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ACUI 9-Ball Championships Scheduled for June at Arizona State

 The 2016 ACUI Men’s and Women’s Collegiate 9-Ball Championships will be held June 10–12 at Arizona State University’s “Sparky’s Den” in Tempe, Ariz.
 
The championship tournaments invite the 62 men and 17 women competitors representing more than 30 colleges and universities who qualified in one of 10 sectional and independent competitions. The current two-time defending champions from Lindenwood University, Landon Shuffett and Briana Miller, will once again defend their titles against a strong field. A full list of past champions can be found here.
 
The ACUI billiards collegiate pool tournament is the longest such program running, with the first hosted in 1937. The top three winners of the men’s and women’s tournament are recognized with individual scholarships and trophies, and the top man and woman competitor receives the prestige of being the ACUI Collegiate 9-Ball champion.
 
Questions regarding the qualifying tournaments, the Collegiate Championship, or the ACUI collegiate billiards program can be sent to ACUI’s recreation and leisure activities coordinator Adrena May at mayad@acui.org or volunteer 9-Ball director Ben Litvak at blitvak@radford.edu.
 

Lindenwood University leads UM Team Pool Championships

The UM Team Pool Championships is the largest intercollegiate pool tournament in the country, with 4-person teams competing in Equal Offense, Scotch Doubles 9-ball, and Team 8-ball.  Lindenwood University, coached by Mark Wilson, is back to defend its 2013 title.
 
Equal Offense results from day 1 of the 2014 UMTPC:
1st Lindenwood Black 451
2nd Lindenwood Gold 314
3rd Akron Gold 302
4th Illinois Shooting Illini 270
5th Michigan Wolverines 266
6th Virginia Tech A 240
7th Carnegie Mellon Big Mellons 239
8th Methodist University MU Shooters 232
9th Purdue Boiler Breakers 231
10th West Virginia Mountaineers 227
11th Penn State Nittany Lions 211
12th Radford Highlanders 203
13th Michigan Pool Tang Clan 182
13th Madison Area Technical College Wolfpack 182
15th CalU Tropics 153
16th Akron Blue 130
 
Lindenwood sophomore Landon Shuffett broke a 2-year old record of 117, set by his teammate Sean Sommers in 2012. But Landon's 118 was short-lived, as freshman Tanner Nickels recorded the first perfect score in UMTPC history just moments later.
 
There are still over 24 hours of pool to be played, but the Lions of Lindenwood are on track to take home 1st and 2nd place. Three of the four school pairings are standing comfortably in the winners' side of the third round of 9-ball. Team 8-ball starts tonight.
 
Full details and live updates on http://uunions.umich.edu/billiards/content/u-m-team-pool-championships-tournament

Lindenwood University Students Victorious at 74th ACUI Collegiate Nationals

Landon Shuffett (photo courtesy of Ben Litvak)

The Association of College Unions International (ACUI) held its 74th collegiate national billiards championships at Virginia Tech on May 30-31, 2014.  Past ACUI winners include touring professionals Nick Varner, Max Eberle, Adam Smith, and Eleanor Callado.
 
Students qualified for the 2014 Championships by placing in the top 25% of a number of qualifying tournaments across the U.S. between October and April.  ACUI invited 79 men and 25 women; 51 men and 16 women registered and played at Virginia Tech.
 
Men’s Final Results (top 25%)
1st Landon Shuffett, Lindenwood University
2nd David Anderson, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
3rd Sharik Sayed, Lindenwood University
4th Neight Mindham, University of Wisconsin
5th-6th Lee Nathanson, University of Maryland, College Park
Awais Hussain, Harvard University
7th-8th Sean Sommers, Lindenwood University
Logan Brummitt, UNC Charlotte
9th-12th Carter Herrmann, California State University, Sacramento
Bryson Bonham, Virginia Tech
Jaydan Hergott, Lindenwood University
Will Hill, East Texas Baptist University
 
Women’s Final Results (top 25%)
1st Briana Miller, Lindenwood University
2nd Annie Nord, Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine
3rd Jackie Sanchez, Florida State University College of Medicine
4th Giovanni Aviles, University of Illinois at Chicago
 
ACUI wishes to thank the staff of Virginia Tech for their outstanding support for this year’s event.  The organization is currently seeking hosts for sectional and independent qualifying tournaments in the 2014-2015 season, as well as a national host for next summer’s 2015 Table Tennis and 9-ball Championships.  For more information, please visit www.acui.org/billiards.

