I just received this from the Google News Billiard Alert:
http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/features_julieshealthclub/2006/11/the_real_doping.html
Originally posted: November 29, 2006
The real doping crisis: billiards
Drug use may be a serious problem among cyclists, but it pales in comparison to what's going on in the relatively obscure world of billiards.
When the World Anti-Doping Agency tested cyclists, they found prohibited substances or methods (called "adverse analytical findings") in 3.78 percent of the samples in 2005.
Billiards players, on the other hand, had an astonishing adverse findings rate of 9.96 percent, according to the report.
Billiards players: What on earth are you taking? And why?
Probably "something to calm their nerves so they have better aim or grasp," said James Roach of the WADA. (I’m still waiting for a response from the Belgium-based World Confederation of Billiard Sports.)
Other surprisingly high rates were found in golf (5.21 percent) and archery (2.94 percent), sports where spectators might want to watch out for `roid rage.
If you really want to watch drug-free competitors, you’re stuck with chess, polo, racquetball and tug of war, the only sports recognized by the International Olympic Committee that reported no adverse findings.
The 2005 WADA report on Laboratory Statistics shows 3,909 Adverse
Analytical Findings (positive results) out of 183,337 tests.
(2.13%).
Billiards: - 9.96% - 28 positives out of 281 tests
Golf: - 5.21% - 20/384
Bandy: - 3.94% - 8/203
Cycling: - 3.78% - 482/12,751
Baseball: - 3.69% - - 390/10,580
Motorcycle Racing: 3.23% - 12/372
Underwater sports: 3.22% - 12/373
Boxing: - 3.14% - 83/2433
Triathlon: - 3.14% - - 74/2,170
Archery: - 2.94% - 25/850
Ice Hockey: - 2.87% - 79/2,751
Rugby: - 2.46% - 113/4,601
Orienteering: - 2.09% - 10/479
Volleyball: - 2.06% - 54/2161
Weightlifting: - 2.50% - 146/5842
Athletics: - 1.67% - 342/20,464
Football (Soccer): 1.46% - 343/23,478
55.2% of all Adverse Analytical Findings were Anabolic agents
(43.4%) or stimulants.
60.7% of AAF for Anabolic agents the identified substance was
Testosterone.
in Drugs in sport | Permalink
Comments
So whats you concern behind broadcasting to the world about 1 in 10 pool players doing drugs. Is this a bar drunk, junior players or are you talking about pros, and if so where? I never heard of any pro billiard event EVER testing the players.
Posted by: Bill Meacham | Nov 29, 2006 2:42:23 PM
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You may ask, why would these types of substances matter in billiards, where precision rather than power is the key?
Answer: These banned substances can significantly increase the power of the break. Now, it's not unusual for the cue ball to fly off the table on a hard break. The involvement of steroids, however, can lead to problems.
You see, in billiards, as in many of the more casual indoor sports (poker, bowling, etc.), the pros at the major events take pride in their appearance and grooming. When the cue goes airborne under the influence of artificially-enhanced strength, it can do so with such force that a strong breeze is created, ruffling the opponent's hair and clothing. This effect is known as the "break wind" and is considered quite rude.
Posted by: Calidore | Nov 29, 2006 2:56:43 PM
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My cousin Fred Bentivegna is on of the best bank pool players in the world. He is the author of two renowned books and numerous articles. he does not use drugs. He has practiced his technique through meditation. Check out his web site at freddy the beard.com
Posted by: Mike smajo | Nov 29, 2006 3:09:09 PM
