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Artistic Pool Pros Demand Changes

In almost any arena, when one stands alone in this day and age, creating any sort of change or impact can be a tough nut to crack. In the recent weeks, a small amount of artistic pool players have decided to take a stand against the World Pool Association’s, Artistic Pool Division (WPA-APD).  On September 9th, 2015 a somewhat brash demand letter went out to Mark Dimick, President of the WPA-APD, and all the other board members (Jim Sommer, Javier Gomez, Arkadiy Loshakov, Dan Hosier, Tim Chin, Jamie Moody, Buddy Eick, Stefano Pelinga, Jeremiah Owens, Curtis Robertson) stating that there were issues that a majority of the top players in the world (13 total) would like to see change for the better of the sport.  These terms came with a two-week deadline for response, or else a boycott on future events would take place.

 

Seeking change for the betterment of artistic pool, as a sport, was what Nick Nikolaidis and his ‘Player's Board’ were seeking.  In the midst of the recent World Championships that took place in Atlanta, Georgia, many issues within the industry were magnified and several players decided it was time to change the status-quo.  Instead of having a continual gripe session, Nikolaidis, helped to fascilitate an impromptu meeting.  Among his constituents, were top ranked, Andy Segal, world champion Gabi Visoiu, viral sensation, Florian Kohler, Dave Nangle, Abram Diaz, Steve Markle, Gordon Hedges, Adam Nickels, Jim Glanville, Jamey Gray and Sebastian Giumelli.  In this initial meeting, they decided it would be an open discussion of all issues, and these issues would be taken to a vote and would be presented to the WPA-APD.  

 

It seems that with the manifestation of such a notice of demands, the communication gap between the artistic players and it’s governing body has existed for quite some time. The players have felt that there were problems with the format of events, money allocation, and WPA-APD board elections, among other issues.  In this recent letter to the WPA-APD, the ‘Player's Board’, as they call themselves, itemized this letter into seven categories, with included subcategories.  The first category is “Player Quality.”  Because there was a live-stream of the World Championship, the player quality was on spotlight when it came to how artistic pool was portrayed.  This being the case there were five players that scored under 100 points out of a possible 320 points.  There were two players that scored 20 points or less.  As a professional world championship, the playing field is expected to be of a high caliber, especially those playing on the stream table.  This essentially affects how the tournament is set up with regards to which players are in which flights, which is also addressed within the letter.  Upon interviewing Nick Nikolaidis, Abram Diaz and Gabi Visoiu, they all discussed that they wanted Artistic Pool to be represented in the best fashion with the highest ranked and skilled players showcased, especially on a broadcast.  Not for themselves, but for the presentation for the world to see.

 

Click on here to download and read the letter to the WPA-APD:  Dear WPA

 

The second category brought up within the letter to the WPA-APD is a topic most often brought up in pool and billiard tournaments: the pay-outs and purse.  The first issue brought up was paying out the entire field, which essentially means the tournament is simply reimbursing all players for part of the entry fee.  In a recent interview with current World Champion, Gabi Visoiu, he stated, “it is simply a lowered entry fee.”  Unless it is an invitational event, it is quite unheard of to pay out the entire field.  Visoiu also has a unique perspective as an international player, wiring his entry is an additional cost, as well as cashing a check from the Bank of Oklahoma in Transylvania, Romania becomes a bit of a challenge.  For Sebastian Giumelli, cashing a check in Argentina is even more of a problem.  Although, the demand for cashier's checks for international winners was in the letter, upon realizing that there was a problem for Visoiu this year, the WPA-APD did tell Visoiu they would switch to an international bank for future events.  Among other points was how much to pay or not pay the tournament director and referees.

 

Tournament format, the shot program itself, and the awards ceremony is addressed in categories three, four and five.  It has been three years that the World Championships and other tournaments have not been played with a play-off format.  For the players and perhaps even the presentation of broadcast, it would be beneficial to reinstate the play-off format for the top qualifying players in the tournament going into the final day.  In regards to the shot program, the Player's Board is seeking that they get to at least review the shot program to identify any mistakes that may be apart of it.  Finally, the awards ceremony is discussed in the letter, as these players have shown disapproval in the time and manner in which it is conducted.  This once again, addresses the issue of the best representation of the artistic pool in the mainstream media.

