Joey Bourgeois, Jr., of Baytown, Texas, tore through a field of 75 amateur division players, while Houston’s Ernesto Bayaua blazed through the 64-player, open division, in the epic Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour 10th Anniversary Event, held on July 7th-8th, at Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar in Houston, Texas. In the amateur division final, Bourgeois, Jr. beat out number two ranked, Steve Lenz, to claim his first-ever win on the Poison Lone Star Tour, while Bayaua bested number two ranked, Joey Torres, to maintain his number one spot in the open division rankings. Both players went undefeated!

 

The sixth stop on the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour was the “10th Anniversary 10-Ball Event” which marked ten years of Tour tournaments in the Lone Star State. The Tour gave away cash and products totaling $1,500 to its loyal constituents, while new players at this event were entered into a cash drawing. The Tour provided lunch for all the players, including twenty-nine, Gulf Coast Tour ladies. Thanks to host room, Bogies Billiards, title sponsor, Poison by Predator Cues PoisonBilliards.com, and sponsors Cyclop Pool Balls Facebook@CyclopPoolBalls, APA of North Harris County Facebook@APANorthHarrisCounty, OutsvilleBilliards.com, www.VaporKnightsUSA.com, and Southern Streaming, this event amassed 85 Poison Lone Star players, and a $12,330 payout.     

 

In the amateur division, Joey Bourgeois, Jr. made his way to the final four on the winners’ side with victories over Jose De LaCruz, Joel Acevedo, 5-4, Jance “L.J.” Johnson, 5-1, and Dallas’ Clint Palaci, 5-3, while Steve Lenz made his bid, securing wins over Jamie Cantrel, John Braud, David Williams, 5-3, Chris Young, 5-3, and Aaron Springs, 5-2. Resident player, Chuck Adams, denied Sonny Bosshamer, C.J. Escalera, Adam Cooper, 5-4, Bob Guzik, 5-4, and Chad Reece, 5-4, while Randy Nickerson ousted Todd Hinson, Bob DeTuncq, 5-4, Jack Cavalier, 5-0, Dale Briones, 5-3, and recent event winner, Michael Pickering, 5-1. On the west side, following a first round loss to Dallas’ Shane Hvamstad, Cesar Arechiga racked up seven wins to reach the final sixteen on the one loss side. Bosshamer benched Beaumont’s Carl Honey, 4-0, but fell short to Chris Young, 4-3. Hinson also took a first round hit, but came back to win six matches, positioning himself in the final sixteen, while Bret Harlan reached the final twenty-four, and in the money, but was denied by Marshal Ward, 4-2. Tony Scott squeezed into the first money round, but fell to Hvamstad, 4-3, while Laredo’s David Leal won five, including a win over Guzik, 4-3. Newcomer, Brandon Stewart, booked four wins on the one loss side, including a victory over Briones, 4-3, while Josh Pruiett paved his way to the final twenty-four, but lost to Kevin Frauenberger, 4-1. While the final eight took shape on the west side, on the east side, Nickerson made quick work of Adams, 5-1, while Bourgeois, Jr. powered through Lenz, 5-1. Back on the one loss side, Arechiga bested Young, 4-2, and Reece, 4-3, while Hinson took care of Ward, 4-3, and Pickering, 4-0. Leal slid by Hvamstad and Springs by the same score, 4-3, while Stewart defeated Frauenberger, 4-1, but was ousted by Palaci, 4-1. Hinson overwhelmed Arechiga, 4-0, and Palaci moved past Leal, 4-3. In the hot seat match, Bourgeois, Jr. took down Nickerson, 5-2, securing his first-ever, hot seat win. Seeking redemption, Adams eliminated Palaci, 4-3, and Lenz ended Hinson’s run, 4-2. Lenz overcame Adams, 4-1, and Nickerson, 4-2, to reach a final reckoning with Bourgeois, Jr. Once again, Lenz proved no match for Bourgeois, Jr., who cruised to his first Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour victory, 5-1.

