TAR 19: Immonen vs Van Boening Set to Rumble at Amsterdam Billiards
August 31, 2010
TAR 19: Mika Immonen vs Shane Van Boening
By NYC Grind Editor, Alison M. Fischer
In the past decade, two young stars in pool have risen to domination on both national and international levels. They currently hold the #3 and #4 positions on the 2010 BCA rankings list, and both hold US Open titles and multiple world titles… making them two of the most well-known and widely-followed players in the world.
Now, The Action Report is pitting “The Iceman” Mika Immonen against “The South Dakota Kid” Shane Van Boening in a three-day battle royale at Amsterdam Billiards–the first-ever TAR match to be held in NYC. This epic race to 100 games in 10-ball is set to be held on October 12-14, the weekend before the US Open 9-ball Championships, where Immonen will defend his title. The stakes are high, with a $10,000 entry and the winner takes all.
Although these two top players have had many close battles over the past few years, Immonen has taken an edge over Van Boening at their most recent match-ups, including the Turning Stone Classic and the Poison DP Pro Classic. However, Van Boening has taken on numerous TAR Challenge Matches and toppled opponents including his legendary matches against Alex Pagulayan as well as Corey Deuel and Earl Strickland, to name a few… and Immonen vs Van Boening is one that pool fans won’t want to miss.
Read more about this clash of the titans at www.TheActionReport.com and read on to check out the full-sized flyer…
Four World-Class Pro Pool Players Entertain Billiards Fans in Union Square in an Exhibition at ABC!
August 30, 2010
Team NY: Mika Immonen & Tony Robles
Bringing a one-of-a-kind opportunity to pool fans in the New York area, on August 23, Tony Robles, Mika Immonen, Charlie Williams, and Rodney Morris came together at Amsterdam Billiard Club to put on a unique exhibition. The pros both teamed up with amateur challengers, as well as went head-to-head in a New York vs Florida challenge with Tony & Mika taking on Rodney & Charlie.
Justin Markus and Mika Immonen went through the “Play with the Pro” doubles portion of the event undefeated! Justin and Mika won their first two matches 2-0 in impressive fashion. Then the reigning back-to-back US Open 9-ball Champion and Amsterdam league player defeated Gaby Prince and Tony Robles 2-1 to win a Poison Cue.
Charlie Williams & Ron Mason
"The Rocket" Rodney Morris teamed up with Naldo Troncoso
Tony Robles with Gabby Prince
A highlight for the evening was the NY vs. FL Pro Pool Doubles match. The 2 on 2 duel matched up Tony Robles & Mika Immonen against Rodney Morris & Charlie Williams.
Rodney Morris and Charlie Williams - Team Florida!
Tonight Four of the Top Pool Players in the World Come Together for a “NYC vs. Florida” Challenge Match at Amsterdam Billiards Club!
August 23, 2010
Amsterdam Billiards Exhibition - Tony Robles, Mika Immonen, Charlie Williams, Rodney Morris!
Tonight (August 23rd), four of the world’s top pool players in together for a “NYC vs. Florida” Challenge Match at Amsterdam Billiard Club!
Representing NYC will be World #1 ranked and reigning U.S. Open Champion Mika “The Iceman” Immonen & former BCA Open 9-Ball Champion Tony “The Silent Assassin” Robles against former U.S. Open champion Rodney “The Rocket” Morris and former BCA Open 9-Ball Champion Charlie “The Korean Dragon” Williams.
“The Rocket” Rodney Morris is fresh off a second place finish at the Turning Stone Classic yesterday. Mika Immonen also made a statement at this pro 9-ball event. Click here to read the story.
Amsterdam Billiards has announced that there will be free admission for everyone! If you have an appreciation for pool, this event is a must check out!
The 4 team round robin tournament will start at 7PM, followed by the singles challenge matches and finishing with the pros playing a race to 9 scotch doubles match.
Players and fans will have the opportunity to play against one of these pros in singles and in a special round robin scotch doubles format with a pro as a partner.
Read the story for more details how players and fans will have the chance to take on these top pros at Amsterdam Billiards Club!
Zee Shan Safba Breaks Through in the Predator Tour at Mr. Cue Billiards
August 19, 2010
Zee Shan Safba (1st), Charlie Lentini (3rd), Scott Murphy (2nd)
By NYC Grind Editor, Alison M. Fischer
The Ozone Billiards Predator 9-ball Tour was hosted by Mr. Cue Billiards in Lindenhust, NY on August 14-15th. This $1,000-added event was worth double points as this 12th stop of the season was a warm-up for the upcoming Empire State Amateur Championships. Click here to view the photo gallery from this event, photos by Jerry T.
A total field of 52 players came out to take a shot at the $1,000 first prize, including Scott Simonetti, Stew Warnock, Mike Yednak, Charlie Lentini, Jerry Tarantola, John Alicea and Mike Panzarella. Four of the tour’s lady players, Gail Glazebrook, Linda Cheung, Borana Andoni, and Diana Rojas also came out to battle. Diana would be the eventual highest-finishing female, placing tied for 9th.