ACUI Collegiate Championship Underway


The 2007 ACUI Collegiate Championship is underway at the University of Minnesota Student Union.


Defending champions Lars Vardeman from Southern Illinois University and Eleanor Collado from San Francisco State University are both in attendance and hoping to repeat as champions.


Vardeman has already dropped a match to Kyle Boers in the men’s division, but Collado is still undefeated in the ladies division. Collado will face sister Emilyn in her next match.


Follow all of the action with our online brackets.
Men’s Brackets
Ladies Brackets

Alex Pagulayan Wins Diamond 10 Ball Challenge in Hill Hill Thriller

Alex Pagulayan (Photo courtesy of Ricky Bryant)

Friday the 27th July saw the closing matches of the Diamond 10 Ball Challenge played out in the Accu-Stats Simonis Arena. Starting with the semi final match between Alex Pagulayan and Landon Shuffett at 12 noon, and the Johnny Archer match at 4:00 pm. The final being played at 8:00 pm.

ALEX PAGULAYAN VS LANDON SHUFFETT
In the first semi final, Landon Shuffett sadly did not show up with the “A” game that he possessed in his first two matches, when he slaughtered John Morra 15-5, and then in the second match absolutely shut down Earl the “Pearl” Strickland 15-4.

Alex however, did show up with his “A” game and quickly stamped his fine play on the proceedings. Alex soon started putting beads on the wire and was always ahead of Landon, until “The Lion” closed it out with a score of 15-10. Alex who now found himself waiting in the wings for the final, possesses such an imaginative game and exudes so much confidence that he looks favorite to take away the first prize!

JOHNNY ARCHER VS DENNIS ORCOLO
This match went back and forwards with a close score almost to the end, but Johnny – who is noted for being a grinder – poured on the pressure when it mattered and pulled away to win by three games at 15-12. Johnny who was 14-12 down to Charlie Bryant in his last match, came back and took the last three games to win that one too. 

ALEX PAGULAYAN VS JOHNNY ARCHER
When I arrived at the Accu-Stats Simonis Arena ten minutes early I had trouble finding a seat. The knowledgeable fans showed up in droves to watch what they hoped would be a tremendous final. Well they would not be disappointed as the match had everything from great shot making and phenomenal safety play, to exquisite kicking.

This match was nip and tuck all the way, with the match tied at 6-6, 12-12 and eventually on the hill at 14-14 with Johnny breaking, after coming back from being down 14-12. (What were we saying about his ability to grind it out!!!)

Well I guess it was not Johnny’s day, when he made the 3 ball on the break, but was left with the cue ball at the bottom of the table and the 1 ball close to the side pocket. It could be made, but also looked as though there was a possible scratch in the top pocket on the same side of the table.

After taking an extension (there were two extensions of the time clock allowed to each player in the final) and much deliberation Johnny executed the shot and had to watch the cue ball head down the rail towards the top pocket. “Oh, my god came the shout from the guy sitting next to me” and similar exclamations came from all around the arena as the ball wobbled in the pocket, but did not drop. Johnny now had the expression of a man who had just had all the blood drain from his body, as the realization of any possibility of winning just going right out of the window. Yes he was hooked, and had no shot at hitting the 2 ball.

After a long look at the possibilities, Johnny elected to play a long masse in an attempt to hit the ball of the side rail. He missed by a mile and gave Alex ball in hand.

We had here somewhat of a contrast in demeanor as Johnny slumped himself back in his chair, we had Alex jumping up and down celebrating his lucky break. Alex started his run out on the 2 ball and immediately through bad position had a hard cut on the 4 ball uptown. At first it looked like Alex was going to take on the long cut on the 4 ball, but when he executed the shot he played a clever safe and locked the cue ball on the back of the 7 ball.

