Three Billiard Industry Notables Travel to Russia

 

On March 14, 2000 a journey of intrigue and enjoyment began for three billiard industry figures. Dave “Ginger Wizard” Pearcon, the Guiness Record Holder for fastest time in running a rack of 15 balls (8-ball last), and owner of several other Speed Pool Guiness Records… Tom “Dr. Cue”® Rossman, professional “artistic pool” entertainer, a BCA Certified Advanced Instructor, and author/creator of the best-selling book and video series Rack Up A Victory… plus, Gary Benson, the table/tournament master of Las Vegas and many international venues, with his mobile arsenal of 240 Valley Coin-Op Tables from his famous High Country Promotions company made plans to meet and “take the plunge” into the Russian billiard arena. Dave and Gary left their Western homes for a New York City rendezvous with Tom at the JFK airport. Arriving from his Cloverdale, Indiana home base via Washington-Dulles Airport, tom joined forces with them for an evening departure on the Russion Airlines Aeroflot. The smooth 9 to 10 hour flight landed in Moscow at 8:05AM. Arkadiy Loshakov, a close friend of Tom and the “key” person arranging the 1999 visit to Moscow for Tom and his wife, Marty “Ms. Cue”; Sergey Bombusov, the VNEA League and Tournament Director in Russia; and Daniel, a professional driver assigned to escort and help with logistics within the Moscow area, met the three U.S. visitors.

Jet and time lag effects warranted a first day rest in preparation for a week of work, vacation, and pleasure activities. The Hotel Ukraina, a 4-star facility, on the Moscow River became the lodging base. It offered a beautiful view of the city and a renewed building scene of the Russian White House, a special government structure that had been damaged years ago by internal turmoil and explosive force. One would never know of its past history from the magnificent year 2000 image it portrays.

A brief stop at a grocery/convenience shop before the rest allowed Dave to buy his fruit, soda, and candy. Dave travels extensively in the international markets, so this initial buying frenzy made him quite happy, and made him feel right at home. Tom and Gary also made considerations in these shops and studied the Russian display and selling techniques. After a restful day at the hotel, an evening dinner was planned at a famous Russian Chinese Restaurant. This seemed very interesting in concept – Dave, from England and living in the U.S., Gary and Tom from the U.S., with five Russian friends, eating Chinese in Moscow. Maybe this was the start of a new James Bond movie!! A great time was had by all, while a follow-up visit to an upclass billiard room was then taken. Dave had his first exposure to the Russian Billiards table as a competitor, while Gary also marveled at the newfound toy. A few trick shots were done for the room owner and patrons on the pool tables. Later in the week, a final show would be performed in this room. (NOTE: For those readers of table interest, the Russian Billiard Table is 6’ x 12’, with huge croquet size billiard balls, and small pockets… allowing a minimum margin of error in one’s shot. Most shots are done by hitting the balls very hard with 26 ounce cue sticks, allowing compression of the cushion points and hopeful making of the designated ball in pocket.)

Day two began with a buffet breakfast at the hotel – (free to all guests everyday), then Daniel took everyone, plus Arkadiy to the Russian State Academy of Physical Culture. On Tom’s visit last year, several days were spent there for show/clinic presentation. Arkadiy has created a 4 year program of billiard instruction oriented toward Olympic teaching styles. The Academy offers billiards as one of several faculties of future Olympic sports, in which students graduate with a degree, qualified as a Main Trainer for Olympic athletes. A few “artistic pool” skill shots were done by Dave and Tom, while Gary played Russian Billiards with Daniel. An Academy meal was provided as a special perk. The Academy has 3 pocket billiard tables, one 12’ Snooker table, two Russian Billiard tables, and one 10’ Carom table. Run as an Academy in the day, the evening venue becomes a public room.

The evening of this day found Dave and Tom visiting a billiard room near the hotel, on the riverfront. On the way to the room, Daniel gave both a night tour of Moscow – The Kremlin, Peter I Statue, Cathedrals, etc. and a special treat at a unique social spot… enjoying good old apple pie a la mode. The night of billiard competition between Dave and Tom taught both the extreme intricacies of Russian Billiards. Play ended at 2:30AM!!