 

The sixth category within the letter from the Player's Board, discusses ranking and the ranking system. This is a smaller category, but can be the most impactful to the other categories because the rankings will affect those that play in world or national tournaments in the future.  The ranking system that is proposed, states the players would like to have a minimum number of events for a player to be ranked.  Also the Player's board is asking that only overall finishes be counted towards ranking points and not highest individual discipline finishers.  

 

The final category addressed is the general changes that the Player's Board would like to see with the WPA-APD.  These changes include financial records to be opened up for players to see, Tom Rossman no longer being an influential part of the process, no religious material at events, board elections opened up to players and finally, the player's voice to be heard, instead of silence through the code of conduct.  

 

What began as thirteen players, who wanted change, has now become an eighteen-player coalition, with a small board to represent everyone.  Nick Nikolaidis was elected as intern President by his fellow rebels, with Andy Segal nominated as intern Vice President of the ‘Player's Union’.  Like any union dispute, when demands are not met or even compromised there is a strike.  These rebelling players are now on strike, from a simple response memo from the WPA-APD as, “Thank you for your feedback… Attached, please find the latest entry form for our next event”.  In an interview with Player's Board Member, Abram Diaz, he stated that, “although fearful of possibly not having another opportunity to capture a world title,” he would still boycott the next event. The next event being the Master's Artistic Pool Championship being held in December at Jamaica Joe's in Oklahoma.  What then becomes of the WPA-APD if a majority of the top ranked players in the world decides not to play in future events?  Nick Nikolaidis stated that if need be they would notify the World Pool Association and start their own division.  

 

Although, the Player's Board sent a demand letter, Abram Diaz commented that they were “ready and willing to negotiate all terms.”  This being said, the WPA-APD might be under the impression that the Player's Board was all or nothing.  Stefano Pelinga, current board member of the WPA-APD, was contacted for an interview, but in his most professional manner, declined to make a statement, as he thought he was not the appropriate person to speak on behalf of the WPA-APD board, but that Mark Dimick, the president and spokesman, should if they decide to.  Unfortunately, we at Point Of View Pool Media were unable to reach Mark Dimick for a statement prior to publishing this article.  In defense of the WPA-APD, they are volunteered, unpaid board members ranging from different parts of the country, so gathering together to discuss all these topics in their spare time might be a bit difficult.  

 

Hopefully, for all of those involved, the sport of artistic billiards still has a bright future. It seems that with or without the WPA-APD some of these top players are willing to risk it all for the advancement of competition and its presentation in the mainstream media. We know that, without some of its founding members and veteran players the advancement artistic pool might be non-existent in our minds today. However, it seems that there is a new generation of talent knocking loudly at the door wanting their voices to be heard. 

Robinson, Larson, Childress & Fullerton Crowned 2015 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Champions

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) presented its 27th Annual Junior National 9-Ball Championships August 4-7, 2015. 130 billiard student-athletes represented 31 states at the South Point Hotel & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada for this year’s event which took place in conjunction with the 2015 BCA Billiard & Home Leisure Expo.
 
Of the 54 competitors, this year’s title of 18 & Under Boys Champion went to California Jr. State 9-Ball Champion Chris Robinson of Ventura, CA. The arena exploded as he pocketed the winning 9 ball in the finals against Atlantic Challenge Cup U.S. team member Josh Franklin from Creve Coeur, IL. Robinson came from the one-loss side after losing his third match against former World Junior U.S. team member, Manny Perez from Kansas. Newcomers Nick Kline from Prescott Valley, AZ and Zach Gurganus of Marietta, GA both made a huge splash and all four boys will be representing the U.S. at the upcoming WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships.
 
In the 18 & Under Girls division, 15-year-old April Larson went undefeated to continue her reign as girls champion. Minnesota’s star won 9-6 in a single-set finals against 15-year-old Emily Herpel from Freehold, NY. Third and fourth place went to junior nationals first-timers Amber Jackson of South Carolina and Hannah Hohn of South Dakota. All four ladies will be invited to represent the U.S. at the upcoming world championships.
 
