OB Cues is delighted to announce that they have signed an agreement with Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan as a player representative for OB Cues. This agreement will undoubtedly help both Alex and OB Cues immensely as they move forward together.
Shane Sinnott, Director of Sales and Marketing for OB Cues said "Alex has a magnetic personality and is arguably one of the best all-around Pool Players playing the game right now, we couldn't be happier to have Alex onboard with us and we look forward to seeing him win many more tournaments using OB Cues."
 
"I believe this arrangement is ideal for Alex as it allows him to focus on his career and it lays a foundation for a world class player to now be paired with a world class cue manufacturer," notes Jim Wych, Pagulayan's agent. "I can tell you that Alex is extremely happy and excited to be involved with OB Cues and he can't wait to get back to the pool table with his new cues in hand."

OB Cues, headquartered in Plano, Texas is a leading manufacturer of High Performance Pool Cues and Pool Cue Shafts made 100% in the USA since 2005. For more information on OB Cues or OB shafts or to become an authorized dealer, please visit www.obcues.com

For more information on Alex Pagulayan you will be able to check out his new website which he and OB Cues will announce in the next few days.

The Billiard Education Foundation announces September as official Juniors Pool Month across the country. Under new direction, the nonprofit organization is reaching out to pool enthusiasts from coast to coast to help raise money for junior pool programs, including leagues, tournaments, and scholarships and pool in school programs.

As the annual pool season kicks off, the BEF is challenging the industry, players, and fans to arrange and support fundraisers. “Let’s start a movement! League operators, tournament directors, and poolroom owners already raise money for their favorite charities. We’re simply asking that BEF be this month’s recipient,” said Samm Diep-Vidal, Executive Director.

Fundraising campaigns will be highlighted in billiard publications, poolrooms, retailers, and social media. Many ways people are supporting juniors pool across the nation include fundraiser tournaments, raffles, auctions, monetary and product donations, and through spreading the word about the BEF and its efforts to promote the next generation of players and fans.

For more information on ways to get involved, contact Samm Diep directly at 303-667-8000 or samm@billiardeducation.org. Request a donation box or download a donation banner ad from the BEF website (http://www.billiardeducation.org).

The Billiard Education Foundation (billiardeducation.org) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that produces the annual Junior National Championships, provides scholarships for young players, sends junior players to the World Junior Championships and promotes Pool in School programs to encourage lifelong participants.

McDermott Cue Mfg. LLC has announced their August 2012 free cue giveaway contest!

Each month, McDermott gives away a free pool to a lucky contestant. This month, the giveaway cue is the G211C. It features a heavy Birdseye Maple forearm with a blue & grey double-wash stain. The G211C also has a solid Italian pearl sleeve and comes standard with McDermott’s high-performance G-Core shaft.

To enter the contest, visit www.mcdermottcue.com/giveaway and fill out the simple survey. There is no limit to the number of times one can enter the contest. At the end of the month, McDermott will randomly select a winner to receive the free G211C. Congratulations to Lawrence McCauley of Rathdrum, ID. He won a brand new G204C in last month’s giveaway contest.

McDermott Cue is headquartered in Menomonee Falls, WI markets under the brands of McDermott Cue, Star Cue, Lucky Cue, Element Cue, Wildfire, Pool Prodigy, Intimidator Shafts, G-Core Shafts, Big Boy Shafts, Sledgehammer Break Cue, Stinger Break/Jump Cues and Elephant Balls.

John "Mr.400" Schmidt became the first American in 22 years to hoist the World 14.1 Trophy when he defeated legendary Efren Reyes of the Philippines. Photos courtesy Brian Loeng of www.NYCGrind.com

Europe's dominance of straight pool has ended. John Schmidt of Hesperia, California put USA back on top again when he defeated a field of international superstars whom most put well ahead of Schmidt as favorites. Undeterred by critics, Schmidt proved to the world America still has game.

The 2012 Predator World Tournament of 14.1 took place July 29th - August 3rd in New York City. The event was produced by Dragon Promotions & Dr.Michael Fedak and proudly co-sponsored by Championship Cloth, Olhausen Tables, Amsterdam Billiards, Aramith Balls, Pool & Billiard Magazine, Championship Tour Edition Chalk, and straight pool aficionados Dr.Louis Pannullo of NYC, Stu Mattana of NYC, Ralph Rubin of MD, and Tom Gleich of NC. Co-contributors Dr.James Heller, Drew Thomas, and Charles Eames.

Some major roadblocks en route to his victory included facing France's Stephan Cohen the 2009 World 14.1 winner; Ralph Eckert of Germany, a former European Champion; and Germany's Thorsten Hohmann, the reigning World Tournament of 14.1 Champion who was Gold in 2006 and 2011. In the finale, Filipino master and BCA Hall of Famer Efren Reyes waited in the wings.

