Site News
Topic: *Industry News* April 2010

INDUSTRY NEWS - April 2010

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 for a trial period, we will be presenting it here!

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Extra Tickets Released For Crucible Snooker

Due to excessive demand, World Snooker has made extra tickets available for the Betfred.com World Snooker Championship, which starts later this month.

The greatest snooker show on Earth, featuring star players such as Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, Mark Selby, Shaun Murphy, Steve Davis and defending champion John Higgins, runs from April 17 to May 3 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

Tickets have been selling at record rate so far, and with most sessions sold out, World Snooker has released a limited number of extra tickets for every match, including the showpiece final on May 2 and 3.

These are available NOW on a first come, first serve basis, so make sure you book yours quickly so you can enjoy the incredible snooker experience which can only be found at the Betfred.com World Snooker Championship. Call the box office on 0114 249 6006 or visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Williams In Seventh Heaven

Mark Williams is up to seventh place in the latest world rankings following his victory in the Sanyuan Foods China Open.

The Welshman beat home favourite Ding Junhui 10-6 in the final in Beijing tonight (Sunday) to win his 17th ranking title and first in four years.

The 35-year-old moved up two places to seventh in the provisional list, with only the Betfred.com World Snooker Championship to go before the official rankings are revised.

“My biggest goal for the season was to keep my top 16 place, so it’s great to have that as well as a title before Sheffield,” said Williams, who has now won six ranking events in Asia.

Ding missed out on his fifth ranking title, and second of the season, and climbs two places to fifth.

The race for the official No 1 slot in 2010/11 is over as John Higgins cannot by caught by Ronnie O’Sullivan, a first round loser in Beijing.

Ali Carter made the semi-finals and is up to third. Mark Allen also lost in the semis and he’s up two places to tenth.

Peter Ebdon allayed his fears of dropping out of the top 16 with a run to the quarter-finals and he climbs three spots to 15th.

Nigel Bond was the only qualifier to reach the last 16, and he’s rewarded with a leap of five spots to 37th.

Thailand’s James Wattana and Belgium’s Bjorn Haneveer both won four matches to qualify for the venue. Wattana flies up eight spots to 75th while Haneveer is up ten places to 67th.

Etisalat WPA World Eight Ball Championships Opening Day
Jerry Forsyth - WPA Press Officer

The Etisalat WPA World 8-Ball Championship began today with a press conference, the players meeting and a welcoming dinner. At the press conference the organizers thanked the players for their participation and the sponsors for making the event possible. The Gold Sponsor is the Prism Company and the rest include Dubai Sports Channel, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Adnoc, Pro Master, Al Ahli Holding Group, Al Diar Siji Hotel, Fujairah International Airport, Vopak Horizon, Fujairah Cement Industries, Knight Shot Billiards, Coral Residence Group, Crystal Arc, Millenium Avenue and Pepsi. Knight Shot announced that they will be giving a special prize for any player from the UAE who makes it into the final 16 group. This will include a pool table and other billiard items.

The players meeting featured Tournament Director Ishaun Singh who explained the format and the rules and took questions concerning timeouts, the shot clock (45 seconds) and other assorted queries.

From there we went to the gala welcoming dinner. Here we feasted on steak, sushi, chicken, veggies, Arabic bread and a wide selection of sweets. Then it was off to bed and a good nights rest preparing for the battles to come. First round of play kicks off at 3PM (Emirates time) on Monday.

The format for this event is eight groups of eight players in each group. Each of these groups will play double elimination races to eight games until we are left with only two players on both the winners and the one-loss side. Then we will have 32 players who will form the final single-elimination bracket. The players from the winners side will be seeded according to their performance and the players from the one-loss side will be drawn at random into the brackets.

Real-time scoring and brackets will be available throughout the tournament at AZBilliards.com.

ALCANO, CORTEZA ADVANCE IN WORLD 8-BALL
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

RONATO “Volcano” Alcano was perfect, even as Lee Vann “The Slayer” Corteza flexed enough muscle to win.

Alcano and Corteza, two of the country’s best hopes in the Etisalat WPA World 8-Ball Pool Championship 2010, fashioned out smashing victories to secure berths in the knockout phase round-of-32 late Tuesday being held at the Fujairah Tennis Club in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.

The top player of Bugsy Promotions Alcano, the 2007 WPA World 8-Ball Champion and 2007 WPA World 9-Ball Champion, scored come from behind win over Mohammed Hosani of UAE, 8-6, in Group 1 while the Davao City native Corteza, playing under the banner of Negros Billiards Stable defeated countryman Dennis “Robocop” Orcullo, 8-5, the reigning International Predator 10-ball Champion in Group D.

According to Bugsy Promotions president and Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) founding head Ceferino “Perry” Mariano, Alcano also trailed early in this match against Hosani, 1-5, but the never say die attitude of the Calamba hotshot Alcano rally to 8-6 win.

“Sana magpatuloy ang magandang nilalaro ni Ronnie (Alcano) at ng iba pang player natin,” said Perry Mariano.

“Naniniwala ako na maganda ang magiging performance ng mga player natin kasi malaking factor na magkakahiwalay sila sa group stage, may iilan na nagkasama pero apat naman ang kukunin para makapasok sa Last 32,” said Jonathan Sy, co-founder of BMPAP and president of Negros Billiards Stable.

Last Monday, Alcano won his opening matches against Radoslaw Babica of Poland, 8-1, while Corteza, who also the 2009 BSCP National Pool Championships ruler Majid Sultan of UAE, 8-5.

With the back-to-back victories, Alcano and Corteza advance in the Last 32 knock-out stage format in the week-long event sanctioned by the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA).

Raymund Faraon, Joven Alba and Antonio Gabica also won their second matches to progress.

The Bicol pride Faraon toppled Vincent Facquet of France, 8-6, in Group 1, the snooker specialist Alba turned back Scott Higgins of Great Britain, 8-6, in Group 3 and the Cebuano ace Gabica, who is best to remember winning the gold medal during the 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball competition crushed Huidje See of the Netherlands, 8-5, in Group 8.

