INTERNATIONAL "ARTISTIC POOL"
"EUROPEAN" STYLE

2002 WPA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

The “crusade” of worldwide “artistic pool” took residence on the European continent February 22 and 23, 2002…in the beautiful resort community of Willingen, Germany. With the first two years of WPA (World Pool – Billiard Association) sanctioned events taking place in the United States (Las Vegas, NV), the honor of hosting this magnetic cuesport artform moved abroad, with venue/promotions development by the EPBF (European Pocket Billiard Federation). Many thanks to the BCA (Billiard Congress of America) for their hosting services to international “artistic pool” in 2000 and 2001. The WPA process of approving an association, federation, and/or union venue…for the annual world event…allows the scope of “artistic pool” to expand its promotions, audience appeal, media connections, and sponsor attachments on the world front. Hopes are high that someday the WPA World Championships of “artistic pool” will take place in the Asian Pocket Billiard Union, the Oceania Pocket Billiard Federation, the All Africa Pool Association, and the PanAmerican Billiard Confederation. The growing interest of professional, amateur, and junior “artistic pool” competitions…in the regional, national, and international marketplace…is helping to make the “dream” become a “reality”.
“Getting back to reality” firmly implanted its roots of success at the Sauerland Stern Hotel in Willingen for 2 days of competitive spirit, expert “artistic” player challenge, and audience excitement…never before seen firsthand…in this otherwise pleasant skiing and tourist attraction. In conjunction with the Universal Pool Event, “artistic pool” took its turn in an expertly scheduled agenda of multiple billiard events over a 6-day time frame. 9-Ball, 8-Ball, Pyramid, Speed Pool, and “Artistic Pool”…each presented special skills to the viewing public. Individual and team divisions highlighted the format landscape…under the Euro Cup, European Valley Cup, Euro Team Cup, European Women Cup, and EPBF Euro Tour headings. Three “world” championship titles would be determined: 1) Pyramid, 2) “Artistic Pool”, and 3) Speed Pool. Inquiries to event results should be directed to the EPBF website at:

www.epbf.com

SPECIAL NOTE: Mike Massey, Tom “Dr. Cue”® Rossman, and Charles Darling played in the World Pyramid Championships from February 18 – 20. For Mike and Charles this was their first world event in this demanding cuesport challenge. Mike finished in 5th position…getting into the unique stroking technique and the “burning focus” mindset required for Pyramid…faster than most of the players in this traditionally European/Asian game/sport. Mike had played Pyramid the week before while on a tour of eastern Russia…helping to program the muscle memory and mental concepts vital for a more proficient performance. Good job, Mike!! Charles won one match and found the test of Pyramid one of his greatest challenges ever, having never played it before. Tom “Dr. Cue”® Rossman found this 2nd World Pyramid event more challenging than his first, as both of his opponents were champion Pyramid players…with daily nourishment in the fine points of offense and defense…proving a huge advantage. Leading 2 to 0 against one of the champions in a race to 3 highlighted the Willingen Pyramid event for “Dr. Cue”®. For more details and other pyramid results from last year in Lithuania, visit “Dr. Cue’s”® website at:

www.drcuepromotions.com (blue ball on home page)

