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Topic: *Industry News* 2014

INDUSTRY NEWS - January 2014

Pro9 receives more news than we can fit on our front page, and not all news can take pride of place with our "featured article" status, and frankly some news is less relevant to the European market, so, after successful trials, we will continue to present it here!

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EAG INTERNATIONAL 2014 - THE AMUSEMENT & LEISURE SHOW
(Trade Only)

Each year up to 6,000 buyers travel from more than 50 countries to see over 180 companies present 1000’s of the LATEST products, innovations and technologies all under one roof.

EAG International 2014 promises to be better than ever with the major brands and suppliers already planning their product releases and more new companies for you to discover.

ExCel London Exhibition Centre will also be busier than ever so it is vital that you REGISTER for your FREE badge and book your visit NOW.

PLAN YOUR VISIT NOW

REGISTER:     get your FREE badge HERE.
TRAVEL:     by air, by rail or by road.
HOTELS:     the best hotels at the best prices but book now as many are already sold out.
INFO:     find everything you need to know on EAG’s new website.
    
SEE IT     TRY IT     BUY IT

21-23 JANUARY 2014
ExCeL London Exhibition Centre
www.eagexpo.com
T: +44 (0)1582 767 254    
E: sales@eagexpo.com

Tickets On Sale For Snooker’s World Championship Qualifiers

The qualifying rounds of snooker’s World Championship will be staged at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield for the first time next April, and tickets are now on sale.

Famous names such as Steve Davis, Jimmy White, Ken Doherty and rising stars like Jack Lisowksi and Michael White are likely to be among those in action in the qualifiers, which run from April 8 to 16, 2014.

All players seeded outside the top 16 will be battling for places in the final stages at the Crucible Theatre.

Tickets cost just £10* for a full day, exceptional value for the chance to see many leading players competing in snooker’s biggest tournament.

A spokesman for World Snooker said: “The World Championship qualifiers always offer an extraordinary mixture of drama and top class action. To get through to the final stages at the Crucible and finish the season on a high means so much to the players and the pressure is intense. The chance to watch a full day for just a tenner should not be missed by anyone who enjoys sport. Fans should book immediately as tickets could sell out fast.”

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW by calling the box office on 0114 2233777 or visiting www.sivtickets.com

There is also a SPECIAL OFFER of any three days for £20*. Quote ‘Special Offer’.

Students can buy all-day tickets for the two Tuesdays for just £5* (limited offer). Quote ‘Student Tuesday’.

Full terms and conditions are available on www.worldsnooker.com

Please note there is no play on Monday April 14 due to the tables being re-covered.

The seeding cut off to determine the top 16 seeds for the World Championship 2014 is on Monday March 31, following the completion of the Players Championship. The draw and format of play for the qualifiers will be available shortly after this date.

Following completion of the qualifying rounds, the 16 qualifiers will be drawn at random to play the top 16. The full draw will be announced on www.worldsnooker.com

The World Championship is supported by Sheffield City Council.

*Price excludes booking fee

Snooker's 2014 Q School Open For Entry

All budding snooker players will have the chance to chase their dream by qualifying for the professional tour at Q School 2014.

Entries are now being taken for the event which will take place at next May, with 12 two-year tour cards on the World Snooker circuit up for grabs. For the first time, the event will be held at the Capital Venue in Gloucester.

If you have the talent and dedication required to succeed, you could be playing in the biggest tournaments against the sport's leading stars, for millions of pounds in prize money.

ENTRIES ARE NOW BEING TAKEN - just go to www.worldsnooker.com, look under 'Featured' on the home page and click 'online entries' then follow the instructions. All players are strongly advised to get their entry in as soon as possible. The closing date for entering Q School is Friday 4 April 2014.

Q School is widely considered to be the best and fairest way of gaining professional status. There are three consecutive tournaments, and the semi-finalists in each of the three events are given a place on the tour. It is open to players of all ages and nationalities (subject to terms and conditions).

Chris Wakelin came through Q School in 2013 to earn a tour place for the first time and is now enjoying life as a professional. He competed at the williamhill.com UK Championship this week and beat Ryan Day in the first round.

"A year ago I wasn't sure whether I could make it on the snooker tour, but I decided to give Q school a go and got through," he said. "Now I'm gradually gaining experience on the circuit. Playing at the big venues like the UK Championship at the York Barbican this week is fantastic and it's what I have dreamed of."

A ranking list will be compiled during Q School, with players earning one point for every frame won. During the main tour season, should any of the tournament draws fall below a total entry of 128 then the field will be topped up with the highest ranked players from the Q-School list who have not gained one of the 12 tour cards.

This 'top-up' system has meant that seven amateurs have played in York, and taken on the top stars like Ronnie O'Sullivan, Mark Selby, Neil Robertson and Ding Junhui.

Amateur Mitchell Travis has scored amazing victories over world number six Marco Fu and Kurt Maflin. He said: "It's an unbelievable opportunity, to play in one of the biggest tournaments. And to win matches against two of the top players is even better! It just shows that even if you don't make it through Q School, as long as you win enough matches you will still have the chance to play in a lot of ranking events. I definitely think Q School is the best qualifying system and any players who want a shot at glory should give it a try."