Little-known Ruben Bautista bowed to reigning World 8-Ball Champion Ralf “Kaiser” Souquet of Germany, 8-1, in Group 8 that put him in the do or die rounds on the one-loss side that includes Orcullo, Marlon Manalo, Oliver Medanilla, Kim Aquino, Venancio Tanio and power-breaker Jeffrey de Luna.

Also advance in the next level are Ricky Yang of Indonesia, Stephan Cohen of France, Shane Van Boening of the United States, Yukio Akakariyama of Japan, Ruslan Chinakhov of Russia, 2009 World Ten Ball titlist Darren Appleton of Great Britain,Andreas Roschkowsky of Poland, Jalal Al Sarisi of UAE, Karl Boyes of Great Britain and Niels Feijen of the Netherlands.

The top four finishers after the group stage matches will advance in the Last 32, knock-out stage format.

ORCULLO PROGRESS IN FUJAIRAH WORLD 8-BALL; TEN FILIPINOS MAKE IT TO THE KO STAGE
BY:MARLON BERNARDINO

REIGNING International Predator 10-Ball Champion Dennis "Robocop" Orcullo showed better control of his nerves in the thrilling 8-6 win over local bet Ismael Yagob in the do or die rounds on the one-loss side matches to advance in the Etisalat WPA World 8-Ball Pool Championship 2010 in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), making it to the knockout phase Round of 32 late Wednesday.

However, the bad news is that the former Bislig Surigao del Sur fisherman Orcullo, one of the top player of star-studded Bugsy Promotions will meet again countryman 2009 World Ten Ball Finalist Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza in the next level of the week-long event sanctioned by the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA).

The Davao City native Corteza, the top gunner of Negros Billiards Stable earlier beat Orcullo, 8-5, in the second round of group stage match.

"Ganun talaga eh, y'un ang lumabas sa draw lots. Panalangin ko lamang sana Filipino pa rin ang palaring manalo sa World 8-ball sa taong ito," said Orcullo, acknowledge's Philippine Money game king in a long distance call to his agent/ manager Ceferino “Perry” Mariano, Bugsy Promotions president and Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) head.

After a sorry lost to Mustafa Hassan of UAE, 8-5, in the opning round, Jeffrey de Luna, the 2007 Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open ruler come back from the grave by beating Hui Chan Lu of China, 8-6, and Kenny Kwok of Singapore, 8-3, to arrange a Last 32 encounter over Ricky Yang of Indonesia, who finished no.1 after the group stage play in the Last 64.

The winner of de Luna-Yang tussle will meet the survivor of Orcullo and Corteza for the "Sweet 16".

"Malaki ang pag-asa nating manalo sa taong ito kasi yung matitigas nating player ay nakapasok sa knock-out stage.Y'un nga lamang nagkatapat-tapat sila agad," said Bugsy Pormotions honcho Perry Mariano.

"Bagama't may ilan-ilang Pinoy cue ang nagkatapat sa last 32, kung y'ung ang iba naman ay maipanalo nila ang kanilang laban sa foreigner, malaki chances natin sa titulo. Sa 12 na naglaro kasi sa group stage ay 10 ang nakapasok," added sportsman/businessman Jonathan Sy of the rising Negros Billiards Stable.

Also make it to the Last 32 through gruelling do or die rounds on the one-loss side were former Asian snooker champion Marlon "Marvelous"Manalo, Venancio Tanio and Oliver Medanilla.

Manalo trounced Salah Al Remwy, 8-7,and Shaker Wahdan, 8-3, Tanio crushed Khaled Sebata,8-6, and Mehdi Rasheki,8-7, Medanilla beat Majid Sultan, 8-3, and David Alcaide of Spain,8-6.

Over-all, Ten Filipinos---Orcullo, Corteza, de luna, Manalo, Tanio,Medanilla, Antonio Gabica, Raymond Faraon, Joven Alba and 2007 World 8-ball Champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano make it to the knock-out stage.

Only Ruben Bautista and Kim Aquino failed to progress. Bautista succumbed to Mateusz Sniegocki of Poland,8-4, while Aquino who won his match to Abdulatif Fawal 8-4, but suffered his second loses to 2008 Reno World Junior Champion Ko Pin-yi of Chinese-Taipei, 8-1.

Other Last 32 interesting match-up were Alcano versus Scott Higgins of Great Britain, Tanio opposite Jalal Al Saresi, Faraon versus Ko, Gabica versus Manalo and Medanilla versus Alba.

If Alcano luckily beat Higgins, he will face either Tanio or Saresi in the next round.

POWER-BREAKER DE LUNA BOOK QUARTER-FINALS SEAT IN FUJAIRAH WORLD 8-BALL
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

POWER-BREAKER Jeffrey “The Bull” de Luna is slowly making his presence felt in the Etisalat WPA World 8-Ball Pool Championship 2010.

De Luna, the 2007 Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Champion, secured a seat in the quarterfinal round late Friday at the Fujairah Tennis Club in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates after beating his rivals.

The former dance instructor turned professional pool player scored a 10-8 win over Indon Ricky Yang in the round-of-32 and coasted to a 10-2 triumph against countryman Lee Vann “The Slayer” Corteza in the round-of-16 late Thursday to move into the next round of the week-long event sanctioned by the World Pool Billiard Association (WPA).

“Sana mahawakan ko y’ung momentum,” said de Luna, who is best to remember winning the silver medal in the 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball competition.

He will be joined in the Final Eight by compatriots Venancio “Tukao” Tanio and snooker specialist Joven Alba as well Russian Ruslan Chinakhov, Niels “The Terminator” Feijen of the Netherlands, Andreas Roshkowski of Germany, Karl Boyes and Darren Appleton of Great Britain, the 2008 WPA World Ten-Ball Champion.

