PHOENIX, AZ (May 5th, 2008) - The United States Professional Poolplayers Association (the "UPA") announced today that the organization and its players plan to take a stand against the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) effective immediately due to its "medaling" within the United States men's professional pool scene.
The UPA, as an organization, officially received word just hours ago that a press release was being provided to media from the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) concerning a change in ranking and player communication overview. In the press release by the BCA, it stated that the decision to "manage the men's professional rankings system and player communications duties" was to be performed by the BCA.
The President of the UPA, Frank Alvarez, commented that "it is regrettable that I was only informed of this hours before the release. I sit on the BCA/WPA committee and this topic somehow was not presented to the very player's association that is directly involved. The UPA is officially recognized by the BCA as the 'governing body' and yet we were not consulted on this matter nor informed by the BCA of any such release. Obviously, we will need time to get to the heart of the matter and deal with it properly. The BCA is a trade organization and not a player's association so this not only undermines, but underestimates the wishes of our Touring Professionals. It is apparent that the UPA membership as a whole is not being treated equally or with the same respect as its counter part the Women's Professional Billiard Association (WPBA). Understandably, the player's are outraged and we believe this matter will do nothing but impair U.S. pool if not resolved in the near future. It is my position that the will of the UPA is simply the will of the players."
In response to both the BCA's recent decision and the behavior of the WPA, effective immediately, UPA players will not plan to attend the 2008 Qatar World Open 9-Ball Championships currently scheduled for June 27-July 5, 2008.
Some of the top names in the men's professional pool scene have provided statements on this issue as follows:
"I take it as a personal offense that any association would seek to undermine our ranking system. We are the players in the U.S. and I will support my country's association. If the WPA wants American players, then I am certain that we will be shown the respect that we deserve from WPA representatives." - Rodney Morris, UPA Lead Representative
"This is our tour and our ranking system. No one has the right to take this away from us. Honestly, I am shocked and disappointed that we are treated with such disrespect." - Tony Robles, UPA Representative
"In my opinion, we have the strongest ranking system in the world and we are not about to let that go." - Tony Crosby, UPA Representative
"I'm in full support of the UPA - I believe in what it stands for and that the power should be in the hands of our player association." - Shane Van Boening, UPA Touring Professional
If you would like to learn more about the UPA organization, our website is located at www.upatour.com or to contact us directly with questions, please call (480) 353-6747 or email info@upatour.com
PHOENIX, AZ (April 18th, 2008) - The United States Professional Poolplayers Association (the "UPA") will be sending three of their top players to Fujairah, United Arab Emirates from April 18-25, 2008, to participate in the World 8-Ball Pool Championships being held at the Fujairah Exhibition Center. The three players attending this year's event include 2007 U.S. Open Champion, Shane Van Boening, Corey Deuel, and Ronnie Wiseman.
This event will host a total field of sixty-four players which will be divided up into eight groups. The play will consist of races to eight, double elimination, alternate breaks. The top four players that qualify from each group will move on into the final thirty-two. At that point, sixteen players will be seeded upon performance results, while the remaining will be drawn at random to compete against the seeded individuals.
The President of the UPA, Frank Alvarez, would like to send special thanks to the BCA trade organization for helping provide the means for the players to have the opportunity to travel overseas to represent the United States in such a prestigious event.
If you would like to learn more about the UPA organization, our website is located at www.upatour.com or to contact us directly with questions, please call (480) 353-6747 or email info@upatour.com
PHOENIX, AZ (March 3rd, 2008) – The United States Professional Poolplayers Association (the “UPA”) has announced that it will sanction the upcoming Desert Shootout Classic currently scheduled for April 24-27, 2008. With the UPA sanctioning this event, it now ups the anty as this tournament will be a World Championship qualifier as well as helping determine 2008 U.S. rankings.
The $25,000 added ten-ball tournament will be played at the Sheraton-Crescent Hotel located in Phoenix, Arizona. The equipment of choice, nine foot Pro-Cut Diamond tables and sponsors include Simonis Cloth, Aramath Saluc Balls, and the Delta-13 Rack. The event will be limited to the first 128 paid entrants with the player meeting and draw taking place on April 23rd at 7 p.m., play to follow on Thursday at 8 a.m. To register for this event or for additional details, visit www.desertshootout.com
Prior to the event, a qualifier will be played at Alexander’s Bar & Grill located at 3603 W Dunlap Avenue in Phoenix. The qualifier entry is $75 plus a $25 registration fee and will be limited to 64 paid entrants. The first four prizes include a free entry into the main event plus first place will enjoy a four night stay at the hotel; second, a three night stay; third, a two night stay; and fourth, a one night stay.
