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Topic: *Industry News* 2014

Changes To Q School 2014

World Snooker and WPBSA have made the decision to alter the number of tour cards available at 2014 Q School from 12 to 8.

This decision has been made as a consequence of the global expansion of the sport and the increased demand for tour places from international players.

Q School, which takes place in May at the Capital Venue in Gloucester, will therefore award tour cards to each of the eight semi-finalists in two tournaments, rather than twelve over three tournaments as in previous years.

The entry fee for Q School has been reduced from £1,000 to £600.

Each of the eight Q School qualifiers will receive a two-year tour card and the chance to play for over £8 million in prize money on the global World Snooker circuit as well as free entry to all Euro Tour events in the 2014/15 season.

Entries are now being taken and anyone who has the talent and dedication required to make it as a snooker professional is urged to get their entry in fast.

The closing date is Friday 4 April 2014. Just go to www.worldsnooker.com, click on Online Entries on the home page and follow the instructions.

It is open to players of all ages and nationalities (subject to terms and conditions).

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 eight tour cards.

The 'top-up' system meant that seven amateurs played at the UK Championship in York last month. Amateur Mitchell Travis scored amazing victories over world number six Marco Fu and Kurt Maflin. He said: "It's an unbelievable opportunity, to play in the biggest tournaments. 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 added: "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. 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."

Enter Q School today, and chase your dream! For more details see www.worldsnookerqschool.com

WPBSA Statements – Ronnie O’Sullivan

Please see below two WPBSA decisions relating to Ronnie O’Sullivan

Decision One

The Disciplinary Committee of the WPBSA have formally considered the case of Ronnie O’Sullivan in relation to alleged breaches of the WPBSA Members Rules.

This related to three separate posts on a social networking site in September and October 2013.

The first were comments relating to match fixing that he later retracted with a formal apology.

The second related to the suggestion he took pills that helped his performance and the third was a post of an offensive nature.

The Disciplinary Committee found that he was in breach of Rules 1.1 and 1.2 of the WPBSA Members Rules.

He was fined a total of £6,000 and ordered to pay £1,000 towards the cost of the hearing.

The WPBSA work hard to maintain what is widely considered to be one of the strongest anti-corruption units of any sport as well has having strong anti-doping policies which involve robust testing schedules.

The WPBSA Disciplinary Committee considered that the comments that were made undermined these efforts and were damaging to the image of the sport. Such behaviour will not be tolerated by the WPBSA.

WPBSA Members Rules and Regulations:

Obligations of Members

1 General obligations

1.1 Members shall, at all times (i.e. whether at a Tournament or not), behave in a proper and correct manner consistent with their status as professional sportsmen…..

1.2 A Member shall not make or cause to be made any statement or commit or cause to be committed any act which in the reasonable view of the WPBSA is likely to bring into disrepute the games of snooker and/or billiards.

Decision Two

The Disciplinary Chairman has formally considered the case of Ronnie O’Sullivan in relation to alleged breaches of his players contract under the WPBSA Disciplinary Rules.

This related to an incident at the German Masters Qualifying Tournament in Barnsley on 12th December 2013 where he did not comply with a legitimate request made by a senior referee and was abusive, insulting and disrespectful towards him.

Mr O’Sullivan admitted the allegation and apologised for his behaviour citing conditions at the venue and that he was feeling unwell at the time as the reasons.

The Disciplinary Chairman found that he was in breach of the obligations of a player under his players contract with WSL.

He was fined £1,000 and formally warned as to his future behaviour.

It is essential that players comply with the instructions of the Tournament Director and WSL Officials. The Players contract and rules are in place to provide the officials with support where there is a breach by the player. In this case the match was being streamed and was seen around the world. There is no excuse for the actions of Mr O’Sullivan.

World Snooker Players Contract 2012-13

3. Obligations of the Player

a. General Obligations

In consideration for the Player being invited to participate in the WSL Events the Player shall:

viii.     Comply with the instructions, directions and decisions of the Tournament Director (or his authorised representatives including Tournament Officials and Referees) concerning matters

arising during WSL Events which fall within the general authority and responsibility of the Tournament Director, whether or not specifically provided within these rules. Any decision by the Tournament Director on the matter arising as outlined above shall be final.

x.     Treat all WSL employees, fellow players, Venue staff, Partners, Broadcaster staff, the public and any other people associated with WSL Events with respect and not act in an abusive, insulting, disrespectful, racist, sexist, homophobic, intimidating, threatening or violent manner.

