John Schmidt (Photo courtesy of Dave Thomson – Mediumpool.com)
Derby City Classic XXI, January 25 – February 2nd, 2019
LIVE from the Horseshoe Southern Indiana Casino, Elizabeth IN.
DIAMOND DCC ONE POCKET CHAMPIONSHIP
410 entrants are now reduced to 24.
One Pocket; Chess with Balls.
Just like chess, One-Pocket is about knowing the moves. It is, also, said that the “mover” will out-play the shotmaker. As shotmakers have the need to pocket balls, One-Pocket players, “Tie ‘em up, stick ‘em in the stack, leave ‘em stuck.”
This strategy, knowingly, exercises patience that, eventually, frustrates the fast and loose shooters into firing at will. Actually, as the trap has been set, it really is firing unwillingly.
If you are looking to reinforce the maxim “revenge is sweet,” just ask Skyler Woodward. With a 3 zip result, just like had been administered to him in Banks (twice), he eliminated Billy Thorpe from the One-Pocket division.
The result puts Skyler in position to threaten the Master of the Table, or All-Around Champion, $20,000 bonus prize money.
Not to worry, Billy is still deep in it, too.
The player with the most points accumulated from DCC’s 3 qualifying events, Banks, 1-Pocket, and 9-Ball, will earn the honor.
It’s way too early to tell, but, if Skyler, with his 3rd/4th finish in Banks, climbs to there or better in One Pocket, he will challenge Billy’s current dominance with his 120 point advantage for the Bank Pool title.
If you thought that must be the match of the day, think again.
Opening the action on the Accu-Stats TV table was young Filipino gun, James Aranas in contest with veteran John “MR 400” Schmidt.
What unfolded was a stunning come-from-behind performance.
They were tied 2-2. In the decider, Aranas took an intentional foul, -1. Not to be outdone, John took 5 intentional fouls!
Soon, James, having nabbed a few, was in the plus side with 3. John was still at -5.
For those of you in-the-know, John, “Mr 400,” has been vigorously involved playing 14.1. He’s intent on beating Willie Mosconi’s 60+ year record high-run of 526 balls.
With the added incentive of a sweet bonus from his sponsor, Easy Street Billiards, Schmidt set up his video camera and went to work. For around 2 weeks John shot century after century and, tho,’ he didn’t out-run Mosconi, he did beat his own recorded 403 record by 31 balls. John has now the highest run on camera with 434!
That 14.1 skillset came into play today. At -5, he needed to pocket 13 balls in the same hole to overthrow Aranas.
When his onslaught commenced, in around 3 innings, John completely reversed his position and had James on the ropes. Ahead at 5-3, one more turn at the table was all it took to secure the set.
John’s “cueball” was exemplary, both in defense and offense. His know-how, compounded with the will to win, has set the standard of the year’s championship.
“James played smarter than I thought he did,” John considered after his win. ”How come these young kids know so much about One-Pocket?”
By watching you John; watching you.
Lee Vann Corteza wasn’t so much out-moved by Shane Van Boening as he was out-shot. Referring to the aforementioned Shooter principal, Shane has always been the exception to the rule.
His confidence, compounded by experience, knows no bounds. He attacks balls that old school one-holers would consider suicidal. His touch and speed allowed the tight-cut pro pockets to accept balls that, if missed, would surely leave Vann Corteza victorious.
Instead, at 3-1, Van Boening moved forward. Lee was delivered to the buyback booth.
Francisco Bustamante’s 3-1 over Joshua Filler was, somewhat, expected but Bustey shouldn’t be too confident next year. Scroll down to see Filler’s 14.1 coverage.
Players are running more 8 balls and out’s this year than ever. Roberto Gomez, not exactly known as a one-holer from -2, ran 10. Then, another 8, 2-0. Jeremy Jones ran 8, 2-1. Then, they grind until the cold roll stopped Double J’s ball one quarter of a revolution from dropping in the hole. Gomez stole Jeremy’s shape, back-cut it straight in his hole, and it’s 3-1.
One Pocket matches will air on accu-stats.com at NOON. EDT.
DIAMOND DCC 9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP
407 entrants; Another DCC attendance record broken!
Race to 9. 3 balls, minus those pocketed, must make the kitchen on the break.
Johnny Archer was in superlative form as he caught Canada’s John Morra napping. Down 6-0 is certainly a wake-up call but John was so deep in the hole that he couldn’t recover. Scrambling, he mustered a few but, the dominant Archer soon shot Morra beddy-bye. 9-3.
Jung-Lin Chang, still on a 10-Ball roll, thought he was on a bar-box. Alex, who’s 168 ball run just missed the 14.1 cut, was in better stroke and managed 7 games.
Much more to come.
THE DIAMOND STRAIGHT POOL CHALLENGE is streaming at billiardnet.tv!
The high-run contest is manned by 14.1 aficionados Dennis Walsh and Bill Maropulis. Bob Jewett, the event creator, continues to support and contribute to the event.
Our thanks to Rich Klein for his daily scoring updates.
it took only ’til the second day, for Scotsman Jayson Shaw’s 247, two year, DCC high-run reign to be overthrown by Chris Melling, an Englishman. 244 became the number to beat.
Fortunately, as the upset to took place on American soil, an international incident was averted.
As Wednesday was the closing day for the runs to be tabulated, by early afternoon Bill Maropulis considered, “Even although the standard of play has been exceptional this year. It will take something extraordinary for Chris’ run to be beaten.”
Along came Orcollo, a previous tournament winner. Bang, 260!
Meanwhile, newly crowned 2018 World 9-Ball Champion Joshua Filler entered the room. Being German, Josh is no stranger to Straight Pool. 14.1 is part of the pool education program. Bang, bang, bang, 285!
Now there are 5 runs over 200 in the final 8 who will been drawn for a single elimination play-off to determine the champion.
Interestingly, the 2 players honored this year had quite a history together.
Road players are always on the hunt for new talent to skulk around with in search of the cash.
Walden had observed Frost as a talented kid and was awed by his dedication to learn and his taste for adventure.
