Eye on the Prize

Trophies sparkle in the eyes of National Singles Championships participants as they enter the main tournament room.  First, second and third place trophies catch the light and attention of those who dream big—those who wish to take the trophies home as National Singles Champions.  Play started Thursday evening and will continue until Saturday afternoon when three Champions are crowned in the 8-Ball Classic and three in the 9-Ball Shootout.

Check’in-in

Registration for the 8-Ball Classic and 9-Ball Shootout started Thursday morning at 9 a.m.  Players received an APA goodie bag, including an APA glass, patch, jacket and tournament information.  Early this morning the registration line curved around the registration desk and down the halls of Riviera as nearly 480 players registered for the tournament.

Allison Fisher Appearances

APA spokesperson and #1 ranked WPBA player, Allison Fisher had a booth at the National Singles Championships this year.  She offered autograph photos, posters, and billiard balls at her booth.  She was also available for pictures with players, 8-Ball Classic participant Glen Everlith had the opportunity to have his picture taken with Allison, “this is the first time I’ve ever met Allison, I’ve seen her on TV but it’s really neat to see her in person,” said Everlith. 

Cloth Concepts

The APA’s Official Cloth provider, Valley Ultra Teflon Cloth by Championship provided a sample of APA logo billiard cloth at the National Singles Championships.  Championship has the ability to print many different wild, weird and wacky images and pictures on billiard cloth.

Jack & Jill Engaged

“My plan was to ask her to marry me out here, but I was too scared to carry the ring on the plane across the country,” said Andrew Pokorny, “no, he was just to excited, he couldn’t wait,” added Laurie Beaury with a laugh.  Pokorny and Beaury, of Birmingham, Alabama, are participants in the Jack & Jill Championship as the team The Franchise.  They have been together for three years and Pokorny finally popped the question right before they made their trip to Las Vegas, “we won’t be getting married out here, but I’m happy to be engaged!” added Beaury.

On-Site Stress Relief

How do players relax before the big match?  With an on-site massage of course!  Players had the opportunity to take a breather and receive a relaxing massage by On-Site Stress Relief.  For as little as $8 one could get a quick massage before or after playing.  “This feels so good,” said one player, “it really helps when you think about the pressure of playing later today.”  Massages will be available during the entire Championship.

APA Members Meet & Marry

APA members Pamela and Frank met at the National Team Championships two years ago during a Dr. Cue Exhibition.  Pamela, from New York, and Frank from Birmingham, Alabama found pool to be a common interest between them and immediately hit it off.  A year later they were married, and sent Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman an invitation to their wedding!  “I had attended the Team event two years ago just to play in the MiniMania events because I thought it would be fun, Frank was out here with a three-person team in the Triple Play Championships,” said Pamela, “I’m so happy we met.” They are competing together in the Jack & Jill Championships this time.