-4. Filipino Champion, Edward “Ed” Acaba, captured his 38-player open 9-ball division, defeating Houston’s Blaine Barcus in overtime, 7-6. Congratulations to both players, who captured their first Poison Lone Star Tour event titles!
On September 10th-11th, 2016, Bogies Billiards West, along with tour title sponsor Poison by Predator Cues www.poisonbilliards.com, and sponsors Delta-13 Rack www.delta-13.com, Ozone Billiards www.ozonebilliards.com, APA of North Harris County www.facebook.com/apanorthharriscounty, and Cyclop Billiard Balls www.facebook.com/CyclopPoolBalls, facilitated another successful Poison Lone Star Tour event, procuring a generous $1,000 added to the prize fund, with 86 players in attendance.
In the amateur 9-ball division, Brazoria, Texas, APA franchise owner Johnny Griffin came out firing with wins over Bodie Scott, Chris Young, Jack Cavalier, and Tony Benestante, 7-3. Also on his way to the final four winners’ side, local Filipino player, Rudy Pascal, took down Chris Lord, Josh White, Rafael Garcia, and Brock Temel, 7-1. Sonny Bosshamer made quick work of Steve Williams, 7-4, Bob DeTuncq, 7-3, and Victor Belmares, 7-5, while Marvin Diaz ousted David Chow, 7-4, Teddy Hernandez, 7-4, and Gerardo Alvarez, 7-3. On the one loss side, after losing his first match to Williams, 7-3, John McDowell won four consecutive matches, eliminating Young, Hernandez, Tony Scott, and Alberto DeLeon. Pete Charles was also on the come-back trail, ousting Will Felder and Chris Rogers, while John Murphy took down Rafael Garcia and Chuck Adams, only to succumb to J.C. Torres, 5-3. Cavalier made a run for the money, taking down Jacob Watson, 5-3, and Pablo Trinidad, 5-4. McDowell went on to eliminate Temel and Charles by the same score, 5-4, while Charles ended Benestante. It was Torres over Alvarez, 5-3, and Belmares over Cavalier, 5-4. As the one-loss side, final four took shape, on the east side, Bosshamer bested Diaz, 7-5, and Griffin dusted off Pascal, 7-2. For his seventh, consecutive victory on the one-loss side, McDowell bested Diaz, 5-3, while Torres upset Pascal, 5-1. The hot seat witnessEd Griffin edge-out Bosshamer, 7-6, while McDowell logged his eighth, consecutive match win against Torres, 5-4. McDowell overcame Bosshamer, 5-2, for a record-breaking 9 consecutive match wins, to meet Griffin in the final. Griffin stopped McDowell just short of the goal line, ending his run in the first and final match, 7-4. Congratulations to Johnny Griffin on capturing his first-ever, Poison Lone Star Tour event!
In the open 9-ball division, world renowned Filipino player, Ed Acaba made his way through the winners’ side defeating Will Felder, 9-8, Doug Young, 9-1, and Amar Kang, 9-6, while Denis Strickland bested Sonny Bosshamer, Jack Cavalier, and Brock Temel, 9-7. Ernesto Bayaua, determined to win his third event of the year, took out Pete Charles, 9-4, Bodie Scott, 9-1, Jacob Watson, 9-7, and Aldo Rosso, 9-3, while Danny Lee overcame Josh White, Chuck Adams, 9-1, and Blaine Barcus, 9-8. On the one-loss side, Young bested Barcus, and Kang eliminated Johnny Griffin, 9-4. Barcus went on to defeat Strickland, 7-6, while Lee upset Kang, 7-5. Back on the east side, hot seat action witnessed Acaba and Bayau, battling it out to the bitter end. An impeccable safety on the one ball, by Acaba, resulted in ball-in-hand, and the demise of Bayaua, 9-8. On the on-loss side, Barcus demolished Lee, 7-1, and followed up with Bayaua, 7-2. After 5 consecutive match wins, Barcus had earned himself a shot at the title. Acaba and Barcus teed off in the finals. The first set was tight and grueling, and play was nearly flawless. Towards the end, Barcus pulled ahead to win, 9-6. In overtime, although Barcus was the first to reach the hill, Acaba emerged victorious, 7-6. Congratulations to Ed Acaba on capturing his first-ever, Poison Lone Star Tour event!
The Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour would like to thank, and welcome all the new players who attended this event. The next PLST stop will be the finale event, on October 8th-9th, 2016, held at Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar, located at 3040 FM 1960 E., Ste. 101, Houston, Texas 77073. The Poison Lone Star Tour encourages everyone who loves to play pool and compete in a friendly atmosphere, to attend an event. For more information, visit LoneStarBilliardsTour.com. “Like” us on Facebook @LoneStarTour and “Follow” us on Twitter @LoneStarTour09.
After a 47-year retirement from pool, 72 year-old Houstonian Jeff Sparks captured his first tournament win since 1972. Sparks went undefeated in the Lone Star Billiard Tour’s 52-player amateur 9-ball division, overcoming Deer Park’s Bobby Pacheco in the final set, 7-6, becoming the oldest player to ever win the amateur division. Pacheco also fought his way through the elite, 44-player open 9-ball division, defeating John McDowell in the finals, 9-3. This was Pacheco’s second, consecutive win on tour, with an amateur division win in July, and now this month’s open division. Congratulations to Bobby Pacheco who will advance to “open” player status in 2016! Kevin Nguyen and Chase Rudder were crowned the 2015 Lone Star Tour Champions, amateur and open divisions, respectively, for their year-end, number one rankings. These players will join the multitude of title-holders in the Lone Star Tour archives, documenting division and tour champions since 2009.
On October 10th-11th, 2015, Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar, along with tour sponsors Poison by Predator Cues www.poisonbilliards.com, Delta-13 Rack www.delta-13.com, Ozone Billiards www.ozonebilliards.com, and the APA of North Harris County www.facebook.com/apanorthharriscounty, facilitated another successful Lone Star Billiards Tour event in addition to a women’s Gulf Coast Tour side-by-side 9-ball event, for players all across Texas and surrounding states, with a generous $1,500 added which drew 96 players and paid out over $9,000 in prize money.
In the amateur 9-ball division, all eyes were on Jeff Sparks, the super-senior pool veteran who came out of retirement to compete in the grueling, 2-day event; the ultimate test in player resolve and stamina. Sparks went undefeated, archiving wins over Will Felder, 7-3, Jack Cavalier, 7-2, Gabriel Romo, 7-5, and Kenneth Price, 7-3. The number one ranked amateur player and strong contender for the 2015 Lone Star Tour Champion title, Kevin Nguyen, kept his eye on the prize, logging wins over Logan Tunnell, 7-1, Tom Welch, 7-6, Chuck Adams, 7-6, Jesse Langston, 7-3, and Bobby Pacheco, 7-3. On the one loss side, after a first round loss to Jonathan Poon, 7-2, Mike White won an impressive five consecutive matches, with victories over Chance Allison, 5-3, Charlie Jenkins, 5-1, Ron Wrobleski, 5-2, Jack Cavalier, 5-2, and Bob Eaton, 5-0, before falling to Langston, 5-4. Welch also blazed through the one loss side, eliminating Keith Keithley, 5-0, Greg Trent, 5-3, Jonathan Poon, 7-0, and Curt Bovenzi, 5-4, before falling to David Chow, 5-1. Lassek ousted Erick Renteria, 5-2, while Romo eliminated Chuck Adams, 5-3. Langston and Lassek overcame Chow and Romo, respectively, by the same score, 5-2. In the next round, Langston found himself on the receiving end, losing to Price, 5-1, as did Lassek, who succumbed to Pacheco, 5-1. The one loss side was down to its final, two players, as Sparks and Nguyen geared up on the west side for a hot seat showdown. In the end, it was age over youth, as Sparks secured the hot seat over Nguyen, 7-4. Pacheco took care of business on the east side, as he finished off Price, 5-1, and dealt payback to Nguyen, 5-4. In the true, double elimination format, Pacheco would have to beat Sparks two sets; the first race to 7, and the second race to 5. Unfortunately for Pacheco, that didn’t happen. Sparks narrowly escaped Pacheco in the first set, 7-6.
