3-Cushion Carom News

3-Cushion Stars in NYC Next Week Aug 13-19

2007-08-07T15:32:00.000-04:00

At the 2007 Sang Lee International Open - Hall of Fame Edition...

Don't miss this RARE chance to witness Torbjorn Blomdahl (2005 SLIO Champion), Frederic Caudron (2006 Defending Champion), Semih Sayginer (3-cushion Grandmaster), Raymond Ceulemans (Mr. 100), Daniel Sanchez, and many more stars right HERE in NYC.

Everyone is invited to come to Carom Cafe in Flushing, NY to watch the greatest 3-cushion players on the planet as they battle it out for the coveted Sang Lee title! Matches start every day at 10am and continue for the entire day from Monday Aug 13 through Sunday Aug 19th. Please note the addition of televised evening matches scheduled starting from Aug 15th.

Aug 13-15:
Preliminary Round Robin includes notable participants Jeanette Lee and Mike Massey with play starting at 10am and continuing all day and evening long.

Wed Aug 15 Evening Sessions:
10:00 Morning matches (not televised)
5:00 Televised match (semi-final round robin)
7:00 Televised match (semi-final round robin)
9:00 Televised match (semi-final round robin)

Thu Aug 16th Afternoon/Evening Sessions:
10:00 Morning matches (not televised)
3:00 Televised match (semi-final round robin)
5:30 Televised match (semi-final round robin)
7:00 Televised match (semi-final round robin)
9:00 Televised match (semi-final round robin)

Fri Aug 17th Afternoon/Evening Sessions:
10:00 Morning matches (not televised)
2:30 Televised match (semi-final round robin)
4:00 Opening Ceremony Final Round Robin
5:00 Televised match (final round robin)
7:00 Televised match (final round robin)
9:00 Televised match (final round robin)

Sat Aug 18th All Day Matches
11:00a Televised match (final round robin)
1:00 Televised match (final round robin)
4:00 Televised match (final round robin)
6:00 Televised match (final round robin)

Sun Aug 19th All Day Matches
11:00a Televised match (final round robin)
1:00 Televised match (final round robin)
4:00 Televised match FINAL TITLE MATCH
6:00 Televised exhibition (Semih Saygier Artistic Exhibition)

3-Cushion Billiards Debuts Tonight Aug 7, 2007 On ESPN2 7-9pm EST

2007-06-13T13:24:00.000-04:00

Don't miss Semih Sayginer, Mike Massey, and Eric Yow Tonight on ESPN2 at 7-8pm EST!
Check out this announcement POSTER.

Sayginer, Massey and Yow Shine Brightly on ESPN 3-Cushion Grandmaster

2007-05-24T22:03:00.000-04:00

The fans at the BCA-pool event in Las Vegas were treated to two action packed and extremely exciting artistic 3-cushion billiard contests as Eric Yow and Mike Massey challenged the great Turk, Semih Sayginer, to a judged contest of 3-cushion stroke shots during the ESPN filming of "3-Cushion Grandmaster" - scheduled to air on ESPN2 on August 7, 2007 at 7pm EST. A celebrity panel of judges consisted of Jeanette Lee, Bob Jewett (President, USBA), and Ivan Lee (President, Iwan Simonis). Jeanette Lee, an avid and knowledgeable 3-cushion player herself, recently won her first 3-cushion women's title "Queen of Carom", held in Korea just one month prior.

The format of the show was a judged contest where the panel rated the player's performances of originally designed program of shots - according to difficulty level, technique (20 pts max), imagination (5 pts max) and style (10 pts max). After showing off their unique programs, the players were each given a "Finale" shot (15 pts max), a last chance to impress the judges before final scoring; thus making the maximum number of points each judge could award each player a total of 50 points. No gimmicks or props were allowed. Every shot scored was required to be a legitimate 3-cushion point according to the general rules of the game.

Eric Yow was the first up to challenge the Grandmaster, Semih Sayginer. During his match up, both he and Semih were required to shoot shots that adhered to five pre-mandated shot themes while simultaneously executing valid 3-cushion points. The themes for the Yow vs. Sayginer match up where:

Circle - cue ball required to "encircle" a ball
Airborne - cue ball must jump and score a 3-cushion billiard
Dance - cue ball action must be seen to dance on the cushions
Superdraw - the player must unleash a maximum draw stroke
Repeated - a 3-cushion billiard must be scored with repeated hits on one cushion

Yow, the 2006 WPA World Masse Champion of pool, disguised the fact that this was his first televised match and first time competing on the carom table, as he boldly easily executed four of the five of the stroke shots in his program. He experienced a little bit of trouble with his Airborne shot as he adjusted to the larger and heavier billiard balls. The personable Yow earned high points for style and technique.

