Site News
Topic: INDUSTRY NEWS - November 2009

WTBC is RP’s Wimbledon – Makabenta (FRIDAY)

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---It’s mission accomplished for Yen Makabenta.

The resolute chairman of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) gets the validation of his initiative to create a world championship in the country as the top pool players from around the globe compete in the World Ten Ball Championship (WTBC) on Nov. 25-30 at the World Trade Center in Manila.

“The WTBC is our Wimbledon,” Makabenta said. “The idea is to have a world championship that can call the Philippines home.”

Wimbledon, of course, is one of the four grand slam tournaments in tennis hosted every year by England.
Ironically, an Englishman – Darren Appleton – ruled the inaugural staging of the WTBC last year after beating Taiwanese star Wu Chia-ching.

Appleton will have a hard time defending it.

All the current world champions in the other pool disciplines are also coming in along with back-to-back US Open winner Mika Immonen of Finland.

Darryl Peach, also of England, wants to prove that his victory in the World Pool Championship two years ago is no fluke.

World 8-Ball Championship ruler Ralf Souquet of Germany tries to conquer old demons and score a breakthrough win in Philippine soil. He’s a runner-up to Ronnie Alcano when the country first hosted the WPC in 2006.

Niels Feijen of the Netherlands, the reigning world straight pool kingpin, also wants to prove his worth here and reestablish himself as Europe’s top player.

Past world champions are also out to regain lost glory with the country’s very own two-time world titlist Ronnie Alcano bidding for the pool’s version of Triple Crown.

Alcano topped the World 8-Ball Championship in 2007 following his success in the WPC.

MARLON BERNARDINO

Marcos opens WTBC qualifier

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---Foreign players and guests get a glimpse of Filipino culture in the opening of the five-day qualifying sessions for the remaining slots in the World Ten Ball Championship on Thursday.

Members of the Kalinangan Dance Company treated the crowd at the state-of-the-art Star Billiards Center with their rendition of the national anthem and an assortment of folk dance.

They even picked foreign partners in dancing the “tinikling” to the delight of guest of honor and Ilocos Norte representative Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.

The Kalinangan Dance Company is composed of students from E. Rodriguez, Jr. High School and led by its adviser Dante Ballesteros.

Marcos formally opened the qualifier by pocketing the 10-ball on the ceremonial break. He also made a decent break the second time around.

A total of 128 players joined the first two stages of the qualifying with foreign entries reaching triple digits.

There will be two qualifying stages each day with the winner advancing to the main draw, which begins on Nov. 25 at the World Trade Center in Manila.

Former Asian Games gold medal winners Gandy Valle and Antonio “Nickoy” Lining and Asian 9-Ball Tour leg winners Ramil “Bebeng” Gallego and Joven Bustamante are among the Filipino hopefuls in the qualifying.

MARLON BERNARDINO

GREAT BRITISH POOL ASSOCIATION

PRESS RELEASE

To all the pool players and pool fans in Great Britain.

We are pleased to announce the birth of a new pool association, GBPA which will represent the pool players of Great Britain.

Due to the demise of the last association which was recognized by the EPBF, the players in Great Britain found themselves in no‐man’s land. We have seen that it is required to have a legitimate body and with no foreseen association coming forward, took the initiative to start one and asked the EPBF for a provisional membership.

This was accepted by the board of the EPBF at their last board meeting and so we can begin with the structuring of the association and all that is involved.

We would like to state that it is our intention to promote the sport throughout Great Britain and in all categories. It is also our intention to work with the GB9 tour, and they have been contacted regarding this matter and also with our intentions.

We have obtained the domain www.gbpa.org.uk and are working on the web site which should be up and running in the New Year.

Our intentions for 2010 will be as follows;
National championships in all categories
Promoting and creating events for the youth including girls
Promoting and creating events for seniors & ladies
Helping the wheelchair division
Helping GB9

We have stated to GB9, that due to the fact we have just started with this Association, we would like to work with them on the nominees for the European Championships men/women/Wheelchair and also the Nations cup in 2010.
All players participating at GBPA events and international events i.e. Eurotour/EC/WC/EPBF or WPA sanctioned events will be required to be a member of the GBPA for the coming year 2010.

Membership details will be published in December after our board meeting.

Attached you will also find the Board of directors who have volunteered their time to create what we hope will be the turning point in British pool.

There are 2 positions still available on the board and those of you who are interested in giving some of your time and efforts are welcome to apply.

Please send a short description about yourself and why you would want to be on the board.

Send applications to the secretary of GBPA (see attachment board of directors).

We sincerely hope that you will support and help the Association in becoming one of Europe’s best as we certainly have the players to be the best.