Away they went. Frost’s forte (still is) was One-Pocket. James excelled in 9-Ball.
Exercising rule number 1 of the road, neither exposed their true expertise. Until they lost. Then one would announce, “Try him some.”
That’s how it’s done.
Scott Frost is now a jubilant member of the the One Pocket Hall of Fame!
James Walden has the honorable mention of “Lifetime Pool in Action!”
One Pocket Hall of Famer Shannon Daulton emcee’d the evening’s festivities, while fellow members Nick VarnerJohn Brumback and Jeremy Jones entertained the one-hole fans with personal encounters with the honorees.
Accu-Stats thanks its Arena Sponsors: Diamond Billiards, Simonis Cloth, Cyclop Balls, Cuetec Cues, Lucasi Custom, MEZZ Cues, McDermott Cues, National Billiard Academy, and Samsara Cues.
Omar Al Shaheen: Under the radar no more! (Photo courtesy of Dave Thomson – Medium Pool)
Derby City Classic XXI, January 25 – February 2nd, 2019
LIVE from the Horseshoe Southern Indiana Casino, Elizabeth IN.
DIAMOND DCC BANK POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Race to 3, 9-Ball–Short Rack, $10,000 first place prize: $4,000 for second, $2,200, 3rd/4th, etc.
From a record-setting 505 entrants, there is only one man left standing.
Billy Thorpe, undefeated in 14 arduous rounds, became the undisputed Diamond Derby City Classic Bank Champion by eliminating Kuwait’s Omar Al Shaheen, 3-2.
En route to the Accu-Stats TV table, Billy had won games without his opponent being allowed to approach the table. In round 13, he had given Skyler Woodward, a DCC Banks Ring Game winner, his first loss at 3-0. The demolition included two games with 5 balls-and-out.
Today, they met again. The punishment was repeated: 3-0.
Al Shaheen had earned his berth by terminating the talented Josh Roberts 3-0 earlier in the day. In passing, he had also beaten back-to-back BIG Foot 10-Ball titlist Jayson Shaw and 3-time DCC Banks Champ John Brumback, just to name a few who are still in shock.
Previously, Omar had competed in DCC’s 9-Ball and Banks events but, had slipped under the slate as he had never gotten past the last 16.
Thorpe, throttle wide open, had been walloping the balls. There is no baby in Billy. He’s a pounder. He also had home field advantage having experienced the “heat” of the Accu-Stats’ lights.
Omar, on the other hand, had been conditioned in the expanse of the main arena where the playing field is a much more anonymous. Now, thanks to the Accu-Stats’ stream, he was under the lens for all the world to glare.
Billy knew that feeling. Two years ago when, as an underdog, Thorpe pounced on Alex Pagulayan and stole the DCC One Pocket title.
After the trouncing, respected Accu-Stats’ commentator Bill Incardona declared Billy the best banker in the world. Today, Thorpe had the opportunity to ratify that statement.
That title also contributed to Thorpe’s thrust into the limelight which led to being invited to compete with Team USA in the Mosconi Cup. Having experienced that pressure only made one feel impregnable.
In the opening game, we were made aware of the aggressive (defense, what defense?) strategy that had gotten Omar to the finals. Firing at everything, and making a lot of them, maybe threatened Thorpe a little, especially, when Omar secured the first game.
“Guys who compete wide open are dangerous,” Billy later stated, “Especially, in a short-rack, race to 3.”
It’s, also, always interesting playing an unknown entity. There’s usually less pressure when competing against a familiar opponent, even when they’re more formidable than the unknown one.
Game 2, it’s all Billy and nothing but net. 1-1
Game 3. Omar bangs in 4 while Billy has only 2, Wise defense came to his rescue and bingo, Billy stole it and, it’s 2-1.
Game 4. Thorpe opens with 3. Al Shaheen makes one and scratches on the second. Billy slams the respotted orb. He’s one ball from the title.
Omar responds with 3, then 1. It’s a hill-hill–again! Billy leaves him long from the rail. Omar nails it. The boisterous crowd is screaming their appreciation. Sure, they want their homeboy to win but, Omar’s a humble guy. They like him, too. And, of course, the drama, we all love the drama.
It’s 2-2…and Omar is at bat. He makes 2 on the break. Then, runs 3.
“Oh no,” Billy a little bit twitchy. “How did it come to this? I’m starving, I should have eaten.” the thoughts are racing through his mind. He doesn’t want to think about the buy-back booth. “It’s OK, I’m undefeated, he has to beat me twice. Forget that! I’m closing this out NOW!”
He’s driven. He’s desperate.
Omar’s shaky. He shares out loud with the standing room only crowd, “The stress, the stress.” Yet, inside, he knows he can win this. Look how far he’s gotten. Why stop now?
Each having chipped away at the rack, until, again, they’re tied at 4.
One ball and Billy has another DCC championship belt. One more for Omar and he’ll secure a second set.
Defensive now, Omar leaves Billy long, very long. His dark eyes focused intently on the contact point, he pulls back his cue and, mustering all his power, he pummels the object ball…CRACK! The Cyclop almost busted the back of the pocket.
You can still hear his rebel yell ringing around the arena.
Omar is grateful, sure, a little bit deflated, but yet elated to have gotten so far. “What’s better than this in the sport we all love so much?” And, let’s not forget, he’ll go home a hero.
Billy has added another Diamond event to his resume. Plus, that’s 120 points towards the Master of the Table title. He’s still unbeaten in One-Pocket, plus, with the 9-Ball experience he gained as a winning Mosconi Cup team member two months ago, who knows what the future holds for the rising pool star.
DIAMOND DCC ONE POCKET CHAMPIONSHIP
410 entrants are now reduced to 116
Scott Frost handily defeated Dennis Orcollo 3-1 on the Accu-Stats TV table. Off to a blazing start the Freezer dismantled Robocop’s defenses.
The closing rack offered endgame strategy. With Scott needing one, it was a lesson in moving both the cue and object ball into positions impossible. Scott came with 3 railer that no one expected, especially Dennis.
