Al Lapena
- Thread starter henho
- Start date
I watched a video that is a few years old and one of the commentators mention Al. I believe he said Al was in the U.S. before guy like Reyes and Parica.
Al can sometimes be found a Prime Time Billiards in Sayerville NJ. I think he sometimes gives lessons there. If you go there in the evening the man playing on the first table is Manny. Ask him how to get in touch with AL. A few months ago I watched Al beat Chavez a set of 9 ball and then a set of 10 ball. I think it was $1000 a set. Both players had backers.
Al can sometimes be found a Prime Time Billiards in Sayerville NJ. I think he sometimes gives lessons there. If you go there in the evening the man playing on the first table is Manny. Ask him how to get in touch with AL. A few months ago I watched Al beat Chavez a set of 9 ball and then a set of 10 ball. I think it was $1000 a set. Both players had backers.
First time i met Al
I was playing in the West End tourney the B class I'm guesssing 93' 94'. Anyway, back in the day of West End the A class tourney was actually a pro tourney with the likes of Allen, Tony R, Ginky , Johnny E, Fusco, Rodney etc.
So, I am rated a 7 the highest rating is a 9. I am running through the field that night for some reason. I get to the hot seat and my friend tells me to watch out for this guy. He thinks he is on the stall. I said I don't care I'm getting the seven and he is going to have to play real good to win. So, he beats me 5 to 3 and sends me to the one lose side. I beat my next opponent and have to beat AL twice in the finals and he simply just gives me the first set. I don't know it of course and I feel like I am playing great.
We start the second set and Al went into stall dog mode. Anyway, it is hill/hill and I lock up Al on the 7, my spot ball. I already won the tournament in my head. Well he kicks two rails at the seven sitting in the middle of the table and pockets it in the long corner and gets out.
If I remember correctly, Al actually started in the C class tourney and had just got bumped up to B, but I hadn't met him yet. He lasted about two more weeks in the B class and won both weeks before they boothed him. Even though Al beat me that night he showed me plenty through the years to make up for the difference in prize money that night.
henho said:
I was playing in the West End tourney the B class I'm guesssing 93' 94'. Anyway, back in the day of West End the A class tourney was actually a pro tourney with the likes of Allen, Tony R, Ginky , Johnny E, Fusco, Rodney etc.
So, I am rated a 7 the highest rating is a 9. I am running through the field that night for some reason. I get to the hot seat and my friend tells me to watch out for this guy. He thinks he is on the stall. I said I don't care I'm getting the seven and he is going to have to play real good to win. So, he beats me 5 to 3 and sends me to the one lose side. I beat my next opponent and have to beat AL twice in the finals and he simply just gives me the first set. I don't know it of course and I feel like I am playing great.
We start the second set and Al went into stall dog mode. Anyway, it is hill/hill and I lock up Al on the 7, my spot ball. I already won the tournament in my head. Well he kicks two rails at the seven sitting in the middle of the table and pockets it in the long corner and gets out.
If I remember correctly, Al actually started in the C class tourney and had just got bumped up to B, but I hadn't met him yet. He lasted about two more weeks in the B class and won both weeks before they boothed him. Even though Al beat me that night he showed me plenty through the years to make up for the difference in prize money that night.
I see him at Sandcastle on Monday nights pretty often
Since he doesn't play anymore, then I guess I can post his picture. :wink:
We have encountered Al at many tournaments in the past. He's a unassuming-type fellow, but he wasn't afraid to get in action. I have had the pleasure to be on the other side gambling with him, and win or lose, he is always very pleasant.
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Thanks for the info. I removed the picture. :wink:
I watched him defeat Frank Hernandez in a Joss Tour match. He made it look easy (and we all know FH plays world class). He even seemed immune to the psychological game. The only thing that got a rise out of him was when Frank quit before the set was over. Al tried to calm him down and encouraged him to finish the match. Nice guy, strong game, seemed very respectful and ethical.
Since he doesn't play anymore, then I guess I can post his picture. :wink:
We have encountered Al at many tournaments in the past. He's a unassuming-type fellow, but he wasn't afraid to get in action. I have had the pleasure to be on the other side gambling with him, and win or lose, he is always very pleasant.
I saw that pic before you too it down. Wasn't that Drexeline Billiards?
Eric
Yes, it was -- the parking lot! :grin-square:
I think I spent more time out in the parking lot than inside the pool room because we had to smoke cigarettes outside.
Now that I quit smoking, I won't have that worry anymore! :grin-angelic:
I had a pizza last night with Allapena peppers.
Al is here in Vegas playing in the Predator Ten Ball.