The tournament bracket for this event was split up between the A/B players the C/D players. In the C/D side, Rene Villalobos was impressive in grinding out several tough wins over Taran Bunness 7-4, Anthony Zoccolillo, and Bob Schlott 7-6, before losing a nail-biter to Zee Shan Safba 7-6.
Zee Shan fought through the C/D bracket with wins over Linda Cheung 7-4, Pat Dibuono 7-6, Al Frances 7-3, and ultimately Rene. This run set up a hot seat match against Mr. Cue veteran house player, Charlie Lentini… which ended in Zee Shan’s favor at 7-4.
Team 9-Ball Season Heats Up at Amsterdam Billiards Club in NYC
August 19, 2010
"Ruder Still" with Supadra Geronimo win photo of the week!
While the sport/game of pool is mainly looked at as an individual game… NYC serves as an impressive hotbed for competitive team billiards play. Amsterdam Billiards in NYC hosts a weekly Team 9-ball league that allows players of all calibers to participate in a competitive team environment.
The Amsterdam Billiards team 9-ball league allows players from the “D” level (Which is beginner) all the way to “Pro”, which means they don’t miss very much. The D/C/B and A players have the opportunity to get together with anywhere from 4-7 players each week and battle with other teams in their divisions.
While the 9-ball league allows up to 7 players, each Thursday evening… 2 players from each team are matched up with another 2 players from their competition for the evening. Each Thursday each team roots on 2 players at a time on two consecutive tables, bringing together friends and competitors who are on a quest for the coveted 1st place title.
The winning team wins cash prizes and a free trip to Vegas and other perks… not to mention bragging rights in the NYC hot spot pool room and beyond.
The unique team 9-ball dynamic allows the weaker players in a team to ask for a coach, and get the advice of their strongest players, leading to greater knowledge and confidence.
Coaching Allowed!
Rhio Anne Flores is an aspiring woman professional who is part of the team “Do You Want a Cookie”, and she has mentioned that the ability to watch her teammates Scott Simonetti and George “Ginky” Sansouci play each week has strengthened her game. Rhio also mentioned that the ability to ask for a coach, coupled with watching the strongest players on her team have to grind back from a deficit has helped her have the confidence to come from behind in a tough match when the pressure is on.
This Team 9-ball experience has helped her have the confidence to battle back against several top pros in the WPBA US Open 9-ball Championships, leading to a money-winning finish.
Amsterdam Billiards recently announced that as part of their year-long 20th anniversary, they are offering a special “thank you” to their 9-ball league members in several remarkable ways. ABC is offering the largest prize fund in it’s history for their upcoming fall season… a total of $26,000 will be up for grabs.
Read on for more details on which teams are leading the way in ABC’s four divisions… plus more photos from the ABC 9-ball League.
Caroline Pao & Dawn Hopkins Share a Victory on the Mezz Women’s Tour
August 15, 2010
Caroline Pao & Dawn Hopkins
By NYC Grind Contributor, Alison M. Fischer
On August 7th, 2010, the Mezz Women’s 9-Ball Tour held its second stop of their inaugural season at Main Line Billiard Club in Frazer, PA. A field of thirteen players including top names such as Dawn Hopkins, Megan Smith, Caroline Pao, Gina Kim-Lipsky, and Erin McManus were set to battle that Saturday.
Also among these top players was arguably the most impressive female junior player in the U.S., PA’s Briana Miller. Former Junior World Champion and multiple-time Junior National Champion, Briana continues to prove that she is a strong force at the table. In this event, Briana ran through to the hot seat match after defeating Sam Miskezich, Kathy Friend, and Erin McManus.
In the match for the hot seat, Briana faced Caroline Pao, who previously had wins over Eugena Gyftopoulos, Linda Cheung, and Dawn Hopkins. Caroline would then battle against Briana Miller, where she edged ahead to win 7-5 to guarantee a spot in the final.
Amsterdam Billiards 14.1 League Helps the Tradition of Straight Pool Stay Alive and Invites all League Players to Party on the House!
August 13, 2010
Through the last century’s evolution of pocket billiards… one game has remained the “gold standard” for measuring the class of great players: 14.1 continuous–straight pool. As a game that tests both endurance and wit, along with all other major billiards skill sets, having a strong base in straight pool knowledge is sure to make for adeptness in all other games.
Although the game has seen its peaks and valleys over the past few decades, one place that the 14.1 tradition has held strong is NYC. Among the numerous 14.1 enthusiasts found throughout the five boroughs, a dedicated crew can be found competing in Amsterdam Billiard Club’s leagues, held twice-weekly, year-round.