An Artist’s Impression Of Snooker

Darts ace Kevin Painter will be at snooker’s 888casino Shoot-Out for the first time this weekend and is looking forward to seeing how the green baize stars handle the enthusiastic crowd.

Painter, nicknamed The Artist, loves snooker and is a close friend of world number two Mark Selby. He’ll be at the Blackpool Tower Circus Arena on Friday for the first night of the one-frame knockout tournament.

“I’ve been to a lot of snooker events before including the World Championship,” said former Players Champion Painter. “This will be my first time at the Shoot-Out and having watched it on Sky for the last few years I can see it’s a totally different atmosphere. It’s much more like a darts event, with the crowd getting involved.

“I imagine some of the snooker players don’t like it, especially the older guys who are used to playing in quiet arenas. They’re not using to people shouting out when they are down on the shot. I’m looking forward to seeing how they deal with it because that type of atmosphere is something we contend with in darts.

“They have to treat it as a bit of fun and there are no favourites because the matches are so fast.”

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

With the event virtually sold out, EXTRA TICKETS have been released for all sessions of the tournament, which runs from Friday to Sunday. The tickets in the upper tier of the arena, some of which have a restricted view, are being sold at discounted prices, starting at just £10.

Call 0871 620 7052 (calls cost 10p per minute, plus network extras) or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

A spokesman for World Snooker said: "We have been delighted to see tickets for this exhilarating tournament snapped up by the fans, who clearly can’t wait to experience the incredible atmosphere which is unique to this event. We are pleased to offer those who haven't got seats yet the chance to buy tickets for the upper tier. These new tickets will not last long so fans are urged to book straight away.”

Van Boening Finishes 2013 Atop the Billiard Congress of America Points System

--- Billiard Congress of America Revises Event Rankings System for 2014 ---

Broomfield, Colo., January 23, 2014 - The Billiard Congress of America is pleased to recognize the top three American Pool Players for 2013: Shane Van Boening, Mike Dechaine, and Jeremy Sossei. Van Boening finished 2013 with the #1 ranking for the second straight year and won the prestigious US Open 9-Ball Championships for a remarkable third time.

"The Billiard Congress of America congratulates Shane, Mike and Jeremy for their accomplishments in 2013," said Billiard Congress of America Chairman Ivan Lee. "We look forward to watching these great American champions continue to develop as professional players and ambassadors of the sport."

At this time, the Billiard Congress of America announces the current 2014 BCA Points Events:

    16th Annual Derby City Classic Jan. 24-Feb. 1, 2014, $25,000 added
    Turning Stone Classic XXII, Sept. 18-21, 2014, $25,000 added

To account for having fewer BCA Events scheduled on this year's calendar the Billiard Congress of America will adjust the BCA Points and Ranking system.

In the past the BCA Points and Rankings have run on a 12-month rolling calendar. Traditionally, there have been a range of 5 to 8 events taking place within any 12-month period. This rolling calendar schedule was a fair sample size to select the top American players to be honored with invitations to compete in international WPA World Championships and events.

The Billiard Congress of America wants to maintain the number of events counted at a level where the player's consistency can be demonstrated and feel that 8 events is a fair sample size to use.

To accommodate this many events the Billiard Congress of America has revised the selection process to include the previous 8 BCA Points Events regardless if these events extend past the previous 12-month rolling calendar.

About Billiard Congress of America

Founded in 1948, the Billiard Congress of America is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to growing a united, prosperous and highly regarded billiard industry through BCA leadership. The BCA seeks to enhance the success of its members and promote the game of billiards though educational, marketing and promotional efforts, an annual industry trade show and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody's game. For more information, visit bca-pool.com or call 303-243-5070.

Spaceman Into Orbit With Shoot-Out Triumph

Dominic Dale won the 888casino Shoot-Out in Blackpool, snooker's quick-fire one-frame knockout event, beating Stuart Bingham in the final.

Colourful character Dale, nicknamed the Spaceman, won six matches to take the £32,000 top prize, the third biggest pay-day of his 22-year career.

Cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd, 42-year-old Dale rose to the challenge of the exhilarating tournament, deadly potting and quick thinking his key attributes. The Welshman, sporting a peroxide blonde hair-cut, knocked out Fergal O'Brien, Barry Hawkins, Mark Allen, Andrew Higginson and Ryan Day to reach the final before getting the better of Basilson's Bingham.

A superb break of 61 put Dale in control, though he missed a red to a centre pocket to gift Bingham a chance. But having made just 15, the Essex cueman missed an easy pink, allowing Dale to wrap up victory by a 77-19 scoreline.

