The stars of the event begin with Finland’s Mika Immonen, in most fan and media opinion the world’s current greatest player and winner of the 2008 US Open, All Japan Championships, and Mosconi Cup. Next is USA’s Charlie Williams, currently ranked #5 in the USA and winner of last year’s Lucasi 10-Ball Classic. Finally, Filipino legend Francisco Bustamante, 2008 World All Around Champion, rounds out the trio. This will be the first time all three professionals have teamed up together for a tour, and a first for the Midwest.

“Chicago is my hometown, and I’ve been here my entire life. Even though our billiard productions take me around the world during the year, it’s nice to be able to bring something like this home. These exhibitions are important and a way billiards can stay alive in a tough economy.” explained Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.

Other sponsors have caught on with the grass roots buzz to keep billiards promoted in communities. Delta-13 Rack, Simonis Cloth, Brunswick Billiards, and Master Chalk are all sponsoring the events in Chicago that week produced by Dragon Promotions.

Pressure Billiards will host the first Poison Challenge February 4 at 7:00pm in their location featuring thirteen Brunswick Metro tables. Pressure Billiards opened in 2005 and is a billiard room with an eclectic cafe menu servicing drinks like Hot White Mocha, Iced Cafe Lattes, and exotic drinks such as the Avocado Chilled Bubble Tea. They also host several APA teams and cater to serious players and new faces alike. Visit www.pressurebilliards.com/ 6318 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60660 1(773) 743-POOL
“We’re really excited about the pros coming here. Our league players and everyday customers have never seen players of this caliber before. The clinic will help our players learn more and get more enjoyment out of playing, not to mention a lifetime of memories mingling with Bustamante, Immonen and Williams,” said Wahib Merchant, Owner of Pressure.

Palace Billiards will host the second installment of Chicago’s Poison Challenge at 7:30pm on Feb 7 in Villa Park, an area just minutes outside Chicago. Palace earlier in the day will be hosting the very prestigious and successful Predator Pro Pool School program developed by Dragon Promotions featuring Immonen, Bustamante, and Williams. The school continues through Sunday with students spending a total of 15 hours face to face with the champions, learning the secrets of professional pool. Palace Billiards info can be found at www.myspace.com/palacebilliards

For questions and info on hosting a challenge match exhibition or Pro Pool School, please contact DP at 407-782-4978 or email dragonpromotionsnews@gmail.com
Poison Billiards, an international billiards industry leader, is a high-performance recreation pool cue producer focused on bringing cutting-edge designs, with Predator engineering for best-in-class playability, to billiards players worldwide. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, Poison Billiards is a division of The Predator Group whose core brands also include Predator Cues and Uni-Loc®. For more information regarding The Predator Group, visit www.thepredatorgroup.com. For information on Poison Billiards visit www.poisonbilliards.com.

Dragon Promotions is one of the leading producers of billiard programming in the world today. Dragon produces over 40 events a year airing on networks in USA, Korea, India, and Europe such as ESPN, MBC ESPN, XTM, XPORTS, and Euro Sport. Events include The World 14.1 Championship, The Predator International 10-Ball Championship, King & Queen of Carom, Empress Cup, Pro Pool Schools, Women’s Trickshot Challenge, World Junior 10-Ball Championships, Korea vs USA, and many more. Dragon also manages some of the world’s best players including Raj Hundal, Shanelle Loraine, Rodney Morris, Charlie Williams, Jeanette Lee, Mika Immonen, Mike Davis, Yu Ram Cha and many more.
Visit www.dragonpromotions.com or www.dragonpromotions.co.kr

Elgin, IL – Francisco Bustamante (PHI), Charlie Williams(USA), and 2008 Player of the Year Mika Immonen(FIN) will challenge each other during the Predator Challenge Match at Hennessy’s Steak & Seafood & Boogie Nights Retro Discotheque on February 5, 2009. Dragon Promotions will be producing this event along with other exhibitions in a series of showdown matches sponsored by The Predator Group’s Predator Cues and Poison Billiards divisions.

“The Predator Challenge Matches create excitement and interest in the local billiards communities we produce them in. Hennessy’s Fine Dining is even more unique in the way they have organized a special dinner show for their clientele. These events are great because we can be flexible and encourage creative input with the host sites,” said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.