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: "The opportunities available for players to get on to the professional tour, climb the rankings quickly and compete for £8 million in prize money in tournaments all around the world, have never been better. We have introduced new formats for ranking events this year which means all players starting in the same round, whether ranked first or 128th. And next season we are bringing in a money list to replace the ranking list, which again will help gifted players climb the ladder if they go deep in tournaments.

"Q School is the perfect system because it only lasts three weeks, so players coming from overseas don't have to spend a year in the UK trying to qualify. Plus there are three chance to earn a tour card.

"So the message is clear: if you are good enough and determined enough to succeed in snooker, get your name down for Q School and get practising. This time next year you could be the one walking out on the big stage and fulfilling your ambition."

Morray Dolan, Commercial Director of The Capital Venue, said: "The Capital Venue is delighted to have been appointed as World Snooker's preferred venue to host Q School 2014. Having hosted other championship snooker events in the past, this privilege underlines the fact that the South West Snooker Academy, which is part of The Capital Venue building, remains the world's foremost purpose built snooker centre of excellence."

So don't forget...enter Q School today, and chase your dream! For more details see www.worldsnookerqschool.com

Billiard Education Foundation Announces 2014 Academic Scholarship in Memory of Terry Romine, Sr.

$1,000 “Excellence in Education” Scholarship Award to attend Lindenwood University

January 1, 2014 (Englewood, CO): On July 13, 2013, the billiard community lost a great ambassador. Terry Romine, Sr. was the founder of Schon Cues and owner of Romine’s High Pocket billiard parlor near Milwaukee, WI. Numerous professional and national events were held at Romine’s High Pockets through the years, including the 2012 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships.

After his passing, donations were made in his loving memory toward a BEF academic scholarship. This scholarship in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to one lucky applicant who is planning to attend Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO (lindenwood.edu). The recipient of this scholarship may also be eligible to receive a matching scholarship up to $1,000 from awarded by Lindenwood University.

Complete details and application can be found at the following link: www.billiardeducation.org/scholarships/apply. Entries must be postmarked by Friday, March 31, 2014. Winners will be announced on Monday, April 28.

The BEF has awarded over $200,000 in academic scholarships since 1993 and continues to promote higher education and a lifelong love for the sport of pocket billiards. For more details on BEF scholarships or sponsoring an academic scholarship, visit billiardeduation.org.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to promoting a lifelong love of pool and building the next generation of players through youth programs and academic scholarships. Visit billiardeducation.org or call (303) 926-1039 to learn more about junior billiard programs in your area.

Dafabet Sponsor The Masters

Snooker’s most prestigious invitation tournament, The Masters, will be sponsored by Dafabet for the first time this season.

The Dafabet Masters runs from January 12 to 19 at Alexandra Palace in London and features the world’s leading 16 players, including defending champion Mark Selby, World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, world number one Neil Robertson, Chinese ace Ding Junhui, Judd Trump, John Higgins and many more.

The players will be chasing a top prize of £200,000 in the BBC-televised tournament, which will also be broadcast live in 68 countries with highlights coverage in seven others, reaching millions of viewers around the world.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We are delighted to bring Dafabet on board as title sponsor for what is one of the highlights of the sporting calendar. The Masters has such a special feel to it because it’s an elite field and the tournament has a rich history going back to 1975.

“Dafabet sponsored the Players Tour Championship Grand Finals last season so they are aware of the massive global audience they can reach out to through snooker. The Masters will provide tremendous worldwide exposure for their brand.

“I’m looking forward to experiencing the incredible atmosphere at Alexandra Palace and working alongside the Dafabet team at this outstanding event.”

Dafabet Managing Director of online betting and gaming, Dimitris Karatzas, said: “We’re very proud to be title sponsor of such a recognised and traditional event of the sporting year. We are all looking forward to what is bound to be a tournament of the highest quality that will be viewed worldwide, such is the following of Snooker."

John Cruces, Head of sports marketing and sponsorships at Dafabet, added: “2014 is going to be a huge year for sport, sponsoring the Masters is a great way for us to kick the year off. It’s a genuine pleasure to be working with the World Snooker team again."

Tickets for the Dafabet Masters are still on sale, though many sessions are selling out fast. They start at just £10, amazing value for money, and there are also some superb VIP and corporate hospitality packages available. To book call 0871 620 7052 (calls cost 10p per minute, plus network extras) or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

Here's the match schedule for the first round:

Sunday January 12
1pm Mark Selby v Mark Davis
7pm Stuart Bingham v John Higgins

Monday January 13
1pm Judd Trump v Marco Fu
7pm Stephen Maguire v Joe Perry

Tuesday January 14
1pm Ding Junhui v Shaun Murphy
7pm Ronnie O'Sullivan v Robert Milkins

Wednesday January 15
1pm Neil Robertson v Mark Allen
7pm Barry Hawkins v Ricky Walden

BetVictor Renew Sponsorship Of Snooker’s Welsh Open

World Snooker is delighted to announce that BetVictor has renewed its title sponsorship of the Welsh Open world ranking event.

The BetVictor Welsh Open will run from February 19 to March 2 at the Newport Centre. The likes of World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, world number one Neil Robertson, Mark Selby, Judd Trump, John Higgins, Ding Junhui, defending champion Stephen Maguire and home favourites Mark Williams and Matthew Stevens will all be eligible to enter.