Sincerely

David Morris
President GBPA


GREAT BRITISH POOL ASSOCIATION (GBPA)

Board of directors

President
David Morris
davidmorris13@hotmail.com


Treasurer & Secretary and registered address
Christine Vaughan
33 Denton Crescent
Black Notley Braintree
Essex CM77 8ZZ
gbpa.secretary@hotmail.com


Youth Director
Ian Walker
1 Broadway Close
BOURNE
Lincs. PE10 9BN
Tel: + 44 (0)1778 394285 mobile : +44 (0)7846147146
email: snafuboy@sky.com


Board Member (specializes in Wheelchair division)
Matthew Gleaves
9 Amiens Close
Darlington
DL3OUL
Tel; 44 (0)7968966042
Email; matthew@bwppa.org


Board Member
Craig Osborne
Email cosb@rbos.co.uk

RELIVE RECENT MOSCONI DRAMA IN THREE MINUTES

The Mosconi Cup is Just Three Weeks Away

MATCHROOM SPORT can announce the release of their 2009 PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup promotional film which is now on the home page of www.matchroompool.com

Coming in at around three minutes, the film goes through the highlights – and lowlights – of the past three events to set the stage for Mosconi Cup XVI which takes place at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas from 10 – 13 December.

The promo was put together by Matchroom Sport’s in house production team and captures all the drama of pool’s most exciting event as two teams representing the USA and Europe do battle over four pulsating days.

If you wish to use the promo for your site then it is available at YouTube at this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VYpIX0bWOI

Live in its entirety on Sky Sports in the UK, the PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup features two five-man teams representing Europe and the USA doing battle in a series of singles and doubles matches. Now in its 16th year, the Americans hold a 10-4 lead with one tied match in 2006.

Tickets for the Mosconi Cup are available from:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/2009-Mosconi-Cup-tickets/artist/1334375

or 1-800 745 300 or from the MGM Grand on 1-800 929 1111 or 702 891 7777.

GALLEGO BEATS GOMEZ BECAME THE FIRST PINOY WTBC QUALIFIERS

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---VETERAN campaigner Ramil “Bebeng” Gallego became the first Filipino to qualify in the second World Ten Ball Championship (WTBC) after beating compatriot Roberto “Pinoy Superman” Gomez, 9-7, in an all Filipino finale to topped the Qualifier 2 Thursday at the Star Billiards Center in Grace Village, Quezon City.

On the roads to the finals, Gallego nipped countryman Rodrigo Geronimo, 7-3, while Gomez defeated another Pinoy entry Arnel Bautista, 7-1.

“I hope to perform well in the WTBC main draw,” said the Japan based Gallego, who hails from Bacolod City.

With the feat, Gallego advanced in the 128 player field main draw of the WTBC on November 25 to 30 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. He will joined Filipino seeded players that includes 2009 Predator International 10-ball champion Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, former double world champion (WPA 9-ball and 8-ball) champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, 2005 World Pool third placer Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo, 2009 All Japan third placer Warren “Warrior” Kiamco, multiple Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza , 2008 WTBC 4th placer Demosthenes "Plong-Plong" Pulpul, 2006 Doha Asian Games 9-ball gold medalist Antonio "Ga-Ga" Gabica, 2007 Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Champion Jeffrey "The Bull" De Luna, 2008 WPA World Junior finalist Jerico Banares, Carlo Biado and Allan Cuartero.

It shall be recalled that the 41-year-old Gallego, nipped Francisco “Django” 10-9, in the semis, and edged Carlo “Cool” Biado 11-7, in the finals to win on July 28, 2008, the first P 300,000 Manny Villar Cup Bulacan leg at the Event Center of SM City, Marilao.

Gallego has won a number of tournaments, mostly in Asia. His most notable one is when he won the Bangkok Leg of the 2006 WPA Asian Nine-ball Tour against Au Chi-Wai of Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, Wang Ming of China beat countryman Dang Jin Hu, 9-8, to rules the Qualifier 1. Earlier, Ming bested Dai Yung, 7-4, while Ji Hu edged Guo Hua, 7-5.

No less than Ilocos Norte representative Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. ushered the opening rites of the WTBC qualifiers along with BSCP president Sebastian Chua and BSCP chairman Yen Makabenta.

Members of the Kalinangan Dance Company treated the crowd at the state-of-the-art Star Billiards Center with their rendition of the national anthem and an assortment of folk dance.

The Kalinangan Dance Company is composed of students from E. Rodriguez, Jr. High School and led by its adviser Dante Ballesteros.

In other related news, Giant sports network ESPN and Studio 23 will air live the critical matches in the World Ten Ball Championship.

The only world championship in pool this year unfolds on Nov. 25 at the World Trade Center in Manila featuring the best in the business.

ESPN begins its live telecast on Nov. 27 – the so-called judgment day of the competition. On that day, the 64 players advancing to the knockout round will be determined.

There will be seven hours of airtime on ESPN per day up to Nov. 30 for a total of 28 hours. Studio 23 will carry 19 hours of live action.

It’s imperative for the players to reach the knockout round to get a piece of the $262,000 prize fund and more importantly a chance to play for the title.