A second chance tournament will be played April 26th and 27th for those that have been knocked out of the main event. Metro Sportz Bar in Phoenix will be the venue for this $3000 added event. The entry fee is $125 with a $25 registration, limited to 64 shoot-out eliminated players. The cut-off time for registration is noon on April 26th. If available spots are not filled with “shoot-out players”, stand-by opportunities will be available on a first come basis.
The event promoter, Chuck Bobbit, stated “We are excited to make this a UPA event and look forward to providing a quality venue for players and fans alike. We have a lot of catching up to do, but we expect to have a great event for players and fans alike.”
For those of you that are not currently UPA members, please take a moment to visit our website and click on “Join the UPA” for membership details.
If you would like to learn more about the UPA organization or are interested in sponsor opportunities for this event, our website is located at www.upatour.com or to contact us directly with questions, please call (480) 353-6747 or email info@upatour.com
PHOENIX, AZ (February 18th, 2008) – The United States Professional Poolplayers Association (the “UPA”) has recently ramped up its website to include many entertaining and functional resources for our membership and pool fans alike. The newest addition, The Pro Side, offers a wonderful opportunity for our players and fans to become much more interactive with each other through the use of a “blog” spot.
The blog will provide a location where the tour’s professional players can deposit a collection of thoughts and stories as they proceed throughout the season. Also, by jumping on the technical super highway, the tour allows those interested in it the convenience of mingling via the website by providing its audience a gateway to respond with comments concerning entries. In addition, tour polls will be available to site visitors to vote on issues occurring during the year; determining fan’s favorite players; and ultimately, assisting in the outcome of the UPA year-end awards such as Player of the Year, Sportsman of the Year, and Best Representative.
Each month an individual/company will sponsor the blog which will help provide prize money for each category winner – this month Delta-13 has stepped up to the plate. If you would like to contribute and be a part of The Pro Side, please contact the tour for additional details.
To find out about The Pro Side blog, locating it is rather easy, just click on the tour homepage of www.upatour.com and find “Our Blog” on the left side of the screen.
If you would like to learn more about the UPA organization, our website is located at www.upatour.com or to contact us directly with questions, please call (480) 353-6747 or email info@upatour.com
PHOENIX, AZ –The United States Professional Poolplayers Association (the “UPA”) has officially declared its 2007 Player of the Year. The tour would like to congratulate Shane Van Boening for his accomplishments within the course of this past year and for representing the tour with such professionalism.
Van Boening has brought to the table an exceptional skill/talent and vast determination for perfecting the game. Along the road to success in 2007, he picked up many coveted titles and/or placed exceptionally high in many exclusive events both nationally and internationally. Included in this list of events are the following:
UPA Pro Tour Championship – 7th place
Enjoypool.com 9-Ball Championship – 2nd place
Predator World 10-Ball Championship – 1st place
World Summit of Pool – 2nd
2007 U.S. Open Championship – 1st place
2007 World Pool Championship – 17th place
Mosconi Cup Team Member – 2nd place
Upon receiving the news of this award, Van Boening commented that "This title is an honor for me. All of the players are tough on tour. I am thankful for the UPA's help and encouragement."
The UPA sends its best wishes to its newest Player of the Year and looks forward to watching Shane advance his career in the future. If you would like to read more about this player, look for him as the feature article in our upcoming UPA Magazine release.
If you would like to learn more about the UPA organization, our website is located at www.upatour.com or to contact us directly with questions, please call (480) 353-6747 or email info@upatour.com
PHOENIX, AZ –The United States Professional Pool Players Association (the “UPA”) is proud to announce the long overdue opening of the UPA Pro Shop located on the homepage of the website www.upatour.com At this time, the pro shop merchandise includes such fan favorites as autographed cue balls and touring professional player’s photographs; UPA gear such as shirts, hats, patches, and towels; Quick Clean table products; and our most recent item, the UPA official rack (the Delta-13 Ball Rack).
The official gear of the tour will be showcased and available for purchase twenty-four hours a day via the online location and at future tour events, with new products added periodically for all pool enthusiasts. Frank Alvarez, President of the UPA, stated, “going forward, we hope to greatly increase our merchandise selection and we are confident that this goal will be attained with both the support of our industry and fans.” For those of you that want to support men’s professional pool as a sport and help promote the tour itself, this is a wonderful opportunity to do just that as every purchase will be used in that capacity.
