Site News
Topic: *Industry News* July 2010

INDUSTRY NEWS - July 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!

Posting in this section will be locked except for admins - if you wish to discuss the news items posted here then please start a new forum thread in an appropriate section.

HOT START BY ALCANO, GABICA, LINING IN DOHA WORLD 9-BALL
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FORMER 9-ball and 8-ball world champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica and Antonio "Nickoy" Lining lived up to expectations by hurdling past respective rivals in the on-going 2010 WPA World Pool Championships (World 9-Ball) at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation hall in Doha, Qatar late Wednesday.

Alcano, member of the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) crushed Ahmed Hassan of Iraq, 9-1.He will face David "El Matador" Alcaide of Spain, in the next round. Alcaide downed Jason Theron of Republic of South Africa, 9-6.

" Hindi ko talaga pinaporma kaya iniwanan ko agad siya." said the lanky Calamba cue artist Alcano to his long-time benefactor Perry Mariano of Bugsy Promotions in a long distance call yesterday.

Sportsman/ businessman Perry Mariano on his part "Sana pumasok lahat ng mga Filipino sa Last 64".

The Cebuano native Gabica, who is best to remember winning the 9-ball gold and 8-ball silver medal in the 2006 Doha Asian Games outclassed Nicolas Otterman of Germany, 9-7, and will meet countryman Francisco Felicilda, a 9-8 winner over Muhammad Zulfikri of India.
The Japan-based Lining routed beat Corey Deuel of the United States, 9-7, to arrange a second-round deuel with Khalid Al Kamale of United Arab Emirates, who subdued Martin Kempter of Austria, 9-8.

Sharing the limelight is Venancio "Tukao" Tanio, a former Southeast Asian Games medallist trounced Holger Gries of Germany, 9-5, to face Liu Haitao of China, who upset former 9-ball and 8-ball world champion Efren "Bata" Reyes, 9-5, in the first round of group stage matches.
In the loser's brackets, the 2010 Player of the Decade Reyes, the acknowledge greatest player of all time remain in contention of this $250,000 total pot prize week-long event after eliminating Gries, 9-7.
Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo beat Waleed Majid of Qatar, 9-7, as well Jeffrey "The Bull" de Luna hammered Richard Jones of Great Britain, 9-6, to stay alive in this $36,000 top prize World Pool Billiard Association (WPA) sanctioned tournament.

Manalo from Barangay Talumpong, Mandaluyong City will square off Francis Crevier of Canada in the next round.
Artem Koshovoj of Ukraine, meantime inflicted the second straight loses of reigning World 9-ball champion Daryl Peach of Great Britain, 9-8, to booted out in this tournament which attracted world best renowned pool wizards.

Current World 8-ball champion and ex-World 9-ball ruler Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany also won his match in the one-loss side against Carlo Castro of Nicaragua, 9-1.
Joven Alba, conqueror of Marlon Manalo's in the first round failed to continued his winning streak after yielding to Scott Higgins of Great Britain, 9-4. His next round match against Kenny Kwok of Hongkong.

Ibrahim Bin Amir, a native of Mindanao who migrated to Malaysia scored his second straight wins against Mariusz Skoneczny of Poland, 9-5. He beat earlier Bruno Muratore of Italy, 9-7.

Former World No.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante was set to play Toru Kuribayashi of Japan while 2010 World Pool Masters titlist Dennis "Robocop" Orcullo was pitted against Chris Melling of Great Britain, 2010 US Open 10-ball champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza will test the mettle of Christian Reimering of Great Britain, Allan Cuartero versus Niels Feijen of the Netherlands, Oliver Medenilla opposite Fahad Al Barak of Kingdon of Saudi Arabia, Israel "Amay" Rota will meet Nguyen Phoc Long of Vietnam and Raymund Faraon versus Nick Van den Berg of the Netherlands.

BUSTAMANTE, CUARTERO ADVANCE TO LAST 64
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FORMER World no.1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Allan "Surigao" Cuartero trounced their respective foes to advance into the round-of-64 and keep their bids alive in the 2010 WPA World Pool Championships (World 9-Ball) at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation hall in Doha, Qatar late Thursday.

Bustamante, the pride of Puyat Sports took Tohru Kuribayashi of Japan, scoring a 9-6 rout to advance his quest for his first World 9-ball title in this $250,000 total pot prize event with the champion getting the lion share of $36,000.

“Ang hirap at hindi rin madali ‘tong panalong ito, dahil magaling din ‘yung nakalaban ko. Medyo maganda lang ang itinira ko, at gustung-gusto ko talagang manalo dito kasi lahat naman ay pangarap maging World 9-ball champion," said Bustamante who broke the 6-all tie in the 12th racks after clustering three straight racks for a 9-6 victory.

Cuartero, a Middle East pool instructor on the other hand, utilized his vast experience to the hilt in bringing down heavyweight Niels Feijen of the Netherlands, 9-7, keeping him on track for the coveted title.

" Buti nakalamang agad tayo kay (Niels) Feijen," said Cuartero, who race a 7-4 commanding lead and never looked back.


The Tarlac City native Bustamante, who won the 23rd Japan Open in Tokyo and Super Billiards Leaque in Winnipeg, Canada toppled Fabio Petroni of Italy, 9-7, in the first round while Cuartero subdued Chan Keng Kwang of Singapore, 9-7.

Ibrahim Bin Amir, a native of Mindanao who migrated to Malaysia scored his second straight wins against Mariusz Skoneczny of Poland, 9-5, to booked his seat to the Last 64 knock-out stage. He beat earlier Bruno Muratore of Italy, 9-7.


Joven Alba, conqueror of Marlon Manalo's in the first round failed to continued his winning streak after yielding to Scott Higgins of Great Britain, 9-4. His next round match against Kenny Kwok of Hongkong.

In the winner's side of 2nd round of group stage matches, 2010 World Pool Masters titlist Dennis "Robocop" Orcullo was set to play Chris Melling of Great Britain while 2010 US Open 10-ball champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza will test the mettle of Christian Reimering of Great Britain, Oliver Medenilla goes up against Fahad Al Barak of Kingdon of Saudi Arabia, Israel "Amay" Rota will meet Nguyen Phoc Long of Vietnam and Raymund Faraon versus Nick Van den Berg of the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, former 9-ball and 8-ball world champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica and Antonio "Nickoy" Lining lived up to expectations by hurdling past respective rivals on Wednesday.