Initially, the 128 players in the main draw will be divided into 16 groups. The group stage will be race-to-9 and double elimination with the four survivors from each group moving on.

A 40-second shot clock rule will be implemented if a match fails to reach the halfway point after an hour to make sure that the matches will be finished within the two-hour time frame.

The matches are expected to be longer this year because of the new rule that aims to further minimize the element of luck in the game.

Golden break is now a history in world 10-ball competition. If a player pockets the 10-ball on his break, it will be returned at the front end of the rack triangle and play continues.

The change will also create a more distinct pattern in between breaks for the TV coverage team. Last year, the plays before the commercial breaks varied in length because of the golden break factor.

“Bongbong” lucky charm for “Bebeng” in World Ten Ball Championship

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. proved to be a lucky charm for Ramil “Bebeng” Gallego.

Gallego had a brief chat with the son of former president Ferdinand Marcos following the opening ceremony of the qualifying sessions Thursday at the bigger and better Star Billiards Center.

“We just exchanged pleasantries and he wished me luck in the tournament,” said Gallego, who hails from Bacolod City.

Marcos was the guest of honor in the opening of Stage 1 of the World Ten Ball Championship.

Later that day, Gallego booked a seat in the main draw by sweeping his six assignments in Qualifier 2 capped by his 9-7 triumph over former World Pool Championship finalist Roberto Gomez.

The locals actually dominated the Qualifier 2 as Rodrigo Geronimo and Arnel Bautista also advanced in the semifinals. Gallego trounced Geronimo, 7-3, while Gomez toppled Bautista, 7-1.

Gallego, now based in Japan, brought to 12 the number of Filipino players in the next stage. Already seeded in the 128-man main draw are former world champion Ronnie Alcano, Dennis Orcollo, Marlon Manalo, Lee Vann Corteza, Warren Kiamco, Antonio Gabica, Jeffrey De Luna, Demosthenes Pulpul, Jerico Banares,Carlo Biado and Allan Cuartero.

The Chinese put on a show in Qualifier 1.
Wang Ming edged compatriot Dang Jin-hu, 9-8, to become the fourth Chinese in the main draw. The others are Li He-wen, Fu Jianbo and Liu Haitao.

Studio 23 to cover WTBC

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---Giant sports network ESPN and Studio 23 will air live the critical matches in the World Ten Ball Championship.

The only world championship in pool this year unfolds on Nov. 25 at the World Trade Center in Manila featuring the best in the business.

ESPN begins its live telecast on Nov. 27 – the so-called judgment day of the competition. On that day, the 64 players advancing to the knockout round will be determined.

There will be seven hours of airtime on ESPN per day up to Nov. 30 for a total of 28 hours. Studio 23 will carry 19 hours of live action.

It’s imperative for the players to reach the knockout round to get a piece of the $262,000 prize fund and more importantly a chance to play for the title.

Initially, the 128 players in the main draw will be divided into 16 groups. The group stage will be race-to-9 and double elimination with the four survivors from each group moving on.

A 40-second shot clock rule will be implemented if a match fails to reach the halfway point after an hour to make sure that the matches will be finished within the two-hour time frame.

The matches are expected to be longer this year because of the new rule that aims to further minimize the element of luck in the game.

Golden break is now a history in world 10-ball competition. If a player pockets the 10-ball on his break, it will be returned at the frontend of the rack triangle and play continues.

The change will also create a more distinct pattern in between breaks for the TV coverage team. Last year, the plays before the commercial breaks varied in length because of the golden break factor.

Doherty – Opponents Fear Me Now

Resurgent Ken Doherty aims to continue his superb start to the season in next week's Pukka Pies UK Championship qualifiers.

The former World Champion from Dublin suffered the worst slump of his career last season, winning just two matches in eight ranking events and falling to No 44 in the World.

But Doherty is back to form this term, having won five matches to reach the quarter-finals of the Roewe Shanghai Masters and three more en route to the last 16 of the Grand Prix. He heads back to Pontin's in Prestatyn needing two wins to reach the venue stages of the Pukka Pies UK Championship in Telford.

"I haven't lost a ranking match there yet this season and I hope I can keep that going for as long as possible," said the 40-year-old Irishman. "Last season I had a run there where I won one frame in four matches - and I was lucky to win that. Everyone wanted to play me because I was an easy draw. I was dreading going to the qualifiers and that showed in the way I played.

"No one looks forward to playing me now. I feel like a different player and I'm looking forward to events. The qualifiers are a quagmire and you have to muck in and haul yourself out. It doesn't matter if it's not pretty, as long as you win. There's so many good players there and a lot of pressure on every match."

Doherty, who plays his opening match next Saturday with the winner to face Jamie Cope in the final qualifying round the following Monday, has reached the UK final three times, although he admits he was outplayed in two of those.

