Site News
Topic: *Industry News* 2013

New Ladies Day At The Crucible

World Snooker and WPBSA will stage Ladies Day for the first time during the Betfair World Championship.

It will take place on Friday April 26 at the Crucible with the intention to get more women involved in snooker.

The day will also aim to raise money for World Snooker’s official charity Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice. There will be a ‘purple’ theme – using the colour of Bluebell Wood’s logo – with well known snooker personalities such as Michaela Tabb to wear purple, and all fans are encouraged to do the same.

Purple cakes and cocktails will be on sale within the Crucible, with 50p from each sale to go to charity. There will be free coaching for women in CueZone in the Winter Garden, provided by Katie Henrick and nine-time World Ladies Champion Reanne Evans.

World Snooker will also be running online campaigns to support the day including a competition with the chance to win tickets.

WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson said: “We’re very keen to get more women involved with snooker, and that’s why we decided to stage Ladies Day during the World Championship for the first time.

“Snooker is one of the few sports with total fairness in terms of who can participate. Anyone can play on the World Snooker tour, regardless of age, nationality or gender. There have been some excellent lady players over the years, such as Reanne Evans, and we would love to see more ladies take our sport up.

“There’s no reason why women can’t succeed in snooker, it’s purely a matter of getting more women participating in the sport at grass roots level, and through the WPBSA's sports development plan and the introduction of ‘Cue Zone in Schools’ we expect to see a significant increase in interest.

“That is important to us in terms of growing the sport on a global scale and it will also play its part in us achieving our aspirations in becoming an Olympic sport.

“We have some very successful female referees including Michaela Tabb and Zhu Ying, with others coming through in Europe. That’s another avenue where anyone with a passion for snooker has a career opportunity.

“Hopefully Ladies Day will capture the imagination of women and encourage them to get involved in snooker, get down to their local club, get some coaching and improve their game. There are so many opportunities now within snooker.

"So get down to Ladies Day and have a go!"

Boss Tapa support Orcollo, Biado's China 9-Ball Open campaign
by Marlon Bernardino

FILIPINO cue masters Dennis Orcollo and Carlo Biado will lead the Filipino invasion in the China Open on May 12 to 19 in Shanghai, China.

Orcollo and Biado whose stint here supported by Boss Tapa are playing under the banner of sportsman/businessman Ceferino "Perry" Mariano of Bugsy Promotions.

"I won’t let the chance and support being given to me by Sir Perry (Mariano) and Ma’am Verna (Mariano) go to waste in this tough event," said Orcollo, an 11-9 winner over Taiwanese Lu Hui Chan to win the China Open 9 Ball in Shanghai in last year's edition.

"I’ll do my best to win the 9-ball title." he added.

Meanwhile, Philippine Billiards program just got a major boost after the management of Boss Tapa, the country's newest Filipino restaurant promised to support it. Aside from helping Orcollo and Biado's oversees campaign, Boss Tapa is also schedule to stage a billiards tournament in the country.

"We would like to thank the management of Boss Tapa for supporting Philippine Billiards," last word of Orcollo, currently world no.2 in the latest World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) ranking list.-

Cuemakers International 9-Ball Championship 2013

     Some of the finest cuemakers from all over the USA and Canada met in Edison, New Jersey at the Super Billiards Expo for the 2013 Cuemakers International 9-Ball Championship. The players field was filled with cuemakers from both the American Cuemakers Association and the International Cuemakers Association as well as some independent cuemakers. The tournament was played in a true single elimination format. The top half of the bracket saw Justin Hightower of Hightower Custom Cues make his way through a tough field to the finals with wins over cuemakers Richard Chudy, Brian Diveney and Tom Reid. His opponent in the finals was Virginia cuemaker Larry Smith of Smitty Cues. Larry had a tough route to the finals also with wins over Dennis Dieckman, Jon Minteer, and John Rocker. There had been many very close matches in this alternate break format tournament, but when it was all over Justin Hightower took home the title of the International 9-Ball Champion of Cuemakers 2013 with a convincing seven to two win in the finals.

