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 Shane
Van Boening (born 1984) is an American professional pool player from Rapid
City, South Dakota.
Van Boening is hearing-impaired and uses a hearing aid, but it had never hindered
his ability to succeed. He is a role model to young aspiring pool players.
His trademark is that he exudes confidence whenever he is in competition. Van
Boening's eyes are clear, and he has no alcohol, tobacco, or substance abuse
addictions, unlike the stereotypical image projected of pool players in the
20th century. Van Boening, in fact, is a new breed and offers hope to many young
players who have the desire, passion for the game, and the right capabilities
to succeed in pocket billiard disciplines.
Professional Career
When Shane Van Boening was a mere year and a half old, he watched his grandfather
play pool and took a liking to the multi-colored balls on the emerald green
felt. His family has a strong pocket billiards background. His grandfather,
Gary Bloomberg, was a trick-shot artist; his grandmother, Jeanne Bloomberg,
a VNEA national champion; his mother, Timi Bloomberg, a BCA national champion;
and his aunt, Gari Jo Bloomberg, a three-time VNEA national champion.
Van Boening defeated Hungarian Vilmos Foldes at the International Pool Tour
qualifier in 2006, and was one of several players to earn a bonus of US$5,000
for breaking and running six consecutive racks in tournament play. Shane was
one of only 10 players to earn their IPT tour card by finishing in the top two
spots of one of five qualifiers. Shane won the second stop held at the Pool
Room in Altanta, Georgia.
Ranked number one in the world by AzBilliards.com, Van Boening is now a bona
fide celebrity in the pool world. When he is not competing professionally, he
can be found practicing in downtown Sioux Falls at Lucky Billiards, where he
is the house pro and co-owner.
Wiry and wise beyond his years, Van Boening, a three-time VNEA national eight-ball
champion,
In 2007, He made to the final of the BCA Open Nine-ball Championship but lost
to Dennis Orcollo. Days later, he competed in and dominated the inaugural
World Ten-ball Championship to become the first-ever world champion in
that discipline of pool.
Shane has been declared as the next-in-line and heir-apparent to the throne
of being the best pool player in the U.S. by Inside POOL Magazine.
The last decade in pool has witnessed a strong Filipino dominance, but the
21st century has brought forth a new era. Young 23-year-old Van Boening has
been heralded as being the "new sheriff in town" on the tournament
trail. The lone American captured the hot seat in the World Summit of Pool in
June 16, 2007, giving 2004 World Pool Champion Alex Pagulayan, fondly nicknamed
"The Lion," an 11-4 thrashing. There were four players left standing
in the quarter-finals of the double-elimination event, three Filipinos on the
B side of the charts and one American in the hot seat, American Shane Van Boening.
The last day, all matches were shortened races to 7 because they were being
recorded by ESPN. Alex Pagulayan plowed through Francisco Bustamante and Warren
Kiamco and faced Van Boening in what was a thrilling final match. He surged
forward 4 to 1, but Shane maintained his composure and never gave up, tying
the score, 5-5. Veteran Pagulayan won the next two games to claim the victory,
7 to 5.
The Billiards Congress of America Pool League owner Mark Griffin recognized
his talent and decided in 2007 to sponsor him as he advances his professional
career.
Shane Van Boening is a very confident and stylish pool player.
Titles
2007 Predator World Ten-ball Championship, Jacksonville, Florida
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