Author: Paul

Photo by Ricky Bryant

It’s Appleton Again at the 2011 US Open

By Samm Diep, PoolTipJar.com

The final day of the 36^th Annual U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships concluded with a flawless performance by the explosive British player “œDynamite” Darren Appleton. He defeated Shawn Putnam in a single-set finals match with a convincing score of 13-6. Appleton is the third player in U.S. Open 9-Ball history to claim back to back titles since Mika Immonen in 2008/2009 and Nick Varner in 1989/1990.

TAP’s 2011 National Championships return to Las Vegas Nevada at Bally’s Casino and Hotel November 10th ““ 13th. This event represents 8-ball and 9-ball team Champions and singles from areas throughout the United States and Canada. Let’s not forget the “Welcome Party” November 9th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. which launches the beginning of a great time.

Dear U.S. Open Fans and Players:

We hope to see you at the 2011 U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships. It’s going to be another great tournament!

This year we are once again adding a truly special event to the week – the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame Banquet! For the third year in a row, the annual Hall of Fame induction dinner and ceremony will take place at the U.S.

Stuart, Fla. (Oct. 8, 2011) ““Florida’ top women billiards competitors met on Saturday despite the wind and rain to compete at Amy’ Billiards in the Flamingo Billiards Tour 3d Annual “œCues for the Cure” fundraiser in recognition of breast cancer awareness month.  Twenty-six players and spectators raised more than $650.  The money will benefit the South Florida Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Cocoa Beach resident and veteran player Jeannie Seaver won the event.  The Flamingo Billiards Tour is a stepping stone to competing on the Women’ Professional Billiard Association.

In Memory of George Middleditch

George Orin Middleditch left this earth unexpectedly on September 14, 2011. Born in Birmingham, MI. to Roy and Henrietta Middleditch on May 15, 1936, George was 75. His passion for billiards took him down a life long professional path. He traveled the country with his pool stick in hand to engage competitors and entertain with exhibitions.

BI ZHU QING IS THE SURPRISE WINNER OF THE 2011 WOMEN’S WORLD 9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP WITH A 9-7 WIN OVER CHEN SIMING.

BY TED LERNER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MY147.COM

(Shenyang, China)– Bi Zhu Qing stands no more than 4’11″. But Sunday night in Shenyang, this tiny woman became a giant of women’s pool and a sporting hero in the most populace nation on earth. This after the relatively unknown from Beijing defeated world number 2 and heavy favorite Chen Siming 9-7 to capture the 2011 Women’s World 9-ball Championship.

Bi’s title win capped an incredible day for the 23 year old.  Up until Sunday, she was mostly unknown beyond her professional peers in China, where the women’s game is wildly popular and its top players are legitimate stars.   She is ranked number 7 in China and 81st worldwide and had never won any pool tournaments of note.

left  Owner/Operator  Kevin Buckley;  3rd place  – Tony Ignomirello;   1st place  – Daniel Dagotdot;  right   2nd place -  Alan ChanDaniel

Dagotdot wins his second victory in the 2011-2012 Tri-State season at Gotham City Billiards’ A/D 9 Ball event.  Daniel remained undefeated throuhout the day, although he won a couple of cliffhangers. His tournament trail included wins over Bogie Uzdejczyk 7 – 5; Harry Lau 7 – 4, new comer Bill Suden 7 – 6; Carl Yusuf Khan 7 – 2; Gary Murgia 7 – 6; and Alan Chan 8 – 5 for the Hot Seat. Alan who after winning five tough matches before suffering a loss for the Hot Seat, sat eagerly awaiting  another shot at the Finals.

BY TED LERNER
Photos by Alison Chang for the WPA

(Shenyang, China)–Monica Webb and Brittany Bryant must be wondering just what they’ve gotten themselves into.

Sure, the two talented players are incredibly delighted to still be standing in the final 16 of the 2011 Women’s World 9-Ball Championship.  But what lies before them at this juncture is nothing short of a rampaging juggernaut that threatens to sweep them aside like a tsunami carries away a grass hut.

ALLISON FISHER MAKES A HASTY EXIT FROM THE WOMEN’S WORLD 9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP ON DAY ONE IN SHENYANG, CHINA
BY TED LERNER IN SHENYANG, CHINA

Photos by Alison Chang for the WPA

September 22nd, 2011 will be a day Allison Fisher would love to soon forget.

Fisher, one of the greatest women players of all time and a four time World 9-ball champion, crashed out of this year’s Women’s World 9-ball Championship just barely after the event had gotten underway in the northeastern city of Shenyang, China.  The “œDuchess of Doom,” who finished second last year in this event, lost twice in one day and will now have to watch the remainder of pool’s premiere women’s tournament from the stands.