Alcano, member of the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) crushed Ahmed Hassan of Iraq, 9-1.He will face David "El Matador" Alcaide of Spain, in the next round. Alcaide downed Jason Theron of Republic of South Africa, 9-6.
" Hindi ko talaga pinaporma kaya iniwanan ko agad siya." said the lanky Calamba cue artist Alcano to his long-time benefactor Perry Mariano of Bugsy Promotions in a long distance call yesterday.

Sportsman/ businessman Perry Mariano on his part "Sana pumasok lahat ng mga Filipino sa Last 64".

The Cebuano native Gabica, who is best to remember winning the 9-ball gold and 8-ball silver medal in the 2006 Doha Asian Games outclassed Nicolas Otterman of Germany, 9-7, and will meet countryman Francisco Felicilda, a 9-8 winner over Muhammad Zulfikri of India.

The Japan-based Lining routed beat Corey Deuel of the United States, 9-7, to arrange a second-round deuel with Khalid Al Kamale of United Arab Emirates, who subdued Martin Kempter of Austria, 9-8.

Sharing the limelight is Venancio "Tukao" Tanio, a former Southeast Asian Games medallist trounced Holger Gries of Germany, 9-5, to face Liu Haitao of China, who upset former 9-ball and 8-ball world champion Efren "Bata" Reyes, 9-5, in the first round of group stage matches.

In the loser's brackets, the 2010 Player of the Decade Efren "Bata" Reyes, the acknowledge greatest player of all time remain in contention after eliminating Gries, 9-7.

Manalo beat Waleed Majid of Qatar, 9-7, as well Jeffrey "The Bull" de Luna hammered Richard Jones of Great Britain, 9-6, to stay alive.

Manalo from Barangay Talumpong, Mandaluyong City will square off Francis Crevier of Canada in the next round.

Artem Koshovoj of Ukraine, meantime inflicted the second straight loses of reigning World 9-ball champion Daryl Peach of Great Britain, 9-8, to booted out in this tournament which attracted world best renowned pool wizards.

Current World 8-ball champion and ex-World 9-ball ruler Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany also won his match in the one-loss side against Carlo Castro of Nicaragua, 9-1.

KnightShot.com & Predator Bring Rocket & Dragon to the Troops in the Middle East
Story and photos by Dustin Senger

CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar – Top-ranked pool players Rodney "The Rocket" Morris and Charlie “The Korean Dragon” Williams provided challenge games, tips and trickshots for U.S. service members at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, June 28, a day before competing in the 2010 World 9-ball Championship in Doha. The day with the pros was made possible by KnightShot.com and Predator Cues.

Morris and Williams both arrived at Doha International Airport in Qatar, June 27, but on separate flights. Morris flew in from Spain, where he placed third at the Spanish Open 9-Ball Championship. Williams’ plane skidded onto the runway late at night, completing a trip from his hometown in Orlando, nothing. The following day, they exercised at their hotel gym to help beat jet lag, and then visited troops at the Camp As Sayliyah.

After entering the Army base, the professional pool players walked into a warehouse that seemed – on the exterior – much like any other desert tan facility. However, the building’s contents revealed something far removed from the expected piles of materiel and modular office spaces. Between polished concrete floors and orange bay lighting, the competitors stepped into a club-like atmosphere.

Since 2004, the Top-Off Club has accommodated nearly 200,000 war fighters participating in the Central Command rest and recuperation pass program at Camp As Sayliyah. Third Army/U.S. Army Central Area Support Group Qatar executes the program, providing a four-day respite for troops serving in contingency operations across Southwest Asia.

Beyond the eight-lane bowling alley, adjacent to a set of sofa chairs, next to six digital tabletop touch games – before the four electronic dart boards and a pair of arcade driving simulators – are eight pool tables where off-duty service members spend hours shooting 9- and 8-ball pocket billiards.

Army Spc. Jamie Scott of Oil City, Pa., took several opportunities to discover professional pointers, which included a massé shot that can produce amazing curves at various ball speeds. Scott coaxed his noncommissioned officer in charge, Army Sgt. Michael Moats of Virginia Beach, Va., to play Morris.

Moats had played regularly for 15 years. He grew up with a pool table in his parent’s house, and then another in his apartment before enlisting in the Army. Moats says he went against pool professional Jeanette “The Black Widow” Lee more than a dozen times during her appearance at an Army base in Darmstadt, Germany, several years ago.

His 8-ball game against Morris lasted a few minutes.

“It was fun to watch – that’s all I can say,” said Moats, shrugging off a rapid win by The Rocket.

“The better you get,” says Morris, “the funner it is.” He recalls playing pool consistently at 16 years old. He’d practice 14-16 hours a day at Hawaiian Brian's Billiards on Kapiolani Boulevard in Honolulu. Patrons often discovered young Morris sleeping under the tables.

“I didn’t know when I first picked up the stick that I was going to be a professional pool player,” says Morris. “I was actually going to join the Air Force, like my grandfather. I really wanted to fly F-16s.”

Morris started to rack in big earnings on professional tables while Williams became a top amateur player. They first competed against each other during the 1996 Ocean State 9-Ball Championship in Providence, R.I. Williams, still a teenager, had been following Morris’ career.

“Rodney had just won a big tournament in Puerto Rico,” said Williams. “Rocket was young and fast – I wanted to be just like him.” Morris, then 25 and building his prestige, defeated the then 19 year old Williams 9-7 in their first of many encounters.
“I didn’t expect to do that well,” says Williams. “I was the only one who came close to having a match with him at that event… nobody came that close.”

The Ocean State served as a warm up for Morris. Three days after winning, he began the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship in Chesapeake, Va. Celebrating another first-place win, which awarded him $25,000, and then later met Williams at his aftermath party at a restaurant. "I barely knew him but Rocket was so generous he bought not only for me and my friend, but the whole restaurant!" said Williams.

Williams a few years later became a full time pro and even achieved #1 ranking on the pro tour and has been a staple top player for almost the past decade winning several international championships. Williams is also an entrepreneur and his company Dragon Promotions produces major international billiards events worldwide on several TV networks.

Since then, the two friends have competed together across the United States and in Spain, Portugal, Germany, Holland, South Korea, Japan and the Philippines. Qatar represents their first visit to the Middle East.

Morris is currently number two, behind Johnny Archer, in the 2010 Billiard Congress of America points list published in June. Williams is ranked number seven.

