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Topic: *Industry News* 2014

WPBSA Statement

The hearing of the evidence in the first part of Stephen Lee's appeal has been concluded. The Independent Tribunal has risen to consider written submissions from the parties.

No date has been set for the outcome. The Tribunal has undertaken to deliver the outcome expeditiously.

White Craves Crucible Form

Rising snooker star Michael White hopes he can recapture the form he showed at last season's World Championship as he looks ahead to the BetVictor Welsh Open, which starts tomorrow.

Neath's 22-year-old White showed his huge potential with a run to the quarter-finals in Sheffield last April, scoring a brilliant win over two-time champion Mark Williams on his Crucible debut.

So far this term, White has continued to give glimpses of his talent, notably in a run to the quarter-finals of the Indian Open, but he is still waiting for his major breakthrough.

"Overall I haven't played as well as I did at the World Championship," admitted White. "In spells I have played some great snooker and wiped the floor with people, then at other times I have been below average. Consistency is lacking in my game and that is what I'm trying to find. I'm practising really hard and hoping to finish the season strongly.

"At the start of the season I was ranked on the edge of the top 32 and my target was to get into the top 20. I'm 35th now so that's going to be difficult. But my main ambition is to win a tournament and that's what I'm working towards. I know I have got the game to do it."

The BetVictor Welsh Open runs from February 19 to March 2 at the Newport Centre, with 128 players battling for the £60,000 first prize including Ronnie O'Sullivan, Neil Robertson, Judd Trump, Mark Selby and Ding Junhui.

White, one of ten Welsh players in the event, faces Chris Wakelin in his opening match during the afternoon session this Saturday.

"It will be the first time I have played in Newport as I've never qualified," White added. "My dad will be there to watch me for the first time since he came to the Crucible so that will spur me on. Hopefully there will be good crowds to support the Welsh players."

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.

Top Class Snooker Returns To Preston

Preston’s Guild Hall will stage a major snooker tournament for the first time in nine years next month, as the Players Championship Grand Final comes to the city.

Many of the world’s leading players will be at the £300,000 five-day world ranking event which runs from March 25 to 29.

The Guild Hall previously staged the UK Championship from 1978 to 1997 and the Grand Prix in 1998, 1999 and 2001 to 2005.

Tickets for the tournament will go on sale on Monday February 24 at 10am. For the first week once the box office is open, there will be a SPECIAL OFFER OF HALF PRICE TICKETS which means fans can book seats from just £5.

To book, call the Guild Hall box office on 0844 844 7710 between 10am-5.30pm or online at www.prestonguildhall.com 24 hours a day.

The Players Championship Grand Final is the culmination of the European Tour and Asian Tour series which has run throughout the 2013/14 season. There have been eight events across Europe, and the fourth and final Asian event in China runs from March 4 to 8, after which the final line-up of 32 players for the tournament will be confirmed.

The top 24 from the European Tour Order of Merit, including the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby, John Higgins, Judd Trump, Ding Junhui and Neil Robertson will all be eligible to enter and chase the £100,000 top prize.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We are delighted to bring a world class snooker tournament to Preston for the first time since 2005. The Guild Hall is a superb venue and we know that the Lancashire area is a hot-bed for snooker. This announcement is fantastic news for the fans in the area, who now have a chance to see the top stars competing for a major title.

“Tickets will sell quickly so anyone who wants to experience the action live should get their seats booked immediately.”

Councillor Peter Rankin, leader of Preston City Council, said: “It is great to welcome back the world’s best snooker players to Preston and back to the Guild Hall, a venue which has been synonymous with the sport over the years.

“There is a great appetite for snooker in the region and I am sure people will want to come out and see the top stars of the sport competing in the Guild Hall.”

The tournament was originally due to be staged in Bangkok, but has changed location due to political unrest in the Thai capital.

CSI Invitational 10-Ball & 8-Ball Championships

CueSports International, Henderson, Nevada (February 21, 2014) – CueSports International (CSI) is proud to announce the inaugural CSI Invitational 10-Ball and CSI Invitational 8-Ball Championships. These exclusive events will take place July 18-25, 2014 during the BCAPL & USAPL National Championships at the beautiful Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

Each event will be $16,000 added ($32,000 total) and feature 16 of the world’s best players to compete in a round robin format (four groups of four). Each group will consist of a North American, European, Filipino, and Asian player with the top finisher from each group advancing to a single elimination bracket. In each event, every player will receive prize money with first place winning $8,000.