Tanio nipped Jalal Al Saresi of UAE, 10-6, and 2007 WPA World 8-ball titlist Ronato “Volcano” Alcano, 10-4, Alba, on the other hand trounced Oliver Medanilla, 10-3, and Antonio Gabica, 10-8, Chinakhov beat current WPA World World Ten-Ball Champion Mika “The Iceman” Immonen of Finland, 10-5, and Yukio Akakariyama of Japan, 10-7, Feijen crushed Basher Hussain of UAE, 10-5, and edged reigning WPA World 8-Ball Champion Ralf “Kaiser” Souquet of Germany, 10-9, Boyes hammered Masaki Tanaka of Japan, 10-3, and Stephan Cohen of France, 10-6, and Appleton defeated John Morra of Canada, 10-4, and Pin Yi Ko of Chinese-Taipei, 10-4.

Earlier, Corteza edged 2009 International Predator Champion Dennis “Robocop” Orcullo, 10-9, Raymond Faraon lost to Ko, 10-1, Gabica bested Marlon “Marvelous” Manalo, 10-6, and Alcano subdued Scott Higgins of Great Brtian, 10-3, in the round-of-32.

The Final Eight match-up late Friday, de Luna against Chinakhov, Tanio opposite Boyes, Feijen versus Roshkowski and Alba versus Appleton.

FILIPINO CUE MASTERS BOWED OUT; IT’S AN-ALL EUROPEAN FINALS
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

YOUNG Russian Ruslan Chinakhov stopped the winning run of power-breaker Jeffrey “The Bull” de Luna, 10-5, Great Britain’s Karl Boyes overcame giant-killer Venancio “Tukao” Tanio, 10-5, and another Briton’s Darren Appleton edged snooker specialist Joven Alba, 10-8, late Friday to completely snuff out last Filipino hopes in the on-going Etisalat WPA World 8-Ball Pool Championship 2010 at the Fujairah Tennis Club in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.

The exits of the triumvirate ended the Filipino’s bid in the first World Championships this year, which was never seen in the prestigious event being held in the world’s oil-rich country with the champion getting the lion share of $17,000.

“There are many good Filipino pool players but only handful has the heart to be champions. The Talent we can develop the heart is inborn (Madaming magaling na Pinoy sa larong bilyar pero mabibilang mo lang sa daliri ang may puso para magkampeon,” said Bugsy Promotions president and Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) head Ceferino “Perry” Mariano, who is scheduled to launch the country’s first month-long free billiards summer clinic and training workshop, which will start on May at the Bugsy Morato headquarters in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

It shall be recalled that Hall of Famer Efren “Bata” Reyes, Marlon “Marvelous” Manalo, Francisc “Django” Bustamante and Alex “The Lion” Pagulayan took 1, 2, 3 and 4 position to completed Filipino domination in the inauguration of 2005.

Two years later (2007) Ronato “Volcano” Alcano and Dennis “Robocop” Orcullo finished 1-2 position. A year later (2008 ) German Ralf “Kaiser” Souquet dethroned Alcano for the coveted title. Last Year (2009), the organizing committee failed to stage the World 8-ball championships.

Meanwhile, it’s an-all European Finals.

After eliminating reigning World 8-ball champion Ralf “Kaiser” Souquet of Germany, 10-9, in the round-of-16, Niels “The Terminator” Feijen of the Netherlands defeated Andreas Roshkowski of Germany,10-6, in the round-of-8 and 2008 World Ten-Ball Champion Darren Appleton of Great Britain, 10-6, in the round-of-4 to arranged a titular showdown with Karl Boyes of Great Britain.

Boyes, who earlier beat Stephan Cohen of France, 10-6, trounced Venancio “Tukao” Tanio, 10-5, and Ruslan Chinakhov, 10-2, to progress.


BUGSY PROMOTIONS BILLIARDS FREE SUMMER CLINIC SET
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

THOUGH classes are finally over, Bugsy Promotions opens its gate for a free month-long billiards summer clinic and training workshop, which will start on May at the Bugsy Morato headquarters in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

Bugsy Promotions will offer this kind of workshop for the first time which aims to develop sports as a diversion for the youth instead of spending their vacation idling which may lead to undesirable vices.

The month-long free billiards workshop is open to all beginners which ages 9 to 16 years old.

Ronato Alcano, the former world 9-ball and 8-ball champion will conduct a workshop for Students billiards players prepare them for the forthcoming Inter-Collegiate competition later this year.

“We hope to discover future world champion in this first free summer billiards clinic,” said Alcano, a former US Open 9-ball finalist.

“We (Bugsy) are very happy opened this kind of training to promote billiards as a tool in enhancing one’s logical and rational capabilities and to develop community sports and produce tournament level players and world class players,” Bugsy Promotions president and Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) head Ceferino “Perry” Mariano, billiards summer clinic organizer, said.

For further information on enrollment, Bugsy Promotions free summer clinic can be reached through at tel no. (02) 373-7181 or (02) 332-1728 and look for Ms. Abby.

ALCANO SPEARHEADED THE EXODUS OF PINOY CUE ARTISTS---MARIANO
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FILIPINO billiards masters led by former double world champion Ronato “Volcano” Alcano are now leaving the country to teach billiards in the Middle East in the absence of regular competitions and support from the National Sports Associations (NSA) and the government and to seek greener Pasteur in the famous world oil-rich country.

This was bared yesterday by Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) head Ceferino “Perry” Mariano in an interview of DZSR Sports Radio.

“Marami na tayong mga player na nagtuturo sa ibang bansa kasi wala gaanong suporta ang bilyar sa ating bansa. Wala ding gaanong torneo dito.” said sportsman/ businessman Mariano.

“Sana ‘yung gobyerno natin ay suportahan ‘yung mga organizers natin ng bilyar gaya ng Raya Sports (Mr. Yen Makabenta), Star Billiards Center (Mr. Sebastian Chua), Puyat Sports (Mr. Putch Puyat), Negros Billiards Stable (Mr. Jonathan Sy) at iba pang local organizers at managers,” added Mariano, also the president of the star-studded Bugsy Promotions.

