Az Billiard and Dart News June 2015

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June 2015IN THIS ISSUE:

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Amanda Wins ...............

Ridder/Hanson Split ......

Spike Wins DPT Stop ....

League Coverage ...........

Carl Stewart ...................

League Directory ...........

APA Tri Cities ...............

Instructor Directory .......

AZPL State Champions .

Ratings Committee ........

Rick & Matt Win ...........

Nutcrackers Cruise ........

Dart Coverage ...............

Dart Tournaments ..........

Bobbitt Memorial ..........

Pam Bobbitt Letter ........

Spike Aiardo Profile ......

Efren Who? ....................

Roger Long ....................

Freezer Perfect ...............

Nai Ball At Kittys ..........

Kittle/Farias Double Dip

Az State Junior Champs

Tournament Guide .........

Tour Coverage ...............

AWBT Points ................

DPT Points ....................

AWBT Schedule ............

DPT Schedule ................

Foos Pulse .....................

Monthly Tourneys .........

FEATURES

Arizona’s Most Read & Reliable Source for Local Billiards & Dart Information

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Aiardo WinsDiamond Tour Stop

Stingers June

6th - 7th

Pulley Returns to AWBT Winner’s Circle

Nationals Warm UpCasino Del Sol Resort

June 10th-14th

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Arizona Billiard & Dart News June 2015

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Arizona Billiard & Dart NewsJune 2015

Arizona Billiard& Dart News

5115 N Dysart Rd #202-123Litchfield Park, Arizona

85392Phone: 480-251-3452

Fax: 602-926-2576email

[email protected]

Publisher / Editor: Mike Howerton Contributors:

Rick Schmitz, Roger Long, Nick De Leon, Tres Kane

Doug Nowlin, John MuehlingCarl Stewart. Peggy Mallen

Graphics:Smak Graphics

Arizona Billiard & Dart News is a monthly publication distributed in Arizona and vari-ous other states. All opinions & informa-

tion expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers or advertisers and

no not neccessarily reflect those of the publisher. All persons interested in

submitting articles and material of interest are invited to do so. All such articles and materials shall become the property of the Arizona Billiard & Dart News. They may be returned if accompanied with a self-addressed envelope. All advertising must be submitted by the 15th of each

month to be considered for the following month.

Arizona Billiard & Dart News Advertisers

Metro Sportz Bar................................................................................2Thoi Truong .......................................................................................3Knobbys..............................................................................................4Bullshooters........................................................................................6G Cue Billiards ..................................................................................7Max & Ted’s 480 Bar........................................................................11American Poolplayers Association...................................................11TAP Pool Leagues ...........................................................................13Neil’s Garage Cabinets ....................................................................14Stingers.............................................................................................15Sage and Sand ..................................................................................16Bullshooters.......................................................................................17PDI Dart League...............................................................................17Wild West Shootout .........................................................................18Casino Del Sol Resort .....................................................................19Maestro’s Pro Shop ..........................................................................21 Kitty’s................................................................................................23Greenway Village..............................................................................26Dave’s Place......................................................................................26Diamond Pool Tour .........................................................................29Shoot The Bull..................................................................................29Dave’s On Northern..........................................................................305030 Lounge ....................................................................................30Marino’s Lounge...............................................................................31Tony’s Lounge..................................................................................31The Other Room Lounge..................................................................31Diamondback Billiards.....................................................................32

The Arizona Pool Community lost another friend in May, with the passing of Chuck Bobbitt. Chuck wore a number of hats as part of the local pool scene. He was a player, a promoter, a sponsor, a reporter, and a tournament director. He will certainly be missed.

I want to apologize for the mistake we made in the Saguaro Cup article last month. It was not Ben Sutherland who won the final game for team #Eastmode. It was actually Mike Sandoval, who defeated Sutherland in that match. Sorry Mike.

It looks like Skip & Jan’s has been unsuccesful in renewing their lease, and will be closing during the first week of June. Word is that a new location has been found, and we expect to see a better than ever Skip & Jan’s in the very near future.

-Until next time Mike

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Ridder & Hanson Split at Knobbys

Doug Hanson and Troy Ridder faced off against each other once, and decided that was enough, as they split Knobby’s 9’s & Under 8-Ball Tournament on May 1st.

Hanson and Ridder made their way through the field of twenty one players, and played for the hot seat. That match went to Ridder 2-1.

On the one loss side, Matt Edgers was waiting for Hanson. Hanson had sent Edgers to the left side, and Matt was looking for a little payback. That payback would not come on this day, as Hanson eliminated Edgers in third place.

Instead of playing out the two set finals, Hanson and Ridder agreed on a split in the finals.

Complete Payouts:1st Troy Ridder $2101st Doug Hanson $2103rd Matt Edgers $504th Perfecto Diaz $20

Troy Ridder and Doug Hanson

The Arizona Women’s Billiard Tour drew a field of twenty four ladies to Sting-ers on May 22nd - 23rd for their annual Bar Table 8-Ball event, where Amanda Pulley put together an undefeated run for her second career AWBT tournament win.

The field was filled with the usual group of top Arizona ladies talent, including previous event winners Pulley. Bernie Store, Susan Williams, Sara Miller and Jaye Succo.

Saturday matches were not kind to the points list leaders, as both Store and Wil-liams were not able to earn spots in Sunday’s matches. #1 ranked Bernie Store turned in a “three and out” performance, with losses to Pulley and Susan Wil-liams. Williams didn’t fair much better, with losses to Sara Miller and Justine Bishop, for a 9th place finish.

After a 5-3 win over Succo early Sunday, Pulley faced off against tournament surprise Sarah Geoghan. Geoghan turned in her best AWBT performance yet, with four wins on the winner side and a combined games record of 20-5. Unfor-tunately, she had no answer for Pulley in a 5-1 loss for the hot-seat.

Geoghan was one game away from a rematch with Pulley in the finals, as she led Succo 3-2 in the semi-final match, but found herself unable to put the former event winner away. Succo came back to win that match 4-3 to set up a rematch between her and Pulley in the finals.

The final race to seven, between Pulley and Succo, couldn’t have been much closer as neither player was able to take any control in the match. Succo held multiple small leads, but could never put any distance between her and Pulley. A 5-4 lead by Succo would be her last, as Pulley dug down to win three straight games for a 7-5 victory and first place.

The second chance tournament on Sunday saw Sophia Morquecho, who was unable to compete in the main event, go undefeated for the win. Morquecho defeated Jamie Goodwin twice, for the hot-seat, and in the finals.

Assistant Tour director Tres Kane gave his thanks to Dale Hanson, and the staff of Stingers for hosting and adding $300 to the main event and $50 to the second chance event, Jose Gonzales of Las Glorias Grille for adding $100 to the main event, “friends of the AWBT” for adding $200 to the main event, and his partner Kristie Ortega for running another fine event.

Amanda Pulley Wins AWBT Tour Stop

Main Event Payouts:1st Amanda Pulley $250 7th Tami Hathcock $402nd Jaye Succo $180 7th Justine Bishop $403rd Sarah Geoghan $150 9th Tracie Hamman $254th Leandrea Gaff $100 9th Sara Miller $255th Lynor Johnson $70 9th Claudia Justus $255th Terri McCauley $70 9th Susan Williams $25

Second Chance Payouts:1st Sophia Morquecho $702nd Jamie Goodwin $403rd Sara Miller $25

Front row: Justine Bishop, Lynor Johnson and Amanda PulleyBack Row: Sarah Geoghan, Jaye Succo, Tami Hathcock and Leandrea

Gaff

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Spike Aiardo battled a very tough George Bell to win the Diamond Pool Tour’s fourth stop at Pockets Pool & Pub in Tucson, Az on May 2nd - 3rd.

The field of 57 players was split with 20 “A” players and 37 “B” players, play-ing 8-Ball on the 9’ tables. With points leaders Scott Frost and Bobby Emmons not in attendance, the “A” bracket was wide open for a new player to make a name for themselves. That player would be Spike Aiardo who cruised through the bracket without a loss. Aiardo survived a close call in his first match, when he beat Las Vegas’ Bob Herchik 7-6, but it was smooth sailing after that as Aiardo took down Rudy Alameda 7-0, Brian Reich 7-2, and New Mexico’s Mickey Provencio 7-2 for the “A” bracket hot-seat.

The “B” bracket was led by “Hollywood” George Bell, in his first ever Dia-mond Pool Tour stop. Bell had a tough draw all day, with notable wins over Eric Lervold, Mike Hamman and Jesse Johnson to his credit. Bell took the “B” bracket hot-seat with a hill-hill win over Mike Bevins. That was was Bell’s third hill-hill win of the weekend.

The Greenmail top lady bonus went to Heather Cortez this month. She pocketed $100 for her 13th place finish in the “B” bracket. This was the third consecutive tournament where Cortez won at least a piece of the top lady bonus.

Once again, there was no Greenmail bounty awarded, since previous winner Joven Bustamante couldn’t make it from the Philippines to play in the event.

The “A” and “B” brackets came together on Sunday with Aiardo facing Bell on the winners side, and Andy Kachur taking on Todd Rowitz on the one loss side. Kachur eliminated Rowitz in a 7-1 match that saw both players struggle with the shot clock that was implemented due to the late hour. On the winner’s side, Bell stunned Aiardo 7-4 to become the first “B” player to win an overall hot-seat on the tour.

