CueTips Billiards Instruction: Inside Secrets – Part 5

NYC Grind is excited to share a series of five articles on some insider strategies on the game of pool, written by our resident  instructional columnist Mark Finkelstein.

In this series called “Inside Secrets,” Mark addresses a number of different dimensions of the game, from his unique perspective as a long-time pool instructor and enthusiast based in NYC.

Below is the fifth and final article on this series, be sure to check out each of the previous four articles below to get up to speed:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

…

CueTips Billiards Instruction: Inside Secrets – Part 5

I just had the honor of being at the launch event for the RackStarz at Amsterdam Billiards last week.  Wow!  What an impressive event honoring some very talented, intelligent, attractive, sophisticated, and glamorous women.  They are certainly the future of pool and bring a new level of energy and talent to the game.

It was a truly heart warming experience seeing so many young and energetic women sharing their love of pool with the rest of us.  I am really a lucky man to be a small part of that world.

I made sure to walk around and talk to each of the RackStarz.  My chitchat may seem pointless to some, but I am always seeking the answer to the question “what makes you unique”.  Glamor, beauty, style, shoes etc. isn’t what I am looking for.  I wanted to know what made each of these women unique, not only in their pool game, but as a person.  What makes them a special  person.  I wanted to get to know that part of each of them.  What I found was truly amazing.

The answer is surprising, and it is the most important inside secret I know about being a great pool player.   It is simple and available to all.

There is no coach, book, DVD, or forum that has the answer.  Their is no secret aiming system, ball voodoo, or magic formula.  Their is no born talent, although that helps.  Their is no simple easy answer to pool greatness.

Continue reading “CueTips Billiards Instruction: Inside Secrets – Part 5” »

Predictions & Colors of The Taobao World Mixed Doubles

As players are gearing up for the kickoff of the second-ever World Mixed Doubles, both the players and media members have weighed in with their predictions on the event.  With a wide range of talent and some dynamic, never-before-seen duos, the Taobao World Mixed could lead to some interesting results.

With contenders like US favorites Johnny Archer & Jeanette Lee teaming up and reigning Filipino champions Rubilen Amit & Efren Reyes, along with very-tough pairs from China, there are many tough teams in the running for this title.  As some may say, a winning partnership takes good chemistry, so it will be interesting to see who rises through to shine in this event.

In this recent story from event producer Dragon Promotions, we get insight on the players predictions along with their choices for team colors and what they symbolize.  Read on for more…
…

Hangzhou, China – Top147.com and Pool Bond Magazine sat down and discussed the predictions for this year’s Taobao World Mixed Doubles. The pro players also added their input on how they would fare in the tournament. The platers also explained the significance of why they chose the colors they will wear in the event. Here are some quotes from the stars of the event…

The Colors

Team USA – Shanelle Loraine & Max Eberle:
“We decided on a few different colors to represent on different days. Red, Since we are both playing in China for the first time we decided to wear red in hopes that it will bring us good fortune.  Blue, to represent our country. Black, to help bring out our competitive spirit,” said Loraine.

Team USA – Hunter Lombardo:
“Colors we’re playing by ear, depends on the mood.”

Team England:
“We chose black as red clashes with my eyes!”

Continue reading “Predictions & Colors of The Taobao World Mixed Doubles” »

Ed Hugh Fights Back on The One-Loss Side to Take The Tri-State at Cue Nine

The Tri-State Tour headed to Long Island on November 27, 2011 for their $1,000-added A/B/C/D tour stop at Cue Nine Billiards.  Drawing from a field of players from all over the tri-state area, twenty-three players came out to compete for the top prize of $610.

Ed Hugh maintained control in the winner’s bracket in his first two matches of the event, taking matches over Mark Perel 7-3 and Charles Eames 7-3 before falling by a 7-4 score to Beau Baer.

However, Hugh did not let this loss keep him from driving through the one-loss side, where he defeated Mark Perel for a second time 7-4, then defeated Eddie Perez 8-5, and Beau Baer in the semifinal match, 7-5.

Continue reading “Ed Hugh Fights Back on The One-Loss Side to Take The Tri-State at Cue Nine” »

Chamberlain Official Table: Allison Fisher Heads UK at Taobao World Mixed Doubles… Plus More News!

In four days, the World Mixed Doubles Championship will be getting underway in Hangzhou, China.  The event will feature an all-star cast of both world top-ranked pros like Mika Immonen and Lee Van Corteza alongside young breakthrough players like New York-based Neslihan Gürel & Finland’s Marika Poikkioikki.

Read on for more of the latest news on the World Mixed Doubles, including inside interviews with many of the players…

…

Hangzhou, China – Chamberlain Tables has been selected as this year’s Official Table of the Taobao World Mixed Doubles. The top-rated table company will feature fantastic international stars competing on its equipment next week, including 15x World Champion Allison Fisher of England! All the players will be joining on November 30th to December 2,2011 at Jiebai Mall in Hangzhou, China. Chamberlain joins Taobao.com, one of the world’s top 20 most visited internet sites, as one of the top sponsors of the event. The combination of Taobao, Chamberlain Tables, 9-Club Entertainment, and Dragon Promotions will secure major TV and media for the event, meaning more people will watch the World Mixed Doubles than any other billiards event in China!

