Welcome to Texas Hold'em Billiards! Introduced in 2005, this exciting new format was conceived by Billiards International and Allen Hopkins. The inaugural event was won by Marlon Manalo and featured a $100,000 winner take all format. This year the format is slighty different, promising all players a chance to win some money...
For more details on how the game is played, click on the links above. Keep reading below to see the players that will be battling for the title and the cash this year.
These Bios have been pulled from various sources on the web, all sources have been noted
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Johnny Archer
Johnny Archer picked up a pool cue 23 years ago destined to become one of the sport's most extraordinary players. His domination as a professional is unquestionable; his resume reads like a dream: five-time Player of the Year, four World 9-Ball championships, U.S. Open championship, seven-time Mosconi Cup player, Player of the Decade of the '90s, and the saga continues. Sponsored by Cuestix International and a player representative for Scorpion Cues, Archer has entered 2004 full throttle, aiming at the same targets he does every year. "I'd like to win the World Championship again. Every goal every year is to win the World Championship and the U.S. Open. Those are two of our biggest. So, that, and I figure the rest will take care of itself."
With the recent birth of his son, Johnny Lee Archer Jr., he'll be spending less time on the road this year and more at home with family. "It's very hard to leave, because you just get a little sad, and it's tough to get away knowing that your wife needs you and the baby needs you. But, you know, that's my job, so I know I have to do that to take care of them. But I will say I'm a little more relaxed playing now … hopefully that doesn't take away my fight that I have, which I don't think it will."
It is doubtful that anything could take away Archer's fight, for as relaxed as he may be, his determination and play intensity are just as high as ever. Seen him on the table lately?
When not spending time with his family or playing on the road, Archer is in a YMCA basketball league on a team dubbed the Scorpions, which recently went 5-4, and he swings his fair share on the golf course. He and his wife, Melanie, are also very active in the Church of God. "I'd like to say I'm a good Christian. We go to church every Sunday while we're home. I think that's something people need. Not so much that they have to believe in God per se, or what denomination, but I think a religious thing takes a lot of pressure off of you and gives your something to believe in. I think spirituality is a very big thing, and I believe in that."
The well-rounded Johnny Archer is as much a genuine and approachable individual as he is a dominating pool player. Keep your eyes wide for 2004 … the man is on a mission.
Visit InsidePOOL for the latest news in the sport of billiards and pool and Johnny Archer.
Bio copied from www.InsidePoolMag.com
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John Schmidt
2006 US OPEN CHAMPION
One of the younger players with a lot of firepower, John Schmidt has been playing pool for less time than people realize. He was 18 years old when he first picked up a cue in a poolroom in California. John was born in Iowa and moved to California when he was seven years old, remaining there for 20 years. Golf was John's passion, and he even played several times with Tiger Woods. Upon relocating to Lake Tahoe for a job on a golf course, former world straight-pool champion and custom cue maker Bobby Hunter saw him play and immediately recognized that John was world-class material.
Hunter took John under his wing and taught him everything he could, starting with straight pool. Golf aspirations were pushed aside as John went on the road for five years, playing straight pool, one-pocket, and 9-ball. Some of his wins include The Rack Open twice in a row in Vancouver, Canada, and several events in Mobile, AL, that had extremely tough fields by any standards.
While in Mobile, John was approached by room owner and pool lover Randy White of Hidden Pockets in Milton, FL. White made John an offer he couldn't refuse-come to Milton to live on his ranch, be his house pro, and play pool while White sponsored John in pro events. After discussing the idea with his girlfriend Jenny, John decided that the offer was too good to pass up, and the couple moved to Milton last June.
"As soon as I got over there, I broke my high run of two hundred and forty within the first week with a run of two hundred and eighty-five," said John. To top things off, while on his honeymoon with Jenny last June, John entered the Sands Regency Reno Open and beat Alex Pagulayan in the finals.
Where he used to enter only two pro tournaments per year, winning the prestigious Reno event gave John the motivation to enter in as many professional events as possible. With his talent, which is still developing, and his support at home from Jenny and Randy, he is certain to be a force to be reckoned with at any event he attends.
Visit InsidePOOL for the latest news in the sport of billiards and pool and John Schmidt.