Aiardo righted his ship after the loss and eliminated Kachur 7-3, for another shot at Bell in the finals. Award would make the most of that rematch, defeating Bell 7-2 and 7-1 for his first (but certainly not last) Diamond Pool Tour win.

The Neil’s Garage Cabinets Second Chance tournament on Sunday found a field of eight players competing for just over $400 in prize money. The event was won by Lee Brown, who held off Ronnie Kidd in the second set of the double elimination finals.

Presenting sponsor, Casino Del Sol Resort, again took care of all of the tour players, presenting each player with a voucher for $60 credit at the Casino’s amphitheater. Players at the June stop will also receive one of these vouchers.

The tournament win catapulted Aiardo to second place on the “A” player points list, while Bell’s second place finish moved him into a tie for 6th place on the “B” player points list. Scott Frost and Nick Kline still lead the “A” and “B” lists respectively.

Tour organizers expressed their thanks to Curtis and Lenny, as well as their amazing staff, for sticking with the long hours involved with this event. Lenny Marshall, once again, provided great streaming coverage. George Teyechea, the voice of the Diamond Pool Tour, provided fans with informative streaming commentary all weekend long. As always, Rick Schmitz took another batch of amazing pictures for the tour.

The Diamond Pool Tour will return to Stingers Sports Bar in Glendale, Az on June 6th - 7th for 8-ball on the 7’ Diamond Smart Tables.

The Diamond Pool Tour is proudly sponsored by:Diamond Billiard Products – http://diamondbilliards.com/Casino Del Sol Resort – http://www.casinodelsolresort.com/Neil’s Garage Cabinets – http://www.neilsgaragecabinets.com/Greenmail Internet Marketing – http://www.greenmailinc.com/QB Custom Cues – http://qbcustomcues.com/Volturi Custom Cases – http://volturicases.com/Cue Sport International – http://www.playcsipool.com/The Arizona BCA, TAP and APA league systems.

Spike Aiardo

Aiardo Wins Diamond Pool Tour Tucson Stop

Main Event Payouts:1st Spike Aiardo $1200 7th Paul Feltman Jr. $1252nd George Bell $800 7th Bob Herchik $1253rd Andy Kachur $600 9th Jesse Johnson $754th Todd Rowitz $350 9th Jeff Webb $755th Mike Bevins $200 9th James Main $755th Mickey Provencio $200 9th Brian Reich $75

George Bell

Second Chance Payouts:1st Lee Brown $3102nd Ronnie Kidd $100

Bonus Payouts:Top Female Player - Heather Cortez $100Top BCA Player - Todd Rowitz $25Top Junior Player - Nick Kline Target Gift Card

Andy Kachur

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What’s In The Case?Phoenix Tap League Operator - Pati Muehling

By Carl StewartBCA Certified Instructor

My prized possessions of course!! I have great stories behind each one and how I acquired them which gives me more reason to love them. They were all in stages of my life.

(2) McDermotts and (1) MeucciBreaking Cue - 21oz McDermott I bought in 1995Shooting Cue - 16oz Meucci that I bought in 2002Shooting Cue - 18oz McDermott - 2013 Cue of the Year Collector Series, 9/50. Just got this past summer 2014 for my birthday as a gift from John.Chalk holder - pink jeweled and vintage silver rose. Pink is my favorite color and I love pink roses.Chalk - Masters and BalabushkaCue holder - Q Claw (3 holder for all of my babies!)

I’m a San Antonio, Texas girl in and out! I left there in 1998 and moved to New Mexico, left after 6 years and found my home here in AZ and have been here now for 11 years. I have 3 gorgeous girls ages 21, 14 and 3. If you look at the years I got my cues, it is somewhat reflec-tive of my kids and stages I referred to.My professional background is in printing and marketing for the past 20 years.

I started playing league pool in Albuquerque, New Mexico in an APA league. When I moved to AZ, I didn’t play for a few years and then met a friend at Kolby’s who recruited me to

BCA. From BCA, we had a player that also played TAP and we jumped over to TAP to help him build a team. Here we are!

As John had said, my choice of place to play outside of our home is Skip and Jan’s. Natalie and the girls have made me feel like “Norm” from the old TV show “Cheers”. Always wel-come with a hug, know about our kids and whats going on in our lives that keeps us going.Can’t miss the fact that I love the Diamond tables!

I also love that most of the people we play league with you will always see someone even if you go in at odd hours and it’s my other fam-ily outside John and our girls. I don’t have any family here so I cherish my league nights to see my friends to catch up and get a little stroke on.

Favorite Game and Why?I’d say that 8-ball is my game of choice but that is probably more because it’s what I play in league. My background is actually in 9-ball.

Rank??I’m currently a 3 on the 9-footer and a 5 on the bar box. Last session I took a bad dive and had a horrible losing streak and lost my 4 status that I had for years. Talk about a pride-breaker! I’m busting my butt and trying to redeem my status to my 4 rank and hopefully will have back by beginning of next session.

Best story?My partner and I decided to play in a scotch doubles tournament at Main Street Billiards. I didn’t want to play because I have horrible stage fright. I went anyways and only to see that I was the only woman there so I was SUPER intimidated. First match I got my butt whooped! I was such and emotional wreck that I cried, packed up my cue and walked right out. My partner ran after me to calm be down and I went back in to only play the rest of the day unde-feated until the very end when we were playing for 1st. I called the 9 with my 2 ball being the object ball and did a beautiful draw shot that I was able to make the 9 and win. Redemption was bliss!

Why I play pool??Well this is an easy one for me...Competition!! I hate to lose, but more importantly I have to beat myself! Pool to me is a mental game that of course involves skill and when the two come together, I’m on cloud nine. It’s a time and a game that you can lose yourself in and if you do it right you can better yourself. It’s simply you and that table! And if you beat me, I don’t for-get it and I want more and more to come back at you for a win.

It’s the only thing that I want to do when I have downtime. I’m a pool junky, and so much to the point that I could have never dated a man who didn’t play or didn’t want to play. It’s a require-ment like on a resume. haha

What’s In The Case?Phoenix Tap League Operator - John Muehling

By Carl StewartBCA Certified Instructor

4 Cues2 McDermotts, 1 Samsara and a Pechauer Jump CueOne McDermott I bought in 1988 (first year in college), it now serves as my break cue.One McDermott I bought in 1996Samsara is my newest cue, purchased at Christ-mas 2014. Love the action, but still getting used to it.Pechauer jump cue was purchased last year at titleholder’s tournament. Still getting used to using a jump cue.My 2 playing cues are tipped with Kamui soft tips. I also use Kamui chalk, except for my break, I use Balabushka.

BIO:

I am 45 years old, am married to Pati Mueh-ling and have 4 children. I am originally from the West Suburbs of Chicago and moved out here in August of 1988 to attend Arizona State University. I graduated ASU in August of 1994 with a Bachelors Degree in Justice Studies. I currently work full-time as a marketing consul-

tant and purchased the TAP Pool League from Robert and Peggy Mallen in Jan 2015.

I started playing league pool with APA in Plain-field, IL in 1994 and continued after moving back to Arizona in early 1995. My wife and I joined BCA in 2009 and played until we made the switch to TAP in 2012.

When Pati and I want to play “out” we love to play at Skip and Jan’s, primarily because of the tables and the people who work and play there. We prefer to play at home on our over-sized, Connelley Billiards table. We just had it refelted with Simoniz 860 cloth and shimmed the pockets.

I love to play 8-ball. The skill involved, the speed of the game, it all just feels right.

The best story I can tell about playing pool was the time when I was 17 and played a guy for the title to my car. I was playing in the pool hall of Gala West Bowling Lanes in Naperville, IL and had lost over $1500 playing 9-ball ($100 a

rack). I had a 1973 VW Bug that was paid off and it was my only chance to get my money back. So, I drove home, grabbed the title, came back and played a race to 5. Lucky I won (it was the first race I had won that night). I am not sure if the guy let me win or it was skill, but that will always stand out in my mind as the most precarius situation I have ever been in on a pool table.

I am currently rated a 5 in TAP and have main-tained that rating for the last several years.

I play pool because it is an absolute passion of mine. It is the only sport with the exception of golf that I have played so long.