“They have a lot of fans supporting them and they’re showing support for what we do,” said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Reuben Brown of Los Angeles, who met Morris and Williams during his first day on pass at the Army base in Qatar. “They took time out of their day to show they care about their troops.”

"We wanted to show our support of the sport as it grows in the Middle East. And bringing in top name players such as Charlie Williams and Rodney Morris to teach,entertain, and compete here helps us all," said Mohd Fadavi, owner of Knight Shot Billiards.

Brown eagerly challenged Morris to an 8-ball pool game. Morris sank two solid-colored balls with the first break – his other five quickly followed. Brown hit in two before Morris won the game with a swift strike of the eight ball. Morris provided some tips to help him improve. Williams played several challenges and performed amazing trickshots including power masse and stroke shots that wowed the soldiers.

“I learned how to spin the ball and hit a jump shot – legally – by hitting the ball on top,” said Army Staff Sgt. Priscilla Sanchez of Paterson, N.J., after some instruction from Morris. “It was so cool how, in a matter of minutes, he showed me the imaginary ball theory,” a tactic that requires players to aim at a “ghost ball” for angled shots.

“They were so patient,” said Sanchez. “They took the time to look at the table and then led me where to take a shot, and then I made them in the pocket.”

“It all boils down to mechanics,” says Morris. “The game is easy when you know the right bridge, stance and grip.” He says it’s important to learn the right techniques and then practice them repeatedly.

"I thanked each of the soldiers for their courage and sacrifice. And told them to all be safe. It's a heckuva job they have to do." said Willliams.

“We appreciate everything they do for us,” said Morris, after departing the Army base. “We wouldn’t be able to do the things we’re doing, if they weren’t doing the things they do.”
Fans can follow Morris and Williams on Facebook and Twitter twitter.com/thekoreandragon and www.dragonpromotions.com

The 2010 World 9-Ball Championship began June 29, at the Qatar Billiard and Snooker Federation with 128 players divided into 16 groups. A total pot prize of $250,000 is up for grabs, with the champion winning $36,000 after the finals on July 5. The tournament is sponsored by the Qatar Olympic Committee.

Knight Shot is an international company with 20 years of experience in the manufacture, export and import of billiard & snooker tables, cues, Accessories and more along with sports accessories & equipments. Visit www.knightshot.com

Poison Billiards, an international billiards industry leader, is a high-performance recreation pool cue producer focused on bringing cutting-edge designs, with Predator engineering for best-in-class playability, to billiards players worldwide. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, Poison Billiards is a division of The Predator Group whose core brands also include Predator Cues and Uni-Loc®. For more information regarding The Predator Group, visit www.thepredatorgroup.com. For information on Poison Billiards visit www.poisonbilliards.com.

ORCULLO, ALCANO THRU TO WORLD POOL LAST 64
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

DENNIS "ROBOCOP" ORCULLO and Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, two of the country's best hopes in the 2010 World Pool Championships (World 9-Ball), fashioned out smashing victories to secure berths in the knockout phase round-of-64 Thursday at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation hall in Doha, Qatar.

The 2010 World Pool Masters champion Orcullo, member of the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) defeated Chis Milling of Great Britain, 9-4, while another BMPAP stalwart Alcano, former 8-ball and 9-ball world champion subdued David "El Matador" of Spain, 9-5, to join compatriot Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Antonio "Nickoy" Lining, Venancio "Tukao" Tanio, Oliver Medenilla, Francisco Felisilda, Raymund Faraon, Israel "Amay" Rota and Allan "Surigao" Orcullo in the next level of the $250,000 total pot prize tournament sactioned by the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) with the champion getting the lion share of $36,000.

"Suwerte lamang laging pabor y'ung bola sa akin kaya naunahan ko siya agad," said the Quezon City most outstanding athlete Orcullo, who sent here by Perry Mariano of Bugsy Promotions.

"Sana mahawakan nina Dennis at Ronnie at iba pang Filipino pool players ang kanilang momentum sa knock-out stage," said sportsman/ businessman Perry Mariano.
Bustamante crushed Tohru Kuribayashi of Japan, 9-6, Lining beat Khalid Al Kamale, 9-5, of the United Arab Emirates, Tanio sealt Liu Haitao of China, 9-8, Medenilla trounced Fahad Al Barak of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 9-6, Felisilda edged countryman 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medallist Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica, 9-8, Faraon upset Nick Van den Berg of the Netherlands, 9-8, Rota nipped Nguyen Phuc Long of Vietnam, 9-6, and Cuartero wayiald Neils Feijen of the Netherlands, 9-6.

2010 US Open 10-ball ruler Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza yielded to Christian Reimering of Germany, 5-9, and was relegated to the loser's brackets.

Meanwhile, Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo and Joven Alba also made it to the round-of-64 through the loser's brackets.
Manalo ousted Francis Crevier of Canada, 9-2, while Alba eliminated Kenny Kwok of Singapore, 9-5. The duo finish 2-1 win-loss card in the group stage matches.

The format of 128 player's field group stage matches requires two wins to make it into the next stage (Last 64) as well 2-1 win-loss card. Two loses already booted out in this true double elimination affair.

Gabica, Corteza, Jeffrey "The Bull " de Luna and 2010 Player of the Decade Efren "Bata" Reyes needed to win their respective matches to advance in the next round.

Other pool players have already secured a seat in the round-of-64 are Sandot Tot of Malta, Stephan Cohen of France, Yang Ching-shun, Ko Pin-yi and Chang Jung-lin of Chinese-Taipei, Tony Drago of Malta, Hanni Al Howri of United Arab Emirates, Dang Jinhu of China, John Morra of Canada,Craig Osbome and Scott Higgins of Great Britain, Masaaki Tanaka and Hayato Hijikata of Japan, Konstantin Stepanov of Russia, Johnny Archer of the United States, Nitiwat Kanjanasri of Thailand, Mika Immonen of Finland and Dimitri Jungo of Switzerland.

New Series - RB - Recession Busters! $345 MSRP

Call Now To Order or Find A Dealer Nearest You! 662-895-3220

Are you paying too much for your Chinese import? Meucci cues are 100% made in the USA.

Are you paying Big $$$ for advertising and hype? Support the American Worker and Economy.

Did you know the following Brands are made in China or offshore manufactured cues sold in America with sometimes the perception of being Amercian made?

