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Topic: *Industry News* May 2010

World Professional Snooker Comes To Donegal

Snooker enthusiasts in the Northwest are in for a feast of world class snooker when Ireland’s first ever invitational professional snooker challenge comes to Donegal. The one day event features 4 world class snooker players/celebrities and indeed includes 3 quarter-finalists at this year’s world snooker championships. With £7,000 in prizemoney on offer the atmosphere should be tense and exciting.

The event is taking place in the magnificent CLANREE Hotel in Letterkenny on Saturday 3rd July with the event kicking off at 12 Noon with a semi-final between 2005 World Snooker Champion Shaun Murphy and 2 times world snooker semi-finalist Joe Swail. Murphy is noted for his widely acclaimed cue action and his consistent long potting. In the 2008/2009 season he won the UK Championship and reached the World Championship final. Joe Swail has reached ten major ranking semi-finals, including the 2000 and 2001 World Championships but only one final. Swail is renowned for playing well at the Crucible Theatre, having reached the last 16 on four further occasions.

The second semi-final at 3PM will feature the Jester from Leicester Mark Selby and Antrim’s very own Mark Allen. Selby runner up in the World Snooker Championship 2007 he was the 2006 WEPF World Eight-ball Champion. Selby has won the Masters on two occasions and the Welsh Open, to date his only ranking-tournament success. Selby’s opponent Allen won the World Amateur Championship in 2004. The following year he turned professional and took only three seasons to reach the elite World's Top-16. For the 2009/2010 season, he is ranked no. 11, up five places from the previous year. A left-hander, Allen's highest break to date is a 146 which he has achieved twice, once in the 2007 UK Championship qualifiers and at the 2010 World Snooker Championship. His break-building style is a little unorthodox in the modern game, in that he rarely goes into the pack of reds early in a break, preferring to pick off loose reds and establish a lead.

There are two types of tickets available for this feast of snooker. VIP tickets are available at 60 Euro. This entitles premium seats for the two semi-finals and final of the event. Also these tickets will entitle holders to attend a pre-final reception where there will be food and also an opportunity to meet all the players and referee Michaela Tabb for autographs and photographs. These tickets are limited in number. Standard admission tickets are also available and priced at 35 euro which will again admit holders to all 3 matches. Both types of tickets are available from the Clanree Hotel Letterkenny. The semi-final matches will be best of 9 frames and the final best of 11 frames. All matches will be refereed by well known celebrity and professional snooker referee Michaela Tabb.

VIP TICKETS:------60 euros
* Premium Seats for two Semi-Finals & Final
* Pre Final reception (food served)
* Opportunity to meet the players & referee Michaela Tabb
* Autographs & Photographs

NOTE: ----These tickets are limited
STANDARD AMISSION TICKETS: ------- 35 euros
* Covers admission to three matches ------ (two Semi-Finals & Finals)

TICKETS / INFORMATION:                                    
* Tickets are available from the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal            
* Tickets plus information is also available by contacting 07917887147 or 086-8211302

LETTERKENNY:

A great and lively night out in Letterkenny after the snooker is guaranteed with the Clanree Hotel doing special rates for over night stay for this new and fantastic Professional Snooker Tournament.

GOMEZ REACH KNOCKOUT STAGE; ‘BATA’, ‘DJANGO’, ALCANO CRASHES OUT IN 2010 PARTY POKER WORLD POOL MASTERS IN VEGAS
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

ROBERTO GOMEZ, dubbed as Pinoy Superman showed nerves of steel to beat former world 9-ball champion Earl Strickland of the United States (9-5) and heavyweight Huidji See of the Netherlands (9-8 ) in Group 2 to reach the knockout phase (round of 32) of the 2010 Party Poker World Pool Masters being held yesterday at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United Sates.

Gomez, one of the top players of Perry Mariano’s Bugsy Promotions tallied two wins in group stage of the double elimination competition, enough to enter in the straight knock out stages of the $100,000 total pot prize event with the champion getting the lion share of $20,000.

However, not as fortunate were compatriots Efren “Bata” Reyes, Francisco “Django” Bustamante and Ronnie “Volcano” Alcano suffered two loses crashing out of the competition.

Reyes, the 2010 Player of the Decade defeated David Alcaide of Spain (9-3) but yielded to fellow former World 9-ball champion Thorsten Hohmann of Germany (6-9) the he lost to reigning World 9-ball champion Daryl Peach of Great Britain (6-9) in their do-or die match in Group 3.