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Arizona Pool LeagueLeague name: AriZona Pool Leagues Where: Statewide Contact: Michael Kerin Phone: 480-217-2358 Email: [email protected]: www.AZPL.net

ACS – American Cue Sports——————————————————League Name: Sharks League Where: Phoenix Contact: Lee White Phone: 602-908-1503

League Name: Prescott Billiards AssociationCity: Prescott & Surrounding Areas, ArizonaContact: Jerry SmithNumber: 928-458-0230

League Name: Kingman Pool PlayersCity: KingmanContact: Ronald MartinNumber: 928-530-0739

League Name: East Valley Legacy LeagueCity: PhoenixContact: Cathy KelleyNumber: 480-203-8640

League Name: Wings of Fear ArizonaCity: MaricopaContact: Bill HuddartNumber: 480-694-5039

League Name: Mohave Valley Pool LeagueCity: Lake HavasuContact: Matt DennisNumber: 928-458-0750

League Name: StrokersCity: Lake HavasuContact: Ed & Sheri LawrenceNumber: 928-727-0349

League Name: Champions LeagueCity: PhoenixContact: Jerry StuckartNumber: 602-332-4499

League Name: Arizona Hot Shots Where: Phoenix, AZ Contact: Larry Eans Phone: (602) 677-4220Website: www.azhotshotsonline.com

League Name: Enochs In House Where: Phoenix, AZ Contact: Glenn Newell Phone: (602) 750-4243

Arizona League Information

League Name: TAP of Greater Phoenix LLCWhere: Maricopa and Pinal CountiesContact: John & Pati MuehlingPhone: (602) 309-7777 / (602) 305-7819 e-Mail: [email protected]: www.phoenixtap.com

VNEA – Valley National 8-Ball League Association

League Name: Eagle VNEA Where: Tucson Contact: Eric Allen Phone: (520) 748-2955

E-Mail: [email protected]

BCA – Billiard Congress of America

League Name: BULLSHOOTERS BCA 9 BALL City/State: PHOENIX, AZ Contact 1: GIBO PACHECO Home #: 602-841-8272 Contact 2: CHARLES HEUN JR Home #: 602-246-0608 League Name: EAST VALLEY LEGACY LEAGUE City/State: GILBERT, AZ Contact 1: Cathy Kelley Work #: 480-203-8640

League Name: Troy Vending Where: Statewide Contact: Scott or Tobin Phone: (602) 265-0178

League Name: PARADISE POOL LEAGUE City/State: CHANDLER, AZ Contact: JEREMY GIBBSLeague #: 480-779-0343

League Name: Charley’s Place Shooters City/State: Glendale, AZ Contact 1: Betty Barber Home #: 602-843-3692

League Name: Arizona Hot Shots Where: Phoenix, AZ Contact: Larry Eans Phone: (602) 677-4220Website: www.azhotshotsonline.com

League Name: Prescott Billiards AssociationCity: Prescott & Surrounding Areas, ArizonaContact: Jerry SmithNumber: 928-458-0230

League Name: Mohave Valley Pool LeagueCity: Bullhead CityContact: Ed SandovalNumber: 928-763-3788

League Name: Jack and Jill Scotch DoublesCity: In-House at Stingers in PhoenixContact: Brynn HoffmanNumber: 602-510-8058

League Name: League of Champions Where: Maricopa County Contact: Frank Alvarez III Phone: (877) 788-7227

Website: www.UPAtour.com

League Name: Troy Vending Where: Statewide Contact: Scott Phone: (602) 265-0178

Website: www.TroyVending.com

League Name: Kingman Pool PlayersCity: KingmanContact: Ronald MartinNumber: 928-530-0739

League Name: East Valley Legacy LeagueCity: PhoenixContact: Cathy KelleyNumber: 480-203-8640

League Name: 8 Ball ShootersCity: PeoriaContact: Pat MartinNumber: 623-977-0976

League Name: Route 66 8-Ball LeagueCity: HolbrookContact: Anna BokkerNumber: 928-587-9327

League Name: Champions LeagueCity: PhoenixContact: Jerry StuckartNumber: 602-332-4499

League Name: Clicks In HouseCity: TucsonContact: Chris ChlupNumber: 520-245-9629

League Name: Wildcat Cue SportsCity: TucsonContact: Jack MurrayNumber: 520-404-5533

APA – American Pool Players Association

League Name: Tucson APA Where: Tucson, Arizona Contact: Brandon Ferguson Phone: 520-615-9883 Fax: 520-529-8085 E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected]

League Name: APA Phoenix - Metro Where: Phoenix, Arizona Contact: Doug & Gina Nowlin Phone: (602) 920-9192 Website: phx.apaleagues.com

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APA Phoenix Metro held its session ending Spring 8 Ball and 9 Ball Tri-Cities tournaments last month at Main Street Billiards in Mesa. 40 teams in all from all over Maricopa County showed up for 2 weekends to compete for a chance to play in Las Vegas this coming August at the APA National Team Championships. 12 teams from these tournaments will advance to the year-end ‘Cities’ tournament later this month. APA’s ‘Road to Vegas’ tournament series will ultimately produce 3 Eight Ball teams and 2 Nine Ball teams that will have a paid trip to Las Vegas to compete in the ‘World’s Largest Pool Tournament’. The APA National Team Champion-ships will be held for the first time at the Westgate Hotel and Casino. For the last 30 years APA has held their National events at the Riviera, however, with the closing of that hotel last month, it marks the end of an era for APA.

APA holds their 2 National events every year in Las Vegas during the month of August and are listed in the Guiness book of world records as the largest pool tournament in the world. The first step in the year long “Road To Vegas “series is the Tri-Cities event held last month. Two more similar events will be held between now and next May that will each produce 12 teams for the second step in the series, the Cities event. During the Cities event to be held in June, a total of 24 Eight Ball and 12 Nine Ball teams will compete for those 6 important paid slots to play in Vegas.

Other events in our ‘Road to Vegas’ series include a tournament for the Ladies Only division, which will send one of the 3 person ladies teams, a Jack and Jill Scotch Doubles team, several 8 ball and 9 ball doubles teams, and two Masters teams. All teams earning their spot to Vegas are given a travel as-sistance, a paid room while they are participating in

their event and a paid entry into their event.

APA teams consist of 5 to 8 Players of all different skill levels and age groups. The great thing about the APA pool league is that each team must have as many beginner players as they have good players. Teams are structured in such a way that the lower skilled players are just as important to a team as the higher level players. In fact, many teams that play APA are family teams. Gina Nowlin, the league operator for the phoenix and Maricopa County APA, says ‘We have teams that consist of the Mom, Dad, kids and grandkids’. These families use their pool night out for some ‘good ole family bonding’, she said. The handicapped league insures that all play-ers, no matter what their skill level, have an equal chance of winning. The APA’s Equalizer Handicap System is the fairest handicapping system available.

This session winners are as follows:

APA Tri Cities Winners

480 Shooters – Franklin Pablo, Rose Lucero, Candice Jackson, Michael Romero, Armando Holguin Jeff Stone (Not shown)

Billiard Addix – Marc Underwood, Ben Bienusa, Skyler Posey, Kim Korstad, West Mon-day and Audrey Grieser.

Cues & Brews – Steven Handley, Ken Hacker, J C Clifton, Sungsim Prew, Michael Prew and Ed Larue

No Dead Balls (Front row) Patricia McMillan, Max Sperry and Steve Childs. (Back row): Randy Martin, Everett Cook and Joe Shipley

Shape Is Overrated – Alex Martin, Bernice Martin, Bernie Lewis, Daric Craft, Tiffany Craft and Steve Skaling.

Spank U Very Much – Chuck Sandman, Jenn Frass, Manny Lucero, John Brooks, Brent Strozewski, Julia Wawrzyniak and Jessica Lee-Morrow.

The Long Strokes – Ben Brown, Shaundra Boone, Richard Boone, Trisha Boone and J. R. Ladue .

Wrong Hole – (Front Row) Carey Nolan, Alisha Hernandez and Brian Sabow. (Back row): Cynthia Leach, Chief 2 Feathers, Stephen Warnke, David Clark and Stephanie Smith

WHISKEY SHOTS - (Front row) Frank Roxas and Tom Smith. (Back row): Brady Farnworth, Ben Richards, Guyle Fielder, Betty Johnson, Steve Strouse and Ken Strouse.

The Rat Pack – Alex Felix, Angela Davis, Kevin Gibson, Maria Jauregui and Michael Edden.

The Long Shots – John Long, Dee Long, Brad Andrews, Rich Coon, Kyleigh Arnold, West Monday and Quinn Hale.

Just Tap It! – (Front Row) Daniel Ringlero, Sheryl Ringlero and Sharon Randall. (Back Row) Denise Dunham, Bill Dunham, Rose Lu-cero, Jason Shriner and Manuel Lucero.

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To be added to this list, contact Mike Howerton - 480-251-3452

Carl Stewart (BCA Master Certified) (602) 820-7665 [email protected]

Jerry Briesath (Master) Phoenix (623) 584-9221Joe Daguanno (BCA certified) Peoria (602) 628-5502 Dale Felber (BCA Certified) Scottsdale (480) 661-0521

Lenny Johnson (BCA Certified) Tucson (520) 591-7665Roger Long (BCA Advanced) Glendale (602) 320-9553

Bill MacKinnon (BCA Cert.) Tucson (520)790-9391 (520) 991-8036Joseph Ruggiero (BCA Certified & Referee) Peoria (623) 979-4532

Sean Shuster (BCA Certified) Chandler (602) 739-3424

Thomas Bingham (ACS certified-II) Mesa (480) 200-7105 David Keaggy (ACS certified-IV) Mesa (480) 980-6970 Roger Long (ACS Certified-III) Glendale (602) 320-9553

ACS Certified Levels: I - IV and Master

BCA Certified Levels: Certified, Advanced and Master

Jon Smith Phoenix (480) 737-1185

Frank Alvarez - UPA Pool School1.877.788.7227

[email protected]/pool-lessons

Qualified

Arizona Billiard Academy, LLC www.arizonabilliardacademy.com

Pool Instructor Directory

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Congratulations to Harold Lyons, Laura Boothroyd & Francisco Serrano of K.A.T. from the Q n Brew in Tempe! They are your 2-1/2 time AZPL State Champions! Coming in as the number 4 seed they defeated Slate Slayers, Doc’s Gang & Cash Money to win out the winner’s side and Shaft Soooo Smoove to close out the Championships with a 4-0 record and win $1500. Francisco Serrano led the team with a 9-2 record, 102 points and 2 30s for a 1.962 PR in 4 match-es. Shaft Soooo Smoove – Ryan Levengood, Chris Negrin & Brandon Hinners - took $750 for 2nd.