Open 9-ball division action witnessed Pacheco defeat Gabriel Romo, 9-4, Will Felder, 9-0, Steve Williams, 9-1, and Erik Renteria, 9-4. Ernesto Bayaua made a strong bid for the hot seat as well with wins over Chuck Adams, 9-1, Lester Foy, 9-4, John Newsome, 9-6, and John McDowell, 9-6. Following a second round loss to tour newcomer, John Lassek, 9-5, Chase Rudder came back to win four consecutive matches until he was eliminated by John Newsome, 7-6. After suffering a 9-3 loss to McDowell in the third round, Lassek went on to eliminate Charlie Jenkins, 7-4, Sonny Bosshamer, 7-5, Steve Williams, 7-4, and Cesar Arechiga, 7-5, until he was ousted once again by McDowell, 7-4. Following a tough battle with Rudder, Newsome overcame Kenneth Price, 7-1, but was eliminated by Erik Renteria, 7-3. While McDowell and Renteria teed off on the one loss side, it was a battle to the finish for Bayaua and Pacheco. Pacheco slid past Bayaua for the hot seat victory, 9-8, while McDowell made quick work of Renteria, 7-2. McDowell went on to eliminate Bayaua, 7-6, setting the stage for a first-time match-up between McDowell and Pacheco. The finalists appeared fresh and full of energy as play commenced. Throughout the set, Pacheco’s ever-increasing momentum overwhelmed McDowell, who found it difficult to gain the least bit of ground. Pacheco captured the first set of the true, double elimination final, 9-3.
New at this event were “live” online brackets, making it possible for players to follow tournament progress on their mobile devices. “The Lone Star Billiards Tour looks forward to implementing new programs for 2016 aimed at increased visibility and value for our venues, sponsors, and players. Online brackets will be accessible through LoneStarBilliardsTour.com, however, we will still use paper charts on-site for our not-so-tech-savvy players and fans” says LSBT founder and tour director, Kimberly Newsome.
The Lone Star Tour would like to acknowledge, and thank, its 2015 venues, sponsors, and supporters: Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar, Bogies West, Skinny Bob’s Billiards, Ariana’s, Poison by Predator Cues, Delta-13 Rack, APA of North Harris County, Ozone Billiards, Derrell Montgomery, Chuck Adams, John Newsome, Roger Allen Cue Repair, James Hanshew Cue Repair, Walter Kelley Cue Repair, and Bobby Garcia at RE Visual Concepts who captured some spectacular action shots during the finale. Special thanks to Teresa Garland and Ricki Casper for assisting with the online brackets and raffle ticket distribution for the Poison “players only” free raffle. Congratulations to Lone Star Player John Lassek who took home a brand new Poison Jump Cue, just for participating in the event!
The next event big event on the Texas tournament calendar will be the Space City Open IV, December 3rd-6th, 2015, held at Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar, 3040 FM 1960 E., Ste. 101, Houston, Texas, 77073. For more information, visit www.Facebook.com/SpaceCityOpen or email SpaceCityEvent@gmail.com. Space City live streaming will be featured at www.SpaceCityOpen.com.
The Lone Star Billiards Tour would like to thank all of the players who participated this year, and encourage everyone who loves to play pool and compete in a friendly atmosphere, to attend a Lone Star Billiards Tour Event. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.LoneStarBilliardsTour.com. Please “Like” us at www.Facebook.com/LoneStarTour and “Follow” us at www.Twitter.com/LoneStarTour09.
Former U.S. Amateur National Champion Ernesto Bayaua decimated the 55 player field at the Poison by Predator 8-Ball Tour Event (PxP Tour) held this past Saturday, September 6th, 2014, at the brand new Bogies Billiards West located in northwest Houston. Players hailed from Austin, Victoria, and San Antonio to compete in the 8-ball event that wrapped up in one day and paid out a generous $3,410. The PxP Tour is title sponsored by Poison by Predator Cues, www.poisonbilliards.com and players enjoy using the Delta-13 rack, www.delta-13.com, official rack of the PxP Tour.
It was all business for Bayaua, taking down former Lone Star Tour Champion Andy Jethwa in the final, 4-1. It seemed like a difficult road for the veteran PxP player, but he handled it in stride. Bayaua bested Lupe Sanchez, 4-3, Blaine Barcus, 4-2, and Mike Alonzo, 4-1 while Ferrer went through Wendell Moser, 4-0, and newcomers Floyd Amador and Benny Nava, 4-3, 4-1, respectively. Alex Cardenas made his way to the final four winners’ side with wins over David Taylor, Danny Lee, 4-2, and Mike Singleton, 4-1. Jethwa took out Sonny Bosshamer, 4-1, David Chow, 4-0, and Manny Chau, 4-2. The next winners’ side round saw Bayaua beat Ferrer, 4-1, and Jethwa overcome Cardenas, 4-1. As the hot seat shaped up, the one loss side was well underway. Sylver Ochoa, who suffered a first round upset at the hands of Mike Singleton, 4-3, went on to win four consecutive matches until he was stopped by Joey Torres, 4-2. Torres, who suffered an early 4-2 loss to Chau, pressed on to the final four, but suffered a final blow by Lee, 4-2. Barcus and Chau faced off with Chau advancing, 4-2. Cardenas eliminated Lee while Chau made quick work of Ferrer. Back on the east side, Bayau took down Jethwa and secured the hot seat, 4-0, while Cardenas fell victim to Chau by the same. Jethwa tore through Chau, 4-1, for another stab at Bayaua. Jethwa, no stranger to the pressures of tournament play, brought his usual intensity and focus to the final table. After an unforced error by Bayaua, a struggling Jethwas secured his first game, bringing the score to 2-1. Despite his best efforts, the powerhouse Bayaua was simply too tought to overcome. Bayaua secure the next two, consecutive games, securing his first PxP Tour victory of the season, 4-1.