The evening will start off with a five-course dinner featuring the award winning house specialty, Lobster Hennessy with beef medallions on angel hair pasta. Afterwards the audience will be invited upstairs as the three champions get ready for battle. The champions will perform a trickshot show, play with the VIP ticket holders, and then play each other a round-robin 10-Ball match.

The Predator Challenge Match host, Tom Karabatsos, has been able to keep up with the times and has sustained through different fads and economies. His latest venture Hennessy’s is an upscale fine dining restaurant and nightclub that holds only three pool tables.

“The poolroom biz is a tough racket, so I have to keep up with what works and doesn’t work in the current times. Right now I’m focused on the restaurant and nightclub side, but I still like to support professional pool. I love hosting world class pros like Mika, Charlie and Francisco and introducing them to a whole new clientele,” said Karabatsos. Karabatsos has established himself as one of the premier billiard room proprietors in the US. He has opened up a total of five rooms since 1991 including Cue N You, Cuephoria, Cue Can Do, GCue, and On Cue Club. All have ranked in the nation’s top 10 in various pool magazines and are known for their upscale feel and mainstream appeal.

Karabatsos is no stranger to the sporting side of pool as he has hosted events such as the Qualifiers for the Predator World Straight Pool Championships and sponsored players such as Filipino Champion Santos Sambajon. Karabatsos is also an established player with high finishes in major pro events. For more information contact Hennessy’s Steak & Seafood & Boogie Nights Retro Discotheque at 847.844.3600 2300 Bushwood, Elgin, IL 60124. The event is near Chicago and only 20 minutes west of O’Hare Airport. Cost is $75 per ticket or $400 for groups of 8.

Visit www.hennessysfinedining.com/ & www.boogienightselgin.com

The event is co-sponsored by Simonis Cloth, Brunswick Billiards, and Master Chalk.

Predator Cues, an international billiards industry leader, is a high-performance, professional pool cue producer focused on developing revolutionary technology that enhances performance for billiards players worldwide. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, Predator Cues is a division of The Predator Group whose core brands also include Poison Billiards and Uni-Loc®. For more information regarding The Predator Group’s products, visit www.predatorcues.com , www.poisonbilliards.com, www.uni-loc.com

February 7-8,2009

Chicago, IL at Palace Billiards

[Ed. There aren't many sports in the world where you can get a  chance to have professional one-on-one instruction from players at the peak of their sport. Well done to Dragon Promotions for making such opportunities available for the serious pool aficionado.]

For the first time ever in Chicago and the midwest, Dragon Promotions brings you 2008 Player of the Year Mika Immonen of Finland , Former #1 Francisco Bustamante of Philippines, and Top 5 USA ranked Charlie Williams to the Chicago Predator Pro Pool School. These world class professional players will reveal in depth training methods and secrets of professional pool. Students will get insight on their style and knowledge of play which has inspired countless players hroughout Europe, Asia, the USA and the world of pool! This rare experience will be hosted by Palace Billiards and brought to you by Predator Cues, Simonis Cloth, Brunswick Centennial Balls, and Master Chalk.

The instructors will cover a myriad of hot topics relevant to professional cue sports today. The pro champions also have had prior experience in teaching players of all levels from beginner to highly advanced levels. Mika Immonen instructed at past Pro Pool Schools in Roanoke VA, Korea, and Norfolk VA. Bustamante made his teaching debut in 2008 in Jacksonville FL, while Williams has taught in VA, Boston, Korea, India, and Florida.

“The Predator Pro Pool School is a program that we really believe in. It plays an important grass roots role that gives players the opportunity to learn from some of the best professionals in the game, first hand. We’re proud to be part of an effort that supports the growth of billiards and encourages constant game improvement.” explained Tara Walton, Marketing Manager for The Predator Group.

“I’ve attended almost every school out there and had the honor of taking lessons from many top pros. Out of all of them, PREDATOR PRO POOL SCHOOL WAS THE BEST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” said John Rousseau of Phoenix, AZ.