For the first time, the BBC Wales-televised event will see all 128 players competing at the venue and starting in the same round, giving the chance to up-and-coming rookies to face established stars in the opening round.

The tournament is four days longer than usual and fans will have the chance to see many more players in action, with a multi-table layout at the Newport Centre in the early stages.

Total prize money has increased from £250,000 to £300,000, with the winner to receive £60,000 instead of £50,000. Last year's final was a gripping battle as Maguire edged out Stuart Bingham 9-8 in a dramatic deciding frame.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “BetVictor sponsored the Welsh Open for the first time in 2013 and we are thrilled to welcome them back. They are clearly very pleased with the worldwide exposure that snooker can provide.

“We have a brand new format for the event this season, which puts all the players on a level playing field. The same format was used at the recent UK Championship and it produced some fascinating stories. I can’t wait to see how it pans out in Newport and we look forward to working with the BetVictor team.”

Magnus Grinneback, Managing Director of BetVictor Asia, said: "The Welsh Open is one of the sport's iconic tournaments and we are delighted to again lend our name and support to an event that has been extended in 2014 to give snooker fans the opportunity to see legends of the sport rub shoulders with some of the new kids on the block in a brand new format. This year the BetVictor Welsh Open will be played over an additional four days with no fewer than 128 players chasing the £300,000 purse and these are exciting times for a sport popular in both the UK and Asia; we see it as an excellent opportunity to extend the reach of the BetVictor brand to our core markets.”

Tickets for the tournament are ON SALE NOW and fans are strongly advised to book early as many sessions are expected to sell out quickly. For full details call 01633 656 757 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

The draw and format will be available after the seeding cut-off point which follows the German Masters (January 29 – February 2).

The BetVictor Welsh Open is supported by Newport City Council.

Odds from BetVictor:

Ronnie O’Sullivan 9/2
Neil Robertson 7/1
Ding Junhui 9/1
Mark Selby 9/1
Judd Trump 10/1
John Higgins 16/1
Mark Allen 16/1
Stephen Maguire 20/1
25/1 Bar
Others On Request

www.betvictor.com/sports/en/snooker/betvictor-welsh-open-2014/coupons/364700/200813010/457011800/0/0/PE/0/0/0/0/0

Will there be a Maximum 147 break?

Yes 6/4
No 1/2

www.betvictor.com/sports/en/snooker/betvictor-welsh-open-2014/coupons/364700/200813010/457013400/0/0/PE/0/0/0/0/0

US Open One Pocket Championship Moves to Reno

CueSports International, Henderson, Nevada (January 3, 2014) – CueSports International (CSI) announces the 15th US Open One Pocket Championship will be moved in 2014 to Reno, Nevada. The prestigious One Pocket event will take place February 24-27 alongside the 21st US Bar Table Championships (USBTC). Both popular tournaments are produced by CSI and will be held at the stunning Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada with the USBTC taking place over the course of the week of February 24 – March 2, 2014.

The 15th US Open One Pocket Championship will include a limited 48 player field. This event attracts the top names in One Pocket with past winners including, Shane Van Boening (US) and Dennis Orcollo (Phi). The equipment used for the event will be 9’ Diamond Pro tables, Simonis Cloth and Cyclop balls. For more information about the One Pocket event, please contact CSI at info@playcsipool.com.

The US Open One Pocket Championships and USBTC are sponsored by Predator Cues and by OB Cues. They will be directed by Bad Boys Billiard Productions, and live video streaming will be provided by TAR (TheActionReport.com).

The Reno events follow the Jay Swanson Memorial 9-Ball Tournament at Hard Times Billiards in Bellflower, California (February 15-16), and the Chuck Markulis Memorial at Hard Times Sacramento (February 19-23), creating a great opportunity for players to travel to events in three prime west coast locations.

The US Bar Table Championships also offer a unique feature: bonuses to the top three men and top two women who compete in all three (8, 9 and 10-Ball) men’s or women’s divisions, based on cumulative points.

More information on the 15th US Open One Pocket Championship and 21st US Bar Table Championships may be viewed at www.playbca.com/Events/ALLUPCOMINGEVENTS.aspx

Entries are being taken online via www.ctsondemand.com for both events. You can also enter via mail or fax. To download and print the entry forms, visit www.playbca.com/Events/2014USBarTableChampionships.aspx

Be sure to get your entry fee in early to avoid late fees.

CueSports International is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. CSI supports the WPA/BCA structure to govern the sport and to promote an organized hierarchy for pool player advancement. In the past 9 years CSI has directly paid out $9,000,000 to players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events such as the US Bar Table Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial, the US Open One Pocket Championship, the US Open 8-Ball Championship and the US Open 10-Ball Championship. Visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com, and www.playusapool.com for more information about CSI and its divisions.

Snooker Shoot-Out Close To Sell-Out

Tickets for snooker’s 888casino Shoot-Out in Blackpool later this month have sold out for the Saturday, with just a few remaining for the Friday and Sunday.

The thrilling quickfire tournament runs from January 24 to 26 at the Blackpool Tower Circus Arena, and fans are now strongly urged to book immediately as all sessions are expected to sell out soon.