The equipment used for the event will be 9’ Diamond Pro tables, Simonis 860 Cloth, Cyclop balls, and the Measle Cue Ball.

This will also be a great opportunity for amateurs and fans to meet and interact with the pros as each of the 16 players will devote at least one hour per day giving group lessons, demonstrations, signing autographs, etc. at no charge.

CSI has already begun sending invitations to players selected not only for their proven skills and accomplishments, but also for the respect and dignity they display as professional pool players. Anyone requesting additional information can contact CSI at (702) 719-POOL (7665).

CueSports International is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. 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.

GORINA CLOTH IN GBE2014

Dear Sirs,

We inform you that GORINA CLOTH will be present in the 8th China Guangzhou International Billiards Exhibiton GBE2014 SHOW from 1st to 3rd March in the booth T 36 "Bestims"

If you plan to attend the show, it will be a pleasure to receive your visit in our booth for showing you all our cloths for pool, carom and snooker.

Thanks and Best Regards.

Carles Oller
GORINA, S.A.

WPBSA Statement

The Appeals Committee have considered the evidence and submissions made by all parties in the first part of Stephen Lee’s appeal against his conviction for match fixing. Today they have delivered their decision and they have dismissed this aspect of his appeal.

A new date will be set to hear the remainder of his appeal.

WORLD LADIES BILLIARDS AND SNOOKER ASSOCIATION - PRESS RELEASE

HONG Kong snooker star Ng On Yee was delighted with her second tournament win on the women’s circuit this season.

But the 23-year-old insists her “ultimate goal” is to compete against men as a professional.

Ng accounted for world number one Maria Catalano 4-1 in the final of the G2S Group-sponsored Southern Classic, the fourth leg of the World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association tour.

A tight and well-fought match at Jesters Snooker Hall, Swindon, swung on the two-time IBSF women’s world champion’s ability to find excellent pots at critical times.

Her great long green to land perfectly on the brown and take a 3-1 lead was declared “shot of the match” by coach Wayne Griffiths.

“I am very pleased to have won my second WLBSA event this season,” said Ng, who claimed the UK Championship last November and has leapfrogged nine-time World Champion Reanne Evans into second spot.

“To beat the number-one ranked player in the final gives me a lot of confidence and I will use this to continue to work hard to improve my game.”

As well as preparing for the WLBSA Eden Resources World Championships in April, Ng is looking forward to the Asian Players Tour Championship (APTC) leg in China next month.

“I want to continue to do well in all ladies events,” she said. “But my ultimate goal is to compete on the men’s tour.

“(The fourth APTC event) will give me the opportunity to see how much work I have to do to reach this level. I know it will be very difficult but I look forward to the challenge.”

Three Hong Kong players - Ng, So Man Yan and Jaique Ip Wan In - made the semi-finals and their compatriot and WLBSA débutante Wan Ka Kai beat former European Champion Tatjana Vasiljeva 3-1 in the last-16.

Griffiths, head coach at the Hong Kong Sports Institute and son of the 1979 world champion Terry Griffiths, said: “This event offers us further proof that we are moving forward with our ladies squad.

“It’s a pleasing testament that the hard work from the players in training and competition is starting to pay off.”

Ng stressed the importance of the squad’s support from the Hong Kong Sports Institute and the Hong Kong Billiards Sports Control Council and added: “I’m very pleased that all our players did so well in this competition to show we can continue to compete well at international level.”

Elsewhere, Derby teenager Hannah Jones posted an impressive 66 break in her 2-0 Plate final victory over Laura Evans, from Neath Port Talbot.

And the 17-year-old world number five defeated Swindon’s Jodie Symes, 19, and Woking’s Jasmine Bolsover, 14, to claim the Under-21 title.

Jones split the £40 high-break prize with Catalano, who compiled a 66 in the last-four.

G2S Group are specialists in double and tripled glazed windows and doors.

RESULTS (BREAKS)

LAST-16: Jasmine Bolsover beat Jodie Symes 3-1, So Man Yan walkover Vicky Gibbs, Yu Ching Ching beat Hannah Jones 3-1, Jaique Ip Wan In beat Vicky Carter 3-1, Wan Ka Kai beat Tatjana Vasiljeva 3-1, Laura Evans walkover Emma Bonney, Ng On Yee (30) beat Gaye Jones 3-0.