It was a great weekend at Stinger’s Sports Bar of Glendale. On Friday there were 32 players entered into the Scotch Doubles/Singles Tour-nament with Stinger’s matching 50%! Brady Williams & Bill McGavisk went 5-0 to finish in 1st and win $192! 2nd place went to Doc Rogers & Mike Atherholt who were the last two singles standing and they split $144. Chris Negrin & Francisco Serrano finished in 5th & 6th on the singles side to win $48 each.

Thirty-one players participated in 8-Ball Break & Run Derby. Of those, Harold Lyons finished in 1st to win $165 and get $3 off his weekly dues! Second place, $105 and $2 off his weekly dues went to Ben Sutherland. Pete Williams claimed 3rd place winning $30 and a buck off! See you all next season boys!

Saturday started with 6 teams playing at 8am. After that 4 new teams came in every 1-2 hours until the final 4 teams arrived at 7pm. Shaft Soooo Smoove won the most matches in a row, winning 5 on the loser’s side to go 6-2. Rela-tive Unknown & Hot Pockets won their first four matches to start the day and Shoot the Moon won 4 in a row before being eliminated Sunday. Phil Anderson scored his 1000th tournament point as did Tony Begaye, Anthony Beyale, Arnold Shiplett & Cathy Beyale. Anthony Begaye also won his 100th game in the championships. Finishing in 8th place was Team G.O.A.T. who won $300. 7th place and $325 went to Chapa Khan. Tough Times and Doc’s Gang tied for 5th and split the difference of $725 with Doc’s Gang winning the lag for 5th! Shoot the Moon fin-ished in 4th and took home $400. 3rd place went to Cash Money who won $500 for the fete.

9th-12th $125 each – Derailed, Slate Slayers, Handicapped & Balls in Hand13th-16th $100 each – Alpha Cue Up, Bunker

Busters, Beer Me & Three Felt Tips17th-20th $75 each – Brea-kin Bad, Stake & Break, Scruffy Looking Nerf Herd-ers & Unleash the Gerbils21st-24th $50 each – Relative Unknown, Sugar Daddies, En Fuego & Re-construction25th-28th $35 each – Hud-dle Down, I’d Hit That, Cue Addicts & Hot Pockets29th-32nd $25 each – Rollin Eightz, Hit em Hard, Rock Out with Your Chalk Out & Side Pocket

Regular season:

Congratulations to Skip Bales, Terry Lemke, Kevin Phillips & CeeJay Young of Tough Times from the Drift Inn Saloon in Globe! They are the #1 ranked team in the league heading into the State Championships this weekend! They went 12-2 while scoring 1164 points to beat out last season’s champ Doc’s Gang from Stingers by a mere 68 points! Coming in 3rd was Cash Money of Stockman’s in Flagstaff who also finished at 12-2 scoring 1027 points!

League MVP goes to Doc Rogers of Doc’s Gang who went 37-5, 403 points scored for a 8.161 power rat-ing. Women’s MVP goes to Kat Esparza of Huddle Up who went 27-15 with 348 points for a 3.551 PR. Most Improved Player goes to Jim Shea of the Relative Un-known who shot 2.91 points above his career average. Dawn Atokuku of the Rollin Eightz led the women with a 1.97 over her career MA. Top Rookie goes to Tom Baker of Three Felt Tips.

Original member Davin Lavikka became the 11th person to reach the 10,000 point plateau, passing Bob Campbell to move into 10th All-Time! Phil Anderson became the 12th person to reach 10K with 10,007 to finish the season. Doc Rogers needs just 197 to reach the mark. Dawn Atokuku & Chris Negrin both won their 900th games! Pete Williams needs a 30 to become only the 6th person ever to reach the mark! Doug Mol-hook scored his 9,000th point and won his 700th game. Long-time teammates Gary Hibdon & Scott Elliott both scored their 9,000th points. Rob Turner needs 103 to reach the 9K. Ryan Fedora & Greg Manes both scored their 8,000th point. Greg also won his 500th game! Cecil Attson got his 100th 30! William Weiss, Eugene Hemphill & Michael Santopadre all scored their 7,000th career point. Of the 3, Eugene won his 600th game!

Darren Bradford needs 4 wins to reach the mark. Anthony Beyale won his 500th game! A trio of ladies – Cathy Beyale, Lynn Beckstead & Sandra Danielson - all scored their 6,000th point. Lynn also won her 300th game! Eric Danielson Sr needs a mere 11 to join the club. Gary Wimmer & Eric McKay both won their 400th games. Mike Russell needs 2 to reach the mark. Tony Begaye reached 5,000 points scored. Scoring his 4,000th point was John Ilk. Alex Franklin won his 300th game. Win-ning their 200th games were Scott Harris, Ryan Levengood, Darrel Bednarek & Calvin Balcom. Victor Vargas Sr & Kip Anderson both need just 9 wins to reach the mark. Joining the 100 Win Club is Laura Boothroyd, Daniel Short, Thoi Truong, Rafael Begay, Jon Tellez, Rick Albertson & David Groves. Scoring their 2000th point was Paul Sanborn, Brady Williams, Vince Gonzales, Harold Lyons, PJ Jauregui & Kendra Mikkelson. Justin King needs 2 to join the club. Joining the 1000th point club this past season was David Groves, Myk Shorten, Nate Holliday, Keith Holliday, Brandon Hinners, Arron Hetrick, Walt Seng, Alan Nelson, Stan Mason, Francisco Serrano and CeeJay Young!

Thanks to everyone who came out this weekend! Thanks to Dawn & John who helped out over the weekend. Thanks to Jen who did a great job handling things! Thanks to all the staff over the weekend who did a great job taking care of every-one! And thanks to Stingers for being great hosts! We had a great time! Looking forward to the next one! August 28, 29 & 30th!

I look forward to seeing you all next season!

AZPL State Championship

Harold Lyons, Laura Boothroyd and Franciso Serrano

Shaft Soooo Smoove Brandon Hinners, Ryan Levengood & Chris Negrin

Cash Money Anthony Rodriguez, Jr Jiron & Scott Lutz

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The Arizona Ratings Committee held their tri-monthly meeting on May 31st at Skip & Jan’s. In addition to the business of new players and ratings changes, the committee welcomed Wil-liam Bakehouse as a new player rep. Immedi-ately following the vote to accept Bakehouse as a committee member, he was raised from a 5 to a 6. Congrats Will.

A vote also passed to raise the fifteen players currently rated as 3’s to 4’s. The system was created with a 4 as the lowest rated player, but a handful of players dropped to 3’s when the com-mittee lowered everyone a couple years ago.

The following players were raised at the meeting.

Wanda Takacs 4-5Trent Manry 4-6Zach Hooks 5-6George Barr 5-6Brandon Jewell 5-6Boston Chavez 5-6Derik Murphy 5-6Oscar Avila, Jr. 5-6Kenny Jones 5-6Will Bakehouse 5-6Tim Benally 5-6Cornell Benally 5-6Ben Lani 5-6Glenn Kerr 5-6Mike Boyer 5-6Steve Arbello 5-8Terry Nichols 6-7Jeff Vikete 6-7Selwyn Reams 6-7Jason Shriner 6-7Josh Bounds 6-7

Luis Dela Luz 6-7Leroy Smith 6-7Aaron Morgan 6-7Luke Willkom 6-7Sarah Geoghan 6-7Jon Driver 6-7Junior Salgado 7-8Amado Martinez 7-8David Weiss 7-8Danny Frausto 7-8Josh Welch 7-8

Al Post 7-8Ryan Levengood 7-8Mike Hamman 8-9Lee Brown 9-10Mike Sandoval 9-10Spike Aiardo 9-10

A location and date were not chosen for the next meeting, but will be announced as soon as it is decided.

Arizona Ratings Committee

One of Arizona’s newest 7s, Sarah Geoghan

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Matt & Rick Win Stinger’s Scotch

Matt Koskella & Rick Jones turned in an undefeated run through a field of twenty three teams to win Stinger’s 16 & Under Scotch Doubles event.

Matt & Rick took the hot-seat with a one-sided 7-1 win over Juan Silva & James Diaz.

The left side of the board was dominated by Veronica & Brian Poore. A second round loss by Team Poore was no problem, as they put together a six match win streak to grab their spot in the finals against Matt & Rick.

The finals went one set, with Matt & Rick scoring a 7-4 win for first place.

Complete Payouts:1st Matt Koskella & Rick Jones $7502nd Veronica & Brian Poore $260 (no side pots)3rd Juan Silva & James Diaz $3704th Frank Alvarez & James Diaz $2405th Mike Marshall & Junior Flores $405th Burt Balancad & Sophia Morquecho $40

Rick Jones & Matt Koskella

Nutcrackers Undefeated at Stingers

Sophia Morquecho brought back her popular “three person team 9-ball tourney” to Stingers on May 16th, much to the delight of the event’s winners, The Nut-crackers (Veronica Poore, Brian Reich, Carlos Avalos).