"I lost 10-1 to Ronnie O'Sullivan in 2001 when he was on fire," said the 1997 Crucible champ. "In 1994 I lost 10-5 to Stephen Hendry when he made seven centuries. That was the best exhibition of snooker I've ever seen and I'm ever likely to see, it was unprecedented. The one I could have won was in 2002 when I lost 10-9 to Mark Williams, that was a great final and very close, so it hurt to lose.

"It's a great tournament and I'm disappointed not to have won it, but it's never too late. The best-of-17 matches give you time to settle and favour the better players."

The Pukka Pies UK Championship qualifiers start on Monday and run for eight days, with former World Champions Steve Davis, John Parrott and Graeme Dott, as well as rising stars such as Judd Trump, Jamie Cope, Liang Wenbo and Ricky Walden all battling for a place at Telford. Tickets can be bought on the gate at Prestatyn for just £5 per day.

The final stages of the Pukka Pies UK Championship run from December 5 to 13 at the International Centre in Telford, with the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, Stephen Hendry and Neil Robertson competing for the title. For tickets call 01952 561 700 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/uk

Pukka Pies enjoy a diverse range of sporting partnerships encompassing football, netball, hockey and motorsport.

Pukka Pies are the sponsors of the official England Football Supporters Band and club sponsors of England's most successful ladies hockey team, Leicester Ladies.

Feliciano, Chang make it

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---Michael Feliciano scored the biggest victory of his young career Friday night, beating in-form Dang Jin-hu of China, 9-6, and earning a spot in the World Ten Ball Championship (WTBC).

His impressive display of skills in the Qualifier 3at the Star Billiards Center made him the 13th Filipino to enter the main draw of the only world championship in pool this year.

Later in the evening, the dreaded Taiwanese pool crew finally showed up as Chang Pei-wei routed Mick Hill of Great Britain, 9-2, to top Qualifier 4.

Hill was impressive in his run to the finals with victories over two Filipino veterans, Antonio Lining and Mario Tolentino.

Feliciano and Chang earned $500 each for their triumphs in the qualifiers.

Chang first caught the fancy of the pool world when he went all the way to the finals of the 2004 World Pool Championship, losing only to eventual champion Alex Pagulayan.

While Chang is accustomed to playing in the world stage, Feliciano is a relative newcomer.

He will get his first taste of action in the world championship when the WTBC gets underway on Nov. 25 to 30 at the World Trade Center.

Feliciano’s road to glory included wins over Rudy Susanto, 7-5, Ernesto Dominguez, 7-4, Jonas Magpantay, 7-2, Ruben Cuna, 7-3, and Tseng Chung-hao, 7-3.

His final opponent is by no means a patsy.

Dang came within a rack of becoming the first qualifier, narrowly losing to compatriot Wang Ming, 8-9, in Qualifier 1.

He quickly brushed off his frustrations to beat Hung Wang-cheng, 7-4, Ong Kuan-chang, 7-4, Sun Zhi-jie, 7-2, Keisuke Hanawa, 7-2, and Benjie Guevarra, 7-5.

Unfortunately he ran into a determined 24-year-old cue artist from Pagsanjan, Laguna in the finals.

Dang took solace for earning more points and enhancing his chances of entering the main draw via the backdoor.

His second straight runner-up finish in the qualifying sessions made him the leading candidate for any spot that may open should any player withdraw from the main draw.

Star Billiards Center is pool player’s paradise

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---Billiards enthusiasts are having a grand time at the bigger and better Star Billiards Center.
“This is a pool player’s paradise,” said veteran sports anchor Ted Lerner, who accompanied world 8-ball champion Ralf Souquet of Germany on Friday in the state-of-the-art venue of the qualifying sessions for the World Ten Ball Championship (WTBC).

Souquet is one of the fancied players in the WTBC slated on Nov. 25 to 30 at the World Trade Center in Manila.

“Star Billiards Center is the only place dedicated to billiards where everything is free,” said Lerner.

Almost everything. Of course, the imported cue sticks on display there are for sale.

Here are some of Star Billiards Center’s freebies: internet use, overseas calls to the United States and Canada, mobile phone charging (any brand), soft drinks and biscuits.

The players can play at any of 40 world-class pool tables for free. There’s also a giant plasma television to keep spectators from getting bored.

Its owner and Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines president Sebastian “Baste” Chua also added a portion to the left side of the lavish pool hall where fans can get a bird’s eye-view of actions on 16 Brunswick tables.
The down-to-earth billiards patron shelled out nearly P10-million to complete the addition.

Selected actions on that side of the pool hall can be seen online through www.clubcapo.tv, a professional provider of high-quality video streaming of pool and other events.

Filipinos continue dominance

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---Filipinos continued to dominate the qualifying sessions of the World Ten Ball Championship at the Star Billiards Center.

Jundel Mazon and Roberto Gomez became the third and fourth locals to earn a spot in the main draw through the qualifying round on Saturday night.