QUARTER-FINALS: Maria Catalano (30, 53) beat Bolsover (30) 3-1, So (35) beat Yu 3-1, Ip Wan In beat Wan 3-0, Ng (38 ) beat Evans 3-0.

SEMI-FINALS (£70): Catalano (36, 66) beat So 3-0, Ng (48, 38 ) beat Ip Wan In (45) 3-2.

FINAL (£260/£140): Ng beat Catalano (48 ) 4-1.

PLATE

QUARTER-FINALS: Tatjana Vasiljeva beat Jodie Symes 2-0, Laura Evans beat Vicky Carter 2-0, Hannah Jones (41) beat Jasmine Bolsover 2-1, Wan Ka Kai beat Yu Ching Ching 2-0.

SEMI-FINALS: Evans (35) beat Vasiljeva 2-0, Jones beat Wan 2-0.

FINAL (£30/£15): Jones (66) beat Evans 2-0.

UNDER-21

ROUND ROBIN: Hannah Jones beat Jodie Symes 2-0, Jasmine Bolsover drew with Symes 1-1, Jones beat Bolsover 2-0.

Appleton & Dechaine Confirmed for CSI Invitationals

CueSports International, Henderson, Nevada (March 5, 2014) – Darren Appleton (GBR) and Mike Dechaine (USA) have officially confirmed as two of only sixteen (16) players that will compete in the inaugural CSI Invitational 10-Ball and CSI Invitational 8-Ball Championships which will take place July 18-25, 2014 during the BCAPL & USAPL National Championships at the beautiful Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

Appleton brings an extraordinary resume to the field. Some of his most notable accomplishments include 1st place finishes in the 2010 & 2011 U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships, 2011 & 2012 Challenge of Champions, and the 2012 World 9-Ball Championship. He also finished 2nd in the 2012 U.S. Open One Pocket Championship, 2013 World Pool Masters, and the 8-Ball division of the 2014 U.S. Bar Table Championships. He has also been featured on several TAR matches and was selected for the European Mosconi Cup Team from 2009-2013.

Dechaine also possesses an impressive resume. Some of his most noteworthy accomplishments include 1st place finishes in the Turning Stone Classic XIX, 2011 Ultimate 10-Ball Championship, and 2011 “Ginky” Memorial. He also finished 2nd in the 2012 “Ginky” Memorial, 3rd in the 2012 & 2013 Derby City Classic 9-Ball divisions, has been featured on several TAR matches, and was selected for the U.S. Mosconi Cup Team in 2011 & 2012.

Each event will be $16,000 added ($32,000 total) and feature 16 of the world’s best players to compete in a round robin format (four groups of four). Each group will consist of a North American, European, Filipino, and Asian player with the top finisher from each group advancing to a single elimination bracket. In each event, every player will receive prize money with first place winning $8,000.

CSI has begun sending invitations to players selected not only for their proven skills and accomplishments, but also for the respect and dignity they display as professional pool players. Additional announcements will be made as players confirm. Anyone requesting additional information can contact CSI at (702) 719-POOL (7665).

CSI is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. 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.

CSI Live Streaming & Video Capability

CueSports International, Henderson, Nevada (March 6, 2014) – CSI is proud to announce that it will begin live streaming its own events, Podcasts, challenge matches, instructional content, and much more

Previously, live streaming and video recording of CSI content was done by The Action Report (TAR) as a collaborative effort with CSI. Moving forward, this will be an internal capability. CSI tournaments, Podcasts, challenge matches, instructional content, and other video content will be viewable from the CSI live streaming page, CSI Ustream channel, or CSI YouTube channel.

Please stay tuned and look for the new enhancements to our online presence in the coming months.

CSI Website: www.playcsipool.com/Home.aspx
CSI Live Streaming Page: www.playcsipool.com/LiveStreaming.aspx
CSI Ustream Channel: www.ustream.tv/channel/cuesports-international
CSI YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/channel/UCtBRGZemSuj6k30FMQf4nJw

CSI is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. 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.

EUROSPORT SIGNS SNOOKER SUPERSTAR RONNIE AS GLOBAL AMBASSADOR

Role will see broadcast of exclusive new TV series & online blog

London 6 March 2014 – Eurosport has signed an exclusive deal with reigning World and Masters Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan to become its global ambassador for snooker to help drive the international appeal for the sport.

The role will see Eurosport and O’Sullivan team up to create a series of exclusive snooker programmes, broadcast in 54 countries across Europe, called “The Ronnie O’Sullivan Show” looking at all aspects of the game.