Congratulations to Houston’s own Michelle Yim who took home $50 for “Top Lady” finisher and Frank Ferrer, Jr. who won the Poison VX cue raffle!
Many thanks to Bogies Billiards West owner David Richardson, GM Stephanie Verron and staff, for hosting another first rate event. To find out more about Houston’s newest pool room, visit www.facebook.com/bogiesbilliardswest.
The final PxP Tour Event will be held November 1st, 2014, at Bogies Billiards & Sports Bar located at 3040 FM 1960 E., Houston. For more information, visit www.PxPTour.com.
Manny Chau, Jim Henry (room owner) and Jason Pearce
The Tiger Tour stop #3 of the season was changed at the last minute to a new venue Big Tyme Billiards , and we had 55 players show up, as there was some APA event going on the same day it took some of our players, but anyhow we played it down to the final 3 and they finished up along side the second chance event on Sunday. I will update you to the final 12 spots, all of whom cashed.
The winners side final 4 pitted Jason Pearce against Ernesto Bayaua and it was a thriller and the final score was 9-8, on the other half of the winners side Manny Chau put on an exhibition against Jason Brown, Jason won the lag and that was the end of him basically, after not getting out the first rack Manny cleaned the table, then Jason did not see the table again until the score was 8-0, Manny laid down a 7 pack on him. The final score of this match was 10-1. This matched Manny up against Jason for the hot seat match, Manny had to give up 2 games to 10 and the final score was 10-7 in favor of Manny.
Toe round of 7/8 saw 2 hill hill matches and in a very unlikely finish we saw some crazy stuff in the case game as Sonny B got by Derek and on the other half Gus nudged Brian R.
The round of 5/6 Ernesto oust sonny B and Jason B. sent Gus packin. This setup the final 4 and Ernesto got by Jason B. pretty handily. Now the final of the one loss side pitted Ernesto gettting a rematch with Jason P. and as before these 2 played a very close match but in the end the result was the same, Jason P came out on top to advance and get a shot at Manny in the finals.
The finals was a close one and in the end Manny squeaked out a hill hill win, giving up the 2 game spot. Congrats to both players on a great run.
The Second Chance Event on Sunday had 20 players in it. The top 4 spots got paid and those results are below, this is a handicapped event also. 1st- Victor Rojas $330, 2nd- Will Felder $245, 3rd- Chase Rudder $165 and 4th- Brent Thomas $80
We would like to thank everyone for playing and expect to see everyone at our next event April 21-22 at Bogies Billiards. Also Mike Gulyassy will be on hand at this event for all your cue repair needs and he always brings a big assortment of cues to sale. So come check out what hes got.
Thanks to all of our sponsors that make these events possible:
Ricky “The Rocket” Hughes Wins Stop 2 On The Tiger Tour Texas
The Tiger Tour held stop #2 of the season at Slick Willies off of Dairy Ashford on Westheimer on the weekend of Feb 18/19th . The event drew 90 players, not bad after event 1 of the season drew 96, I think everyone is liking the new handicap system we put into play. So this event was played down to the final 16 players on Saturday whom would come back to fight it out for the cash on Sunday.
Winners side final 8 matches included Andy Jethwa getting by Jason Pearce 9-5, current BCA open champion Mike Alonzo knocked Cesar Arechiga west by a score of 9-7, Ricky Hughes got by Chuck Adams 8-1, and Tom Wallace won 9-3 over John McGarvey. Now in the final 4 portion Ricky Hughes won a thriller over Tom Wallace 8-7, and Mike Alonzo sent Andy Jethwa packin 9-4. This setup the hot seat match next between Machine Gun Mike and Ricky The Rocket, Mike had to give Ricky 2 games on the wire to 9 and the score ended up being 7-2 in favor of Ricky.