The Nutcrackers made their way to the hot-seat match, where they beat “Good, Bad & Overrated”, made up of Doug Hanson, Ben Sutherland and Phil Ander-son, 14-6.

Good, Bad & Overrated then lost to “Don’t Give a $#!t”, made up of Tony Den-ton, Chad Purvis & JR Ascencion, and finished in third place.

The finals was another lopsided match, with the Nutcrackers scoring a 14-6 win over Don’t Give a $#!t for first place.

Complete Payouts:1st The Nutcrackers $12302nd Don’t Give a $#!t $6803rd Good, Bad and Overrated $4004th Smack That A$$ $230

The Nutcrackers Brian Reich, Veronica Poore and Carlos Avalos

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Weekly Dart TournamentsSundaysWanderin – 4149 E. McDowell Rd. – Phx – 602-275-1062 2:00 Blind Draw

Mondays Greenway Village – 3143 E. Greenway – Phx – 602-971-5523 8:30 Blind Draw 200%

TuesdaysHideaway West – 3558 W Northern Ave – Phoenix – 602-522-9999 8:00 Blind DrawJoe’s Grotto – 13825 N. 32nd St. – Phoenix – 602-992-1007 9:00 Medley

WednesdaysCheers Tavern - 5915 W. Bell Rd - Phoenix - 602-938-0104 7pm Parity DrawHideaway West – 3558 W Northern Ave – Phoenix – 602-522-9999 8:00 Blind DrawRJ’s - 3128 E. Cactus Rd - Phoenix - 602-494-5404 10pm 200%Jesters - 1515 N Gilbert Rd - Gilbert - 480-926-1314 $7:00 Blind Draw 150%

ThursdaysDave’s Place - 2710 W Bell Rd - Phoenix - 602-866-9898 7:30 200% Payback Joe’s Grotto – 13825 N. 32nd St. – Phoenix – 602-992-1007 9:00 Blind Draw

FridaysStingers – 10040 N. 43rd Ave – Glendale – 623-937-9645 7:00 Blind Draw +$200Bull Shooters – 3337 W. Peoria – Phoenix – 602-441-2447 8:00 Blind Draw 300%Jesters - 1515 N Gilbert Rd - Gilbert - 480-926-1314 7:30 Steel TipGarfield’s – 10123 Apache Trail – Apache Junction – 480-380-0558 7:00 Blind DrawHideaway West – 3558 W Northern Ave – Phoenix – 602-522-9999 8:00 Blind DrawJimbos - 12224 n. 51st Ave - 602-298-1500 8:30 Blind Draw 300%Enoch’s Sports Lounge – 6750 W. Peoria – Peoria – 623-878-6296 8:00 Blind DrawGino’s - 13623 N. 32st - 602-923-2500 10:00Blind Draw 200%

SaturdaysCheers Tavern - 5915 W. Bell Rd - Phoenix - 602-938-0104 6pm Parity DrawMetro Sportz Bar - 10402 N. Black Canyon Hwy - 602-997-5717 7:00 Blind DrawBull Shooters – 3337 W. Peoria – Phoenix – 602-441-2447 8:00 Blind Draw 300%The Ox - 3209 E Pinchot - Phoenix - 602-466-3673 7:30 Blind Draw 200%Gino’s - 13623 N. 32st - 602-923-2500 10:00Blind Draw 200%Kirk’s Korner – 10634 N. 51st Ave. – Glendale – 623-878-9874 8:00 Steel TipStingers – 10040 N. 43rd Ave – Glendale – 623-937-9645 3:30 Blind DrawToso’s 2401 W. Union Hills – Phoenix – 602-547-2770 8:00 Blind Draw/Mixed

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The Arizona Pool Community came together with short notice on May 9th for a Scotch Dou-bles memorial event for Chuck Bobbitt at Metro Sportz Bar. As part of the many things Chuck did for the local pool community, Chuck was a regular in local scotch doubles events, so it was no surprise to see a field of 33 teams competing on this day.

The brackets found Bernie Papa & Russ Baldwin teaming up to take the hot-seat from Frank Alva-rez & Tyler Williams 7-5.

As the one loss side narrowed down, Andy Ka-chur & Erica Hernandez eliminated Phil Salas & Juan Silva 7-0 to send Phil & Juan to the rail in 5th place. Meanwhile, Andy Ward & John Sch-ramm were eliminating Mike & Tracie Hamman 7-5 in 5th place.

That left Andy & Erica in a rematch against Andy & John. These two teams had faced each other in the first round, with Andy & Erica send-ing Andy & John to take the long route to the rematch. Six matches later, the two teams faced off again. The rematch would see the same result though, as Andy & Erica won the match 7-1.

Andy & Erica kept their hot-streak going with a 7-3 win over Alvarez & Williams in the semi-final match.

Considering the late hour and the prize break-down, both teams in the finals agreed on Bernie & Russ taking first and Andy & Erica would settle for second place.

The biggest reason for the event was to remem-ber Chuck Bobbitt, and the local pool community did not disappoint. Half of every tournament

entry went to the fundraiser, and combined with raffles and donations, over $2000 was raised for Chuck’s wife Pam.

A list of those who came forward to help with this great event included Ben Sutherland, John Marquis, Carol Strong, Bernie Store, George Bell, Bill Vander Weyst, JR Burkhart, Chris Negrin, Phil Anderson, Bret Huth, Pat Dicker, Mary Clark & Lilly’s Rustic Boutique, Robin & Brenda Clark, Tyson Cole and Shannon Foster.

Complete Payouts:1st Bernie Papa & Russ Baldwin $8002nd Andy Kachur & Erica Hernandez $260 (no side pots)3rd Frank Alvarez & Tyler Williams $3204th Andy Ward & John Schramm $1105th Phil Salas & Juan Silva $805th Mike & Tracie Hamman $807th Lynor Johnson & Ben Lani $407th Carlos Benavides & Heath Viall $40

Chuck Bobbitt Memorial Event

Russ Baldwin, Bernie Papa, Andy Kachur and Erica Hernandez

Letter from Pam Bobbitt

The family of Chuck Bobbitt would like to express our gratitude to all of those who attended the memorial tournament on May 9th.

It was very nice getting to put faces with the names that Chuck would talk about. He loved the game of pool and you all meant a lot to him. Your generos-ity to our family was amazing. You all have such big hearts.

Also, I want to say a special thank you to Robin & Brenda Clark and Ben Sutherland for organizing and running the tournament and making the poster for everyone to sign.

Also to Shannon Foster for the picture you drew, it is a beautiful likeness of him. Chuck couldn’t have had a better group of friends than all of you. Again, thank you for everything.

Pam and girls

Chuck Bobbitt

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It wasn’t so much a question of “if” Spike Aiardo would win a Diamond Pool Tour Stop. It was more a question of “when” he would win one. That question was answered at the fourth stop of the year, with Aiardo’s double dip win over George Bell in Tucson. We sat down with Aiardo to find out a little bit about him and his history with the game.

Aiardo moved to Arizona almost a year ago from Moline, Illinois, and has quickly climbed the “ratings ladder” in the Arizona Ratings system. Originally rated an eight, Aiardo was raised to a nine in February and became a ten at the most recent meeting in May.

Aiardo has a history with the game and has a family of players. “My father (my real dad) played really well. I’m not sure exactly how well. He played in the US Open. (…) he was a great great player. My Mom played too. She was like a 5 or 6 out here. My step dad plays too. He is a 6 or 7.” Spike said.

When asked how he got started playing, Aiardo said his experience with big tournaments started in Florida. “I moved out to Florida, right after I got out of the Army. I didn’t just go out there to play. I played towards the end of the year I was there. I went around Florida and played on the various Poison tour stops. Tony Crosby runs it. I played in a few of his events. I did alright, but nothing like I did here. That is kind of where it started.” Aiardo commented.

Anyone who has watched Spike play, can certainly see the confidence he has in his game. There is also a level of “just having fun” most of the time when watching him play. When asked about this, Aiardo said “My mental game is just

alright. I used to get angry a lot. If I would miss and someone would run out, I would get mad. But I over-came the burden of getting frustrated with the game and all I try to do now is come out there and have fun. I know if I have fun, I will play well and keep my level head.”

When asked about where he wants to go with pool, Aiardo appears to have reasonable goals. “I wanted to become a pro for a while. I wanted to play on the pro circuit like the big dogs like Shane and Rodney and Mika and all of those killers. I am just not motivated to do it. I’m motivated to get better, but I can’t put in the time. I want to go to school. I’m never going to stop playing though. I put in what practice time I can, and just try to make it worth it.” said Aiardo.

While already one of the top players in the state, Aiardo chuckled when asked if we had seen his top game. He admitted that not even he knows just how good he can play this game. One thing is for sure though, it will be fun observing this player and where he goes within the pool world.

Spike Aiardo Profile

Spike Aiardo

In addition to the great play that is always on display at a Diamond Pool Tour stop, fans who faded the late hours at the May stop were also treated to what may go down as one of the best shots in Arizona pool history.