Under the terms of the deal, British Eurosport’s production team will make five half hour TV shows with the five-time World Champion. The programmes will include tournament previews and reviews, snooker techniques and Masterclasses as well as interviews with snooker players and other sporting stars and take a lighter view of the sport.

The first episode of “The Ronnie O’Sullivan Show” will be broadcast on Tuesday 25th March, the opening day of the Players Championship Grand Final, when Ronnie will reflect on the season to date including his sensational win at the Masters in January, look at some of the skills of playing the game in his first Masterclass as well as talking snooker fans through the unique way he likes to play the game.

The second show is then scheduled for Wednesday 16th April when Ronnie will be in Sheffield to look back on his fifth World Championship win at the Crucible last year, but also to look at the future of the sport at the Star Snooker Academy in the city as well as catching up with some of the Asian players based there. There will also be another instalment of the Masterclass as Ronnie looks at some more advanced cueing techniques.

“The Ronnie O’Sullivan Show” promises to give both snooker and sports fans in general a unique view of the sport Ronnie loves and an opportunity to discover what motivates him, which other players inspire him and how he sees the game now and what produced the famous victories that make up his career to date.

Ronnie O’Sullivan said, “I am really excited by this new development in my career and the opportunity to work with Eurosport who are working hard to generate international interest in snooker.

“This project allows me to keep playing, but also to do something a bit different. Eurosport is helping to grow the game in Europe, so I can demonstrate the skills of the game and share my passion for the sport with a new audience, which is something that really motivates me. I also have the chance to share what it’s like to be a professional snooker player and look at some of the characters on the Tour.

“This series of programmes is something I have wanted to do for some time, Eurosport is the best place to develop the ideas and we are all really keen to get started.”

---

Arnaud Simon, Eurosport Group’s TV Content Director said “We want to work with the best experts in every sport. Ronnie is snooker for millions of fans across Europe, he is the player they see as the superstar of the game and we have worked hard to create this opportunity with him to produce an exclusive series of programmes for our passionate and increasingly knowledgeable snooker audience.”

David Kerr, Managing Director of British Eurosport added, “I would like to welcome Ronnie to the Eurosport family. British Eurosport is the “Home of Snooker” so the fit with the game’s greatest current player is a natural one. We are looking forward to working with him and creating some great original content to add to our existing comprehensive live coverage of the sport.”

In his ambassador role O’Sullivan will also contribute a blog on the Eurosport.com network of websites during the 2014 World Snooker Championships.

The commentary line up for British Eurosport will remain unchanged, with the popular quartet of Joe Johnson, Mike Hallett, Dave Hendon and Philip Studd continuing to provide the majority of commentary and analysis for British Eurosport’s 19 tournaments.

Eurosport is the broadcast “Home of Snooker”, showing 19 tournaments every season, including the World Championships and all the ranking events, with over 800 hours of live action and over 2,000 hours in total.

Dynamic Best in TV

My friends,

I would like to inform, that the main sport TV channel in Slovakia - SlovakSport will broadcast the semifinal and final of the Dynamic Best of the East - Slovakia 2014. We have 2 hour -long live programmes on Sunday 15.30-17.30!!!!!

Regards

Marcin

Wyldecrest Sponsor Players Championship

World Snooker is delighted to announce that Wyldecrest Parks will sponsor the Players Championship Grand Final for the first time.

The tournament at the Guild Hall in Preston, to be known as the Wyldecrest Park Homes Players Championship Grand Final, will run from March 25 to 29 and feature 32 of the world’s leading players battling for the £100,000 top prize.

World Champion Ronnie O'Sullivan, world number one Neil Robertson, Chinese ace and defending champion Ding Junhui, plus John Higgins and Shaun Murphy will be among those competing for the trophy.

Wyldecrest is one of the largest residential mobile park home and holiday lodge operators in the UK, priding itself on having high quality parks and giving residents a peaceful and stress free life.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: "Wyldecrest have shown tremendous support for snooker by sponsoring a range of tournaments in recent years. The tournament will be televised live on British Eurosport, Eurosport and broadcasters throughout Asia to an audience of millions so they will receive fantastic exposure. We look forward to working with the Wyldecrest team on a great tournament.

“This is going to be a sensational five days of top class snooker with so many of the world’s top players in action. We are thrilled to be going back to the Guild Hall for a major event for the first time in nine years and I’m looking forward to seeing a packed arena with a cracking atmosphere.”