Mazon overwhelmed veteran campaigner Antonio Lining in Qualifier 5, 9-3, while Gomez outlasted Mario Tolentino in Qualifier 6, 9-7.

Pitted against a more accomplished opponent, Mazon quickly took the initiative and won the last four racks to eliminate Lining.

“I have to be aggressive and put some distance between us early. I know it’s hard to beat Lining in a close match,” said Mazon in Filipino.

The close match happened later in the evening.

After winning the opening rack, Gomez found himself trailing from the third to the ninth rack. But the former finalist in the World Pool Championship clustered rack wins down the stretch to earn a return trip to the world stage.

Gomez became an instant pool celebrity two years ago when he went from the qualifying round all the way to the finals of the WPC.

QUALIFIER 7 AND 8, WORLD TEN BALL

Lining rebounds, Martinez makes it

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---World Ten Ball Championship (WTBC) qualifier Jundel Mazon was right after all. It’s hard to beat Antonio Lining in a tight match.

A day after getting blown out by Mazon, Lining grinded his way to the WTBC main draw with a pulsating 9-8 victory over Han Hao Xiang of China in Qualifier 8 final Sunday night at the Star Billiards Center.

Mazon related on Saturday that the key to beat Lining is to build a big lead early in the match. Han failed to do that and Lining made him pay.

The hill-hill thriller lasted 2 ½ hours, the longest in the qualifying sessions with two rounds to play.

The pride of Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro became the sixth Filipino qualifier in the only world championship in pool this year. The number of Filipinos in the main draw also swelled to 17.

The locals took the last four seats in the qualifying sessions.

Earlier, Emil Martinez toppled Kazuo Furuta of Japan in the Qualifier 7 final, 9-5, to keep the Filipino streak alive.
It was easily the biggest triumph in the pool career of Martinez, a virtual nobody heading into the competition.
The other Filipino qualifiers were Ramil “Bebeng” Gallego, Michael Feliciano, Roberto Gomez and Mazon. The only foreigners to enter the main draw through the qualifying round were Wang Ming of China and Chang Pei-wei of Taiwan.

It’s a pretty remarkable run by the Filipinos considering that more than a hundred foreign players entered the qualifying sessions, including those from noted pool playing nations like Japan, Taiwan, Great Britain, Indonesia and China.

universalpooleague.com / US 10 BALL INVITATIONAL!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOHNNY ARCHER FOR WINNING THE FIRST ANNUAL US 10 BALL INVITATIONAL !! ARCHER DEFEATED COREY DEUEL 9 - 7 IN WHAT WAS CALLED A NEAR PERFECT MATCH !

IN THE FINAL GAME BOTH PLAYERS GOT 3 SHOTS AT THE TEN BALL WHICH ARCHER TOOK DOWN WITH A THIN CUT SHOT.

GREAT THANKS TO THE SPONSORS OF THE EVENT , SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA ,CONCEPT CUES ,CAPONES BILLIARDS , PREDATOR CUES,KF CUE TOUR.

JOHN SCHMIDT AND MIKE DECHANE TIED FOR 3RD PLACE. ALSO CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 14 UPL AMATEUR LEAGUE PLAYERS WHO QUALIFIED FOR A FREE ENTRY INTO THE EVENT WITH HIGH HANDICAPS!! SOME OF OUR AMATEUR LEAGUE MEMBERS FINISHED HIGHER IN THE TOURNAMENT THAN SEASONED PROS ALL UPL PLAYERS SHOULD BE VERY PROUD OF THE THEIR PLAY THIS WEEK .

Tony Dickens
Louis Smith
Earl West
Travis Croft
Robert Fabiano
Gary Blatt
Pete Monopoli
Rocky McElroy
Bob McComb
Thomas Fioranelli
Bettina Chase
Bob Singer
Frank Linder
James ADAMS
Mike Delowder

UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL---BSCP EDGAR ACABA

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) Executive Vice President Edgar Acaba delivered the right adage at the right occasion to set things right in Philippine pool.

“United we stand, divided we fall,” said Acaba during the press conference of the World Ten Ball Championship (WTBC) Tuesday at the Heritage Hotel.

Those six words spiked by the prodding of host Ted Lerner officially ended a two-year standoff in local billiards.

BSCP chairman Yen Makabenta and Bugsy’s Perry Mariano, the key figures in the feud, sealed it with a handshake in front of some of the biggest names in billiards and a horde of sportswriters and photographers.

For Makabenta, communication is the key.

“We never stopped talking to each other to resolve the issues,” said Makabenta, also the chairman of Raya Sports.

It’s a huge moment in local pool and a big shot in the arm for the event. The unification gives top players like two-time world champion Ronnie Alcano, Dennis Orcollo and Lee Vann Corteza a chance to compete in the world stage.

Even German Ralf Souquet, the event’s top seed and world’s No. 1 ranked player, thinks that the year’s only world championship is one of the toughest tournaments to win in history.