From the field of 46 14 & Under Boys, 12-year-old Nathan Childress of North Chesterfield, VA returned with his sights set high after last year’s third place finish. With proud mom and coach present, the VA junior state champion played a near perfect set against IL & PA junior state champion, 13-year-old Kaiden Hunkins of Waukesha, WI. Both boys will also be invited to be a part of team U.S. at the upcoming world championships. Connecticut’s Lukas Fracasso-Verner and Daniel Sardoncillo of Washington both had notable third and fourth place finishes.
 
The 14 & Under Girls division went to 12-year-old Ashley Fullerton of Lake Park, MN but not without a fight. 12-year-old Tatum Cutting from Diamond, OH was down 8-1 in the finals ultimately losing the set 9-6 but she never gave up. Massachusetts’ players Vivian Liu (first-timer) and Keila Perez finished third and fourth respectively. Fullerton will be representing the U.S. at the upcoming world junior championships. 
 
Interestingly, all the finals finished with a score of 9-6. 
 
18 & Under Boys Division
 
 

1st Place

* Chris Robinson, 17 (Ventura, CA)

Engraved Metal Cup Trophy

$1,000 Academic Scholarship 

Custom Engraved Delta-13 Rack

Poison player equipment package

Illustrated Principles of Pool & Billiards book

Bullseye Billiard Set

Collectible Johnny Archer bobble-head doll

First Chess Set

Extendable Bridge Heads

“Nina” the 9 Ball

2nd Place

* Josh Franklin, 17 (Creve Coeur, IL)

Engraved Metal Cup Trophy

Illustrated Principles Video Encyclopedia

Bullseye Billiard Set

Extendable Bridge Heads

“Nina” the 9 Ball

3rd Place

* Nick Kline, 17 (Prescott Valley, AZ)

Engraved Metal Cup Trophy

Illustrated Principles Video Encyclopedia

Bullseye Billiard Set

“Nina” the 9 Ball

4th Place

* Zach Gurganus, 17 (Marietta, GA)

Engraved Metal Cup Trophy

Illustrated Principles Video Encyclopedia

Bullseye Billiard Set

“Nina” the 9 Ball

 

18 & Under Girls Division

 

 

1st Place

* April Larson, 15 (Bloomington, MN)

Engraved Metal Cup Trophy

$1,000 Academic Scholarship 

Custom Engraved Delta-13 Rack

Poison player equipment package

Illustrated Principles of Pool & Billiards book

Bullseye Billiard Set

Collectible Johnny Archer bobble-head doll

First Chess Set

Extendable Bridge Heads

“Nina” the 9 Ball

2nd Place

* Emily Herpel, 15 (Freehold, NY)

Engraved Metal Cup Trophy

Illustrated Principles Video Encyclopedia

Bullseye Billiard Set

Extendable Bridge Heads

“Nina” the 9 Ball

3rd Place

* Amber Jackson, 15 (Clover, SC)

Engraved Metal Cup Trophy

Illustrated Principles Video Encyclopedia

Bullseye Billiard Set

“Nina” the 9 Ball

4th Place

* Hannah Hohn, 16 (Ethan, SD)

Engraved Metal Cup Trophy

Illustrated Principles Video Encyclopedia

Bullseye Billiard Set

“Nina” the 9 Ball

 

14 & Under Boys Division

 

 

1st Place

* Nathan Childress, 12 (North Chesterfield, VA)

Engraved Metal Cup Trophy

$500 Academic Scholarship 

Custom Engraved Delta-13 Rack

Poison player equipment package

Illustrated Principles of Pool & Billiards book

Bullseye Billiard Set

Collectible Johnny Archer bobble-head doll

First Chess Set

Extendable Bridge Heads

“Nina” the 9 Ball

2nd Place

* Kaiden Hunkins, 13 (Waukesha, WI)

Engraved Metal Cup Trophy

Illustrated Principles Video Encyclopedia

Bullseye Billiard Set

Extendable Bridge Heads

“Nina” the 9 Ball

3rd Place

Lukas Fracasso-Verner, 13 (Wallingford, CT)

Engraved Metal Cup Trophy

Illustrated Principles Video Encyclopedia

Bullseye Billiard Set

“Nina” the 9 Ball

4th Place

Daniel Sardoncillo, 14 (Puyallup, WA)