Day three (3/17/00) through Day five (3/19/00) found Dave and Tom busy promoting, playing, entertaining, teaching and encouraging players at the VNEA (Valley National Eight-Ball Association) Charter Tournament. This competition in team and individual categories was conducted in a format of established rules and competition. The venue in Moscow was very unique, in that the site was the location where the 1980 Olumpic games were held. One of the famous buildings was opened to VNEA challenge from players from throughout the Russian State. A press conference, opening ceremony, and tournament gala presentation were held and the three day extravaganza began. Gary joined in the “party” and helped in many ways to keep things running smoothly in the sometimes hectic and tremendous promotion/hype of the tournament. The press and media/TV crews were unbelievable. Every major station and paper was in attendance, with stage lights and interviewing experts jamming the venue site. MTV even had a fact-finding crew there to add to its upbeat reporting vision.

Over the three days of competition, winners were determined in the various disciplines of cuesport activity, with the enthusiasm and tension of a “World” tournament. The Russian billiard players and VNEA organization certainly provide an energy level to billiards one might find addictive and magnetic in nature.

Dave and Tom performed a first day tournament show at 7:30PM… doing individual shots and then tandem shooting, creating a special excitement amond all in attendance. This show, and others, alone with the “Artistic Pool” and Speed Pool cemopetitions were held in a special room with elevated seating for over 150 people. Tom also conducted a Master Clinic of Systems (Diamond System Study and Structural Mechanic Tuning) in this room also on Day 2 of the tournament. On Sunday (Day 3 of the Tournament) Dave established a new Guiness Book Record for Speed Pool – running 10 racks total on two tables in under 9.5 minutes. Great record with super audience response (standing ovation). The tournament finals of “Artistic Pool” and Speed Pool were also conducted on Sunday, creating an excitement for all. The tournament ended Sunday evening. A good time was had by all!! Special thanks are due to the VNEA, Sergey, and Ionia, Inc., the coordinating sponsor for the VNEA in Russia. Also to Mr. Bill Guzzman from PA, who is the partner link to the VNEA via Ionia, Inc., and who made all the arrangements of flight logistics, etc. for this trip.

The pleasure/vacation side of this visit continued on Monday (Day 6) with Tom making an early morning visit to Arkadiy’s home, with a reunion meeting with Arkadiy’s dad and his son, Alex. Then a day of sightseeing with Daniel as a private escort. Visits to The Kremlin (inside), beautiful cathedrals, and upscale mall complex (underground), select fishing sites that Daniel frequents, and a special viewing of remote country landscape… where the past presidents of Russia spend retreat time. Stops at various eating places, suc as McDonalds, The Beverly Hills Club – A Chuck Norris night spot in Moscow, and an assortment of other cuisine restaurants were taken in stride over this day and several others. Russian food staples were eaten along the way – potatoes, fish, fruits, vegetables, and special breads and cheeses. (Note: Dave, Tom, and Gary spend the day with Daniel on this tour).

The normal city congestions were evident, along with the frantic pace of getting from one place to another for work, etc. Gary and Tom spent part of Day 7 at a market of over 1000 shops, selling clothing, leather products, shoes, etc. at prices unheard of in more prosperous countries. Gary expressed an interest in doing his Christmas shopping next year here. After the market a stop at Sergey’s/Ionia’s office was done – very interesting and looking like any office here in the states. Then on to pick Dave up for a special trip to Lavre, a small town north of Moscow and home of a cathedral/shrine of immense beauty. A church service was going on, so a quiet time of attendance was taken. Some souveniers were bought.

The return to Moscow prompted an evening schedule to visit the billiard blud from Day 1. A show and challenge time by Dave and Tom for this beautiful room was arranged. Customers had a great time and everyone bonded into a family of fun and friendship. The night continued with food, fun, and then a brief stop at the owner’s friend’s business – a Las Vegas style Casino. The late night/early morning arrival back at the hotel found us packing and preparing for a 7:00AM trip to the airport. Arkadiy, Ella (a player), and Daniel bid us farewell. The 10:20AM departure and 12:00 Noon arrival in NYC went well. Return flights via United Airlines to respective home bases were then completed. Special moments and memories were had by all!!!

NOTE: Great job by all translators/interpreters!!

Submitted By, Tom “Dr. Cue”® Rossman

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