Legends Reunite First for Fun & Sun

Jan 31, 2016

A sight for sore eyes. Buddy Hall and Jim Rempe see each other for the first time in a decade along with Ewa Mataya Laurance, Ray Martin, JoAnn Mason Parker, and LoreeJon Hasson.
The Villages, Florida- The legends of pool started with several festivities reuniting the champions in warm atmospheres. Two days filled with wine, cheese, golf, and fun in the Florida sun brought smiles to the faces of the pro masters. The Legends of Pool Championship this weekend at the 3rd Annual Florida Billiards Expo . A quarter of a century in the making, some of the most legendary stars of the game are reunited for the first time in decades...and fans joined them for a weekend reunion! On January 29-31, 2016 the 3rd Annual Florida Billiards Expo offered pool fans around the world the Legends of Pool Experience! An escape from the winter cold and a chance to spend 3 days of pool lessons, golf, and meals while getting to know Hall of Famers Buddy Hall, LoreeJon Hasson, Jim Rempe, Joann Mason Parker, Ray Martin, and Ewa Mataya Laurance on a very personal level. The six champions will also for the first time be competing against each other in singles, mixed doubles, and a sizzling special Battle of the Sexes 8-Ball match! The FBE takes place once again in the Villages, Florida. Formerly known as the "Billiards Expo in The Villages", the Florida Billiards Expo will easily have over 1200+ attendees during the 4 days of the event. Activities include tournaments, the Legends Pro Pool School, Golf Pro-Am, Ladies Wine & Cheese Night, Dinner & Lunch with the Pros, free clinics, and the main event, the Legends of Pool Championship.
"Being able to bring these terrific people together and seeing the champions of my youth reunited once more and enjoying each other's company again really warms the heart" , said Charlie Williams of Dragon Promotions, Executive Producer of the events.
100 ladies showed up for the exclusively female "Ladies Night Out Wine & Cheese" honoring the lady Legends on Thursday night
The legends first met in the lobby of their hotel and then rode a van together to the pool school venue. The Villages boasts over 20 first class recreational facilities that each have pool tables, tennis courts, swimming pools and more. C'mon kids let's get in the pool school bus!
Once arrived, the legends did a 3 hour interactive pool school with the VIP students. Lunch followed and then off to the golf course!
"I loved Ewa. She was such a good instructor and had a great way of relaying her knowledge", said Larry Russo of Baltimore, MD.
"I can't pick a favorite. I learned something from each one of the champions", said Zack Nichols of SC.
"Rempe showed me some amazing 14.1 shots. And Buddy Hall was such a great teacher! I learned more in 30 minutes with him than all the years I've been around pool! Now I'm going to have to get a pool stick!", said Chicago's Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.
In the golf, all the teams did extremely well, playing foursomes with the best ball style of play. Even former #1 ranked Charlie Williams joined in his only second golf game ever. He made a nice 250 yard drive on one hole and sunk a 55 foot putt with a 3 foot break on another.
"We were shocked at how well he hit the ball for never playing. I think he was hustling us!" said Larry Russo one of the students along with Zack Nichols. Overall they shot -1 under in the 9 hole game.
The team of JoAnn Mason Parker, LoreeJon Hasson and Ron Cerelli were heard cheering and hollering at their holes. With a -6 under score they earned the right to be.
"I don't think anyone is going to beat us", said JoAnn confidently.
LoreeJon & JoAnn's team had it in the bag...almost!Unfortunately for them, Buddy Hall decided to play that day.
"I haven't hit a golf ball in 3 years. But it's a beautiful day and it seems Charlie has got everything covered for us to have a good time here", said Buddy. His team along included Dr.Gregory Diehl of NY and Don Youst, a childhood friend of Buddy's for over 50 years from the same hometown in Metropolis ,IL.
They shot -8 under!
The day concluded with a special dinner with the VIP students, the Legends, and staff of the FBE.
Competition would start the following day with all the Legends in action against each other for the first time in a quarter century together.
All 100 VIP seats have already been sold out with only general admission remaining for the 4 available sessions of the Legends of Pool Championship. Tickets can be purchased in advanced at (352) 753-3229. Most of the amateur tournaments have also been filled to capacity.The 2017 Florida Billiards Expo next year will be exponentially larger than this year's.
More on the Official Sponsors at : www.Rasson.cn , www.AndyClothUSA.com, www.Aramith.com, www.Taomtips.com, www.VikingCue.com
The Legends of Pool & The Florida Billiards Expo are sponsored by Fross & Fross Wealth Management, Rasson Billiards, Arden's Fine Jewelers, Andy Cloth, Quantum Vitality Centers, Aramith Balls, Pool & Billiard Magazine, Taom Tips and Viking Cue. Sponsorships are still available. The events are produced by the Villages Billiards Club and Dragon Promotions. Event marketing and promotions by Orlando Synergy.