Sally Timko

Immonen, Ouschan Named USBMA Players of the Year

Finnish-born Mika Immonen, who won his second consescutive U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship title, the world 10-ball crown and the International Challenge of Champions, was the unanimous choice for male Player of the Year in voting conducted by the United States Billiard Media Association, the USBMA announced today. Immonen, 37, was named
on all 21 ballots turned in by members of the media group.

Jasmin Ouschan, of Austria, who won half of the Women’s Professional Billiard Association’s six Classic Tour events, was the USBMA’s choice
for woman Player of the Year. Immonen, who resides in New York City, enjoyed his best year ever as a pro, adding the Galveston World Classic 10-ball title and Qatar Open title to his 2009 haul. Overall, Immonen won five of the seven events that featured a top prize of more than $20,000. His 2009 winnings topped $230,000.

Immonen and Ouschan have been named the USBMA 2009 Player of the Year.

Meanwhile, Ouschan made her mark by winning the WPBA Great Lakes Classic, the WPBA Pacific Coast Classic and the WPBA Tour Championship. She also placed third in the women’s world 10-ball event and second to Allison Fisher at the World Games. Despite finishing second to Korea’s Ga Young Kim in the WPBA year-end points standings for 2009 (26,500 to 26,000), Ouschan picked up 12 votes for player of the year. Kim received four votes, while Karen Corr received two votes.

Billiard Education Foundation Scholarship Opportunities for High School Seniors

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is pleased to announce that they are accepting applications for the 2010 scholarship awards. The BEF Academic Scholarship Program is administered annually under the direction and guidance of the BEF Board of Trustees. Applications must be postmarked no later than April 1, 2010 and can be downloaded by going to the BEF website at www.BilliardEducation.org.

The BEF Academic Scholarship Program is divided into two categories: Excellence in Education scholarship (one $5,000 scholarship awarded over a two-year term) and Aiming for Higher Education scholarships (seven individual scholarships at $1,000 each). The objective of the BEF Academic Scholarship Program is to grant scholarships to high school seniors who have benefited from the sport of billiards and are pursuing a college education.

Prospects must adhere to the following scholarship criteria: 1) hold a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale); 2) must have an ACT score of at least 23 or SAT combined score (critical reading + math) of 1050 or higher; 3) submit a 500-1000 word essay on how billiards has been an integral part of their life; 4) must be accepted to an accredited undergraduate academic program by June 1, 2010; 5) must attend an accredited undergraduate institution and carry at least 12 hours per semester.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is pleased to announce that they are accepting applications for the 2010 scholarship awards.

The final application must also include a letter from the applicant outlining academic achievements, leadership and/or community service work, a description of the applicant’s background and career objectives, personal and professional (academic) goals. Applicants must also submit an official High School Transcript and SAT/ACT scores.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit charitable organization and is committed to promoting education and encourages the development of life skills through youth billiard programs. For more information, visit www.BilliardEducation.org , phone 303.926.1039 or e-mail info@BilliardEducation.org.

Delta-13 Helps Support ZO & Magic’s 8-Ball Challenge

Parker, Colorado (February 2, 2010) – Executive Billiards announced their support today for the ZO & Magic’s 8-Ball Challenge to kick off the NBA All-Star Weekend in Dallas, Texas on February 11th.

ZO & Magic’s 8-Ball Challenge is an annual fundraiser to support the mission of Alonzo Mourning Charities and the Magic Johnson Foundation. This upscale, intimate, fun and exciting event for the Who’s Who of the industry allows celebrities and athletes to kick-back and enjoy themselves as they prepare to usher in the weekend of festivities. Now entering year five, ZO & Magic’s 8-Ball Challenge has become the most anticipated event of all-star weekend. Go to www.8ballchallenge.com to learn more.

The Magic Johnson Foundation, founded by Earvin “Magic” Johnson in 1991, works to develop programs and support community-based organizations that address the educational, health and social needs of ethnically diverse, urban communities. You can learn more about making a donation at www.magicjohnson.org.

ZO & Magic's 8-Ball Challenge is an annual fundraiser to support the mission of Alonzo Mourning Charities and the Magic Johnson Foundation.

AM Charities’ mission is to encourage the educational development of our youth by creating programs and youth enrichment centers that promote positive change in low socioeconomic communities. You can learn more about making a donation at www.amcharities.org.

Executive Billiards has donated 19 custom Delta-13 Elite ball racks for the event, including a 24-karat gold, hand polished rack for the silent auction. “We are honored and thrilled to be part of this fabulous event. These two charities have accomplished so much to aid under- priviledged children and to be a small part of this is very special indeed.” said Terry A. Taggart, President of Executive Billiards.

Additional product information about the Delta-13 Elite custom racks can be found at www.delta-13.com.