Bustamante, who is fresh from winning the World Professional Billiard League dubbed as Super Series of Billiards at the Mc Phillips Station Casino in Winnipeg, Canada, over the weekend lost to Do Hong Quan of Vietnam (8-9) but bounced back after eliminating countryman Alcano (9-6) but fell to Oliver Ortmann of Germany (2-9) in their do-or-die match in Group 4.

The Calamba hotshot Alcano, a former World 9-ball and 8-ball champion earlier bowed to Tyler Edey of Canada (4-9) in the first match.

Dennis “Robocop” Orcollo is schedule to play today with Shaun Wilkie of the USA in Group 5 as well Lee Vann “The Slayer” Corteza will square off with Carlos Cabello of Spain in Group 6.

Corteza, the reigning national open champion tries a back-to-back US title after winning the 1st Annual Hard Times-Mezz Cues 10-Ball Open at the Hard Times Billiards in Bellflower, Los Angeles California, USA, last Monday.

Former US Open 9-ball champion Shane Van Boening of the United States was the tournament’s first big casualty. He lost to Yevgeny Novosad of Ukraine (8-9) beat countryman David Grau (9-5) but lost to Jason Klatt of Canada (5-9) in Group 1.

Other player’s who make it to the next round were Raj Hundal of India, Kuo Po-cheng of Taiwan, Huidji See of the Netherlands, Dennis Hatch of the USA, John Morra of Canada, Naoyuko Oi of Japan and Mark Gray of England.

Defending champion is Darren Appleton of Great Britain. Appleton also won the inauguration of WPA World Ten-Ball in Manila two years ago.

United States Pool Players Association & Reno Open To Re-Rack at The Peppermill
With Full Fields In All Events Prize Money will Exceed $200,000

San Francisco, California – May 10, 2010 - After 27 years and over 45 events, The United States Pool Players Association (USPPA) is pleased to announce the Reno Open will relocate to the fabulous Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in Reno, Nevada. The complete schedule of events will take place between November 19th and December 6th, 2010.

Tony Annigoni, President of The USPPA and Principal in Two Cushion Club which will manage the event dubbed The Pacific Rim International Billiard Expo explains, “We thank the Sands Regency for all its support over the years, however, the future for our association and in some ways billiards in America, is with The Peppermill.”

With a new home and more space, the event menu is expanding. While the Reno Open and USPPA Pro Am will once again be the main stays, the word International is not merely a title. “Working with The WPA in 2008 to host the World Juniors and World Wheel Chair tournaments reinforced for me how international the game is and, in some ways, how billiards internationally is in much better shape than in the States.” Annigoni continued. “I was looking for a venue and added formats that would enhance the International presence as well as deliver a playing format that would give American players, who I still feel are the best in the world, ‘For the Cash’ a chance to shine. To that end, we’ve added a new event, The Simonis Tour Championship which will run conjunctively with the Reno Open. And as an incentive to encourage participation, we’re also adding the Two Cushion Club Poker Challenge.”

The Peppermill Resort Spa Casino features 1,635 luxurious rooms and suites, two resort pools, 10 award-winning restaurants, 16 themed bars and lounges including EDGE nightspot and Terrace Lounge, free nightly entertainment in the Casino Cabaret, 24/7 gaming action, headliner entertainment as well as the 43,000 square foot Spa & Salon Toscana and Fitness Center featuring northern Nevada’s only Caldarium with indoor pool, sun deck and Secret Garden.

ORCULLO REACH LAST 32; CORTEZA FALL IN WORLD POOL MASTERS
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FILIPINO Dennis Orcullo made the last 32 via the one loss side, however compatriot Lee Vann Corteza was booted out in the on-going 2010 Party Poker World Pool Masters yesterday at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United Sates.

Orcullo, one of the top players of Perry Mariano’s Bugsy Promotions defeated Aussie Jasmin Ouschan, 9-4, in their do-or-die match in Group 5 to progress.

After tied at 3-all in the sixth rack, Orcullo clustered four straight racks for a 7-3 comfortable lead in this race-to-9, winner’s break 9-ball competition.

Ouschan trimmed down to 7-4 rack score but the former fisherman from Bislig, Surigao del Sur never looked back for a 9-4 win.