According to Mariano, Alcano spearheaded the exodus of Pinoy cue artists to the Middle East that include 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold winner Antonio “Ga-Ga” Gabica.

The Calamba hot-shot Alcano, won won the world 9-ball crown in 2007 in Manila and world 8-ball tiara in Fujairah in 2007 are scheduled to conduct a workshop for Students billiards players prepare them for the forthcoming Inter-Collegiate competition later this year. The free month-long billiards summer clinic and training workshop which will start on May at the Bugsy Morato headquarters in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

Knowing the exceptional talents of the Filipino cue artists, the government of different Middle East countries are directly hiring them to teach their youth to play the sport, with a minimum monthly payment of 3-thousand dollars or 120-thousand pesos.The Filipinos are also allowed to bring their families, who can also look for other jobs there.

Added Mariano, Gabica is in Doha, while Alcano is fixing his papers and will leave for Doha-Qatar within this year.

Other players, who are already in the Middle East include 2006 Doha Asiad 9-ball silver winner Jeffrey de luna in Saudi Arabia, snooker specialist Joven Alba and Joven Bustamante in Kuwait.

Meanwhile, some players are transferring to other ventures including the promising junior cue master—Mike “Tsoke” Takayama, who stopped from billiards and instead playing poker. Takayama, recently won a poker tournament enroute worth P2 million BMW brand new car.

Mariano, who managed some of these players, said that this is a sad development which would affect the future stints of the Philippine National team in International Competitions—like the Asian games and South Asian games.

Mariano is hoping that should the country needs them, they would still provide their services.

LADIES, WIN £10,000 IN YOUR OWN WORLD DARTS CHAMPS!

Calling all ladies’ darts players.

Here is the chance to win £10,000 and take on the best players in the world!

And it does not matter whether you are a regular team player - or absolute beginner.



The opening knockout qualifying round of the first-ever Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Unicorn Women’s World Championship is being held in the Darts Zone at Rileys and it is FREE to enter.

The local champion will be joined by 19 other Rileys winners from across the UK.

This is a great chance for ladies’ darts players of all abilities to step up to the oche and show just how good they really are.



Former BDO World Champion Anastasia Dobromyslova said: “I’m looking forward to playing in the first ever PDC Unicorn Women’s World Championship.”

“As a Rileys Ambassador it is great to see 20 of our clubs hosting the opening round.”

“Every ladies’ dart player should enter. There is some real talent out there.”

The Rileys winner goes on to the Second Round at Barnsley Metrodome, on Saturday June 12, and joins a field of 32 players – including former World Champion Anastasia Dobromyslova (corr).

The winning pair will go head-to-head in the Grand Final – live on Sky Sports - at The Winter Gardens, Blackpool, on Sunday July 25.

The Rileys events start on Saturday May 8. Visit your local club top check its starting date, or register online at www.rileys.co.uk/herecomethe girls

Rileys Chief Executive Maurice Kelly said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to offer ladies’ darts players all over the country the chance to play in the inaugural PDC Unicorn Women’s World Championship.”

“It gives grassroots players, club and pub players alike, the chance of glory – and a big cash prize. I’m sure they will rise to the challenge.”

“Rileys are opening hi-tech Darts Zones all over the country. We are dedicated to developing the game at every level.”

Charlie Williams Sweeps Super Billiards Expo 14.1 Challenge
By: Charles Eames

Valley Forge, PA- While the expo may be over Charlie Williams’s 14.1 winning streak seemingly cannot be stopped. Williams, fresh off his win at The Derby City 14.1 Challenge, started with a late night entry into the Super Billiards Expo challenge. Charlie Williams knocked Germany's Thorsten Hohmann out of the running with incredible play surpassing over one hundred players to earn his spot in the final eight. With wins over Corey Deuel in the first round, Mike Davis in the semi-finals and then a huge win over straight pool juggernaut John Schmidt to take the finals. The challenge in its first year was a great success thanks to our incredible sponsors Diamond Billiard Products, Bob Jewett, Pete Tonkin Custom Cues, Milliken Super Pro Cloth , Sterling Fury Gaming and the member of the AZBilliards 14.1 Forums. We also had the honor of being live streamed on the InsidePool Stream thanks to JR Calvert bringing 14.1 Straight Pool back into the limelight. Special editorial thanks also goes out to the amazing people at NYCGrind.com. This year’s event could not have been what it was however without the incredible support of all of the spectators who watched the event throughout the four days of action. When asked, Charlie Williams said that it added to his personal experience in the event having that many players and spectators watching.


Williams has won two consecutive pro 14.1 events now.

The format was a simple one, take ball in hand and set up a break shot of your choosing. Shoot until you miss or foul and your score is counted. Do this five times and at the end of those five tries your five scores are tabulated to make one final score. The top eight players with the best scores would go to a single elimination tournament on Sunday to compete for the title. All matches in the tournament stage were races to 100 including the finals. The final score between Charlie Williams and John Schmidt was 100-32.

The top eight qualifying players with their preliminary scores to make the final tournament were :

1. John Schmidt – Final Score – 271
2. Bobby Chamberlain – Final Score – 209
3. Mike Davis – Final Score – 201
4. Charlie Williams – Final Score – 181
5. Dave Daya – Final Score – 178
6. Bob Maidoff – Final Score – 157
7. Corey Deuel – Final Score – 151
8. Steve Lipsky – Final Score – 132


Schmidt lost to Williams in the finals but still had the high run of the event with a 204 during the qualifying rounds

Some amazing scores for the top eight players in the challenge considering the tough conditions they were playing under. The Diamond nine footers that were used in the challenge had some very tough pockets that were unforgiving. John Schmidt however seemed to have no problem during his challenge high run of a whopping 204. The only other player to have a run over 100 was Bobby Chamberlain with a 110. Other great runs included Steve Lipsky’s 85, as well as Dave Daya and Mike Davis who both had runs in the seventies. Eric Charlton also had a great run of 62 on these tough tables as well. First round action saw Charlie Williams take down Corey Deuel, John Schmidt edge by Dave Daya, Mike Davis sneak past Bobby Chamberlain, and Steve Lipsky with a very convincing win over Bob Maidoff. In the semi finals it was all Charlie Williams once again with his win over Mike Davis and John Schmidt ended the incredible run of Steve Lipsky. In the finals straight pool dynamo John Schmidt proved to be no match for the Korean Dragon as Charlie went on a rampage early on in the match and didn’t look back the whole way winning 100-35.