     The event was the second annual Cuemakers International 9-Ball Championship and was held as a charity benefit for the Galilean Childrens Home in Liberty, Kentucky. The Galilean Childrens Home has helped thousands of special needs children for a few decades now. All entry fees and cash donations went directly to help the Childrens Home. Some cuemakers paid much more than the $50 donation/entry fee and others who were unable to play came by and donated their entry fee just to help the Children. When all was said and done the cuemakers tournament raised over a $1500 for the Childrens Home.

Next years event will be held at the New Jersey Convention Center during the Super Billiards Expo March 13th -15th 2014. A special word of appreciation needs to be given to all the event sponsors: True Heart Billiard Cues and the International Cuemakers association for donating the booth space to hold the event and the award plaques, The American Cue Makers Association for their generous donation to the Childrens home, Mad Man Handcrafted Tips for donating tip samples to all the players, Prather Custom Cue Parts for donating gift certificates, Dennis Dieckman and Cue Man Billiard Products for donating the table rental fees and product prizes for the cuemakers. And thanks most of all to the cuemakers for their generous donations and participation. Our cuemaking industry indeed has some generous quality individuals representing it.

If interested in sponsoring, donating to or playing in the 2014 event contact Chris Hightower at cueman@cuesmith.com for more information.


Larry Smith on the left and Justin Hightower on the right.

Snooker’s Cool For School!

The WPBSA has launched the CueZone Into Schools programme, which will get 10,000 school children playing snooker by the end of this year.

The programme was launched at Sheffield Park Academy on Thursday by snooker legend Steve Davis who will be the ambassador for the scheme, along with WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson and Head of Coaching Chris Lovell.

As part of the WPBSA’s ambition to grow snooker at grass roots level, this initiative will help the sport to be played in schools across the UK.

Schools will develop their own Cue Zone, using six-foot snooker tables. Senior members of staff will be trained as a WPBSA World Snooker Coaches in order to help pupils develop skills on the green baize. Those aged 15 or over will also have the chance to train as WPBSA Community World Snooker Coaches.

The concept is designed to encourage involvement in snooker before and after school and during lunch breaks, as well as during English, Maths and sports lessons using Functional Snooker.

Functional Snooker aims to develop and support the English and Maths skills of young people while they learn to play the sport. A system in which red balls and coloured balls are all given different values helps pupils to develop numeracy. It has also been used in schools in China, producing positive educational results.

Ferguson said: “Snooker is the fastest growing sport in the world. The professional game is going from strength to strength but we must also focus on grass roots by maximising participation levels. This new programme will help more children enjoy snooker while improving their numeracy skills at the same time, so it’s clear why schools are keen to get involved. CueZone Into Schools will grow quickly and I can foresee a time when school across the country and overseas get involved.”

Six-time World Champion Steve Davis said: “Any way to make learning interesting and fun can only help a young person’s educational development. To see snooker involved at this level and contributing to a young person’s life skills is truly rewarding for everyone involved.”

Lovell said: “In years gone by, young people would often go to a snooker club after school and learn the game, but now we face so much competition from computer games and satellite television. We see Cue Zones in schools as an opportunity to develop a link to a local club via a WPBSA World Snooker coach and also help school teachers become qualified coaches. This is a really inclusive approach to grass roots snooker.”

Snooker will be linked to assessments and examinations within the BTEC sport qualifications. These are nationally recognised qualifications awarded by BTEC.

Davis will also visit schools to encourage development, including primary schools participating in the Steve Davis Little Nuggets programme.

FOOTY AND SNOOKER FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT

The titles have been decided with United and Celtic ruling the roost, but it ain't over yet when it comes to Champions League places as Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs and maybe even City battle it out for the remaining places.

