2011 Derby City Classic

I was invited to commentate for Accu-Stats during the 9 days of the Derby City Classic. This was a wonderful experience. Educational, motivating, and inspirational, are all feelings that I took away in addition to the fun and humor of the proceedings. The video's that were created are some of the best pool ever played and the general level of play is better every year. The first discipline was Banks, with 387 entrants. Corey Deuel played Allen Hopkins, this was a very entertaining match that began with Deuel playing four consecutive shots all while playing safe on each shot due to the difficulty, yet he pocketed each shot and then again was forced to play a shot for safety. Deuel continued to perform and kept Hopkins in check while earning the first two games with a flawless performance. Hopkins then turned the match around playing equally well and tied the match at two games apiece. The final game was two balls each and Allen Hopkins played a very unconventional two cushion shot, "cross side bank", and ran the needed three banks for the match. All of the John Brumback matches were very enlightening as well except his final loss, which the late hour fatigue cost him his usual quality performance. When you watch John take on so many "off angle" shots that are needed to win but difficult to play, you will be very impressed with his success rate even though he is the two consecutive time winner of this event. The majority of players encounter the difficult bank shot and recognize the lower percentage success rate of such a shot and then allow themselves less focus and a more general stroke approach, which fulfills the low percentage result. The "Brumback" approach utilizes a consistent high quality stroke delivery and follow-through and in addition to not allowing shot difficulty to degrade the stroke quality he also generates tremendous mental intensity beforehand when others allow themselves to "let down" due to the idea that they will probably miss anyway. John would decide what to do, set up to the shot and cue up to the cue ball just to measure the circumstance, and then stand up and really apply all of his mind to the shot. This seemed to heighten commitment, add clarity, focus, and definition to the visualization of the perfect result and with this extra effort he would produce amazing results time and again. I have tried to explain what he does, but I really know his video matches will be even better to learn from should you look for these elements that are described. His example is very motivating and the most graphic display of what it takes to play high performance pool at any game.

The next event was One Pocket with 317 entrants. The finals was two unexpected players, Shane Van Boening playing Earl Strickland and this was a very entertaining match. In general the One Pocket was not played as technically sound as in other years throughout the tournament, and the matches were not that memorable.

The Nine Ball event drew 293 players and held many exciting matches. The semi-final match was stellar with Neils Feijen playing Shane Van Boening and qualifies as a "must see" match that holds a crucial shot that fans will talk about for eternity. I have watched Neils Feijen for some years and he has always been a good player but this year he proved to everyone that he is among the elite in all games, I was very impressed with his performance. Athletic, focused, and confident apply to him and a better representative of the sport could not be found. The final match was Dennis Orcollo against Shane Van Boening and after Shane failed in the first rack Dennis won and broke and ran four more games to take a 5-0 lead. Soon thereafter Dennis earned a game and broke and ran out for the title. These two matches held stellar performances to watch and it was an honor to commentate this part of pool history. Lee Van Corteza and Rodney Morris also played very well and warrant your attention as well as Jonathon Pinegar playing Corteza.

The "Fatboy 10 Ball Challenge" is always my favorite event as this is played single elimination, race to 15 games, $1000 entry fee, 16 players. The first round had Ralf Souquet playing Shane Van Boening and the final score was 15-13 and was both exciting and well played with a number of break and run outs and the score flipping back and forth. Ralf lost but might have played the better pool. Then Fransisco Bustamante played Raphael Martinez and won a game in the middle of the match and proceeded to break and run out 6 more times producing stellar shot making along the way. This was a very compelling performance and an indication of the high level of exceptional play witnessed throughout the nine days.

The summary of my trip is that perhaps the best players have now moved the game of pool into an "art form". The break shot, kicking speeds and purposeful direction applied to the kicking game, terrific shot making, and great safety shots, adds up to a "new standard". The players that displayed the ability to set the pace of this "new standard" and bear observation to improve your game are; Fransisco Bustamante, Darren Appleton, Neils Feijen, Shane Van Boening, Lee Van Corteza, Earl Strickland, Ralf Souquet, Dennis Orcollo, and Shannon Daulton. While some of these players were not described much in this story they all performed at the highest level and I encourage you to obtain videos of their efforts for your own development. You can do so by calling Accu-Stats at 1-800-828-0397 or going to the web site, www.accu-stats.com , you will be rewarded, educated, and entertained.

EARLy results from Steve Mizerak 10 Ball Championship

The king of American players, the most talented pool player of the last 30 years and the most misunderstood, would have to be Earl Strickland. Eight years removed from winning a major title, Earl pocketed the final 10 ball to win the Steve Mizerak Pro Tour Championship undefeated. He beat, Barbagallo 9-4, Rodney Morris 9-2, Palmari 9-2, Mika Immonen 9-6, Darren Appleton 9-8 and Shawn Putnam 9-5 and in the finals again 11-6. Unlike other players, Earl has not only to win against the opponent, but also win the battle over controlling himself, which in the past has proven to be the more difficult challenge. His patented break and run, "up tempo" playing style that makes him a fan favorite was not in evidence on the final days of this title hunt, as the break failed repeatedly and the cue ball often scratched. Earl won this title on experience and good decisions, displaying the maturity of his 49 years of age. This match is set to air on Fox Sports Dec. 11th, and 13th, in High Definition which is great for pool, but the commentator's facial blemishes really are more apparent than you realize until it is too late. The final match is a race to 11 games, but Earl thinks that the match is to 9 games and then wins his 9th game, raises his cue over head and yells, "I did it!" He then goes to shake hands with an unamused Shawn Putnam who just sits there looking irritated, but finally has to share a laugh as he realizes Earl has made a sincere mistake. Earl's facial expression is really priceless and is captured along with his self commentary during rack 15. After sharing much of my pool life with Earl, I was really happy for him to reclaim some of his past glory and I must tell you that he is not the terrible person many others portray him to be. He is very passionate regarding the sport and sometimes expresses his feelings poorly and without thinking through the perception of his statements. I have been frustrated at times with his antics, but I have also seen him do some of the most benevolent acts of kindness for people that does not get mentioned. I am of the opinion that if you are a selfish person, I may still like you but you will have to be without other flaws. If you are a generous person, and especially if you love pool, then I can forgive many other faults, as I myself am not even perfect. This was another great accomplishment, in such a class event, ... long live the king.