Bio copied from www.InsidePoolMag.com
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Jeannette Lee
Personal Data:
Birth Date: 07/09/71
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Height: 5'8"
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Children: Cheyenne Lee Breedlove born June 11, 2004
Passions: Art, Swimming, Reading, Fashion and Spending Time with Children
Career Highlights:
Winner of the 2003 Tournament of Champions
Winner of seventeen WPBA titles
Gold medalist at 2001 World Games
Ranked third Most Powerful Person in the industry by Billiards Digest
WPBA Sportsperson of the Year
Formerly ranked #1 in the world and Player of the Year by Billiards Digest and Billiards Magazine
Bowling and Billiards Institute of America Industry Service Award
She’s Got the Look:
Named one of the Sexiest Female Athletes in the World by ESPN
Ten Women We Love by Esquire
Dozen Most Attractive Women Athletes by Aloette Cosmetics
Featured in an ESPN SportsCenter commercial
Has appeared on Arli$$, Entertainment Tonight, Extra!, Late Show with David Letterman, Hard Copy, HBO Real Sports, Late Show with Craig Kilborn, MTV’s Say What, One Life to Live, Regis and Kelly, Say What Karaoke and the Today Show
Cameos in The Other Sister
Corporate Partners:
Escalade Sports
Mosconi Billiards
LaserOne
Interplay-Virtual Pool 3
Stern Pinball
Canadian Club
Lucky Goldstar Electronics
Overcoming Scoliosis:
Jeanette was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 13
To alleviate the pain, doctors implanted a steel rod in her spine, which she still has today
She serves as National Spokesperson for Scoliosis Association, Inc.
Giving Back:
Jeanette serves as a Trustee for The Women’s Sports Foundation
Actively Participates in Fundraising Events for Various Charities
Established The Jeanette Lee Foundation to help raise money for WSF and mentoring children
Bio info copied from www.jeanettelee.com
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George Breedlove
- Born in 1966
- Joined the pro tour at 26 years old
- Lexington All-Star Champion in 1994
- Third place, World Championship in 1994
- Multiple ESPN matches
- Over 100 regional event wins
- Nickname is "The Flamethrower"
Married to WPBA player Jeanette “The Black Widow” Lee
Recently adopted a child, Cheyenne, born June 11, 2004
Bio copied from www.InsidePoolMag.com
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Luc Salvas
Age - 41
Based - Quebec, Canada
Hobbies -Poker, Tennis, Swimming, Baseball
Years Playing - 20 years a pro
Cue Used -Schon
Achievements - Ranked 6th UPA Tour rankings. 3rd Place ESPN Baltimore, 4th Place Philadelphia, 5th Place Valley Forge (All UPA Tour stops) 9th Place 2003 World Pool Championship. Canadian 9-Ball Champion. 2 Times Canadian Player of the Year.
One of the most popular players on the world circuit, the happy-go-lucky Salvas gets by with a frenetic playing style that would give speed merchant Tony Drago a run for his money. Although he has never won a major international tournament, Salvas is a consistent performer in the highest company and is currently ranked No.6 on the highly competitive UPA Tour in the States. Over the years, Salvas has won over 100 titles in his North America Canada including the national championship and is still playing as well as ever at 41. The question is whether Salvas has what it takes to triumph in Egmond? The shorter race will undoubtedly favour him and he is certainly a player the others will want to avoid. A good outside bet.
Visit InsidePOOL for the latest news in the sport of billiards and pool and Luc Salvas.
Bio copied from www.InsidePoolMag.com
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Jennifer Baretta
After only 7 years in the game of pool, natural athlete and born competitor Jennifer Barretta, has already become one of the top female 9-ball players in the world. With coaching and long days of practice Jennifer managed to become "Player of the Year" on the Chesapeake Area Tour which earned her spots into all of the professional events for 2003. By October 2003 Jennifer achieved the prestigious "Touring Pro" status with the Women's Professional Billiards Association, and in December 2004 Jennifer proved she was more than just a pretty face when she defeated the #1 ranked player during an ESPN televised match, ultimately finishing the event in 3rd place.
Known for her movie star looks, and voted into ESPN's "25 Sexiest Female Athletes of 2005", Jennifer has already been featured in numerous international and trade magazines including a three page spread in the widely circulated FHM (For Him Magazine, May 2004). In November 2005 she will be featured in a 4 page article in Playboy Magazine. With appearances on "McEnroe", "The Best Damn Sports Show" and "One Life to Live" along with a principle role in a national commercial for Farmer Pharmaceuticals, Jennifer has not only become SAG and AFTRA eligible, but she has secured her role as one of the most marketable athletes on the professional billiards scene.
Originally a tennis player and fitness competitor, Jennifer is no stranger to the pressure of competing and winning. A one time AAU "Ms. Philadelphia" fitness winner she has seamlessly translated her discipline and desire to win into the world of professional pool. With many tournament wins in fields dominated by men, this small town tomboy turned fitness pageant winner is not only set to conquer the billiards industry, but is certain to become a household name.
Bio copied from www.JenniferBaretta.com
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Rodney Morris
BIO INFO COMING SOON
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Corey Deuel
Corey Deuel is the 2004 Derby City Classic Ring Game Champion, the 2002 Atlanta Pro Open Champion, the 2004 Predator Central Florida Ring Game Champion, the 2001 U.S. Open 9-Ball Champion. Known as “The Prince of Pool,” he currently resides in West Jefferson, Ohio.
Visit InsidePOOL for the latest news in the sport of billiards and pool and Corey Deuel.
Bio copied from www.InsidePoolMag.com
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