“The field is very deep especially with the top Filipino players competing,” said Souquet, the reigning world 8-ball champ.

Orcollo, whose world ranking plummeted from No. 1 to never mind because of the standoff, couldn’t hide his excitement.

“I’m very happy because I can play again in the world championship,” said Orcollo.

Orcollo and Marlon Manalo are widely considered as the best players in the world without a major title.

ORCULLO BEATS KAPLAN ENTERS ROUND-OF-64

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---FILIPINO Dennis “Robocop” Orcollo continued his winning run after beating “giant killer” Thomas Kaplan of Poland, 9-5, to barge into the round-of-64 of the World Ten Ball Championship on Thursday here at the World Trade Center.

Orcullo who earlier beat compatriot Steve Villamil, 9-6, in the opening round the other day will have his rest day Friday but plunges back to action on Saturday against Kuo Po-Cheng of Chinese-Taipei.

“Parehas hindi maganda ang laro ko,” said The Bugsy promotion ace Orcullo, the Predator 10-Ball champion, referring to his two unimpressive victories. “Medyo naninibago ako, kasi sobrang ganda ng tapete. Pero masasanay din tayo.

Kuo , on the other hand sent Mario Tolentino of the Philippines, 9-4, into the loser’s bracket of this tournament sanctioned by the World Pool-Billiard Association and sponsored by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, PetNet, Smart Sports, Star Billiards and the Department of Tourism.

Defending champion Darren Appleton also won his match against a neophyte foe, MB Alias of Brunei, 9-2, to also make it to the round-of-64. Appleton, who vowed to prove to everyone that his title conquest last year was no fluke, dominated the game from start to finish.

“I think for a first timer, he seems OK,” said Appleton, referring to his rival from Brunei. “He had some good shots, but he had rookie jitters as well. “I feel more comfortable now. I’m six victories away from defending the crown, but I know it won’t be easy. There’s a lot pressure building up game by game.”

Another Filipino player became a casualty in Day Two as Victor Arpilleda lost in a tightly-fought match against Kasper Kristoffersen of Denmark, 9-7.

                Leading 8-6, Kristoffersen missed the No.3 ball on the 15th rack, providing a new lease in life for the Filipino. But Arpilleda failed to pounce on the opportunity, misplacing the cue ball while making preparations for the next ball.

     In the loser’s brackets, double world champion (WPA 9-ball and 8-ball ) champion Ralf Souquet of Germany, the world’s top-ranked player toppled Villamil, 9-3. Souquet is coming off an upset 9-6 loss to Kaplan on opening day.

Predator’s 2nd Stop for the 10 Ball World Tour in Lloret de Mar, Spain

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA ( November 25, 2009 ) – With much success at the first stop of the Predator World Tour in Anadia, Portugal in September, Predator will be hosting their second stop of the tour in Lloret de Mar, Spain on January 6-9 and it promises to be the first hot event of the New Year. David Alcaide won the most recent event in Anadia, Portugal and took home $14,000 in prize money.

He appears to be the early favorite for Lloret De Mar but, with challengers coming from Europe, Asia, America and elsewhere, it is unlikely that “El Matador” will have an easy time of it, especially with the list of top pros in attendance.

The event is sanctioned by the European Pocket Billiard Federation and WPA rules will govern all matches. Players can earn up to 945 points against the EPBF rankings. Assuming 64 or more entrants, players will compete for a guaranteed prize fund of 50,000 euros (more than $70,000).

Predator’s tour web site, www.Predator10Ball.com, will stream live video, offer a video magazine and provide real-time scoring. As with the Anadia event last September, ESPN Star and Eurosport will cover the finals and semifinals in Barcelona. The final from Portugal will be presented separately on November 27 at 23:00 on Eurosport (Eurosport France will offer a different schedule). Please stay tuned for additional information.

The Lloret de Mar, Spain stop is sure to be an extraordinary event with sponsors such as Aramith, Atlas, Bilhares Carrinho, Kozoom, Poison, Predator Products, QKS Cases, Simonis Cloth, Tiger Products, and Uni-Loc; the event is being promoted by Masterpool.

“This is a seminal event and we’re excited to see it take off,” says Karim Belhaj, CEO of Predator Group. “We’re committed to promoting our sport, increasing interest in the game and making billiards more of a household word. This tour represents a giant step in that direction.”

Stay tuned to www.Predator10Ball.com for additional news and live-play coverage. If you would like to register to play in the event or receive information, please send an email to Predator10Ball@masterpool.es .

Plans Unveiled For New World Snooker Tour

London 26 November 2009: World Snooker Limited today announced plans for a joint venture with IMG, the world's premier and most diversified sports, entertainment and media company, which will create an unprecedented new World Snooker Tour.

The intention is to capitalise on the burgeoning interest in professional snooker in many countries around the world, and develop snooker’s professional circuit in a way similar to that of global sports such as tennis and golf.