Plus - The World Snooker Championships continue and it's all right here at Rileys Sports Bars. Get in there!

Friday 26 April
Leicester City v Watford K.O. 7.45pm

Saturday 27 April
Man City v Wes Ham K.O. 12.45pm
Newcastle United v Liverpool K.O. 5.30pm

Sunday 28 April
Motherwell v Celtic K.O.12.45pm
Reading v QPR K.O.1.30pm
Arsenal v Man Utd K.O.4pm

Monday 29 April
Aston Villa v Sunderland K.O.12.45pm

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SNOOKER HERE ON SCREEN.

For the full fixture list click here.

Regards,
The Rileys Team

WPA Press Release

The WPA wish to inform you that the World 10-Ball Championship will not take place at the scheduled dates of 8-15 June. Unfortunately the organisers, New Boy Promotions, were unable to secure the event and it was decided that in the best interest of everyone we postpone the event to a later period. Mr. MacConnell, Chairman of New Boy Promotions has apologised and said he regrets not being able to accomplish what he set out to achieve, and said that he was still confident of staging this event, but would require more time to secure the sponsorship and that most likely it would be necessary to move the event to another country because of advertising restraints that exist in his original country of choice, Norway. If there any further developments we will make known to all.

Ian Anderson
WPA President

Unique Snooker Memorabilia To Raise Money For Bluebell Wood

A range of incredible snooker-related items including a drawing by renowned artist Damien Hirst is being auctioned during the Betfair World Championship to raise money for World Snooker’s official charity Bluebell Wood.

The amazing memorabilia has been gathered backstage at snooker’s biggest tournament and is now on offer on an e-bay auction, finishing on Monday May 6 to coincide with the final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

The items, which are now on display in the lower foyer at the Crucible, include:

- A large picture of Ronnie O’Sullivan signed by the Rocket, including a drawing of O’Sullivan by Damien Hirst and the artist’s signature

- A signed photo of O’Sullivan with the 2012 World Championship trophy

- A limited edition oil painting of Steve Davis depicting a moment during 1981 world championship final, signed by Steve

- A signed photo of Jimmy White

- A Mark Selby Cue Craft cue and case and a Jester t-shirt, all signed by Mark

- Peter Ebdon’s signed waistcoat, worn at the Crucible this year

- Judd Trump’s practice balls from the 2012/13 season, signed by Judd

- Five Crucible dressing room door signs from the 2012 World Championship signed by Liang Wenbo, Martin Gould, Shaun Murphy, Jamie Jones and Ronnie O'Sullivan

- Shaun Murphy’s signed cue case from his victorious 2005 World Championship campaign

To see the auction and make your bid go to www.ebay.co.uk and search for 'World Snooker Auction'

All proceeds will go to Bluebell Wood. The hospice cares for children and young adults with a shortened life expectancy. Bluebell Wood is one of only 40 children's hospices in the UK, and covers a large area including all of South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and parts of North Lincolnshire.

A spokesman for World Snooker said: “This is an extraordinary collection of snooker items, giving anyone who loves the sport the chance to own a rare piece of memorabilia. The players have been very generous in donating these gifts. We hope fans will dig deep into their pockets to bid for a snooker souvenir and raise money for a fantastic cause.”

Landmark Agreement Unveils Global Strategy

A breakthrough meeting between the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association and the International Billiards and Snooker Federation will see snooker in the International Olympic Committee-approved body of the World Confederation of Billiard Sports.

At the meeting in Sheffield it was agreed that the WPBSA and the IBSF would work jointly on the international development of the sport, through multi-sport events such as the World Games and Asian Games and perhaps even one day the Olympic Games. Snooker is already guaranteed to be a participation sport at the World Games in Columbia in July 2013, with 16 players from a minimum of 12 countries to play for gold, silver and bronze medals.

The strategy is intended to generate increased interest in the sport of snooker and unlock funding around the world to develop the sport through National Governing Bodies.

