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Topic: *Industry News* 2011

WORLD LADIES BILLIARDS & SNOOKER ASSOCIATION - PRESS RELEASE

The woman who has run ladies snooker for 30 years has retired.

Mandy Fisher resigned as chairman of the World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association (WLBSA) on the eve of last week’s Greene King World Ladies Snooker Championship final.

Five days after her 49th birthday, Fisher broke the news at a meeting at the Pot Black Sports Bar in Bury St Edmunds.

She told stunned players and officials: “I have done all that I am capable of doing for the ladies game and I will not be standing for re-election.”

Since founding the WLBSA in 1981, Fisher has brought over half a million pounds of sponsorship into the ladies game.

“I don’t want it to fold; I don’t want it to fail,” she added. “I just feel I can’t do any more than I’ve done.”

World number three Maria Catalano said: “Mandy has left big boots for someone to fill.

“It sure is a sad loss for the ladies’ game. Mandy will be sorely missed.”

Jason Ferguson, chairman of the World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association, paid his tribute to the mother of women’s snooker.

He said: “We want to put on record our thanks to Mandy for her incredible dedication to snooker over the past 30 years.

“She has done a fantastic job in women’s snooker, often in difficult circumstances, and so many players owe a lot to her. We wish her all the best for the future.”

Fisher, the 1984 women’s professional world champion, oversaw the women’s game through its heyday in the 1980s and 1990s.

It was an era when women’s snooker attracted huge sponsorship, was often televised and even appeared on the front pages of national newspapers.

One of Fisher’s undying memories is the run up to her 1991 world championship quarter-final clash with the awesome Allison Fisher on the day her second son Matthew was due.

She was forced by Barry Hearn, now World Snooker chairman, to parade in front of the massed ranks of the world’s press in Hyde Park wearing carpet slippers and a maternity dress.

The mother-of-three now works as a foot health professional in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire.

Players past and present were quick to add their appreciation.

Marianne Williams said: “It has been a bit of shock.

“Mandy has tried to keep the ladies game together over very turbulent times and this helped Reanne (Evans) to become the player she is.

“Several doors have been opened already and we must keep Mandy’s legacy alive.”

Another who was “shocked” to hear the news was Jane O’Neill, a one-time WLBSA secretary and tournament director who emigrated to Spain in 2003.

“It wasn’t always easy,” she said. “But Mandy’s heart was always in the right place and she worked tirelessly for little reward.

“There were always the detractors and plenty with ‘bright ideas’, but no one ever came close to achieving better than Mandy.

“Who can replace her? She shouldn’t go unless Barry Hearn is taking over!”

Jan Hughes and June Banks said Fisher had “worked tirelessly” and will be “greatly missed”, Vicky Gibbs described her as “helpful and professional” and WLBSA photographer Monique Limbos paid tribute to “all those years of dedication and love for the game”.

Seven-time women’s world champion Reanne Evans said: “I want to say thank you to Mandy.”

Mary Hawkes called Fisher the “mainstay of ladies snooker”.

World number four Katie Henrick said she was “very sad” and added: “Mandy has always dedicated so much time and effort into the ladies game. She has always worked very hard for us, maybe not appreciated enough. We will miss her.

“She’s a lovely person and has always been kind, encouraging and supportive to me.”

Six-time world billiards champion Emma Bonney said: “Ladies snooker will not be the same without Mandy as chairman.

“She has given it a tremendous amount of her time over the years and it is fitting that she is going to be our president and will still be associated with us.”

Vicky Carter said: “It’s been great having her as a player back in the day, and, as chair, putting so much time and effort into the game for us.”

Fisher said she was “honoured” to be elected WLBSA president, a position vacated by the death of Agnes Davies, the 1949 women’s world champion, who died in February, aged 90.

Replacing Fisher as chairman is Brian Harvey, a retired florist from Somerset who has represented England at billiards. Harvey still plays on the English-Billiards Open Series and is a useful snooker player.


Pictures courtesy of the WLBSA and/or Monique Limbos

Pool community up in arms to oppose GAB's action
by Marlon Bernardino

The pool community are now in uproar and opposing the move of the Games and Amusement Board mandating all local and international pool players to secure license from the said government agency.

A manifesto was prepared by the officers of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines, the governing body of pool in the country, rejecting the move of the GAB to enforce all foreign and local players, referees and billiard utility staff to secure a license before being allowed to see action in the Philippine Open Pool Championships and the World Ten Ball Championships.

Both major pool events are sanctioned by the World Pool-Billiard Association and hosted by the Philippines.

The manifesto, which was signed by the officers of the BSCP, majority of the leading Filipino pool players, referees and billiard workers, was prepared to strongly protest the GAB’s implementation of the Presidential Decree 871, a long overdue law which demands “all professional basketball players or other professional games without permit duly assigned by the Board are unlawful."

Also included in the provision is the need to “require players, referees, scorer, time keeper or other persons performing duties connected with the professional basketball games or other professional games to get a license from the Board."    

Earlier, the BSCP, the governing body of pool in the Philippines, and the world’s governing body in billiards, the World Pool-Billiard Association, made a collective stand opposing the move of the GAB.

"This is irregular and unprecedented in the world,” said Ian Anderson, president of the WPA.

“The requirement is totally alien to our experience in the WPA," said Anderson. “The WPA and its member federations organize scores of tournaments around the world every year, and we know of no country that requires players, especially foreign players, to secure a local license to play pool."