 

In the open 9-ball division, Ernesto Bayaua was on role, dominating Kelly Kilgore, 6-2, Justin Pena, 6-0, Adam Cooper, 6-0, and Steve Lenz, 6-3, while Manny Chau cut through Mike Wilson, Chase Rudder, 6-0, Chuck Adams, 6-2, and Cesar Arechiga, 6-0. Aaron Springs stopped David Ramos, Sonny Bosshamer, 6-2, Seth Gonzales, 6-2, and upset Alex Calderone, 6-5. Joey Torres , Joey Bourgeois, Jr., 6-2, Carl Honey, 6-3, and Joel Acevedo, 6-3. As the winners’ side final four took shape, the one loss side was winding down. Kevin Frauenberger took out Hvamstad, 5-2, but fell to Calderone, 5-1, while Bob Guzik ended Sonny Bosshamer, 5-3, and Acevedo, 5-2. Chase Rudder ousted Tommy Tokoph, 5-4, but was upset by Steve Lenz, 5-0. Pena edged out Bobby Perez, but fell to Arechiga, 5-3. It was down to the final eight. On the east side, Bayaua bested Chau, 6-4, and Torres tore down Springs, 6-2. The hot seat pitted two, successful Houston players, witnessing Bayaua handily win the hot seat, 6-2. On the west side, Calderone ejected Guzik, 5-0, but lost to Chau, 5-1, while Arechiga slid by Lenz, 5-4, only to be ousted by Springs. While Springs upset Chau, 5-4, Torres took him out, earning himself another shot at Bayaua. In the final match, Torres came on strong, but Bayaua was on point, pulling ahead to win his fourth open division title this year, 6-4. 

 

The Tour would like to thank Monique Ferguson and John Newsome who assisted with running the boards, and recognize Jimmy Weeks of Lufkin, Texas, and Mike Pawloski of Willis, Texas, for being top contributors to the player auctions. Finally, the Tour would like to congratulate all of the free giveaway recipients. Mike Wilson of Corpus Christie won the Poison AR3-2 playing cue, Laredo’s Gerardo Alvarez took home a Poison VX jump cue, and Houston’s Rudy Sanchez won the Poison break/jump cue. Tommy Tokoph and Todd Hinson won Cyclop Pool Ball Sets (Zeus), and Doug Gray, C.J. Escalera, Roy Alonzo, and Richard Stuart snagged Outsville Accu-Racks. Carl Honey collected $50 in Brutal Game Gear, and Thomas Madison took home the Superbowl gear.

 

The next event will be 9-ball on 9’ tables, to be held August 4th-5th, 2018, at Skinny Bob’s Billiards, located at 300 Hester’s Crossing, in Round Rock, Texas. This same weekend, there will be a Women’s Gulf Coast Tour 9-Ball Event, two days, on open bar tables, beginning Saturday, August 4th, at 11:00am. The women’s event is non-smoking. For more information, visit www.GulfCoastWomensTour.com. 

 

For more information, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.LoneStarBilliardsTour.com.

Justin Pena of Kyle, Texas, took down the Poison Lone Star Billiard Tour’s amateur 9-ball division, winning his first-ever, amateur title, while Manny Chau secured his fourth, open 9-ball division win this year. Pena went undefeated, overcoming Austin’s Floyd Smith in the final set, 5-4, while Chau also went unchallenged, ousting Alex Calderone in the first set of the true, double elimination final, 7-6.

 

On October 14th-15th, 2017, the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour held its tenth stop of the year at Bogies West in Houston, Texas. The tour would like to thank Bogies West and staff, 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, for their continued support.

 

In the amateur division, Justin Pena took no prisoners on his way to the winners’ side final four. Pena hit Jeremy Byrd, 5-2, and Pete Charles, 5-2, while Bill Fuller tagged Brian Rosenbaum, 5-4, and Floyd Smith, 5-1. Will Felder chipped away, booking wins over Freeport’s Alan Myers, 5-1, Austin’s Mark Smith, 5-1, and Bobby Broussard, 5-1, while Chuck Adams overwhelmed Creed Aumaugher, 5-0, and Jimmy Jenkins, 5-2. On the west side, Smith secured five matches, including wins over Robbie Salinas, 5-1, and Charles, while Myers claimed an equal number of victories, eliminating Chris Ramoz, 5-3, Byrd, Jenkins, 5-1, and Rosenbaum, 5-1. Back on the east side, Fuller fell to Pena, 5-4, and Adams overcame Felder, 5-3. The hot seat match featured two, brand new participants, both vying for their first hot seat win, and a possible a tournament victory. Pena overpowered Adams, 5-3, earning himself a ticket to the finals, while Smith ended Felder, 5-0, and Myers depleted Fuller. Smith went on to extinguish Myers, 5-3, and Adams, 5-1, for a shot at Pena. In the final set, Pena powered through, sliding by Smith for the win, 5-4. Congratulations to Justin Pena on his first, amateur division title!

