U.S. Qualifiers Gear Up for the World Stage

Tony Crosby

Presented by Masterpool Promotions, the Predator World 10-Ball Tour in Lloret de Mar, Spain will be the first major international event of 2010. In addition to several top Americans already invited to play, five American players have earned a spot through various qualifiers to play in this event which will be the first of many international tour stops.

Two Mosconi Cup team members won their qualifier spots in November at the UPL 10-Ball Invitational at the Innisbrook Resort in Florida.  Noted for its unique and progressive format, this tournament rewarded players for break and runs and games won.  Johnny Archer and Corey Deuel rose to the top earning a spot in Spain and $8,000 and $5,000, respectively.

Representing the KF Cues Tour and Hammer Head Pool Room in Holiday, FL, Tony Crosby defeated Tommy Kennedy in a hill-hill battle to capture his spot in Spain. In addition to competing on the professional pool scene, Crosby runs the KF Cues Tour and is involved in managing several other businesses within the pool industry.

Hall of Fame Billiards in Warren, Michigan also held a qualifier where professional player, Adam Smith won.  This was the site of the first tour stop for the new Northern Action 9-Ball Tour.  

Meanwhile, across the country, the Lone Star Billiard Tour was underway.  This qualifier was held in conjunction with their tour finale at Bogies Billiards in Houston, TX.  James Davis Jr. earned his spot at this event and was the only amateur American player to be invited to the Predator World 10-Ball Tour through a qualifier.  “I would like to thank Predator giving me the opportunity to play in this event. I have been practicing a lot in preparation for Spain so I hope all of my hard work pays off. I'm stoked to be competing in an international event of this caliber,” said Davis.

The Predator World 10-Ball Tour in Lloret de Mar will kick off on January 6, 2010 and already has a stellar player list including many World Champions.  Fans can follow the event on the live internet stream at www.Predator10Ball.com.