World 9-Ball and US Open Champion Mika Immonen of Finland was recently announced Player of the Year by Pool & Billiard Magazine, Billiards Digest and Inside Pool Magazine, making him by popular vote the current greatest player in the world. Known as the “The Ice Man” because of his near invulnerable skills and consistent error free match play, Immonen will cover subjects such as Development of a straight stroke,Banking Systems, Jump Shots, Cueball Control & Position playing,European Training Drills, Mental Game & Attitude, One on One Q & A. Mika will also cover modern topics such as Fitness & Health Pool Training. Mika is sponsored by Mezz Cues, Cafe Puro, OTA Enterprises Japan, Brunswick, Billiard Life and Managed by Dragon Promotions.

Mika Immonen teaching in Korea

Former #1 Francisco “Django” Bustamante of the Philippines will be making his second appearance teaching in the United States. Bustamante has long been considered one of the world’s top four players and perhaps the most feared player in the world. Bustamante’s thunderous game has shocked and wowed audiences around the world with his unmatched ,explosive firepower and supernatural breaking power, Bustamante’s flamboyantly smooth stroke is world renown. Francisco will cover Breaking, Safety Play,-Kicking systems, Shotmaking & aiming, Drills, Mental Game,One on One Q & A. Francisco is sponsored by Puyat Sports and Bear Cues.

Francisco Bustamante teaching in Jacksonville, FL

Former BCA Open Champion Charlie”Korean Dragon” Williams has been consistently ranked in the top 10 in the USA for more than half his pro career. Williams is known by his pro peers to be an astute observer when it comes to helping players and an expert on the mental game. Perhaps from his vast experiences in team play including 4 out of 5 wins for Team USA at the Mosconi Cup and playing vital MVP roles in winning for Team Korea vs Japan and Philippines vs The World in 2008. Williams also coaches billiard stars Shanelle Loraine and Yu Ram Cha, recent winner of the WPBA Most Improved Award. Williams will cover Perfect technique, Stroke Mechanics, Aiming and shot making, Fitness & Health Pool Training, Breaking techniques, Drills, Mental Game, One on One Q & A. Charlie is sponsored by Predator Cues and Dragon Promotions.

Charlie Williams teaching in India

“The participants at our schools get hands on training by the best players in the world today, so they get all the modern information and knowledge of what works. Mika and Charlie are great examples of the modern pool player because they incorporate fitness and exercise in their training. The students also really get to know the players on a personal level. Our pro schools offer an experience unlike anything out there.” says Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.

“It’s really an honor to be hosting an event like this with Mika, Bustamante, and Williams. These are world class pros and I know my patrons, as well as people all over Chicago, will appreciate their presence. In an economy like this, programs like The Predator Pro Pool School will help keep pool alive and inspire more long term business for roomowners. ” commented Bill Wickman, Owner of Palace Billiards.

Predator Pro Pool School Tuition

$1150 fee per student To reserve your spot Pay Online at www.dragonpromotions.com and click on the top banner or mail check/money order to
2516 Waukegan Rd Unit 144, Glenview IL 60025
For more info email propoolschool@gmail.com or call Dragon Promotions at 407-782-4978
Please also email us your contact number so we can reach you.

Limited to the first 15 Students. (currently only 12 spots available)
The school will host a maximum of 15 students divided into 3 groups of 5 pupils. The class will take place over 2 days , 7 & 1/2 hours each day plus 1 hour lunch break where students will eat with Mika, Francisco, and Charlie. Total 15 hours of up close and personal coaching from three of the world’s premier players. Lunch is already included each day.

There will also be an exhibition by the pros after the first day of class is finished on Feb 7 at 730pm.
On Feb 8, all the graduates from the Predator Pro Pool School will participate in a free entry 9-Ball Tournament with the champion receiving a free Predator Cue.

Students may also try out Predator products during the school at no cost. Predator shafts including Z, Z2, 314, 314 2, The BK Break Cue 2, and the Predator Air Jump Cue. Almost 70% of the world’s pros use Predator technology. Any student or fan who would like to purchase , Palace Billiards will be happy to sell you what you desire or place an order for you. Please visit www.predatorcues.com

Thanks for joining this historic event and rare opportunity with Mika Immonen, Francisco Bustamente, and Charlie Williams. It will for sure be a memorable experience to tell your grandkids and friends about now and later.

