Meet Shanelle Loraine & Poison Cues: Visit Them in Valley Forge at SBE

[koreandragon]

Shanelle Loraine to Represent Poison Cues

Jacksonville, FL- Poison Cues has selected Shanelle Loraine to represent their Poison lines. Loraine is one of the bright new faces of the pool world, bringing her glamorous beauty and passion for the game to audiences worldwide.



"Shanelle is an up and coming woman's player who's started on a journey to become world class. Poison is the most sophisticated cue at its price range , benefiting from the Predator Group engineering and designed for players just getting into the game. Poison Cues also have a unique look and design unlike any other cue out there. That's what makes Shanelle and Poison a terrific match." comments Philippe Singer, VP Marketing for the Predator Group.

Since her debut in the pool world one year ago in Korea, she first made headlines by defeating Jeanette Lee live on national television at the Dragon Promotions Women's World Pool Cup. People immediately begin to search for more info on this talented Guamanian beauty and Loraine became the most searched topic online in Korea for days. Soon after she finished second place only to Ga Young Kim in the MBC ESPN Women's Ultimate Trick Shot Challenge, besting a field of players that included top players Miyuki Sakai, Yu Ram Cha, Isabelle Krafczyk, and Jeanette Lee.

"Of course she has obvious out of this world looks, almost like a cartoon character. But at the Korea vs The World she really impressed me. I captained the World Team and got to interact as a teammate. It was her first team event and she did an outstanding job of holding her nerves and made some crucial shots for us." says World Champion Mika Immonen, "She is also one of the coolest most down to earth people I have ever met."

Poison Cues has made a tremendous impact since its unveiling less than one year ago. Sales have boomed not only in the US, but rocketed internationally as well making waves in China, Spain, Korea, Japan, and more.

"Predator invited me to their Christmas Party and a tour of their factory. It's amazing the amount of engineering and work that goes into all their products. I fell in love with Poison's sleek design and craftsmanship." said Shanelle Loraine. "All the people at Predator Group are not only professional, but so kind and cool to be around. I am so honored to be a part of their well respected company."

Shanelle plays with the Arsenic 6, and uses the VX 2.9 Jump Break Cue. She is currently coached by Charlie Williams and Wayne Catledge of Orlando, and has had instruction with legends such as Mike Massey, Mika Immonen, and the great 3 Cushion master Semih Sayginer. Shanelle trains in 9-Ball and 3-Cushion and is managed by Dragon Promotions.
Visit www.shanelleloraine.com

Poison is considered to be the most advanced engineered cue at its price range. That fact combined with unparalleled looks and design makes Poison the hottest cue on the market. Poison comes with Uni-Loc technology and makes it an easy transition for players to develop and later add Predator 314 and Z shaft advancements to their Poison. Poison is a division of The Predator Group. www.poisoncues.com

Come meet Shanelle Loraine in person when she appears at the Poison Booth at the entrance of the Super Billiards Expo in Valley Forge,PA from March 13-16, 2008. Shanelle will be taking free challenges from fans and signing pictures.




Photo Courtesy Dragon Promotions & www.Playphoto.co.kr

 

[Guerra Cues]

Couldn't be the most appropriate cue brand to sponsor Shanelle. She is some of the poisonest venom I've seen in a long time on the WPBA. Hopefully my wife will not read this post!

 

[cuechick]

Couldn't be the most appropriate cue brand to sponsor Shanelle. She is some of the poisonest venom I've seen in a long time on the WPBA. Hopefully my wife will not read this post!

She is not on the WPBA Tour and as far as I know, never even played in a qualifier, let alone won one.

IMO, it is a very sad state of the world when the number two player in the world, Karen Corr, has no sponsor. And this girl, who's only claim to fame is beating Jeanette Lee in a race to 5, is being so hyped.

 

[lodini]

She is not on the WPBA Tour and as far as I know, never even played in a qualifier, let alone won one.

IMO, it is a very sad state of the world when the number two player in the world, Karen Corr, has no sponsor. And this girl, who's only claim to fame is beating Jeanette Lee in a race to 5, is being so hyped.