Anderson also clarified that the WPA goes by the Olympic spirit. He even gave the 1992 United States Dream Team bannered by Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, all professional players playing in the National Basketball Association, as a classic example.

“Its action is arbitrary, contrary to law and injurious to our national reputation in international sports. The Philippine Open is taking place with 31 countries and 200 players participating, and in the presence of no less than the president of the WPA, Ian Anderson," the BSCP said in its statement.

Former Department of Foreign Affairs secretary Roberto Romulo, who described the scheme as "Insane."

“It penalizes visitors who spend money to visit, stay and play in the Philippines.

The Philippines is known as the pool capital of the world and has hosted several world championships – the 9-Ball Championship from 2006 to 2007 and the Ten Ball Championships as early as 2008.

Jack Romasanta, president of the Puerto Princesa Billiards Club, said, "The GAB licensing order is ridiculous. Only in the Philippines such thing is happening.”

Dragon Promotions, which promoted the Women’s World 10-Ball event in the country, said they themselves were not spared by GAB. A source who is privy to the matter said the government agency has asked P3,000 each for the licensing fee of the players.

"That’s absolutely stupid," said Dragon Promotions, in a statement given to the BSCP. Marlon Bernardino

Here’s the content of the manifesto signed by the BSCP officials headed by Sebastian Chua (president), Florentino Makabenta (chairman), Edgar Acaba (vice president), Carlos Santos Viola (secretary general), and Emmanuel Argonza (public relations). The manifesto was signed by nearly all leading local pool players, all referees, billiard workers and members of the BSCP.

Sa Ating Kapwa Bilyarista at mga Patron ng Bilyar;

Aming ipinagbibigay alam sa lahat ang isinasagawang paglilitis at paninira sa ating karapatan bilang manlalaro ng bilyar.

Ang Games and Amusement Board (GAB) ay sapilitang ipinag-uutos ang pagpalisensya ng lahat ng mga manlalaro ng bilyar, Pilipino man o dayuhan, at lahat na nagtrabaho sa palaro na bilyar.

Ang pagtutol ng BSCP sa aktong ito ng GAB ay nababase sa mga sumusunod na dahilan:    

            1. Ang ating paglalaro at pagtratrabaho sa isang sport or anumang palaro ay ating karapatang pangtao. Hindi tayo puede diktahan ng GAB sa ating pagpili ng sport.

                2. Walang ibang bansa, maliban sa Pilipinas, ang nagsubok na obligahin ang mga bilyarista dayuhan na kumuha ng lisensya, para makalahok sa isang torneo. Maging ang mga kababayan nating lumahok sa palaro ng ibang bansa ay hindi nakatikim ng ganitong pahirap sa kanilang mga dinayuhan.

                3) Ito ay tinututulan ng mga dayuhang manlalaro (Foreign Players) dahil hindi makatarungang pilitin silang sumailalim sa isang sangay ng gobyerno kung ang pakay ng kanilang bisita dito ay sports lang ang dahilan.

                4. Ito ay isang kahihiyan sa ating bansa at malaking sampal sa industriyang turismo ng Pilipinas. Ang mga programa ng BSCP ay suportado ng Department of Tourism at iba pang sangay ng gobyerno maliban sa GAB.

                5. Ang sapilitang pagpa-lisensya at rehistro ay isang karagdagang gastos at abala sa ordinaryong bilyaristang Pilipino na hindi naman kailangan at wala namang malinaw na benepisyo o tulong na magagawa ang GAB para sa mga Pilipinong manlalaro.

                5) Gusto ng GAB na lahat ng mga manlalaro, organizer, taga-kuha ng tubig, broadcaster, referee, timer-keeper, taga-linis ng mesa at kagamitan, at kung sino pang kasama sa pagsasa-ayos ng anumang torneo ng bilyar ay kumuha muna ng lisensya mula sa kanilang opisina, bago makalahok o makapag-trabaho sa nasabing torneo.

                6) Ang Bilyar ay isa sa kaunting sport na may pinaka-maraming karangalan na naiu-uwi ng mga Pilipino. Sa loob ng higit sa dalawang dekada, ang BSCP ay patuloy na sumuporta at nagde-develop ng mga bilyaristang Pilipino na nagiging tanyag sa buong mundo. Isang bagay na maaring ipagmalaki ng kahit sino mang Pilipino.

                Ang Pilipinas ngayon ay ang kinikilala sa buong mundo ngayon bilang “Pool Capital of the World”. Ang isang sapilitang pagpa-lisensya sa isport na ito ay nakakadungis lamang sa ating pangalan sa buong mundo.

Go east says Asia marketing expert

As snooker continues its drive to become a world game, the China Open has provided further evidence of its appeal in the Far East, according to Eng Juay Goh, Asia marketing manager for UK cloth manufacturer Milliken.

Playing on Milliken’s Strachan brand, Judd Trump’s victory in Beijing was played in front of a packed arena and closely followed the huge International Billiard Exhibition in Guangzhou (pictured) which attracted 13,000 trade visitors and a host of new exhibitors.

EJ reports that many companies see the value of creating business partnerships in China. “We have built a productive relationship with table maker Star and all our distributors in China as demand for high-end products continues to grow,” he said.

“With many young people in China enjoying the small-table version of snooker, we have produced a narrower Strachan cloth that mirrors the playing surface enjoyed by the top players including China Open semi-finalist Ding Junhui.”