Sayginer, stepped up to the table with tremendous authority on all of his shot themes against Yow. In a show of confidence, Sayginer selected utterly difficult shots to perform and surprise the judges seemingly handling them with ease. He then proceeded to back it up by successfully nailing every shot on either the first or second attempt - and each time with great power. Most of the audience, many of them seasoned 3-cushion billiard players, could not believe their eyes.

Yow was clearly behind at this point but stepped up to the plate. For his Finale shot, he selected a shot that two of the three judges rated with the maximum difficulty factor of 10 out of 10. The shot was a four cushion masse shot with a huge bend between the first and second cushions which Yow termed "The Grand Masse". Yow hit it perfectly on the first attempt as the crowd burst into cheers.

Without hesitation, Semih responded with a jaw-dropping Finale shot of his own - a shot that he called "The Thinking Cueball Shot" where the the cue ball traveled three times straight across the width of the table before suddenly "changing its mind" and curving into the short cushion and another rail to score on the opposite side of the table.

The judges' decision for Semih Sayginer was unanimous. Final score: Sayginer 144 - Yow 128

	Jeanette Lee	Bob Jewett	Ivan Lee	Total
Yow	43.2	42.3	42.0	127.6
Sayginer	47.6	47.5	48.5	143.6

Next, the long anticipated matchup between Mike Massey and Semih Sayginer took place. Two stroke shot titans from the completely separate spheres of pool and billiards finally now meeting on the table together. Mike Massey, spent many weeks in preparation on the billiard table with some of the best players in the US, for his much anticipated match up with Semih - including a week-long session in NY with the great artistic carom champion, Miguel Torres. In the weeks leading up to the event, some of those practice sessions (captured on amateur video) were circulating around on YouTube.com.

The themes for the Massey vs. Sayginer match up were:

Perfect Timing - a 3-cushion time-shot to score on a moving target
Force Stroke - a display of either a maximum force follow or force draw
Many on One - a 3-cushion billiard scored using many cushions but only using one cushion
U-Turn - a shot that makes a u-turn in midstream
Alphabet - use the cue ball to trace a letter from the English alphabet onto the table

Seeming to catch some of Semih Sayginer's momentum, Mike Massey burst out of the gate with style and grace hitting his first two theme shots on the first try. With his confidence running high, he choose to shoot an extremely difficult jump-masse for his "Many on One" theme. He intended to jump over both balls, repeatedly striking cushion while traveling seven diamonds up the long rail before returning back to score with extreme masse action. He technically ended up scoring a valid 3-cushion billiard, but he lost points with the judges for inadvertently hitting one-too many cushions based on the theme's restriction of only utilizing one rail. After loosing a little bit of momentum, he visibly was struggling with his shaft during his "U-Turn" stroke - a force-follow shot with only millimeters between his cue ball and the first object ball. For Mike Massey's "Alphabet" shot, he practically got a perfect score from all of the judges across the board. To setup the shot, Mike announced that not only would he write a letter from the alphabet on the table, he would spell out his entire name - with a claim that he is confident that the judges should be able to pick out the letters "M", "I", "K", and "E" individually from the 10-cushion pattern he was about to execute. At this time, Mike unleashed his maximum power on a 10-cushion billiard which scored with "just make" speed as the audience went absolutely berserk.

Sayginer, running on adrenaline, started up again with his array of impossible looking shots. His "Perfect Timing" shot especially challenging given the distance he set up in between all three balls. He appeared to have slowed down and although he made the extra difficult shot, he did so with noticeably less flare than the shots he made against Yow. But, then the Grandmaster went into high gear as he seemed to follow each shot with one even more difficult - and making all of them. His "Force Stroke" shot was an intense close-draw around the table shot - a stroke unimaginable by most players alive today. Sayginer's "Many on One" was a staggering power masse stroke that he put down with absolute ease. This all appeared to be a warm up for his "U-Turn" shot - a double-draw stroke with a dramatic u-turn that occurred a the very last moment after already striking one cushion. For his "Alphabet" theme, Semih Sayginer decided to "sign-off" his themed program in style as he used his monstrous draw stroke to trace a clear "S" on the table for everyone to see - complete with smooth, sweeping curves.

After both performances and before their "Finale" shots, the score was down to the wire: Massey 93 to Sayginer's 99. The crowd knew it was going to be close.

For his final "Finale", Massey stepped up his power another notch - directing it vertically straight into the slate. His shot was a gargantuan five-cushion masse shot that seemed to trace two large, curving X's on the table. Besides bringing down the house, his success earned him a near-perfect score with the judges and put all the pressure on Semih Sayginer.