The new concept envisages a minimum of 15 professional ranking tournaments, plus invitation events, being played throughout the first year, with the number of events to be increased in subsequent years. It is anticipated that the first World Snooker Tour events will be phased in next season (2010/2011).

World Snooker and IMG, who currently produce the BBC’s snooker coverage and manage World Snooker’s International Broadcast rights, will work closely with independent promoters worldwide in the planning of the World Snooker Tour and replicate the success of established tournaments in the UK and China.

World Snooker Chairman Sir Rodney Walker, who first met with IMG several months ago to discuss a roadmap for the future of snooker, said: “We have brought forward today’s announcement of the proposed World Snooker Tour in response to misleading, inaccurate and downright untruthful comments about the sport which have been made in the past few months. In the last five years, the sport has progressed from an uncertain financial position with a history of turmoil, to a sport with financial stability, renewed long-term worldwide broadcast contracts and new sponsorship agreements.

“Together with IMG we believe the time is now right to build on these underlying strengths to put in place a World Snooker Tour. We hope the players and promoters will recognise the opportunities of being part of this ambitious plan and help in bringing it to fruition.”

Graham Fry, Managing Director, IMG Sports Media Production, added: “I have long believed in the potential of snooker and IMG has developed a formula which should lead to major growth in the sport. This new approach will significantly increase the number of sanctioned ranking tournaments which in turn will improve both the earnings for players and promoters. This will also help in the development of new talent."

Adam Kelly, Marketing Director, IMG Sport Media, who is leading the project from a commercial perspective added: "The strategy is founded on two major elements, profitable rights distribution and premier quality production. I believe we have something here that can unite the snooker community. With the support of the players and the World Snooker Board this approach can lead to a brighter and stronger future for the sport.”

World Snooker
World Snooker Limited is the commercial arm of the global governing body of snooker.

About IMG Sports Media Production
IMG Sports Media Production (formerly TWI) generates 6000 hours of programming, over 200 projects in locations around the world . These include: Premier League Productions,; snooker, darts and The Football League Show for the BBC, programming for ESPN both in the studio and Outside Broadcasts, Total Rugby for the IRB, Transworld Sport, FIFA Futbol Mondial, FIFA World Cup Preview Series, West Indies Cricket, television and digital production for both Wimbledon and the RandA, Rolex programming in sailing and tennis. In addition there is also programming for SNTV (Sports News Television) and the European Golf Tour. IMG Sports Media Production also generates audio content for many of the top Federations in the UK. It has seven offices - in London, Gerrads Cross, Glasgow, New York, Sydney, Stockholm and Oslo.

IMG Sports Media Production has also produced sports entertainment events including Superstars and the iconic strength athletics event ‘World’s Strongest Man’.

About IMG Sports Media
IMG Sports Media is the world’s largest independent distributor of sports programming, distributing over 18,000 hours of content to major global broadcasters annually. This content originates from more than 200 clients and events including Wimbledon, The Australian Open, The ATP Masters Series, The R&A, governing body and organiser of The Open Championship, International Rugby Board (IRB), Moto GP, National Football League (NFL) and International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). IMG Sports Media operates from over 30 offices worldwide and has daily exchanges with over 4,000 key media contacts. IMG Sports Media distributes across all forms of media including TV, Audio, Fixed Media, Inflight and Closed Circuit, Broadband and Mobile. IMG Sports Media also maintains the world’s largest sports archive with more than 250,000 hours of footage.

IMG Sports Media has two leading joint venture partnerships with Sports News Television (SNTV), the world’s largest sports news agency and European Tour Productions, a joint venture between IMG and the European Tour and the world’s most prolific producer and distributor of golf programming with an annual output of 700 hours.

Can The Rocket Fire In Telford?

Tickets are still on sale for Ronnie O’Sullivan’s opening match in the Pukka Pies UK Championship at the International Centre in Telford.

The final of snooker’s second biggest ranking event has already sold out but seats are still available for all other matches, including the Rocket’s first round tie on Monday December 7. All-day tickets cost just £16.

World No 1 O’Sullivan will be aiming for his fifth UK title, having won the event in 1993, 1997, 2001 and 2007. Victory would bring him within one title of Steve Davis’ record of six.

Chigwell’s O’Sullivan last won the event in Telford two years ago, when he thrilled crowds with an amazing 147 maximum break in the deciding frame of his semi-final against Mark Selby, before scoring an emphatic 10-2 victory over Stephen Maguire in the final.

“Snooker is about showtime to me, it’s all about the big matches,” said O’Sullivan after that triumph. “I think I give a lot to people with the way I play, I bring excitement and maybe that’s as good as seven world titles. I think I’m unique in the way I attack the game with speed.”

This time, he could face a first round clash with Telford’s top cueman Adrian Gunnell – but only if the local favourite can make it through two qualifying rounds first. Gunnell heads to Pontin’s in Prestatyn to play his opening match tomorrow, and if he wins he’ll face Matthew Stevens in the final qualifying round next Monday. The victor will go through to Telford to take on O’Sullivan.