             Other notable players involved in the challenge were Ralph Eckert, Tony Robles, Larry Nevel, Bobby Chamberlain who gained sponsorship status as the event went on, Eric “EASY-E” Charlton, and of course New York Straight Pool Icons Danny Baroudy and Steve Lipsky. Steve Lipsky was one of the finalists who made it to the top 8 with a final score of 132 in five innings. Lipsky’s new nickname “The Mission” was truly evident as he looked like a man possessed punishing break shots at ninety miles an hour with no fear. Lipsky was a beautiful juxtaposition between power and grace. Thunderous break shots amidst a sea of calm collected and methodical pattern play. Other stand out finalists include Bob Maidoff and Dave Daya two gentleman of the game from the old guard whose mannerisms and demeanor at the table harkens back to a time when Straight Pool truly was a discipline of champions.

             What started out as a pipe dream between two friends during a practice game of Straight Pool quickly grew into the most talked about event at the Expo this year. With crowds reaching well over a hundred in numbers the buzz around the event was undeniable. From the first moment you walked down the expo center’s stairs and saw the two massive plasma displays thanking sponsors and displaying runs from the days prior you knew the event was poised to be great. Three people in particular who put in an incredible amount of work every day were Steve Kurtz whose name is quickly becoming synonymous with Straight Pool, his lovely wife Heather Kurtz whose logistical help and passion for the game was invaluable, and of course Straight Pool aficionado Bill Maropolous whose knowledge and experience truly made the event that much better with his presence. These three individuals worked tirelessly around the clock to ensure that the event was a success and to score players into the wee hours of the morning. There is even reports of them working from 8:00 am to 4:30 am the next morning.

             From everyone involved in the challenge a heartfelt thank you goes out to all that showed their support for the event whether it be the multiple entries, cue raffles, or just stopping by to say hello. The event is slated to be even bigger next year with more tables and the addition of a new program called the 14.1 For Everyone Initiative being implemented by tournament director Charles Eames. This will involve a junior’s event involving players 16 and under being coached through their racks by professional players and exposing a new generation of players to the incredible game of 14.1 continuous straight pool. “We have some very big irons in the fire and we are quite hopeful for next year” was all that could be dragged out of Charles Eames when asked. He is keeping deceptively quiet about next year as he has what he is describing as “high hopes” for sponsorships. Once again though in the end it truly is Charlie Williams who deserves the kudos here for braving a field of over a hundred players to claim his rightful title as the first ever Super Billiards Expo 14.1 Challenge Champion. He is a true champion through his efforts both on and off the table and it was an honor to have a player of his stature in the cue sports community compete.

THE EIGHT RONNIES!
Snooker kids battle to become the next ‘Rocket’ Ronnie

Eight young snooker players have a chance of becoming the next ‘Rocket’ Ronnie O’Sullivan.

They will compete in front of snooker legend O’Sullivan for a £5,000 prize on Friday April 23 during the World Snooker Championships at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield.

The ‘Rocket’ said: “I’m going to train and mentor the kid who comes out on top. I’m sure he will have a great future in the game.”

The competition, sponsored by Rileys, the UK’s largest pool and snooker operator, attracted nearly 800 under-16s chasing the £5,000 first prize.


Rileys have more than 120 clubs nationwide. Each club offers high quality pool and snooker tables and good food in a family-friendly environment.

To find your nearest Rileys club visit www.rileys.co.uk

The Eight Ronnies are (regional final event which they won in brackets):

    * Sean O'Sullivan from Lewisham (Wealdstone)
    * Joseph McLaren from Greenock (Edinburgh)
    * Lewis Hargreaves from Ipswich (Norwich)
    * Jamie Rhys Clarke from Fforestfach (Cardiff)
    * Joel Walker from Sheffield (Sheffield)
    * Jordan Rimmer from Solihull (Solihull)
    * Jake Stewart from Plymouth(Exeter)
    * Zac Barton from Bolton (Preston)

GOMEZ, ORCULLO TOPS ASIAN GAMES QUALIFYING EVENT
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

ROBERTO GOMEZ and Dennis Orcullo clinched the slots in the main draw of 16th Asian Games (also known as the XVI Asiad) Cue Sports Competition will be held in Guangzhou, China on November 12 to 27, after topping the qualification tournament at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Center in Malate, Manila.

The 2007 World Pool Championship finalist Gomez, dubbed as “Pinoy” Superman in the local pool, defeated fellow Bugsy team mate Orcullo, 13-11, in the finals of 8-ball competition last Monday.

Orcullo, the reigning International Predator 10-ball champion on the other hand, came back by beating hall of famer and greatest player of all time Efren “Bata” Reyes in a thrilling 13-12 decision win in the finals of 9-ball competition on Wednesday.

Gomez and Orcullo, both the top players of the star-studded Perry Mariano’s Bugsy Promotions will represent the country in the forthcoming quadrennial meet.

“Right now, I feel we can win gold medals in the billiards competitions. We're strong in the men's 8-ball and 9-ball events and we can surprise our rivals in women's billiards," said Ceferino “Perry” Mariano, Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) founding head.

Aside from Billiards, Mariano, named dragonboat, taekwondo, chess, boxing and athletics as possible goldmines for a contingent that’s seeking to improve on its previous four-gold haul in 2006 in Doha.

The ASIAD qualification tournament will resume on Monday according to National billiards coach Boyet Asonto.