"In the last few years at this event I have been a nervous wreck, I found it hard to strike the cue ball," admitted Dale, who has won two world ranking events, the 1997 Grand Prix and 2007 Shanghai Masters. "But this time I felt very calm and I potted a lot of good pressure balls.

"The crowd adored me because I'm an extrovert and I relish this type of occasion. It's wonderful to be popular and I wanted to win it for them. It's a fantastic venue and a one-off tournament so to win a prestigious trophy at the age of 42 is very special.

"I have practised harder in the last three or four years than I had done in my whole career. We have so many tournaments now and that gives me motivation to do well. I've won a big cheque today and that will keep me going for a while."

Dale, who sang a few lines of 'My Way' after collecting the trophy in the arena, plans to keep his hair blonde for the time being. "It must be lucky so I won’t change it until I have a bad run!" he joked.

The tournament, first staged in 2011, featured frames lasting a maximum of ten minutes, with a 15 second shot clock for the first five minutes and 10 seconds for the last five.

viagogo announced as World Snooker’s ticketing partner

World Snooker is delighted to announce viagogo, the world’s largest ticket marketplace, as the Official International Ticketing Partner, Secondary Ticketing Partner and Ticket Marketplace Partner of the 2014 World Championship.

The partnership will give snooker fans the chance to buy and sell tickets on viagogo’s secure marketplace with the guarantee that they will get the tickets they paid for in time for the event, even if they are sold out at the box office.

A spokesperson for World Snooker said: “We established viagogo as a partner last season and we are delighted to join up with them again for the 2014 World Championship. This service gives fans a chance to buy tickets on the viagogo marketplace after the official box office sells out.

“The World Championship is our blue riband event and the atmosphere at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield is second to none.”

Viagogo spokesperson Steve Roest said: “We’re excited to add the 2014 World Snooker Championship to the roster of global events for which we are the official ticket marketplace. These include the Roland-Garros French Open, the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, the BNP Paribas Masters, Turkish Airlines Euroleague Basketball and the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.

“We’re delighted to be working with our partners at World Snooker to give even more fans the chance to watch 2014’s final at the Crucible.”

The tournament, which was won for the fifth time by Ronnie O’Sullivan last season, runs from April 19 to May 5, 2014.

Dennis Orcollo beats Django Bustamante in Derby City Classic’s 9-Ball Banks division
by Marlon Bernardino

Manila, Philippines---Filipino Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo added the 16th annual Derby City Classic’s 9-Ball Banks division to his growing list of tournament achievements when he won yesterday at the Horseshoe Southern Indiana Elizabeth, Indiana, USA.

Orcollo, the 2013 recipients of the President’s Award of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA), Annual Awards Night, defeated countryman and last year's champion Francisco "Django" Bustamante, 3-1, in an all-Filipino finals.

Bustamante, top player of Philippine Billiards God Father Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, needed to beat American Earl "The Pearl" Strickland to arranged a titular showdown with Orcollo.

"Winning a tournament wherein you have to compete against the world's best players is a very big accomplishment, and I'm very happy for this win," said Orcollo, the top player of Perry Mariano's Bugsy International Promotions.

"I've hoped and prayed hard enough to win this crown for my countrymen as well as my boss Perry and Verna (Mariano) who has been helping me compete abroad," added the former fisherman from Bislig, Surigao del Sur Orcollo, who is celebrating his 35th birthday last January 28.

“Once again, congratulations Dennis (Orcollo). You have made every Filipino proud of your triumph,” said long-time benefactor sportsman/businessman Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) founding head Ceferino “Perry” Mariano, also the president of Bugsy International Promotions.

"This is the reason why we managers are still holding the dream that someday our lawmakers can help this sport. We will also work in making Quezon City the Wimbledon of billiards," added Mariano who is planning to put up an international tournament this year dubbed as World versus Philippines.

Last year, Orcollo who teaming up with Lee Vann Corteza to beat Dutch tandem of Neils Feijen and Nick Van den Berg in the final, 10-8, to reclaim the crown last won by the country in 2009 behind legends Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante, who were also the inaugural champions in 2006 World Cup of Pool.

Orcollo, dubbed as World Money Game King is also a gold medallist in the Myanmar Southeast Asian Games.


Final Score Dennis Orcollo over Francisco Bustamante 3-1
Image: courtesy of Mr. Daniel Busch — with Dennis Orcollo and Francisco Bustamante.