Andy Kachur was faced with the following predicament after a safety from the cue of Spike Aiardo. (See Diagram Lower Left) Kachur studied the table and called a three rail kick that would make Efren Reyes proud. “I was really just thinking of making a good hit. The benefit was that was the only way (that I saw) to even hit the ball, so there weren’t any decisions to have to make about how to try to hit it. It seemed like a big ball to hit from that angle, then I just tried the most logical pocket.” said Kachur after the event.

Even when Kachur called the shot, Aiardo felt pretty confident. “Even if he hits it, I have six balls on the table. I thought he might hit it, be-cause there was really only one way to go with that shot, but I thought I had put him in a dead

nuts position” said Aiardo.

Kachur called his pocket and hit the ball perfect. The fans still in attendance at the event might have shown more reaction than Kachur showed in the heat of competition though. Kachur joked afterwards that he thought “It would look cooler if you don’t celebrate…”. Even with the win, Kachur was all about business though. “I just tried to stay focused on the match and the next game. Once a shot is over, it’s over, and it’s time to clear your head and move on to the next shot or game.” said Kachur.

Aiardo, on the other hand, was full of compliments for Kachur and his shot. “Thats the best shot I have ever seen, done to me or even just watched in person. Thats what I like to see. He didn’t get frustrated or anything. He did exactly what I would expect anyone to do. Just take your shot and see what can happen.” said the even-tual event winner after the match was over.

As the shot came on the feature table, Lenny Marshall captured it on video, and posted it online the next day.

Within hours, the shot was all over Facebook and other social media sites.

Long after fans have forgotten who won this partic-ular Diamond Pool Tour Stop, you can be assured that people will still remember this great shot from the cue, and imagination, of Andy Kachur.

Efren Who? Kachur Kicks Out Of Jail On Diamond Tour

The ShotThe Safety

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The Differences Between Leagues and Tournaments

By Roger LongCertified Instructor

This article is written for the benefit of new pool and dart players.

Many newcomers to competitive sports are confused by the differences between league and tournament play. Hopefully, this article will help explain the differences, and maybe also help you decide which (if either) suits your preferences.

First off, the biggest difference between these two contests is the length of the event. Leagues are usually designed to run over the period of several weeks, or months. Tourna-ments are stand-alone competitions that usually run only one or two days, or even more fre-quently, only a few hours in an evening.

Leagues are most often made up of teams of three to five players and each team will usu-ally play each of the other teams twice during the course of the league season. At the end of the season, teams will have accumulated points that will determine standings from first place down to last, which will in turn determine how all prizes and awards (if any) are distributed.

Tournaments are most often made up of indi-vidual players who compete in what is called a “double-elimination” format, which means that

each player has to lose two matches before he/she is eliminated from the tournament. Cash prizes are usually awarded to players finishing in the top 25% of the field.

Typically, leagues require each player to pay a “sanction” fee and also pay weekly dues while the league is in session. Sanction fees are usually $15-$20 per year, and weekly dues are usually $7-$10.

Tournaments require each player to pay an entry fee, which allows him/her to play in that one event. Typical entry fees for small weekly tournaments are $10-$15. Many tournament directors offer optional “side-pots,” which is a way for players to bet on themselves to fin-ish well in that event. Obviously, any player declining to enter the side-pots will not be al-lowed to cash from that fund regardless of how well they finish.

Leagues and tournaments each have their advantages and disadvantages. Leagues of-fer camaraderie and pride in accomplish-ments through the use of teamwork, but they also require commitments to serving for long stretches of time. Tournaments do not require term-commitments on the player’s part, which is a plus for many, but then they don’t offer that

same sense of camaraderie and teamwork that is experienced in leagues.

In Arizona, participation in league play out-distances tournament play by far. Leagues are going on almost every night of the week in both darts and pool. There are also league structures available for every level and style of player in existence. Tournaments, on the other hand, are not quite so “user-friendly.” Finding one that you are allowed to play in, as well as one that fits your schedule, can be a hit-or-miss situa-tion.

Freezer Perfect at Bullshooters

It comes as no shock to any local one pocket fan when Scott Frost wins an event. Even a handicapped one pocket event is rarely a huge challenge for Frost’s one pocket prowess. The one pocket madness event on May 16th saw something unique though, Scott Frost won the event undefeated, without losing a game.

Frost took the hot-seat with a 2-0 win over Bret Huth, sending Huth to the one loss side to face April’s winner Eric Young.

The match between Huth & Young came down to hill-hill with Young needing one ball and Huth needed four. Huth would gain control and win that match 2-1.

Frost was still unstoppable in the finals, as he cruised to a 3-0 win and first place.

Complete Payouts:1st Scott Frost $2302nd Bret Huth $1703rd Eric Young $1104th Bobby Emmons $70

Scott Frost

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Jack & Nai Win at Kittys

Jack Cheesman & Nai Saelee teamed up for an undefeated run through Kitty’s 13 & Under Scotch Doubles “Nai Ball” Tournament on May 23rd.

Jack & Nai took the hot-seat with a 7-4 win over Jim Digregorio & Manny Steele.

Jim & Manny took a short detour through the one loss side, as they defeated Chris & Dawn Carpenter for third place.

The finals were all Jack & Nai, as they turned a 1-1 scoreline into a 7-2 blow-out, in the first and only set of the finals.

Complete Payouts:1st Jack Cheesman & Nai Saelee $2802nd Jim Digregorio & Manny Steele $1403rd Chris & Dawn Carpenter $20

Nai Saelee & Jack Cheesman

Kittle & Farias Win Kitty’s Scotch

Joseph Farias & Angus Kittle made the most of a long day as they bounced back from a first round loss to win Kitty’s 15 & Under Ttournament on May 30th.

The winner’s side of this event came down to Lefty Larralde & Laura Boothroyd, who took the hot-seat with a 6-3 win over Dan Mueller & Dani Maher.

On the one loss side, Farias & Kittle were on a roll after losing to Kitty and Chris Negrin in the first round of the event. Farias & Kittle had won five straight matches and #6 was a 6-2 win over Mueller & Maher. Mueller & Maher pocketed $80 for third.

A 5-3 lead in the first set of the finals for Lefty & Laura would not hold up, as Farias and Kittle came back to win three straight games and take the set 6-5. The second set of the finals was not nearly as close, with Farias & Kittle win-ning 6-3 for first place and $530 in prize money. Lefty & Laura won $300.

The event was a remembrance for Davis Toothman, who passed away three years ago. Davis’ mother, Kathy Haight, attended the remembrance and pro-vided the crowd of almost 50 people with food, a toast and four random draw-ings for $25 each. Kitty expressed her appreciation for all of the players who attended the remembrance and indicated she was looking towards an annual remembrance to celebrate the lives of all of the pool players we have lost.

Angus Kittle & Joseph Farias

Nick Kline and Spencer Ladin won their respective divisions to earn crowns at the 1st Annual Arizona State Junior 9-Ball Championships at Bull Shooters Sports Bar and Grill in Phoenix Arizona on May 16th

While the 18 & Under open division was won by early favorite Nick Kline, the win was not easy for the 17 year old player. Kline took the hot-seat with convincing wins over Oscar Avila Jr, and Mark Avalos, but he would be tested before his final victory. On the one loss side, Avila Jr followed up a hill-hill win over Mike Dale with a 7-2 win over Avalos for his spot in the finals. The first set of the double elimination finals went to Avila 7-6. Parents and fans watching the finals were treated to another hill-hill match in the second set, this time won by Kline.

The 14 & Under open division saw California’s Spencer Ladin race to the hot-seat with wins over Tory Conley, Jaden Lord and Jaynythan Craig. Ladin’s op-ponent in the finals was James Diaz, who bounced back from a first round loss to win three straight matches. The first set of the finals saw Diaz score a 7-4 win to force a second set, but Ladin came back to win the second set by an identical 7-4 scoreline.

Tournament staff thanked Bullshooters owner Mike Bates and his staff for host-ing yet another great event. Thanks were also given to parents Donna Dale and Candi Kline for their help in putting put the event together.

