Archives for 9 Ball Billiard category
Posted on Mar 20, 2009 under 9 Ball Billiard, 9 Ball Pool 2008 |
A true story by Terry Moldenhauer and happened in the early 90’s. I had gone to Germany, to a billiard trade show, and was representing Beach Billiards selling pool tables, game tables, and bumper pool tables.
After the second day at the trade show we has sold pool tables and game tables but no bumper pool tables. No one had seen bumper pool tables before and tehy were not familiar with the game. Nick Varner and Mike Sigel were at the billiard show selling cues. Both of these world champion pool players were friends of mine and I went over to them and asked he they would play a game of bumper pool for me so that we could get some interest in the game. They said sure so we set up and exhibition game in the afternoon.
By the afternoon we pulled a bumper pool table into the aisle and Mike and Nick started hitting the balls around the table. Within minutes we had over 200 spectators watching them. I introduced Mike and Nick to the crowd and explained the rules to the crowd. For those of you that don’t know the rules the idea is to sink your five balls into the opposite side of the table. The first one who accomplishes this wins.
By the time the game started half of the auditorium was watching world champions Mike and Nick play bumper pool. The game is an offensive and defensive game combined. the play went back and forth with each player making a ball and then playing defense. The crowd was alive and were cheering every time one of them made a ball. At the end of the game each player had one ball left on the table and it was Nicks turn.
There are 8 bumpers posts in the middle of the table and most players try and make bank shots to get their balls into the hole. Nick studied the shot for several minutes as teh crowd waited with anticipation. Nick stepped to the table and raised his cue. With a downward motion he jumped the ball over the posts.
and the ball sailed into the hole. The crowd went wild cheering and clapping for several minutes. Mike couldn’t believe it. I too went wild. That particular shot is one in a million. Needles to say bumper pool had arrived in Europe.
That night we went to dinner and talked about the miracle. shot. Mike still didn’t believe he saw it and Nick said it was a money shot. I too was still in a state of shock. All i could say was unbelievable. Fanstastic!
To this day, after being around the game of pool for over 40 years, and watching many tournaments, i have never ever seen a beeter shot than Nick preformed on a bumper pool table that day. Ask Nick what his best shot was. He will tell you it happened on a bumper pool table in Germany.
Posted on Mar 17, 2009 under 9 Ball Billiard |
Some Pool Cue Grip Technique
When we are aiming for a billiard shot, we visualize the stroke and the proper angle. One assumption that we make when visualizing the shot is that the stroke will be perfectly fluid and will be delivered smoothly, just as we envisioned it. For most, this is not the case, since their pool cue grip technique prevents them from executing the intended shot.
To begin setting up a proper pool cue grip technique, you need to first find a comfortable, relaxed grip, and ensure that it is consistent throughout your stroke. Don’t tense up half way through or your perfectly envisioned shot will fall apart because your stroke will skew to the left or right and become erratic. Too tight of a grip will tense up muscles in the forearm which will cause your stroke to perform erratically. Likewise, too loose a grip and you could lose control of the stroke.
Find the balance point in the cue, and then as a general starting point, move back about four inches. Alternatively, there is a different method of finding out where to grip your pool cue. Click to read the article. It will indicate that there is the proper place for gripping on your cue stick on most types of shots. There are shot situations where the nature or requirements of shot itself calls for you to adjust your grip hand slightly forward or backwards a few inches. For the most part however, your grip hand should be about four inches behind the balance point on the cue.
The psychology behind this is that you are trying to train your eye to work with your hand. When this falls in to place after tons of practice, your consistency will greatly improve. Repetition is the best form of training available. As Analipotese said, “the organism repeats that which is pleasurable.” The eye and the hand need to work together and each must be coordinated since the eye will interpret the shot, and then command your body to moves your hand accordingly. Your hand will then instinctively react to what the eye sees and processes, based on previous experience. It is like driving in a whiteout storm where the snow is so thick you can barely see the road. If you have never driven the road before, panic sets in, and you stress out and tense up. If you have much experience driving the road, you’ll fare much better. So, become one with your grip hand, and try to mentally link up what your eyes see, and how your hand (should) react in that shot situation. Forget preconceptions, let the eyes and the grip become one being, transfer your eye to your griping, shooting hand and visualize the successful shot.