Two Unknowns Battle Through To Vegas Showdown

Further Representation for USA and Spain

DAVE GRAU AND CARLOS CABELLO, relative unknowns outside their respective areas of the American North East and Spain, became the latest two qualifiers to make it through to Las Vegas and the starting line up of the 2010 PartyPoker.net World Pool Masters.

Grau, the 33 year-old from Rochester, New York beat Louis Fazekas 13-11 to bag his Vegas spot but it was almost not to be. Taking place at Silver Tip Billiards, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Grau looked to be cruising before he hit a snag.

‘I lead the whole way to find myself 10-6 ahead but then found myself down 11-10. I made a great out to tie it up but he scratched unexpectedly when trying to reach the hill and it was all me from there,’ said a delighted Grau.

He had earlier beaten Canadian notables Jason Klatt, Chris Orme and Eric Hjorleifson en route to the grand prize and is looking forward to mixing it in the top bracket in Las Vegas.

Grau, who mainly competes on the Joss Tour in the North East, describes himself as that tour’s No.2 behind Dennis Hatch.

The week before at the I-Hotel in Madrid it was the turn of Carlos Cabello who came through a strong all-Spanish field before beating David Alcoberro 13-11 in an exciting finale.

Unable to play through to a true double-elimination format, due to the constraints of time, the event organisers gave hot seat incumbent Alcoberro a two rack start.

Cabello, who had lost 11-6 to David Alvarez on the left hand side of the draw, battled through the losers’ bracket with three wins, including 9-3 revenge over Alvarez.

After catching up the two rack start, the two players then went rack for rack before the score stood at 11-all in the alternate break match. Cabello then took the next two to claim the Masters spot where he will join David Alcaide, one of the invited players.

Working with an array of respected partners around the world, the qualifying events take in France, England, Scotland, Holland, Belgium, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Canada, USA, Australia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Japan. This will give every pool player in the world the opportunity to win a trip to Las Vegas and mix it with the world’s elite in the Masters.

Each qualifying event will carry an entry fee and have, in most cases a maximum field of 32 players. The winner of each event wins a trip to Vegas, to include flight and accommodation, to compete in the Masters and there are cash prizes for high finishers depending on entries.

After 17 years as a 16-player invitational competition, the Masters, one of the longest established tournaments in pool, has moved to 64 players and will run from Wednesday, May 12 to Sunday, May 16, will take place at the Riviera Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Working in conjunction with Cuesports International, the Masters takes place during the annual BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships, which sees thousands of players and fans flock to the Riviera for a lengthy festival of pool.

The first two days of the main event in May feature double elimination play on a multi-table set-up as the field reduces from 64 down to 32.

The event then goes to single elimination and the last 16 is played out in a single table arena setting in front of the TV cameras, culminating in the final on the evening of Sunday, May 16.

Television is produced by Matchroom Sport and will be seen as 15 x one hour programmes in 14 countries around the world with more to be added to the list.

The prize fund is set at a guaranteed $100,000 with $20,000 going to the eventual champion.

BMPAP HEAD MARIANO SLAMS BSCP PRESIDENT ILAGAN IN CUE ARTISTS’ EXODUS ISSUE
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

BILLIARDS Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) founding head Ceferino “Perry” Mariano blasted Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines president Arturo “Bong” Ilagan reacting the latter’s statement against the possible exodus of former double world champion (WPA 8-ball and 9-ball) champion Ronato “Ronnie” Alcano who are now leaving the country to teach billiards in the Middle East in the absence of regular competitions and support from the National Sports Associations (NSA) and the government.

“Sana huwag na sana siyang (BSCP president Bong Ilagan) sumagot kasi hindi n’ya naman alam ang status ng bilyar ngayon. Hindi n’ya nga alam kung sino talaga ang magagaling at ang mga paparating na player,” said Mariano, also the president of the star-studded Bugsy Promotions, who manages the careers of some of the country’s top cue artists headed by Alcano, reigning International Predator 10-ball champion Dennis Orcullo, 2007 World Pool Championships finalist Roberto Gomez, Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Gandy Valle, among others.

Mariano reacting the statement of Ilagan, a former Gintong Alay executive director who appear in a broadsheet newspaper as Ilagan quoted as saying “It’s their choice,”

“Dapat hindi siya (BSCP president Bong Ilagan) defensive dahil pinapa-alam lamang namin (BMPAP) ang sitwasyon ng mga player natin. Ang maganda dapat kausapin niya ‘yung mga player at kailangan ng solusyon,” Mariano added.

“Alam naman natin may problema sila (BSCP) at ang mga player’s pero dapat hanapan niya ng solusyon. Wala nga silang (BSCP) regional tournament kaya masisi ba natin ang mga player na mangibang bansa para magturo gayong wala ngang torneo ang BSCP,” said Mariano, who is planning to hold the country’s first-ever Inter-Collegiate billiards competition later this year to discover future world class cue artists in the grass-roots level.

“Madali siyang (BSCP president Bong Ilagan) magsalita kasi hindi naman siya ang nagpakahirap sa mga player at dugo’t pawis ang puhunan namin mga manager (BMPAP) sa mga player natin,”

Mariano also reacting about 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold and 8-ball silver medal winner Antonio “Ga-Ga” Gabica.

“Wala pang isang taon si Gabica sa Doha na sinasabi niya na isang taon ng nagtuturo. Nitong Disyembre lamang umalis si Gabica sa bansa at nag pa alam pa nga sa akin bilang dati niyang manager,” last word of Mariano.

The former US Open 9-Ball runner-up Alcano, meanwhile will play in the Asian games qualification tournament this coming Monday at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Center in Malate, Manila.

“Sinabi ko kay Ronnie (Alcano) na maglaro siya ng qualifying sa Asian Games sa Lunes,” said Mariano.

National Billiards coach Boyet Asonto is supervising the said qualifying event for the right to represent the country in the forthcoming 16th Asian Games (also known as the XVI Asiad) Cue Sports Competition will be held in Guangzhou, China on November 12 to 2.