This was all she wrote for poor Johnny and after a few more yippees and dancing from Alex, he got down to running out the balls to get the win.

One could not help but feel sorry for Johnny who had fought back so hard and to have this happen to end his otherwise fine run almost seemed unfair.
Unfortunately that’s pool for you.

This was a great final, and our congratulations go out to Alex for a great win.
To summarize on this first Diamond 10 ball Challenge played on the 10 ft tables, it looks like it was a tremendous success with both the players and definitely with the fans.

Landon Shuffett Delivers A Clinic Two Nights in a Row at The Diamond 10 Ball Challenge in Tunica, MS

Landon Shuffett (Photo courtesy of Ricky Bryant)

LANDON SHUFFETT VS EARL STRICKLAND
The star of the Diamond 10 Ball Challenge on Thursday night was young gun Landon Shuffett from Greenburg, Kentucky. Shuffett had his opponent Earl “The Pearl” Strickland in a stranglehold for the complete match, and gave a clinic with his phenomenal breaking and pin point run outs. His safety game was really on and Earl was in a kicking mode for most of the match.

Earl did manage to put four games on the wire, but never really put up much of a struggle against the youngster. If Landon can keep playing with such a commanding game as we witnessed both last night and the night before he can absolutely win this event.

Many fans did wonder if Landon could come up with the goods two nights in a row, but now there is no doubt that his play against John Morra was no fluke. I also heard some comments that maybe he would collapse when he met Earl at the table. By my observations I don’t think Landon was even aware that Mr. Strickland was there.

DENNIS ORCOLO VS PHIL BURFORD
On paper, this match favored Dennis, who is regarded as the best 10 Ball player on the planet. On the other hand, fans who had witnessed UK young gun Phil Burford‘s break and shot making ability, thought that he definitely had a shot at beating Dennis.

Phil got off to a great start putting the score at 3-0, but when his break came up dry Dennis pounced and clinically ran out. Once Dennis closed the match to 3-3, the match stayed close right up to 5-4 in Phil’s favor, before young 21 year old Burford got ahead by what would be his biggest margin in the match at 7-4.

Dennis pulled the score back to 7-7, and then stayed ahead until Phil leveled it at 10-10. They then went neck and neck to 12-12, when Phil uncharacteristically missed a couple of shots, and Dennis literally leapt out of his chair to close out the match 15-12.

This grueling match which started at midnight, did not finish until 4:30 am, and all of the players were experiencing how the lack of sleep is not conducive to sharp decision making.

JOHNNY ARCHER VS CHARLIE BRYANT
This match was absolutely neck and neck right up to 14-12 in Charlie’s favor, when Johnny who is known for being a grinder, took the last three games to get the win at 15-14. This match did not finish until 5:00 am.

Never count out Mr. Archer, who never gives up.

ALEX PAGULAYAN VS JEREMY JONES
This match was identical to the Archer/Bryant match with the score always within one game and ended up tied at 12-12, before Alex put the pedal down and took the last three games to close Jeremy out 15-12

NOTE:
The two semi final matches will be played in the Accu-stats Simonis Arena at 12 noon and 4:00 pm and the final will be played at 8:00 pm. These matches will be played on a 10 ft table that was put into the arena over night (the 10 ft table will be switched back to a 9 ft table early Saturday morning for the 9 Ball semi finals and final on Saturday).

Strickland and Van Boening go double hill, before “The Pearl” prevails in 10-Ball Challenge

Earl Strickland and Shane Van Boening (Photo courtesy of Ricky Bryant)

Strickland and Van Boening go double hill, before “The Pearl” prevails in 10-Ball Challenge

There are those who insist that luck plays no role in billiard sports. None; that every shot, every roll, every pocket that seems, at times, to physically intervene to keep a ball from dropping in, is the result of some sort of design, good or bad, as the case may be. Those who insist that luck is an unavoidable component of the game, operating under the principles of Murphy’s Law, have a lot of anecdotal evidence to support this opposing point of view. Add to that anecdotal evidence the highly anticipated matchup between Earl Strickland and Shane Van Boening played out on Wednesday night, July 25, at the $10,000-added Diamond 16 Man Invitational 10-Ball Challenge, part of the First Annual Southern Classic, being held at Harrah’s Casino and Hotel in Tunica, MS.