            Predator - Poison - Lucasi - Players - Action - Elite
            5280 - Outlaw - McFarland - Griffin - Scorpion
            Mayhem - Helmstetter - Fury - Adam - Stealth
            Cuetec - Star Cues -McDermott Cues (Most Models)
            ...and many many more.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also Introducing a New Product...

Meucci / Moochie Electronic Cigarettes



All Meucci Electronic Cigarette models includes the following Equipment:

1. Atomizer
2. Rechargable Battery & Charger
3. Five Empty Cartridges

    E-Liquid:
    15 ml bottle (about 300 drops - roughly 1 drop per cigarette with 3.7 volt unit) - $9.95

    Flavors Available Include:
    Marlboro, Menthol, Apple, Banana, Chocolate, Strawberry
    Nocotine Strength available in 0mg, 8mg, 11 mg, or 18 mg
    
Cue Maker's Hall of Famer, Bob Meucci with 47 years as the premier custom cue maker, who is recognized worldwide for revolutionary designs and technology in the billiard industry, to manufacture custom designed electronic personal vaporizers.

So, if you are a smoker now and want to continue to enjoy the same satisfaction to SMOKE ANYWHERE, but without the harmful tars, chemicals and carbon monoxide and want to reduce your cost of smoking by at least $2,000 per year (assuming you only smoke 1 1/2 packs per day), this is the product for you. This personal vaporizer technology is accepted in bars, restaurants, shopping centers and even airplanes because of its harmless, odorless vapor. There is no more danger for your loved ones from second-hand smoke.

No More of the following:

                    * Bad Breath
                    * Yellow Teeth
                    * Tar or Smoke
                    * Flame or Fire
                    * Carbon Monoxide
                    * Smelly Clothes and Furniture

All this, plus, with a Meucci design comes pride of ownership and collectability. Get in on the new revolution today. Multiple designs are now available.

These Electronic Cigarettes are strictly made in America at the Meucci Factory in Mississippi, unlike most other E-Cigarettes that are made offshore! Therefore, please allow up to 3 weeks for delivery.

BUSTAMANTE, MANALO ADVANCE TO LAST 32 OF DOHA WORLD POOL
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FRANCISCO"Django" Bustamante, former World No.1, made easy work of Oliver "The Machine" Ortmann of Germany, 11-2, while Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo defeated Lu Hui Chan of Chinese-Taipei, 11-8, yesterday, to advance to the round-of-32 of 2010 World Pool Championships (World 9-Ball) at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation hall in Doha, Qatar.

The Tarlac City native Bustamante, top player of Puyat Sports, jumped to a big 7-1 to 10-1 lead and was never threatened by the ex-World 9-ball ruler Ortmann.

" Maganda talaga ang nilaro natin ngayon at sana magpatuloy pa ito," said Bustamante, who topped the 23rd Japan 9-Ball Open in Tokyo and Super Billiards Leaque 9-ball in Winnipeg, Canada.

The Barangay Talumpong Mandaluyong City pride Manalo, on the other hand broke the 8-all deadlock in the 16th racks after clustering three straight racks in the race-to-11, alternate break format of this $250,000 total pot prize World Pool-Billiards Association (WPA) sanctioned tournament which offers $36,000 to the champion.
" Buti na lamang naging matatag tayo sa bandang huli," said Manalo, who is the top contender of Barangay Talumpong chairman post in Mandaluyong City.

Other Filipino pool wizards who made it to the round-of-32 and already assured at least $2,500 are Jeffrey de Luna who trounced Chang Jung-lin of Chinese-Taipei, 11-9, Francisco Felisilda who brought downed Bashar Hussain of Qatar, 11-7, and Raymund Faraon who subdued Artem Koshovoj of Ukraine, 11-8.

Middle East pool instructor Joven Alba, meantime yielded to Shane Van Boening of the United States, 7-11, to bowed out in this prestigious event.

2008 WPA World Junior titlist Ko Pin-yi of Chinese-Taipei also advance to the next round after beating Ernesto Dominguez of Mexico, 11-3, as well Scott Higgins of the Great Britain who eliminated Charlie Williams of the United States, 11-9.

9 POOL BETS ADVANCE; BATA, ORCULLO, CORTEZA FALTERS IN DOHA WORLD POOL
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

NINE FILIPINOS hurdled their knock-out stage rivals but three of the country's best hopes-Efren "Bata" Reyes, Dennis "Robocop" Orcullo and Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza meanwhile, bowed out of contention Saturday in the on-going 2010 World Pool Championships (World 9-Ball) at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation hall in Doha, Qatar.

Regarded as the greatest player of all time, the 55-year-old Spanish Open ruler Reyes was beaten by Johnny "The Scorpion" Archer of the United States, 10-11, the 2010 World Pool Masters champion Orcullo yielded to Bruno Muratore of Italy, 8-11, as well 2010 US Open 10-ball kingping Corteza lost to Tony "Tornado" Drago of Malta, 7-11, in the round-of-64 of this World Pool-Billiards Association (WPA) santioned tournament which dangles $36,000 to the champion with a total pot prize of $250,000.
Joven Alba, a Middle East Pool instructor earlier lost to Shane Van Boening of the United States, 7-11, as well Antonio Gabica bowed to Craig Osbome of Great Britain, 4-11, even Israel "Amay" Rota succumbed to Jason Klatt of Canada, 8-11, and Allan "Surigao" Cuartero yielded to Nick Van Den Berg of the Netherlands, 6-11.

" Kumpiyansa pa din ako Filipino ang magkakampeon kahit pito sa labing-anim ang nalagas na. Pero s'yempre masakit ang pagkawala nila Champ (Efren Reyes), Dens (Dennis Orcullo) at Van-Van (Lee Vann Corteza). Ganito talaga sa 9-ball event pag suwerte ka malaki ang chance na manalo kaya may pagkakataon na masisilat ang mas paboritong player." said Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) co-founder Jonathan "Bacolod" Sy of Negros Billiards Stable, long-time benefactor of Corteza, the 2009 World Ten Ball Championships runner-up.

"Nandyan pa naman sina Ronnie (Alcano), Django (Bustamante), Marlon (Manalo), Jeff (de Luna) at Nickoy (Lining)," added BMPAP founding head Ceferino "Perry" Mariano of Bugsy Promotions.

