The 2012 Dr. Cue Classic “Artistic” Cup VI has etched its signature mark in billiard history once again. 25 of the world’s greatest Artistic Pool Playing Artists participated in this unique “Artistic Pool” Professional Challenge at the Marriott Indy East in Indianapolis, IN from November 30th to December 2nd. Florian “Venom” Kohler from France raced to the “artistic” victory circle with a slim 1 point winning margin – taking home the first place guaranteed prize money, beautiful “Victory” Cup trophy, and title honors! Florian also became the 1st repeat champion for this prestigious event, having won the Dr. Cue Classic Artistic Cup IV in St. Louis, MO two years ago.
This special event of the Dr. Cue Classic Artistic Pool “Sport & Show” Tour showcased some of the greatest Artistic Pool players under the WPA / APTSA sport umbrella. In addition, top players from several league tour stops held in 2012 at respective National and / or International events of the BCAPL, VNEA, ACS, and APA, plus several “at large” entries participated. All event activities were done in conjunction with the APA Indiana State Invitational tournament with over 1100 APA players in attendance, along with a huge fan base watching in amazement at all that was going on.
Competitors played side by side in special 3 / 4 person – player groupings with 7-foot Diamond tables and high percentage make rate shots creating an equalizer effect for all participants. Over $10,000 in guaranteed payout values and a rather large player / audience prize fund produced player and fan friendly opportunities in a reunion style billiard atmosphere.
The APPA (Artistic Pool Playing Artists) crusader force showcased a “class” act of billiard skills from each of the 8 magnetic disciplines of “artistic pool” – 1) Trick / Fancy Shots, 2) Special Arts, 3) Draw Shots, 4) Follow Shots, 5) Bank / Kick Shots, 6) Stroke Shots, 7) Jump Shots, and 8) Masse Shots. When the program of 40 “classic” shots / challenges were finished by the competitors a special awards ceremony honored the Overall event champion, eight Discipline champions, and two Sportsmanship recipients.
In addition to the Cup VI event, the 1st ever Q & Cue Characters “Roll To Victory” Challenge took place with over 261 preliminary and / or “buy back” entries participating in this simple, and yet very unique “pool ball rolling” challenge – done without the aid of a cue stick. On Saturday night the magnetic finals took place for those that had qualified from the initial rounds, as 4 top finalists earned a share of the $1000 guaranteed prize fund. James Hess from Marion, IN displayed great focus and a steady hand on his way to becoming the event champ, while winning $400 for 1st place.
Note: An added feature for this special challenge included raffle drawings for players entering the competition. Scott Smithhart (Evansville, IN) won a custom “Table Trotter” cue / case ($600 value) donated by McDermott Cue, and Greg Fox (Bloomington, IN) won a Dr. Popper jump cue valued at $125 donated by Mark “Dr. Popper” Dimick. Dozens of APA t-shirts were awarded to finalists out of the money, via raffle ticket drawings, and thru exciting “parade moments” with audience members.
A special feature accented the 3 days of festivities when a unique presentation was made to Charles “Spitball Charlie” Darling from Washington, MO as the 2012 Cue-Dean-“E” IV Honoree. A large group of sport fans and fellow players witnessed the emotional moment, as “Charlie” was presented with a beautiful McDermott “Table Trotter” cue / case, plus a custom Cue-Dean-“E” IV plaque. These awards were given to signify his “E”ntertainment, “E”ducation, and “E”nergetic talents, plus his “E”nlightening “spirit gift” to the magnetic world of “artistic pool” and beyond.