Engraved Metal Cup Trophy

Illustrated Principles Video Encyclopedia

Bullseye Billiard Set

“Nina” the 9 Ball

 

14 & Under Girls Division

1st Place

* Ashley Fullerton, 12 (Lake Park, MN)

Engraved Metal Cup Trophy

$500 Academic Scholarship 

Custom Engraved Delta-13 Rack

Poison player equipment package

Illustrated Principles of Pool & Billiards book

Bullseye Billiard Set

Collectible Johnny Archer bobble-head doll

First Chess Set

Extendable Bridge Heads

“Nina” the 9 Ball

2nd Place

Tatum Cutting, 12 (Diamond, OH)

Engraved Metal Cup Trophy

Illustrated Principles Video Encyclopedia

Bullseye Billiard Set

Extendable Bridge Heads

“Nina” the 9 Ball

3rd Place

Vivian Liu, 12 (Harvard, MA)

Engraved Metal Cup Trophy

Illustrated Principles Video Encyclopedia

Bullseye Billiard Set

“Nina” the 9 Ball

4th Place

Keila Perez, 14 (Waltham, MA)

Engraved Metal Cup Trophy

Illustrated Principles Video Encyclopedia

Bullseye Billiard Set

“Nina” the 9 Ball

 

* Earned entry into 2015 WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships
 
Newly implemented this year was the Sportsmanship Award presented by Lindenwood University. Players, spectators and staff all voted for players they believed showed remarkable sportsmanship during their matches. This year’s recipients were: 
 

18 & Under Boys Division

Nick Kline, 17 (Prescott Valley, AZ)

18 & Under Girls Division

Serena Black, 17 (Warrensburg, IL)

14 & Under Boys Division

Nathan Childress, 12 (North Chesterfield, VA)

14 & Under Girls Division

April Czarnecki, 14 (Urbandale, IA)

 

The winners from each of the four age divisions (18 & Under Boys, 18 & Under Girls, 14 & Under Boys and 14 & Under Girls) received academic scholarships, custom engraved trophies and sponsored prize packages valued at nearly $2,000. Along with their victories, they also earned an opportunity to represent Team U.S.A. at the upcoming 2015  WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships in Shanghai, China in November. The top four finishers also received trophies and prize packages.
 
Polo shirt sponsors: CueStix International & Presidential Billiards
 
Good bag sponsors: Kamui, Billiards Digest, Pool & Billiard, Professor Q-Ball, Tweeten Fibre, Aramith, OB Cues, Pechauer Custom Cues, PoolDawg.com, Simonis, CSI, Specialty Incentives, Downtown LV Visitors Center and LV Visitor’s Authority
 
Winners’ Prize Sponsors include: Predator Group, Worldwise Imports, Dr. Dave, Bullseye Billiards, Ricky Bryant & Omega Billiards, Pool Hall Plushies and Championship
 
Premier Sponsors of the 2015 Junior National 9-Ball Championships: Iwan Simonis, Inc, Billiard Congress of America, Diamond Billiard Products and Aramith
 
Official Media Sponsors: AzBilliards.com, Billiards Digest, InsidePool, Pool&Billiard, Professor Q-Ball and, NYCGrind.com
 
Links to online brackets can be found at http://billiardeducation.org/2015-jnc-updates/ courtesy of Bad Boys Billiard Productions. Live stream (courtesy of Rail2Rail.tv) and live scoring (courtesy of ScoreSaloon.com) were also available at that link.
 
40 billiard student-athletes with GPAs of 3.5 or higher were recognized at the event’s banquet as this year’s BEF Academic All-Americans. Banquet guests were also treated with special guest speakers “Dr. Cue” Tom Rossman and Hall-of-Famer Allison Fisher
 
Also new this year was the new Kamui Quest for Excellence award given to eight recipients this year with a 4.0 GPA. These outstanding student athletes were each presented with a custom Kamui award along with a sponsorship package from Kamui. This year’s recipients were: Serena Black, Joey Bourgeois, Jr., Michelle Jiang, April Larson, Vivian Liu, Andy Poutry, Katlin Schilling and Evan Swett.
 