Palace Billiards will be hosting this monumental event featuring 12,000 square feet with eighteen 9′ Brunswick Gold Crowns and six 7′ Diamond bar tables. Palace Billiards has had a rich history of hosting major events such as WPBA Pro Tour stops and the recent IPT Pro Am Championships won by non-other than the “Ice Man” Mika Immonen. Address: 160 West Roosevelt Rd. Villa Park, IL 60181. (630 ) 941-3500

Predator Cues, an international billiards industry leader, is a high-performance, professional pool cue producer focused on developing revolutionary technology that enhances performance for billiards players worldwide. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, Predator Cues is a division of The Predator Group whose core brands also include Poison Billiards and Uni-Loc®. For more information regarding The Predator Group’s products, visit www.predatorcues.com, www.poisonbilliards.com, www.uni-loc.com.

Class of ‘08 Jacksonville, FL

Meet the Instructors:

Mika Immonen- “The Ice Man” Fulda, Germany
Sponsord by Mezz Cues, Cafe Puro, OTA enterprizes Japan, Brunswick, Billiard Life
Managed by Dragon Promotions

Titles & Credentials
2008 Player of the Year Pool & Billiard Magazine, Billiards Digest, Inside Pool
2008 US Open Champion
2008 Mosconi Cup MVP Team Europe
2008 All Japan Champion
Former World 9-Ball Champion

Mika will cover
- Fitness & Health Pool Training
- Development of a straight stroke
-Banking Systems
-Jump Shots
-Cueball Control & Position playing
- European Training Drills
-Mental Game & Attitude
- One on One Q & A

Francisco “Django” Bustamante – Manila, Philippines
Sponsored and managed by Puyat Sports

Titles & Accomplishments
- US Pro Tour Champion
-Camel World 8-Ball Open Champion
-Former #1 Ranked & Player of the Year
-World All Around Champion Derby City Classic
-UPA Peninsula Open Champion

Francisco will cover
- Breaking
-Safety Play
-Kicking systems
-Shotmaking & aiming
-Drills
-Mental Game
-One on One Q & A

Charlie Williams- “The Korean Dragon” Orlando, FL USA
Sponsored by Predator Cues & Dragon Promotions

Titles & Credentials
- BCA Open Champion
- 4x Mosconi Cup Team USA Champion
-2008 Lucasi Classic 10-Ball Champion
-2008 Korea vs Japan, Team Korea Champion MVP
-2008 Philippines vs World Team, World Team Champion
-2007 Korea Pro Tour Champion

Charlie will cover
- Perfect technique
-Stroke Mechanics
-Aiming and shot making
-Fitness & Health Pool Training
-Breaking techniques
-Drills
-Mental Game
- One on One Q & A
————————————————————————————

Thanks for joining this historic event and rare opportunity with Mika Immonen, Francisco Bustamente, and Charlie Williams. Something to tell your grandkids and friends about now and later.

For more info email propoolschool@gmail.com or call Dragon Promotions at 1-407-782-4978
To reserve your spot pay online at www.dragonpromotions.com
Please also email us your contact number so we can reach you.

More Photos of the Pool School Instructors

More pics from Past Pool Schools……

Recommended Hotels

Comfort Suites
17 W. 445 Roosevelt Rd., Oakbrook Terrace, IL‎

Motel 6‎
10 W Roosevelt Rd, Villa Park, IL‎

Intown Suites Chicago West‎
350 E Roosevelt Rd, Villa Park, IL‎

Highland Manor Hotel‎
19W545 Roosevelt Rd, Lombard, IL

Staybridge Suites Hotel
200 Royce Blvd, Oakbrook Terrace, IL‎

Staybridge Suites Chicago-Oakbrook Terrace Extended Stay Hotel‎
200 Royce Blvd, Oakbrook Terrace, IL‎

La Quinta Inn‎
1S666 Midwest Rd, Oakbrook Terrace, IL‎

Courtyard Chicago Oakbrook Terrace‎
6 Transam Plaza Drive, Oakbrook Terrace, IL‎

Holiday Inn‎
1250 E Roosevelt Rd, Lombard, IL‎