One Pocket matches will air on accu-stats.com at NOON. EDT.
THE DIAMOND STRAIGHT POOL CHALLENGE is streaming at billiardnet.tv!
The high-run contest is manned by 14.1 aficionados Dennis Walsh and Bill Maropulis. Bob Jewett, the event creator, has generously supplied healthy refreshments. Pool players sometimes forget to eat.
The 8 highest runs will compete in a single elimination play-off to determine the champion.
A hearty congratulations to Scott Frost who will go into the One Pocket Hall of Fame!
In addition, James Walden will be honored for “Lifetime Pool in Action!”
One Pocket Hall of Famer Shannon Daulton, and friends, will entertain the one-hole fans with personal encounters with the honorees as he anchors the evening’s festivities.
The format is VIP dinner and drinks starting at 6 PM. Then about 7:15 PM the doors open for inexpensive appetizers and cash bar and the induction presentations.
You are invited to help us celebrate their achievements and to experience a piece of One-Pocket history.
Accu-Stats thanks its Arena Sponsors: Diamond Billiards, Simonis Cloth, Cyclop Balls, Cuetec Cues, Lucasi Custom, MEZZ Cues, McDermott Cues, National Billiard Academy, and Samsara Cues.
Keith McCready with Scott Frost and Shannon Daulton (Photo courtesy of Dave Thomson-Mediumpool.com)
Derby City Classic XX, January 19-27, 2018
LIVE from the Horseshoe Southern Indiana Casino, Elizabeth, IN
DCC ONE POCKET CHAMPIONSHIP
393 entrants have been depleted to 9.
Shannon Daulton is the man with the momentum. By Round 11, he had a buy-back and had gotten a bye!
At press time, those 9 players were still in action.
Bustamante and Bergman, who like Daulton is undefeated, were dueling in the Accu-Stats TV Arena. Chohan was jousting with Orcollo, as was Jeff DeLuna with Justin Hall. Billy Thorpe was contending with Warren Kiamco who had given Bustey his first loss by dispensing a blistering 8-and-out and 9-and-out!
Earlier, like in a flashback, Billy Thorpe and Alex Pagulayan had clashed in the TV pit in a near repeat performance of last year’s finals.
Alex, drained, then had to fade his 3-0 defeat as he entered into combat with Kiamko who calmly put him out of his misery.
Joshua Oneal waved bye-bye to Brumback who had been sent to buy back by Orcollo. Dennis had been given his first loss by the unshakable Billy Thorpe.
Jayson Shaw put a dent in Deuel’s hopes before Orcullo disposed of him. DeLuna had leveled Corey’s first loss.
Justin Hall, while quietly slipping up the ranks, ended Alcano’s aspirations as Ronnie had done to newly inducted One Pocket Hall of Fame member, Jeremy Jones.
Justin Hall delivered Kiamco to the buy-back booth as Bustey had to Tony Chohan.
It’s around this time that the All-Around Championship points enter into the equation. They are, currently, too close to tell, yet, with his 120 for first in Bank Pool, Corey remains a contender.
Due to scheduling delays created by the sheer volume of competitors, the Semis and Finals originally planned for Thursday evening will be broadcast on Friday.
Visit Accu-Stats.com for match times.
DCC BANKS RING GAME
The highly entertaining, 6 players, “all-in,” action packed short-rack Bank game, hosted by banking living legend, Truman Hogue, is not to be missed. Schedule permitting, the festivities should begin around 8 pm Friday..
DCC 9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP
363 entries are well underway and, with no player draws of distinction, we begin with a road story.
When there are 363 players from far and wide, you can’t know them all. There lies the caveat: Not knowing your opponent can cause confusion, just ask, Dan Koste.
Tony Chohan walked over to his designated table and presumed that the player practicing was his match.
“It’s you and me,” he said.
When Tony was ahead around 7-2, Josh Roberts approached the table. Well-aware of who Chohan was, he inquired of his opponent, “Are you Dan Koste?”
“I am,” Dan replied. “Well, you are supposed to be playing me.”
“Oh,” said Dan, secretly relieved as he pondered the score beads. Tony, always a gentleman, quietly excused himself from the match. Roberts proceeded to administer similar punishment as Chohan.
6 women are in contention, including World Champions Karen Corr and Loree Jon Hasson, pro tour players Allison Fisher, Kelly Isaac, Stacy Sinclair and, the recently wed Mrs. Pia Filler: Congratulations to her and Josh on tying the knot just after the Mosconi Cup.
Other than that, there is not much to report. Friday and Saturday will be jam-packed.
LIVE 9-Ball Play continues at Accu-Stats.com
Accu-Stats thanks its Arena Sponsors: Diamond Billiards, Simonis Cloth, Cyclop Balls, Lucasi Custom, MEZZ Cues, McDermott Cues, National Billiard Academy, and Samsara Cues
The George Fels Memorial Straight Pool Challenge And, after 4 full days of scrambling for tables, waiting patiently for someone to miss, the top 8 high-runs recorded were:
Dennis Orcollo, 227, who tied Jayson Shaw’s Historical record.
Unfortunately, as the top 8 high-run finishers were still in both the One Pocket and 9-Ball events, it was deemed impossible to schedule the hours it would have taken to complete the event.
The 8 players opted to split the $22.300 tournament prize money.
ONE POCKET HALL OF FAME DINNER
On Wednesday, Jan 24th, Jeremy Jones and the late Eugene “Clem” Metz were honored for their propagation of the chess game of pool, One Pocket.
There are no more opposite personalities than the precocious and boisterous, living legend Keith McCready and the more subdued and suave Charles “Country” Martin. Both, deservedly, were honored with the “Lifetime Pool in Action Award!
One Pocket Hall of Famers Shannon Daulton and Scott Frost entertained the sold-out crowd with their personal encounters with the honorees as they anchored the evening’s festivities.
1998 One Pocket Champion Jeremy Jones, proved he was more than a “mover” when, in 2003, he captured the US Open 9-Ball Championships and earned membership on the Mosconi Cup’s Team America.