Allison Fisher, the most legendary woman’s player in history, will play her first mixed doubles match in decades. But she is up to the task, and has a great track record. She was a three-time Snooker World Mixed Doubles Champion. She will be playing with UK #1 Craig Osborne.

They take on Team Philippines strong Lee Van Corteza and Iris Ranola. Lee Van is a former Philippines #1 while Ranola is a silver medalist at the Women’s US Open. This will be one of the highlighted marquee TV matches on November 30th.

“I have won in mixed doubles before in Snooker. At that time I had the greatest partner, Steve Davis. We were three times the World Mixed doubles champions in Snooker,” said Allison. This will be her first time ever playing mixed doubles in pool.

Continue reading “Chamberlain Official Table: Allison Fisher Heads UK at Taobao World Mixed Doubles… Plus More News!” »

World Renowned Predator & Poison Cues, Master Chalk, Aramith Balls & Simonis Cloth Sponsor World Mixed Doubles

Many of the toughest male and female players in the world are preparing to team up for the World Mixed Doubles, to be held in Hangzhou, China, set to begin November 30.  As there are very few opportunities for world touring pros to play in a male/female doubles format, this event will create an exciting dynamic that is very rarely seen.

Read on for more in the press release by event producer Dragon Promotions, and scroll to the bottom of the story to see the opening bracket for the event…

…

Hangzhou, China – With the greatest professional players in the world coming already, it’s fitting that the world’s biggest billiard sponsors join the World Mixed Doubles.  Predator Cues, Poison Cues, Master Chalk, Aramith Balls, and Simonis Cloth will be the Official Products of the World Mixed Doubles. Dragon Promotions will be producing the event on November 30-December 2, 2011, in cooperation with 9 Club Entertainment and sanctioned by the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association.

The event will pair the top men’s and women’s players together as a two-person team, with a total of 16 teams from around the world. Last year Efren “Magician” Reyes and Rubilen Amit of the Philippines won the inaugural first event defeating Team USA, Team Europe, and Team Korea.

The World Mixed Doubles is sponsored by Rikko Decoration www.rikko.cn, 9-Club
Entertainment, Official Cue is Predator Cues & Poison Cues, Simonis Cloth, and Master Chalk.

Official media partner is www.Top147.com. Link to the Official site for the World Mixed Doubles is http://www.top147.com/news/Doubles/

The event takes place at Jiebai New Yuanhua, #177 Yan’an Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. Tickets can be purchased at 9-Club or on site for 50RMB.

Continue reading “World Renowned Predator & Poison Cues, Master Chalk, Aramith Balls & Simonis Cloth Sponsor World Mixed Doubles” »

Straight Pool League Director Danny Barouty to Hold a Free Clinic at Amsterdam Billiards on Friday, December 2

By NYC Grind Contributor, Alison M. Fischer

** UPDATE: The date of the clinic has been changed to Friday, December 2. We apologize for any confusion. **

Season after season, Amsterdam Billiards’ Straight Pool League continues to gain momentum, under the leadership of Danny Barouty.  As of the 2011 Fall Season, there are now over 100 players competing in the league, within the three different divisions.

The league has had a significant jump in participation over the last few years.  “It went from about forty players to eighty-eight players in the last two years,” said Barouty.  “With Saturday (league) it brings the numbers up to about 123.”

There were a few factors that contributed to this growth.  Barouty explains, “The jump was due to a couple of things.  The first is the prize fund totaling $5,000.  This is nice.  The second is the elimination of handicaps, until the playoffs.  The competition tends to be balanced and leads to a competitive atmosphere.  Players frequently ask to play in stronger groups, while no one asks to be paired down.”

“We accommodate a wide range of playing strengths from beginners to champs like Immonen, Robles, and Lipsky.  Jen Barretta has jumped into the mix and is wrecking havoc on her division,” said Danny Barouty.

Continue reading “Straight Pool League Director Danny Barouty to Hold a Free Clinic at Amsterdam Billiards on Friday, December 2” »

CueTips Billiards Instruction: Inside Secrets – Part 4

By NYC Grind Contributor, Mark Finkelstein

As much as I hate to admit this, I lost a game last night.  Not a match mind you but one game.  But in that loss were a few lessons that I learned and I want to share with you.  One of the givens in the pool world, is that you will lose.  Everyone misses, makes mistakes and loses.  What separates the champions from the other is how much you can learn from your misses and losses and apply to your next match.

Of course after the loss I felt angry and a little bitter.  But, on the drive home, I was able to put the whole thing in perspective and learn the lessons given to me.  I will share those lessons with you and hope you can learn from my errors.