If you can develop an acute sense of feeling with your back hand you’ll succeed. Some drills for this can help. It will only come with practice and more practice. Good luck!
Posted on Mar 11, 2009 under 9 Ball Billiard |
At the young age of five, Willie Hoppe started learning how to play billiards. He played on the pool table in the hotel that his father owned and operated. Because he was so short, he would stand on a box in order to reach the table. By the age of nine, he became known as the “Boy Wonder” and by age fourteen, he was playing billiards professionally with men three times his age.
Willie Hoppe is thought by many billiard enthusiasts to be one of the greatest well-rounded, and all-around pool player of any era. His name was synonymous with the word “billiards” for over twenty five years due to his many victories and titles in the sport.
Some of Willie Hoppe’s accomplishments include:
*Willie Hoppe won his first world billiards title at the young age of thirteen.
*He won world titles in both 18.1 and 18.2 Balklin
*Hoppa won the Cushion Carom world title.
Willie Hoppe is also a very versatile player. When Balkine billiards was replaced by Three-Cushion Billiards as teh world championship game, Hoppe simply reconfigured and adjusted his game. Between 1936 and 1952, Willie Hoppe won the World Three-Cushion title eleven times.
Willie Hoppe was and excellent 18.1 Balkline and 18.2 Balkline player, winning the world 18.1 balkline championship by beating Maurice Vignaux of France on January 15, 1906 and by going on to win the title in 1908, from 1909 through 1911, and from 1914 through 1926. Although he lost the championship to Jake Schaefer Jr. in 1926, Willie Hoppe rightfully regained it in 1927, which was the last year in which competitive play took place for that type of billiards. He was also the world 18.2 balkline champion in 1907, from 1910 through 1920, from 1923 through 1924, and in 1927.
With the decline of Blakline Billiards, Willie Hoppe began focusing his game on three-cushion billiards in the 1930s. He won world championships in 1936, from 1940 through 1944, and from 1947 until he retired from professional billiards in 1952.
Willie Hoppe holds numerous records in the sport of billiards which still stand. In his array of records, he hold the one that was set for an incredible run of 622 in 18.2 balkline during an exhibition match in 1912. Additionally, Willie set records with runs of 20 points in three-cushion league play in 1927 and three-cushion match play in 1945, and he ran a record 25 points in a 1928 exhibition against Charles C. Peterson. His grand tournament average of 1.33 in 1950 is also a standing record.
Posted on Mar 11, 2009 under 9 Ball Billiard |
Pankaj Advani was born on July 24, 1985, in Pune, India. Advani is an exceptional billiard professional from India. He is the winner of three world titles in billiards and snooker. he became the first player to complete a grand double by winning both the points format as well as the time format titles in the IBSF World Billiards champioinship in 2005. Mr. Advani also won the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Tana Award for 2005.
It has been said that Pankaj Advani is the best thing to have happened to Indian billiards after the legendary Geet Sethi. Pankaj Advani showed promise and talent from a young age. He has made a mark for himself by capturing three world titles at only 19 years old.
He was spotted by Arvind Savur, former national snooker champion, when he was a ten year old who used to accompany his elder borther to the karnataka State Billiards Association hall.
At seventeen years of age, Pankaj became the youngest national snooker champion, and went on to do very well for himself internationally. In 2005, Advani became the first player to complete a grand double by winning both the points format as well as the time format titles in the IBSF World Billiards championship in Malta. He also won the World snooker title in 2003.
Advani is said to be unassuming, but his opponents know, and cower at the fact that he has won the points format title beating compatriot Devendra Joshi 6-2 in the final, and that he had the patience and the skills to beat the best in the longer format as he outplayed seven-time World champion Geet Sethi in a thrilling six hour final.
Watch to see Pankaj Advani reach greater heights in the sport of billiards in the years to come.