The Pukka Pies UK Championship runs from December 5 to 13, with the likes of Betfred.com World Champion John Higgins, legend Stephen Hendry and Grand Prix winner Neil Robertson aiming to take the title from Shaun Murphy. For tickets call 01952 561 700 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/uk

Pukka Pies, Britain's favourite branded pie manufacturer, enjoys a diverse range of sporting partnerships encompassing football, hockey and motorsport.

Pukka Pies are the sponsors of the official England Football Supporters Band and club sponsors of England's most successful ladies hockey team, Leicester Ladies.

KIAMCO, LINING GAIN ROUND OF 32

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---WARREN “Warrior” Kiamco and Antonio “Nickoy” Lining survived the round of 64 Saturday, trouncing their respective foes to kept the Filipino flag flying high in the second World Ten Ball Championship at the World Trade Center.

The Pasil, Cebu native Kiamco edged Jalal Yousef of UAE, 9-8, while the Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro ace Lining toppled Corey Deuel of the United States, 9-4, as both Filipino bets remained in the hunt for the top prize of $60,000.

“Sana suwertehin pa din at pumanig ang bola sa susunod na game ko. Hindi basta-basta si Hohmann (Thorsten),”said Kiamco, who is fresh from a third place finish in the Filipino dominated All Japan 9-Ball Championships recently which topped by Francisco “Django” Bustamante.

Kiamco, playing under the banner of Negros Billiard Stable of will face heavy weight and former World 9-Ball Champion Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, who brought downed 2008 Reno WPA World Junior finalist Jerico Banares, 9-1.

Lining on his part said “ Gaya sabi ni Pareng Warren (Kiamco) sana kapitan din tayo ng suwerte, iba talaga pag pumanig ang bola sa atin,” said Lining, who lost to Bustamante in the finals of All Japan 9-Ball Championships.
Lining will square off with Naoyuki Ooi of Japan, who nipped Adam Smith of the USA, 9-4.

Not as fortunate is another local entry Jomar de Ocampo who yielded to Young Hwa Jeong of Korea, 9-5.

Jeong will meet Anh Tuan Nguyen of Vietnam in the next round, who upset veteran campaigner Karl Boyes of the Great Britain.

Philippines flexes muscle; 14 countries represented in Round of 32

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---The World 10-Ball Championship got a taste of home cooking on the first day of the knockout round at the World Trade Center in Manila.

Eight Filipinos advanced to the Round of 32 despite a sluggish start and disappointing finish on Saturday.

Former national junior champion Jerico Banares got waylaid by former World Pool Championship ruler Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, 1-9, to become the first casualty in the money round.

Two-time world champion Ronnie Alcano and Asian Games gold medal winner Antonio Gabica were also shown the door by their foreign rivals in the night sessions.

But in between, the Filipinos were dominant.

Antonio Lining opened the Filipinos’ account with a masterful 9-4 conquest of former US Open champion Corey Deuel of the United States.

The locals got rolling after that.

Jomar De Ocampo, easily the biggest surprise in the event, continued his remarkable run with an impressive 9-6 dismantling of Korean ace Jeong Young Hwa; Warren Kiamco outlasted Jalal Yousef of Venezuela, 9-8; Lee Vann Corteza held off Konstantin Stepanov of Russia, 9-7; Marlon Manalo demolished Fu Jianbo of China, 9-4; Jundel Mazon escaped with a 9-8 win over Alain Martel of Canada; Elvis Calasang pulled away late in his 9-5 triumph over Markus Juva of Finland; and Dennis Orcollo routed Oscar Dominguez of the United States, 9-2.

Imram Majid of Great Britain spoiled the fun later in the day by rallying from 1-5 hole to defeat Alcano, 9-5.

Gabica also put himself in good position to advance but fell short against David Alcaide of Spain, 8-9.

Nonetheless, the eight players in the next round from the Philippines are the most from one nation.

Great Britain is far second with four led by defending champion Darren Appleton and reigning 9-ball world champion Daryl Peach. The other Englishmen left were Majid and Jonni Fulcher.

China, Germany and Japan have three apiece. The Chinese survivors are Li Hewen, Dang Jin-hu and Wang Ming; the Germans are Hohmann, reigning 8-ball world champion Ralf Souquet and Thomas Engert; and the Japanese are Naoyuki Ooi, Satoshi Kawabata and Hayato Hijikata.

Pool powerhouse Chinese Taipei only advanced two in former world champion Chao Fong-pang and Chang Yu-lung.

The other countries represented in the Round of 32 are Finland (Mika Immonen), Sweden (Marcus Chamat), Netherlands (Nick van den Berg), Russia (Ruslan Chinakhov), Spain (Alcaide), Indonesia (Alwi), Vietnam (Nguyen Anh Than), Czech Republic (Roman Hybler) and France (Stephan Cohen).