The competitive field of “artistic pool” is formatted to allow for 9 champions – an overall points winner, plus 8 discipline champions. This provides all players with the opportunity to become a world or continental event champion in a “special” skill presentation, as well as garnering the “umbrella” title. It is possible to win the champion title overall, but not win any of the discipline categories…due to a consistent skills performance throughout the program of 40 shots/challenges, and not excelling in any one discipline. This happened in the 2002 World Qualifier/BCA North American Championship last October in Los Angeles. In “artistic pool” events many players enjoy the “thrill of victory” with this gymnastics style award system.
A player draw for group assignment took place on Thursday night during a special meeting to discuss the future of worldwide “artistic pool”. Those present were the international contingent of “artistic pool” players; Ian Anderson, President of the WPA; Steve Lillis, Chairman of the WPA “Artistic Pool” General Committee and Tournament Director; Dimitry Yushkovsky, promoter of the 2001 EC event in Kiev, Ukraine; Arkadiy Loshakov, author, professor, translator, interpreter, official table judge, and “Dr. Cue’s”® representative in Russia for show engagements; Horst Vondenhoff, President of the EPBF; Sergey Vaskowski, official table judge, and Veka Nagoinaya, official scorekeeper. Two groups of players (one with 3 players and one with 4 players) were scheduled per proven time guidelines for the two days of competition. In Group 1 were Mike Massey and Charles Darling, representing the BCA/North American continent, plus Bogdan Wolkowski and Herbert Friedemann, representing the EPBF/European continent. In Group 2 Stefano Pelinga (EPBF/European continental representative), plus Nick Mannino and Tom “Dr. Cue”® Rossman (BCA/North American continental representatives) completed the field of international “artistic” experts. Mr. Darling was defending his 2001 World Title, while the other players entered the field of engagement via continental qualifying events.
With limited practice time due to shared venue conflicts, the players of Group 1 started at noon on February 22 (Day 1). The two Olympic 9 foot professional tables…with specific grid lines for judging standards…center staged one of the 2 main halls especially arranged for all tournament activity and vendor presentations. Flags of each country graced the adornment of each hall, and a “flavor” of an Olympic-style venue welcomed all. Charles Darling started out where he left off from his 2001 world victory…with an amazing 37 out of 40 possible points in the Trick and/or Fancy Shots discipline. Stefano Pelinga from Group 2 stopped a steamrolling Darling in the Prop/Novelty/Special Arts discipline with a victory score of 33 points out of a possible 48. Highlights of this discipline were Bogdan Wolkowski’s 12 total points earned on the last shot/challenge, in which a 3 cushion kick, a 4 cushion kick, and a 5 cushion kick must be made with 3 cue balls struck within 4 seconds of each other. In addition, “Dr. Cue”® demonstrated his “wing shot” talent, making 4 out of 7 rolling shots. Round 1 (1st 2 disciplines) scores established an early leader in Mr. Darling with 65 points…followed by Wolkowski (54), Massey (51), Rossman (51), Mannino (51), Pelinga (48), and Friedemann (45).
Round 2 of Day 1 exhibited the skillful arts in the “drawing” and “following” of the cue ball. Rossman scored an incredible 39 out of 42 possible points in the Draw Shots discipline, making all five shots/challenges for the discipline title. Considered by the “doctor” himself to be his weakest “test of skill”, the “twists and turns” and competitive drives of “artistic pool” produced quite a surprise for him. It appeared that this event would challenge all players for high scores. Massey countered the “Dr. Cue”® high scoring mark set in the 3rd discipline…with a Follow Shots discipline victory score of 36 points out of a possible 37 – nearly perfect!! This placed him in the coveted 1st place position. The race was on for the champion title. Friedemann made his move from last place to 4th, while Wolkowski fell from 2nd to 6th and Darling from 1st to 3rd. Mannino maintained a consistent position in 5th, while Pelinga couldn’t seem to get the “artistic” rhythm he possessed in his ESPN Trick Shot Magic 2nd place finish in 2001.
