Pickering and Tourangeau are “All Around” Stand-outs in Toronto

The Billiard Congress of America sanctions leagues in ten Canadian provinces. From February 5-8, 2003, players from eight of those ten Canadian provinces convened in Toronto, Ontario, at the International Plaza Hotel for the 8th Annual BCA Canadian 8-Ball Championships.

Competition abounded for four days in singles, scotch doubles and team play, and of the 700-plus players in attendance, the two players whose performances outshined all others were Simon Pickering and Stan Tourangeau. Amazingly, both players placed in the top three in all three divisions. Despite some of the top amateur players in Canada being on hand, Pickering (Surrey, BC) placed third in Men’s A Singles, first (with partner Hsin-Huang) in Scotch Doubles and second (with teammate Tourangeau on the “Clean Up Crew”) in Men’s/Mixed A Team. Tourangeau claimed the Men’s A Singles Championship, and placed second in Scotch Doubles (with partner Tasha Thomas) and second with the “Clean Up Crew” in Men’s Mixed A Team.

Rating players and teams in A thru C divisions was determined by performance in the early rounds and a triple-knock-out format in most circumstances to assist in players competing closer to their skill levels – a format that has proved popular in the event in recent years.

Ontario’s “The Rock” dominated the Men’s A Team bracket with an undefeated run, including its finals win over British Columbia’s “Clean-Up Crew.” In the Women’s A Team division, two-time and defending champion “ERO My God” (Ontario) fell short with a 4th-place finish this year, and Calgary, Alberta’s “Big Shots” went undefeated including a finals win against another strong Ontario team, “In Action,” for the Championship crown.

In Men’s A Singles, Vancouver, BC’s Stan Tourangeau claimed his fourth national title, an exceptional feat considering no other player has won this Canadian singles title more than once in the Championship’s history. Scarborough, ON’s Claude Spence and Surrey, BC’s Simon Pickering rounded out the top three. Ontario’s Rachel Abbink outpointed Ontario’s Lynn Martin and Vancouver, BC’s Hsin Huang (2000 champion) for the coveted Women’s A Singles crown – Rachel’s first.

The Billiard Congress of America wishes to thank High Country Promotions for providing the equipment; sponsors Labatt’s, Budweiser, Falcon Cues, the International Plaza Hotel , Quality Trophy & Engraving (awards) and Advance Support Services (apparel); and the tireless efforts of Canadian Cue Sport Productions in producing this event. BCA-sanctioned league players in Western Canada can now look forward to the inaugural BCA Western Canadian 8-Ball Championships to be held in Medicine Hat, Alberta, April 24-27! Contact telephone #403-278-4155/ 1-888-278-4155 for details.