 

In the open 9-ball division, Manny Chau was on fire, securing wins over Jimmy Jenkins, 7-5, Alex Calderone, 7-5, and Kevin Guimond, 7-3. Marc Garza was also on his way to the winners’ side final four, ousting Alan Myers, 7-1, Thomas Madison, 7-2, and Jeremy Byrd, 7-3. Ernesto Bayaua bested Mark Smith, 7-2, Robbie Salinas, 7-5, and Shelby Green, 7-4, while Will Felder defeated Brian Humphrey, 7-1, and Austin’s Justin Espinosa, 7-5. On the west side, Calderone was on the comeback, eliminating Chuck Adams, 7-0, Brian Rosenbaum, 7-2, and Espinosa, 7-6, while Pete Charles took out Chris Ramoz, 7-6, Madison, and Green, 7-3. Guimond ended Bill Fuller, 7-5, while Tom Rehm reigned over Jenkins, 7-5, Salinas, 7-6, and Byrd. As the final four on the one loss side took form, east side action witnessed Chau defeat Garza, 7-4, and Bayaua blast Felder, 7-3. Chau overcame Bayaua, 7-4, for the hot seat win. On the opposite side of the bracket, Guimond rounded up Rehm, and followed up with Felder, 7-2, while Calderone canned Charles and Garza. Calderone went on to eliminate Guimond and Bayaua, marking up an impressive seven wins to meet Chau in the finals. In the final set, Chau ended Calderone’s run, 7-6. Congratulations to Manny Chau on clenching his fourth, open division title of 2017.

 

Long-time tour player and supporter, Chuck Adams, secured his highest finish to date at this event (third). Chuck began competing on tour just prior to its official start in 2009, making him one of the longest-running, tour competitors to date. The tour would like to congratulate Chuck, and recognize his years of dedication to the tour, and the sport of billiards.

 

The tour would like to thank each and every player for their participation, whether it’s one event, or every event year round. The final event of the 2017 season will be held October 28th-29th, at CK Billiards and Bar, 9247 Skillman, #105, Dallas, Texas, 75243. If you are unable to make the final stop of the year, we look forward to seeing you next year. The 2018 schedule, and details about next year’s 10th Anniversary Event, will be published at www.LoneStarBilliardsTour.com.   

J.C. Torres took the open 9-ball division by storm, going undefeated to win his first title on the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour. Torres bested Brian Rosenbaum, 7-4, in the first set of the true, double elimination final, to claim his first-ever, tour victory. In the amateur 9-ball division, Pete Charles found himself face-to-face with J.C. Torres in the final match, who had the opportunity to do what only one player has accomplished in the 9-year history of the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour; win both divisions at the same event. Unfortunately for Torres, an undefeated Charles took the first set, 5-3, along with Torres’ chance to break the 9-year record.

 

On April 1st-2nd, 2017, Bogies West 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 Realtor Jimmy Jenkins, facilitated another successful event for the players of the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour. 

 

Open and amateur 9-ball division action kicked-off Saturday afternoon, and brought back the final 16 on Sunday. In the open 9-ball division, Eric Charlton was on his way with wins over Viet Do, 7-1, Justin Pena, 7-6, and Matt Cash, 7-0, while Pete Charles defeated John Newsome, 7-2, Bobby Perez, 7-5, and Justin Pena, 6-4. Steve Williams bested Brian Rosenbaum, 7-5, Jesus Sorto, 7-4, and Jerry Cook, 7-3, while J.C. Torres ousted Chuck Adams, 7-1, Aldo Rosso, 7-1, and Yogi Salinas, 7-1. On the one loss side, Rosso was eliminated by Cash, and Rosenbaum blew past Justin Pena, 7-4. Final four winners’ side action witness Charlton defeat Charles, 7-4, while Torres overcome Williams, 7-5. The hot seat match was a hill-hill thriller, with Torres capturing his first hot seat win in the open division, 7-6. On the west side, Williams eliminated Rosso, 7-4, and Rosenbaum ended Charles, 7-2. Rosenbaum went on to defeat Williams, 7-3, and Charlton, reaching his first open division final. Both Torres and Rosenbaum were vying for first-time wins, and following a grueling day of match play, both players were feeling the strain.  They traded game for game, until Torres pulled ahead to close the set, 7-4, winning his first Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour division title!