The WPBSA already works with National Governing Bodies engaged with the IOC. Working jointly with the WCBS will allow the World Snooker Tour to be recognized as a world sport in the eyes of the IOC.

WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson said: “Snooker has progressed massively in recent years and this new agreement will open doors for us in new key markets to expand our sport.

“I would like to thank to members of the WCBS for their support and faith in the WPBSA as we strengthen our presence as one of the world’s major sports.

“I believe that one day snooker will be an Olympic sport. Many sports receive substantial funding from the IOC to assist growth and increase participation. I’m very excited about what the future holds for snooker and the potential to pave a new way ahead."

Jim Leacy, President of the IBSF, said: “We are delighted to be working hand in hand with the WPBSA and this has given snooker at both professional and amateur levels the opportunity to strive for greater things.”

Bustamante, Orcollo top money list
by Marlon Bernardino

Filipinos Francisco Bustamante and Dennis Orcollo dominated the latest 2013 Player Money List, which also includes two other Pinoys in the Top 11.

According to the AZbilliards.com report, the 49-year-old Tarlac City pride Bustamante, one of the top player of sportsman/businessman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, had total earnings of $45,893 and remained on top.

Bustamante, dubbed as "Django" in the world of pool won the 2013 Derby City Classic Master of the Table in Horseshoe Casino and Hotel Elizabeth, Indiana last January 25 to February 2 to received the top prize of $20,000. He also topped the 2013 Derby City Classic Bank Division enroute the champion's purse of $10,000. He bested Justin Hall of the USA in the finals. Bustamante settled for runner-up place with eventual champion Corey Deuel of the USA in the 2013 Derby City Classic One Pocket Division. Deuel pocketed the top prize of $12,000 while Bustamante went home runner-up purse of $6,000.

The top player of Puyat Sports Bustamante also won the 4th Annual Chet Itow Memorial last March 9 - 10 at the California Billiard Club in Mountain View, California and 4th Annual White Diamond Super 9-Ball last March 16 - 17 at the White Diamond Billiards in Lafayette, Los Angeles, California.

However, the biggest pool money earner is the 34-year-old Bislig, Surigao del Sur native Orcollo, who climbed at No.2 spot with $34,300 after winning the 2013 Derby City Classic Bigfoot 10-Ball Challenge in Horseshoe Casino and Hotel Elizabeth, Indiana last January 25 to February 2 to enroute the top prize of $20,000. Orcollo, whose local and international stint supported by Boss Tapa Restaurant in Timog, Quezon City settled for second place in the 2013 Derby City Classic 14.1 for $1,500.

Orcollo, top player of Perry Mariano's Bugsy Promotions International also won the Jay Swanson Memorial last February 23 to 24 in Hard Times Billiards in Bellflower, California, US Bar Box Championship Men's 10-Ball last February 25 - 27 in
Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada and second place in the US Bar Box Championship Men's 9-Ball.

Orcollo, a gold medalist in the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games and 2011 Palembang Southeast Asian Games, takes part in the men’s 9-Ball and 8-Ball events of the quadrennial meet will be representing the country in the prestigious 2013 World Games billiards competition scheduled on July 25 to August 4 in Cali, Colombia.

Third in the money list is Great Britain's Kelly Fisher with $34,000 after winning the 2013 Amway eSpring Women's World 9-Ball Open last March 14 - 17 in Taiwan, followed by American Shane Van Boening with $29,285 and Filipino-Canadian Alex Pagulayan with $22,150.

At 6th and 7th spots are Deuel and Austria's Jasmin Ouschan with $17,250 and $15,000 worth of winnings , respectively.

Rounding up to the top 11 are Niels "The Terminator" Feijen of the Netherlands ($14,695), Thorsten Hohmann of Germany ($12,295), Ga-Young Kim of South Korea ($11,300) and Filipino Ronato Alcano ($11,125). Warren Kiamco, the pride of Pasil, Cebu at No.17 with 18,167.Kiamco won the Midwest 9-Ball Tour Stop last February 16 - 17 in Shooters Billiards in Olathe, Kansas, USA.