The site will be updated as the year progresses with new and exciting products. If you or your company is interesting in supporting men’s professional pool via this outlet, the tour continues to be open to any/all that have interest.
If you would like to learn more about the UPA organization, our website is located at www.upatour.com. To contact us directly with questions or to discuss promotion opportunities, please call (480) 353-6747 or email info@upatour.com
PHOENIX, AZ –The United States Professional Pool Players Association (the “UPA”) and Eclipse Media Group, LLC have been working diligently in the past few months to provide a comprehensive source for UPA members, sponsors, and spectators that is both informative and entertaining. The day has finally come to unveil the UPA Magazine, which will launch in early 2008. This magazine will be published bi-monthly and delivered to the subscription list. It will provide up to date facts and statistics concerning the happenings within the UPA organization and on tour.
“We are motivated by personal determination to positively influence and elevate the organization,” said Mark Cantrill of Eclipse Media Group. “This publication is UPA specific and will provide tour information and updates to its members and subscribers.”
This free publication will offer its readers many interesting features including player profiles; player stories and organization updates; tips and instruction from the professional players; letters from the president of the organization; current rankings/seedings; tour and event schedules; along with features on the venues the tour frequents.
All tour members (professional and standard) will automatically receive via subscription email an online version of the magazine as will everyone who has signed up with “UPA News and Updates”. If you have not updated your contact information with the tour recently, please forward this information to info@upatour.com For those of you that are not currently UPA members, please take a moment to visit our website where you will then locate the “Sign Up Here For News and Updates” section on the homepage, provide your email address and submit. If you know of anyone that may be interested in the magazine, please forward this release to them as it will direct them on how to acquire a copy.
If you would like to learn more about the organization, our website is located at www.upatour.com. To contact us directly with questions, please call (480) 353-6747 or email info@upatour.com
For media and advertising opportunities, contact Eclipse Media Group, LLC (480) 361-1316 or email media@MyEclipseMedia.com
PHOENIX, AZ –The United States Professional Pool Players Association (the “UPA”) has recently partnered with ExecutiveBilliards.com to take on the DELTA-13 Ball Rack as the tour’s official rack.
RJD Machining is a highly respected manufacturing company in Colorado, who has been producing high tolerance aerospace and medical device components for the past twenty years. They have now taken their knowledge and experience to new frontiers by “revolutionizing the billiard industry.” They have developed a “state of the art” 100% aluminum ball rack which ensures that it will not warp, splinter, bend or bow. In addition, it weighs only 16 ounces and features an ergonomically designed pocket grip for more controlled and accurate placement and separation. Each corner is machined to sixty degrees, holding a tolerance of +/- 2 minutes, to ensure the tightest, most accurate rack on the market. Each rack is permanently colored using a process called anodizing, giving the triangle a very durable and unique finish – color choices include gold, black, red or blue. Another fantastic option is the ability to personalize the rack by engraving the rails with names, logos, and special occasions – perfect for tournament champions! In short, the quality is superb and establishes a new standard for amateur and professionals alike.
President of RJD Machining, Terry A. Taggart, stated “It's an honor to have our product endorsed by the UPA! This is a very impressive organization. They are really focused on quality products and what is best for advancing the billiard industry.”
President of the UPA, Frank Alvarez, continued “The DELTA-13 is exactly what our touring professionals demand and we look forward to future products from RJD to hit the market.”
Visit www.executivebilliards.com to learn more about the DELTA-13 Ball Rack and other exciting billiard accessories made from pure aluminum.
If you would like to learn more about the organization, our website is located at www.upatour.com. To contact us directly with questions, please call (480) 353-6747 or email info@upatour.com
PHOENIX, AZ – The United States Professional Pool Players Association (the “UPA”) has teamed up with the NZFFA - Nicholas Zientek Foundation for Autism located in Phoenix, Arizona, for its December 8, 2007, “Run the Rack - Straight Pool Without the Opponent” event at Six Shooters in Phoenix.
Patrick Zientek, Chairman of NZFFA is excited to couple up with the UPA and stated “we want to thank the pool Industry for their support of our organization and its events in the fight against autism.” Proceeds from the event will be used for Christmas food baskets for “Families with Autistic Children” in the Arizona Valley and to help secure a qualified grant writer in the private sector. The event is open to all pool players and will be played as follows: the player will clear as many fifteen ball racks without missing a shot as possible; after three rounds, the highest cumulative score wins. Participants seventeen years old or younger will play on seven foot tables – entry $25, while eighteen years or older will play on eight foot tables - $40 entry.