Everyone wondered how Semih would respond. With every last ounce of power he could muster, Semih stunned the audience one final time as he made his cue ball trace a line that resembled a giant ten-foot typewriter symbol on the table - a masse shot he called "The Ampersand". As the point scored, the entire audience leapt to their feet and delivered to him a roaring standing ovation. That last shot just brought him over the edge with the judges who unanimously, however closely, awarded him with the final victory: Semih Sayginer 142 - Mike Massey 137.

	Jeanette Lee	Bob Jewett	Ivan Lee	Total
Massey	45.5	46.1	44.9	136.5
Sayginer	47.7	47.7	47.0	142.4

Everyone in the crowd showed their appreciation for all of the dazzling stroke shots by challengers, Massey and Yow - and obviously the 3-Cushion Grandmaster himself, Semih Sayginer with extended applause and cheers throughout the event.

As ESPN's Mitch Laurence interviewed the judges afterwards, the crowds were impressed to discover that even the panel, as knowledgeable as they were about carom billiards, were at numerous times surprised by shots they had never seen before - especially referring to the difficult selection of shots made by Sayginer.

This ESPN event is sponsored by Iwan Simonis Cloth, The Adam Cue Co., Schuler Cues, Gabriels, Diamond Billiards, Aramith , CFR Productions, 3CushionCues.com, HeatUpBilliards.com, SangLeeOpen.com, Carom Cafe, United States Billiard Association, and CueTable.com.

This exciting "3-cushion Grandmaster" event was brought to ESPN by Dragon Promotions and HighRock Productions. The event will provide millions of television viewers the opportunity to witness 3-cushion billiards played for the first time. 3-Cushion carom is a highly visual and action packed form of billiards that emphasizes cue ball mastery; the extreme spins and multi-cushion bank shots are sure to keep the spectators entertained. For final air times expected this July, check: http://highrockproductions.com. Buy Semih Sayginer's latest DVD "One Man Show" - filmed for broadcast TV during the 2006 Sang Lee International Open.

ESPN is the recognized worldwide leader in sports programming. ESPN billiards programming. ESPN billiards programming yields hundreds of hours of broadcast time and is aired in the USA, Asia, Australia, and Latin American countries.

Photo credit: Charles M. Brown

Torbjorn Blomdahl wins $100,000 Sang Lee International Open

2005-08-07T21:00:00.000-04:00

In front of hundreds of enthusiastic fans and to be aired on national and international television, 10-time World Champion Torbjorn Blomdahl defeated Semih Sayginer 40-19 in the final match to win the first $100,000 Sang Lee International Open 3-cushion tournament. The best players from all over the world came to NYC to pay homage to Sang Chun Lee, the 12-time American champion who passed away last October due to stomach cancer. They played in the beautiful tournament arena that Sang designed inside Carom Cafe's 25,000 sq ft facilities in Flushing, NY.
The tournament featured 76 of the strongest 3-cushion billiard players of the world playing in round-robin format for the richest purse ever offered on American soil. After a grueling week of competition, Blomdahl bested all of them and is shown here holding up the coveted Carom Cup presented by Jana Water.

After the event, ABC sports personality Charlie Ursitti presented the Champion with an exquisite custom designed cue case made from python leather.

Tournament Champion Torbjorn Blomdahl with his new designer cue case.

All Photos courtesy of Joseph Ratke

Sayginer, Rojas and Torres Wow fans with spectacular fancy shots

2005-08-07T20:00:00.000-04:00

World-renowned Artistic Billiard superstars Semih Sayginer (Turkey), Roberto Rojas (Mexico) and Miguel Torres (Colombia) put on a spectacular display of seemingly impossible fancy shots that astounded and amazed the 3-cushion fans after the $100,000 Sang Lee International Open event. Many of the shots stretched the limits of possibility as they were newly developed creations by the super-talented cuemen and seen by many for the first time.

World Champion Roberto Rojas displayed awesome stroke and masse shots never before seen by the crowd.

World Champion Semih Sayginer shows off his awesome power and finesse.

5-time Colombian Champion Miguel Torres presents his amazing stroke shots.

This spectacular show, presented by Jana Water, was captured on film and will be shown on national and international television.

The official cloth sponsor of the Artistic Exhibition was Simonis.

The official table sponsor of the tournament, Elitte Professional made its United States debut with their "Spider" design at this prestigious event.