2014 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships to be Held in Louisville, Kentucky June 24-27

January 30, 2014 (Englewood, CO): The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is pleased to announce its 26th Annual Junior National 9-Ball Championships to be held June 24-27, 2014 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, KY. This year’s event will be hosted alongside the Summit 2014 (also known as the Billiard Congress of America Expo).

“The youth are the future of the game, growing the next generation of players and customers. We believe this is a great opportunity to partner with the BEF and support the organization’s mission. Attendees will enjoy watching the best junior players in the country compete for a chance to represent the US in the World Junior Championships,” said Billiard Congress of America Chairman, Ivan Lee.

Many of the top professional players today got their start with this prestigious junior event and it continues to attract the nation’s finest youth with its four divisions: boys’ 15-18, boys’ 14 & under, girls’ 15-18, and girls 14 & under. These young student-athletes will be vying for titles, scholarships, and prizes each year, along with an opportunity to represent the US at the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) Junior World Championships.

Bids are still being accepted for cash and product sponsorships for this prestigious event through March 3, 2014. 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: 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, or to host or participate in a National Qualifier for 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.

Founded in 1948, the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to growing a united, prosperous and highly regarded billiard industry through BCA leadership. The BCA seeks to enhance the success of its members and promote the game of billiards though educational, marketing and promotional efforts, annual industry trade shows and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody’s game. For more information, visit www.bca-pool.com or call 303.243.5070.

Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes wins one pocket in Indiana tourney
by Marlon Bernardino

MANILA, Philippines---FILIPINO billiards master Efren “Bata” Reyes flashed his vintage form by winning the 16th annual Derby City Classic’s One Pocket division yesterday at the Horseshoe Southern Indiana Elizabeth, Indiana, USA. The win was Reyes' 7th time winning this prestigious title.

Reyes smashing 3-1 win over American Shannon Daulton in the finals earned him $12,000 and keeps him in the running for the $20,000 "Master of the Table" title, which is awarded to the top player across the Bank Pool, One Pocket and 9-Ball Divisions.

Daulton, on the other hand received runner-up purse of $6,000.

In a field that featured 298 players, the 59-years-old Reyes was the only player to not suffer a loss. The unique buyback format would have allowed Reyes to buy back in the event and face Daulton again, had he lost the first match.

Reyes long-time supporter sportsman/businessman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, acknowledged Philippine Billiards God Father, congratulated Reyes for winning the 16th annual Derby City Classic’s One Pocket division." Congratulations Efren (Reyes) for winning the 16th annual Derby City Classic’s One Pocket division in Indiana, USA. You make our country proud,"

Just last month, Reyes won a bronze medal in the carom event of the 2013 Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar.-Marlon Bernardino-
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photo caption: in a souvenir photo from left to right are Joyi's manager Siphatho Handi, South African Nkosinathi Joyi , Filipino Rey Loreto and Rey's manager Brico Santig.

Rey Loreto is ready for his first world title clash at Saturday's Monte-Carlo Boxing Bonanza
by Marlon Bernardino

MANILA, Philippines -Rey " The Hitman" Loreto, the 23-year-old talented pug from Davao City is gunning for the vacant International Boxing Organization (IBO) light flyweight opposite 31-year-old South African Nkosinathi Joyi dubbed as Monte-Carlo Boxing Bonanza at the Sporting Monte-Carlo on Saturday.

" He's proven to be something of an upset king," said the 37-year-old Brico Santig, the matchmaker and promoter in the Philippines with the highest number of boxing events last year, including the exciting boxing cards "King of the Ring" staged at different PAGCOR Casino Filipino around Manila.

" We are ready for war," added the Baguio native Santig, the 2013 WBC Asia-Pacific Promoter of the year.

A professional since the age of 17, Loreto beat world ranked former WBA champion Thai warrior Pornsawan Porpramook via technical decision for the WBA interim Pan Asian Jr. Flyweight title last August in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand.

Two years, before, fighting again as a big underdog, Loreto knocked out world-rated Wisanu Kokietgym to annex the Pan Asian Light-Flyweight title.

The IBO, which is not one of the four most widely recognised international boxing associations, is known for an accommodating approach in sanctioning title fights.

The Joyi-Lorito fight is on the undercard of South African Rodney Berman's Golden Gloves Promotion, which features in the main bout unbeaten WBA middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin against American-based Ghanaian Osumanu Adama.