EJ says that companies in the Far East are very receptive to innovation. “Businesses like Star are meticulous about quality, are impressed by skilled craftsmanship and will choose to partner an innovative company like Milliken to develop their business.

“For thousands of young snooker players in China, it’s a natural step from the small-table market to playing on full-size tables, where continuity in conditions is seen as a big asset,” he added.

Snooker at York: UK Championship to return to York Barbican in December 2011

World Snooker have announced that the UK Championship will return to York Barbican this December.

It’s one of the biggest ranking events on the snooker calendar – second only to the World Championship. The tournament runs from December 3 to 11 and will receive extensive coverage from the BBC, Eurosport and CCTV in China, beaming live action to an audience of hundreds of millions worldwide.

The UK Championship was previously staged at the Barbican Centre from 2001 to 2006. It’s likely to feature all of the world’s top players including John Higgins, Neil Robertson, Mark Selby, Shaun Murphy and Ding Junhui.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: ‘We're thrilled and excited to be heading back to the Barbican Centre in York for the UK Championship in December 2011. The top players had six happy years there and they all talk about the superb set-up of the arena and the excellent backstage facilities at the venue. The fans in York always generated a cracking atmosphere and no doubt they can't wait for another chance to see the very best in the world in action. We're looking forward to working with our partners in York and making it the home of the UK Championship once again.’

China's Ding Junhui, who beat Steve Davis in the 2005 UK Championship final in York, added: ‘I'm really pleased that we are going back to York for the UK Championship. It's one of our biggest tournaments and winning it in 2005 was one of the best moments of my career. I've got great memories of playing at the Barbican Centre as the atmosphere is special. While we played there I made a lot of friends in York, especially among the Chinese community, so I'm looking forward to meeting them again and hopefully having their support in the tournament.’

Gillian Cruddas Chief Executive of Visit York said: ‘This is a real coup for York and we are absolutely thrilled the tournament will be returning to the fabulous new Barbican Centre. Sports tourism is an area we are keen to develop in York and this now gives us the opportunity to do just that. The tournament will generate a boost for the city’s hotels, restaurants and visitor attractions who will benefit enormously from the media attention and increased visitor numbers that the tournament brings.’

Nick Reed, Theatres Director for SMG Europe commented:‘Since being awarded the contract to operate the building last year SMG has been working behind the scenes to try and re-instate this amazing event at the Barbican. We have developed a great relationship with World Snooker Limited and we are delighted to be working with them to bring the UK Championship home to York.’

Masters Snooker Goes To Alexandra Palace

The Masters, snooker's most prestigious invitation tournament, will have a new home in 2012 as it moves to Alexandra Palace.

The event is one of the highlights of the snooker calendar, featuring an elite field of the world's top 16 players. Ronnie O'Sullivan, Mark Selby, John Higgins and Ding Junhui have all won it in recent years.

It was previously held at Wembley Arena but The Masters is being given a new lease of life by moving to the world famous Alexandra Palace. The venue is much closer to central London - just ten minutes from King's Cross - and is renowned for staging top sporting events.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: "The Alexandra Palace is an absolutely fantastic venue, as we've found by staging the World Darts Championship there. We've seen record ticket sales for the darts and I'm expecting to see the same for the snooker. When it's packed out, the atmosphere in the place is electric, and I can't wait to see snooker played under those conditions because that's what The Masters is all about.

"We’re keeping the event in London but the players are going to experience something new and wonderful. There's a great team in place at Alexandra Palace and we look forward to working with them again."

Rebecca Kane, Managing Director of Alexandra Palace Trading Ltd, added: "We are so pleased that Ally Pally has been chosen as the new home for The Masters. We will be working closely with Barry Hearn and the World Snooker team to make this a Masters to remember.

“Alexandra Palace has a strong heritage in bringing live entertainment to the fans from a unique setting overlooking the whole of London, making us the perfect venue for music and sport.

“2012 will be a big year for all those working at the Palace and we are proud and honoured that the year will start in such spectacular fashion with The Masters at Ally Pally!”

Alexandra Palace has 1500 free car parking spaces, group travel facilities and simple access to both overground and underground stations. Full transport and facilities information can be found on the website www.alexandrapalace.com

The tournament will run from January 15 to 22, 2012. It will be televised by BBC Sport, Eurosport and CCTV China, with a global reach of hundreds of millions.

Details of how to buy tickets will be announced shortly on www.worldsnooker.com

WORLD SNOOKER & RILEYS LAUNCH NATIONAL SNOOKER WEEK

World Snooker is teaming up with Rileys Sports Bars to launch the first ever National Snooker Week.

The announcement was made at a press conference held by World Snooker's Barry Hearn and Rileys' Maurice Kelly during the 2011 Betfred.com World Championship at The Crucible in Sheffield.

National Snooker Week will run 25 - 29 July 2011, to coincide with the beginning of the school summer holidays, and it aims to get more people of all ages playing the sport.

Barry Hearn, chairman of World Snooker said: “We want to see the next Ronnie O’Sullivans and Stephen Hendrys coming through, and the best way to do that is to get more people into clubs and playing snooker. Rileys is the biggest and best chain of clubs and this is a marvellous way to get people involved. For anyone who loves the game, or anyone who has never played and wants to give it a try, make sure you take advantage of this offer. There has never been a better time to be a snooker player, with more tournaments and prize money going through the roof. There must be a lot of untapped talent out there and, alongside Rileys, we’ll find it.”