The future goal of the Foundation is to provide a facility that will offer therapies and a learning environment for children two to seven years of age with autism. For example, speech, occupational, physical, computer and music therapies. In addition, it plans to offer counseling assistance to the families free of charge. If you would like to acquire additional information about the Foundation or any of their upcoming events to help this worthy cause, please see their website www.nzffa.org.
If you would like to learn more about the organization, our website is located at www.upatour.com. To contact us directly with questions, please call (480) 353-6747 or email info@upatour.com
PHOENIX, AZ –The United States Professional Pool Players Association (the “UPA”) sanctioned the 32nd Annual U.S. Open Championships (promoted by Barry Behrman) that was held at the Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake, Virginia, the week of October 14-20, 2007.
During this event, many of our members were extremely successful in their attempt at the title, but only one would take that honor. The UPA would like to congratulate the newest rising star, Shane Van Boening, for his superb nine-ball play. Shane not only took home the title of 2007 U.S. Open Champion by defeating Ronnie Alcano 13-10 in the finals (along with many others in his quest for the final round), but has guaranteed himself a spot on the 2007 Mosconi Cup Team. The Mosconi Cup will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, the week of December 13-16, 2007.
Van Boening stated “This is my first year on the UPA tour and I’m very happy to be a part of it. I look forward to the future and I want to thank everyone that has supported me along the way.”
If you would like to learn more about the organization, our website is located at www.upatour.com. To contact us directly with questions, please call (480) 353-6747 or email info@upatour.com
PHOENIX, AZ – The United States Professional Poolplayers Association (the “UPA”) has announced the list of Touring Professionals that will be representing the U.S. at the 2007 World Pool Championship at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City Philippines on November 3-11, 2007.
The following list is of the U.S. Invites followed by their means of qualification:
Corey Deuel (Canton, OH) – Top 12 UPA Rankings
Johnny Archer (Atlanta, GA) – Top 12 UPA Rankings
Mike Davis (Beltsville, MD) – Top 12 UPA Rankings
Rodney Morris (Houston, TX) – Top 12 UPA Rankings
Rob Saez (Springhill, FL) – Top 12 UPA Rankings
Shawn Putnam (Canton, OH) – Top 12 UPA Rankings
Ronnie Wiseman (Detroit, MI) – Top 12 UPA Rankings
Charlie Bryant (Houston, TX) – Top 12 UPA Rankings
John Schmidt (Mobile, AL) – Top 12 UPA Rankings
Charlie Williams (Orlando, FL) – Top 12 UPA Rankings
Troy Frank (Melbourne, FL) – Top 12 UPA Rankings
Shane Van Boening (Sioux Falls, SD) – Top 12 UPA Rankings
Earl Strickland (Greenville,SC) – Former World Champion
Jeremy Jones (Houston,TX) – Former U.S. Mosconi Cup
Tony Robles (Bronx, NY) – Former U.S. Mosconi Cup
North American Players can qualify for World Championship events by attaining top ranking on the UPA Tour. Also every UPA Tour Stop 1st & 2nd place finishers are automatically invited to the World Championships for both National and International players. Congratulations to all of these gentlemen and best of luck in the championships!
If you would like to learn more about the organization, our website is located at www.upatour.com. To contact us directly with questions, please call (480) 353-6747 or email info@upatour.com
PHOENIX, AZ – The United States Professional Poolplayers Association’s (the “UPA”) recently made some administrative transitions to in-affect renew the association and its presence in the pool community. One of those positive changes was to name Rodney Morris (arguably one of the most recognized male pool players internationally) as the individual to take over the role of UPA Player Representative.
Mr. Morris replaces former Representative, Frank Alvarez, who is now president of the association. Rodney elaborated by saying, “I believe in the UPA, I believe in its leadership and goals. At this stage in my career I want to do my part in giving back to the industry by representing player interests.”
The UPA Player Representative serves as not only a representative to the association’s members, but also for the organization on behalf of the players.
If you would like to learn more about the organization, our website is located at www.upatour.com. To contact us directly with questions, please call (480) 353-6747 or email info@upatour.com
PHOENIX, AZ – The United States Professional Pool Players Association (the “UPA”), announced today that Steve Lillis has accepted the position of Chaplain with the association.
The UPA, founded in 2002, is the governing body of men’s professional pool in the United States. “We are looking forward to the addition of Steve Lillis as Chaplain,” states Frank Alvarez, President of the UPA. He has been involved in the billiards industry for more than a decade, as both a leader and a touring professional, and we believe he will bring a positive influence to the association through his new role. “The addition of Mr. Lillis will allow the UPA to provide services and general counsel,” adds Mr. Alvarez.