Jeremy praised the infamous Jersey Red as his primary mentor and thanked Johnny Archer for guiding him to compete on the pro tour. “If you want to improve, that’s where you need to be,” Johnny advised. Jones took the journey and, with his acquired knowledge of both action and tournament play, became one of the game’s great communicators.
Pat Fleming, whom Jeremy also acknowledged as inspiration, was aware of Jeremy’s One Pocket prowess and invited him to compete in the 2016 Accu-Stats “Make It Happen” One Pocket Invitational.
During conversation, Fleming observing “Double J”’s communication skills invited him into the booth. His clearly stated concepts of pool’s most abstruse discipline determined that he return to commentate with Danny Diliberto on the 2017 “Make It Happen” 8-Ball and 14.1 Invitationals. Jeremy’s contribution to the Accu-Stats Vimeo On Demand series is more than commentary, it’s instruction.
Jeremy ended his stint at the podium by recalling a simple statement that had a lifetime effect. While under the tutelage of Jersey Red, Jones committed a one pocket cardinal sin, he had lost concentration and scratched. “Scratched?” said Red, “One time, I didn’t scratch for 8 years!” That’s a good mentor.
On a more somber moment, Mr. Incardona’s son Anthony’s untimely passing was honored by a minute of silence.
One Pocket Hall of Fame creator Steve Booth, always delving into history for the most deserving inductees, discovered Charles “Country” Martin.
His smooth demeanor, compounded by sartorial elegance allowed “Country” to gain trust wherever he went. Billy Incardona had heard many a tail of the impeccably dressed, spit-polished shoes, Italian knit sweater swagger of the handsome Martin.
“He was perhaps the smartest gambler ever. His six-figure wins were legendary. Country was clearly one of pool’s very special characters.”
He didn’t always play. He, for example, discovered Cisero Murphy and backed him on the road.
Martin was more than a gambler, he was a winner. Who else would invest the money made wagering and put his daughter, Sonya, through college.
“My father was my hero,” beamed Sonya.
Eugene “Clem” Metz, born in 1931, was renowned as one of the most patient safety players on the planet. Referring to the new breed of brash, like Ronnie Allen, he asserted he would “…stick all those hustlers in the shit house.”
Billy Incardona was invited to comment, “I didn’t know him too well but the word was that he was considered the best player in the world.”
Booth had then introduced Metz’ son Donny who thanked the room for honoring his father. “My dad always stated that,”You don’t have to be the best player, you just have to be the best game maker.”
Eddie Taylor, considered to be the greatest bank player ever, always left broke.
Game making is everything.
Let’s hear what McCready has to say.
“You always have to find a way to get the money.”
From about 10 years old, that was what it was all about from him.
Danny DiLiberto told the story of when one of the few days he was in school, for security, Keith asked the gym teacher to hold some money for him. The wad would have choked the proverbial horse. The story goes that they thought he was a drug dealer and he never went back.
Others, realizing his talent, took him on the road when he was 15. He, soon, fell into the improvised post “Hustler,” drink on, drug out, 70’s culture.
Sure, he attended tournaments but rarely entered. He went there to make games.
“You always have to find a way to get the money.”
He’s reputed to have matched up with Fats. They are cut from the same cloth: Hold their attention ’til you hold their money; Never let them think that you took it, make them feel that they gave it to you.
He was immortalized in The Color of Money with his line, “It’s like a nightmare, isn’t it.”
Taking the podium, Mary Kenniston shared when, in her pool room in Vegas, “He’d bring in these cute girls and tell them he was a movie star.” She’d put on the movie and propagate the myth.
By the 90s, battered and bruised by drugs and booze, he fell off the radar.
Rumor had it that he met a girl.
He resurfaced on Facebook. He maxed out at 5,000 “friends.” It’s no surprise, really: Keith McCready–social media mogul.
And here he is, now 60, honored as one of the greatest game makers of all time.
Maybe, there’s an extra C in Keith’s surname. Maybe, it should be McREADY. Never known to shy away from action, last night from the altar, he woofed at anyone in the building to step up. “I’m ready. Are you?
“I can look at the guys in here right now, I got games for all of them.
“I have my millionaire lawyer with me. He has told me to go right ahead.”
Tuning in to a more serious note, Keith acknowledged that he had a really good woman behind him, ”And, without her, I might not even be here, right now.”
McCready’s life became a veritable disaster. To survive, he certainly had to clean up his act. “I’ve been drug-free for 13 years. I quit smoking 4 1/2 years ago,” he paused and reflected fondly, “And it’s all because of her.”
Keith continued that in life there were always four or five guys that don’t really agree with what you do then, you have the 95 guys who love you like a brother so, I’m so happy to be here and thank you all for being here.”
Nothing has changed, “I got about 18 more hours here and, me and my big lawyer here, we’re ready. So get it together!”
He then signed autographs and reminisced with old friends who made the trip just to be with him. He also made a lot of new ones before wandering off into the night.
Dennis Orcollo danced through the field last year (Photo courtesy of Dave Thomson – Mediumpool.com)
In celebration of The Derby City Classic’s 20th anniversary, we thought that you avid pool fans might be interested in a few tidbits of its unique history, statistics, and hear what the sone of the past champions have to say about it all.
The “Derby” was sired by Diamond Billiards’ Greg Sullivan in 1999. 200 plus entrants vying for titles in three disciplines; Bank Pool, One Pocket, and 9-Ball graced Louisville KY’s Executive Inn. Due to DCC’s irrepressible growth, by 2009, the action was upgraded to the grander Horseshoe Southern Indiana Casino, just across the border, in Elizabeth, IN.
Today, more than double that original amount are expected to participate. That stat makes it the most successful, competitively attended pro pool tournament in the world.
Greg’s ambition grew from experiencing the Johnson City hustler’s convention at the tender age of 16. He was immediately smitten, in fact, he still has his original entry ticket!
It was that passion for pool that eventually drove him to create the Diamond pool table to his exacting, standardized specifications that would catapult pool from a game to a sport.