18 & Under Division1st Nick Kline Prescott, Az 172nd Oscar Avila Jr Phoenix, Az 173rd Mark Avalos Anthem, Az 15

14 & Under Division1st Spencer Ladin Camarillo, Ca 132nd James Diaz Phoenix, Az 143rd Jahynythan Craig Phoenix, Az 11

Top Photo: Nick Kline and Spencer LadinBottom Photo: All of the players in attendance

Kline and Ladin Wins Az State Junior Championships

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MONDAY 7:00 CHEERS TAVERN 5915 W. BELL RD 602-938-0104 OPEN CALL FOR DETAILS CALLMONDAY 7:00 MAIN ST BILLIARDS 1749 W MAIN ST, MESA 480-969-7898 9’ TABLES RACE TO 4/3 $5.00TUESDAY 7:30 KOLBY’S 1301 EAST UNIVERSITY DR. 480-829-7344 9-BALL 9’TBL $10.00TUESDAY 8PM BROOKSIDE II 15170 W BELL RD SURPRISE 623-556-1000 9-BALL D/E 200% RACE TO 2 $5.00THURSDAY 1:00 METRO SPORTZ 10402 N BLACK CANY HWY 602-997-5717 9-BALL 9’ TABLES HANDICAPPED $5.00THURSDAY 7:30 KAY’S PLACE 315 S ALMA SCHOOL 602 666-6634 8-BALL D/E ADDED MONEY $5.00SATURDAY 4:00 KAY’S PLACE 315 S ALMA SCHOOL 602 666-6634 8-BALL D/E ADDED MONEY $5.00SUNDAY 4PM THE SNAP 1516 W CAMELBACK 602-222-3551 8-BALL D/E 200% PAYBACK $5.00

MONDAY 7:30 THE LOFT AGAIN 15015 N CAVE CREEK RD 602-482-3130 3-Ball CALL FOR DETAILS CALLSUNDAY 2PM 5030 LOUNGE 5030 W. PEORIA AVE 623-939-3876 3-BALL (5 TOTAL SHOTS) $2.00

MONDAY 7:30 WHAT THE HELL 7309 E MAIN ST 480-380-6000 9-Ball ADDED MONEY $10.00TUESDAY 7:30 METRO SPORTZ 10402 N BLACK CANY HWY 602-997-5717 8-BALL 7’ TABLES SIDES $5.00FRIDAY 7:30 STINGERS 43RD AVE & PEORIA 623-937-9645 9-BALL HDCP-2 D/E $10.00SATURDAY 7:30 PM THE DELI 9635 W PEORIA AVE 623-979-5163 8-BALL D/E 200% PAY $5.00SUNDAY NOON KOLBY’S 1301 EAST UNIVERSITY DR. 480-829-7344 9-BALL D/E HDP (-2) 9’ TBLS $6.00

MONDAY 7:30 METRO SPORTZ 10402 N BLACK CANY HWY 602-997-5717 9-BALL BARBOX 200% Payback $5.00TUESDAY 7:00 KITTYS 2836 N 36TH ST 602-957-9786 9-BALL BARBOX 200% $5.00TUESDAY 7:30 METRO SPORTZ 10402 N BLACK CANY HWY 602-997-5717 9-BALL 9’ TABLES SIDES $7.00WEDNESDAY 7:30 THE LOFT AGAIN 15015 N CAVE CREEK RD 602-482-3130 8-Ball 200% PAYBACK $5.00WEDNESDAY 7:30 THUNDER PASS 9303 APACHE, MESA 480-986-5572 9-Ball CALL FOR DETAILS CALLTHURSDAY 7:00 METRO SPORTZ 10402 N BLACK CANY HWY 602-997-5717 9-BALL BARBOX $5.00THURSDAY 7:30 WHAT THE HELL 7309 E MAIN ST 480-380-6000 8-Ball ADDED MONEY $6.00FRIDAY 7:00 KITTYS 2836 N 36TH ST 602-957-9786 9-BALL BARBOX 200% $5.00FRIDAY 7:30 SKIP & JANS 7700 S PRIEST DR 480-598-8611 9-BALL 200% D/E $7 Greens Fee $5.00FRIDAY 8:00 KIRK’S KORNER 10634 N. 51 ST AVE 623-878-9874 8-BALL D/E 150% $5.00SATURDAY 4:30 PM KIRK’S KORNER 10634 N. 51ST AVE 623-878-9874 8-BALL 150% PAY $1 SIDEPOT $5.00SATURDAY 5:00 WHAT THE HELL 7309 E MAIN ST 480-380-6000 9-Ball ADDED MONEY $6.00SATURDAY 7:30 SKIP & JANS 7700 S PRIEST DR 480-598-8611 8-BALL 200% D/E $2 Greens Fee $5.00SATURDAY 8PM GREENWAY VILLAGE 3143 E. GREENWAY RD 602-971-5523 8BALL D/E 200% $5.00SUNDAY 2:00 STINGERS 43RD AVE & PEORIA 623-937-9645 8-BALL D/E RACE TO 2 $5 Green Fee $5.00 SUNDAY 2:00 KITTYS 2836 N 36TH ST 602-957-9786 8-BALL BARBOX 200% $5.00SUNDAY 2:00 THE BREAK ROOM 4729 E MCDOWELL 602-267-1010 9-BALL D/E $5 SIDE POT $5.00SUNDAY 3:00 GROGGYS 2207 W MAIN ST. 480-969-7648 9-BALL BARBOX D/E 200% 5.00

MONDAY 7:00 DAVE’S PLACE 2710 W BELL RD 602-866-9898 8-BALL D/E 200% PAYBACK $5.00MONDAY 7:00 SAGE & SAND 13831 W GLENDALE AVE 623-935-5810 8-BALL D/E 150% PAYBACK $5.00MONDAY 7:00 DODEY’S 3114 E CACTUS RD 602-404-2300 8-BALL D/E ADDED MONEY $5.00MONDAY 8:00 CANDY STORE 18613 N CAVE CREEK RD 602-569-0084 8-BALL D/E 200% PAYBACK $5.00TUESDAY 7:00 RACEWAY BAR 49237 W PAPAGO ROAD 520-568-0808 9-BALL D/E CALL FOR DETAILS $5.00TUESDAY 8:00 CANDY STORE 18613 N CAVE CREEK RD 602-569-0084 8-BALL D/E 200% PAYBACK $5.00WEDNESDAY 8:00 COOPS 8455 W. PEORIA AVE PEORIA 623-878-4250 8-BALL D/E 200% RETURN $5.00THURSDAY 8:00 THE NUGGET 4130 N 83RD AVE 623-873-1118 8-BALL RACE TO 1 150% PAYBACK $5.00FRIDAY 7:00 CHARLEY’S PLACE 4324 W THUNDERBIRD 602-439-1668 8-BALL 200% PAY / RACE TO 2 D/E $5.00FRIDAY 7:00 SAGE & SAND 13831 W GLENDALE AVE 623-935-5810 9-BALL D/E 200% PAYBACK $5.00FRIDAY 7:00 RACEWAY BAR 49237 W PAPAGO ROAD 520-568-0808 8-BALL D/E CALL FOR DETAILS $5.00FRIDAY 7:30 METRO SPORTZ 10402 N BLACK CANY HWY 602-997-5717 8-BALL BARBOX $5.00FRIDAY 7:30 480 BAR 480 N ARIZONA AVE 480-899-2268 8-BALL D/E ADDED MONEY $5.00SATURDAY 7:00 CHARLEY’S PLACE 4324 W THUNDERBIRD 602-439-1668 8-BALL 200% PAYBACK $5.00SATURDAY 7:30 METRO SPORTZ 10402 N BLACK CANY HWY 602-997-5717 9-BALL BARBOX 200% $5.00SUNDAY 1:00 METRO SPORTZ 10402 N BLACK CANY HWY 602-997-5717 9-BALL BARBOX 200% $5.00SUNDAY 3:00 CROSSROADS 5030 W MCDOWELL 602-278-3857 8-BALL D/E ADDED MONEY $5.00SUNDAY 4:00 COOPS 8455 W. PEORIA AVE PEORIA 623-878-4250 8-BALL D/E 200% RETURN $5.00SUNDAY 5:30 480 BAR 480 N ARIZONA AVE 480-899-2268 9-BALL D/E ADDED MONEY $5.00SUNDAY 7:30 WHAT THE HELL 7309 E MAIN ST 480-380-6000 8-Ball ADDED MONEY $6.00

SUNDAY 7:00 METRO SPORTZ 10402 N BLACK CANY HWY 602-997-5717 8-BALL BARBOX 200% $5.00SUNDAY 7PM DAVES ON NORTHER 2344 W NORTHERN 602-973-7797 8BALL D/E 200% PAYBACK $5.00MONDAY 7PM BULLSHOOTERS 3327 W PEORIA 602-441-8447 9-BALL D/E 200% PAYBACK $5.00MONDAY 8:00 480 BAR 480 N ARIZONA AVE 480-899-2268 8-BALL D/E ADDED MONEY $5.00THURSDAY 7PM BULLSHOOTERS 3327 W PEORIA 602-441-8447 8-BALL D/E 200% PAYBACK $5.00FRIDAY 7PM 5030 LOUNGE 5030 W PEORIA 623-435-3997 8BALL D/E 200% PAYBACK $5.00

SUNDAY 5:00 METRO SPORTZ 10402 N BLACK CANY HWY 602-997-5717 16 & UNDER 9-BALL 9’ TABLES $20.00

Weekly Tournament GuidePHOENIX AREA WEEKLY TOURNAMENT GUIDE

“BY RATING” and “DAY”PLAYERS WHEN? WHERE? PH# FORMAT FEE

To advertise your weekly tournament...call (480) 251-3452OPEN

8 &Under

7 &Under

*Call us at 480-251-3452 to have your tournament added to the guide.