I'm sure her "claim to fame" is more physical than anything else. But you can see evidence of that throughout all pro sports, especially women's. Take Anna Kournikova, for example. Millions in sponsorships long after they realized she wasn't a great tennis player.

The key to it all, from a marketing standpoint, is that the person with the most fans/attention will get the sponsorship money. It's the nature of the beast. It doesn't speak to the "sad state of pool" because this isn't charity. A pool company isn't going to (and shouldn't have to) think first about what might be best for the sport. They hired Shanelle to endorse their product because it is best for business. That's the whole point of sports marketing, to use sports and fan affinity to increase brand perception and sales.

And when the sponsors start making money and enjoying their participation in pool marketing, they will reinvest that money though other sponsorships... that's when it becomes good for the sport as a whole.

 

[cuechick]

I'm sure her "claim to fame" is more physical than anything else.

I understand that looks are an asset in todays shallow, celebrity obessed society. But even Anna could actually play. I am not saying this girl can't, since I have never seen her play, but if she could, she would be hitting every regional tour like many others have and winning at least a few.

I just see this as a case of the cart coming way before the horse... The women have worked long and hard to gain respect and prove they can play. They have also crafted a very tough format to make it onto the WPBA tour and to earn touring pro status. To have someone out there promoting herself as some kind of pro, who has not earned that right bothers me a lot.

And with so many, attractive and talented true pros, such as Jasmin, GA Young and Xiaoting, is this really necessary? Do sponsors really need to add C players to their roster just because they may be a D cup?

 

[UrackmIcrackm]

I understand that looks are an asset in todays shallow, celebrity obessed society. But even Anna could actually play. I am not saying this girl can't, since I have never seen her play, but if she could, she would be hitting every regional tour like many others have and winning at least a few.

I just see this as a case of the cart coming way before the horse... The women have worked long and hard to gain respect and prove they can play. They have also crafted a very tough format to make it onto the WPBA tour and to earn touring pro status. To have someone out there promoting herself as some kind of pro, who has not earned that right bothers me a lot.

And with so many, attractive and talented true pros, such as Jasmin, GA Young and Xiaoting, is this really necessary? Do sponsors really need to add C players to their roster just because they may be a D cup?

You beat me to it! The first thing I thought of was "how does this young woman have a sponsor & she's not even on the WPBA?" Answer... Charlie Williams. I'd be shocked if Predator ever sponsored anyone that wasn't under Charlie's thumb.

In the meantime over in the Tina Pawloski thread the topic of sponsorship is being discussed and of course looks have come up in there also. What a shame it is that a proven professional player can't get a sponsor but a woman with large breasts and no track record to speak of can have one.

Beating JL in a cheesy race to 5 is not impressive. Put her in a qualifier and let her earn her way onto the tour and earn her sponsorship. Then I'll be impressed. Until then... Bleh

 

[lodini]

I understand that looks are an asset in todays shallow, celebrity obessed society. But even Anna could actually play. I am not saying this girl can't, since I have never seen her play, but if she could, she would be hitting every regional tour like many others have and winning at least a few.

I just see this as a case of the cart coming way before the horse... The women have worked long and hard to gain respect and prove they can play. They have also crafted a very tough format to make it onto the WPBA tour and to earn touring pro status. To have someone out there promoting herself as some kind of pro, who has not earned that right bothers me a lot.

And with so many, attractive and talented true pros, such as Jasmin, GA Young and Xiaoting, is this really necessary? Do sponsors really need to add C players to their roster just because they may be a D cup?

Though, as a woman, I would tend to agree with you here... I am purely looking at this from the eyes of the cue company. Their name is "Poison" and they obviously feel that there is a brand connection with Shanelle. Her personality and looks and reputation speak to that. Sports Marketing is about telling a "brand story" and Shanelle actually tells their story fairly well. And they will see that with the swarms of men that come by their booth at Valley Forge. I would bet that will be a madhouse.

Companies choose their endorsers because they fit with the brand and with the target audience. And as much as some may think the "sex sells" attitude is bogus... in this case, it may very well prove to be the way to go.