A snooker professional cannot let anything get in the way of his or her game. He of she has to practice regularly, with body and mind and has to be totally focussed. Below, Pankaj in his own words talks a little bit about practice and tournament play.
Posted on Mar 10, 2009 under 9 Ball Billiard |
Kelly Pool, also known as “Pea Pool” is played with two to fifteen players. It is played with a set of sixteen balls, one cue ball and fifteen colored balls numbered one through fifteen. The person designated as the table marker throws a numbered token known as an “alley” to each intending player for their rotation in playing. When all names are taken down, the alleys are returned and the pool money is collected. The marker then throws an alley to each player in the same order as marked in their record keeping book. The alleys are then placed in the box according to playing order. For example, the 1st player’s alley in no 1 spot, the 2nd player’s alley in number two spot and so on. The first player commences play by breaking the rack, following the “Opening Break” regulations of General Pocket Billiards. The cue ball must strike one cushion before coming in contact with object balls. The first player to pocket the ball on the table with the number corresponding to their alley wins the pool of cash and the game is over. A player may pocket any ball on the table other than the cue ball, and may continue their play until they either miss pocketing a ball or play a foul shot. Should a player pocket a ball other then their own, but one of which no player has the corresponding alley, that player gains nothing but is able to continue their inning. If another player has the alley corresponding to the ball pocketed, than they must pay the shooting player “half pool.” For example, if the ante is ten cents, the player owning the alley corresponding to the ball that has been pocketed by another player, they must pay that shooting player five cents. The paying player would still take turns as normal when it comes around, however, any ball, once in the pocket by fair shot, remains there and does not come back into play during the game. If a ball is pocketed on foul shot, then it is spotted on the pink spot, or if that is covered, it is spotted directly behind it and as close as possible to it. Immediately after a foul shot has been played, the next player begins their inning. If another player desires to join the game they may do so by paying double or triple the normal entrance ante. This amount is arbitrary, and is determined by current players. The new player takes the last alley thrown for position.
Posted on Mar 10, 2009 under 9 Ball Billiard |
“it’s not all the power you can muster, but all the power you can control that really makes the difference in 8-ball and 9-ball.”
How to Control Your Break Shot
A successful break is much more complex than casual observation reveals. Just how good can your break shot be if you don’t get the most from each segment of the shot? And how good can it be if you don’t control the cue ball to land in the middle of that table for your next shot? It is obvious now that the best players are increasing their percentages in the 9-ball game by approaching the breaking of the balls as an exact science which deserves, even demands, much more concentration and attention.
There are several key factors for making a consistent and efficient break shot.
1. watch the balls carefully as they are racked. -You may spot some occasional movement in the rack that can affect the performance of your break. You are allowed to check the rack from above. Look for spaces and contact points that can affect the transfer of energy to these balls, as well as their relative speeds and paths.
2. The mental game is important in preparing yourself. -Before you make your break shot stroke, and after you have paused in your stance, relax, take several warmup strokes, then stop the cue tip close the cue ball before you give it your final stroke and follow-through.
3.Your stance. - The right stance for breaking not only gives you the right balance, but used properly, can find you a little more speed, allowing you to concentrate on your cue ball control.
4. Placing the cue ball. - Occasionally I will move the cue ball to another point along the line (the head string) to place it for the break, though I often break from the right near the middle of the head string. I only move the cue ball if I feel that the rack will “open” better with the cue ball coming at it from a different angle.
5. Doing the deed. - Now you are ready to make it happen. Visualize a line directly through the 1-ball from the center of the cue ball. Take your stance, with your front elbow bent just slightly (about 150 degrees, not the 180 degree straight arm), shift your weight to your back leg, and then shift forward into the stroke, getting more speed.
6. A helpful break shot aiming hint. - You may not feel totally comfortable or confident in hitting the 1-ball full in the face to get your best results. If you want to be sure to hit the 1-ball as squarely as possible, maybe this method is for you: Aim at the bottom (or base) of the 1-ball where it touches the cloth.
7. Break Cue sticks. - Some cuemakers, in the past several years have sold a lot of heavier “break cues” to amateur players, allowing them to keep on believing that a heavier cue was just what they needed for a crunching break shot. Dear friends, this is just not true.
