Billiards Digest February 2008

<b>FEATURES</b><br>
40 2007 BD AWARDS: Our annual wrap-up of the year in pool, featuring the greatest and strangest the sport had to offer. by BD Staff<br>
44 2007 ALMANAC: It's all there-who won, what, and how much. by BD Staff<br>
48 THE QUIET MAN: Player of the year Shane Van Boening has made a habit of vaulting obstacles and defying expectations. by Mason King<br>
54 THE CLOSER: Allison Fisher always gets it done. In 2007, that meant winning three of the last four events of the season. by Nicholas Leider<br>
56 REVIVAL MEETING: Did Team Europe's surprise comeback at the Mosconi Cup save the transatlantic pool tussle from extinction? By Mike Panozzo<br>
<b>COLUMNS</b><br>
16 From The Publisher: America's Mosconi Cup run is over. by Mike Panozzo<br>
72 Tips & Shafts: The growing allure of three-cushion. by George Fels<br>

<b>DEPARTMENTS</b><br>
8 YESTERYEAR: 24-hour pool party: Nikolaidis' close call with world record.<br>
10 MAILBAG: Another take on the 'world championship" debate<br>
12 AD INDEX: Your guide to BD's advertisers.<br>
14 BD NEWS: The WPA shows the CPB the door<br>
18 WINGSHOTS: "Virgin Pockets" is a chick flick for hustlers. Plus, advice from Jeanette Lee, You Make the Call, and the Pool on TV for February <br>
26 CALENDAR: Your guide to tournaments and events.<br>
65 CHRONICLES by Mike Shamos Kicks shots are increasingly important in the modern game<br>
69 TOURNAMENTS: The IPT mounts online challenge match with Archer and Strickland, and Van Boening caps big year in Reno. Plus, WPBA rankings.<br>
72 TOUR SPOTTING: Nevel finds plentry of hospitality on Great Southern Tour, while Chau grows accustomed to Tiger Pool Tour<br>
73 FELT FORUM: New products to drool over.<br>
74 MARKETPLACE: Some great offers to ponder.<br>
71 WHERE TO FIND BD: Check out our poolroom and retail partners.<br>

<b>INSTRUCTION</b><br>
28 Quick Hits: Managing the straight-in shot. Plus, Drill Bits, Opening Shot, and Tony Chohan put on the Spot<br>
30 Nick Varner. Strategies<br>
32 Larry Schwartz. Stripes & Solids<br>
34 Bob Jewett. Tech Talk<br>
36 Tom Ross. In Focus<br>
37Willie Jopling. Trick Shots<br>
38 David Alciatore. Illustrated Principles<br>
(From Scratch will return next month.)