Cliff Joyner Wins the Louie Roberts Award
Since rolling balls were first introduced to a table in billiard’s distant past, cue sports have always enjoyed a lively tradition of after-hours action. Diamond Billiard Products and the Derby City Classic proudly celebrate that tradition with their annual Action/Entertainment Award.
The A/E Award is named after the late Louie Roberts, who embodied the high-rolling free-spirited and talented kind of player that crowds have always loved to gather and watch. Louie was a rare talent and genuine star in the action/entertainment side of pool. Whether he was flat broke or flush with cash didn’t seem to make a difference; Louie would find a game, and the crowd would find Louie. Whatever cash he held, he might wager on one match, on one game, or even on one shot; Louie had the confidence to bet it all.
Previous Winners of the Louie Roberts Action / Entertainment Award:
2005: Scott Frost
2004: Tony Watson
2003: Alex Pagulayan
The Louie Roberts A/E Award is the only industry award that directly honors the contribution that the world of pool action makes toward the ongoing popularity of the sport. Recipients of the A/E award win free room and free entry fees for life to the Derby City Classic. Congratulations to Cliff Joyner, this year’s winner!
Here are some more Action photos from the Derby!
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Rickie Byrd in the ‘practice room’ — which was expanded this year into two small adjacent function rooms, and now holds ten 9′ tables
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Billy Incardona in action with Grady in the Straight Pool room
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Byrd vs T-Rex late night in the main tourney room
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Cory and Efren on the TV table
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Corey frequently didn’t like it
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Joyner and Durbin
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Joyner and Richie
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Grady
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Marco Marquez vs Richie Richeson
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Joyner and Durbin
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Squirrel among the sweaters watching Rickie Byrd