By Staff
TAKING AIM Roger Jordan lines up a shot during a recent game of pool at the Pizza Shoppe. Jordan has formed a local eight-ball pool league. Photo by Paula Merritt/The Meridian Star
By Ryan Satcher / staff writer
June 16, 2003
The largest amateur pool league in the world now has competition in the Meridian area.
More than 215,000 members compete in leagues around the world and Meridian got its first session kicked off on June 3 with eight teams participating in the 8-ball league.
The leagues are sponsored by the American Poolplayers Association (APA) and are the best amateur leagues available because of the handicap system it uses.
The leagues use the Equalizer handicap system that was set up and copyrighted by the APA. Data is entered into the computer and after 10 matches a handicap for each player can be determined to ensure even chances of winning.
There are still spots available in leagues and any amateurs are invited to form a team.
The leagues are played around the area. Teams play at their host site one week and then travel to another location for an "away" match the following week.
The leagues are in a process of starting more teams in the existing league, and also is setting up another division that will begin in about three weeks.
Right now the leagues are meeting at 7:30 on Tuesday nights to compete for a chance to be in the National Championships.
A team from the area that wins the City Finals will be able to travel to compete in the National Championships where more then $1 million in guaranteed cash and prizes are given away each year.
The leagues are open to both men and women.
Participants have to be 21 or older to be in the league.
Right now the leagues compete in 8-ball play, but the APA also has 9-ball leagues that can be formed.