Throughout National Snooker Week Rileys will be offering free membership and free snooker to everyone of all ages before 6pm in any of their 115 Rileys Sports Bars across the UK. There will also be lots of activity planned for the week, including various events and competitions to win.

Maurice Kelly, CEO of Rileys clubs says: "Snooker is evolving and it's great that we're seeing different formats being introduced to broaden the appeal of the sport to a wider audience. The traditional game will always be popular amongst the fans, but the quicker, shorter formats appeal to the more universal sports fan. We've been in talks with Barry for a while about introducing a National Snooker Week, it's a sport that's accessible to everyone and we plan to work with World Snooker to bring the game back into the spotlight!"

Snooker is already growing in popularity amongst the younger population; last year Rileys together with Ronnie O'Sullivan launched the first of their 'Future Stars', a competition for under 16's to find the new star of snooker. This year's competition is even bigger, and the final is planned to take place during National Snooker Week.

Further details and announcements on National Snooker Week to be released.

Visit www.worldsnooker.com
For your nearest Rileys visit www.rileys.co.uk

Biggest Straight Pool Prize Ever: The 71st World Tournament

New Brunswick, New Jersey- For the sixth straight year, Dragon Promotions will produce the 71st Annual World Tournament of Straight Pool . In partnership with the support of Dr.Michael Fedak, this year's event will have the biggest payout in straight pool history with $20,000 going to the champion. The event is $35,000 added , boasting a total $70,000 in the prize fund. The luxurious Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick, NJ will host this year's event starting August 28 through September 2, 2011. Once again the greatest straight pool players from around the world will arrive on USA's east coast again to New Jersey, and attend this prestigious event to play for the coveted title of World Straight Pool Champion.

The World Tournament is the oldest tournament in history that still exists today. Invented by Jerome Keough and shortly after recognized as the official game of billiards. The first World 14.1 Tournament was held in 1911 and won by Alfredo DeOro. In its history due to war and economics, the World Championships had 29 tournaments that did not take place including a 15 year gap between 1990-2005 until Dragon Promotions revived the game and the World Tournament in 2006.

"This is my absolute favorite game, and this is my favorite event in the world. The World Tournament is the ultimate straight pool event, and the oldest testament of skill there is in pool. Dragon Promotions have been terrific caretakers of this prestigious championship, and I am pleased to help them continue the longest running tournament in history", said Dr.Michael Fedak, the event's patron sponsor.

This year marks the 71st World Tournament , and stars such as Two-time World 14.1 Champion Oliver Ortmann will come back to defend his title along with former World Champion Thorsten Hohmann, Niels Feijen, Allen Hopkins, Jasmin Ouschan, Johnny Archer, Mika Immonen, John Schmidt, and Stephan Cohen of France are just a few of the powerful list of world beaters who will come to play in the greatest straight pool tournament in the world. Players may also join qualifiers to get a chance to compete in the World Tournament with all the legendary greats. Qualifier info will be announced shortly and later can be found at www.DragonPromotions.com To host a qualifier or play, contact worldstraightpoolchampionships@gmail.com

The format for the event will be the same as the past four years. 64 players divided into 8 groups of 8 players in a round robin format playing races to 100. The top 32 players will advance to a double elimination tournament races to 150. The top 16 players will then advance to a single elimination race to 200 points.

The World Tournament Champion will also have his/her name inscribed on the 14.1 Champion's Cup alongside the names of previous winners such as Mizerak, Sigel, Mosconi, Hohmann, Ortmann, Feijen, and Cohen.    

"The World Tournament till this day has proven to have the most passionate fans and players. Myself and our staff at Dragon Promotions have really come to a true appreciation of this game and its rich history. We are very proud to have become the caretakers of this prestigious event", said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.

Fans and players can make hotel reservations now at the Hyatt Regency by calling 732-873-1234 ask for "US Pool Players" Group and receive the tournament rate of $105 per night. Vendor spaces are also available, please contact dp.sally@gmail.com
The 2011 World Tournament is proudly co-sponsored by Amsterdam Billiards and straight pool aficionados Bill Austin of UT and Ralph Rubin of MD. For more information on player registration, sponsorship, or if you would like to submit a comment, please email worldstraightpoolchampionships@gmail.com or contact Dragon Promotions at 1-407-782-4978. Full event info is at www.dragonpromotions.com

Dragon Promotions is one of the leading producers of billiard programming in the world today. Dragon produces over 40 events a year airing on networks in USA, Korea, and Europe such as ESPN, MBC ESPN, XTM, XPORTS, and Euro Sport. Events include The World Tournament of 14.1, The Predator International 10-Ball Championship, King & Queen of Carom, Empress Cup, Pro Pool Schools, DP Pro Classic, Women's Trickshot Challenge, World Junior 10-Ball Championships, Korea vs USA, Mezz Classic and many more. Dragon also manages some of the world's best players including Shanelle Loraine, Rodney Morris, Charlie Williams, Mika Immonen, Mike Davis, and many more.

Visit www.dragonpromotions.com or www.dragonpromotions.co.kr

The 36th Annual U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships - October 16-22, 2011        
    
Want to play?

Pay by April 30th and only pay $400!

The U.S. Open will be here before we know it, and we are looking forward to another great year!