“The Pearl” won the race-to-15 match, coming back from two down after Van Boening reached the hill. It was a typical Strickland match, accompanied by his running commentary; to himself, to Van Boening, to the packed house in the arena, and to the 1,500 (at one point) viewers who watched the free, live stream from  InsidePool TV. At various times during the match, Strickland appeared to be on both sides of the ‘luck’ debate. “See what I did?” he seemed to say when things were going his way. “Did you see what that ball (bank, pocket) did?” when they weren’t. 

Strickland couldn’t seem to buy a shot after any successful break. In fact, it wasn’t until he broke the 23rd rack (to eventually go ahead 12-11), that he found himself looking at a viable, follow-up shot, and you could see how much it surprised him. For both players, balls seemed to roll just a little too far, or secure a location directly behind another ball, or just plain refuse to enter a pocket. Van Boening chalked up the higher number of unforced errors (difficult to calculate exact numbers, because the term is subject to interpretation),  and Strickland made him pay, usually at critical junctures in the game. Down by two at 8-6, Van Boening won four straight to take his own two-point lead at 10-8, but in the 19th rack, rattled an 8-ball in a corner pocket, allowing Strickland to run the last three balls and pull within one. Four racks later, an unforced Van Boening error, shooting at the 9-ball, allowed Strickland to knot things at 12.

You could see the luck (or design, if you see it that way) play out on their faces with alternating expressions of frustration and laughter. Strickland executes a difficult shot, but frowns when the cue ball rolls a little too far. Van Boening misses an easy shot and smiles when the cue ball rolls just far enough to deny Strickland a follow-up opportunity. Strickland, of course, was much more dramatic about these mood swings, though Van Boening was the only one who, on two frustrating occasions, banged his stick on the table, which he was technically, not supposed to do.

Even J.R. Calvert, publisher of Inside Pool magazine, host and game-savvy commentator for the live stream, made note of the unusual amount of luck (good or bad, depending on the moment) that was at play on this 10-ft. Diamond table.

“Two world-class players,” he said, with a smile in his voice, “being controlled by the rolls.”

Back and forth it went, at a decent clip, all things considered. After Strickland tied things at 12-12, Van Boening won two straight to reach the hill first. This, in spite of a Strickland scratch in the 26th rack. Van Boening made another unforced error to return the table to Strickland, but Strickland missed a shot that gave the table and in a Mississippi heartbeat, the hill game to Van Boening. 

In the potential victory-sealing game, Van Boening chalked up yet another unforced error that allowed Strickland to close within one. “I was playing great, and they (the live audience) just heckled me right out of the game,” said Strickland, as he stepped to the table and ran the balls to make it 14-13. Rack 28 saw Strickland make a rare unforced error, but Van Boening returned the favor with (another) one of his own, allowing Strickland to join him on the hill. Strickland finished things quickly and joined Charlie Bryant, Johnny Archer, Dennis Orcullo, Phil Burford, Alex Pagalayun (who defeated Darren Appleton 15-5, in a live stream that followed the Strickland/Van Boening match), Landon Shuffett and Jeremy Jones as the final eight standing in the Invitational 10-Ball Challenge. 

Congratulations and thanks to the InsidePool TV staff for an excellent, five-camera, live-stream free-to-all broadcast of the match, without which this report could not have been written. As always, Calvert provided excellent commentary, executing that tricky, delicate balance between saying too much and not saying enough. His knowledge of the game, and the participants in the match kept viewers informed and listening without distracting from the match itself. 

