Ring Game
Press Release
2013 World Cup of Pool Event set for London debut
AFTER FOUR years in Manila and two in Rotterdam, the eighth annual World Cup of Pool will be making a welcome return to UK shores when it takes place at the historic York Hall, Bethnal Green in London from 17th to 22nd September. Following on from last year’s victory in the Philippines, the Finnish pair of Mika Immonen and Petri Makkonen will back to defend their title at a venue that has gained a place in pool folklore following a 16 year association with the Mosconi Cup. With 32 two-player teams representing 31 countries chasing the lion’s share of the $250,000 prize fund, there will be plenty of teams in with a shout. That will include two from the home country who will sure to be well supported in the East London pocket billiards mecca. The event will be played to a single elimination format over six days with two sessions a day. In addition to the home nation and defending champions, all of the strongest countries in world pool will be sending teams and that includes the Philippines, Holland, Germany, China, the USA and Taiwan. The 2013 World Cup of Pool has its cloth supplied by Iwan Simonis and the Official Balls are Super Aramith.
US Open 9-Ball Update Francisco Bustamante Results of the Ring Game from the Southern Classic 6 players with $1000 entry: 1st - $4000 - Francisco Bustamante 2nd - $2000 - Justin Hall Michael Delawder, Skyler Woodward, Alex Pagulayan, Chip Compton
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(continued from page 15) Follow through A steady, even stroke, following through the ball about the same distance as the prestroke, will help you to keep your aim true. It will also help you control your speed, improving cue ball control. When you poke at the ball, you have less control over just how fast the cue strikes the cue ball. Stay down You might hear this a lot, but what does it mean? It means don’t move after the shot. Follow through, then stay. Don’t stand up. Don’t drop your arm. Don’t move your cue stick. Freeze! You might think “But Michael, the cue ball is already moving. Standing up isn’t going to change that, right?” True, but if you get into the habit of standing up after your shot, eventually you will stand up during your shot. When that happens, you will move your stick, and your aim will be off. You’ll miss. If you stand up on your shots, you’ll soon be sitting down in your seat. STAY DOWN.
Despite a few hiccups in recent years about prize money being paid in a timely fashion, the WPA has agreed to continue its sanctioning of the US Open for 2013. Promoter of this event, Mr Barry Behrman has given written assurance that prize money for this years event will be secured prior to the commencement of the event in order to avoid delays with payments to players. It is important to note that despite some problems, there are no players who have never received their prize money. The WPA has made it clear to Mr Behrman that it cannot be associated with events that do not deliver what they advertise. WPA President, Ian Anderson, said "the WPA is happy to continue its association with an event that has the history of the US Open, and one where the promoter works so diligently to make it an outstanding success. We are grateful for the hard work that Mr. Behrman and his daughter Shannon contribute to maintain their tournament as the highest profile event in the USA. This will be the 38th consecutive year that the event has been held, quite an achievement". Be consistent You might be told time and again the “proper” stance, and to make sure your elbow is in alignment. Yes, there are wrong ways to stand, and bad arm positions. But the most important thing is that you are comfortable, and that you establish whatever works for you to make balls consistently. When you reach that point, try to be consistent. Don’t change your stance. Don’t move your elbow to a different position. Your body has learned certain positions, and developed muscle memory. If these positions have been working for you, then keep doing it. Look at Francisco Bustamante, for example. He has a very unorthodox stroke, and his elbow is way off of center. But it works for him, and he is one of the best in the world. Who’s going to tell him to “fix” it? He is very consistent, in the way he shoots, in his pre-shot routine, and his ability to wipe the floor with you. When you go to the pool hall or your local bar, don’t just put a bunch of balls on the table and bang them in. Your practice should have purpose. Make sure you always work on your fundamentals, and do a proper “check-up” from time to time. Have someone video-tape you, and watch the tape yourself. There is a reason football players review game films. Even the pros make fundamental mistakes, and can always use improvement!
38 The Break - July 2013 www.TheBreakMagazine.com