Green felt glitters with gold

Wheelchair players compete for international pool title.

By RODNEY THRASH, Times Staff Writer
Published October 2, 2007

TAMPA - Bob Calderon knows the first thing people see.

"The wheelchair," he said. "The poor, crippled person that can't do anything."

Calderon is one of 64 people from 10 countries in town this week for the World 9 Ball Championship for Wheelchair Players. The winner of the four-day billiards competition, which ends Thursday, receives cash and prizes. But for the players, the stakes are higher.

"I gain respect," said Calderon, 56, a Las Vegas resident and the 1999 world champ. "Admiration."

This is the eighth year the National Wheelchair Poolplayers Association has sponsored the event and the second time since 2005 it has come to Tampa, said Jeff Dolezal, the president of the association.

Calderon founded the group 10 years ago as a way of coping with his disability.

Atlanta's Mark Jones also found solace playing billiards.

"Pool doesn't require a whole lot of physical ability," he said.

A car crash broke his neck and back. He was left paralyzed from the chest down.

He started playing in 1994 and this week, he's competing in his fourth championship. "I've got the silver and bronze," said Jones, 58. "I'm going for the gold."

On Monday, inside the Planet 9 Ball billiards hall on W Hillsborough Avenue, the scent of cigarette smoke hung thick.

Stationed at one of the tables, Jones pushed the cue. The ball moved forward and for a moment, Jones forgot about his disability.

"I don't think about it," he said. "I just play pool."

If you go

World championship

Tampa is host this week to the 2007 World 9 Ball Championship for Wheelchair Players. Competition begins at 11 a.m. daily at the Planet 9 Ball billiards hall, 11236 W Hillsborough Ave., Tampa.

[Last modified October 2, 2007, 00:12:36]