As might be expected, the live stream’s accompanying chat screen, which, as noted, was accommodating over 1,000 viewers (plus) throughout the match, was lively. This interactive component of a live stream is likely underestimated in terms of its ability to maintain viewers. Though it’s difficult, at any given stage of the proceedings, to engage in anything resembling a reasonable discussion with thousands commenting simultaneously, the chat offers occasional snapshots of the attending audience; comments on the varied styles of play, running commentary through to the last minute, regarding the likely winner, and in general, a sense of shared experience, absent from the incredibly more expensive broadcasts offered by major sports networks. You just don’t get that sense of (sometimes, rough and tumble) community from watching your more or less standard sports broadcast, of any sport.

There’s a lot more to come, and most of it will likely further fuel the debate about luck, much to the entertainment delight of those of us in attendance, on-site or via live stream. 

Diamond 10-Ball Challenge Gets Underway

The Diamond 16 Man Invitational 10 Ball Challenge played on 10 ft Diamond Tables got underway on Tuesday night at 9:15 pm at The Harrah’s Casino and Hotel in Tunica, MS.

This unique event is being played on four 10 ft beautiful Diamond Tables that have been set up in the pro arena.

The top half of the draw was comprised of the following pairings:
Charlie Bryant 15 v David Gutierra 1
As the score shows Charlie dominated this match, and never let David to the table.

Stevie Moore 14 v Johnny Archer 15
Johnny had Stevie 10-6 at one point, but Stevie clawed his way back to 10-10, before Johnny moved into a higher gear and got the score to 13-10. It seemed that Mr. Moore did not get the memo that it was all over, and rallied again to put the score in his favor at 14-13. Johnny certainly ground this match out, and fought back to get the win at 15-14. Needless to say that this match was the longest of the four matches played.

Brandon Shuff 8 v Dennis Orcolo 15
Dennis seemed to come to terms with the 10 ft table better than Brandon as is reflected in the final score. Both players were having trouble getting the speed of the table down. Dennis who is one of the fancied favorites to win this event, impressed throughout the match with his great shot making, and composure at the table. He really is a great player and it showed in this match.

Max Eberle 3 v Phil Burford (UK) 15
Young gun Phil Burford grabbed this match by the throat and dominated the match from the outset. Max however, did have a few chances to close out several games, but missed easy shots on the last two balls. It looked as though Max was having trouble getting the hang of the bigger 10 ft table, but I understand that he practices regularly on the bigger table so maybe he was just having a bad day.

Tomorrow evening at the same time the lower eight of the bracket will play, they are:
Darren Appleton v Alex Pagulayan
Robb Saez v Jeremy Jones
Earl Strickland v Shane Van Boening
Landon Shuffett v John Morra

As each round in this event takes place we will bring you the results as quickly as possible.

This is the first time that anyone has ever run an event on 10 ft tables that comprise of the unique Diamond Products table design that incorporates a one piece one and a quarter inch thick slate bed, that has 39 different adjusting points for quick and simple leveling.

PLAYER COMMENTS
BRANDON SHUFF
I asked Brandon Shuff (One of the most all around pro players in the US) after his match with Dennis Orcolo, what was his thoughts on playing on the bigger table. He said that in his opinion:
”The 10 ft table separates the men from the boys in the pro world
The break is twice as difficult – patterns are the same, but require more accuracy due to more space
There are more varieties of safeties due to the extra space on the table.
More choices of shots after the break”

JOHNNY ARCHER
I spoke to Johnny at length after the match, and asked him specifically what parts of his game were effected by the bigger table if any. He said that other than the obvious points, like the longer shots are more difficult, and that when applying spin over the extra length on some shots it adds a new challenge to some shots. He also reiterated the fact that the pros had better hone their skills with the bridge, as the shots that you could normally stretch for are now out of reach.

That he felt that as one of the top players that he enjoys the extra challenge that these bigger tables bring, and anything that makes the game a little harder is OK by him.

—————————————————————————————-

It is apparent that after playing on the 10 ft tables, that every one I have spoken too likes the larger table, but like anything new, they need a little time to adapt to the new size. It was also very noticeable that the bridge was being used more than on the smaller tables. So being a proficient bridge user will become an essential part of the game when moving up in size.