The Sky-televised event will see top green baize stars like Mark Selby, John Higgins, Jimmy White and Steve Davis battling for the £32,000 top prize in the tournament which features ten minute frames and a shot clock.

A spokesman for World Snooker said: “Many snooker fans consider this the most exhilarating event on the snooker calendar because the action comes so thick and fast and they can have plenty of fun by cheering their favourite players.

“The defending champion Martin Gould recently said it’s all about getting the crowd on your side, and a lot of others will learn from that this time. For the lucky fans in the arena it’s an incredible experience and a fabulous night out.”

The 6pm session on Friday January 24, and the 2pm and 7pm sessions on Sunday January 26 have limited tickets remaining so BOOK NOW! There are also amazing VIP tickets available with the chance to meet the players.

Tickets, which start at just £16, can be bought by visiting www.worldsnooker.com/tickets or calling 0871 620 7052 (calls cost 10p per minute, plus network extras).

Meet More Overseas Exhibitors in GBE2014(Mar.1st - 3rd)

             ---- Exclusive report on 8th China Guangzhou Int’l Billiards Expo.

As one of the most influential exhibitions of the billiards industry worldwide, GBE has done great performance for the last 7 consecutive years. GBE2014, covering a total area of 11,000m2, will be kept the first place of the best billiard exhibition in Asia as always. According to data, the areas for foreign exhibitors in GBE2013 exceeded 1,000m2, 10% of the total areas, which consolidated the reputation of GBE as the global primary trading center of billiards goods.

GBE is absolutely the platform for worldwide billiards enterprises to improve brand valuation, showcase the latest products and technology as well as a one-stop sourcing platform for professional buyers to seek top-notch suppliers.

Listed below are our overseas exhibitors already registered for GBE2014.

Predator Group - USA

One of the worlds' most desired billiard cue manufacturers, the number one choice for professional pool players world wide.

Lucasi Custom/Hybrid & Pure X Cue(global divisions of Cue & Case Sales)- USA

Leader in innovative technology cues & International Billiards Supplies

Iwan Simonis S.A./Saluc S.A. - Belgium

Simonis is the oldest company in the billiard industry and the only textile mill in the world dedicated solely to the production of cloth for pool, carom and snooker.

Saluc S.A., the world leader in the manufacture of phenolic billiard balls, ARAMITH balls.

Last year, the two brands pronounced their union.

Palko Pty Ltd-Australia

Palko Pty Ltd is a well established company with combined experience of well over 35 years in the billiard industry. Palko is one of Australia's largest billiard table manufacturers and billiard equipment wholesalers.

Longoni Cues - Italy

The Longoni Cue Company has a history of manufacturing some of the finest cues in billiards since 1945.

Hainsworth Cloth - UK

Hainsworth is a specialist textile company that has been an unrivalled market leader for over 225 years, offering a wide range of quality textiles and technical expertise.

WSP Textiles Ltd(Strachan 6811) - UK

WSP Textiles Ltd is an independent UK company who specializes in the manufacture of high performance woollen cloth for billiard sports and tennis ball coverings.

Cosmos Billiards-Korea

Cosmos Billiard is a company produces Phenolic billiard balls and tables. From 2012 we have been selling the balls to overseas until now. In addition to that, we also produce other billiard accessories (grips, gloves etc.)

Billking - Korea

Billking is a leading Korean manufacturer and worldwide distributor of billiard equipments. It has been passed 15 years since Billking established started production with CACO tip shaver.

Billplex co., Ltd-Korea

Billplex is a Korean company devote to supplying billiard chalk, glove and other accessories.

Ball Teck Korea(JIHO CORPORATION LIMITED) - Korea

Ball Teck Korea supplies such a full range of billiard accessories as ball cleaner, cue shaver, billiard gloves, chalk, cue powder, etc.

Bachmann Kunststoff Technologien GmbH-Germany

Bachmann was founded in 1985, with a series of high-quality products including Elforyn and Juma, ivory substitute for billiards ferrules, joint and butt.

GBE opens it door to all the other billiard brands which have the intention to tap in the market of China. As an exhibitor, your company will benefit from this.

Streamline Murphy Hopes For Masters Success

Shaun Murphy has embarked on a health and fitness regime in recent months which he hopes will give his snooker career fresh impetus.

The former World and UK Champion is looking forward to next week’s Dafabet Masters at Alexandra Palace, where victory would see him join the small group of players to have won the sport’s ‘triple crown.’

Murphy has followed a careful diet over the past five months in order to lose weight, which could help improve his stamina and concentration at the table.

“I have completely changed my eating habits,” said the 31-year-old. “It has been a real education to learn about diet for the first time. In the past, my relationship with food was always based on how I felt. As a sportsman you are constantly up and down and that affected my diet. Since August, I have stopped eating things which I don’t deem to be good for me.

“I eat a lot of fruit and vegetables, though I haven’t gone vegan like Peter Ebdon. I’ve given up fizzy drinks and I just drink a lot of water instead, plus I’ve given up chocolate. I’m just generally being healthier.

“Having done and it and enjoyed the rewards of it, I wish I had done this years ago. It’s not easy and you need motivation to do it. It’s really about having the discipline to make the right choices.”