Bustamante, Orcollo, Pagulayan, Alcano and Kiamco are member of the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) headed by it's Chairman Isaac Belmonte of the Philippine Star.

Snooker Goes Dutch!

World Snooker will stage a tournament in The Netherlands for the first time in over 20 years with a European Tour event in Rotterdam in July.

The Rotterdam Open at the Topsport Centrum will run from July 19th -21st and will be open to all 128 professional players on the World Snooker Tour. There will also be amateur pre-qualifying rounds on July 18th.

The tournament will be televised by Eurosport. It will be the second event in the 2013/14 season’s European Tour, part of the Players Tour Championship series. And it will be the second professional snooker event ever staged in The Netherlands, and first since the 1991 European Open, won by Tony Jones.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “In recent years we have taken professional tournaments to many growth areas in Europe including Poland, Germany, Belgium and Bulgaria and now we are delighted to bring the European Tour to The Netherlands for the first time.

“Rotterdam is a wonderful city with great sporting heritage and it will be a fabulous occasion for the players. I’m hoping to see Dutch fans show their passion for snooker with full houses and a wonderful atmosphere.

“Snooker’s progress towards becoming a truly global sport is unstoppable and this is another step forward.”

Leading referee Jan Verhaas is thrilled to see the tournament come to his home city. “This is a dream come true for me, to see professional snooker played in Rotterdam,” said Verhaas, who will referee the final of the Betfair World Championship in Sheffield on May 5 and 6.

“It will be incredible to see the best players in the world in The Netherlands and anyone who has a chance to come to a top class sporting event should make sure they are there to see the action live. It’s a proud day to be Dutch!”

Tickets will go on sale soon, further details will be announced at www.worldsnooker.com/tickets


(Pic left to right: Jan Verhaas, World Snooker Commercial Director Miles Pearce and the Deputy Director of Top Sport Rotterdam, Hans Zoethoutmaar)

Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante are confirmed and will compete in the Bergen Open 9-ball this Summer, 7th to 9th of June.

Kong Oscar invites all to Bergen Open 9-Ball June 7-8 & 9 2013

9-Ball
Race to 9
HC: 0-6
Winner breaks , 9-Ball on spot and 3 points breakrule.

Startfee: NOK 1100 / EURO 150.
100 % goes to Pricemoney + minium 10000 NOK additional from Kong Oscar.
50+ players, payouts top 16
100+ players, payouts top 32

Registration:
Facebook: Kong Oscar or Harald Sjonbotn.
Email: kongoscar@kongoscar.no
Phone: Kong Oscar +4755326801 or Harald Sjonbotn +4793230949.
Payment for startfee, info will come soon.
Book hotelrooms early!
Nearby hotels:
Marken Guesthouse, get 50% of normal price if you tell them you want a pool discount.
Jacobs hotel: email
Check rooms at:
Hotels.com and Agoda.com

More info will come soon!

Regards

Kong Oscar

French Championship, 3-Cushion D1 Finals

The Stars are back next week-end LIVE on Kozoom with the Finals of the 1st division of the French Championship. The Live video coverage will start on Saturday, May 4th. If you don't have your Premium Pass yet, you can register here...

http://www.kozoom.com/en/billiard-carom/premium-pass/

THE RILEYS MASTERS - ENGLISH POOL & DARTS

Tournaments are kicking off at many of our clubs this bank holiday weekend, so if you haven't entered yet, get your skates on because time is running out!

With big cash prizes up for grabs, and more importantly, all the bragging rights when you're crowned 'champion', what are you waiting for?

It's quick and easy to enter online. Just click here and complete the entry form. It's just £6 online and in-club (rising to £8 in-club on the day), so don't leave it too late and let your fingers do the tapping right now.