The table’s success allowed Greg, with Chad in the background managing the numbers, to create a pool tournament which would attract the full gamut of cuemen. He wanted those who were funded by gambling on themselves and those who excelled in the immediacy of tournament action.
Sullivan beamed as he stated without the glimmer of a boast, ”The most satisfying compliment I’ve ever received is that DCC is like Johnson City…on steroids.”
2001 All Around Champion (also know as the Master of the Table) Shannon Daulton concurs. “Once a year, everyone from World Champions to the toughest money players on the earth come together for nine days of torture to see who comes out on top.”
Five time All Around Champion Efren Reyes dubs the Derby his favorite tournament, ever. ”I got to spend time with my friends, now icons, like Earl and Nick (Varner). And, more recently, new friends I’ve made in all the events. It’s always been a gathering of the best players in the world.”
Another attraction; the moolah. Where else can one pool player, in one tournament, get the opportunity to cash $76,000? And that doesn’t include the extra curricular activities; nudge, nudge.
If he, or she, were to win the Bank Pool: $10,000, and the One Pocket; $12,000, then the 9-Ball; $16,000. All those points awarded for each win earn an additional $20,000 as the aforementioned Master of the Table.
Plus, let’s not forget DCC’s auxiliary enticements: The Diamond BIG Foot Challenge: $16,000, and the George Fels Memorial 14.1/Straight Pool, instigated by Billiards Digest columnist Bob Jewett and currently hosted by Dennis Walsh and Bill Maropulos: $8,000.
It all adds up to $76,000. That’s not a bad week’s wages.
In its evolution over the decades, as if the 9 days of dawn to dawn dueling weren’t murderous enough, more entertainment was added.
The Action and Entertainment" (A&E) commemorates the legendary “St.Louis” Louis Robert respected for his mesmerizing ability and high-roller attitude. As a matter of interest, in 2010, the entrancing Jeanette Lee robbed ‘em!
The event that is dearly missed was Steve Booth’s One Pocket and Bank Pool Hall of Fame Dinner. It was perhaps the most fun-filled night in Pool–never mind the Derby!
To hear the inductees be introduced by pool’s spellbinding raconteurs like the late Grady Mathews and Freddy “The Beard” Bentivegna was known to reduce some of these bad boys to tears.
The good news is that–it’s back! Jeremy Jones and the late Eugene 'Clem' Metz will be honored for One Pocket. And truly precocious Keith McCready for the “Lifetime Pool in Action Award!
Wednesday, 24th, Jan. Doors open ar 6pm
It was in 2010 that the always entertaining Banks Ring Game was introduced.
In 2014, in celebration of the Diamond’s new 10’ table, the BIG Foot 10-ball Challenge was inaugurated. Always looking for innovation, Greg’s methodology was that the challenge of negotiating a 50 sq. ft. playing surface with the standard tight, pro-cut pockets would determine, indisputably, the best player.
The Derby City Classic All Around Champion is also the most bad-ass title to hold. Taking it means that you kick ass, not just in one of the disciplines, but at least 2, and arguably, all three. Hence, the All Around Champion is also recognized as Master of the Table, that’s why both titles are inscribed on the newly created, very elegant, crystal obelisk being presented to the 2018 points winner. Smaller obelisks will go to the winners of all 5 events.
Another interesting feature is that DCC is the only pool tournament where it costs more to enter the bleachers than it does to enter the arena. So, if you intend to attend the greatest pool show on earth and stand in awe of the international field of competitors, it will behoove you to play; It will certainly improve your speed plus, generate a tale or two for your grandchildren–especially, if you’re lucky enough to draw a champion!
In DCC’s first ever incarnation in 1999, Efren won the inaugural All Around event. The turn of the century, Dee Adkins had the honor, It took Shannon Daulton until 2001 to create his most treasured memory, in 2002 Jose Parica took the praise until Larry Nevel reveled in it in 2003. In 2004: The Return of Reyes: in the 4 years thru 2007, Efren was the “Master” three times: He “repeated” ’04 and ’05 and titled again in 2007. Incidentally, he won the One Pocket in all 4 of those years. Jason Miller interrupted in 2006. 2008 had fellow Filipino Francisco Bustamante, 2009, the brutal banker, John Brumback. In, 2010, guess who? Yup, Efren again! 2011 announced Shane Van Boening coming in to his own. He back-to backed thru ’12, The Filipino invasion was resuscitated as Francisco Bustamante titled again in ’13, Dennis Orcollo dominated 2014 then, Alex Pagulayan paralyzed everyone, even Efren, in 2015 and ’16. Dennis danced thru the field again in 2017.
Alex reminisced, “Without a doubt, my best memory was winning the One Pocket in 2015. What I like about the DCC is that I really get to play some pool, I mean lots of pool, and in all those different discipline.”
John Brumback concurred, “I’ve had no greater feeling than when they announced my first win in Banks, then, the second I heard that I was the All Around Champion, wow, nothin’ better.”
So, in conclusion, who is the Master of the Table? Well, the stats don’t lie. As was once stated, “You can have your own opinion but, you can’t have your own facts!”
When you add up Efren’s attendance record, consider that he competed in only 11 years of the Derby and was the All Around Champion in 5 of them.That seems like an almost impossible statistic to repeat. Even in 2017, in his 60s, he was still pounding an Accu-Stats’ 9-Ball Total Performance Average (TPA) in the 890s and 900s.
We’ll see what future generations will accomplish as we are sure of one thing, DCC will be there for decades to come. DCC XXX will create some interesting search results.
Maybe Shannon said it best, “We really have to thank Greg Sullivan for taking such a chance 20 years ago. To this day, in my opinion, it’s our Greatest Show on Earth.”
Experience it for yourself: Get there, there is still time. Or view on accu-stats.com
Kerry McAuliffe came from the loss side in the finals of the Eastern States Championships on Labor Day weekend and fought through a double hill finals match against hot seat occupant, Jason Platt, to claim the event title. The $1,000-added Amateur event, run concurrently with an Open/Pro event (separate story) drew 98 entrants to Snooker's in Providence, RI.
