Article from FloridaToday.com dated April 12, 2007.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070412/SPORTS/704120345/1002/SPORTS
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Pool's best shoot for Melbourne title
BY HILLARD GROSSMAN - FLORIDA TODAY
MELBOURNE - They carry $3,000 cue sticks, yet "load 'em up" with a 30-cent block of chalk.
It's just one of the many fascinations with professional billiards, and why its popularity still ranks high for viewers and participants.
Saturday and Sunday, some of the biggest names in the game will be competing in the 20th Space Coast Pro Open 10-Ball Tournament at Players Billiard Club on Aurora Road. The $8,000-added event is the first stop on the Florida Pro Tour.
"I guess there's always been that stigma of dark and smoky pool rooms," said co-tournament organizer Pete Pouliot. "Well, we still have dark pool halls and it's still smoky, but there are more families coming in. I mean, now there are grandmothers bringing in their grandkids to play."
The grandkids can sit back and take some lessons from superstars such as Earl Strickland, a former world champion and winner of more than 100 titles who last year was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame. Joining him will be U.S. Open champion Tommy Kennedy, Hall of Famer Nick Varner, world champion Rodney Morris and last year's winner, former U.S. Open champion B.J. Ussery.
Also in the 90-player field will be recently crowned U.S. Amateur champion Mike Dechaine of Winslow, Maine; "The Prince of Pool," Corey Deuel, who last month won the Gabriels Open in his hometown of Valley Forge, Pa., and the only woman in the field, "The Florida Flash," Ellen Van Buren, a former women's state champion who actually began her career at the Golden Cue in Melbourne.
Among the local pros: Mel Rowe, Pete Ohman, Dave Favor and Rick Croney.
The 10-ball event is played similar to the more common 9-ball game.
"But just that one extra ball opens up, maybe, thousands of different variables," Pouliot said. "We have a saying in our sport that, 'On any given day, balls roll funny for everybody.' That's why there are no favorites."
Friday night at 8 p.m., local players are invited to play with the pros in the 9-ball "Mini" Pro-Am tournaments.
To register, call 254-0732.
What is 10-Ball?
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070412/SPORTS/704120345/1002/SPORTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Pool's best shoot for Melbourne title
BY HILLARD GROSSMAN - FLORIDA TODAY
MELBOURNE - They carry $3,000 cue sticks, yet "load 'em up" with a 30-cent block of chalk.
It's just one of the many fascinations with professional billiards, and why its popularity still ranks high for viewers and participants.
Saturday and Sunday, some of the biggest names in the game will be competing in the 20th Space Coast Pro Open 10-Ball Tournament at Players Billiard Club on Aurora Road. The $8,000-added event is the first stop on the Florida Pro Tour.
"I guess there's always been that stigma of dark and smoky pool rooms," said co-tournament organizer Pete Pouliot. "Well, we still have dark pool halls and it's still smoky, but there are more families coming in. I mean, now there are grandmothers bringing in their grandkids to play."
The grandkids can sit back and take some lessons from superstars such as Earl Strickland, a former world champion and winner of more than 100 titles who last year was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame. Joining him will be U.S. Open champion Tommy Kennedy, Hall of Famer Nick Varner, world champion Rodney Morris and last year's winner, former U.S. Open champion B.J. Ussery.
Also in the 90-player field will be recently crowned U.S. Amateur champion Mike Dechaine of Winslow, Maine; "The Prince of Pool," Corey Deuel, who last month won the Gabriels Open in his hometown of Valley Forge, Pa., and the only woman in the field, "The Florida Flash," Ellen Van Buren, a former women's state champion who actually began her career at the Golden Cue in Melbourne.
Among the local pros: Mel Rowe, Pete Ohman, Dave Favor and Rick Croney.
The 10-ball event is played similar to the more common 9-ball game.
"But just that one extra ball opens up, maybe, thousands of different variables," Pouliot said. "We have a saying in our sport that, 'On any given day, balls roll funny for everybody.' That's why there are no favorites."
Friday night at 8 p.m., local players are invited to play with the pros in the 9-ball "Mini" Pro-Am tournaments.
To register, call 254-0732.
What is 10-Ball?
- Racked like a 9-ball game, except the 10-ball is in the middle.
- Object is to sink balls, in order, 1-10, no "calls" necessary.
- Texas Express Rules allow for "other" balls sunk to stay pocketed.
- First player to win nine games wins the match and advances.
- Information
- To register: For the main draw ($150) or Friday's "Mini" Pro-Am ($20), call 254-0732.
- Where: Players Billiard Club, 1935 Aurora Road, Melbourne, west of Eau Gallie High football field
- Spectator fees: Saturday and Sunday (action begins at 1 p.m.): $6 a day, $11 for both days