Online entries for events playing this weekend close at 4pm Friday 3rd May.

For the full list of participating clubs and dates, and to enter online click here.

Regards,
The Rileys Team

Ultimate 10-Ball Championships Increases Added Money in Name of Billiard Unity

Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Badi Nazhat and I am the Promoter of the Ultimate 10-Ball Championships. I join with all of you who appreciate and enjoy the game of pocket billiards. I would like to start by saying that I have invested in my passion for professional pool over half a million dollars since my first event in Aruba some three years ago. Within the heart of that passion lies a very simple belief that is easily understood but sometimes appears difficult to apply. That belief is in unity and brotherhood in the billiard world. That belief is in a team of professionals who all move towards a common goal.  My objective is to have the supporters of pool show a positive presence in the eyes of the players and the world during my Tunica event. Importantly, this will present a positive image for future sponsors that are outside the billiard industry as well as from sponsors inside the industry that are interested in a wholesome image that has little to do with political or business leverage and is more about this amazing sport.  If we work together we can provide a product of such value that it will draw sponsors from outside the industry who would seek merely to have their brands identified with this very popular pastime. Sponsors who only seek the good will of the millions of people who enjoy playing and watching the game.

When I sought out the contacts that I have established in pool over the last few years by staging my events I found that they were all more than willing to join me in a 'business as usual' fashion. They wanted to sponsor my event in the same fashion they have been sponsoring events for the past fifty or more years. That is understandable. People and businesses get used to a certain method and inertia stalls them there. I wish to use my events to kick inertia out the door and begin the journey of pro pool anew.

I decided to respectfully not accept any money from any entity for the UTBC.  The business as usual approach that was desired will not brighten our skies. I do not wish to weaken a house divided, I wish to stand shoulder to shoulder with all who would join in the progression of the professional scene. In the spirit of team play that I envision I have invited many companies to join with us as supporters of Ultimate 10-Ball and they have most graciously consented to allow me to honor their past contributions to the game and look forward with them to a future where we all act as one to achieve a common goal, one that benefits us all by empowering the game.

As my decision to not accept sponsorship funds could be seen as having a deleterious effect on the players I have decided to put the additional $25,000 I was seeking into the prize fund myself. That raises the WPA Men's Ranking event from $50,000 to $75,000 in Guaranteed Added Money no matter whether the playing fields are full or not..This assists the players and allows me to reach the goal of having the event be a Tier 2 WPA Ranking event. And that more suitably rewards the efforts of international players who will travel many miles in order to compete in this event. The total purse for these two events with full fields now stands at $196,000. No BCA or WPA event on American soil has seen this amount of prize money since the inception of the WPA more than twenty years ago.

I look forward to meeting those from the world of American Pool business who will be honoring my event with their presence. Together we will raise a toast to pool. And I invite all of you to Tunica June 16-20 to enjoy the fruits of our labors. It will be a show you will not soon forget.

-Badi Nazhat
Ultimate 10-Ball Championships

Pool School in Paradise

In November 1996 four professional pool players got together to develop a unique concept. These pool players were Allison Fisher, Mike Massey, Gerda Hofstatter and Paul Potier and the concept they developed was Pool School in Paradise. The idea was to offer a chance for pool enthusiasts to spend quality time socializing with and learning from real pocket billiard champions, with the most emphasis on learning. The school enrollment is limited to 16 students of various skill levels and is held over 5 days, generally in late summer. August 6-10, 2013 will be the 12th year of Pool School in Paradise and it has been very successful. In fact almost half of the enrollment each year is repeat students. The first year was on the island of Kauai in Hawaii and the last 10 years have been at the Granville Island Hotel in beautiful Vancouver, Canada. This year PSIP will be at Belltown Billiards in Seattle, Washington. Students are welcome and even encouraged to bring a friend or family member to share in the social experiences. This year our instruction team will consist of Ralf Souquet, Ewa Mataya Laurance, Jerry Briesath, and Paul Potier. Thanks to Simonis Cloth, PCC Products, and Belltown Billiards for assisting us in making the entire experience at PSIP professional and enjoyable. To learn more about Pool School in Paradise (PSIP) or any other school offered by Ralf, Ewa, Jerry, or Paul please visit their web site at www.poolschoolinparadise.net or call Paul Potier at 1-587-580-7665.