Great appreciation go to the event staff and volunteers who have made this a first class event year after year: longtime tournament director Earl Munson, tournament & event assistant Tammy Jo Leonard and her husband Mel, longtime National Head Referee Rick Doner and National Referee John Taylor, Gina Sinlao, Irene Bautista, “Dr. Cue” Tom Rossman, Allison Fisher, Marc Vidal, and Jerry Tarantola for creating the special banquet video. Special Thanks also goes to Jason Secor and Ross Smith. And and extra SPECIAL THANKS goes to Tim Chin for all his amazing support before and during the entire event. 
 
Any young players interested in participating in next year’s BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships or State Championships should visit the BEF website at BilliardEducation.org or call the office at (303) 926-1039.

2013 Junior National Champions Crowned: Hampton, Miller, Rivas, and Larson

August 8, 2013 (Englewood, CO): The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) concluded its 25th Annual Junior National 9-Ball Championships July 25-28, 2013. 131 billiard student-athletes represented 29 states at the Convention Center of the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada for this special anniversary event. After the four day junior billiard extravaganza, four champions were crowned from each division and awarded trophies, gift bags full of sponsored prizes, custom engraved Delta-13 Select racks, academic scholarships, and entry into the 2013 WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships.
 
18 & Under Boys Division
 
Of the 38 player field, taking top honors in the 18 & Under Boys Division is the reigning 2012 – 14 & Under Boys champion, Zachary Hampton. In his first year competing in the 18 & under division, Hampton lost his second match to last year’s top finisher, Chad Behnke, returning later to eliminate Behnke, along with two other familiar 18-year-olds, Brendan Crockett and Tyler Styer.
 
18 & Under Girls Division
 
In the 18 & Under Girls Division, 17-year-old Briana Miller set BEF history by going undefeated to claim her seventh consecutive win as Junior National Champion of her division. Since she was 11 years old, Miller has been dominating the girls divisions, medaled at the World event, and has won more in academic scholarships than any other participant, totaling over $6,000. Taylor Reynolds put up a strong fight in the finals but would have to wait until next year to claim the thrown. Newcomer Sierra Reams impressed the stands, proving she can have both academic and billiard accomplishments.
 
14 & Under Boys Division
 
This year’s 14 & Under Boys Division saw the largest field of 51 players qualifying from all over the country. 14-year-old Sergio Rivas went undefeated to claim the title proving he’s ready to play against the 18-year-olds next year. Rivas took third last year and defeated Texas State Junior Champion, Joey Bourgeois, in the finals with a convincing score of 9-2. Michael Evans and Nathan Diederich also had impressive finishes.
 
14 & Under Girls Division
 
The first round of the 14 & Under Girls Division saw a rematch from last year’s finals match. Karsyn Terry delivered reigning champion April Larson her first loss but the 4.0 student did not give up. Larson, known to her hometown as “The Shark”, fought her way back, overcoming two hill-hill matches to defend her title and represent her country again at the upcoming Junior World Championships. Larson defeated Terry and Emily Herpel, before facing Alex Booth in the finals; giving up only two games over the three matches.
 
Online brackets were provided courtesy of Bad Boys Billiard Productions and available at CTSOnDemand.com. HD quality streaming of the finals matches was made possible courtesy of TheActionReport.com.
 
Staff
 
Great appreciation go to the event staff and volunteers who have made this a first class event for years, and many more to come: tournament director Earl Munson for his 8th year of support, tournament assistants & mini-tournament coordinators Mel & Tammy Jo Leonard, National Head Referee Rick Doner for his 10th year of support.
 
HUGE THANKS goes to those who also volunteered their time to support the event and our fundraising efforts: Kathy Coffee, Marc & Kimberly Griffiths, Travis & Tarasa Escoubas, Taren Stewart, Josh Bustos, Cody Escoubas, Katie Bustos-Barnhill, Winfield Hong, John Leyman, Bill Stock, Buddy Eick, Dave Merrill, Darryl Farley, David High, Mike Johnson, Gibbi Tkatch, Dwayne Payne, James Hester, Janet Okamoto, Phil Eickhorn, Doug Garn. Scott Manuel, Larry Noel, and Judie Peters.
 