 

In the amateur division, Pete Charles logged wins over Erik Renteria, Shane Thompson, 5-2, and Yogi Salinas, 5-1, while Steve Williams ousted Chuck Adams, 5-0, Jimmy Jenkins, 5-1, and Jerry Cook, 5-2. Bobby Perez came on strong with wins over Kane Thompson, 5-1, Matt Cash, 5-3, and Bill Fuller, 5-4, while J.C. Torres defeated Thomas Madison, 5-3, David Taylor, 5-3, and Eric Charlton, 5-2. As the final four on the winners’ side took shape, the one-loss side was heating up. Reaching the final four on the one loss side, Charlton eliminated Chris Rocha, 5-4, while Justin Pena ended brother, Jacob Pena, 5-4, and Fuller, 5-2. Newcomer Jesus Sorto dominated Aldo Rosso, 5-2, but lost to Yogi Salinas 5-2. After losing to Fuller in the third round, 5-4, Rosenbaum found his rhythm, eliminating Viet Do, Matt Cash, 5-1, and Jerry Cook, 5-3. It was down to the final eight, and winners’ side final four action was underway. Charles took care of Williams, 5-2, while Torres dominated Perez, 5-0. Torres put up a tough fight for the hot seat, but was taken down by Charles, 5-3. Back on the west side, Pena eliminated Williams, 5-3, and Rosenbaum scored his fifth straight win over Perez, 5-3. Pena ended Rosenbaum’s run, 5-2, but fell to a determinEd Torres, 5-2. The final match was an all-too familiar scene for Torres, with Charles taking the lead following a couple of unforced errors. Charles closed out the final set, 5-3, clenching his second, Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour, amateur division victory.

 

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 May 6th-7th, 2017, at Skinny Bob’s Billiards, located at 300 Hester’s Crossing, in Round Rock, 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.  

Former Junior World Championship contender, Jacob Watson, came from behind to claim the 35-player open 9-ball division, his first-ever open division win on the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour. After losing the hot seat match to Eric Charlton, 7-6, Watson fought his way back, ousting Charlton in the finals, 7-0, 7-5. Watson reached yet another milestone in his short, but successful playing career, winning his first open division title which accompanies two amateur division wins, this year.  New on the scene, Eric Charlton mad a big splash in both divisions, taking home his first title in the 31-player, amateur 9-ball division, coming from behind to defeat Pete Charles in the finals, 5-4, 5-2. Charlton also finished second in the open, and took home $1,630 for his $80 investment!

 

On March 18th-19th, 2017, Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar (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 Realtor, Jimmy Jenkins , 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 open 9-ball division, Watson made his way to the final four winners’ side with victories over L.J. Johnson, Duane Bryant, 7-6, and Jerry Cook, 7-4,while Richie Richeson overcame Johnny Lawson, Doug Young, 7-5, and Will Felder, 7-3. Tour newcomer, Eric Charlton, bested Justin Pena, Doug Gray, 7-6, and Aaron Springs, 7-4, while Brian Rosenbaum defeated Ruben Montelongo, Mike Palowski, 7-5, and Steve Williams, 7-3. On the one-loss side, after a first round loss at the hands of Bryant, Pete Charles won six consecutive matches, including wins over Palowski, 7-1, Thomas Madison, 7-6, and Cook, 7-4. After a first round loss to Jake Polendo, Yoko Joe went on to eliminate Damion Manning, 7-1, Duane Bryant, 7-3, Robbie Salinas, and Steve Williams, 7-2. Charles overcame McCary, 7-3, while Springs ended Joe’s run, 7-6. On the east side, Watson sent Richeson west, 7-5, while Charlton made quick work of Rosenbaum, 7-4. Hot seat action witnessed an intense, showdown for the books, as Watson and Charlton met up once again, this time in the amateur 9-ball division. The set went hill-hill, and in the final game, Watson scratched on the 9-ball, losing 7-6. Back on the one-loss side, Charles eliminated Rosenbaum, while Springs sent Richeson packing, 7-2. Watson took out Springs, 7-5, for a shot at redemption. These two players developed quite a history in just one event. Each competing in both divisions, the score on total sets against one another, coming into this final, was Charlton with (2) two sets, and Jacob, with (1) one set. Watson’s drive was at maximum speed, and his intensity made for great spectating. He dominated Charlton in the first set, 7-0. In overtime, Charlton found his stride, but it was too little, too late. Watson secured the second set, 7-5, winning his third Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour title of 2017. Congratulations to Jacob Watson, who has now earned the right to become an open division player, exclusively.