McAuliffe's loss-side trip began with a 7-4 loss to Jim Prather in a winners' side semifinal, as Platt was at work, sending Adam Blaire west 7-3. Platt then took down Prather in the hot seat match 8-2, unaware that it was his last win of the weekend.
McAuliffe moved over and picked up Miguel Laboy, who'd survived a double hill battle versus Francisco Cabral and defeated Jaime Forcier 7-5. Blaire drew Steve Booth who'd eliminated Jessica Lynn 7-6 and Steve Sutton 7-4.
McAuliffe and Blaire got right back to work, defeating Laboy 7-5 and Booth 7-4. McAuliffe then defeated Blaire in the quarterfinals 7-4, and embarked on a semifinal match versus Prather that went on for over two hours. McAuliffe finally won it 7-4. In the extended-finals, McAuliffe reached eight racks ahead Platt to extend the game to 10 racks, and then, double hill, finished it to claim the event title.
Predator Tour Director Tony Robles thanked his fellow TDs from the New England 9-Ball Series (Marc Dionne) and Ride the 9 Tour (Gloria Magnano), as well as Snooker's owners, Stephen and Regina Goulding and sponsors, Predator Cues, Ozone Billiards, and Delta 13 racks.
All had one loss. There would be no buy-backs. One of the them was going to get a bye.
In a unique way of picking who gets it, each player was asked to pick up one of 3 big boxes sitting on the Diamond table in the Accu-Stats Arena then, face the bottom of it to the audience.
Unbeknownst to the players, one of the boxes had BYE written on it. Much to his relief, Brumback had chosen it: He was sent swiftly into the Finals.
Efren and Shannon stayed in the Arena to determine who got 3rd.
If Efren won the semi's, then the finals, he would be the first man, ever, to complete the DCC career "Grand Slam" with wins in all 3 divisions. Banks, One-Pocket, and 9-Ball.
With a 2-0, and needing the case ball, Efren looked invincible. H even had a couple of attempts at it. Shannon reached for his cannon. Blasting back with some incredible shotmaking, the match was soon tied at 2. He was driven, but it wasn't over yet.
In the decider, Efren had 3 balls, Shannon had zero. With more gut wrenching, inner strength, Daulton caught a gear and now had 4. Efren, altho,' having showed moments of magic, was missing.
Shannon's opportunity arose when Efren left the 4-ball a couple of inches from the bottom rail. With incredible precision, Shannon crossed it the length of the table towards the opposite corner pocket.
As it passed the side, there was now doubt that it would run true. Daulton strode, with outstretched hand, toward Reyes as the ball dropped in behind him.
When The Cannon sank that last ball the exultation was written all over his face. He was ecstatic. So, were the hometown fans in the standing room only arena.
"I've been beaten so many times by Efren, including last year in the One-Pocket Finals," coincidently, the only division Shannon hasn't won.
"I really prepared for this. I've been going to sleep anywhere from 9-11, every night.
"I'm now 42 years old. You can either win upstairs, in action, or downstairs here on the TV table. In the TV table, you win forever."
No need for rest, he faced long time friend and fellow Southerner John Brumback. They grew up banging balls around together. Both have many DCC titles. Money be-damned; There was nothing more important than garnering other one.
Shannon won the lag…broke, and ran 5 and out. They got down to one ball in the second game and Shannon sank that: 2-0.
Shannon stayed ahead and had opportunities to take it all but now the banks were eluding him. One even slow rolled to the hole only to tease him.
John stayed alive at 1-2 and took a time-out.
Yesterday, he and Shannon had been practicing together, for the same title, at a friend's house. Their deep-rooted friendship was most apparent when Shannon, with an energy drink in his hand, was late returning from the time-out.
John, mildly frustrated, said, " Where ya been? I've been waiting on you," Then he, nonchalantly, took Shannon's drink, sucked a long draft from the straw, and placed it back in his hand.
Shannon didn't even notice. "Go break, then," he said."
John did but to no avail. It garnered him only a ball.
Shannon showed the same form of the opening rack. Needing only one ball, he finally sank that elusive championship orb. They shared a congratulatory hug.
It'e easy to tell that these guys will be competitors and friends, in and out of the arena, for life. Today, they knew that it was just Shannon's turn.
On they go to the One-Pocket division.
See it LIVE at accu-stats.com
The One-Pocket Hall of Fame Banquet
Tuesday evening, Steve Booth hosted the most entertaining night at the Derby, The One
Pocket Hall of Fame Banquet in Legends Bar near the Horseshoe Southern Indiana food court.
The evening honored the life and times of the inimitable, sometimes notorious, Freddy "The Beard" Bentivegna. 1940-2014.
It was night full of sweet sadness, tears, spurious road stories, laughs–lots of laughs–and lastly, surprises–lots of surprises.
What night commemorating Freddy is not going to be filled with all of the above. Friends and family–his daughter Cat–came to honor him with tales portraying the man behind his infamous escapades to an audience transfixed.
Freddy's Chicago neighborhood friend of 43 years, John Bosnak, with the aid daughter Cat, dug into the archives to compile a slide show of pics that went as far back as the 40s.
The eerie the thing about John is not that only that he and Freddy looked like they were brothers, their voices, including intonation, sounded identical. So when John was commentating during the slide show, it sounded like Freddy was introducing himself.
"Yeah, we've been friends for so long that we started to be alike." John joked. Narrating the pics, he soon choked up as he was reminded that his dear friend was no longer with us.
Scott Frost was first from the pool community to the podium. "Freddy told me that, 'If you stick with it, one day you will beat Efren.' The interesting thing is that I believed him. I really credit that his motivation contributed to my success today."
Billy Incardona and Danny Diliberto waxed eloquently stating that Bentivegna was one of pool's greatest characters and raconteurs.
Videographer Angel Levine stated that Freddy and his great friend George Fels (who had edited his recent, Encyclopedia of Pool Hustlers) were a profound influence in her life and, jokingly, referred to them as scoundrels and scholars. "As a teenager, hanging out in the pool room, they not only watched out for me, they were like father figures to me."