Gomez and Orcullo, took the first 2 slots in the ASIAD qualifying after topping the 8-ball and 9-ball competition.

Gomez dubbed as “Pinoy Superman” in the local pool, defeated fellow Bugsy team mate Orcullo, 13-11, in the finals of 8-ball competition last Monday while Orcullo edged hall of famer and greatest player of all time Efren “Bata” Reyes in a thrilling 13-12 decision win in the finals of 9-ball competition on Wednesday.

Sytner Sheffield BMW Hits Top Gear For Crucible Snooker

Snooker stars like Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins may find the Crucible a pressure environment and at times a bit uncomfortable. However this won’t be the case on the way to and from the venue. Players will be chauffeured to and from the venue in comfort and style in top of the range BMW’s provided by Sytner Sheffield who have joined the World Championship team and will be sponsoring courtesy cars for the Betfred.com World Snooker Championship.

The Sytner Group are the UK’s leading retailer of new and used prestige and specialist cars, the Groups local BMW dealer Sytner Sheffield, have provided a BMW 7 Series a BMW 5 Series GT and a the New BMW 5 Series (launched only at the end of March), complete with chauffeurs, to get the world’s top snooker players exactly where they need to be throughout the 17-day tournament.

Pat Mooney, Director of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, said: “We’re delighted with the sponsorship from Sytner Sheffield and look forward to working with them for the duration of what will be a fantastic event. It is appropriate that the players and the event should be supported by such prestigious brands as Sytner and BMW. Our thanks go to the team at Sytner Sheffield and we look forward to working with them.”

O’Sullivan, Hendry, John Higgins and Steve Davis will be among the snooker stars battling for the famous trophy – for ticket details call 0114 249 6006 or visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

ALCANO READY FOR ASIAN GAMES BUT FIRST NEEDED TO PAST THRU QUALIFYING EVENT WHICH BEGINS TODAY
by Marlon Bernardino

AFTER a fruitful year in 2009, Ronato “Volcano” Alcano is eyeing another great year in the Year of the Tiger and in fact oozing with confidence in the forthcoming 16th Asian Games (also known as the XVI Asiad) Cue Sports Competition scheduled on November 12 to 27 in Guangzhou, China.

"I'm hoping to compete well in Guangzhou, Asian Games. I'm ready and confident," said the former double world champion (WPA 8-ball and 9-ball) Alcano, who also won the country’s gold medal in the 8-ball competition during the 2009 Laos Southeast Asian Games.

“Pero kailangan muna tayong manalo sa qualifying event,” said the lanky cue artists from Calamba, Laguna.

But first, the Bugsy Promotion mainstay Alcano playing under the banner of sportsman/ businessman Perry Mariano needed to go through grueling qualification tournament which resume today, Monday at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Center in Malate, Manila.

Two Bugsy Promotions stalwarts---Roberto “Pinoy Superman” Gomez and Dennis “Robocop” Orcullo already booked their seat in the main draw after topping separate qualifying round.

The 2007 World Pool Championship finalist Gomez defeated fellow Bugsy team mate Orcullo, 13-11, in the finals of 8-ball competition last Monday, while Orcullo, the reigning International Predator 10-ball champion on the other hand edged hall of famer and greatest player of all time Efren “Bata” Reyes in a thrilling 13-12 decision win in the finals of 9-ball competition on Wednesday.

Aside from Gomez and Orcullo, other cue artists in the main draw of 16th Asian Games were Efren “Bata” Reyes (English Billiards), Reynaldo Grandea (Carom), Rodolfo “Boy Samson” Luat (3 Cusion), 2009 World Ten-Ball Champion Rubilen “Bingkay” Amit (9-ball), former US Women’s Open 9-Ball Finalist Irish Ranola (8-ball) and Mary Ann Basas (6-red ball).

“Right now, I feel we can win gold medals in the billiards competitions. We're strong in the men's 8-ball and 9-ball events and we can surprise our rivals in women's billiards," said Ceferino “Perry” Mariano, Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) founding head in a recent interview.

The Billiards Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) qualification tournament is supervised by national billiards coach Boyet Asonto.


FORMER double world champion (WPA 8-ball and 9-ball) Ronato “Volcano” Alcano (left) and reigning International Predator 10-ball champion Dennis “Robocop” Orcullo (right) jointly raise the hand of Suzette M. Bernardo (center), a leading candidate for councilor in the fourth district of Quezon City, at the Bugsy Billiards Center in Tomas Morato, Quezon City on Saturday. Bernardo is the granddaughter of the late former Quezon City mayor Ponciano Bernardo.

ORCULLO, MANALO GOT OFF TO A GREAT START IN ASIAD 8-BALL QUALIFYING EVENT
BY: Marlon Bernardino

REIGNING International Predator 10-ball champion Dennis “Robocop” Orcullo and former snooker specialist Marlon “Marvelous” Manalo lived up to expectations by hurdling their respective rivals at the start of Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) 8-balls qualification tournament yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Center in Malate, Manila.

The Bislig, Surigao del Sur ace Orcullo defeated fellow Bugsy Promotions stablemate world champion Ronato “Volcano” Alcano, 9-3, while the pride of Mandaluyong City Manalo edged 2009 World Ten Ball finalist Lee Vann “The Slayer” Corteza, 9-8.

Other notable winners in the 8-ball qualification tournament for the 16th Asian Games set on November 12 to 27 in Guangzhou, China were power-breaker Jeffrey “The Bull” de Luna and giant-killer Mario “Aklan” Tolentino.

De Luna, a silver medalist in the 9-ball competition during the 2006 Doha Asian Games beat Francisco “Django” Bustamante, 9-7, while Tolentino, a habitué of the Star Billiards Center nipped Carlo “Cool” Biado, 9-8.

According to national billiards coach Boyet Asonto, who is tasked to supervise the said Asiad Qualifying event, Manalo goes up against Warren “Warrior” Kiamco in the next round while Tolentino will square off with Filipino billiards maestro Efren “Bata” Reyes.