Joyi's manager Siphatho Handi for his part: "We are not taking the Filipino lightly. Under-estimating an opponent can sometimes boomerang and leave you with egg on your face,"

In other schedule bouts at Monte Carlo, Roman Belaev vs. Dean Byrne, 12, for the vacant WBA Continental welterweight title; Max Bursak vs. Jarrod Fletcher, 12, for Bursak's WBA Continental middleweight title and Ilunga Makabu vs. Ruben Angel Mino, 10, for cruiserweights.

WPBSA Statement

The first part of Stephen Lee's appeal against his conviction for match fixing has been adjourned until Monday 17th February 2014.

Ends

Australian Goldfields Open To Return To Bendigo

Snooker's Australian Goldfields Open world ranking event will return to Bendigo in 2014 and 2015.

The Victorian Government's Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher, made the announcement in Australia today.

“The Victorian Government is proud to continue its support of the Australian Snooker Goldfields Open as the event provides significant broadcast exposure showcasing the region across 60 countries including China and the United Kingdom.

“The event is expected to generate continued economic benefit for Bendigo and the State over the next two years,” Ms Asher said.

Following three successful tournaments, Martin Jolly, Senior Vice President and Managing Director IMG Australia/NZ, is pleased to see the Goldfields Open return to Bendigo.

“IMG is proud to once again be working with WSL and the Victorian Major Events Company to bring the Australian Snooker Goldfields Open and the world’s best players to regional Victoria for another two years.

“IMG Media will distribute the television coverage throughout Europe and China, and FOX SPORTS will broadcast the tournament nationally, showcasing regional Victoria to a significant global audience,” Mr Jolly said.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: "We are thrilled to keep this tournament in Bendigo until 2015. Snooker is one of the world's fastest growing sports and this world ranking tournament in Australia is an important part of our global expansion.

"The high standard and professionalism of the Victorian Government and IMG has been exceptional over the past three years. The players, officials and fans have enjoyed visiting the Goldfields region and look forward to returning in 2014," Mr Hearn said.

World number one Neil Robertson took out Mark Selby at the UK Championship in December 2013 to go with his World and Masters titles and become the first player outside of the UK to claim the illustrious Triple Crown.

"I have loved playing in front of a home crowd and I am stoked to have the opportunity again for the next two years," said Robertson.

"I had a good run to the final this year, and although I was disappointed to lose to Marco Fu, it left me even more determined to win the title in the future.

"It's fantastic to have a major ranking event in my home country as it gives players from around the world the chance to experience the Goldfields region. And it also gives the chance for talented local players to compete for wild card places. Hopefully this tournament will help snooker to grow in Australia."

In 2014 total prize money will rise to $500,000, making the Australian Snooker Goldfields Open the richest WSL event in the region, outside of China.

The 2014 Australian Snooker Goldfields open will run from 30th June to 6th July. Tickets are now on sale via the Bendigo Stadium website – www.bendigostadium.com.au.

Dennis Orcollo bags 1st Master of the Table Crown
by Marlon Bernardino

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo continued to bring in the big bucks as he won this year’s Master of the Table Crown in the 16th Annual Derby City Classic just ended yesterday at the Horseshoe Southern Indiana Elizabeth, Indiana, USA.

It was the 1st Master of the Table title for Orcollo, top player of Perry Mariano's Bugsy International Promotions. He won $20,000 for winning the All Around of The Master of the Table Crown.

Orcollo, a former fisherman from Bislig, Surigao del Sur Orcollo, who is celebrating his 35th birthday last January 28 dominated one of the three featured events, which is awarded to the top player across the 9-Bank Pool, One Pocket and 9-Ball Divisions for the Master of the Table Crown.

Orcollo, the 2013 recipients of the President’s Award of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA), Annual Awards Night, defeated countryman and last year's champion Francisco "Django" Bustamante, 3-1, in an all-Filipino finals in the 9-ball Bank Pool.

Orcollo settled for fourth to fifth along with Bustamante in the One Pocket Division which topped by Hall of Famer Efren "Bata" Reyes. Reyes earned him $12,000 while Orcollo and Bustamante won $2,200.

Orcollo, the lone Filipino semi-finalists in the 9-ball event which dominated by American Shane Van Boening. Van Boening, who ousted Orcollo, bested Canadian John Morra for the title.

He also won his first 14.1 title by crushing Russian Konstantin Stepanov, 125-36, in the first George Fels Memorial Straight Pool Challenge.

Sportsman/businessman Ceferino "Perry"Mariano said he is very happy with the impressive performance of Orcollo, who is playing under the banner of Bugsy International Promotions.

"Dennis (Orcollo) victory in Indiana is a good start for Philippine Billiards in 2014," he said.