Wyldecrest Parks chairman Alfie Best said: "Our residents are great snooker fans and we are delighted to be once again sponsoring such a high quality event with some of the world’s top players competing.”

Tickets for the tournament are ON SALE NOW. To book, call the Guild Hall box office on 0844 844 7710 between 10am-5.30pm or online at www.prestonguildhall.com 24 hours a day. They start at just £10 which is amazing value for money. The action will come thick and fast, with all matches best of seven frames.

Can Anyone Play in the BCAPL National Championships?

CueSports International, Henderson, Nevada (March 12, 2014) – Recently, CSI has received arepeat question – can anyone play in the BCA Pool League (BCAPL) National Championships? The answer is a definite YES! There is a general misconception that a person must be in a BCAPL league in order to compete in the National Championships. This is false. Anyone can purchase a “Player Membership” for just $25 and be eligible to compete in various singles and doubles events depending on their BCAPL ranking.

The benefits of purchasing a “Player Membership” include:

• Eligibility to play in the BCAPL National Championships

• Eligibility to play in selected Regional and State BCAPL Tournaments

• Current edition of "The Official Rules of the BCA Pool League."

• Annual player package including patch and Membership Card

This is a great option for those that want to participate in “The Greatest Tournament in the World” but may not have a league in their area. To purchase a “Player Membership” visit https://csibbm.com/Member/PlayerMember/SignUp.

There are some great incentives for people to participate in the BCAPL National Championships this year! CSI will be conducting the first ever CSI Invitationals, which will feature 16 of the world’s very best players. Participants can watch these pro events in person or in their hotel room absolutely free and each of these professional players will be available at least one hour every day for free group lessons, demonstrations, autographs, etc. There are also plans to conduct a pro-am doubles event where players can bid to partner with their favorite pro. With over 300 tables, numerous amateur, pro and open events, and countless vendors to satisfy all of your pool needs, it’s an easy decision. Visit www.playbca.com/Events/2014BCAPLNationalChampionships.aspx for the 2014 BCAPL National Championship schedule of events.

CSI is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. 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.

Dear Members of the Billiards Press, Bloggers, Friends and Colleagues:

Our updated CSI Calendar of Events is below. Please check your publication / website and add the items below if they are not already listed on your calendar.

Since this is a monthly rolling list, NEW or UPDATED items are listed in RED with a DOUBLE ASTERISK, for your convenience.

ADDITIONS THIS MONTH:
Canadian Open Series – Penticton, BCAPL Mini Singles 8-Ball Tournament
16th Annual Black Gold State 8-Ball Championships
2014 NYC 8-Ball Championships

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

** 04/18-20/2014
Canadian Open Series – Penticton
BCAPL Mini Singles 8-Ball Tournament
$1,000 added
Cue’s Game Room
342 Main Street
Penticton, BC V2A 5C3
Contact: Paul Sapp
(604) 341-9524

** 16th Annual Black Gold State 8-Ball Championships
$12,000 Added
First Council Casino – Hotel
12875 U.S. 77
Newkirk, OK 74647
Contact: local OK BCA Pool League Operator

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

05/09 - 11/2014
2014 USAPL/BCAPL New England Regional 8-Ball Championships
$2,000 Added
Boston Billiard Club
55 Northeastern Boulevard
Nashua, NH 03062
Contact: CueSports International
Online Registration: www.ctsondemand.com
www.playbca.com
info@playbca.com
(702) 719-7665

** 06/05-08/2014
2014 NYC 8-Ball Championships
Steinway Billiards
35-25 Steinway Street
Astoria, NY 11101
Contact: NAPL
http://nycpoolchampionships.com
info@nycpoolchampionships.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
Online Registration: www.ctsondemand.com
www.playbca.com
info@playbca.com
(702) 719-7665

WPBSA STATEMENT

Edwin Glasgow QC and Peter Stockwell, who formed the Appeals Committee to hear the first part of Stephen Lee's appeal against his conviction for seven counts of match fixing, have on request of those representing Mr Lee recused themselves from hearing the remainder of the appeal.

The Appeals Committee made the offer to both parties to recuse themselves. The reason for this was that in their decision to dismiss the first part of the appeal they had formed an unfavourable impression of Mr Lee's truthfulness as a witness of fact on a critical issue.