New Snooker Season Starts In Gloucester

The Capital Venue in Gloucester will be the setting for the start of the 2013/14 World Snooker Tour, as a revolutionary change to the structure of tournaments takes effect.

The venue in the south-west of England will host the qualifying rounds of the Wuxi Classic from May 27 to 29 and the Australian Goldfields Open from May 30 to June 3. Both will feature an array of the best snooker players on the planet.

Under new reforms led by World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn, all players on the main tour will start in the first round of eight of next season's 11 ranking events. This means that new up-and-coming players could face top 16 stars in their first match.

The Wuxi Classic will be the first ever tournament to adopt this new format. A spokesman for World Snooker said: "It's going to be fascinating to see how the leading players fare under the new system, and who can rise to the challenge. It's a great opportunity for the new generation to qualify for venues and make their mark.

"We know that the Capital Venue is an outstanding location for professional snooker events and the ideal place to launch the new season."

Tickets to see the world's leading green baize kings are ON SALE NOW and fans are strongly urged to book their seats early to make sure they will see the action live. Tickets cost just £10 per day or £50 for a seven-day pass, representing incredible value to see top class sporting action. For details go to www.swsashop.com/Thecapitalvenue/WorldSnookerqualifiertickets

The Capital Venue boasts superb viewing opportunities for spectators, who are free to roam from match to match, or enjoy the spectacle in the 370-seater Kay Suzanne Theatre.

There is a comfortable lounge and bar where fans get the opportunity to meet the players, while enjoying a hot or cold meal from the extensive bar menu.

The draw and format for both tournaments will be announced in May.

EUROPEAN BILLIARD COUNCIL

would like to invite on :

Dynamic Best of the East - Czech 10-ball
11-12.05.2013 - Prague (Czech Republic)

International Snooker Tournament TISSOT CUP
16-19.05.2013 - Kiev (Ukraine)

EBC Pyramid Tour
18-19.05.2013 - Spain

Baltic Leaque - WiK POL TOUR 10-Ball
1-2.06. 2013 - Ketrzyn (Poland)

International EBC Junior Cup
8-9.06. 2013 - Trencin (Slovakia)

More information: www.ebc-billiard.com

Amsterdam Billiards & Red Shoes Lead National Qualifiers for the World Tournament

New York, New York - Straight pool players across the United States will have opportunity to qualify and earn a free spot into the world's most prestigious 14.1 event. Qualifiers will be held for the 8th year in a row since Dragon Promotions revival of the World Tournament back in 2006. Another star studded field is expected at this year's 73rd World Tournament hosted by Steinway Billiards in New York on August 19th-24th,2013. Through additional support from such sponsors such as Championship Cloth, Aramith Balls, Amsterdam Billiards and Master Chalk, the absolute best pool players from around the world will arrive on the birth country of 14.1 once more to attend this prestigious event, and vie for the coveted title of greatest straight pool player in the world.

The Qualifiers will be a race to 100 points in a double elimination format with a $105 entry fee. The top 2 winners of the event will get a free entry and spot into the main round robin where each player will play a guaranteed 5 matches against the likes of Hohmann, Ortmann, Schmidt, Immonen, Archer, Williams, and more. Amsterdam Billiards of New York City and Chicago's Red Shoes Billiards haven't missed a beat, hosting qualifiers for the past 7 years running.