Players
As an incentive to the U.S. Open players, we would like to offer you all a $100 discount off of your entry fee during the month of April. We hope that you all take advantage of this fantastic deal, as Barry and Shannon, will make up the difference!
Pay your entry at BilliardHQ.com

Fans
With sellout crowds in 2010 be sure to reserve your seats
today at BilliardHQ.com

Vendors
If you are interested in joining us at the 36th Annual U.S. Open,
please give us a call for details at 757-499-8900.

We hope to see you at the groundbreaking, 36th Annual
U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships, an event that
you will not want to miss!

Please call (757) 499-8900 or email usopen9ball@yahoo.com with any questions regarding this year's event.

Thank you all and we hope to seeing you in October!

Sincerely,
Barry and Shannon

44 Countries, 128 Players join World Ten-Ball Championship in Manila
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

A record number of 44 countries, represented by 128 of the best pool players in the world, will take part in the 2011 World Ten Ball Championship of the World Pool-Billiard Association, when it starts on Tuesday, May 10, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Aside from the traditional pool powers – Great Britain, Germany, the United States, China, Chinese Taipei and the Philippines -- the WPA and the host country will welcome several countries for the first time into the competition .

Among these are: Peru, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Norway, Uruguay, Croatia, Saudi Arabia and Iran.

All 128 participants are either national champions, winners of regional and international tournaments, or reigning and former world champions.

Mika Immonen of Finland , who won the world 10-ball title in 2009, is set to defend his crown. He returns to Manila fresh from his victory in the US 10-ball Masters last March.

But he faces a formidable array of challengers, that includes:

    * Dennis Orcullo of the Philippines, winner of this year’s WPA World 8-ball Championship:

    * Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, winner of the 2011 Philippine Open in April

and former world champion.

    * Antonio Lining of the Philippines, currently ranked world No. 1 in the WPA ranking system;

    * Chang Jun Lin of Chinese Taipei, winner of the recently concluded Beijing Open,

and Guinness series champion

    * Ralf Souquet, double wold champion in 8-ball and 9-ball;

    * Darren Appleton, winner of the inaugural WTBC in Manila in 2008; and

    * Wu Chia-Ching, double world champion in 8-ball and 9-ball, who is returning to top-tier pool competition after a two-year hiatus.

Entries in the WTBC come from all the continental federations of the the WPA system:

The European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF, the Billiard Congress of America (BCA), the Asian Pocket Billiardzs Union (APBU), Confederacion Panamerica of Billairds (CPB), All Afruica Pool Association (AAPA), and Oceania Pocket Billiard Association (OPBA).

The main tournament will take place on May 10 to 15 at the world Trade Center.

Prior to the start of the main event, a series of qualifiers will be staged at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City. Ten spots in the main draw are up for competition.

The WTBC qualifiers will start Tuesday, May 3, and will continue up to May 7.

Two qualifiers will be staged per day.

Players in the qualifiers and main tournament have started arriving in Manila as of yesterday, May 2.

Mr. Ian Anderson, president of the WPA, is arriving in Manila on Tuesday, May 3. He will be in the Philippine capital for the entire duration of the WTBC.

2011 USSA National Snooker Tour Schedule

Stop #1: Brooklyn, NY – Prince Snooker Club – February 26 -27, 2011
– WINNER: PAUL CARBIN

Stop #2: San Mateo, CA – ACE Snooker Club – March 26 -27, 2011
- WINNER: AJEYA PRABHAKAR

Stop #3: Las Vegas, NV – Las Vegas Cue Club – April 2-3, 2011
- WINNER: JOE GIRDPOOL

Stop #4: Brooklyn, NY – Club 147 – April 9-10, 2011
- WINNER: PAUL CARBIN

Stop #5: San Leandro, CA – E-1 Entertainment - April 16-17, 2011
- WINNER: DEP ALPAJORA

Stop #6: Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Billiards – Contact Ajeya Prabhakar (USSA rep.
– Tel. 408-692-5810) April 30 –May 1, 2011

Stop #7: Mountain View, CA – California Billiard Club – Contact Bob Jewett (USSA rep.
– Tel. 408-615-7479) May 14-15, 2011

Stop #8: Las Vegas, NV – 4 Kaz Snooker Club & Bar
– Contact Joe Girdpool (Tel. 702-299-5745) May 21-22, 2011

Stop #9: Las Vegas, TX – Champion Snooker Houston
– Contact Mani (Tel. 713-498-8813) May 27-29, 2011

2011 US MOSCONI CUP RANKINGS LATEST

Dechaine Leapfrogs into No.1 Spot

MIKE DECHAINE, winner of the recent Ultimate Ten Ball Championship in Frisco, Texas, moves to the top of the US PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup rankings, as the ten event series reaches the halfway stage. The 23 year-old from Maine is starting to put together a string of impressive finishes and has a real chance of making his Mosconi Cup debut in December.

The ‘Fireball’ defeated Mosconi veteran Jeremy Jones in a hard fought final to take the title, and jumps over Dennis Hatch, Shawn Putnam and Earl Strickland into the No.1 position.

Holding his ground in the No.2 spot is 2009 Mosconi MVP Hatch, whose 9th place finish in Texas was good enough to keep him in the all-important top three. Falling from #2 to #3 is Shawn Putnam who trailed in 17th place.

There was plenty of other movement with the biggest climber being Charlie Williams who flew from 14th to 6th, courtesy of a fourth place finish at the Ultimate Ten Ball.

Big gun Shane Van Boening and Mosconi Cup legend Johnny Archer are languishing in 10th and 11th spots respectively and will need to pick up the pace in the remaining five events.