Murphy hasn’t won a tournament since the 2011 Brazil Masters, but believes that he will soon get back to lifting trophies.

“I’ve been going through a tough time on the table,” admits the Sale-based cueman. “I keep coming up against players who play fantastic snooker against me and deserve their victories. There’s not much I can try other than good old fashioned hard work. I have improved the weaknesses in my game and I know that good things are just around the corner.”

Next Tuesday (January 14) at 1pm, Murphy faces a tough opening match in the Dafabet Masters against Ding Junhui, who has won three ranking titles this season.

But having reached the final two years ago, Murphy is excited by the prospect of chasing the £200,000 top prize. “Prize money-wise it is the second biggest tournament,” said the world number eight. “I didn’t have a great record in it until it moved to Ally Pally, and since then I’ve been runner-up and got to the semi-finals. I like the venue.”

The tournament runs from January 12 to 19 and also features the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan, Neil Robertson, Mark Selby, John Higgins and Judd Trump.

Tickets for the Dafabet Masters are still on sale, though many sessions are selling out fast. They start at just £10, amazing value for money. To book call 0871 620 7052 (calls cost 10p per minute, plus network extras) or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

Confident Ding Excited By Masters

Ding Junhui will be looking to add to his recent haul of trophies when he competes in the Dafabet Masters next week, and is excited by the possibility of an all-Asian clash with Marco Fu.

Ding has been snooker's most successful player so far this season, winning a hat-trick of ranking titles at the Shanghai Masters, Indian Open and International Championship.

All three of those were all-Asian finals with Ding beating China's Xiao Guodong in Shanghai, India's Aditya Mehta in New Delhi and Hong Kong's Fu at the International in Chengdu.

The growing power of Asia in snooker is obvious, with Ding still leading the way, but several others challenging him to be the continent's top player. Fu had the best year of his career in 2013, highlighted by victory at the Australian Goldfields Open.

Ding has won the Masters once before, in 2011 when he beat Fu in the final, but he lost in the first round in 2012 and 2013.

"I am very confident I can achieve more this season," said the 26-year-old Chinese ace. "I have had a good rest for the past three weeks which was very important for me, half-way through the season. It has enabled me to recharge the batteries and I feel fresh to face the challenge ahead.

"The Masters is a very traditional event with a lot of history. It is very important for every player. Only the top 16 can play there, which makes it even more special."

If Ding wins his opening match against Shaun Murphy and Hong Kong's Fu overcomes Judd Trump, the two would meet in the quarter-finals next Thursday at 1pm at Alexandra Palace. Tickets for that session are still on sale - to book call 0871 620 7052 (calls cost 10p per minute, plus network extras) or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

"If that happens I hope we will have a fantastic match together," added Ding. "I am sure there will be many big matches between Asia's best players in the coming years. Alexandra Palace is a very good venue, especially the atmosphere as the fans are very passionate. I would love to see many Chinese fans there giving me support."

The tournament runs from January 12 to 19 and also features the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan, Neil Robertson, Mark Selby and John Higgins.

McDermott Announces Free Cue Giveaway for January 2014

MENOMONEE FALLS, WI (January 1, 2014) – McDermott Cue Mfg. LLC is a leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of pool cues, performance shafts and billiard accessories. McDermott is proud to announce the January 2014 Cue of the Month Giveaway Sweepstakes.

Each month, McDermott gives away a free pool cue to a lucky contestant. For January, the giveaway cue is the G226C3, a customized version of their popular G226. It features an exotic madrone burl forearm & sleeve with four black dymondwood points. The G226C3 comes standard with McDermott’s high-performance G-Core shaft.

To enter the contest, visit www.mcdermottcue.com/giveaway and fill out the simple survey. There is no limit to the number of times you can enter the contest. At the end of the month, McDermott will randomly select a winner to receive a free G226C3 pool cue. Congratulations to last month’s winner, Linda Garis from Michigan. She won a G323C pool cue with a high-performance G-Core shaft.

McDermott Cue is headquartered in Menomonee Falls, WI and markets under the brands of McDermott Cue, Star Cue, Lucky Cue, Element Cue, Wildfire, Pool Prodigy, Intimidator i-Shafts, G-Core Shafts, Big Boy Shafts, Sledgehammer Break Cue and Stinger Break/Jump Cues.

For more information about this press release, contact McDermott’s Creative Director, Derek Blaguski, at derekb@mcdermottcue.com or call 1-800-666-2283. More information can be found at www.mcdermottcue.com.

Billiard Education Foundation Accepting Bids for This Year’s Junior National Championships

Underwriting and Exclusive Sponsorship Opportunities Available

January 10, 2014 (Englewood, CO): The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is currently accepting bids for the 26th Annual Junior National 9-Ball Championships. Equipment bids and title sponsorship requests are due no later than January 31, 2014.

The BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships are the only junior events in the U.S. that qualify young players in four divisions to compete at the WPA (World Pool-Billiard Association) World Junior 9-Ball Championships. Each year, 150 of the finest young billiard student-athletes from all across North America qualify to compete for academic scholarships, trophies, prizes and the title of Junior National 9-Ball Champion.