Race Is On To Keep Tour Places

Snooker’s 2013/14 season is nearing the closing stretch, with many players battling for every pound to ensure their place on the professional circuit for another year.

There are still five ranking events to go this term – the Welsh Open, Haikou World Open, Players Championship, China Open and World Championship. But many of those on the World Snooker Tour will soon be getting out the calculators and working out what they need to do to keep their cards.

Crucially, the final event in the European Tour series is coming up this week – the Gdynia Open in Poland from February 7 to 9. That will be a vital event for many of those hoping to retain their pro status.

The following players will keep their place on the tour:

- Those ranked inside the top 64 on the two-year prize money list (NOT the ranking points list) following the 2014 World Championship

- Those on the first year of a two-year tour card.

The following players will be issued a new two year tour card:

- The top eight on the European Tour Order of Merit, not already qualified as above.

- The top four on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, not already qualified as above.

The Gdynia Open on the Baltic coast of Poland, then, will see players competing for crucial wins in order to climb the European Tour Order of Merit.

According to the prize money rankings issued following the German Masters 2014, the eight players who are currently in line to qualify from the European Tour Order of Merit are as follows:

1 )     Gerard Greene
2 )     Sam Baird
3 )     Joel Walker
4 )     Scott Donaldson
5 )     Ian Burns
6 )     Michael Wasley
7 )     David Grace
8 )     Tony Drago

Hot on their heels are the following:

9 )     Martin O’Donnell
10 )     Stuart Carrington
11 )     Barry Pinches
12 )     Mike Dunn

Snooker legend Steve Davis is one of the players not yet certain of his tour card for next season and potentially needing to win matches to be sure of continuing his unbroken 36-year stretch as a professional.

He currently lies 60th on the money list and 60th on the European Order of Merit. Jimmy White, meanwhile, is also in a precarious position, 62nd on the money list and 110th on the Order of Merit.

Six-time World Champion Davis said: “The last European Tour event is going to be make or break for some players. Particularly those who look very unlikely to get into the top 64 of the money list. A good run in Poland then becomes their best chance of staying on the tour.

“The big difference now is that one good run in a tournament can really shoot you up the prize money list, and it’s a much better system than using ranking points.

“If you break your wrist and miss a few tournaments, you’ve still got a chance because you can have a run to a quarter or semi-final and catch up fast. In the past, players were getting ranking points just for entering events, even if they lost their first match. Under the prize money system, if you lose your first match you get nothing, and that’s how it should be.

“Even for players who drop off the tour, there are still a lot of opportunities because they can play in Q School in May with a chance to regain their place, or as amateurs they can play in all the European Tour events.”

As for his own position, Davis added: “If I was that worried about staying on the tour or not, I wouldn’t have gone into the jungle. I missed the UK Championship and a couple of European Tour events so inevitably I have dropped back a bit. If I do drop off, I’ll enjoy the challenge of trying to get back on.

“I haven’t looked at the prize money list or the Order of Merit and tried to work out what I need to do. I’m looking forward to Poland just because I enjoy playing in tournaments. If I do enough to guarantee my place, that would be great. If not, I’ll look forward to the rest of the ranking events.”

Istanbul World Cup 3-Cushion (TUR) - Feb 10th to 16th

It is in the megalopolis of a great 3-Cushion country that our team is taking you for the first World Cup of the year. Will Tasdemir, Coklu, Yuksel or Cenet shine in front of their audience? Don't miss the action. It is exclusively on Kozoom

The Live video coverage will start on Monday, February 10th. If you don't have your Premium Pass yet, you can order it now.

Gdynia Glory For Maximum Man Murphy

Shaun Murphy ended a 29-month drought without a title by winning the Gdynia Open in Poland - and made a maximum 147 break in the process.

Former World and UK Champion Murphy beat Fergal O'Brien 4-1 in the final of the season's eighth European Tour event to capture a trophy for the first time since the 2011 Brazil Masters.

Earlier in the day, Murphy made a 147 in his last 16 match against Jamie Jones, to earn a £500 bonus to go with his 25,000 Euro top prize. The maximum was the 104th in snooker history, third of Murphy's career and his second within a matter of weeks as he made one in January's Championship League.

A crowd of 1,300 watched the final in Gdynia on Poland's Baltic coast, in a country where the popularity of snooker is growing rapidly. A scrappy opening frame came down to the colours after both players missed chances, and Murphy's cracking pots on brown and blue put him 1-0 up.

Irishman O'Brien had a golden chance to level but missed the pink to a centre pocket on 34, with all of the reds in the open, and he paid full price as Murphy cleared with 75 to double his lead.