It will be interesting which of the pros in this event adapt to this size change the best. The initial favorites are Darren Appleton, Dennis Orcolo, Shane Van Boening, Alex Pagulayan, Earl Strickland, and young Phil Burford who is showing up on the radar, due to the success that he has been having during his recent visits to the States.

Greg Sullivan of Diamond Promotions is ecstatic at the response this event is getting, and told me that next year the prize money and the entry will be doubled and that he envisages that there will be a long waiting list of pros trying to get into this Invitational event.

2012 BEF Junior National Champions Crowned

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) crowned four winners in the 24th Annual BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships. Nearly 130 junior pocket billiard players from 28 states gathered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at Romine’s High Pockets on July 11th -15th. Players took aim to win a title, scholarships, prizes and an entry into the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) World Junior 9-Ball Championships. In the 18-and-under boys’ division, Landon Shuffett of Greensburg, KY prevailed, while Briana Miller of Allentown, PA, defended her title in the 18-and-under girls’ division. In the 14-and-under boys’ division, newcomer Zachary Hampton of Rocky Mount, VA was victorious and April Larson of Bloomington, MN captured her first title in the 14-and-under girls’ division. 

The top finishers in the 18-and-under boys’ division were native to junior billiard competition. Landon Shuffett, winner of four (4) consecutive Junior National titles from 2007 – 2010, proved that he didn’t forget how to win after taking a year off from competition in 2011. Shuffett steadily proceeded through the winner’s bracket with wins over Kevin Sun 9-5, Ryan Ponton 9-1, Zachary Leonard 9-2, and William Chappell 9-1 before losing to Brendan Crockett 5-9. Crockett, runner-up in the 2011 Junior Nationals and 2009 champion of the 14-and-under boys’ division, effortlessly cruised through the winner’s bracket without a loss. Crockett defeated Tyler Howell 9-0, Daniel McComas 9-3, Joey Torres 9-5, Tyler Styer 9-5 and Landon Shuffett 9-5 to claim the seat as the only undefeated contestant in the 43 player division. On the one-loss side, Chad Behnke diligently proceeded to win an impressive 8 matches after losing his first match to Brady Behrman 6-9. Behnke shot his way through Austen Warner 9-2, JC Torres 9-7, Logan Zuponcic 9-0, Jonathan Ailstock 9-5, Zachary Leonard 9-2, Kevin Sun 9-8 and Tyler Styer 9-4 before a rematch with Brady Behrman, winning 9-3. With only one more match to win for a chance to rumble with the undefeated Crockett, Behnke fell short by only 3 games, losing to Shuffett 6-9 in the semi-finals. Shuffett gladly embraced a rematch with Crockett and an opportunity for another title. In the race to 11 finals, an unforeseen scratch by Crockett when the score was 7-4 caused a shift in the ebb and flow of the match. Shuffett seized the opportunity to tighten the gap and then followed with a break-and-run, narrowing the score 6-7. The alternate break format allowed Crockett to get back to the table. He gracefully took charge, pocketing eight balls, but scratched while getting position for the 9-ball. Staying focused and determined to win, both players edged their way to a 10-10 match, each needing only one more game to win the championship. Shuffett won the final game and his fifth title as Junior National Champion.

The showdown in the 18-and-under girls’ division featured Briana Miller and Taylor Reynolds. Advancing to the 15-18 year old bracket this year, 15 year old Reynolds was determined to prove that age is not a factor in winning. Reynolds steam-rolled her first 3 opponents, Tessa Brown 7-0, Carly Fristoe 7-0 and Cristina Watson 7-0, before being slowed down by Briana Miller. Miller needed only one game to take charge of the winner’s bracket, but the trailing Reynolds confidently won the next 5 games to win the match 7-6 and took reign of the winner’s bracket. Miller made her way by defeating Sarah Bridgman 7-0, Ashley Fisher 7-2 and Juli Poutry 7-2, before losing to Taylor Reynolds 6-7. Miller collected her composure and ambushed her next opponent Ashley Fisher 7-1 and earned an opportunity to defend her title. Miller tamed the fierce Reynolds in the finals, winning the match 9-7 and claiming her sixth title as Junior National Champion in the girls’ division.