The US Mosconi Cup Ranking consists of 10 events throughout the United States, culminating in the US Open in October. Points will be allocated as per the BCA Points List and each event will be weighted depending on total purse, size of field and number of top-ranked players competing.

Only players finishing in the last 32 of each event will be allocated points and at the conclusion, after the 2011 US Open, the top three players will automatically gain entry to the Mosconi Cup side.

The remaining two players will be Matchroom Sport wildcard picks although the ranking will play a part in this.

The next qualifying event is the US Open 10 Ball Championship which runs from 16-21 May at the Riviera in Las Vegas.

The Ranking

1. (↑3) Mike Dechaine                                 399
2. ( - ) Dennis Hatch                                     320
3. (↓2) Shawn Putnam                                 310.50
4. (↓1) Earl Strickland                                 290
5. ( - ) Corey Deuel                                         265
6. (↑8 ) Charlie Williams                                238.50
7. (↑1) Mike Davis                                         233
8. (↓2) Stevie Moore                                     229.50
9. (↑3) Rodney Morris                                 225.50
10. (↓3) Shane Van Boening                         221.50
11. (↓1) Johnny Archer                                 214.50
12. (↓1) Robb Saez                                        200
13. (↓4) Gabe Owen                                     190.50
14. (↓1) Hunter Lombardo                            158.50
15. ( - ) Max Eberle                                         154

LADS ‘CUE UP’ TO MEET LOVELY LUCY

Nuts beauty at Rileys Croydon

Lovely Lucy Pinder met hundreds of lads at Rileys Croydon (Frith Road, CR0 1TB) on Saturday, April 30.

Lucy, 27, appeared at Rileys as part of a special Royal Wedding photoshoot for lads’ mag Nuts.

The lads were given the chance to have their picture taken with beauty Lucy and Gordon Kholia, 27, of Manor Park, East London was lucky enough to play Lucy in a game of pool.

Lucy said: “I couldn’t believe how many people turned up to meet me. It’s very flattering.

“I was disappointed to lose my game of pool but Gordon was a deserving winner.”

Gordon said: “It’s been a dream day for me. Winning the opportunity to play pool against such a beautiful woman was fantastic. My mates all think I’m a legend!”


Lucy Pinder and Gordon Kholia

Snooker Scores Massive Viewing Figures

The Betfred.com World Snooker Championship achieved fantastic viewing figures both on the BBC and in China.

The tournament was widely regarded as one of the best in recent memory, concluding in a pulsating final as John Higgins beat new star Judd Trump 18-15 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

The peak viewing figure on BBC, which came just after 10pm, was 6.6 million, the best figure in the past five years.

Average audience for the final session was also well up: 3.9 million, over 50% higher than last year.

Over 27.1 million watched the event in the UK - that's nearly half the UK population.

In China, the second session of the Ding Junhui v Judd Trump semi-final was the highest rated sports programme of 2011 to date, achieving an average audience of 19.4 million, peaking at nearly 30 million. In all 55.9 million households tuned in to watch.

During the Championship, six programmes on CCTV 5 in China achieved average audiences of over 10 million, while five had peak audiences of over 20 million. CCTV 5 was one of 7 broadcast networks showing the World Championship in China alone.

Ticket revenue for the tournament was also up on last year, by over 15%.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: "There was a sense at the Crucible that something very special was happening, with the arrival of Judd Trump as a sensational young talent, and of course the brilliance of John Higgins in winning his fourth World title. The atmosphere was like nothing I have experienced in snooker before. I'm delighted to see that reflected in the viewing figures.

"Snooker has come a long way in the past year and it's wonderful to see the public appetite for the sport growing, both domestically and overseas. We're now pushing on towards next season with plenty of new events globally. For the fans, there has never been a better time to support snooker."

THE 'JUDD TRUMP' EFFECT… SNOOKER MEMBERSHIPS ON THE INCREASE

The recent World Championship at The Crucible has created a buzz of excitement around snooker again, and Rileys Sports Bars are enjoying the after-effects!

Following the final between John Higgins and rising star Judd Trump, World Snooker announced record viewing figures peaking at 6.6 million and hailed the tournament as one of the best. Twitter timelines were rife with updates and conversations, and Judd Trump re-tweeted a message from a follower who said he'd just joined a snooker club as Judd had got him interested in playing!

Now Rileys Sports Bars announce they are currently enjoying the snooker surge with memberships already showing an increase of 8% and table transactions up by 12%.

Maurice Kelly, CEO of Rileys said: "This year's World Championship has reached out beyond the traditional snooker fans. Snooker is a great sport but it hasn't had the profile it deserves lately. The interest in the World Champs this year was phenomenal, which is great for us! People watch snooker then they want to play it, and it's a sport that anyone can play…whether you're good or not is a different matter! The event has definitely had a positive impact on Rileys….and long may it continue!"

Judd Trump, the young 21 year old finalist seems to have played a big part in the buzz around the sport. Although he lost to John Higgins in the final, he's brought a fresh look to the game with his unique style of snooker.

Maurice Kelly adds "Now we're just waiting to see how many Judd Trump-style new haircuts we get into our clubs….!"

Anyone wanting to join the new sporting trend should get themselves along to their nearest Rileys Sports Bar. To find your nearest one visit www.rileys.co.uk

Higgins Voted Player Of The Year

John Higgins was named snooker's Player of the Year at the sport's new Awards Ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel in London tonight (Friday).

