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Championship action continues.

The 2001 Camel 8-Ball Ladies and Molson 9-Ball National Team Championships are in full swing. Molson 9-Ball Championship action kicked off Friday evening with Round 1.  The Ladies Division of the Camel 8-Ball Championship kicked off early Saturday morning.

In 9-Ball action, Round 2 began at 8 a.m., with Rounds 3-5 at 1 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., respectively. In the Ladies 8-Ball Championship, Round 1 got started at 8 a.m., with Rounds 2 and 3 to follow at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., respectively. 

Both fields will continue to be whittled down as rounds continue throughout the day, so be sure to stay up-to-date on all the latest happenings here at Poolplayers.com

Professional poolplayers Allen and Dawn Hopkins were on hand in the Camel pool room to give APA players tips on their game.  Allen, a current Hall of Fame nominee, was quick to answer player questions. Players asked Allen about scenarios and set up the pool balls in possible shots, he helped players with determining their angle on certain shots.  He helped players understand the diamond system a little more.  Allen gave his audience useful tips and tricks.  Dawn played pool matches with players.  She gave advice to players during the game and after shots. Allen and Dawn offered their observers two hours to ask questions and play games.

Bill Robb and Bernadette Robb, from New Jersey, enjoy coming out to the tournaments.  Bill has been an APA member for 12 years, and his wife for two.  "We love playing with the APA, its fun and relaxing," said Bill, "it is really neat how anyone can play; the handicap system makes it so everyone can win."

"We are out here for the Doubles tournaments, so far we are doing well," said Bernadette, "we are having a great time regardless."

"We are not playing in the tournaments this year," said Steve Catling, "we came out here for the atmosphere."  Even though Steve and Dawn, also from New Jersey, are not playing this year, they still have something to celebrate.  Two years ago they were married at the National Team Championships.  "We were married when the tournament was in July, but it is still neat to be out here watching everyone, it gets better every year, and we get to enjoy Vegas a little more."

As friends, Louise Dukarski, Jennifer McCullough, Sherry Myers, and Jeannette Shaver enjoy playing together.  With a combined 23 years APA experience they have seen the APA grow, both league-wise and tournament-wise. "I have seen these tournaments grow," said Myers, "each year they get bigger, more organized, and more exciting!"  Sherry makes it out to the tournaments even if she does not play. "I love coming out here; luckily I won the Doubles in my area this year to come out here."

"This is my first time to Vegas," said McCullough, "and Wow! Vegas is exciting, being here is just as exciting as playing in the tournament."

These Michigan ladies are playing in the MiniMania Doubles tournaments. "If we have to play each other it won't be until the end; that will be a lot of fun if it happens that way!" said Myers.

Cindy Mason-Blackbird, Carrie Mason, and Amy McClure are sisters on Ladies 8-Ball team Special K Knockouts. "We have fun playing together," said Carrie, "we get to see each other a lot and we have a lot of fun!" Cindy has been to many APA tournaments, her member number is 0019 in her League area of Spokane, Washington.  "APA tournaments have changed so much over the years," said Cindy, "I played in the tournaments when they were in St. Louis; everything is much more organized and there is so much more offered at the tournaments now."

"Playing in the APA is so much fun," said Cindy, "we have met so many people, I have been able to travel to a lot of the tournaments, playing is so exciting."

©Copyright 2001. American Poolplayers  Association, Inc. All materials herein, including logos and artwork, are the  intellectual and legal properties of the APA.  All Rights  Reserved. 2001