Earlier, Orcullo beat Shaun Wilkie ng USA, 9-1, but lost to Marcus Chamat of Sweden, 9-8, to face Osuchan in their do-or-die match.

Corteza, the reigning national open champion, meantime suffered two loses in Group 6 to joined compatriots Efren “Bata” Reyes, Francisco “Django” Bustamante and Ronnie “Volcano” Alcano in the exit door of the true double elimination format in the group play.

Corteza beat Carlo Cabello of Spain, 9-2, in the first match but bowed to former US Open 9-ball ruler John Schmidt of the USA, 9-8.

According to Ramon “Maestro Monching” Mistica, the spokesman of the Filipino cue artists, Corteza leading 8-6 but miscue in the No.2 ball in the 15th racks as Schmidt close the match at 8-7. The next game won by Schmidt to tied the game at 8-all in the 16th racks.

Corteza had a chance to win the game but suffered a scratch allowing Schmidt to escape a narrow 9-8 victory to progress.

After the setback, Corteza lost to Jayson Shaw of the USA, 9-4, in their do-or die match.

With the win, Orcullo made it to the Last 32 along with Bugsy Promotions stablemate Roberto “Pinoy Superman” Gomez.

Sportsman/ Businessman Perry Mariano is very confident that his ward will perform well in the next round.

“ Matibay naman ang dibdib nina Gomez (Roberto) at Orcullo (Dennis) kaya tiyak kong uusad sila sa next round,” said Perry Mariano, long-time benefactor of Gomez and Orcullo.

The Round-of-32 is schedule today, Saturday using the single knock-out format, according to Mistica.

Orcullo will meet again Chamat as well Gomez goes up against Huidje See of the Netherlands who beaten him in the group stage the other day..

If Orcullo luckily beat Chamat, he will face the winner of the match between Raj Hundal of India and Ernesto Dominguez of Mexico for the Last 16.

If Gomez survived against See, he will meet Dennis Hatch of the USA and Jayson Klatt of Canada.

The US$100,000 total pot prize event offers US$20,000 to the champion.

ORCULLO ADVANCE TO WORLD POOL MASTERS QUARTERS; GOMEZ PREVAILS
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

WORLD MONEY GAME KING Dennis “Robocop” Orcullo scored back-to-back victories to keep the Philippine Flag high and became the first player who made it to the quarterfinal-round of the 2010 Party Poker World Pool Masters yesterday at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United Sates.

Orcullo, top players of Perry Mariano’s Bugsy Promotions ousted Marcus Chamat of Sweden (9-7) in the Last 32 then routed Raj Hundal of India (9-1) in the Last 16 to advance in the Last 8 of the single knock-out format in the US$100,000 total pot prize tournament which offers US$20,000 in the 9-ball competition.

“Hindi ko sasayangin ang binigay na pagkakataon sa akin nina Sir Perry at Mam Verna Mariano. Gagawin ko ang aking best na maiuwi ang korona sa bansa para sa ating bayan,” said Orcullo, a former fisherman from Bislig, Surigao del Sur.

“I hope mahawakan nina Gomez (Roberto) at Orcullo (Dennis) ang kanilang momentum,” said Bugsy Promotions president Perry Mariano.

Another Bugsy stalwart Roberto “Pinoy Superman” Gomez, meantime eliminated Huidje See of the Netherlands (9-4) in the Last 32 to progress.

According to Ramon “Maestro Monching” Mistica, spokesman of the Filipino cue artists in the Las Vegas tourney, Gomez, the 2007 World Pool Finalist will meet Jayson Shaw of the USA in the Last 16 which schedule on Sunday. Shaw beat Dennis Hatch (9-5) in the Last 32 yesterday.

If Gomez luckily beat Shaw, he will face the survivor of Ricky Yang of Indonesia and Ralf Souquet of Germany tussle for the Sweet 16.

Yang, on the other hand nipped Stevie Moore of the USA (9-8 ) in the Last 32 while Souquet trounced Do Hong Quan of Vietnam (9-7).

Orcullo Last 8 opponents either John Morra of Canada and 2006 US Open 9-ball ruler John Schmidt of the USA who still battling out in the Last 16.

Morra edged Rafael Martinez of Mexico (9-7) in the Last 32 while Schmidt beat Jason Klatt of Canada (9-8 ).

Orcullo and Gomez will possible meet in the semi-final round if they can defeated their respective rivals.