"Thanks to Charlie Williams and Dr.Fedak for keeping tournament Straight Pool alive. And thanks to Dragon Promotions for investing your time, energy and resources in producing a major international pool tournament in New York City. As someone who has hosted many pool tournaments, I know from experience that a lot of people sit on the sidelines and criticize every move you make. But at the end of the day, what they've done is great for all pool players, great for pool spectators, and great for the industry", said Greg Hunt, owner of Amsterdam Billiard Club. Amsterdam Billiards will also be hosting a open 14.1 qualifier on August 3rd. Amsterdam Billiards is also the Official Poolroom Sponsor of the World Tournament.

Amsterdam Billiards has had a long history of hosting great events and the world's best players such as Jeanette Lee pictured above.

To host a qualifier contact Dragon Promotions 1-407-782-4978 worldstraightpoolchampionships@gmail.com

Current 2013 Qualifier Schedule:

July 6th Red Shoes Billiards , Chicago, IL (708 ) 388-3700
July 6th Clifton Billiards , Clifton, NJ (973) 928-6622
July 20th Slate Billiards, Boynton Beach, FL (561) 735-7802
July 27th Sandcastle Billiards, Edison, NJ (732) 632-9277
August 3rd Amsterdam Billiards , New York City, NY (212) 995-0333

Amsterdam Billiard Club has been one of the most famous and prestigious poolrooms in the history of pool for over 22 years. It has hosted many celebrities and been the home of billiard stars for decades. It's 11,000 sq ft. location has a full bar, serves food, and caters to dart players, pool leagues, and world champions. It is located at 110 East 11th Street New York, NY 10003-5302 (212) 995-0333 visit www.http://amsterdambilliardclub.com/

Join the 141 Club ! Limited to the first 141 members. Visit http://www.worldstraightpool.com/tickets.html Tickets will be sold at the door during the event.

Get the latest news by following http://www.facebook.com/Worldstraightpool and www.twitter.com/Dragonpromoter

Filipino Lee Van Corteza scores back-to-back wins in China 9-Ball Open
by Marlon Bernardino

Filipino Lee Van Corteza scored back-to-back wins in the 2013 China 9-Ball Open in Shanghai, China.

His latest victory was against Naoyuki Oi of Japan, 9-3, in Group G. The Davao City native Corteza, earlier beat Marcus Chamat of Sweden, 9-5, in the first round. His next opponent against Cheng Chieh Liu of Chinese-Taipei, who brought downed compatriots Ying Chieh Chen, 9-6, and Fu Che-wei, 9-7, respectively.

Also with two wins were Kenny Kwok of Singapore and Thorsten Hohmann of Germany in Group A; Chang Jung-lin and Lu Hui Chan of Chinese-Taipei in Group B; Liu Wei and Wang Can of China in Group C; Yukio Akagariyama of Japan and Fu Jian Bo of China in Group D; Nick Ekonomopoulous of Greece and Dang Jin Hu of China in Group E and Jason Klatt of Canada and Yang Ching-shun of Chinese-Taipei in Group F.

In other Filipino results, Alex Pagulayan beat Carlo Biado, 9-7, but bowed to Dang Jin Hu, 9-4, in the next round in Group E. Dennis Orcollo was yielded to Andreas Gerwen of Luxembourg, 9-8, but bounced back in contention after edging Nick van den berg of the Netherlands, 9-7, in Group F.

Biado will meet Ko pin-yi of Chinese-Taipei, who lost to Nick Ekonomopoulous, 9-3. Ko, earlier beat Mike Dechaine of the USA, 9-2. Pagulayan, meantime goes up against Hus Kai Lun of Chinese-taipei while Orcollo versus Wang Ming of China.

Iris Ranola subdued Jiang Teng, 7-2, in the first match but was succumbed to Chen Siming and Charlene Chai Huey, in similar ,7-4, loses in Group H. However, countryman Rubilen Amit lost her first match to Wu Zhi Ting, 7-5, and prevailed her second match to Wei-Tzu-Chien, 7-2, in Group A.

Belgian Cup 3-Cushion

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