 

In the amateur 9-ball division, Jacob Watson took no prisoners on his way to the final four winners’ side, defeating Brian Rosenbaum, 5-2, Yoko Joe, 5-0, and Eric Charlton, 5-0, while Justin Pena bested Tom Rehm, Aaron Springs, 5-3, and L.J. Johnson, 5-1. Richard Hernandez was on a roll, securing wins over Gerald Holland, Steve Williams, 5-2, and Mike Palowski, 5-2, while Pete Charles ousted Joey Hatch, 5-1, Doug Gray, 5-3, and Bobby Garcia, 5-2. On the west side, after losing his first match to Aaron Springs, Tony Scott won six consecutive matches, eliminating Jim McCary, 5-2, Hatch, Joe, 5-2, Will Felder, 5-1, Garcia, 5-1, and Palowski, 5-1. Charlton eliminated Chuck Adams, 5-2, and L.J. Johnson, to reach the final six. Back on the east side, it was Pena over Watson, 5-1, and Charles over Hernandez, 5-3. On the one-loss side, Watson took out Scott, 5-2, while Charlton eliminated Hernandez, 5-1. Once again, Watson and Charlton found themselves face to face. This time, the saga played out a bit different, with Charlton dominating Watson, 5-1. In the hot seat match, Charles overcame Pena, 5-0, who was in turn eliminated by Charlton, 5-0. After securing five back-to-back wins, no doubt, Charlton was pumped for the finals. In the first set, a back and forth battle between Charles and Charlton ended in a 5-4 loss for the undefeated Charles. In the second set, Charlton came on strong, dealing Charles his final blow, 5-2. Congratulations to Eric Charlton on his first-ever win on the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour.

 

There were a number of players at this event competing on tour for the first time.  The tour would like to thank all those players and invite them back at every opportunity. Also, congratulations to Jason Harris who won a Poison VX Break/Jump Cue, and J.C. Torres who took home a Poison VX Jump Cue, in the regular event raffle, and free raffle, over the weekend. 

 

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 our 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 Billiards 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 April 1st-2nd, 2017, at Bogies West, located at 9638 Jones Road, 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.  

Once again, former Junior World Championship contender, Jacob Watson, took the 59-player, Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour amateur 9-ball division by storm, defeating Elias Garza in the finals, 5-2.  Watson went undefeated to win his second, consecutive amateur 9-ball division title. Manny Chau came from behind to claim the 53-player, Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour open 9-ball division, after losing his third round match to Justin Whitehead, 7-6. Chau came back to win, besting Whitehead in the finals, 7-1, 7-2.

 

On February 11th-12th, 2017, Bogies West (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 newest sponsor Jimmy Jenkins with the Gibson Realty Group, facilitated another successful  Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour event, procuring a generous $1,000 in added money, and a near $7,000 prize fund. 

 

In the amateur 9-ball division, Watson took no prisoners on his way to the final four winners’ side, defeating Barbara Parker, Michael Pickering, 5-4, Bob Guzik, 5-4, and Mark Cardenas, 5-1, while Elias Garza took down Ruben Montelongo, Chase Wheeler, Hiro Nakahara, 5-4, and Floyd Smith, 5-3. Justin Pena defeated Robyn Haak, Brian Rosenbaum, 5-3, Bobby Perez, 5-2, and Ricky Hughes, 5-3, while T.J. Ortiz ousted Gerald Holland, Matt Cash, 5-4, Robbie Salinas, 5-1, and Steve Lenz, 5-1. Powering through the one loss side, Lenz eliminated Bosshamer, 5-2, Alan Myers fell to Hughes, 5-3, Cardenas took out Boelk, 5-4, while Smith overcame Wheeler, 5-1. Back on the east side, Watson bested Garza, 5-3, and Ortiz made quick work of Pena, 5-1. On the west side, Lenz fell to Hughes, 5-2, and Cardenas was ousted by Smith, 5-1. In turn, Garza sent Hughes packing, 5-2, and Pena ended Smith’s run, 5-1. The hot seat match witnessed a focused Watson overcome Ortiz, 5-3, while Garza plowed through the one loss side. Garza took out Pena, 5-4, and Ortiz, 5-2, for a rematch with the player who sent him to the west side. Watson’s momentum went unmatched, and Garza suffered a final loss at the hands of Watson, 5-2. Watson went undefeated to win his second straight division title on the Poison Lone Star Tour!

