The Beauty Of Pool - A Close Up Of The 8 Best Players In The Carolinas

in the world of pool. There are so many brilliantly talented players living in the region that it is difficult to pick a top eight. However, I believe that I can put together an accurate compilation that does some justice to the deserving. These are my personal picks and you are welcome to offer your suggestions if you have one in the comments section. I hope you enjoy.

I have the pleasure of watching this guy play pretty often. He is not my favorite person, but that does not take away from his skills at the game of pool. "Tyson" is a heavy hitter, swinging his cue with precision on every stroke. Tony Morrison competes in the US Open most years, and has cashed more than once in the most prestigious event in the world. He is one of the most feared players around these parts, with his combination of hustler moves and nerves of steel. The vertically challenged warrior currently makes his base in Asheboro, NC.

This young man was beating some of the best in the world during the early part of this century. A native of High Point, NC area, he was ranked in the top 100 in the world at one time. He is fierce at the table, gritting his teeth until you are sure they are going to break. No matter how he holds his jaw, he swings his pool stick in dead stroke. BJ told me he once played a pro in a tournament in Florida in which he got a shot in the second rack and broke and ran the set out. Can you imagine breaking and running ten racks in a row? Mr. Ussery not only did it, he did it in competition against a champion. He has won a few professional tournaments, and has had a few quality finishes in the US Open. He still competes on the local tours, but now spends the majority of his time playing poker.

Here is another name that you won't know if you are not an insider in the world of pool. Keith is the nemesis of BJ Ussery, and another unknown to the general public. He is legendary in an area full of legends and lives in Fayetteville, NC. Keith has won many semi-pro events on the "Great Southern Billiards Tour". I do not have any knowledge of his winning a professional event. However, he did beat one of the Filipinos at this years US Open for a few thousand dollars. Mr. Bennett would probably be classified as a hustler, but that does not take anything away from his skills on the table. When he is in gear, he can run out with the best in the world.

This fellow here is well known competitor in the sport. Shannon's major victories include winning the Legends of One Pocket Billiards three times, World All Around Champion, and a slew of other events. Born in Columbia, SC, he now resides in Simpsonville, SC. Although S.D. still competes in major events, Mr. Daulton has created a semi-pro tour named "The Great Southern Billiards Tour" that has tour stops across the SE United States. "The Cannon" is not only a very talented pool player, he is also an absolute gentleman. The game of pool needs more characters with as much class as he brings to the table.

Here is another player that is well known around the country. His break is considered by many to be as good as any player in the world, and better than most. "The Truth", as he is known in billiards circles, resides in Greenville, SC, but hales from Wisconsin. As far as accolades go, Mr Nevel is the 13 time Wisconsin state champion along with a host of other titles and victories. Most notably, he was the World All Around Champion in 2003. Recently, he competed at this years US Open shortly after being in a major car accident. He performed pretty well considering his condition. Although he did not make it to the finals, you have to respect a guy with that much gumption. On a different note, I have had the pleasure of playing a bit of pool with this man. Contrary to some folks opinion, he was an absolute gentleman at the table.

Tony Watson is a name you probably will not have heard unless you are a billiards enthusiast. He is not a sponsored player, nor do you find very much information when you look for him on the internet. However, this unknown legend is a giant slayer in the game of pool. You'll find him playing in the green rooms at the major tournaments around the country, drilling the pros to the wall and taking their money. This year I watched him play Jason Klatt a race to 11 for $4000 at Cue Masters in Chesapeake, Va, during the US Open Championships. The "Little" animal out of Hickory, NC demolished the Canadian Champion with a savage break and lethal accuracy. Klatt did not make many mistakes, but "Little Tony's" finesse and power combination was just too much for him to handle. If you enjoy watching the best in the world, take the opportunity to watch him play. You'll be glad that you did.

This is another legendary professional in the world of cue sports. "Big Bubba" finished second in this years US Open 9 ball championships. From the best I can tell, Shawn hails from Georgia. Why did I include him? Because he got second in the strongest field in the world and he travels through here frequently. I can not verify a location for his residence other than the USA. Up until today, I believed he was living in the Carolinas. As of this moment I can not confirm anything on his origins. What I can confirm is that this guy is an extremely talented individual. Aside from this years finish, he has won two major tournaments and cashed in a long list of others. His career tournament earnings are in excess on $100,000. In the world of pool, that's a lot of money.

The 8 time World Champion Earl Strickland has called the region home most of his life. Born in Roseboro, NC in 1961, he will always be considered one of the finest minds to ever grace the cloth.This man was once considered the most feared player alive. He has performed in just about every possible venue on Earth, and has beaten just about every one who plays his game at one time or another. Even through his high tempered rants and tournament fiascoes, Earl will be forever enshrined in the minds of billiards fans the world over for the amazing things he can do on the felt.