First let me set the scene.  I was playing in a Country Club running a tournament and giving some lessons on small 4 x 8 table with dim lighting.  Everyone was playing 8 ball and I hadn’t played much 8 ball in the last 10 years or so.  Most of the people at this club were golfers, had a few drinks and were having a good time.  My job was to teach them a few tricks, play some games and run a tournament.  I never expected to get into any action.

As we were playing around, one of the members wanted to play me a game for $20.  Now I don’t usually bet when I am working, but the crowd encouraged us.  The big picture is I won the first game, but lost the second game and that is what I want to look at.  How I lost that second game and what I will do with the loss is the lesson I want to share with you today.

First, I underestimated my opponent.  I didn’t bring my A game to the table.  I was careless and didn’t really think he could run out or out move me.  This is a classic mistake!  Never just play for fun.  Always bring your A game because once you let up, you  will have a hard time bringing it back when you need it.  I had chances in this game, but never really focused on what I was doing.  I was depending on my opponent to make mistakes rather than running out or forcing him to make mistakes.  I assumed he would make a mistake.  He didn’t, and with three lucky shots, a good roll and two bank shots, he ran out.  Learn this lesson well.

Continue reading “CueTips Billiards Instruction: Inside Secrets – Part 4” »

CSI Announces 2012 Tournament Dates for February & March

2011 is quickly coming to an end… which means that pool players around the country are getting in gear for the coming winter tournament season.  

CSI (CueSports International) has recently announced its upcoming tournaments for February & March of 2012.

This month, CSI has begun taking entries online for some of their most popular events of the year, including the Jay Swanson Memorial, The US Bar Table Championships, and The World PPA Reno Shootout.  

Be sure to check out www.playCSIpool.com for more info on these upcoming events, and read on for the recently-announced event dates…

…

02/04 – 02/05, 2012
16th Annual Jay Swanson Memorial 9-Ball Tournament
$3,000 Added Guaranteed
$4,000 Added with full 192 field
Hard Times Billiards
17450 Bellflower Blvd.
Bellflower, California 90706
Contact: CueSports International
**Online Entries: www.ctsondemand.com
www.playcsipool.com
info@playbca.com
(702) 719-7665

02/09 – 02/12, 2012
14th Annual Tri-State Championship
$2,000 Added
French Lick Resort
8670 West State Rd 56
French Lick, Indiana
Contact: Wally Walburn
www.bcaindiana.com
wally.walburn@bcaindiana.com
(260) 413-1604

Continue reading “CSI Announces 2012 Tournament Dates for February & March” »

Floanne Takes the Stage to Give Tribute to Legendary French Singer & Performer Edith Piaf

With the weather turning cooler quickly, autumn and winter are ideal times to stay in and check out the great musical nightlife that NYC has to offer.

Coming up next week, renowned French singer & actress Floanne (www.floanne.com) will be presenting her tribute to legendary cabaret singer Édith Piaf, as 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of her death.

Floanne will be presenting her one-hour musical play Edith Piaf, Alive and Living in New York, in two showings on November  28 & 30 at The Metropolitan Room (34 West 22nd St. in Manhattan), along with two more performances on December 6 & 8 at the Triad Theater.

Read on for more on Floanne’s upcoming shows & captivating style… including ticket information. In a special offer, using the code ‘BAND’  when ordering tickets will give you a $5 coupon on the ticket price!

…

Continue reading “Floanne Takes the Stage to Give Tribute to Legendary French Singer & Performer Edith Piaf” »

Tom D’Alfonso Captures The 2011 Ocean State 9-Ball Title at Snookers

 

By NYC Grind Contributor, Alison M. Fischer

The 23rd Ocean State 9-Ball Championships, one of the cornerstone events on the Joss 9-Ball Tour, was held over the weekend of November 19-20.  The event is held annually at Snookers Billiards Bar & Grill in Providence, RI and consistently draws numerous top players from around the region.

Historically, New York’s greatest players of the last few decades have shined at this event, including Frankie Hernandez, Tony Robles, George “Ginky” SanSouci, and Dennis Hatch.

In the 2011 Ocean State Championships, there were a number of big names contending for the title, including Mike Davis, Stevie Moore, upcoming 2011 Mosconi Cup team member Mike Dechaine, and former champion Jeremy Sossei… along with WPBA pros Jennifer Barretta & Brittany Bryant.

However, all eyes were also on emerging top player Tom D’Alfonso… who made a statement in the early rounds of the event as he defeated fellow Connecticut player Jeremy Sossei, along with Jennifer Barretta and Ivaylo Petrov to go to the hot seat match, where he defeated up-and-coming Joss Tour player Matt Tetrault 9-2 and secure his spot in the finals.

Continue reading “Tom D’Alfonso Captures The 2011 Ocean State 9-Ball Title at Snookers” »

Next Page »