Tomorrow, Saturday August 14th, Amsterdam will be throwing a party for the 14.1 league, along with all other ABC league members (9-ball teams & 8-ball)… the party will include free pool from 6-9pm, free drinks, a cue raffle, and break contest. As a bonus, each player can bring three friends to get in on all the party benefits! Additionally, the players will get the chance to challenge the league directors to a game.
One of the most prominent personalities in straight pool culture is Amsterdam’s 14.1 league director Danny Barouty. A living legend in the game, Danny is known both for his camaraderie with the players and his unmistakable style of humor. Danny Barouty has shared with us his story of how the ABC straight pool league has evolved under his direction… and highlights some of his experiences with the new generation of 14.1 players.
Danny Barouty is one of many top straight pool players who frequent ABC. Players like two-time US Open Champion Mika Immonen, Steve Lipsky, Zion Zvi, George “Ginky” Sansouci, and house pro Tony Robles frequent the NYC billiards hot spot.
Amsterdam Billiards Club (ABC) also hosts buzz-worthy exhibitions with world class players. Straight pool legend Tony Robles faced off in a race to 200 game against ten-time World Champion Mike Sigel… click here to watch the video!
If you have an appreciation for pool be sure to save the date for ABC’s next exhibition on August 23 from 7-9pm… featuring Mika Immonen, Tony Robles, Charlie Williams and Rodney Morris. Click here to see the flyer!
Read on to check out Danny’s story, along with an update on this season’s progress….
Billiards Instruction: CueTips #31 - Rail and Pocket Shots
August 5, 2010
CueTable Diagram #1
By NYC Grind Contributor, Mark Finkelstein
This week I have a collection of shots that are interesting and not usually seen. All the top players know them, and they can save you when you really need a magic shot.
These first set of shots are rail compression shots. The reason these rail compression shots work is because the rail compresses when a ball hits it. You can see this effect in Dr. Dave’s High Speed Videos. Creative use of this effect can bail you out of some tough spots.
Take a look at the 1 here. It looks like you are in a trap without any good escapes. You might try a three rail kick, or perhaps a massé. There is a much better option that is little known, but really works (I tried it on Brunswick tables and Diamond tables and it worked both times). What you do is aim to just miss the 3 on the left. Hit the cue ball hard with no English.
What happens is that the cushion compresses and the cue ball goes right by the 3 and usually pockets the one. Practice this one… read on to view the CueTable diagram.
Amsterdam Billiards Announces More New Bonuses for Team 9-ball League and an Even Bigger Payout!
August 5, 2010
Team 9-ball League player Yomaylin Feliz
As Amsterdam Billiard Club announced last week, there will be a New York-sized prize fund added to their fall Team 9-ball League season payout. However, ABC has just decided to bump up the added money from $20,000 to $26,000! This addition will now pay out a grand prize of $15,000 to the first place finishing team. Read the original payout announcement here.
If you want to get in on this exciting season of 9-ball competition, be sure to sign up your team as soon as possible, as the field is limited. Visit www.AmsterdamBilliardClub.com to learn how to sign up.
Along with bigger bonuses for the highest-finishing teams in the league, Amsterdam Billiards is continuing to roll out exciting new bonuses for their league players. To start, Amsterdam is introducing a new “Photo of the Week” drink giveaway.
Each week, one photo will be selected as the “Photo of the Week“, and anyone who appears in that photo will win a free drink every night for seven nights. You will be able to catch “The Photo of the Week” along with more upcoming coverage of Amsterdam’s other leagues (the 8-ball and Straight Pool Leagues) on NYCgrind.com.
In more news, Amsterdam will also be hosting a Free Exhibition featuring some of the biggest names in professional pool. On Monday, August 23 from 7-9pm, Mika Immonen, Tony Robles, Rodney Morris, and Charlie Williams will be sharing their skills with Amsterdam’s players and pool fans. These four champions will be going head to head in challenge matches, along with matching up against audience members.
There will be more exciting events and specials throughout Amsterdam’s 20th Anniversary year, so stay on the NYC Grind to keep updated on the latest!
Robert Plaut Sweeps Through The Tri-State Tour at Amsterdam Billiards
August 3, 2010
Ryan McCarthy (2nd), Robert Plaut (1st), Alan Chan (3rd)
Moving into their second tour event of the 2010-2011 season, the Tri-State Tour was hosted by Amsterdam Billiard Club on July 31-August 1. In this B/C/D class 9-ball event, twenty-eight players came out to take a shot at the $700 first prize.
The breakthrough player in this event was Robert Plaut, who plays in both Amsterdam’s Team 9-ball League and the Straight Pool League, and has been showing swift improvement in his game. Fighting his way through to the hot seat, Robert came out ahead in three hill-hill matches en route to his first victory on the Tri-State Tour.
Meeting Robert in the winner’s side final four was Alan Chan, who fell to Robert by a score of 6-4. Meanwhile in the other final four match, Ryan McCarthy came out ahead of Sammy Islam at a final score of 7-5. Ryan then faced off against Robert for the hot seat in a close match that ended in Robert’s favor at 7-5.