8. Transfer the full force of the cue ball to the rack. - Hit it solidly, square in the face of the 1-ball. A glancing blow here is only a waster of energy, and doesn’t solve anything no matter how hard you hit it.
Posted on Mar 10, 2009 under 9 Ball Billiard |
9-Ball Valle ousted in UAE
DAVAO City’s Gandy Valle kissed his hopes goodbye, while Ronato Alcano stayed alive in the Knightshot Champions 9-Ball Challenge at the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club in the United Arab Emirates.
Bugsy Promotions mainstay Valle, father of two, bowed to compatriot Ricky Zerna of the Negros Billiards Stable, 6-11, while Alcano racked up an 11-3 win over Rotchild in their quarterfinal matches.
Zerna arranged a semifinals clash with fellow Filipino Jarry Pelayo, who demolished Mustafa Hassan, 11-5. Alcano was set to play against Allan Quarterro, an 11-6 winner over Mohammad Al Hosani, as of Wednesday.
Valle crushed Mohammad Faraj, 7-2, in the last 64 then he followed it up with a 9-2 win over Ahmad Gloom in the last 32 and 10-4 rout against Joyme Vicente in the last 16 before falling at the hands of Zerna.
The two-time world champion Alcano, who hails from Laguna, barged into the semis after emerging victorious over Khaled Esbattia (7-5), Edgar Alcoser (9-2), Ismael Yaqoob (10-5), and Rotchild (11-3).
Zerna eliminated Salah Farooq (7-2), Kim Aguipo (9-3), Naif Al Jaweni (10-7), and Valle, 11-6, in the cuefest that stakes a cash prize of $10,000 to the champion.
The Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) and Senate President Manny Villar’s Villards: Tulong sa Pagsulong ng Philippine Sports backed up the Filipinos stints in the meet.
Posted on Mar 10, 2009 under 9 Ball Billiard |
Our very own Dennis Orcollo trounced veteran Niels Feijen of the Netherlands lately, 13-5, to win the inaugural 2008 Qatar International Open 9-Ball Championship at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation in Doha.
It was the World Number 1’s third title this year after the Quezon City 9-Ball Championship and the All-Japan Open last March, fortifying his tag as the best and most fearsome cue artist today.
Dennis Orcollo interviewed and this is what he says, “Masayang-masaya ako sa pagkapanalo kong ito, at ang tagumpay kong ito ay iniaalay ko sa lahat ng ating mga kababayang Pilipino (I’m very happy for this win which I dedicate to my countrymen),” said Orcollo, one of the 12 Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) members who competed in the $150,000 (P6.75-million) event.
The 29-year-old Surigao del Sur native pocketed the $40,000 (P1.8-million) top purse at stake in the week-long event participated by over a hundred world-class players from around the world.
Orcollo was among the 18 Filipinos who were seeded in the 96-man main draw. He swept his group stage matches against Subah Habib of Bharain (9-1) and Darren Appleton of England (9-6) to easily barge into the knockout stage.
There, he blasted former world champion Oliver Ortmann of Germany (11-6) in the Last 32 and countrymen Warren Kiamco (11-6) in the Last 16 and Ramil Gallego (11-9) in the quarterfinals and reigning world 8-ball champion Ralf Souquet of Germany (11-8) in the semis.
Against Feijen, Orcollo romped off to a blazing start, quickly building an 8-3 lead to set the tone for the unexpected rout.
The other Filipinos who competed in the tournament were BMPAP’s former world titlists Efren “Bata” Reyes, Pagulayan and Ronnie Alcano, former world No. 1 Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Gomez, Gandy Valle, Joven Bustamante Lee Van Corteza and Benjie Guevarra, as well as Marlon Manalo, Antonio Gabica, Jeff De Luna and Middle East-based Alan Cuartero, Joyme Vicente and Ruben Cuna.