Wishaw's Higgins enjoyed an exceptional 2010/11 season, winning the 12BET.com UK Championship, Wyldecrest Park Homes Welsh Open and Betfred.com World Championship.

He received the main World Snooker Player of the Year Award as well as winning the Snooker Journalists Player of Year category.

"I'm honoured to have been named Player of the Year," said Higgins, who beat Judd Trump 18-15 in a thrilling World final last Monday. "It's a fantastic way to round off what has been an incredible season. Winning a fourth World title was a new high in my career, and I hope there are many more titles to come."

Crucible runner-up Trump won the Fans Player of the Year and the Performance of the Year for his sensational run of form in the past few weeks, winning the Bank of Beijing China Open and getting to the World final.

The Players Player of the Year vote went in favour of Mark Williams, who won the new German Masters and climbed to No 1 in the world rankings.

Gifted newcomer Jack Lisowski won the Rookie of the Year award, having qualified for two ranking events and climbed to 52nd in the world in his first professional season.

Magic Moment of the Year was awarded to Rory McLeod for his thrilling win over Tony Drago, culminating in a fluked final black, at the CaesarsCasino.com Snooker Shoot-Out.

Seven players to have made a maximum break during the season were given a place in the new 147 Club.

And World Snooker introduced a new Hall of Fame.

Inducted in the first year were eight players who have won multiple World titles and helped make the sport great: Joe and Fred Davis, John Pulman, Ray Reardon, John Spencer, Alex Higgins, Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry.

The Awards Ceremony was attended by leading players including Williams, Trump, Steve Davis, Jimmy White, Shaun Murphy, Ali Carter and Ken Doherty. It came at the end of one of the best ever seasons of snooker, with a range of new and exciting tournaments.

World Snooker Awards, 2010/11:

World Snooker Player of the Year: John Higgins
Snooker Journalists Player of the Year: John Higgins
Fans Player of the Year: Judd Trump
Players Player of the Year: Mark Williams
Performance of the Year: Judd Trump
Rookie of the Year: Jack Lisowski
Magic Moment of the Year: Rory McLeod
147 Club: Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, Kurt Maflin, Barry Hawkins, Thanawat Thirapongpaiboon, Mark Williams, Rory McLeod
Hall of Fame: Joe and Fred Davis, John Pulman, Ray Reardon, John Spencer, Alex Higgins, Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry

WTBC: Pinoy bet Pulpul, Chinese Guo advance to main draw
by Marlon bernardino

Demosthenes "Plong-Plong" Pulpul booked a seat after beating Edgar Acaba, 9-2, in the penultimate day of the qualifying stage of the World Ten Ball Championship at the Star Billiards Center on Friday night.

The former WTBC semifinalist made short work of the veteran Acaba moments after he ran roughshod over 17-year-old Jonas Magpantay in the semifinal round. By winning the Qualifier No. 8, Pulpul will go to the main draw of the WTBC for the third straight time.

While Pulpul had an easier time disposing off his last two rivals on Friday, Guo Hoa of China and Egie Geronimo battled to a standstill until the final rack.

In the end, the Chinese cue artist proved to be the steadier player as he salvaged a tense 9-8 win to advance to the main draw.

"I thought I was going to lose the match because of how the way he was able to make the first two balls," said Guo thru interpreter Joyren Ting. "But both players really deserve to win the match as both of us played our hearts out."

Guo appeared headed to an early win when he won the 14th rack and went up, 8-6.

But in the 15th rack, he missed the last ball No.10, allowing Geronimo to stay alive.

Geronimo continued to hang tough in the 16th. He made a nifty combo on Nos. 6 and 10 to set up a decision.

Off the break, Geronimo sank the No.3 and looked to complete a come-from-behind victory, but just when his luck was about to carry him all the way, his run finally hit a snag.

He missed the No. 5 at the corner, allowing his Chinese rival to get back at the table and clean up the remaining balls.

The qualifying stage matches of the WTBC return at the Star Billiards Center for the final day with the last two spots for the main draw up for grabs.



Photo 1 Demosthenes Pulpul of the Philippines checks the racked balls during his finals match against Edgar Acaba. Pulpul won, 9-2, to advance to the main draw of the World Ten Ball Championship.
Photo 2 Guo Hoa of China eyes the ball during his semifinals match with Rodrigo Geronimo.

WPA Provides GAP Event for Players in Manila

The World Pool Association has provided $10,000 in funding this week for the GAP event being held this week at Star Billiards in Manila that may be viewed at: www.ustream.tv/channel/starbilliards-tv

This event came about because the WPA realized that with only a week between the Beijing Open and the World Ten Ball Championship, there would be no proper time for players to return home. So $10,000 was provided to Ralf Souquet (who graciously volunteered his time and efforts to run the event) so that the players could have an informal "fun" event during that gap period.

This is a casual event. Run by the players and for the players in order that they might have some relaxing time together to play and socialize with the opportunity to win some money to help defray their travel costs to play in these WPA events.

Should the players report that this was something they enjoyed then the WPA looks forward to doing this same sort of event in the future. After all, pool is supposed to be fun! And it is the hope of the WPA that this event is fun for all who have the opportunity to participate.

Bond of brothers: Siblings Yi, Chung catch last two tickets to WTBC
by Marlon Bernardino

TWO-time world junior champion Ko Pin Yi and his 15-year-old brother, Ko Pin Chung, have secured the last two tickets to the main draw of this World Pool-Billiard Association event following contrasting wins over the respective Finals opponents on Saturday at the Star Billiards Center.