Through BEF underwriting/sponsorship, you can enhance your corporate image throughout the community with exclusive recognition, while supporting your favorite charity and its junior members. Event categories include, but are not limited to: venue, tables, cloth, balls, catering, lodging, travel, trophies, shirts, prizes, media, printing, and photography.

Underwriting all or a portion of any one of the event costs enables the BEF to direct more funds to youth billiard programs and academic scholarships. BEF also accepts goods or services to help cover these costs.

To receive the Underwriting & Sponsorship Bid Application for the 2014 BEF Junior Nationals, contact Executive Director, Samm Diep-Vidal at (303) 926-1039 or samm@billiardeducation.org.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to promoting a lifelong love of pool and building the next generation of players through youth programs and academic scholarships. Visit billiardeducation.org or call (303) 926-1039 to learn more about junior billiard programs in your area.

FIRST AMATUER WPBL TOURNAMENT HELD IN PHOENIX

Scott Frost and Rodney Morris Host Bonus Ball Exhibition

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 15, 2014)

The World Professional Billiard League held their first amateur tournament in Phoenix, AZ on January 11, 2014. The tournament which featured the game of Bonus Ball, had a division for both men and women.

Michael Bates owner of Bull Shooters hosted the event with the assistance of Tres Kane and Phoenix Fire captain Scott Frost. The facility which boasts 44 tables under 20,000 sq. ft. of space, drew 30 participants and numerous spectators.

Fans and players gathered at noon for a two hour exhibition instructed by Frost, Chicago Rockets captain Rodney Morris and WPBL President Larry Chiborak. The exhibition consisted of teaching the six pocket amateur version of Bonus Ball. The rules for this version only require the use of one specialty shot, all six pockets and is handicapped for all amateurs to play.

The double elimination tournament was won by Ed Gonzalez in the Men’s Division with Lenny Marshall as runner-up. Susan Wilbur took the top spot in the Women’s Division and Sara Miller came in second; in addition, Abie Padilla took home a new set of Bonus Ball as the raffle prize winner. Gonzalez, who frequently watches the pro matches on the WPBL website was so impressed with the event he had this to say about the WPBL and Bonus Ball “first class….I see this game going places”. Miller stated she was skeptical at first, although “after playing a couple of games…it was awesome…I have fallen in love with playing”.

The WPBL has plans of hosting exhibitions and amateur tournaments in the US after the conclusion of the league championship in February. Larry Chiborak was pleased with the response from those in attendance saying “we know this is a new game and some may think it is only for the pros….we want everyone to know that players of all levels can play the game of Bonus Ball…and will continue to bring the game directly to our fans through similar events in 2014”.

The complete amateur version of Bonus Ball rules are available at: http://wpbltv.com/pages/amateur_rulebook

Please follow the WPBL as the playoffs draw near, additional announcements and updates will be made frequently. For a complete listing of broadcast matches, standings, merchandise and more visit the www.wpbltv.com.

Web: http://wpbltv.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wpbltvcom
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WPBLtv

CSI Calendar of Events

**02/15 - 16/2014
18th Annual Jay Swanson Memorial 9-Ball Tournament
$3,000 Guaranteed Added
$4,000 Added with full 192 field
Hard Times Billiards
17450 Bellflower Blvd.
Bellflower, California 90706
Contact: CueSports International
Online Registration: www.ctsondemand.com
www.playcsipool.com
info@playcsipool.com
(702) 719-7665

02/24 – 03/02/2014
21st Annual US Bar Table Championships
$25,250 Added
10-Ball, 9-Ball, 8-Ball
Grand Sierra Resort and Casino
2500 East Second Street
Reno, Nevada 89595
Contact: CueSports International
Online Registration: www.ctsondemand.com
www.playcsipool.com
info@playcsipool.com
(702) 719-7665
Hotel Information: www.grandsierraresort.com

**02/24 – 28/2014
15th US Open One Pocket Championship
$5,000 Added with 32 players
$7,500 Added with full 48 field
Grand Sierra Resort and Casino
2500 East Second Street
Reno, Nevada 89595
Contact: CueSports International
Online Registration: www.ctsondemand.com
www.playcsipool.com
info@playcsipool.com
(702) 719-7665
Hotel Information: www.grandsierraresort.com

**03/05 – 09/2014
2nd Annual Eastern Regional BCAPL Billiards Championship
$2,000 Added
Singles and Teams
Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack
1 South Stone Street
Wheeling, West Virginia 26003
Contact: corner-pocketbilliards@comcast.net
Ph: (304) 280-8688

**03/09 – 16/2014
19th Annual Western BCA Regional 8-Ball Championships
$30,000 Added
Singles, Scotch Doubles, and Teams
Chinook Winds Casino Resort
1777 NW 44th Street
Lincoln City, Oregon 97367
Contact: Western BCA
www.westernbca.org

**04/01 – 06/2014
2014 BCAPL Texas State 8-Ball Championships
Singles, Scotch Doubles, and Teams
Mayborn Center
Temple, Texas 76548
Contact: CueSports International
www.playbca.com
info@playbca.com
(702) 719-7665

**05/07 – 11/2014
2014 Wisconsin BCAPL State Championships
Singles, Scotch and Team Events
Chula Vista Resort
2501 River Road
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 53965
Contact: Greg Andler
treasurer@wibcapl.com
www.wibcapl.com