John Schmidt provides great insights and motivation

During the 2010 Derby City Classic, John Schmidt produced a straight pool run of 171 balls. He then provided a player review of that dramatic run available from Accu-Stats Video Productions, www.accustats.com . John is very articulate and willing to share the thoughts associated with great pool playing at the highest level. This is also very motivational and uplifting in regards to the sport, which I must say is refreshingly positive and instructive and just the 171 ball run is entertaining without the tremendous audio. Most top players do not think about the sport this deeply or are unable to share their thoughts as clearly without being condescending or arrogant so as to convey superiority. John comes across with sincerity, and tries to illuminate the things to make your game better. Along with his attention to detail, he speaks to the audience as an equal, and no matter the amount of expertise that you already have you will for sure learn at least a few things that carry over to any pool game. Players interested in playing better pool could not get a lesson that would provide more for themselves.

The Derby City Classic 2010

I have just returned from the D.C.C. (Derby City Classic) and this was one of the most uplifting experiences that I have had with pool in some time. I was really impressed with the standard of play and general professionalism displayed by the players. The events available to play in are many and varied. The week began with Bank Pool and with more than 350 entries, John Brumback won in dominant fashion over pool legend and personal favorite Efren Reyes in the final. Brumback was the defending champion and with complete control excelled beyond the closest competition easily. Next up was One Pocket and Scott Frost won and was so happy as this sort of validates his career despite already being recognized as a great player by his peers. The single elimination, $500 entry fee plus $4000 added, race to 15 games of 10 Ball event went off with 16 players that concluded with Efren Reyes victorious over Johnny Archer. This was a very memorable match as Archer played exceptionally well and still lost 15-11 to the flawless match that Reyes played. I do not feel that anyone else could have beaten Johnny's performance in this one except Efren. Afterward I felt that if I had traveled from California and watched this single match and then went home, it would have been worth it. This match is so inspiring and motivating to see, and then simply wish to play better yourself. Then the straight pool had several big runs with John Schmidt leading the way producing a run of 171 on video and ultimate winner of this event, Charlie Williams running a 125 to beat Schmidt in the semi-finals. Then Efren struck again in the 9-Ball winning the title over Rodney Morris. Efren's victory in the semi's over Shannon Murphy was the most exciting match of the 9 day event and needs to be seen. The All-Around title went to Reyes as well as the additional $20,000 prize and what a great week it was again. Be sure to check out these and all of the other great matches from this event if you are sincere in wanting to play better pool from Accu-Stats.com and I must say the video of Schmidt's 171 ball run with the player review is an absolute must for anyone wanting to play play great pool and hear the inner most thoughts of a great player that is willing to explain and share with those of us so keenly interested.

Accuracy and Eye Movement

When I used to watch Steve Mizerak play great pool I was always struck by the volume of eye movement that he employed. Before setting up to the cue ball he would stand and visually align the shot and several eye shifts would always occur. Then he would bend over and set the cue tip up to the cue ball and visually confirm that the shot appeared accurate and true. This was not some superficial and cursory glance but rather his eyes would move slowly back and forth between the cue ball and the target. Prior to taking a practice swing and without any body movement simply his eyes would shift and his forehead would get these deep wrinkles as he would really examine the accuracy several times. This pattern was strict and would take place on all shots, in this exact manner, without variation. This pattern of care with the initial set up was uniform and choreographed and requires a little more work than someone would willingly put forth who is unaware of this extreme need.The addition of this degree of care and exactness translates to consistency through a disciplined repetitive approach. Be prepared to put forth more effort and energy than you ever dreamed was required for playing high performance pool, so now you have the secret of excellence.

Latest Discovery for Excellence

Recently much has been written about the 10,000 hour rule. What this rule states is that to become expert at any topic it requires 10,000 hours of focused effort. This requires more time and effort than the uninitiated amateur player realizes, as they hope for some immediate results or finding the secret that the pro's know and will not release to them. The secret to aiming for success with pocketing tough shots, how to consistently make bank shots, and using "english" for great position play. Apply yourself for 10,000 hours of serious effort and you will find the results that you desire, irrespective of your natural ability, hard work conquers all. What this all means is that great pool playing is a product of pool being your lifestyle not something to fill idle hours.

PartyPoker.netWorldPoolMasters

Class and style is how the Matchroom team conducts the business of running billiard events worldwide. The television presentation will be on Fox Sports in the U.S. The quality of the play will be as great as advertised, and equal to the production. I attended the event as an interested fan and also one of the commentators for the exciting event with the most unforgiving of formats, race to eight games, single elimination. Jim Wych and Phil Yates are the professional broadcasters that immediately accepted me and made me feel welcome into their world. Their expertise made me sound better and I must thank them both for the fun and understanding patience of my personal broadcasting deficiencies. Both of them are truly team players only interested in making the best event possible and not ego driven legends of the sport. The behind the scenes efforts of the entire production team is considerable in terms of detail, which you will notice on the telecasts of the fifteen matches to air. Please check out matchroomsport.com for more information, until next time, Mark