If you would like to learn more about the organization, our website is located at www.upatour.com. To contact us directly with questions, please call (480) 353-6747 or email info@upatour.com
PHOENIX, AZ – Although The United States Professional Poolplayers Association’s (the “UPA”) 2007 season is officially underway, there was a bit of unfinished 2006 business to be resolved.
The UPA held its 2006 Pro Tour Championships March 28-April 1, 2007, in Los Angeles, California at Normandie Casino (www.normandiecasino.com). Shortly after the event concluded, the 2006 awards banquet commenced and the Player of the Year, Sportsman of the Year, and Rookie of the Year were recognized by the association.
Congratulations to the 2006 Pro Tour Championship winner Francisco Bustamante, and the following individuals for displaying exemplary standards and drive in the 2006 pool season:
Johnny Archer, 2006 UPA Player of the Year
Luc Salvas, 2006 UPA Sportsman of the Year
Matt Krah, 2006 UPA Rookie of the Year
The UPA determines the above awards as follows: Player of the Year – highest point leader of the season; Sportsman of the Year – personal and professional conduct and enthusiasm for the sport shown during and outside of the events; and Rookie of the Year – an individual that displays visible growth over the course of the year in the sport.
If you would like to learn more about the association, our website is located at www.upatour.com. To contact us directly with questions, please call (480) 353-6747 or email info@upatour.com
PHOENIX, AZ – The United States Professional Poolplayers Association (the “UPA”) announced today that all of its sanctioned events this season will also serve as qualifiers for the World 9-Ball Championships.
The first UPA event of the 2007 season was a success! The event, 2007 Super Billiards Expo, was held March 15-18, 2007, in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania with a full field of 64 players. We would like to congratulate both Corey Deuel, champion, and Ronnie Wiseman, second place finisher, on their respective wins at the Valley Forge event, and for being the latest qualifier winners for a spot at the World 9-Ball Championships.
If you would like to learn more about the association, our website is located at www.upatour.com. To contact us directly with questions, please call (480) 353-6747 or email info@upatour.com
Best from Both Sides’ to Contest Rotterdam Showdown
With the annual Mosconi Cup USA v Europe 9-ball clash set to take place at the historic Cruise Terminal, Rotterdam, Holland in December, promoters Matchroom Sport can announce the two sides to contest the 13th running of pool’s biggest team event. More
Seyberts.com, one of the most famous internet billiard supply stores existing, will be entering the world of mens pro pool and television via ESPN. Seyberts.com is one of the main sponsors of the US Pro Tour Championships and also the title sponsor of the Seyberts.com UPA Amateur Open. The events will take place simulataneously in Las Vegas at Binions Casino March 21-26,2006. More
The 3rd annual World Summit of Pool will be held at two of the hottest venues in New York. The early round will be played at the trendy Chelsea lounge, Slate/Plus; followed by the Semifinals and Championship match to be held at ESPN Zone in Times Square. Players from the United States and around the world will be competing for the most prestigious championship title on the UPA Tour as well as $50,000 in prize money. More
The United States Professional Poolplayers Association and Promoter Barry Behrman have signed an agreement for the sanctioning of the 2005 U S Open 9-Ball Championship. This year marks the 30th annual of professional pool's longest running and most coveted titles. More
Corey Dueul was the winner of The UPA Pro Tour Championship with a win over Danny Basovich. The match will be aired soon on ESPN2. At the conclusion of the Pro Tour Championships, the UPA finished off the year with it's annual Awards Ceremony. The prestigious awards were as follows:
- UPA Man of the Year - Robert Lipson
- UPA Player of the Year - Johnny Archer
- UPA Rookie of the Year - Danny Basovich
- UPA Sportsman of the Year - Frank Alvarez
Six Day Public Event--The final day to be televised on ESPN Worldwide--DRAGON PROMOTIONS presents The US Pro-Tour Championship featuring: from the USA, 4 time World 9-Ball & U.S. Open Champion Johnny Archer; Canada, 2004 World 9-Ball Champion Alex Pagulayan & National Champion "Machine Gun" Luc Salvas; The Philippines, World 9-Ball Champion Efren Reyes; Finland, World & 2003 UPA Champion Mika Immonen; Germany, World & U.S. Open 9-Ball Champion Ralf Souquet; Korea, Young Hwa Jeong #1 Korean National Champion and 2 time medalist at Asian Games; U.S.A., World Artistic Pool Champion Mike Massey. More