Day 2 (February 23) brought with it an early 9:00AM Round 3 time schedule for the “artistic pool” specialists. Friedemann surged even higher in the standings with a great champion performance in the Bank/Kick Shots discipline. Scoring 29 out of 39 possible points catapulted him into 2nd place, sending Rossman from that Round 2 position finish to 4th. Massey continued a “lock” on 1st place with a discipline title in Stroke Shots (28 points out of a possible 41), which increased his lead to 24 points over Friedemann. In “artistic pool” this point differential equates itself to about 3 shots. The remainder of the field maintained their positions established after Round 2. Going into the final round the position point list stood as follows: Massey (161), Friedemann (137), Darling (133), Rossman (132), Mannino (124), Wolkowski (105), and Pelinga (88). The 8/9 cushion cue ball stroke shot…landing on the dollar bill…gave the audience quite a thrill, as Massey, Mannino, and Friedemann executed it to perfection. In addition, Darling and Mannino accomplished the difficult 4th stroke shot, where the cue ball travels 5 cushions to a ball with a chalk cube on top of it. Hitting the ball without the chalk falling off equals success.
Round 4 of Day 2 fielded all 7 players in the competitive arena at the same time, instead of the 2 groups in the 1st 3 rounds. Players would round robin starting positions from shot to shot. Big board score sheet posting…one shot at a time…would give the players and audience members an up to the minute tally to help them determine strategy and/or root on their favorite “artistic” star, respectively. The final 2 disciplines normally create the greatest attraction for those inquisitive about “artistic pool”. “Jumping” the cue ball and/or an object ball over obstructing object balls, and demonstrating the illusive “masse” are two of the most demanding skills in billiards and the most exciting to view. And exciting it was!! Pelinga took 2 more titles home with him as he scored 21 points out of 40 possible in the Jump Shots discipline, and 25 out of a possible 46 points in the Masse Shots discipline. The victory style and skill of this Italian native, along with his “fan club” audience appeal presented itself in “true” champion colors, and, for Stefano, with a refreshing finish.
Rossman made another move from 4th into 2nd, challenging Massey one more time. Friedemann dropped back to 4th. Cutting 4 points off the Massey lead from Round 3, it appeared the Masse Shots discipline would once again create a “come down to the wire” finish. Massey and Rossman both made the “passing lane” half masse on their 1st attempt. Massey missed the 2 ball masse from the movie “The Hustler” and the “reverse” masse around 6 balls, while Rossman made both. The tension was growing!! Showdown time!! Massey (184) – Rossman (173) One – 10 point and one – 11 point masse left!! You could hear a pin drop or should I say a “hopeful” ball drop!! Rossman missed the 4th masse, leaving the door open for Massey. This “monster” vertical masse sends a cue ball 2 diamond segments down table past an awaiting side pocket object ball, then gyrates back to make the ball in the side pocket. This shot has determined many a championship, and this would be no exception to the rule. If Massey failed in his 3 attempts, the world title would come down to the final challenge…with just enough points left to create a “tie” situation. Massey stepped to the table, and on the second attempt, the reverse spinning of the cue ball…with the powerful Massey “masse” stroke…accomplished what few can do. Boom! Sizzle! Click! The “roar” of the audience! Massey had sealed his victory in champion style. Going into the 5th masse challenge, a 20 point lead could not be overcome by anyone. Pelinga made the 4th masse on the first attempt, and made it look easy. Great shot, Stefano and Mike!! Massey and Rossman both missed the final 90 degree masse, but Darling became the 1st player in “artistic pool” world competition to make it. (Second attempt for 10 points) Congratulations, Charles!!
Darling, Wolkowski, Mannino, and Pelinga maintained their Round 2 and Round 3 positions of finish. The final point standings were as follows: Massey(193), Rossman(173), Darling(166), Friedemann(158), Mannino(141), Wolkowski(140), and Pelinga(134).