**07/16 - 20/2014
4rd USAPL National Championships
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino
3700 W. Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, Nevada 89103
Contact: CueSports International
www.playbca.com
info@playbca.com
(702) 719-7665

**07/16 - 26/2014
38th BCAPL National Championships
8-Ball and 9-Ball Events
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino
3700 W. Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, Nevada 89103
Contact: CueSports International
www.playbca.com
info@playbca.com
(702) 719-7665

Meet More Overseas Exhibitors in GBE2014

---- Exclusive report on overseas exhibitors

As one of the most influential exhibitions of the billiards industry worldwide, GBE has done great performance for the last 7 consecutive years. GBE2014, covering a total area of 11,000m2, will be kept the first place of the best billiard exhibition in Asia as always. According to data, the areas for foreign exhibitors in GBE2013 exceeded 1,000m2, 10% of the total areas, which consolidated the reputation of GBE as the global primary trading center of billiards goods.

GBE is absolutely the platform for worldwide billiards enterprises to improve brand valuation, showcase the latest products and technology as well as a one-stop sourcing platform for professional buyers to seek top-notch suppliers.

Listed below are our overseas exhibitors already registered for GBE2014.

Elforyn & Juma -Germany

Bachmann was founded in 1985, with a series of high-quality products including Elforyn and Juma, ivory substitute for billiards ferrules, joint and butt.

Predator Group - USA

One of the worlds' most desired billiard cue manufacturers, the number one choice for professional pool players world wide.

Cue & Case Sales, Inc.- USA---(Reserved the booth)

Leader in innovative technology cues & International Billiards Supplies and you will see their Lucasi +Pure+Custom Technology Billiard Cues on the booth.

Iwan Simonis S.A./Saluc S.A. - Belgium

Simonis is the oldest company in the billiard industry and the only textile mill in the world dedicated solely to the production of cloth for pool, carom and snooker.

Saluc S.A., the world leader in the manufacture of phenolic billiard balls, ARAMITH balls.

Last year, the two brands pronounced their union.

Palko Pty Ltd-Australia

Palko Pty Ltd is a well established company with combined experience of well over 35 years in the billiard industry. Palko is one of Australia's largest billiard table manufacturers and billiard equipment wholesalers.

Longoni Cues - Italy

The Longoni Cue Company has a history of manufacturing some of the finest cues in billiards since 1945.

Hainsworth Cloth - UK

Hainsworth is a specialist textile company that has been an unrivalled market leader for over 225 years, offering a wide range of quality textiles and technical expertise.

WSP Textiles Ltd(Strachan 6811) - UK

WSP Textiles Ltd is an independent UK company who specializes in the manufacture of high performance woollen cloth for billiard sports and tennis ball coverings.

Cosmos Billiards-Korea

Cosmos Billiard is a company produces Phenolic billiard balls and tables. From 2012 we have been selling the balls to overseas until now. In addition to that, we also produce other billiard accessories (grips, gloves etc.)

Billking - Korea

Billking is a leading Korean manufacturer and worldwide distributor of billiard equipments. It has been passed 15 years since Billking established started production with CACO tip shaver.

Ball Teck Korea(Hanbatt Co., LTD.) - Korea

Ball Teck Korea，premium grade billiard products manufacturer in Korea, supplies such a full range of billiard accessories as ball cleaner, cue shaver, billiard gloves, chalk, cue powder, etc.

Billplex co., Ltd-Korea

Billplex is a Korean company devote to supplying billiard chalk, glove and other accessories.



GBE opens it door to all the other billiard brands which have the intention to tap in the market of China. As an exhibitor, your company will benefit from this gathering of the billiard industry's brightest minds all over the world and be the access to a qualified audience of professionals who are looking for the latest billiard equipments. The whole industry is looking forward to your participation.

Shoot-Out Opening Night Sold Out

Rapid ticket sales for this weekend’s 888casino Shoot-Out in Blackpool mean that only there are only a few remaining for Sunday’s play.

Tickets for snooker's fast and furious one-frame knockout event at the Blackpool Tower Circus Arena have sold out on the Friday and Saturday, with a limited number of standard and VIP tickets remaining for the 2pm and 7pm sessions on Sunday (January 26).

Fans who want to experience the unique and thrilling atmosphere must book now before all sessions are sold out.

The Sky-televised event will see top green baize stars like Mark Selby, John Higgins, Jimmy White and Steve Davis battling for the £32,000 top prize in the tournament which features ten minute frames and a shot clock.

Last year’s semi-finalist Michael Holt said: “The venue is brilliant, it's perfect for snooker. The seats are quite steep and it creates an amazing atmosphere.

“It’s a lot of fun. Win a couple of games and you're involved. With a bit of luck, you can go far in it but there are no expectations. You can't really practise for this sort of thing. You can get beaten as easily as you can win. I just take is at it comes and enjoy it.”

Tickets, which start at just £16, can be bought by visiting www.worldsnooker.com/tickets or calling 0871 620 7052 (calls cost 10p per minute, plus network extras). VIP tickets include the chance to be backstage and meet the players.

O'Sullivan The Master

O'Sullivan did most of the damage in the first session by taking a 7-1 lead, and despite a few late wobbles, he clinched victory with plenty to spare to win the £200,000 top prize.

