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Brandon Marsh
Brandon Marsh from Sturgeon Bay, Wis., is a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force. He qualified for the 8-Ball Classic last year, but was deployed to Southwest Asia. So, he was deferred to this year’s tournament, where he’s competing in the Purple Tier (SLs 6-7).
The whole process of even qualifying began about 2 ½ years ago, when he was supposed to go to Regionals in Omaha, Neb., but was deployed. So, he was deferred about 4-5 months. He then won the Regional tournament. Brandon then was scheduled to compete in the 8-Ball Classic in 2009, but once again was deployed. So, here he is today – finally able to compete! “I’m just happy as happy to finally be here,” Brandon said. “The tournament is going fantastically, I won my first two rounds.” Brandon has been in the Military for five years and has one year left on his contract. |
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Double Bypass
Kurt and Sonya Carlson of Mishawaka, Ind., competed in the Jack & Jill Championship of the National Singles Championships. This is their second year qualifying for the event. Last year, they qualified for the Jack & Jill Championship, but ended up not being able to compete. Sonya had to get double bypass surgery just before leaving for the event. She wasn’t able to play pool for three months after the surgery – which was extremely difficult. This year, they decided to try to qualify for the event again – and succeeded! Because of the adversity they’ve overcome, they named their Jack & Jill team: Double Bypass.
The two have been playing pool together since they got married 11 years ago. They are now out of the tournament, but were happy to make it into the money rounds. At home, Kurt plays on two teams and Sonya plays on three. They say that the League is a great way to spend time with friends and meet new people. They really enjoy all the people they have met because of the APA. |
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MiniMania Action Continues
Players who did not qualify for one of the National Championship events can play in the MiniMania events. These events run nearly round-the-clock and are open to current APA members with at least 10 League match scores. Many different formats are available. Entry fees range from $10 to $50 and guarantee 100% payback of entry fees. This is a great way for players to get the National tournament experience! |
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Charlotte & Daniel Williams
Charlotte and Daniel Williams of Richmond, Va., are both competing in the 9-Ball Shootout. Charlotte is in the Green Tier (SLs 1-3) and Daniel is in the White Tier (SLs 4-5). They have been married for 37 years! Together, they share a love for pool and the APA. Daniel began playing in the APA in 2001, while Charlotte joined in 2005. After Daniel qualified for the 8-Ball Classic in 2004, and Charlotte made the trip to Vegas with him, she was convinced that she should join the League, too. They currently play on a Double Jeopardy team with their son and daughter-in-law.
This is Daniel’s second time competing at Nationals. Charlotte is on trip number three! She competed in the 9-Ball Doubles Championship with her daughter-in-law in 2006, then came back for the same event in 2008 with a friend – and took 3rd Place! This is her first time competing at the Singles Championships. They have really enjoyed their journey to the National Singles Championships together! |
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Barry Vaughan
Barry Vaughan of Old Church, Va., has been playing pool for 40 years. He joined an APA team six years ago with a friend – who he still plays with today. This is Barry’s first time at an APA National event! He is competing in the Black Tier (SLs 6-9) of the 9-Ball Shootout. On Monday, his first grandchild was born – just in time before leaving for Vegas! He said he kept stressing that the baby needed to be born on March 26 – and sure enough, his wish came true!
During his first match on Thursday, he earned a 9-on-the-snap patch. Barry has really enjoyed getting to know all the different people. He said he met people from nine different states and everyone was a great sportsman. He is having a wonderful time!
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Tournament Officially Underway
The 2010 National Singles Championships are officially underway! APA President Renee Lyle kicked off the event at the Opening Ceremony on Thursday afternoon. Play will continue until Saturday when seven National Champions will be crowned! There are four Skill Level Tiers in the 8-Ball Classic: Blue (SLs 2-3), Yellow (SL4), Red (SL5) and Purple (SLs 6-7). The 9-Ball Shootout consists of three Tiers: Green (SLs 1-3), White (SLs 4-5) and Black (SLs 6-9). The 8-Ball Classic Champions will each take home a $15,000 cash and prize package! Champions in the 9-Ball Shootout each win a $10,000 cash and prize package! |
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Jack & Jill Championship Begins
The APA Jack & Jill Championship kicked-off on Wednesday! Poolplayers from across the nation unite to compete in this preregistered 8-Ball event. Play officially began at 1:00 pm and runs until Friday evening, when a winner will be crowned. The 1st Place team will take home $5,000! Teams consist of a male and female, with a Skill Level limit of 10. All together, 256 teams are competing in this year’s event. |
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Players Shop for Billiards Merchandise
In addition to the tournament action, players can browse and purchase billiards merchandise among the vendors in attendance. Exhibitors include: Blackburn Cue Repair, Hands From Heaven, Jacoby Custom Cues, Khamsin Designs, Las Vegas Photo & Video, Omega Billiard Supplies and Palmer Cues. Whether they’re looking for a new cue and case or APA-branded apparel, they’ll find it here! Be sure to pick up an official event shirt! All exhibitors will be in attendance until the end of play on Friday evening. |