Yi, the older among the two young rising stars of Taiwan’s formidable pool cast, repulsed a late charge by Filipino Roland dela Cruz, 9-6, for the last seat to the main draw.
Chung, on the other hand, scuttled a relatively young opponent in Marvin Tapia, 9-5, to win Qualifier No. 9.
The Ko brothers were happy to play in the biggest tournament of the WPA for the year that offers $60,000 to the champion.

“Both of them are happy. Yi is happy to join younger Chung in the event because he knows this is something special for him," said interpreter Mars Chan.

Yi, champion of the 2007 and 2008 World Junior Championship, will appear in his third WTBC event while Chung, the youngest competitor in this tournament, will play in his biggest tournament for the first time in his career.

Both players displayed a lot of promise.

Yi made a spectacular bank shot on the 1 that kissed the No. 10 at the left corner pocket. The shot proved to be the final nail in the coffin of Dela Cruz, the last qualifier of the recently-concluded Philippine Open Pool Championship won by German Thorsten Hohmann.

But unlike in the Philippine Open, Dela Cruz fell short in his comeback bid.

The Filipino was down 8-4, but rallied and came to within two racks of forging a hill-hill encounter.

He sank the No.8 ball off a break in the 15th rack. But he miscalculated a safety shot that left a small window for Yi to launch his nifty bank shot to the 1 and 10 at the corner that all but settled the outcome.

Unlike Yi, Chung had to win the last four racks to put away Tapia.

Chung shattered a 5-all standoff and won the next four racks en route to securing a berth in the main event that will be played from May 10-15 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Making the break in the 11th rack, Tapia scratched the cue ball. But that proved to be the turning point of the match as the Taiwanese bet cleaned up the table for a 6-5 lead.
In the 12th, Chung tested Tapia’s skills in the exchange of safety shots. The Filipino player committed a foul at No.1 and the Taiwanese was able to take advantage for a 7-5 lead.

A dry break in the 13th allowed Tapia a chance to get back at the table. But the Filipino player failed to capitalize and even wasted the opportunity to get back when he missed ball No.1, allowing his rival for another run out.

Off the break in the 14th, Chung sank balls No. 7 and 8. After sinking ball Nos. 1 and 2, Chung opted for a safety on No.3 and the Pinoy cue artist had to make a jump shot at the side pocket. Tapia missed the No.3, allowing the Taiwanese to get back at the table.

A missed shot at the corner – a 3 and 10 combo – gave Tapia another chance. The Filipino made the No.3 and missed the No.4 and the Taiwanese seized the advantage to end the match.

QUALIFIER RESULTS

Qualfier 1: Allan Cuartero (Philippines)
Qualifier 2: Chang Yu Lung (Chinese Taipei)
Qualifier 3: Tomoo Takano (Japan)
Qualifier 4: Yang Ching Shun (Chinese Taipei)
Qualifier 5: Antonio Gabica (Philippines)
Qualifier 6: Lu Hui Chan (Chinese Taipei)
Qualifier 7: Gua Hoa (China)
Qualifier 8: Demosthenes Pulpul (Philippines)
Qualifier 9: Ko Pin Yi (Chinese Taipei)
Qualifier 10: Ko Pin Chung (Chinese Taipei)

PAGULAYAN WINS HARD TIMES 10-BALL; POCKETS $3,000
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FORMER world pool champion Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan held off Japanese Kenichi Uchigaki,11-8, in their rematch of the final game to complete a sweep of the 2nd Annual Hard Times 10-ball in Bellflower, California, on Monday.

The Fil-Canadian cue master went undefeated, highlighting his title romp with an escape win over Uchigaki during their hot-seat match, 9-6.

Pagulayan, one of the top player of Aristeo "Putch" Puyat took the top $3,000 purse. He also bested Lorry de Leon, 9-1, Jenny Lee, 9-2, Brandon Shuff, 9-3, Jonathan Demet, 9-5, and Chris Bartram, 9-6.

Other Filipino also seeing in action were Efren "Bata" Reyes, Jose "Amang" Parica, Santos "The Saint" Sambajon, Ramon Mistica, Deormak Alpajora and Jun Almoite.

World Ten Ball Championship Contested This Week

Champions from around the globe are descending this week upon Manila, Philippines, to compete for the title of World Ten Ball Champion. The tournament begins May 10 and will continue through until May 15 when we will have our new champion. The event will be played in the Main Hall of the World Trade Center in the Manila Bay Area of Metro Manila.

This event is shaping up to have one of the toughest fields ever assembled. Dennis Orcullo, Niels Feijen, Shane Van Boening, Ralf Souquet, Darren Appleton, Johnny Archer, Mika Immonen, Wu Chia Ching, and Thorsten Hohmann only begin the long list of cue stars that will be shining this week. The format will find these players divided into 16 groups of 8 players each. Each group plays an elimination round under a double elimination format. Four players from each group advance into the last 64. From there, the tension will rise as the competition then becomes single-elimination where any error will come at grave cost.

There is a total of $250,000 on the line for these players, with $60,000 waiting up top for the winner. And there is the potential for history to be made. Defending Champion Mika Immonen has already won two consecutive US Open titles. Now, can he do a double with a World Title or will another cueist steal his thunder? Stay up to date on the all the action by following the live scores on www.wpa-pool.com and the live stream of the event which can be found at www.rayasports.com.