Posted on Mar 02, 2009 under 9 Ball Billiard |
Viking cue 9-Ball Tour
David Rowell and David Trest win Viking Alabama Tour Stop
The Viking Cue Open and Amateur 9- Ball Tour Events where hosted by Club Quincy in Birmingham, AL at the weekend of December 20th &21st,2008.
$2,000 Added to the Viking Cue Open Event kicked off on Saturday night, at December 20th and finished up on Sunday, December 21st. The competiton was strong as like as players from as far away to this players KY, AR, TN and GA made their way to Birmingham this weekend, however, local player David Rowell who is a former APA National Champion walked away with the 1st place prize fund. Rowell had his job cut out for him this past weekend as he had to compete with players such as Randy Jordan, Hennessee and David Rice of KY all of whom gave it their best shot but fell short of first.
Rowell worked his way across the bracket undefeated sending the following to the one loss side of the chart: Chris Limbaugh 9-0; Garland Manley 9-4; LJ Rouse 9-3; Robert Frost 9-3; Randy Jordan 9-2; and finished it up by defeating David Rice in set#1 of the double elmination format 9-7.
David Rice placed at 2nd. Rice defeated David Trest 9-1 before he was sent to the one loss side by Robert Frost 9-6; where he would work his way back to the finals by defeating the following: Steve Caldwell 9-F; Jason Hill 9-2; Robert Green 9-5; John MaiKKe 9-8; and Randy Jordan in the semi-final 9-8 before facing Rowell in the finals.
The Viking Cue 9-Ball $500 Added Amateur Event was won by David Trest who made a come back on Sunday after a poor showing on Saturday to take the 1st place prize.
Trest drew a bye in round one then defeated Rose Igo 5-3; Wayne Morris 5-0; Jeremy Kimbrell 5-3; Trest was sent to the one loss side by Rick Washington 5-1 in the match for the hot seat, once on the one loss side he defeated Bill Wright 5-2 in the semi finals. After making it back to the finals Trest was able to hold his own and defeated Rick Washington 5-1 in set #1 & 5-3 in set #2.
Posted on Mar 02, 2009 under 9 Ball Billiard |
GB 9-Ball Tour
Mark Gray, Michael Valentine and Steven Petty kick off new GB 9-Ball Tour Season with Wins
The GB 9-Ball Tour is constantly receiving plaudits from each of the players for the outstandingly professional manner in which it is run by them, and it’s clear to look and see the unflagging effort that the organizers take to make sure that the events run as smoothly as a well oiled machine.
It could be expected that these tributes would be a rare thing when dealing with 128 discerning player’s who pay between £500 and £700 ($700 - $1,000US) a year membership fees for the privilege of playing on the tour, 96 of whom are attempting to qualify for promotion to the elite Pro Division of 32 players - and the proof that they are doing something very right and very well is that applications to join the tour have always been over-subscribed.
So it’s heartening to see that they have decided to start the 2009 season with a hark-back to the previous one, by rewarding last year’s stand out player with a truly beautiful trophy.
Imran Majid’s domination of the tour in 2008, winning no less than four of the six main events put him at the top of the rankings with an unassailable points lead, and because of the rolling six event system utilized by the tour, each new event now means that he has to try to defend his maximum points at each of the events he won, knowing that even the slightest slip will see the rest of the pack closing the gap.
Mark Gray beats Daryl Peach in final of GB9 Midlands Classic!
The final of the GB9 Midlands Classic, the main event of this three day tournament, saw an out of sorts World 9 Ball Champion Daryl Peach convincingly beaten by a slick Mosconi Cup potting machine named Mark Gray with a one-sided 11-6 margin.
Scotland’s Valentine triumphs over reigning Ten Ball Champion Appleton!
Saturday evening saw the first two events played to completion - in the Pro Cup semi-finals Darren Appleton beat Imran Majid and Michael Valentine beat James Kay creating a mouth-watering Appleton vs Valentine final.
Freshman beats veteran to take Challenge Division title!
Forty new faces appeared on the Challenge Tour and at the end of the season the top ranked player will earn promotion into the Pro Cup. One of these new players has made his mark by winning the Solihull Challenge Cup and is now well on his way to the top of the rankings.