Freddy's daughter Cat has started a Freddy the Beard Facebook page and it already has 3000 "likes." She invites anyone to share their personal Freddy story.
"His philosophy was that, in life, everyone should strive to do what ever makes them happy," Cat reflected.
Accu-Stats commentator, and cue maker, Bill Gibbs donated a cue that he had made in 1989. In 2008 he started having all the One Pocket and Bank Pool legends sign it at the annual Hall of Fame Banquets. Today, it has a proud new owner.
Then came the surprises: The legendary Marshall "Squirrel" Carpenter was in the house. Scott Frost returned to the mic and shared that The Tuscaloosa Squirrel was his first road partner. "And now, at 87, he's still matching up!"
"Do you have the nuts?" was hollered form the floor? "I never had the nuts, I just liked to crack 'em," he retorted.
Then Bank Pool Hall of Famer Hogue was back at the Podium preparing us for the evening's biggest surprise. it was time to honor the "Lifetime Pool in Action" award.
"When I was a kid, this man had so much faith in me that he took me on the road as my stake horse and it took me six months to book a winner. He always stood by me.
"His whole life has been dedicated to allowing people to see the beauty of Pool…"
Meanwhile, Greg Sullivan, Diamond's president and founder of the Derby City Classic turned to his wife Kay and whispered incredulously. "This sounds like me."
Hogue's deep, resonating voice was still bellowing into the microphone. "…Greg Sullivan,"
The room went crazy, Lifetime Pool in Action award? Greg's jaw dropped as, overwhelmed, he was dragged to the podium, "No, no, you take it. " he choked, "Give it to me later. I hate the limelight," tears now streaming down his face.
Finally, somewhat composed, he graciously thanked everyone. "All I ever wanted to do was let pool evolve from a game into a sport."
"Well, you've certainly done that," said Banquet founder, Steve Booth, closing the ceremonies. "Pool has always had two sides," Steve acknowledged, "The Tournament side and the Action side. Here at the Derby, Greg, you've brought them together."
Kay Sullivan was still sitting, observing all, from her setting at the table. She had known of her husband's surprise presentation, and kept it secret, for two terrifying weeks. Her face beaming with pride, still glistening from her tears.
Action all day as daily bonuses are distributed to the top 3 high runs. $300, $200, $100.
No one has caught Jayson's 227 or Mika's 224.
When Orcollo heard that there was $1,000 prize for the tournament's highest run, he ran upstairs between one-pocket matches and, in his first inning, delivered a 197. That should ensure him a berth in the final 8. Can he repeat?
Diamond Derby City Classic XVII: One Pocket Division
352 One Pocket are now down to 70 As Morra, at 3-1, sent veteran Cliff Joyner to buy back. "John shot well," said Cliff. "I got distracted by all the action around me rather than focussing on the game."
"It was an interesting match coming from the pace of the Banks and 10-Ball," observed John, "The first game took 90 minutes, the last one, 90 seconds."
Frost lost 1-3 to World 14.1 Champion Stephan Cohen and Efren bought back after a second round loss to New Yorker, Jim Milazoo. Didn't that previously happen to him in the Banks too?
More One-Pocket Action in the Accu-Stats TV arena tomorrow starting with Efren and Shane at 10am EDT, He'd better get some rest after his Banks match. One more loss and he's gone.
Shane Van Boening – Photo courtesy of Dave Thomson Mediumpool.com
LIVE from the Horseshoe Southern Indiana Resort and Casino, Elizabeth, IN
As a matter of historical interest, no one player has had a career "Grand Slam, i.e., won all three Derby City Classic Master of the Table divisions: Bank Pool, One Pocket and 9-Ball.
Efren Reyes has won both One-Pocket and 9-Ball; Shannon Daulton has captured 9-Ball and Bank Pool and, got close last year with a second against Efren in the One Pocket.
Will history be made? They're both in the last 3 in the Banks Division and very capable of taking any title but, we're getting ahead of ourselves.
Let's get you caught up.
Diamond BIG Foot 10-Ball Challenge.
Shane Van Boening and Jason Klatt opened Sunday's action on the Accu-Stats TV table at noon. Jason had been playing a 10 am, One-Pocket match while Shane waited, warming up BIG Foot. There's nothing like it to work out the body's early morning cobwebs.
Shane's work ethic is, without a doubt, a major contribution to his success. At every opportunity, he's practicing on BIG Foot.
When everyone else is doing whatever, last thing at night, he's in the Accu-Stats Arena running balls. "I actually practice more at tournaments than I do when I am at home," he confessed.
Jason, a little late to the table as Shane was in fine fettle, took time to adjust and clambered to a very admirable 8 before Shane dropped the hammer.
It was then John Morra and Alex Pagulayan stepped into the ring. John, like many, just couldn't get BIG Foot's tight jaws to devour any balls on the break.
Alex is more familiar with massive expanses of Simonis as he had spent a lot of last year on the UK snooker circuit.
His, seemingly, miniature body stretched across the slate, capitalized on every offer John presented. Morra wasn't allowed to regroup as he did so elegantly, yesterday, against Bustamante. He had to settle for 7 before Alex slammed the door.
22 year old, Manila native, Jeff Ignacio can play. In fact, last year, Efren commented that Jeff was then the best player in the Phillipines. Yet, sometimes, he missed the simplest of balls. "I am very quick, maybe too quick; Fast decision, fast release," he stated. "I have to learn to control my impulses."
10-Ball is the Filipino game of choice. After easily dismissing a struggling Orcollo, Jeff said that, when they match-up in the Phillipines, he usually gets the 9. "Yeah, but that was about 4 years ago," countered Orcollo.
He didn't need the 9 today. "I couldn't see clearly," Dennis defended after his defeat at 6, "I had only managed 4 hours sleep." (We'll blame it on the Jet lag).
Mika and Lee Vann closed out the evening session with Mika, up 5-2, getting sharked by a raised water bottle in his line of sight to a straight-in 5-ball.