Murphy started frame three with eight reds and blacks, though his hopes of another 147 ended when he rattled the ninth black on 65. But a missed red from O'Brien allowed the Englishman to go 3-0 ahead.

O'Brien took the fourth in three scoring visits to keep his hopes alive, but Murphy settled the result in the next with a superb 103.

"I came here with low hopes because I hadn't won a tournament for so long," said Worsley-based 31-year-old Murphy. "I have been practising really hard and working on my game and it's just so nice to bring that form to the match table. My coach and my manager kept telling me to keep going and eventually the title would come, and thankfully they were right.

"To make a maximum as well is fantastic and it shows that I'm hitting the ball well."

O'Brien, who was playing in his first pro final since the 2007 Northern Ireland Trophy, said: "I had chances in the first couple of frames and if I had won one of them it might have been different. But I've got to be happy because I came here knowing I needed to get to the quarter-finals to qualify for the Players Championship. So to achieve that and get as far as the final is really pleasing."

The top 24 on the European Tour Order of Merit will go through to the Players Championship, to be joined by eight players from the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

Results (last 16 onwards)

Last 16
Matthew Selt 4-0 Robert Milkins
Judd Trump 4-3 Mark King
Jamie Jones 2-4 Shaun Murphy
Stephen Maguire 4-2 John Higgins
Marcus Campbell 1-4 Alfie Burden
Zhang Anda 4-1 Rod Lawler
Sam Baird 4-2 Barry Pinches
Alan McManus 1-4 Fergal O'Brien

Quarter-finals
Murphy 4-3 Maguire
Selt 4-1 Trump
Zhang 2-4 O'Brien
Burden 3-4 Baird

Semi-finals
Selt 1-4 Murphy
Baird 1-4 O'Brien

Final
Murphy 4-1 O'Brien

Players Championship To Change Location

Snooker's Players Championship, the conclusion to the European and Asian Tour series, will not be staged in Thailand in March due to political unrest in the country.

The 32-man tournament was due to take place in Bangkok from March 25-29, but World Snooker have now been advised not to stage the event in Thailand.

Negotiations are taking place with alternative venues in the UK and Europe and a new location for the £300,000 event will be announced as soon as possible.

The tournament will feature 24 players qualified from the European Tour Order of Merit plus eight players from the Asian Tour Order of Merit, with the winner to receive £100,000.

Billiard Sports Academy Jasmin Ouschan

Brunssum, The Netherlands: The Billiard Sports Academy Jasmin Ouschan has just been awarded the title of „EPBF International Pool School“ by the governing body EPBF.

The EPBF has just decided to award the title of an „International Pool School“ to the training center which is founded and run by female top pool athlete Jasmin Ouschan. Located in Klagenfurt, Southern Austria, the pool school is equipped with the best and most modern technology available, including pool tables from various manufacturers for training and preparing on different material.

In late 2014, the academy plans to organize a women’s event as a culmination of the year’s Women Euro-Tour circuit. The location is a VIP area in the sports stadium in Klagenfurt which has already been used for the European Cup in Soccer. This marvelous venue provides exquisite conditions for a high class pool event. Together with professional partners for the local and international marketing, the event will be the exciting finish of the women’s tour. The event is in its planning stage. The first meetings have taken place in order to finalize further details.

Tournament Report 9/2/14

Pro Season Event 1

Today the first event of Ireland’s Pro Season took place in The Green Room Billiard Club Belfast. With a field of 27 players turning up for the first event of 2014 it had the makings to be a very good tournament and that it was. We seen some very good matches in the first round with all players raring to go the tournament got under way.

The tournament runner up was Mark (The Bear) McDonald, Mark made it the whole way to the A-Side final unbeaten where be beat Willie (White Magic) Dines and progressed to the main final sending Willie to the B-Side final. Players that Mark beat along the way were; Paul Tierney, Paddy McLoughlin, Tristan Byrne and Willie Dines.

Third place in the tournament went to Willie (White Magic) Dines. Willie played really well throughout the day making it to the A-Side final unbeaten where he met his match in the shape of a grizzly BEAR and was sent to the B-Side final where he was beaten by Paddy (The Ginger Magician) McLoughlin. Players that Willie played along the way were; Stephen Hope, Stephen Johnston, Joe McCrory, Manny Byrne, Mark McDonald and Paddy McLoughlin.

Fourth place went to Dan (The Man) Gorman. Dan played steady pool all day after loosing his first round match to Gary (Hud) Millen he made it all the way to the B-Side Semi-Final only to lose out to Tristan Byrne.