The 38-year-old from nearby Chigwell received vibrant supported from a packed house at Alexandra Palace during his record tenth final appearance. His fifth victory in snooker's most prestigious invitation event brought him within one of Stephen Hendry's record of six.

Matching the imperious form which gave him the World Championship crown in 2012 and 2013, O'Sullivan conceded just seven frames during the tournament, beating Robert Milkins 6-1, Ricky Walden 6-0 and Stephen Maguire 6-2. His performance against Walden was one of the most devastating displays ever seen in a televised event. Over his four matches he made two centuries and 19 more breaks over 50.

It was his third final against Selby; in 2009 O'Sullivan won 10-8 and a year later fierce competitor Selby gained revenge with a 10-9 success. O'Sullivan's work with psychiatrist Dr Steve Peters in recent years has helped him cope with the frustrations of not having everything his own way during matches, and the challenge of tussling with never-say-die opponents like Selby.

This time last year, O'Sullivan was doing voluntary work on a farm in Essex, during a long sabbatical from snooker. He now seems to have found a balance in his life on and off the table which has enabled him to play the best snooker of his career over the past two years.

With five World titles and four in the UK Championship, O'Sullivan now has 14 'triple crown' victories and it is conceivable that he could beat Hendry's record of 18.

Leicester's Selby was playing in his fifth Masters final in seven years and chasing his fourth title, but had to settle for the £90,000 runner-up prize.

Encouraged by a vast entourage including Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood, artist Damien Hirst, actor Marc Warren, and girlfriend Laila Rouass, as well as his kids Lily (7) and Ronnie Jnr (6), O'Sullivan started the evening session 7-1 up following breaks of 97, 70, 96 and 53 during the afternoon. He quickly extended his lead tonight with a run of 90.

A 9-1 lead looked certain until, in a bizarre end to the tenth frame, O'Sullivan missed a sitter of a brown off the last red. Selby cleared to the black then rattled it in the jaws, only for O'Sullivan's attempt to finish hanging over a top corner. Selby tapped in the black for 8-2, then made an impressive 67 to win the next after his opponent had failed on a red at 27-0.

Selby had a clear chance in the next as he threatened a trademark fight-back, but missed the pink off its spot on 23. O'Sullivan edged ahead and potted the last red to make it 9-3 at the interval.

When they returned, a run of 67 from Selby saw him pull one back, but a clinical 72 from O'Sullivan in the next sealed the title.

"It's a great feeling," said O'Sullivan. "I expected it to be 10-9 or 10-8 because Mark is such a competitor and there's not much between us. He plays better when he's behind and you're never over the line against him until you pot the last ball.

"I missed an awful brown to go 9-1 and then I was concerned he would get it back to 8-4, so I was pleased to win the frame to go 9-3 at the interval. I told myself to just keep competing. The match against Ricky Walden was a one-off, I was never going to be able to do that against Mark.

"I've got five World, five Masters and four UKs now and I never dreamed I would do this well. It's just nice to be playing and competing at 38 because most of the others now are in their late 20s or early 30s. I have set myself a target of winning the world title when I'm in my 40s. Tom Watson nearly won the Open at 59.

"I'm competing with the players from the new era and the standard is high. To beat Mark 10-4 after the epic finals we have had is great. The way I've played in the last two years is how I wanted to play for the previous 18. Better late than never I suppose."

Selby said: "There's no one who wins frames in one visit like Ronnie, and makes it look so easy. I should have won the fourth frame and it might have been different if it had gone 3-1. Even at 7-1 I never felt I was out of it and believed I could win. I tried to put pressure on him and build my own confidence.

"I'm disappointed to lose in the final of both the UK and the Masters but if I keep working hard hopefully I'll be winning again soon. I have won this before so it doesn't hurt as much."

Pinay pool masters Anna Tulauan to compete US Pool
by Marlon Bernardino

Manila, Philippines---Veteran campaigner Anna Tulauan has all the opportunities to be the world’s best.

But for now, she is determined to follow in the foot-steps of Filipino World Champions like Rubilen "Bingkay" Amit, US open runner-up Iris Ranola, Mary-Ann Basas, Cheska Centeno and US based Mary Rakin, among others.

Tulauan will make her return to the pool world after a long hiatus when she competes in this year’s Billiards Congress American Pool League on July 16 to July 26 at the Rio All Suite Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"The Billiards Congress American Pool League in US will be a good test for me, that's why I prepared well for it," said Tulauan , who is also known in pool circuit as "Slipperz".
“I still believe she can become a world champion,” added Ramon "Maestro Monching" Mistica, one of the trainor of Tulauan.

Tulauan is a habitue of One Side Pocket in Malate, Manila and the famous Star Billiards Center in Grace Village, Quezon City.

At this point, the top women's player of the star-studded Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiards Stable quest for honor and glory received a needed shot in the arm from her long-time benefactor American Clay Graviet, owner of Vanduser Cafe Billiards hall in Vanduser, Missouri.

Other US pool tournaments line up for Tulauan are the annual Joss Northeast 9-ball tournament, and the US Open 9-ball, the longest running billiards tournament in the United States.


Anna Tulauan in her winning form (Marlon Bernardino)