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THE UNITED STATES BILLIARD ASSOCIATION:
<br />THE MODERN ERA
<br />The Billiazd Federation of the United States of America (BFUSA) was formed in 1966 by Robert Byrne,
<br />Edward Courtney and Dr. Erikson for the purpose of promoting amateur 3-cushion billiard tournaments
<br />in the U.S., and in order to qualify under the UMB Union of World Billiards requirements, for entry of
<br />U.S. players into the European World Cup Tournaments.
<br />The American Billiazd Association (ABA) was founded in 1968 by Robert Strange, Don Tozer, Merhl
<br />Smith, Harold Schmidt and others to provide regular 3-cushion billiard tournaments throughout the
<br />Midwest. The ABA soon spread to the entire country and was divided into three division: East, Central
<br />and West. Gale Johnson was the driving force as ABA Secretary for twelve years, followed by Carl
<br />Strassburger, Secretary of the ABA in its closing days, and Secretary of the USBA from 1988 to 1992.
<br />Since 1992, Michael R. Melloy, Chicago, Illinois, has been USBA Secretary. George Aronek, Sheiman
<br />Oaks, California, was elected as the USBA's first President in 1988, and continues at the helm today.
<br />Currently, the USBA has hundreds of members from all over the United States, and is divided into three
<br />regions: Eastern, Central and Western. The high point of the year is the U.S. National Championship
<br />which is conducted according to the USBA Constitution, and held at different locations throughout the U.S.
<br />each year.
<br />Scores of local and regional USBA-sanctioned tournaments are held throughout the year all across the
<br />nation. These tournaments are the foundation upon which the USBA thrives, providing competition for
<br />players and contributing monies to fund USBA activities. The future of the USBA depends largely upon
<br />the continued support.of local and regional tournaments, pool and billiazd establishments, and the active
<br />involvement of old and new members.
<br />Billiards in the '80s, '90s and into the 21st Century ...Beginning in 1985, Chris Crisman, Chicago,
<br />Illinois, organized and promoted a tournament including the finest competitors in the world, with Raymond
<br />Cuelemans, World Champion, as the headliner. Three such tournaments were held at Chris's Billiards in
<br />Chicago, during which time a young, but seasoned, champion from South Korea, Sang Lee, adopted the
<br />U.S. and transformed 3-cushion billiards in America, while dominating major tournaments in the United
<br />States, beginning with his first National Championship in 1990 to win seven straight National
<br />Championship, including in the 1994 World Title.
<br />Abel Caulderon, room owner and tournament promoter, brought the first European-type tables to the East
<br />Coast, while Ray Mortell installed three Soren Sogaazd tables in the Midwest at the Drexel in Jacksonville,
<br />Illinois, two of which are now firmly ensconced in Decatur, Illinois at Kirk's Arcade, Everett Kirk,
<br />proprietor.
<br />Young Soo Jang opened an elegant room in Long Island City, designed by Sang Lee, which now has six
<br />Chevillotte tables. Sid Banner at Boca Billiards, installed three Soren Sogaard tables, Bill Maloney in fit.
<br />{ Lauderdale installed three Verhceven tables, and Hernando Pineres has six Wilhelmina tables in Miami,
<br />Florida. Ray Abrams, Livonia, Michigan, has two Soren Sogaard tables. Chris Crisman, Chicago, added
<br />} four Verhoevens in 1991. Sang Lee opened his very fine room in 1991 in Elmhurst, New York, with six
<br />Verhceven tables. Abel Caulderon has recently opened an upscale billiard room in Rego Park, New York,
<br />with eight Chevillotte tables. In August 1994, Fred Swaha opened an elegant billiard room in Milpitas,
<br />California with six Chevillotte tables. In 1994, many-time National Champion Allen Gilbert, along with
<br />Terry Kazsh of Denver, Colorado, opened a new room in Denver. In 1996; Sang Lee designed an upscale
<br />1 billiard room for Mr. Park in Flushing, New York, which boasts six Verhoeven tables.
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