The round of 9/12 saw Jason Pearce end Joey Torres run 9-4, Sylver ended Cesars run 9-6, Ernesto 9-4 over Chuck, and Bobby G. 9-1 over john Mcgarvey.
The round of 7/8 had Sylver cruising past Jason P 9-1 and Ernesto squeaked by Bobby G 9-7.
The round of 5/6 had Sylver getting by Tom Wallace 9-4 and Andy handily over Ernesto 9-2. This set up the final 4 match on the one loss side with Andy facing off against Sylver, it was a great match and in the end Sylver won his 7th match in a row on the one loss side by a score of 9-7.
Now the one loss side finals had Sylver against Mike, and Mike put on a show here as he was getting a 1 game spot from Sylver and he blanked him by a score of 8-0. Wow.
The finals is now set and it is Ricky The Rocket hughes on the winners side against Machine gun Mike Alonzo, Ricky gets a 2 game spot to 9, and this match was game for game all the way to 7, which brought the end with the final score being 7-7. Congrats to Ricky Hughes.
The Second Chance Event on Sunday had 26 players in it. The final 6 with payouts are listed below.
The Tiger Tour Texas formely the Tiger Amateur Tour last season kicked off its new season January 21-22nd at Big Tyme Billiards in Spring,Tx. This event is now open to all players, but with a handicapped format and it drew 96 players to the main event and another 20 in the Second Chance Event for a total of 116 entrants and the total prize pool of $12,170. The handicaps range from C, C+, B, B+, A, A+, AA, AAA.
The event kicked off Saturday with 96 and was played down to 24 players whom all made the cash. We had 16 come back on the one-loss side and 8 on the winners side. The winners side matches went like this: Rodney Stewart(B+) over John Conkin(B+), Richard Rodriguez(B) over Wendell Moser(B), David Chow(B) over Sonny Demetro(A), and Bobby Gonzales(A) over Yoko Joe(B+). This left 4 on the winners side and Richard got by Rodney in one semi-final and in the other semi-final Bobby snuck by David. This pitted Bobby against Richard for the hot seat match and it came down to hill hill with Bobby going to 9 and Richard to 7, in the end Richard got the nod.
So now the round of 13/16. Cesar got by Ronnie F., Jerald sent young gun J.C. Packin, Brian ended the run of Top Woman Belinda, and Ty in his usual form squeaked by Leon.
The 9/12 round saw these matches. Cesar ousted Yoko, Sonny D. blasted Jerald, Brian squeaked by Wendell, and Ty won a hill hill thriller against John C.
The 7/8 round matches were Cesar(B) kept rollin and got by Sonny D(A)., and Brian(A) got by Ty(A).
Next was the 5/6th round matches and Cesar Arechigas(B) strong run came to a crazy hill hill close as Houdini got the miracle win here, and yes it was a miracle. On the other side Brian(A) ended a deep run by David Chow(B). Good job Cesar and David.
The 4th place match was a rather quick one as Brian Rosenbaum(A) wasted no time in sending Rodney “Houdini” Stewart home. Great run Rodney.
This left the final 2 on the one loss side and it was two (A) players about to do battle in the race to 9 to see who would get to the finals. In the end it was a tight match but Slow N Low Bobby Gonzales got the nod and the chance at a rematch with the guy whom defeated him earlier.
The finals: Richard Rodriguez(B) the winner of the hot seat would have to play the man he defeated earlier hill hill Bobby Gonzales(A), and at the end of the first set it was another thrilling hill hill match and Bobby got the nod. These two decided to split the money at stake and flip for the title and points, Bobby got the nod and was the season opener champion. Congrats to both players, they both played great.
The Second Chance Event drew 20 players with $250 added, and it paid 4 spots. At the end of this eevnt it saw sharp shooter and hose pro (AA)Billy Sharp take it down, second went to Blaine Barcus(A), third was Victor Rojas(A) and fourth was WPBA player Nicole Keeney(B+). The payouts were as follows for this event. 1st- $275, 2nd- $200, 3rd- $140, 4th- $75.
We would like to thank Big Tyme Billiards for hosting the event, Big Tyme is the newest pool room in the greater Houston area, this was the weekend of their 1 year anniversary. Owners Mark Avery, Jim Henry, Bob McFerren and Deb Sharp do a wonderful job.
We would also like to send out a special thanks to all of our sponsors:
The next event of the season will be held February 18-19 at Slick Willies (Dairy Ashford & Westheimer). We look forward to a big turnout at this venue as always.
For more information you can visit the website address at www.TigerAmateurTour.com