In addition to dismissing the first part of the appeal, the Appeals Committee concluded that the appropriate order in this case is that Mr Lee should pay a contribution of £30,000 towards the legal costs incurred by the WPBSA in successfully resisting the appeal insofar as it was based on what was found to be misconceived allegations of apparent bias.

Sport Resolutions UK have nominated a new chair for the Appeals Committee in order that the remainder of the appeal can be heard. The nominee has been accepted by the WPBSA and we are keen for the remainder of the appeal to be dealt with as soon as possible.

USBTC 10-Ball Matches Released on CSI YouTube Channel

CueSports International, Henderson, Nevada (March 13, 2014) – CSI has just released all recorded matches from the 10-Ball Division of the US Bar Table Championships on its newly created YouTube channel. Fifteen (15) matches, featuring some of the best players in the world such as Shane Van Boening, Darren Appleton, Thorsten Hohmann, Carlo Biado, Mika Immonen, Jayson Shaw, Oscar Dominguez, and many more are now available for viewing in high definition absolutely free.

Please subscribe to the CueSports International (CSI) YouTube channel as we will be adding a lot of exciting content in the coming weeks.

CSI YouTube Channel:
www.youtube.com/channel/UCtBRGZemSuj6k30FMQf4nJw

CSI US Bar Table Championships: 10-Ball Division Playlist:
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdCfnbGD70QVYu3_Cx7Y6ZfaRymIUm6Cv

CSSI is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. 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.

DUNSTABLE Snooker Club will be filled on Mother’s Day with most of the world’s top women players.

A 14-strong international cast will be competing in the Connie Gough Memorial.

Female cueists from Hong Kong, Latvia and Lithuania are jetting in to join the best UK-based players for the fifth ranking event on the World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association (WLBSA) circuit.

It’s a tournament that world number one Maria Catalano holds dear to her heart. Ronnie O’Sullivan’s cousin has won the title for the past two years. In fact, half of her ten WLBSA ranking titles have been Connie Goughs.

Nine-time world champion Reanne Evans, who has slipped to third in the rankings, is sure to start at favourite.

But Ng On Yee, one of a quartet of Hong Kong girls, has climbed to second place after claiming two titles this season and will be keen for a third before the Eden Resources World Championships in Leeds next month.

Making her WLBSA debut will be 14-year-old Diana Tracevic, an exciting prospect from Lithuania.

Under-21 and Seniors (40+) events will also he held on the day along with a Plate competition for those not reaching the semi-finals.

The draw takes place at 9.30am with play starting at 10am.

Connie Gough Memorial (with £300 sponsorship)
Sunday, March 30
Dunstable Snooker Club
152 High Street North
Dunstable
Beds
LU6 1LW
Tel: 01582 699479

ENTRIES

Maria Catalano (Dudley, West Mids)
Reanne Evans (Dudley, West Mids)
Ng On Yee (Hong Kong)
Jaique Ip Wan In (Hong Kong)
Yu Ching Ching (Hong Kong)
So Man Yan (Hong Kong)
Tatjana Vasiljeva (Latvia)
Anna Prisazhnuk (Latvia)
Vicky Carter (Sandy, Beds)
Hannah Jones (Derby)
Laura Evans (Neath Port Talbot)
Diana Tracevic (Lithuania)
Sharon Kaur (Birmingham)
Eva Palmius (Isleham, Cambs)

Bustamante and Ko Confirmed for CSI Invitationals

CueSports International, Henderson, Nevada (March 18, 2014) – Francisco Bustamante (PHI)and Pin-Yi Ko (TPE) have officially confirmed as two (2) of only sixteen (16) players that will compete in the inaugural CSI Invitational 10-Ball and CSI Invitational 8-Ball Championships which will take place July 18-25, 2014 during the BCAPL & USAPL National Championships at the beautiful Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

Bustamante brings an astonishing resume to the field. Although his titles are too numerous to list, some of his most notable accomplishments include the 2008 & 2013 Derby City Classic Master of the Table, 2009 World Cup of Pool Champion, 2010 World 9-Ball Champion, and 2nd place in the 2012 US Open 10-Ball. He has also been featured on several TAR matches and various other challenge match formats.

Ko, relatively unknown in the U.S., also possesses an impressive list of accomplishments. He was the 2011 Guiness World Series of Pool Champion, 2011 & 2013 All Japan Men’s Champion, and 2013 Indonesia 9-Ball Open Champion. He also finished 2nd in the 2009 Qatar International Open, 3rd in the 2010, 2011 & 2013 World Cup of Pool, 5th in the 2013 US Open 10-Ball, and 5th in the 2013 US Open 8-Ball.