" Sana mahawakan nina Ronnie, Marlon, Jeff at Nickoy ang kanilang momentum sa next stage pati si Tukao (Tanio) na maganda ang nilalaro kasama na ng tinalo niya si Ralf (Souquet)," said another BMPAP co-founder Aristeo Puyat of Puyat Sports, acknowledge the God Father of Philippine Billiards.

2006 World 9-Ball Champion and 2007 World 8-ball Champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano booked his seat into the round-of-32 after beating Muhammad Zulfikri of India, 11-6, to join 8 others in the next phase that includes Francisco "Django" Bustamante nipped Oliver "The Machine" Ortmann of Germany, 11-2, Jeffrey de Luna trounced Chang Jung-lin of Chinese-Taipei, 11-9, Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo who beat Lu Hui Chan of Chinese-Taipei, 11-8, Antonio Lining who routed Lee Poh Soon of Malaysia, 11-6, Francisco Felisilda who dealt Bashar Hussain of Qatar, 11-7, Raymund Faraon who eliminated Artem Koshovoj of Ukraine , 11-8, Oliver Medenilla crushed Yukio Akakariyama of Japan, 11-9, and Venancio Tanio who shocked reigning World 8-ball Champion and ex-World 9-ball Champion Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet of Germany, 11-9.
"Medyo mabigat kalaban si Shane pero gagawin ko ang makakaya ko," said the pride of Talumpong Street Manalo from Barangay Malamig in Mandaluyong City.

Expect another casualty Sunday as De Luna is set to face Felicilda in the round-of-32, who started to make a name for himself by winning the silver medal in the 2006 Asian Games 9-ball competition here in Doha and topping the 2007 Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open in Pasay City.

Faraon, meanwhile goes up against Scott Higgins of Great Britain, Manalo opposite Van Boening, Bustamante versus 2008 WPA World Junior titlist Ko Pin-yi of Chinese-Taipei, Medenilla will test the mettle of Nitiwat Kanjanasri of Thailand, Lining versus Nguyen P.Long of Vietnam, Tanio versus Hiyato Hayato Hijikata of Japan and Alcano will square off Dang Jin Hu of Vietnam.

Ibrahim Bin Amir, a Filipino from Mindanao who migrated and playing for Malaysia defeated Chan Keng Kwang of Singapore, 11-7, in the round-of-64 to face Kuo Po-chen of Chinese-Taipei, a 11-9 winner over Jason Klatt of Canada.

BUSTAMANTE, MANALO, LINING MARCHES LAST 16 IN DOHA WORLD POOL
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FRANCISCO "Django" Bustamante, Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo and Antonio "Nickoy" Lining and three other Filipino cue artists made it to the next round in the on-going 2010 World Pool Championships (World 9-Ball) after hurdling seperate opponents in the round of 32 yesterday at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation hall in Doha, Qatar.

The Tarlac City native Bustamante, the pride of Puyat Sports defeated 2008 WPA World Junior titlist Ko Pin-yi of Chinese-Taipei, 11-8, to advance into the round-of-16.

" Grabe matatag pa din y'ung Taiwanese ayaw bumitiw sa laro," said Bustamante,who race a 5-1 to 6-2 commanding lead before Ko slice the gap at 6-4 count in the 10th racks.
Manalo the pride of Barangay Malamig in Mandaluyong City, on the other hand subdued former US Open 9-ball ruler Shane "The South Dakota Kid" Van Boening of the United States, 11-7.

" Buti nakauna agad tayo kay Shane at medyo maganda din tumbok natin hanggang sa huli," said Manalo, who took a 6-3 commanding lead.

The pride of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro Lining, meantime came back after a slow start crushing Nguyen P.Long of Vietnam, 11-6.

" Nakauna yung Vietnamese pero sabi ko matagal naman ang laban, race-to-11 at alternate break format. Baka mag iba ng ihip ng hangin sa kalagitnaan ng laro," said Lining.
Sharing the limelight are Francisco Felicilda who edged countryman Jeffrey de Luna, 11-10, Raymund Faraon trounced Scott Higgins of Great Britain, 11-10, and Oliver Medenilla routed Nitiwat Kanjanasri of Thailand, 11-9.

Also made it to the "Sweet 16" and already guranteed at $4,000 are Craig Osbome of Great Britain who dealt Tony Drago of Malta, 11-8, and Dimitri Jungo of Switzerland who nipped Lee Chenman of Hongkong, 11-8.

The 128 player's field World Pool-Billiards Association (WPA) santioned tournament dangles $36,000 to the champion with a total pot prize of $250,000.

Two New International Pocket Billiard Events Announced for 2011

WPA President Ian Anderson today announced the successful conclusion of discussions with organizers in the Middle East that have resulted in the creation of two new International WPA Ranking events.

In the Spring of 2011 the new Dubai Open will mark its initiation and then later in the year the Emir Cup will be played in Doha, Qatar. These two new events highlight the surge in popularity that the game of pocket billiards enjoys in the region.

WPA President Ian Anderson said: “The WPA feels itself quite fortunate to be aligned with organizers of such high quality. We look forward to the opening of these two new events with a great deal of excitement and wish to thank them for the opportunities that their efforts are creating for professional billiard players and their fans.”

More details on these events, including field sizes, purses and dates will be forthcoming.

BUSTAMANTE, LINING, ARCHER AND KUO ENTER SEMIS IN DOHA WORLD POOL
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

MANILA, PHILIPPINES----FRANCISCO "Django" Bustamante and Antonio "Nickoy" Lining of the Philippines, Johnny "The Scorpion" Archer and "The Little Monster" Kuo Po-cheng of Chinese-Taipei beat their respective foes to advance into the semi-final round of 2010 World Pool Championships (World 9-Ball) at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation hall in Doha, Qatar, early Monday morning (Manila time).

Bustamante, the top player of Puyat Sports beat countryman Francisco Felicilda, 11-5, in the quarter-final round, as well Lining edged compatriot Oliver Medenilla,11-10, while Archer nipped Sandor Tot of Serbia,11-6, and Kuo upset former 9-ball and 8-ball world champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, 11-5, of the Philippines.
For reaching the semi-final round, Bustamante, Lining, Archer and Kuo already assure at least $10,000 in this 128 players field, $250,000 total pot prize World Pool-Billiards Association (WPA) sanctioned tournament which offers $36,000 to the champion and $18,000 goes with it for the runner-up prize.