Special Thanks also go to the amazing staff at Ric & Bonnie Jones, Rich Parkeson and all of the staff at Bad Boys Billiard Productions, TheActionReport.com crew (Justin Collett, Andy Chen, and Tim Wampler), Ken Shuman, David & Linda Vandenberghe, Mark & Sunny Griffin, Mark Estes, Aric Pfeifer, the CSI staff, and Steve Schoenfelder of Pechauer Sales & Repair. We cannot thank you enough for all your support and many of your generous donations.
 
We’d also like to thank our guest speakers Jennifer Barretta and “The Dragon” Tim Chin for their inspirational presentations during the annual event banquet which hosted over 300 attendees (including players, family members, sponsors and supporters). Both players also participated in the popular annual adult-youth scotch doubles tournament. Barretta relentlessly helped to raise funds throughout the week through her movie sales, challenge matches, and exhibitions.
 
Sponsors
 
Please be sure to support all our amazing sponsors/underwriters and product donors who helped make the event possible: Str8-Shots.com (this year’s Academic All-American Award sponsor, as well as generous supporter), Simonis, Aramith, Dr. Dave Alciatore, Tom & Janie Riccobene, Pechauer Custom Cues, CueSports International, Sterling Gaming, Delta-13, PoolDawg.com, Walgreens, The Drill Instructor, Tiger Products, Kamui, Texas Bumps, Red Robin, and RT9 Designs.
 
The following businesses also contributed to our fundraising efforts: McDermott Cues, Play the Game Clothing, PoolAHolic, OB Cues, Focused Apparel, Blackburn Cue Repair, Meuller, Las Vegas Photo & Video, Predator Cues, Omega Billiards, Universal Cues, Bodie Mechanics, PoolandBilliardUSA.com, Castillo Leather Goods, and Frank’s Center.
 
Thanks also to the Mark Wilson, Lauren Nystrom, and the Lindenwood University staff who were present, actively recruiting budding young student-athletes for a chance to further their education while pursuing their billiard dreams. As always, we recognize our loyal media sponsors: AzBilliards.com, Billiards Digest, InsidePool, Pool&Billiard, Cue Times Billiard News, and On The Break News.
 
Any young players interested in participating in next year’s BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championship or State Championships should visit the BEF website at BilliardEducation.org or call the office at (303) 926-1039.
 
Two more boys will be joining the top finishers at the upcoming junior world event. To be announced at a later date.

 

2013 WPA World Artistic Pool Championship a Resounding Success

The 12th WPA World Artistic Pool Championship finished after 4 days of exciting competition from July 18 – 21, 2013 at the luxurious Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. This event was held during the 37th BCAPL National Championships under the sponsored venue umbrella of CSI (Cue Sports International). There were 31 Artistic Pool Playing Artists from around the world competing for 9 separate world titles (1 overall + 8 discipline champions).


Thirteen competitive sessions were conducted over the 4-day period with the final session showcasing the top 6 scoring players (after the 1st 6 disciplines). Andy Segal, Nick Nikolaidis, and Sebastian Giumelli were neck and neck on the final few challenges, but Andy displayed great poise and burning focus to capture the “overall” title, posting a very impressive score of 254 points out of 320 points possible for the 40 shots / challenges done. Nick and Sebastian were tied at 245 points each, but Nick finished in 2nd place based on more 1st attempt makes. Congratulations, Andy for a great championship victory!!

 

Artistic Pool focuses on specific cueing challenges skillfully attempted under 8 discipline categories as follows (title winners are listed after each category): 1) Trick / Fancy Shots – Nick Nikolaidis (perfect score), 2) Special Arts – Florian Kohler (perfect score), 3) Draw Shots – Nick Nikolaidis (perfect score), 4) Follow Shots – Gabi Visoiu, 5) Bank / Kick Shots – Javier Gomez, 6) Stroke Shots – Jamey Gray, 7) jump Shots – Abram Diaz, and 8) Masse Shots – Steve Markle. Congratulations to each discipline champion!

 

Two awards were also presented for special recognition. A Sportsmanship Recipient voted on by the players was awarded to Michael “Sergio” Andrusko. A new award this year called the Rising Star Recipient Award was presented to Steve “The Steve” Murphy as the highest scoring player based on designated factors of eligibility. This award idea and medal / ribbon was sponsored by Tim Chin to recognize “up and coming” players in our sport. The APD would like to thank Tim for this special sponsorship effort and congratulate Sergio and Steve for their special recognitions / achievements.