Lee Vann jumped to the table and soon had overtaken Mika. Mika's demons were alive and well and the audience was aware of his distress. Enter good-buddy Rodney Morris. Rodney sat behind Mika's chair consoling while motivating him," "Shake it off, shake it off. You'll get your chance."
When that chance arose and Mika was back on the scoreboard, "Now, take a time out," insisted Rodney. Mika new that he was right.
Ten minutes later Mika's maturity as an athlete was apparent. He approached the game composed and courageous. The BIG Foot battled ensued until Corteza was on the hill and Mika had fought to 9,
Then, up jumped the devil. Remember we're on BIG Foot now. The slightest overhit can have devastating results. In Mika's safety attempt to tie up the cue ball, a millimeter made all the difference and Lee Vann was left a peek at the cash. He took it straight to the bank.
And then there were four: Shane versus 3 Filipinos. Surprised?
In Semi's #1, Corteza faced the fearless Ignacio.
Jeff started well and was ahead 3-1. Then his break stopped working, "And, I had 4 scratches," he commiserated.
With an 11-7 win, Lee Vann observed, "It seems I'm always coming from behind, Then, he gave me so many opportunities…and I took them," he smiled wryly.
Semi's #2: Shane's discipline of practice showed up and his ball pocketing, table speed, position play, were near flawless. Then you add, never mind the power, the precision of his break. When he completes his follow thru, his forefinger is circling the butt 6 inches behind the joint.
Previously, Alex was executing like he had found his pool form that eluded him on his return from the snooker circuit.
Unfortunately, today, against Shane, he didn't get a chance to use it.
Shane was on fire. Alex, always a gentleman, had to applaud him. And, when Alex did get to break, twice his cue ball found the pocket. He managed only 2 games before Shane had ensured his berth, again, in the finals.
Mosconi Cup, Team America captain and Accu-Stats commentator Mark Wilson reported that, "Shane displayed one of the most inspiring 10-Ball performances that he had ever witnessed." Shane had shot an Accu-Stats' Total Performance Average(TPA) of 957–on BIG Foot! If you missed the Pay-per -View, no worries, you can catch it, soon, on the DVD.
The Finals: it seemed that Corteza was boggled by Van Boening's power and ability and smothering of Alex. Shane was as comfortable on BIG Foot as he had ever been on any table. He showed no weakness; no sign of stress or nervousness. Lee Vann had slivers of opportunity that he could not quite capture. With Shane on the hill while he, too, had mustered only 2, he missed ball that he would have made in his sleep. Shane had shot him into submission.
By allowing only 4 games against him in the semi's and finals, is there a contender on the planet who can contain Shane?
We'll see in the One Pocket and 9-Ball.
Diamond Derby City Classic XVII: Bank Pool Division
From 413 candidates on Friday, by Monday, at 10am there were 30. At 6pm there were 12.
Cold, you may ask? Up 2-1, and needing one ball, while Efren needed 4, Scott made the perfect bank into the heart of the corner pocket.
He stepped forward to offer Efren his hand only to realize that the ball had slowed and hung up in the jaws.
Efren stepped up and, before Scott knew it, they were jousting over one ball. Efren bounced it off the short rail and nothing but net. 2-2.
He broke and ran 4. Scott's bank attempt got close but left a distant, long rail cross into the corner. Without a wobble, the "Magician" escaped again.
With 6 remaining, Efren persevered over Bobby Hunter, Shannon allowed Brian Groce a graceful exit and, old school Brumback learned young gun Hall.
They will redraw tomorrow evening, Each has only one life left. One lucky contender will get a bye straight into the Finals and you get to watch it all at accu-stats.com.
The One-Pocket Hall of Fame Banquet
Tuesday evening, Steve Booth will host the most entertaining night at the Derby, The One Pocket Hall of Fame Banquet at 6pm in Legends Bar near the food court in the Horseshoe Southern Indiana.
Needless to say, the evening will celebrate the life and times of the inimitable Freddy "The Beard" Bentivegna.
The George Fels Memorial Straight Pool Challenge got off to a raucous start when young Scot, Jayson Shaw, reached for a Guinness–The Book of records that is. By breaking all previous competition record runs, he strung together staggering 227.
"That was my first inning of my second attempt." noted Shaw. Players get 12 attempts, in groups of 4 break shots, to create a high run. The top 8 finishers switch to a single elimination format and the winner is determined on Saturday.
"In my first 4 attempts, I had couple of 50 somethings and a 6! I have run in the hundreds before so, I'm not going to let it get to me. So, I bought back in. I managed the 227 in my first inning. I got $300 for high run of the day"
Daily bonuses are distributed to the top 3 high runs.
Shaw continued his innings on Monday and secured a 165 before getting his cue ball stuck in the stack.
Mika Immonen heard all the commotion and decided, 227, thats' something to shoot at. When he got 100; no sweat, At 200, the texts were blazing around the resort. "Still going? Jayson texted tourney director Bill Maropulos, "Yup," Bill responded.
At 224, that's 16 consecutive racks, folks, Mika blasted the break shot. Jayson's 227 remains intact.
Nick Van Den Berg has a 149, Warren Kiamco-145, last year's winner Dennis Orcollo–127. There are double the entrants from last year and more big runs are expected. Jayson and Mika are pretty safe, although, John "Mr 400" Schmidt is in the house.
See two more days of qualifiers before the highest 8 square off in single eliminate at www.tvmike.tv
Diamond Derby City Classic XVII: One Pocket Division
The DCC success continues as 352 One Pocket players looked for a little luck at the Horseshoe. The usual suspects are torturing the meek. No upsets as of yet.
Diamond thanks its sponsors: The Horseshoe Southern Indiana, Cyclop Balls, Simonis Cloth, BCA Pool League, and BadBoys Billiard Productions.
Accu-Stats thanks its Arena Sponsors: Simonis Cloth, Cyclop Balls, OB Cues, Cue and Case, MEZZ Cues, Samsara Cues, and National Billiard Academy.
