If you missed the Emmanuel Lewis Charity Pool Tournament held in Atlanta this past weekend, you missed a great tournament. Johnny Archer hosted the Men's and Ladies Open Division and did a fantastic job. The Junior (BCA Qualifier) Events were hosted by Mr. Okinawa Slim, an Atlanta-based Artistic Pool Player. He was great with the Youth and created a very professional atmosphere for their competition.
The Sponsor of the Event was Mr. Emmanuel Lewis (remembered by many as the star of the 'Webster" televison program years ago). It was my first time to meet Mr. Lewis, and I was very impressed. The man loves pool, for a start, and he cares enough about the youth in our sport to put them on an equal level with the men's and ladies open. I even watched him shoot a few shots on the table, and he plays a pretty good game. What a guy!
The Venue was Barley's Billiards in downtown Atlanta. This is the nicest billiard club I have ever seen, and I have seen a lot of them. The tournament was held in a smoke-free environment, and class was the theme for the entire weekend. I recommend this place completely, and I hope to see many more tournaments played at this locale.
As for the competition, it was top-notch. Near-perfect pool was played in the men's final, and the ladies tournament had no less quality than Margo Gomes (winner) and Betty Sessions (second). They were both shooting their best game, and the finals were a joy to watch. In the Junior Division, Youth from all over the Southeast and other parts of the United States battled for the six qualifier slots up for grabs. These guys and gals were excellent players. Larry Giles' group from the Tampa Area were particularly impressive. South Carolina and Georgia were also well represented.
All things considered, this was a great weekend event that the whole family could take part in. I hope that the rest of the pool world will follow the lead Mr. Lewis, Johnny Archer, and Okinawa Slim made. If we do not bring the youth into this game, we will never grow and receive the respect that this great game deserves.
Oh yeah, you may wonder what the payout was. 1st in the open paid $1500 Clams, and the other money spots were paid well also. The ladies champ made about $450. Very nice trophies were also given to all the top finishes. Emmanuel is not a cheap guy folks.
Thanks again for a great tournament! My family will be back for more next time.
The Sponsor of the Event was Mr. Emmanuel Lewis (remembered by many as the star of the 'Webster" televison program years ago). It was my first time to meet Mr. Lewis, and I was very impressed. The man loves pool, for a start, and he cares enough about the youth in our sport to put them on an equal level with the men's and ladies open. I even watched him shoot a few shots on the table, and he plays a pretty good game. What a guy!
The Venue was Barley's Billiards in downtown Atlanta. This is the nicest billiard club I have ever seen, and I have seen a lot of them. The tournament was held in a smoke-free environment, and class was the theme for the entire weekend. I recommend this place completely, and I hope to see many more tournaments played at this locale.
As for the competition, it was top-notch. Near-perfect pool was played in the men's final, and the ladies tournament had no less quality than Margo Gomes (winner) and Betty Sessions (second). They were both shooting their best game, and the finals were a joy to watch. In the Junior Division, Youth from all over the Southeast and other parts of the United States battled for the six qualifier slots up for grabs. These guys and gals were excellent players. Larry Giles' group from the Tampa Area were particularly impressive. South Carolina and Georgia were also well represented.
All things considered, this was a great weekend event that the whole family could take part in. I hope that the rest of the pool world will follow the lead Mr. Lewis, Johnny Archer, and Okinawa Slim made. If we do not bring the youth into this game, we will never grow and receive the respect that this great game deserves.
Oh yeah, you may wonder what the payout was. 1st in the open paid $1500 Clams, and the other money spots were paid well also. The ladies champ made about $450. Very nice trophies were also given to all the top finishes. Emmanuel is not a cheap guy folks.
Thanks again for a great tournament! My family will be back for more next time.