 

We would like to thank: CSI (Mark Griffin, David Vandenberghe, Bill Stock, and staff) for their hard work and sponsorship in organizing this great event at such a fantastic venue; all of the players that participated / helped to make this a very memorable event; Dr. Cue for directing the Championship; the APD committee members for their administrative help; players, fans, and special guests that performed various duties; plus each performer entertaining a large audience during the Saturday night media / fan / sponsor appreciation experience!!

 

We extend a special “thank you” to all of our valued Artistic Pool monetary / product / service sponsors – WPA, CSI, Badboys Billiard Productions, Dr. Cue Promotions, Robertson Custom Cues, Dr. Popper Jump Cues, Diamond Tables, Cyclop (Phenolic Billiards), Aramith (TV Pro Cup Cue Balls), Executive Billiards (Delta Racks), Simonis Cloth, McDermott Cues, Jason Lynch for his professional streaming and electronic scoring services; and Brenda Lee’s Mobile Entertainment (special photography / CD / video services).

 

On behalf of the WPA APD committee board, the 2013 WPA World Artistic Pool Championship was a highly successful event sanctioned under the WPA umbrella for the growing sport of Artistic Pool. Look for future Artistic Pool information at: www.facebook.com/artisticpoolworldwide.
 

Team Europe Downs Team U.S.A. in The World Cup of Trick Shots

Team Europe being presented Gold Medals by Stephen Cholewa of Mohegan Sun

The WORLD CUP OF TRICK SHOTS was held October 27 at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. Team Europe claimed the title over Team U.S.A. in the only international team competition in the sport of Trick Shots. The prize purse was $30,000 for the event, with $20,000 and Gold Medals to the winning team. The two semifinals and the Championship match will be broadcast by ESPN on December 18.

Captain Stefano Pelinga led Team Europe to victory and the Gold Medal. Other Team Europe members who were awarded the Gold Medal were Nick Nikolaidis, Luke Szywala and Gabriel Visoiu. Silver Medalists from Team U.S.A. included Captain Andy Segal, Jamey Gray, Bruce Barthelette, and Tim Chin. Their team also won $10,000.

The format for World Cup consisted of two skill shots and eight artistic show shots by both teams in a match. Team members executed a challenge shot of their choice, and their opponents were required to duplicate the shot or lose a point. In the semifinals, with two members from each team, the players alternated shots in four player head-to-head matches, performing intricate trick shots meant to stymie their opponents. A sudden death tiebreaker to decide a match required an eight rail bank shot onto the face of a $100 bill. The Championship Finals match pitted all eight members of Team U.S.A. and Team Europe in the wildest shootout of the year.

The players on Team Europe displayed their brilliance to emerge as the top trick shot artists in the world. The Championship match was poetry on green felt, with Team Europe defeating Team U.S.A. by a score of 17 – 15 to take the Gold Medals and $20,000. Team U.S.A., whose members were otherwise on their game, claimed Silver Medals and $10,000 second prize. In the first semifinal, Team U.S.A. players Barthelette and Chin prevailed over Team Europe members Pelinga and Visoiu. The other semifinal saw Team Europe artists Nikolaidis and Szywala barely slip past Team U.S.A. players Segal and Gray in a tight match. With the score tied at 5-5, the teams selected one member each to play in the sudden death shootout. Segal, representing Team U.S.A., fired the eight rail bank shot and placed the cue ball scarcely an inch off the $100 bill. Nikolaidis, shooting for Team Europe, masterfully banked eight rails and centered the cue ball on Ben Franklin’s face for the semifinal victory. The winning team in each semifinal carried a 1 point bonus forward into the final match.

The standing-room-only crowd gave Team Europe a rousing ovation at the conclusion of the Championship match. The Gold Medals and the team check were presented by Mohegan Sun and Diamond Billiard Tables. The presentations brought another round of cheers from the audience.

In addition to the fine tournament site at Mohegan Sun, the event was sponsored by Diamond Billiard Tables, Aramith Tournament Billiard Balls, Simonis Cloth, Mueller Recreational Products, Executive Billiards Delta-13 Rack, PoolDawg.com and Silver Cup Chalk. The event was produced by Billiards International, Ltd.