In my opinion, there are plenty of pool and non-pool related companies out there that would love to work with some of the other attractive, true pro females that you mentioned. But as the article states, Shanelle is represented by Dragon Promotions. Very few pro athletes will land big sponsorship/endorsement deals on their own... they need representation. I can't stress that enough.

 

[MFB]

I understand that looks are an asset in todays shallow, celebrity obessed society. But even Anna could actually play. I am not saying this girl can't, since I have never seen her play, but if she could, she would be hitting every regional tour like many others have and winning at least a few.

I just see this as a case of the cart coming way before the horse... The women have worked long and hard to gain respect and prove they can play. They have also crafted a very tough format to make it onto the WPBA tour and to earn touring pro status. To have someone out there promoting herself as some kind of pro, who has not earned that right bothers me a lot.

And with so many, attractive and talented true pros, such as Jasmin, GA Young and Xiaoting, is this really necessary? Do sponsors really need to add C players to their roster just because they may be a D cup?

This cracks me up, Talk about marketing and looks and assets.....not that I really care, but look at your avatar.

 

[Patrick Johnson]

She is not on the WPBA Tour and as far as I know, never even played in a qualifier, let alone won one.

IMO, it is a very sad state of the world when the number two player in the world, Karen Corr, has no sponsor. And this girl, who's only claim to fame is beating Jeanette Lee in a race to 5, is being so hyped.

It isn't really that surprising that beauty sells more than talent; it's true even among avid pool players. Look at the avatars on this pool forum, including yours.

pj
chgo

 

[JoeyInCali]

I sense jealousy here but I could be wrong.

 

[ShootingArts]

think about it . . .

They have a cheesy stick with a cheesy name. Do you really think they are looking for a classy or a flashy spokesperson?

Hu

I understand that looks are an asset in todays shallow, celebrity obessed society. But even Anna could actually play. I am not saying this girl can't, since I have never seen her play, but if she could, she would be hitting every regional tour like many others have and winning at least a few.

I just see this as a case of the cart coming way before the horse... The women have worked long and hard to gain respect and prove they can play. They have also crafted a very tough format to make it onto the WPBA tour and to earn touring pro status. To have someone out there promoting herself as some kind of pro, who has not earned that right bothers me a lot.

And with so many, attractive and talented true pros, such as Jasmin, GA Young and Xiaoting, is this really necessary? Do sponsors really need to add C players to their roster just because they may be a D cup?

 

[Methodman201]

Well, we all know that hot babes sell. Whale this is true, There is also a False sence of security. It's like playing on Scared Money. Whale she's hot now, where will they be in several years. Gum on some NOOB's shoe?
Think about. it's all about how you market something.
-Vincent

 

[easy-e]

They have a cheesy stick with a cheesy name. Do you really think they are looking for a classy or a flashy spokesperson?

Hu

She could probably beat anyone that chooses to play with a poison cue, think about it

 

[TX Poolnut]

Poison cues and Shanaynay. A match made in Wal-Mart.

 

[worriedbeef]

Take Anna Kournikova, for example. Millions in sponsorships long after they realized she wasn't a great tennis player.

actually many would say she was a very classy and gifted tennis player who just never played to her potential. having said that she was plagued by injuries as well.

as for shanelle well it's not her fault and you can't blame her for taking advantage of her good looks for a sponsorship. although it is a shame there are players who are miles better than her but don't have a sponsor.

having said all that, shanelle does have an amazing rack.

 

[Kevin Lindstrom]

Opinion

Don't hate her because she is beautiful. Sure she probably doesn't play as well as Karen or Allison or many of the other top 10 in the WPBA. Who knows she may make more money sponsoring the Poison brand of cues than she could being a top 10 player on the WPBA. I look forward to meeting her and anticipate a long line similar to the situation they had at SBE when Jennifer Barretta came onto the scene. I feel any attention pool receives is good attention.

Kevin

 

[Blackjack]

In the meantime over in the Tina Pawloski thread the topic of sponsorship is being discussed and of course looks have come up in there also...