On the roads to the final four, the Tarlac City native Bustamante defeated Ko Pin-yi of Chinese-Taipei, 11-8, in the round-of-32 then subdued countryman Marlon 'Marvelous" Manalo, 11-6, in the round-of-16 Late Sunday.
The Calapan Oriental Mindoro ace Lining, meantime nipped Nguyen P. Long of Vietnam, 11-6, in the round-of-32 and dealt Dimitri Jungo of Switzerland, 11-8, in the round-of-16, respectively.

The Atlanta, Georgia bet Archer bested Bruno Muratore of Italy, 11-7, in the round-of-32 then ousted Jason Klat of Canada, 11-8, in the round-of-16, in order.
Kuo from Taiwan turned back Ibrahim Bin Amir of Malaysia,11-10, in the round-of-32 and compatriot Yang Ching-shun in the round-of-16.
Bustamante opened his bid in a bright note disposing Fabio Petroni of Italy, 9-7, and Tohru Kuribayashi of Japan, 9-6, in the group stage matches and waylaid ex-World 9-ball kingpin Oliver "The Machine" Ortmann of Germany, 11-2, in the round-of-64.

Lining beat Corey Deuel of the United States, 9-7, and Khalid Al Kamale of the United Arab Emirates, 9-5, in the group stage matches then brought downed Lee Poh Soon of Malaysia, 11-6, in the round-of-64.
Archer clobbered Toh Lian Han of Singapore, 9-3, and Jakob Belka of Germany, 9-8, in the group stage matches and edged 2010 Player of the Decada Filipino pool maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes, 11-10, in the round-of-64.

Off the three, is Kuo started his campaign in a wrong foot losing his opening group stage matches against Tomas "The Lean Machine" Engert of Germany, 5-9, but came back strong by crushing Ben Judge of Australia, 9-8, and Salah Al Riwani of the United Arab Emirates, 9-2, in the loser's brackets of the group stage matches then eliminating John Morra of Canada, 11-9, in the round-of-64.

The Filipino campaign here in Doha are backed up by Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) headed by Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, Ceferino "Perry" Mariano and Jonathan "Bacolod" Sy.
Puyat is the president of Puyat Sports, Mariano is the president of Bugsy Promotions and Sy is the president of the Negros Billiards Stable (NBS).

Your Chance To See Snooker Legends

Tickets are now on sale for the new World Seniors Snooker Championship, which will feature some of the greatest names in the history of the sport in a unique and intimate environment.

Former World Champions Steve Davis, Dennis Taylor, Cliff Thorburn, Joe Johnson, John Parrott, Ken Doherty and Peter Ebdon, as well as People’s Champion Jimmy White and winner of the qualifying tournament Nigel Bond, will compete in AN EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED!

It runs from November 5 to 7, 2010, at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford. For details on how to buy tickets, including information on special accommodation rates for ticket holders, log on to www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

With many of the great names from the sport’s golden era in action, including several players who are still competitive on the professional tour, the snooker promises to be of the highest quality. And there’s plenty more to enjoy with autograph sessions, refreshments and John Virgo’s famous trick-shots included within certain ticket prices.

Six times World Champion Steve Davis said: “It will be a relaxed atmosphere and a celebration of snooker. It’s an opportunity for the players to entertain and enjoy the lighter touch. Having said that, there will be competitiveness among the players.”

And 1991 Crucible king John Parrott added: “It will be a great chance for fans to see some of their heroes who are perhaps not on the box as often as they used to be. There will be some great characters there and no doubt a lot of banter between the players and with the crowd. It will be a lot of fun for everyone and not to be missed by anyone who likes snooker. All of the guys were great champions in their day and they can still make breaks as well so there will be some good quality snooker played.”

"DJANGO" BUSTAMANTE WINS WORLD 9-BALL TITLE IN DOHA; POCKETS $36,000
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---FILIPINO FRANCISCO "DJANGO" BUSTAMANTE is continuing his climb toward greatness after beating Taiwanese "The Little" Monster" Kuo Po-cheng, 13-7, in the finals to rules the just-ended 2010 World Pool Championships (World 9-Ball) at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation hall in Doha, Qatar, early Tuesday morning (Manila time).

" Sa wakas nakumpleto na din ang pagiging bilyarista natin. Lahat kasi ito ang pangarap maging WPA World 9-ball champion," said the Tarlac City native Bustamante, the pride of Puyat Sports.

"Salamat sa Diyos ito na lang ang missing sa career ni Django (Bustamante)," said Philippine Billiards God Father Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, long-time benefactor of Bustamante, former 8-ball and 9-ball champion 2010 Player of the Decade Efren "Bata" Reyes and 2009 World 10-ball women's champion Rubilen "Bingkay" Amit.

On the roads to the finals, Bustamante defeated compatriot Antonio "Nickoy" Lining, 11-5, in the semi-final round to arrange a titular showdown with Kuo who brought downed Johnny Archer of the United States, 11-10.
With this feat, Bustamante went home the top prize of $36,000, Kuo settled for a runner-up prize of $18,000 while Lining and Archer didn't go home empty-handed satisfied $10,000 each for reaching the final four.

This was Django's fourth championships this after previously being a member of the winning Team Asia that routed the Team Europe last January 17 in Brunei dubbed as Asia vs Europe Challenge Match.

Other members of Team Asia were Hall of Famer Efren "Bata" Reyes, Hui Chan Lu and Ko Pin-yi of Taiwan and Teo Che Soon of Brunei. Each of them received US$ 5,400 for their effort.

Last March 21, Bustamante defeated Puyat Sports stablemate Reyes for the crown of the 23rd Annual Japan Open — Open Division in Tokyo Japan for the top prize of US$ 16,000.

Bustamante won his third major title this year by winning the inaugural World Professional Billiard League (WPBL) championship in Winnipeg Canada last month.
The sporting event dubbed as Super Series of Billiards held at the Mc Phillips Station Casino saw Bustamante thrash Archer, 5-2 in the finals.

It shall be recalled that the year 2002 was probably the most unforgetable experience for Bustamante, especially considering his experience at the World Pool Championships. While the tournament was still going on in Cardiff, Wales, Bustamante was most shocked when he received a phone call from his wife informing him that his daughter, who was less than a year old, had died.

Devastated by this, Bustamante strongly considered forfeiting his contention at the tournament to return to the Philippines . He considered this, but his wife somehow reached him and convinced him that their child would have wanted him to continue the fight.