SPECIAL NOTE: For general knowledge to those reading this article, a “tie” situation in “artistic pool” is broken via a calculation of “attempt makes”. In other words, in case of a “tie”, the player making more of the challenges on the 1st attempt breaks the “tie”. If a “tie” still exists, the player making more of the 2nd attempts would be the determined winner. And, in the unlikely event of a tie still existing, the 3rd attempt makes would be used. Assuming a “tie” in this 2002 world event between Massey and Rossman, Massey had twelve 1st attempt makes and Rossman had eleven 1st attempt makes, so Massey would have been declared the champion under this process. Other positions of finish where a “tie” might exist would be broken in the same way.

Stefano Pelinga was awarded a “Dr. Cue”® Sportsmanship Award Certificate…per a majority vote of his fellow players in the event. With his 3 discipline victories in Prop, Novelty, Special Arts; Jump Shots; and Masse Shots, Stefano found solace in his 7th place overall finish. In addition to regaining his WPA World Champion “Artistic Pool” Title, Mike Massey took home a beautiful “cup” trophy, a 1st place gold medal, plus discipline victories in Follow Shots and Stroke Shots. Tom “Dr. Cue”® Rossman received the silver medal for 2nd place, and a victory certificate in the Draw Shots discipline. Charles Darling received the 3rd place bronze medal and a discipline victory certificate in Trick and/or Fancy Shots. Herbert Friedemann earned a victory certificate in the Bank/Kick discipline.
The EPBF added 5400Euro and “Dr. Cue”® Promotions added $1000.00US to the prize fund. Each player received a monetary payback per a fair percentage payout. The EPBF/WPA furnished the champion “cup”/position medals, and “Dr. Cue”® Promotions furnished the award certificates for each discipline champion and the sportsmanship recipient. Top finishers will be listed in the BCA Rules and Records Book.
In the evening of February 23, 2002, a “special” GTS/RACK presentation of “artistic pool” shots was given before a very appreciative audience…after the Olympic-style award ceremony, in which the the national anthem of the United States was played. GTS/RACK is a duel structure of GTS (Gospel Trick Shot Ministries), founded by Steve Lillis, and RACK (Recreational Ambassadors to Christ’s Kingdom), a vision concept…spiritually given Tom Rossman many years ago. Together GTS and RACK present salvation and stewardship principles through the medium of “artistic pool” shots. A “power team” of Christians, included Mike Massey doing his incredible “finger pool” exhibition, and Tom “Dr. Cue”® Rossman, demonstrating his famous “wing shot” routine. Select shots by Steve Lillis with a “heroes” theme…from September 11, and the ultimate hero – Jesus Christ…was given. Nick Mannino, Mike Massey, Tom Rossman, and Steve Lillis made available spiritual tracts and bibles to those in attendance. Charles Darling also did his “spit ball” demonstration – blowing the cue ball out of his mouth 5 cushions to make a corner object ball. What a shot!!
Special thanks to the WPA, EPBF, “artistic pool” players, table judges, scorekeepers, tournament and venue administrators, all sponsors (including, but not limited to GTS Ministries/Steve Lillis and “Dr. Cue”® Promotions), Arkadiy Loshakov, and the people of Willingen, Germany that made the 2002 WPA World “Artistic Pool” Championships a total success. In addition, a “great” thanks to Jorgen Sandman and John Lewis for their coordinating efforts prior to this event, and since the development of professional “artistic pool” in 1999.

PERSONAL NOTES: Many memories are deeply implanted in my mind with the “Willingen experience”. An amazingly smooth and “pilot perfect” round trip flight plan. The European charm of Willingen. The special sightseeing walks through the streets of Willingen and Triar in Germany and Luxembourg, Luxembourg the final day in Europe. Thank you, Arkadiy for being a great tour guide and “true” friend. The magnificent buffet breakfasts and dinners at the Sauerland Stern Hotel, offering the traditional European foods, but venturing out with special preparations on occasion. The “ice cream” was delicious!! The ride to Willingen on the back roads of Germany, making a normal 2 hour trip extend to 5 hours…viewing breathtaking countrysides, and village dots on the landscape. Grape vineyards, blizzards, “flat tires”, lost luggage (Power Cue included)…but, found later…and a host of other surprises too numerous to mention. The tremendous response of laughter and applause during the final GTS/RACK presentation…with an accompanying acceptance of the spiritual “message” being given. And last, but not least, the hope of a very bright future for worldwide “artistic pool”…through IPAC, the International Pool Artistic Committee. REALIZE THE DREAM…CRUSADE THE VISION!!
May you all have many victories along the way – in your game and life!!

Submitted By: Tom “Dr. Cue”® Rossman March 3, 2002

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