Each event will be $16,000 added ($32,000 total) and feature 16 of the world’s best players to compete in a round robin format (four groups of four). Each group will consist of a North American, European, Filipino, and Asian player with the top finisher from each group advancing to a single elimination bracket. In each event, every player will receive prize money with first place winning $8,000.

CSI has sent invitations to players selected not only for their proven skills and accomplishments,but also for the respect and dignity they display as professional pool players. For at least one hour per day during these events, they will provide free lessons, demonstrations, autographs, etc. for the BCAPL & USAPL amateur players. Additional player announcements will be made as they confirm.

CSI is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. 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.

2014 USSA NATIONAL SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIPS ANNOUNCED

National Snooker Championship Awarded To Top 147 Snooker Club
By Alan Morris

The Top 147 Snooker Club in Brooklyn, New York, for the first time will host the United States National Snooker Championship, after the Board of the United States Snooker Association (USSA) accepted their bid to stage the 2014 Championship which will be played from May 23-26.

The Championship has been staged on two previous occasions in Brooklyn but that was at the nearby Prince Snooker Club, and the Board of the USSA decided that it would be appropriate to now accept the bid from Top 147 Snooker Club to host this year's Championship.

The Top 147 Snooker Club, which is located at 720 64th Street in Brooklyn, has been a long-term supporter of snooker in the United States, and is in its fifth successive season as a host on the USSA Tour – in December 2013 the club hosted Event 1 of this season's USSA Tour (schedule of Tour stops available at www.snookerusa.com), and is scheduled to host Event 5 in April which should prove to be an excellent warm-up event for the following month's National Championship.

The Top 147 Snooker Club has six BLP regulation standard snooker tables which are manufactured by the Taishan Biaoli Billiard Sports Equipment Company based in Taishan City in the Guangdong province of China, all which are covered with Strachan 6811 snooker cloth.

Alan Morris, the Executive Director of the USSA, said: "As ever, the USSA Board is very pleased to have the opportunity to stage this prestigious Championship at a new venue, and we would like to thank the proprietors of Top 147 Snooker Club for their continued support toward snooker in the United States."

The United States Snooker Association (USSA) has published the Championship Entry document for players wishing to participate in this year's United States National Snooker Championship, which will be hosted for the first time at Top 147 Snooker Club in Brooklyn, New York, from May 23-26. Interested participants may now download the Championship Entry Document by clicking the following link:
www.snookerusa.com/ussa/nationalchampionship/entry/2014-united-states-national-snooker-championship-entry-document.pdf

All of the important and necessary entry rules and details are contained in the document which entrants are advised to carefully read, but interested participants should feel free to contact the USSA if they have any further questions.

The Championship will be played using an initial Group phase with the qualifying placed players from each Group advancing into the single elimination Knockout phase. The Group matches are expected to commence no earlier than 11am on May 23.

The Players' Meeting and Championship draw will be conducted from 8pm on the evening prior to the commencement of the Championship.

As it is the National Snooker Championship, in accordance with the rules of the International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF), a player must be a citizen of the United States in order to be eligible to enter and compete.

Entries may only be made via the Entry Form on the SnookerUSA.com website, which can be found at the address contained in the Entry Document. The closing date for entries is by the end of Sunday, May 18, 2014.

The USSA looks forward to welcoming all of the players and spectators to what promises to be yet another fantastic Championship.

The United States Snooker Association (USSA) is recognized as the USA governing body for snooker by the world-governing body – the International Billiard & Snooker Federation (IBSF). The USSA also produces a highly successful annual National Snooker Tour sponsored by Aramith Billiard Balls and Tweeten Fibre Co.

2013 - the year of the success of EBC

2013 was very successful for European Billiard Council. The organization got new partners and sponsors. Amongst 750 players who took part in EBC's tournaments, 160 were juniors. The building of the International Billiard Training Centre is in progress. The money was given by the municipality of the city of Ketrzyn. The prestigious title of the "Sport Ambassador of the Swietokrzyski Region" was given to the President of EBC - Marcin Krzeminski by the chapter house consisting of tv, radio and newspapers journalists. Below is the full report concerning the work of EBC in 2013.

The Report - www.ebc-billiard.com



Regards

Marcin Krzeminski