And he did. In one of the bravest moments that our game has ever witnessed Bustamante took the stage while the crowd around him wept. Word had spread through the morning and the sight of this man continuing the battle after the hand that fate had dealt him was simply stunning. He lost to Strickland that day, but won the hearts of every pool fan in the world. And since that moment we have been waiting, with him, for this.

Top 16/ Final Ranking and tournament pay outs:

Francisco Bustamante (PHILIPPINES): $36,000
Kuo Po-cheng (Chinese-Taipei) $18,000
Antonio Lining (PHILIPPINES) $10,000
Johnny Archer (USA) $10,000
Ronato Alcano (PHILIPPINES) $6,000
Sandor Tot (Serbia) $6,000
Oliver Medenilla (PHILIPPINES) $6,000
Francisco Felicilda (PHILIPPINES) $6,000
Craig Osborne (Great Britain) $4,000
Christian Reimering (Germany) $4,000
Dimitri Jungo (Switzerland) $4,000
Yang Ching-shun (Chinese-Taipei) $4,000
Marlon Manalo (PHILIPPINES) $4,000
Jason Klatt (Canada) $4,000
Hayato Hijikata (Japan) $4,000
Raymond Faraon (PHILIPPINES) $4,000

ORCULLO, ALCANO, LINING, CORTEZA OFF TO GUINNESS WORLD SERIES 9-BALL IN JAKARTA
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

BILLIARDS superstars Dennis “Robocop” Orcullo, Ronato “Volcano” Alcano, Antonio “Nickoy” Lining, and Lee Vann “The Slayer” Corteza will banner the Philippines’ campaign against world’s best when the 2010 Guinness World Series 9-ball Championships gets underway on July 28 to August 1 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The Bislig, Surigao del Sur native Orcullo is coming from a big win in the 2010 Partypoker.net World Pool Masters last May 12 to 16 at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Babawi ako sa Guinness sa Jakarta medyo minalas tayo sa World Pool sa Doha,” said the Quezon City most outstanding athlete Orcullo who just arrived yesterday from Doha, Qatar.

The Lanky Calamba cue artists Alcano who lost to eventual runner-up Taiwanese Kuo Po-cheng, 5-11, in the quarter-final round at the just-ended 2010 World Pool Championships in Doha, Qatar commented “ Baka dito sa Jakarta medyo palarin tayong manalo.

The Calapan, Oriental Mindoro ace Lining who yielded to countryman newly-crowned World Pool Champion Francisco “Django” Bustamante, 5-11, in the semi-final round said “Kinapos tayo sa Doha baka dito sa Guinness sa Jakarta makuha na natin ang titulo.”

The Davao City bet Corteza said “Reresbak ako dito sa Guinness sa Jakarta, inalat tayo sa Doha. Pero Masaya na din po tayo kasi Filipino pa din ang nag champion,”
Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) founding head Perry Mariano is hopeful for the Filipino contingent.

"We have very good chances winning again another major tournament this time in Jakarta after our BMPAP member Django Bustamante won the prestigious WPA World 9-Ball crown In Doha not to mention other performance of our players in the past international tournament," he said.
Joining Orcullo, Alcano, Lining and Corteza in the 2010 Guinness World Series 9-ball Championships are fellow Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) member Alex Pagulayan, Roberto Gomez, Jundel Mazon, Ricky Zerna and Carlo Biado, who is fresh from winning P 1 million in the congressman Manny Pacquiao 10-ball Cup in General Santos City, recently.
Among invited to play in the main draw are Mika Immonen (Finland, Current world number 1), Ralf Souquet (Germany, Current world number 2), Ricky Yang ( Indonesia, Current world number 5), Thorsten Hohmann (Germany, current World number 6), Darren Appleton ( Current World number 2), Shane Van Boening (USA, Current world number 11) and Johnny Archer (USA, 2005 Mosconi Cup winning team Captain).

http://www.rileys.co.uk

Evans Set For Professional Debut

Reanne Evans will become the first woman to compete on snooker's professional tour for 15 years when she plays in the Star Xing Pai Players Tour Championship on Saturday.

The six-times World Ladies Champion from Dudley makes her debut against China's former Crucible qualifier Liu Chuang in the second event of the PTC series at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield. She will be the first woman on the main circuit since Alison Fisher in 1994/95.

Evans, 24, was handed a wild card to the professional tour earlier this year, following her outstanding achievements on the ladies' circuit, winning her last 61 consecutive matches.
"It’s going to be the biggest challenge of my career as the standard will be really high," she said. "I’m going to try my best and just enjoy it – whatever happens it will be a steep learning curve for me.

"It’s so hard to stay on the Tour, but that’s what I’m hoping for. I’m practising with a few different pro players to get as ready as I can. Being on the Tour has given me the incentive to push myself as hard as I can."

Evans, who won the 2006 World Ladies title when seven months pregnant with daughter Lauren, showed her quality with a 4-3 victory over John Higgins at last year's Six-Red World Championship in Ireland, making a 50 break in the deciding frame.

PTC event two starts today and runs until Sunday, with the likes of Shaun Murphy, Mark Williams, Ali Carter, Mark Selby, Stephen Maguire and Jimmy White in the field.

“MARVELOUS” MANALO TO COMPETE GUINNESS WORLD SERIES IN JAKARTA
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

MARLON “MARVELOUS” MANALO lead nine (9) other Filipinos in the 2010 Guinness World Series 9-ball Championships on July 28 to August 1 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

“Baka dito sa Guinness sa Jakarta ay matumbok na din natin ang titulo,” said Manalo who share his blessings yesterday to fellow Barangay Malamig resident by giving a feeding program and medical mission.

“Naging panata na natin makatulong sa mga ka Barangay Malamig natin kahit sa munting pamamaraan,” added the Jose Rizal University (JRU) AB Economics graduate Manalo, outstanding athlete of Mandaluyong City, backed up by its’ mayor Benhur Abalos and Solar Sports.

The former Asian Snooker Champion lost to compatriot and eventual 9-ball champion Francisco “Django” Bustamante during their quarter-final round matches at the just ended World Pool Championships in Doha, Qatar.

Here in Jakarta, Manalo needed to go through qualification tournament set July 24 that includes Lee Vann Corteza, Dennis Orcullo, Antonio Lining, Roberto Gomez, Carlo Biado, Ricky Zerna and Jundel Mazon.