 

The race to the final four on the winners' side of the open 9-ball division witnessed Nick Hood defeat Adam Cooper 7-2, Yoko Joe, 7-5, and Marvin Diaz, 7-3, while Justin Whitehead defeated Clay Cates, Lance Johnson, Manny Chau, 7-6, and Bobby Perez, 7–1.  Richie Richeson defeated Denis Strickland, 7-4, Bobby Dominguez, 7–1, Ernesto Bayaua, 7–1, and Jacob Watson, 7–5, while Andy Jethwa ousted Alan Myers, 7-3, Ricky Hughes, 7-1, and Brian Rosenbaum, 7-1. Following a first round loss to Tim Boelk, Chase Wheeler won five consecutive matches, eliminating Johnny Lawson, 7-1, Aldo Rosso, 7-6, Tom Rehm, 7-4, Matt Cash, 7-2, and Patrick Perez, 7-2. Rosenbaum ended Wheeler, 7-4, while Chau made his way through the one loss side with wins over Chase Rudder, 7-1, Steve Lenz, 7-1, and Jacob Watson. Elias Garza won four straight matches on the one loss side, but it wasn’t enough. Perez eliminated Garza, while Marvin Diaz took down Ricky Hughes, 7-4. As the final four on the one loss side took shape, back east, Whitehead overcame Hood, 7-2, and Jethwa sent Richeson west, 7-2. The hot seat witnessed Whitehead defeat Jethwa, 7-2, while Chau made his way through the one loss side. Chau was on fire, dusting off Rosenbaum, 7-3, and Hood, 7-1, while Diaz disabled Perez, 7-1, and Richeson, 7-5. At this point, Chau was unstoppable, taking out Diaz and Jethwa, by the same score, 7-2. After nine, straight match wins, Chau earned himself a rematch with Whitehead.  The finals witnessed a merciless Chau dole out some harsh punishment, as he defeated Whitehead in both sets of the true, double elimination final, 7-2, 7-1. Chau made an incredible comeback to secure his first 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 newest sponsor, Jim Jenkins with Gibson Realty. 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). This year the tour offer s cue repair by Roger Allen, James Hanshew, and Jerry Olivier, offered at each and every event.

 

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 March 18th-19th, 2017, at Bogies Billiards, located at 3040 FM 1960 East, 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.  

Hanni Al-Howri, originally from Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, now resides in Houston, Texas, and came close to achieving something only one amateur division pool player in the history of the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour has ever achieved; winning both divisions at the same event. After several attempts, Al-Howri finally broke the ice in Round Rock, Texas, with his first-ever tournament win, going undefeated in the 71-player, amateur 9-ball division, and finishing second in the open 9-ball division. Resident tour player Ernesto Bayaua went unscathed in the 64-player, open 9-ball division, defeating Al-Howri in the final, at an event which drew a total of 123 players, and paid out over $9,000 in prize money.  

 

This year marks the 7th year that the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour has hosted the annual “Texas Open Warm-Up” event at the famed Skinny Bob’s Billiards in Round Rock, Texas, amassing the highest attendance in the event’s history, besting its own record of 120 players in 2012. Home of the prestigious and longest-running billiard event in Texas, the “Texas Open”, Skinny Bob’s Billiards, along with 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, facilitated another monster event for players across Texas and beyond. Room owners John and Sue Cielo added a very generous $1,000 to the Poison Lone Star Event, and $485 to the Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Tour 9-Ball Event. The tour would like to thank Skinny Bob’s Billiards and their wonderful staff for hosting another first-rate, tournament. 