At the time that Tina's promotional packet was being produced (2005) Tina had won 5 CONSECUTIVE tournaments on the Arizona Women's Billiard Tour. Tina combined tested ability, talent, consistency and as well as beauty - but she was more than just another pretty face.

I think what gets in the way of me understanding this deal that Shanelle has with Poison is this:

There are many marketable players out there on the WPBA and the regional tours. They work extremely hard on their games, some work side jobs to pay the bills - traveling isn't easy - everything adds up. These women love the game and they work hard to compete well. I have seen Shanelle play (last year at the World 10 Ball Championships) - I try not to criticize the ability of other players, but most people were not watching her because there was great pool being played - everybody was looking at her breasts that were displayed in a stretch spandex material top that left very little to the imagination. IMO, it was a sideshow, and I preferred to watch one of the Cha sisters getting barbecued by Robb Saez (with easy-e). Those are fun to watch.

I think its a slap in the face for the players that are tending bar, waiting tables, going to nursing school while working 2 jobs - etc etc - I can name about 25 players that deserve more recognition and could actually do a better job representing ANY company.

I wish Shanelle the best of luck with it, but I also urge her to start competing on the tours to ensure that the hype surrounding her body image matches the hype surrounding her game.

Think about it - you want people to say - "Shanelle Lorraine - that girl can play!" All they are saying now is "Shanelle Lorraine... isn't that the girl with the big t*ts?"

Don't shoot me - that is the truth and it needs to be heard and you need to expect that.

 

[TX Poolnut]

Well said David. Rep your way.

Poison cues appears to be a ship with big sails but a shallow keel.

 

[easy-e]

At the time that Tina's promotional packet was being produced (2005) Tina had won 5 CONSECUTIVE tournaments on the Arizona Women's Billiard Tour. Tina combined tested ability, talent, consistency and as well as beauty - but she was more than just another pretty face.

I think what gets in the way of me understanding this deal that Shanelle has with Poison is this:

There are many marketable players out there on the WPBA and the regional tours. They work extremely hard on their games, some work side jobs to pay the bills - traveling isn't easy - everything adds up. These women love the game and they work hard to compete well. I have seen Shanelle play (last year at the World 10 Ball Championships) - I try not to criticize the ability of other players, but most people were not watching her because there was great pool being played - everybody was looking at her breasts that were displayed in a stretch spandex material top that left very little to the imagination. IMO, it was a sideshow, and I preferred to watch one of the Cha sisters getting barbecued by Robb Saez (with easy-e). Those are fun to watch.

I think its a slap in the face for the players that are tending bar, waiting tables, going to nursing school while working 2 jobs - etc etc - I can name about 25 players that deserve more recognition and could actually do a better job representing ANY company.

I wish Shanelle the best of luck with it, but I also urge her to start competing on the tours to ensure that the hype surrounding her body image matches the hype surrounding her game.

Think about it - you want people to say - "Shanelle Lorraine - that girl can play!" All they are saying now is "Shanelle Lorraine... isn't that the girl with the big t*ts?"

Don't shoot me - that is the truth and it needs to be heard and you need to expect that.

I remember being there and meeting her. She is such a sweet person, and obviously gorgeous. I hope she competes more too. I think it is great that she is getting a sponsorship, even if her game isn't there yet. It would bug me a little if she didn't at least TRY to play top level pool.

 

[lodini]

actually many would say she was a very classy and gifted tennis player who just never played to her potential. having said that she was plagued by injuries as well.

as for shanelle well it's not her fault and you can't blame her for taking advantage of her good looks for a sponsorship. although it is a shame there are players who are miles better than her but don't have a sponsor.
]

I certainly don't blame her for taking advantage... and I definitely don't blame Poison Cues for taking advantage of her looks to sell their product. That was my whole point... I think it's a great match. If her great rack can sell Poison Cues, then everyone wins! That's how endorsement works.

By the way, I think it's important here to distinguish the difference between endorsement and sponsorship. They are not the same.

An endorsement is defined as the expressed or implied recommendation by a popular and/or well-respected and/or influential person, of a particular manufacturer's product, product line, or service(s). (In marketing and advertising terms)