In the 14-and-under boys’ division, Zachary Hampton, first time attendee at Junior Nationals, received an initiation by losing his first match to hometown favorite Sergio Rivas 6-7. Hampton’s light-hearted demeanor and determination carried him through the one-loss bracket defeating Joshua Goodknight 7-0, Michael Darling 7-0, Mahkeal Parris 7-6, Cody Carter 7-2, Seth Chilcutt 7-0, Ricky Evans 7-3, Mason Koch 7-5 and Shawn Begay 7-3, before a rematch in the semi-finals with Sergio Rivas. Rivas made his way through the winner’s bracket defeating Brandon Descamps 7-0, Zachary Hampton 7-6, Shane Wolford 7-5, Kaiden Hunkins 7-0 and Shawn Begay 7-1, before being defeated by Manny Perez 5-7. Perez advanced through the winner’s bracket with victories over Peter Steele 7-5, Ricky Evans 7-3, Mikey Evans 7-1, Mason Koch 7-2 and Sergio Rivas 7-5 to guarantee himself a seat into the finals. In the semi-finals, Rivas and Hampton eagerly battled for a chance to play in the finals. This time, Hampton prevailed 7-5. Hampton’s momentum continued in the finals as he persevered in the 54 player field, ousting Perez 9-6 and winning the championship title in the 14-and-under boys’ division. 

In the 14-and-under girls’ division, it was former runner-up April Larson who gleamed as she breezed through the winner’s bracket defeating Morgan Chesla 7-2, Tori Kover 7-1, Katelin Ballou 7-1, Isabelle Plumb 7-2 and Kyra Avalos 7-4 to secure her seat in the finals. Avalos trekked through the event with wins over Jessica Pitsinger 7-0, Katilyn Hall 7-0, Alex Booth 7-4, and Karsyn Terry 7-4 before losing to April Larson 4-7. In the semi-final match, Terry dashed to the finals with a 7-1 win over Avalos. The confident and poised Larson kept Terry at bay, winning the match 9-2 and earning her first Junior National title. 

The champions of the four divisions received trophies, prizes and scholarship funds. Each champion, as well as the second and third place finishers in the 18-and-under boys’ division earned an opportunity to represent the United States in the 2012 World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) World Junior 9-Ball Championships. Prizes were also given to all top eight finishers in each division.

During the BEF annual banquet, 300 attending players, family members and fans were honored and thrilled to have Allison “Duchess of Doom” Fisher share words of inspiration and enjoyed an evening of instruction and challenge matches. Fisher is currently ranked #1 on the Women’s Professional Billiard Association (WPBA) tour, fifteen (15) times World Champion and recipient of over 75 major titles. Other special guests in attendance throughout the week were BCA Master Instructor, Jerry Briesath, who worked tirelessly with juniors who were interested in perfecting their game and Mark Wilson, professional player, instructor and Lindenwood University Billiard Coach.  

Much appreciation goes out to all who diligently worked to help produce a first class event, including: tournament director Earl Munson for keeping the event running smoothly and for his volunteer work throughout the year; Rick Doner, National Head Referee; Justin Ballou, national referee; Jamie Strait, national referee; Tammy Leonard, tournament director assistant; Mel Leonard, mini-tournament coordinator and assistant; Terry Romine, Nikki Romine and all their staff; Roy Pastor, BEF Board of Director; Laura Smith, BEF Executive Director; and volunteers: Susanne Brandom, Brinda Avalos, Trena Wolford, Meghan Howell, Wayne Kelly, Mark Brendemihl and Randy Fisher.

A special “thank you” to all of the event sponsors who made the 2012 Junior National 9-Ball Championships possible: Simonis Cloth, Billiard Congress of America (BCA), Romine’s High Pockets and the BEF. Also, much gratitude goes to Viking Cue, sponsor of the Academic All-American awards. A hearty “thank you” goes out to all the product donors who contributed to the junior prizes. A list of donors can be viewed on the BEF website at www.BilliardEducation.org.