Joint fifth place went to the gruesome too-sum Manny and Tristan Byrne the two brothers from Co. Down made a comeback to the Irish 9Ball scene and done themselves proud both cashing out on the day and beating some very good talent along the way.

First place and winner of Ireland’s Pro Season Event 1 went to Paddy (The Ginger Magician) McLoughlin. Paddy played very well in the later rounds of the tournament. After losing his 3rd round match to Mark McDonald he was sent to the B-Side and made it the whole way to the B-Side final where he beat Willie Dines and progressed to the main final only to come face to face with the Grizzly Bear again. As Mark still remained unbeaten in the tournament Paddy would have to beat him twice to be crowned the champion. The first race was to 11 and Paddy kept up his good form that he found just a few rounds before and beat The Cub with a score line of 11-8. So that was it they were now on level terms one loss each. The second race was a short race to 6 and with Paddy only after beating Bear he was in the zone and kept up the pace to beat him for a second time on the day to take the No.1 spot at the top of the rankings of Ireland’s Pro Season.

Prize money for the first event was.

1st £230, 2nd £130, 3rd £80, 4th £55, 5th £50 x2 Total prize money £595
I would also like to thank all sponsors.

Travis Hopes To Down Rocket In Newport

Snooker’s amateur sensation Mitchell Travis hopes to beat his idol Ronnie O’Sullivan when they meet in the BetVictor Welsh Open this month.

Sheffield’s 22-year-old Travis proved a giant-killer at December’s UK Championship when he knocked out world number six Marco Fu as well as Kurt Maflin to reach the third round. And he now hopes for more glory having been pitched against World and Masters champion O’Sullivan in the last 128 at the Newport Centre.

The match will take place in the evening session of the opening day of the tournament, Wednesday February 19. The £300,000 world ranking event runs until Sunday March 2.

“Ronnie’s the one player I have always wanted to play,” said Travis, who is not on the professional tour but has gained a place in several ranking events this season thanks to his results in 2013 Q School.

“When the draw came out I was scrolling down it and I couldn’t see my name or Ronnie’s. Then when I got to the bottom and saw we’d been drawn together, I couldn’t believe it. I put a message on Facebook, and within a few hours I had over 150 ‘likes’ and a lot of comments.

“I watched Ronnie on TV at the Masters and he made the others look like novices. But if I play well I’ve got a chance and I have proved I can live with the top players. My confidence is through the roof at the moment and I will feel like I did at the UK – I’ll enjoy myself and I’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

Travis has given up his job in a call centre and is now focussed on snooker, though he has kept his weekend bar job. “There are so many opportunities in snooker these days, I am putting 100 per cent into it now,” he added. “I’m planning to play in Q School in May and hopefully I’ll be on the tour next season.”

There are ten Welsh players in the event, including Mark Williams who faces Michael Wasley on the afternoon of Saturday February 22, and Matthew Stevens who meets Adam Wicheard on the afternoon of Wednesday February 19.

Other top stars competing for the title will include Mark Selby, Neil Robertson, John Higgins, Judd Trump, Jimmy White, Steve Davis, Shaun Murphy and defending champion Stephen Maguire.

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

The BetVictor Welsh Open is supported by Newport City Council.

OB to join forces with POV Pool

POV Pool welcomes OB Cues to its small family of sponsors and affiliate partners for the year 2014. Based in Plano, Texas - OB has been manufacturing high performance, low deflection shafts and cues since 2005. In just the last 6 months they have doubled the size of their production facility to keep up with the growing demand for their shafts, Infinity Inlay Cues and the always popular OB Break Cue. The OB brand is used and recommended by many pool players, including such notables as Alex Pagulayan, Corey Deuel, Phil Burford and Charlie Bryant.

Daniel Busch of POV Pool had this to say about the new partnership “I am proud to represent the OB brand which, like POV Pool's other affiliates are helping to raise our sport to the level of exposure that it needs. OB offers some of the highest quality products that money can buy and are endorsed and used by the some of the best players of our time. Like the Kamui Brand, which has been with POV Pool for over 2 years, I look forward to a long lasting relationship with the highly regarded, OB brand.” OB Director of Sales & Marketing Shane Sinnott stated that “Daniel is not just another streamer. The quality of his product is improving with every event that he does and with a large fan base on YouTube and a strong presence on the West Coast, this partnership with Daniel will provide some great exposure for our brand while most importantly, bringing more live streamed world class pool to the masses.”