On day two of the six day World Tournament, fans were highly anticipating the France vs USA match, with France the clear favorite. However, Schmidt put on a masterful clinic, running a flawless 100 balls in a row to win 100 to 0, with Cohen being scoreless and helpless in the match.

2006 Bronze Medalist of the World 14.1 Max Eberle of Las Vegas gave Schmidt a surprise defeat in the second stage of the event. Schmidt bounced back from the loss and defeated Dennis Spears and later avenged himself against Eberle in the final stage of the event 200 to 46.

In the quarter finals, Schmidt faced the demons of his 5th place finish in 2008 where he faltered in his chance to defeat Netherlands's Niels Feijen who eventually went on to win the title. And to add to the challenge, Schmidt would face reigning champion Thorsten Hohmann, most who consider him the greatest player in 14.1.

In a battle that tied several times in the match, Schmidt pulled through for a close 200 to 164 win that wasn't pretty, but dramatic and pressure packed.

"John has done more than any other American player the past few years in drawing attention to the game with his videos and 14.1 records in his high run competitions," said Hohmann. "Of the Americans, he has the most passion for straight pool. On being the world 14.1 champion, all I can say is, welcome to the club," grinned Hohmann.

The final day, Schmidt faced another German in Ralph Eckert, who the day before defeated USA Champion Johnny Archer. Schmidt ran 98 balls in the first half of the match. Eckert mounted a short comeback, but John was too much to handle as he flew around the table running racks in minutes.

Meanwhile, in the other bracket, Efren Reyes was terrorizing his opponents with his pinpoint cueball control and defense. The Filipino star went undefeated in 9 consecutive matches, pocketing 1250 balls to reach the finals.

USA vs Philippines; for the first time in nearly a decade, no European in the finals. "We really couldn't ask for much more in terms of a huge match-up. An American versus the greatest player of all time. It's a fabulous combo," said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.

The final was spectacular. Schmidt came out guns blazing with a lightning fast 107 ball run in 36 minutes. Then unbelievably, Reyes came back with a 112 ball run! Schmidt came back with a short 20 ball run. With Efren at the table needing 31 balls, Schmidt would hope for one more chance. And he got it. Efren missed letting Schmidt back needing 37 balls. Schmidt came with a tough off-angle combination shot into a pocket partially covered. He slow rolled it in.

Soon needing just nine points for the win, Schmidt faced the biggest breakshot of his life. "He is wishing the cue ball was 10 inches more to the right. The pressure is huge," said newly crowned World 9-Ball champion Darren Appleton.

"I am still the World Champion....for five more minutes," joked Hohmann in a whisper to Darren and the group of pros watching the end.

Schmidt fired the final break shot with authority and upon success, slammed the table rail with his hand in partial relief and celebration.

As he made made his way through the rack and the final ball, Schmidt let out a yell and fist pump as the emotions could no longer be contained.

John was littered with phone calls and texts within seconds of making the final ball. Some of his friends like Bill Marapolous was overcome with joy and emotions that they cried over the phone. "This is so huge for him. He never celebrates when he wins, even at the US Open and Derby City. But this time he fist pumped and yelled because this meant more to him than anything," said Bill Marapolous, longtime friend and supporter. Bill wasn't able to personally attend the event, so he watched online and admitted he couldn't help the tears from falling. "The final rack I was pacing around the room and couldn't watch!"

In the closing ceremony speech, Efren commented, "I really thought I was going to win when I ran the 112 balls. I needed some luck. But John played too good!"

"This title means so much to me," said Schmidt. "It means to me as much as anything I've ever won. I was so nervous in the end that I can't remember everything. I hardly ever celebrate like this with a fist pump and stuff, but I couldn't contain it. I want to thank all the sponsors and people that supported me and this great event. And to Charlie WIlliams who coached me throughout the week and helped me keep things positive," said the new World Tournament of 14.1 Champion.

Charlie Williams, promoter from Dragon Promotions, explained, "Europe has had a stranglehold on this event and 14.1. Between Asia and Europe, they have dominated the international pool scene the past few years. Until now. This was an important win for USA." Williams is a pro player and coach/captain of Team USA at last year's Mosconi Cup in which USA plays Europe annually.

John Schmidt's name will be inscribed on the World 14.1 Trophy as the 72nd winner alongside names such as Hohmann, Mizerak, Mosconi, Martin, Greenleaf, Ortmann and the past legends of the game.

More aftermath stories and info on World Tournament at www.facebook.com/Worldstraightpool and twitter.com/Dragonpromoter. Brackets can be found at www.worldstraightpool.com.