2012 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championship results:

18 & Under Boys’ Division
1st Landon Shuffett of Greensburg, KY
2nd Brendan Crockett of Bell Canyon, CA
3rd Chad Behnke of Farley, IA
4th Brady Behrman of Albers, IL

18 & Under Girls’ Division
1st Briana Miller of Allentown, PA
2nd Taylor Reynolds of Winslow, ME
3rd Ashley Fisher of Ocala, FL
4th Carly Fristoe of Bend, OR

14 & Under Boys’ Division
1st Zachary Hampton of Rocky Mount, VA
2nd Manny Perez of Kansas City, KS
3rd Sergio Rivas of Milwaukee, WI
4th Shawn Begay of Gallup, NM

14 & Under Girls’ Division
1st April Larson of Bloomington, MN
2nd Karsyn Terry of Chicago, IL
3rd Kyra Avalos of Anthem, AZ
4th Keila Perez of Waltham, MA
About Billiard Education Foundation
The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is committed to promoting education and encourages the development of life skills through youth billiard programs. The BEF funds academic scholarships, produces the Junior National 9-Ball Championships, supports billiard athletes to attend the WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships and promotes “Pool In School” programs. For more information, please visit www.BilliardEducation.org or contact info@BilliardEducation.org

Shuffett and Bergman battle each other to GSBT 9-ball (Shuffett) and 8-ball (Bergman) victories

Shannon Daulton, Landon Shuffett, Justin Bergman, Mike Medley (owner of Michael’s Billiards)

Landon Shuffett and Justin Bergman faced each other three times in two separate GSBT tournaments on the weekend of April 21-22. In the $1,500-added, 9-ball event that drew 29 entrants, they met for the first time in the finals, and Shuffett took the title with back to back wins over Bergman. In the $500-added, 8-ball, bar table event that drew 30, they met in the semifinals, and it was Bergman, advancing to the finals, and defeating hot seat occupant, Corey Morphew. Bergman was in the hot seat match of both tournaments, while Shuffett came from the loss side in both.

Shuffett was already on the loss-side in the 8-ball event, as Bergman was advancing to the winners’ side semifinals against Brad Ragon. Corey Morphew and T.J. Back were the opponents in the other semifinal. Morphew sent Back over 6-1, and in the hot seat, faced Bergman, who’d downed Ragon 7-1. Morphew, taking advantage of a handicap, got into the hot seat with a 6-6 victory (Bergman going to 8).

Ragon moved over and ran into Shuffett, who ended his (Ragon’s) day with a 7-3 victory and advanced to the quarterfinals. Back fell immediately to Billy Thorpe 6-1, and squared off against Shuffett. Shuffet completed his loss-side run with a 7-3 victory over Thorpe and then, in a straight-up race to 7 semifinal, Bergman survived a double hill match that sent him back to face Morphew in the finals. Bergman double dipped Morphew (7-5, 7-1) to claim the 8-ball title.

Shuffett and Bergman both advanced to the winners’ side final four in the 9-ball event; Shuffett, to face Bruce Lutrell, Bergman facing Robert Frost. Bergman advanced to the hot seat match with an 11-8 victory over Frost, and was met by Lutrell, who’d just sent Shuffett west 7-8 (Shuffett going to 11). Bergman shut out Lutrell to gain the hot seat.

Shuffett shuffled over to take on Clay Carman, as Frost picked up Charles Raulston. Shuffet and Frost met in the quarterfinals, once Shuffett had eliminated Carman 9-4 and Frost had dispatched Raulston 9-6. Shuffett then wreaked his vengeance on Lutrell in the semifinals by allowing him only a single rack. He followed that with two identical 11-4 victories that secured the 9-ball event title.

Tour directors Shannon and Marge Daulton thanked Mike Medley and his Michael’s Billiards and Games staff for their hospitality, as well as sponsors Andy Gilbert Custom Cues, Nick Varner Cues and Cases, Mike Davis Exterminating, Tiger Products and Delta-13 racks. Next stop on the GSBT is a $1,500-added, 9-ball tournament, scheduled for May 5-6 at Speak Eazy Billiards in Sanford, NC.

8-Ball Payouts | 9-Ball Payouts