Jana excites 3-cushion fans with first-ever Million Dollar Billiard

2005-08-06T19:30:00.000-04:00

A member of the audience at the Sang Lee International Open stepped up and took a shot at the Million Dollar Billiard, the 3-cushion opening break-shot for $1,000,000, presented by Jana Water. The landmark shot was taken on the stunning Elitte Professional "Spider" table - the official table sponsor of the tournament - presented by Billiard Project, Mexico.

Above pic: The winning ticket is drawn in front of an anticipating audience.

There was a lot of suspense and pressure for the contestant, Paul Rubino, as he tried to remain calm amidst the spotlights, cameras and numerous excited spectators focused on him. His objective was to duplicate for $1,000,000 the resting positions of the 3 carom balls of the breakshot that had just been scored by champion player Torbjorn Blomdahl and then carefully marked. Competition Sports presented an exact replica of Willie Hoppe's billiard cue for the contestant to use and the crowd held their breath as he attempted the shot of his life.

Tournament winner, Torbjorn Blomdahl , takes the set up breakshot.

Paul Frankel (Professor Q-ball) and his assitant Hector Ruiz uses special laser-equipment to mark the exact final resting position of the 3 balls with Jana targets once Mr. Blomdahl completes the shot.

Television's ABC sports personality, Charlie Ursitti prepares contestant, Paul Rubino, for his $1,000,000 attempt in front of the cameras.

Long awaited NYC ceremony for Sang Chun Lee finally takes place

2005-08-05T18:00:00.000-04:00

In the beautiful arena that he designed, in front of his dear friends and his adoring fans, a long-awaited traditional memorial ceremony took place for Sang Chun Lee, the 12-time American 3-cushion champion. After undergoing months of medical treatment overseas in his hometown of Seoul, Korea, Sang Lee passed away last October, 2004 and was buried there.

A moment of silence for the American champion.

World Champions from Holland, Turkey, Italy, Belgium, Sweden and Spain gather around to pay homage at the memorial of Sang Chun Lee.

Memorial photos courtesy of Jonathan Smith

Belgium Consulate Presents Raymond Ceulemans with lifetime achievement award

2005-08-05T17:00:00.000-04:00

The honorable Mrs. Verbeek from the Belgium Consulate presented the great Raymond Ceulemans, who was recently knighted by King Albert of Belgium, with a lifetime achievement award for his accomplishments in 3-cushion billiards.

Count Raymond Ceulemans is a 35-time 3-cushion champion of the world and arguably the greatest billiard player ever to walk the earth.

Twenty players remain in $100,000 Sang Lee International Open

2005-08-05T16:08:00.000-04:00

Only twenty players remain standing in the $100,000 Sang Lee International Open.

They will continue round robin play in two flights (A and B) to determine the Carom Cup Champion.

The prestigious Carom Cup perpetual trophy is presented by Jana Water.

Mayor Proclaims "3-Cushion Billiards Week" in NYC

2005-08-03T17:00:00.000-04:00

In an opening ceremony appropriate for the grand occasion, Mayor Bloomberg sent NYC Sports Commissioner, Kenneth J. Podziba to officially open the Sang Lee International Open with a beautiful Proclamation from the City of New York.

Kenneth J. Podziba, awaiting his official opening speech and reading of the Proclamation.

Mr. Podziba officially opens the $100,000 Sang Lee International Open and welcomes all of the guests to NYC.

Official presentation of the Mayor's framed Proclamation to former USBA President and tournament director, Charles M. Brown.

Olivia Lee delivers a touching opening speech to the crowd as they remember her late father, Sang Lee.

76 International 3-cushion Players Compete for Jana Carom Cup and $100,000 in Prize Money

2005-08-01T12:00:00.000-04:00

Seventy six of the world best players have desended to NYC to participate in the richest 3-cushion billiard event ever to be staged on American soil.

The event is being held in honor of Sang Chun Lee, the 12-time USBA National Champion who passed away last October due to stomach cancer.

Included in the field are 10-time World Champion, Torbjorn Blomdahl of Sweden, 6-time World Champion, Dick Jaspers of Holland, 3-time and current World Champion, Daniel Sanchez of Spain, 1-time World Champion, Semih Sayginer of Turkey, 35-time World Champion, Raymond Ceulemans of Belgium and 1-time World Champion, Marco Zanetti of Italy. Over seventeen different countries are respresented in the international field of competition.

The coveted Carom Cup perpetual trophy of the $100,000 Sang Lee

International Open is presented by Jana water.

The official cloth sponsor of the event was Iwan Simonis.

The official table sponsor of the tournament, Elitte Professional, made its United States debut of its "Spider" design at this prestigious event.

Welcome to Carom

2004-10-12T12:43:00.000-04:00

Carom billiards is a fascinating game played with only three balls on a large heated pocket-less table.