Alex Pagulayan and Antonio Gabica, the only two Filipino already in the main draw according to the organizing committee which offers $40,000 to the champion. Also in the tournament’s main draw are Mika Immonen (Finland), Ralf Souquet (Germany), Ricky Yang (Indonesia), Thorsten Hohmann (Germany), Darren Appleton (England), Shane Van Boening (USA), and Johnny Archer (USA).

"BATA", "DJANGO" TOPS POOL MONEY LIST
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FILIPINO billiards master Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante dominated the latest 2010 Player Money List, which includes 2 other Filipino tumbok king in the top 10.

According to AZbilliards.com report yesterday, the 55-year-old Angeles City pride Reyes, the 2010 Player of the Decade, had total earnings of $71,012 and remained on top.

Reyes, dubbed as "The Magician" in the world of pool won the 2010 Spanish Open in Vigo, Spain last June 21 to 23 to received the top prize of $7,432. He bested Niels "The Terminator" Feijen of the Netherlands in the finals.

However, the biggest pool money earner is the 47-year-old Tarlac City native Bustamante, who climbed at No.2 spot with $69,338 after winning the 2010 World Pool Championships in Doha, Qatar last July 2 to 5 to enroute the top prize of $36,000. He beat "The Little Monster" Kuo Po-cheng of Chinese-Taipei for the coveted crown and joined the elite Filipino world 9-ball champion that includes Reyes (1999, Cardiff, Wales), Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan (2004, Kaohsiung, Chinese-Taipei) and Ronato "Volcano" Alcano ( Pasay City, Philippines).

Third in the money list si American's Shane Van Boening with $50,591, followed by Briton's Karl Boyes (4th) with $41,120, and two-time national open champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza (5th) with $37,625.

Corteza, top player of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiards Stable (NBS), won back-to-back wins in the US Pool circuit---Hard Times Mezz Cue 10-ball in Los Angeles, California and 1st US Open 10-ball in Las Vegas, Nevada.

At 6th and 7th spots are Briton Darren Appleton and Filipino Dennis "Robocop" Orcullo, respectively. Appleton, the 2008 World Ten-Ball Champion, has $35,104 worth of winnings while the former fisherman from Bislig, Surigao del Sur Orcullo, the 2010 World Pool Masters Champion has $33,775.

Rounding up to the top ten (10) are Niels "The Terminator" Feijen of the Netherlands ($33,488 ), 2007 World Pool Champion Daryl Peach of Great Britain ($31,512) and Rodney "Rocket" Morris of the United States ($26,252).


REYES, BUSTAMANTE WON'T PLAY GUINNESS WORLD SERIES 9-BALL IN JAKARTA
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

THE country's most popular cue wizards Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante won't play in the forthcoming 2010 Guinness World Series 9-ball Championships to be held on July 28 to August 1 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

This was revealed yesterday by Christine "Ish" Caparras of Puyat Sports. " Hindi makapaglalaro sina Efren (Reyes) at Django (Bustamante) sa Guinness sa Jakarta."

According to Caparras, Reyes and Bustamante, both brand endorser of San Miguel Beer and Ginebra San Miguel Beer, a director competitor of Guinness, an irish stout beer.
However, Caparras added that Reyes and Bustamante, the 1-2 punch of Aristeo "Putch" Puyat are slated to defend their world title when the 2010 Partypoker.net World Cup of Pool to be held on September 7 to 12.

In the 2010 Guinness World Series 9-ball Championships , Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan and Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica already booked their seat in the main draw upon the invitation of the organizing committee. The champion here gets $40,000 top prize money.

Lee Vann Corteza, Marlon Manalo, Ronato Alcano, Dennis Orcullo, Roberto Gomez, Warren Kiamco, Carlo Biado, Jundel Mazon and Ricky Zerna will needed to go through gruelling qualification tournament set on July 24.
Also in the tournament’s main draw are Mika Immonen (Finland), Ralf Souquet (Germany), Ricky Yang (Indonesia), Thorsten Hohmann (Germany), Darren Appleton (England), Shane Van Boening (USA), and Johnny Archer (USA).

Delta-13 has a New Partner: Aramith North America

Parker, Colorado, July 14, 2010: Executive Billiards announced today that Aramith North America will take over as the primary distributor for the Delta-13 ball racks. Effective today, all distributors, retailers, and online stores will purchase product directly from Aramith.

Scott Sullens, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Aramith North America commented, “Our goal at Aramith North America, is to bring quality products into the market that will create a premium billiard experience. Products like the Delta-13 Elite Rack and the new Delta-13 Case really enhance this goal. The two companies share the same passion for quality, performance, and consistency. We couldn’t be more pleased about this partnership.”

Saluc s.a. is the parent company of Aramith, founded in 1927, in Callienelle, Belgium. Saluc produces and distributes billiard balls under the registered trademark Aramith in more than 85 countries. The company also specializes in the production of industrial balls used in all kind of applications, as well as in 9 pin bowling balls and trackballs.

“Our current distributors have done a great job of marketing and distributing product to internet users,” said Terry A. Taggart, President of Executive Billiards. “Aramith will now build upon this network and help deliver our products to a wider retail group and develop a myriad of opportunities outside the billiard industry.”

Terry also said that his company wants to continue to focus on what they do best and that is develop and manufacture high quality products. They will continue to grow the brand by supporting the industry tours, tournaments, and leagues. This year, players and consumers will see the Delta-13 as the official rack in over 20 televised events, including the WPBA U.S. Open and the Steve Mizerak Championship Finals on Fox Sports.

Please contact scott.sullens@aramith.com or call 888-498-8842 to place an order.
        
Learn about the aerospace engineered Delta-13 rack and other fine products at www.delta-13.com.

The GBPA are sponsored by Iwan Simonis, Dynamic Billard & Cuetec

Dear pool players and fans,

The GBPA are pleased to announce a sponsorship deal with Cuetec, one of the finest pool cue makers in the world. Cuetec have agreed to supply the GBPA youth team with some great cues for its future competitions. Also the lucky representatives who qualify to the Youth European Championships 2010 will be equipped with some of Cuetec’s finest.

Great Britain’s Alison Fisher, undoubtedly the world’s best women player for some time now and America’s Shane Van Boening along with Johnny Archer are just a few of the names that are using Cuetec cues and accessories.

The GBPA hope that by giving some quality cues and accessories to the youth, we just might find a future champion.

The GBPA wish to thank Cuetec along with its European distributer Dynamic Billard for the support offered to our Youth program.

The names of the youth representatives will follow shortly.

GBPA President
David Morris.