6 &Under

9 &Under

3-Ball

Scotch

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DPT “A” Player Points List

1 Scott Frost 3652 Spike Aiardo 3553 Bobby Emmons 2804 Brian Reich 2505 Joven Bustamante 220

6 Mickey Provencio 1857 Vilmos Foldes 1808 Andy Kachur 1759 George Teyechea 1659 Bret Huth 1659 Ben Sutherland 165

12 Eric Young 13013 Tres Kane 12014 Donivan Pedroncelli 11515 Tim Daniel 11015 Pete Lhotka 110

17 Carlos Avalos 10518 Rick Armbrust 9519 Bob Herchik 9019 Donald Mangahas 90

Points current as of fourth 2015 stop. (Pockets)

AWBT Points List

1. Bernie Store 4002. Jaye Succo 2703. Amanda Pulley 2654. Susan Williams 2255. Rebecca Wagner 200

6. Tami Hathcock 1656. Renay Justus 1656. Cynthia Haefner 1659. Barbara Lee 16010. Sarah Geoghan 155

11. Sara Miller 15012. Leandrea Gaff 14013. Terri Johnson-McCauley 13514. Justine Bishop 13015. Tracie Hamman 125

16. Cathy Kelley 12017. Jodie Villegas 11017. Veronica Poore 11017. Donna Taylor 11027. Sandi Wilson 110

Points current as of third 2015 stop. (Stingers)

DPT “B” Player Points List

1. Nick Kline 3302. Rick Schmitz 2953. Mike Hamman 2404. Oscar Avila 2355. Guyle Fielder 215

6. George Bell 2006. Linn Vissage 2008. Todd Rowitz 1958. Jamie Cole 19510. Jose Mendoza 190

11. Karloz Chavez 18512. James Main 18013. Paul Feltman Jr. 17514. Eric Lervold 16014. Spike Aiardo 160

16. Burt Balancad 15517. Trevor Long 12017. John Schramm 15019. Todd Dilley 13520. Timber Bridgewater 130

Points current as of fourth 2015 stop. (Pockets)

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Foos PulseFoosball News

By Jim King

The 2015 Summer League is scheduled to start this month and you must have been out of the country or in a cave if you’re just finding out about it here for the first time. This means that yet another successful Interim League is com-ing to a close but a new and improved season is fast approaching!

LEAGUE The 2015 Summer League is scheduled to start this month and teams are continuing to as-semble even as I type. There seems to be a lot of enthusiasm and excitement for the season to start based on initial registrations and the verbal ‘buzz’ at the weekly tournaments. If that and the camaraderie isn’t enough for you, the new season will also bring:

• Downloadable match scoring software• Improved online support, including team

and player management tools• More upgraded T-3000 tables• Lots of new players• Free entry to players who switch car insur-

ance to Proctor Insurance Agency• New sponsors (this means more exposure,

awards, prize money, shirts, jackets, etc.)

For those of you not familiar with the league, that’s a darn shame since each season brings 16 weeks of competitive play for 3-person teams, followed by a couple weeks of playoffs, and culminating with individual title matches and this season’s Foos Bowl XIV champion-ship. First and foremost, this is a handicapped league which ensures each and every player, whether beginning or veteran, has an even shot at winning.

You might be asking yourself how well can a beginner fare against the more experienced player - how does the handicap system work? Well, each new competitor gets evaluated by other veteran players or the league director to establish an initial rating. True beginners may start at a rating of 1.0 or below and work their way up as their skills and results improve. League games are played to 7 points, and at the start of a game, points are spotted by upon the rating differential between the partici-pants. E.g., if a player with a 0.5 handicap is playing against a 3.5 caliber player (a ratings difference of 3) the lower handicapper will be spotted 3 points. Multiplayer/team events are calculated by averaging the player’s handicaps and then finding the difference. Handicaps are recalculated after each week’s matches and this continues through week 14, whereafter they are locked for the remainder of the season and playoffs.

Each week’s matches are comprised of the fol-lowing rounds:• Doubles: 3 games of doubles alternating

with teammates• 1 on 1 Battle: 2 games of Singles; 2 games

of Goalie War; 1 game of 5 Bar War; & 1 game of Forward Shoot-out

• Rollerball: Ball(s) must be kept moving

at all times! One game of 3 on 3 two-ball rollerball and one game of 2 on 2 one-ball rollerball

• Team ROTO: ROTO indicates that as one team scores they rotate a player into the game and one out of the game. There is one game of singles and one game of doubles.

• Point Champion: Summation of the total points per game scored. The team with the most points wins this round.

The winner of the weekly match is determined by the total rounds won. If rounds are tied, there is one “overtime” game played to decide the match.Since we’re fast approaching the league launch date there’s been a lot of strategy going into team formation. While on the surface it might seem better to have more well rounded and experienced players (read higher handicap) you shouldn’t overlook the importance of add-ing an inspired rookie to your team that could provide a handicap advantage in your league matches. All I can say is that sometimes this philosophy works and sometimes it doesn’t. However, looking at the past few season’s re-sults there have been quite a few upsets by the lower handicapped players. So, those of you still putting your teams together might want to quickly take advantage of some of the lower ranked players that are still available.

Out of the current registered teams to date, there are six that have at least one player below a 1.7 and one team doesn’t have anyone over a 0.6. Also, based on last week’s updates to handicaps, the average team handicap is at 3.6, with the lowest being .533 and the highest coming in at 5.45.

While developing a team based on handicaps, in addition to players’ offensive and defensive abilities, in an attempt to create a winning lineup, there is another component that is just as important. Team chemistry can play a huge role in a successful team as well as the overall success of the league and the continued growth of the entire valley foosball community. Al-though the universal definition of team chemis-try, the sacrifice of individual goals and perfor-mance for the good of the entire team, sums it up succinctly and clinically, I think it deserves a more personal adaptation.

I believe team chemistry has a foundation in good personal relationships whether compet-ing in the league or outside the foosball com-munity. It embodies mutual respect, integrity, sportsmanship, faith, commitment, learning, enthusiasm, trust, and an overall sense of car-ing for your teammates. This might not always ensure a Foos Bowl championship but it cer-tainly guarantees a season of fun-filled times and great memories. Also, it’s much easier for a three person team to find chemistry than, let’s say, a basketball, football, or baseball team!

INTERIM LEAGUEThe fifteenth week of the interim league just wrapped up with Dave ‘Pull-kick’ Gilitiuk and Brian ‘Rollover’ Sternberg taking first place in the last event. This was a 12 team bring-your-partner (BYP) event at Main Street Billiards, which proved extremely fruitful for them and not so successful for anyone else coming up against them. There were several teams that looked poised to take first place even before the first match was played but they all fell by the wayside as Dave and Brian rolled to vic-tory. Of the 60 players having participated in at least one event, handicaps range from a low of .1 to 10, with the average coming in at 3.8. Currently, the top five foosers with the best winning percentage are Brian Salke at .720, Billy Nolan at .695, Brian Sternberg narrowly behind with a .674, Phil Tran gaining with a .658, and Holly Minnig making a run at .620. Everyone should take note that out of the top 15 ranked players six of them have a handi-cap less than 2.0, showing that even the lower handicaps foosers are continuing to fare well in the weekly competition.ET CETERAOne of the most talked about topics week over week at any handicap based venue is, of course, the rating assigned to any particular player. Essentially, each and every one of us at one time or another have made statements like “they’re underrated”, “they play much better than their handicap”, “who’s the low?” or any number of other off-color comments meant to say their handicap isn’t accurate. This is generally stated in jest, but of course there will occasionally arise a player who has seemed to escape the system!

I think that most of us agree that the league handicap system is extremely accurate over time. However, there are several factors that can occasionally contribute to ratings inaccura-cies in the short term. The first is based upon a player’s initial rating, which can be inaccurate due to the difficulty in rating a player based upon a short observation period. For this reason, it’s beneficial to have multiple players assign an initial rating rather than one indi-vidual. Also, if a player improves greatly dur-ing league “down time”, their points may lag behind for several weeks or more. In extreme cases, league coordinators have been known to arbitrarily reset an inaccurate player rating. However, since this situation is rare and often difficult to validate, it is best filed under the category of “let the chips fall where they may”. But it does provide a useful tip for league play-ers: use your offseason to improve!Insider Note: If you win your handicap goes up; if you lose your handicap goes down.Lastly, if anyone is interested getting involved in Arizona Foosball Leagues in any capacity, visit www.ArizonaFoosball.com and register using the current signup sheet, post in our fo-rums, or contact Bill Nolan at 602-751-8818.Remember…Keep Foosin’ Fun!

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Monthly Tournament GuideLocation Address Phone

9’s & Under 8-Ball Knobbys 10812 N Cave Creek Rd (602) 216-9933 June 5th16 & Under Scotch Doubles Skip & Jans 7700 S Priest Rd (480) 598-8611 June 6th13 & Under Scotch Doubles Kitty’s 2836 N 36th St (602) 957-9786 June 6th

Diamond Pool Tour Stingers 10040 N 43rd Ave (623) 937-9645 June 6th-7thOne Pocket Madness Bullshooters 3337 W Peoria (602) 441-2447 June 20th

9 & Under Call 9-Ball Stingers 10040 N 43rd Ave (623) 937-9645 June 20th12 & Under Scotch Doubles Kitty’s 2836 N 36th St (602) 957-9786 June 20th

Ladies 6 & Under 8-Ball Max & Ted’s 480 (480) 899-2268 June 20th3 Person Team 8-Ball Stingers 10040 N 43rd Ave (623) 937-9645 June 27th-28th

15 & Under Scotch Doubles Kitty’s 2836 N 36th St (602) 957-9786 June 27th6 & Under 8-Ball Max & Ted’s 480 (480) 899-2268 June 27th

Event

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Documents

Az Billiard and Dart News June 2015