 

In an effort to better accommodate the large number of players competing in the annual Poison Lone Star Texas Open Warm-Up Event, beginning in 2017, the ladies’ event will be staged at “Skinny Bob's II”, a smoke-free pool room, adjoining the main room, which houses eight new Diamond bar tables. “This event has presented some challenges over the years, with well over 100 players competing, and only two days in which to finish, on a limited number of tables. I’m confident that utilizing this additional space will provide a smoother tournament experience for all of the players,” says Tour Director, Kim Newsome.  

 

In the amateur 9-ball division, due to the overwhelming number of participants, Saturday’s races were set at 5 and 4, and on Sunday, 4 and 3. Hanni Al-Howri logged wins over Tony Thompson, David Castillo, Brandon Tang, 5-1, John Demet, 5-1, and John Wright, 4-1. Also vying for the winners’ side final four, Daniel Herring overcame Gabriel Romo, Casey Crews, Elijah Hughes, 5-1, Rudy Sanchez, 5-4, and Ryan Lane, 4-2. Jose Ybarra took down Paul Jobe, John Eagle, David Ray, and Joe Garza, 4-1, while Justin Pena took out Paul Alderete, Jacob Watson, 5-3, Mark Wicker, 5-2, and Jimmy Krone, 4-3. On the one-loss side, David Escobedo took out Chad Henson, 3-1, Daniel Baker eliminated John Eagle, 3-1, Felder overcome Ray, 3-2, and Robert Stewart ousted Robert Smith, 3-1. After losing his second round match to Lane, Escobedo came alive on the one loss side, securing his sixth, match win over Joe Garza, 3-2. Baker went on to eliminate Jimmy Krone, 3-2, Wright ended Felder, 3-2, and Stewart eliminated Lane, 3-2. Down to the final eight, players were tightening up their games, and grinding it out. Back on the winners’ side, Pena slid by Ybarra, 4-3, and Al-Howri defeated Herring, 4-2.  On the west side, Herring ended Escobedo’s run, 3-2, and Wright sent Stewart packing, 3-1. While Herring and Ybarra faced off on the one-loss side, the hot seat match teed off with Pena and Al-Howri. Determined to win his first event, Al-Howri was steadfast, and played with pocket-speed-precision. Although equally determined, and vying for his first tour win, Pena came up short, 4-2. On the one-loss side, Herring wasted no time making his way back to Al-Howri, dusting off Pena, 3-0, earning himself another shot at the title. In the final, Al-Howri came out of the gate, and never broke stride. Proving too much for Herring this day and time, Al-Howri took him out in the first set, 4-0, to win his first-ever, Poison Lone Star Tour amateur title.

 

In the open 9-ball division, Saturday’s races were set at 6 and 5, and on Sunday, 5 and 4.  Ernesto Bayaua made his way through the 64-player field, unscathed, securing wins over Michelle Abernathy, 6-1, David Neumann, 6-5, John Demet, 6-5, and Rudy Sanchez, 5-4, while Junior Jueco decimated John Palmore, Keith Keithley, 6-1, and Jason Roessler, 5-1. David Henson also made his way to the final four winners’ side, with wins over David Escobedo, Matt Bickers, Matt Wong, 6-0, and Hanni Al-Howri, 5-0, while James Davis, Sr., took down Paul Jobe, Kim Sanders, 6-1, Robert Stewart, 6-5, and Jim Miller, 5-2. On the one-loss side, Stewart ousted Sanchez, 4-1, and it was Massingill over Roessler, 4-2.  Al-Howri eliminated powerhouse Tommy Tokoph, 4-2, who had sustained an early hit from Robert Stewart, 6-0, and former junior phenom, Jacob Watson, took out Jim Miller, 4-2. Back on the east side, Henson overcame Davis, Sr., 4-3, and Bayaua bested Jueco, 4-3. Bayaua went on to secure the hot seat over Davis, Sr., 4-2. Action on the one loss witnessed Massingill defeat Stewart, 4-2, and Al-Howri eliminate Watson, 4-3. Henson made quick work of Massingill, 4-1, but fell to Al-Howri 4-2. Al-Howri went on to eliminate Davis, Sr., 4-3, for a total of 5 straight, match wins to meet Bayau in the final. Bayaua ended Al-Howri’s winning streak, taking the first and final set, 5-4, earning his second Poison Lone Star Tour tournament win of 2016.