The 8-balls qualifying event is applying a double-elimination format, race-to-9 using the winner’s break affair. The final round is race-to-11.

Two Bugsy Promotions stalwarts---Roberto “Pinoy Superman” Gomez and Dennis “Robocop” Orcullo already booked their seat in the main draw after topping separate qualifying round.

The 2007 World Pool Championship finalist Gomez defeated fellow Bugsy team mate Orcullo, 13-11, in the finals of 8-ball competition last Monday, while Orcullo, the reigning International Predator 10-ball champion on the other hand edged hall of famer and greatest player of all time Efren “Bata” Reyes in a thrilling 13-12 decision win in the finals of 9-ball competition on Wednesday.
Aside from Gomez and Orcullo, other cue artists in the main draw of 16th Asian Games were Efren “Bata” Reyes (English Billiards), Reynaldo Grandea (Carom), Rodolfo “Boy Samson” Luat (3 Cusion), 2009 World Ten-Ball Champion Rubilen “Bingkay” Amit (9-ball), former US Women’s Open 9-Ball Finalist Irish Ranola (8-ball) and Mary Ann Basas (6-red ball).

World Seniors Snooker Championship

World Snooker is delighted to announce the introduction of the World Seniors Snooker Championship, an annual event pitting the greatest players from the Golden Age of Snooker against each other for the right to call them self the World Seniors Champion.

This year’s tournament will include six former World Champions: Steve Davis, John Parrott, Ken Doherty, Dennis Taylor, Alex Higgins and Joe Johnson and the People’s Champion Jimmy White. The final place will be contested between Peter Ebdon and the winner of the qualifying tournament. The players will be competing for a £50,000 prize pot.

The inaugural World Seniors Snooker Championship will be held at Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford on 5-7 November 2010. Matches will be played over three frames in the quarter finals, five frame in the semis and seven frames in the final.

The World Seniors Qualifying event will be held in Cue Gardens, Bradford on 28-30 May. The players set to feature include Tony Knowles, Tony Drago, Mike Hallett, David Taylor, Dave Harold, Darren Morgan, Nigel Bond and Joe Swail. The format will be the same as the main event.

Joe Johnson, one of the key people behind this new event stated: “I have been working very hard to pull this concept together and I am glad that with World Snooker’s help we are making it a reality. I cannot wait to get out on the floor and battle it out with my old friends and adversaries. Snooker fans have been crying out for this type of event and I am sure that we will do our best to put on an entertaining Championship.”

General admission and hospitality tickets will be available for both the Qualifiers and the World Seniors Snooker Championship. Ticketing information will be available shortly from www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

BATA REYES TOPS ASIAN GAMES 8-BALL QUALIFYING EVENT
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

HALL OF FAMER EFREN “BATA” REYES live up to his tag as the greatest player of all time when he beat countryman Jeffrey “The Bull” de Luna, 11-2, in their rematch in the finals of 8-ball competition late Monday of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) qualifying round for the Asian Games at the Rizal Memorial Billiards Center in Malate, Manila.

The former World 8-ball and Asian 8-ball champion Reyes, playing under the banner of sportsman/ businessman Aristeo “Putch” Puyat was in full control of the race-to-11, winner’s break duel by taking a commanding 6-1 lead at the start of the finals match made some of his trademark shots including four break and run-out, and never looked back.

“Pumabor y’ung bola sa rematch na laro ko kay Jeff (de Luna). Malaking factor din naka apat na run-out pa tayo kaya nakalayo agad tayo ng lamang sa kanya,” said Reyes, who topped this month AZ billiards Player Money list who netted a total $61,580 earning including his fifth Derby City Classic Master of the Table tiara in United States to went home $20,000.

“Hopefully maganda sana performance natin sa Asian Games para muli tayong makapagbigay ng karangalan sa bayan,” said the Angeles, Pampanga cue artists Reyes, country’s undisputed billiards icon, was the unanimous choice by the United States Billiards Media Association’s (USBMA) best player of the decade. Reyes also will represent the country in the English Billiards competition.

RP billiards God Father Aristeo “Putch” Puyat is very confident that the RP pool wizards will perform well in the forthcoming 16th Asian Games (also known as the XVI Asiad) Cue Sports Competition scheduled on November 12 to 27 in Guangzhou, China.

“We have very good chances winning the gold medals in the forthcoming Asian Games in China, so I expect our cue artists will perform well in the said quadrennial meet,” said Puyat, long-time supporter of Reyes.

Earlier, Reyes who got bye in the first round subdued giant-killer Mario “Aklan” Tolentino, 9-6, but lost to de Luna, 8-9, in the third round of winner’s brackets.

However, came back in the one-loss side by defeating former WPA 9-ball and 8-ball champion Ronato “Volcano” Alcano, 9-5, Warren “Warrior” Kiamco, 9-6, reigning International Predator 10-ball champion Dennis “Robocop” Orcullo, 9-7, to arrange a rematch with unbeaten de Luna, the 2007 Manny Pacquiao International 9-ball champion who also won the silver medal in the 9-balls competition of the 2006 Doha Asian Games.

De Luna, meanwhile edged former world no.1 Francisco “Django” Bustamante, 9-7, Ricky “Bai” Zerna, 9-8, Reyes, 8-9, Orcullo, 9-5, then bowed to Reyes, 2-11, in the finals.

According to national billiards coach Boyet Asonto, who is tasked to supervise the said Asiad Qualifying event, action will resume today, Wednesday for the 9-balls competition at the same venue.

Joining Reyes (8-ball and English billiards), in the main draw of 16th Asian Games were Gomez (8-ball), Orcullo (9-ball), Reynaldo Grandea (Carom), Rodolfo “Boy Samson” Luat (3-Cushion), 2009 World Ten-Ball Champion Rubilen “Bingkay” Amit (9-ball), former US Women’s Open 9-Ball Finalist Irish Ranola (8-ball) and Mary Ann Basas (6-red ball).