 

The Tour would like to encourage everyone who loves to play pool and compete in a friendly atmosphere, to attend a Poison Lone Star Tour event. The final stop of this year is October 8th-9th, at Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar (3040 FM 1960 E.) in Houston, Texas, and hosts a Gulf Coast Tour ladies’ 9-ball event on Saturday, October 8th.  On November 12th-13th, the Gulf Coast Tour will host a $1,000 added, stand-alone women’s 9-ball event and WPBA Masters Qualifier, at Fat Racks Sports Bar and Billiards and Lounge, in San Antonio Texas. The famed Space City Open V will be held December 1st-4th, 2016, at Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar (3040 FM 1960 E.) in Houston, Texas. For more information on these events, and how to become a tour or event sponsor, please email Kim Newsome at lonestartour@gmail.com. Find out more about the Poison Lone Star Tour at LoneStarBilliardsTour.com. 

Austin transplant Kevin Guimond impressed onlookers as he steamrolled Alaskan native, JR. Jueco, two sets in the true double elimination final of the PxP Tour Open 9-Ball Division, 9-3 and 7-1, held November 9th-10th, 2013, at Skinny Bob’s Billiards in Round Rock, Texas. Guimond took a hot seat hit from Jueco, 9-7, but came back to secure his win in true championship style. His path to the hot seat included wins over Frank Ferrer Jr., 9-7, and James Davis Jr., 9-1. In the final four, Jueco bested Alex Cardenas, 9-3, which pitted Jueco against Guimond. After a first round hit at the hands of Frank Ferrer Jr., Daniel Johnson won 3 consecutive matches before falling to James Davis Jr., 7-5. In turn, Ferrer lost his second round match and came back with wins over Robert Rivas, 7-3, and Alex Cardenas 7-6. Ferrer was eliminated by James Davis Jr., 7-5. Once again, Guimond defeated Davis Jr., 7-1, staging a finals rematch with Jueco.  From start to finish, Guimond effortlessly ran ball after ball with minimal errors. A frustrated Jueco failed to regain his footing, losing both sets, 9-3, 7-1.

 

In the amateur 9-ball division, Kileen’s Daniel Johnson overcame Cielo Velasquez for the hot seat, 7-3. It was a long road for Johnson who bested Frank Reed and Kim Sanders by the same score of 7-3, and finally Justin Pena in the final four, 7-2. Velasquez ousted tour newcomer Khahn Nguyen in the final four as well, setting the stage for the Velasquez v. Johnson showdown.  On the one-loss side, Sanders was on the comeback trail, eliminating Ian Johnson, 5-3, and Nguyen, 5-3.  Rober Rivas made an impressive return as well after losing his first match to Frank Ferrer, Jr. Rivas won an incredible 6 consecutive matches, settling for 5th-6th following a final blow by Pena, 5-2. Sanders ousted Pena, 5-2, but fell short against Velasquez, 5-1. In the final match, Johnson and Velasquez came out firing. Johnson fell short the first set, 7-5. Velasquez’ gained even more momentum in the second set. He shot swiftly, with purpose and determination. Johnson appeared mentally exhausted, and it became increasingly worse for him as the set wore on.  Velasquez defeated Johnson in the final set, 5-2. Congratulations to Kim Sanders who became the highest woman finisher in a men’s division in the 2 year history of the Poison by Predator Tour. 

 

On the ladies side, Austin favorite Kim Pierce went undefeated, ending an impressive run by Nicole McDaniel in the final, 5-4. Pierce ousted McDaniel on the final four winners’ side while Kim Sanders fell short to Gail Eaton. Pierce defeated Eaton for the hot seat while McDaniel eliminated Celeste Espinosa Sanders, and finally Eaton, 5-2, for a rematch with Pierce.  It was a bitter battle to the end, but Pierce maintained her composure and finished the final rack, narrowly defeating McDaniel, 5-4.

 

Finally, congratulations to local player Pete Baza who won a beautiful Poison Bolt 3 Cue in the PxP Poison Cue raffle.

 

The PxP Tour is title sponsored by Poison by Predator cues www.PoisonBilliards.com. Sponsors include the Delta-13 Rack www.delta-13.com, and the APA of North Harris County.