Orcullo, the 2009 International Predator 10-ball champion is the first player who made it to the quarter-final round.

Other matches saw in the Last 32 were Naoyuki Oi of Japan dealt Evgeni Novosad of Ukraine (9-7); Charlie Williams of the USA beat Lo Li-Wen of China (9-8 ); Daryl Peach of Great Britain waylaid countryman Karl Boyes (9-4); Toru Kuribayashi of Japan shocked Kuo Po-cheng of Taiwan (9-3); Rodney Morris of the USA crushed Mark Gray of (9-6); Oliver Ortmann of Germany whacked defending champion Darren Appleton of Great Britain (9-7) and Thorsten Hohmann of Germany bested Niels Feijen of the Netherlands (9-5).

STAR TIGER CUP 2010 10 BALL TOURNEY IS NOW ON FULL SWING
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

THE registration for the staging of Star Tiger Cup 2010 10-ball monthly tournament on May 31 to June 6 is now on full swing at the famous Star Billiards Center, no.46 Joy Street, Grace Village, Quezon City.

The tournament is open to all billiard enthusiasts from Class A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D and D-with handicapping in the event hosted by long-time billiards patron Sebastian “Baste” Chua, president of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP).

The champion will bring home the top prize of P25,000, or Maxima 2 Billiard table worth P30,000, the runner-up will get P10,000 or Lucasi/Universal Cue worth P12,000, the third and fourth placer will receive P5,000 each or Predator Class B shaft (5/16 x18 ) and Star Cue, the fifth to 8th placer will receive P2,000 each of Universal Cue Case worth P3,000.

The top four finishers each month are automatically seeded in the Challenge of Champion Finale on December 18 with the grand champion will receive P50,000.

For inquires, call Michael Tan at (0922) 872-9922, (0909) 2222225; Joyren at (0922) 856-9736 and Anthony (0922) 864-2249.

DENNIS ORCULLO TOPS WORLD POOL MASTERS; POCKETS $20,000
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

ADD World Pool Masters now to the name of Dennis “Robocop” Orcullo.

The former fisherman from Bislig, Surigao, winner of the 2008 Qatar 9-Ball International Open and 2009 International Predator 10-ball, added the 2010 Party Poker World Pool Masters to his growing list of tournament achievements when he topped yesterday at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Orcullo, the most feared Filipino player in the money-game, regarded as Perry Mariano’s Bugsy Promotions’ top bet, bested Japanese player Toru Kuribayashi (8-3) in the finals to bag the title and top purse of $20,000. Kuribayashi on the other hand receive the runner-up prize of $10,000.

Losing semi-finalists 2007 World Pool runner-up Roberto “Pinoy Superman” Gomez and former World 9-ball champion Oliver Ortmann of Germany, likewise received $ 5,000 each.

Actually, Kuribayashi, a relatively unknown in the pool world, jumped to a 3-1 lead in the race-to-8, winner’s break format $100,000 total pot prize tournament.

However, Orcullo came back and never looked back.

“Y’ung laro ko kay Kuribayashi (Toru) ay ganoon din ang laro ko kay Gomez (Roberto) na naunahan agad ako sa umpisa. Ang hirap humabol kasi race-to-8 lamang ang laro at winner’s break format pa. Buti na lamang pumabor y’ung bola sa sumunod na tagpo,” added Orcullo.

“Heart before talent ang kailangan para mag champion. The likes of Efren (Reyes), Django (Bustamante), Ronnie (Alcano), Lee Vann (Corteza) and Alex (Pagulayan) mahirap hanapin,” said sportsman/ businessman Perry Mariano of Bugsy Promotions.

On the roads to the finals, Orcullo turned back Gomez (8-6) in their semi-final match to take the first finals berth.

Kuribayashi, meantime subdued Ortmann (8-3) in the second semi-final match to arranged a titular showdown with Orcullo.

Earlier, Gomez, trounced World 9-ball and 8-ball champion Ralf “Kaiser” Souquet of Germany (8-5) in the quarter-final round to forged an-all Filipino semi-final affair. Orcullo, routed John Morra of Canada (8-3) in the quarter-final round.

Other Last 8 results saw Kuribayashi ousted Charlie Williams of the USA (8-6) as well Ortmann nipped countryman Thomas Engert (8-6).

Other Filipino who competed in this $100,000 total pot prize tournament were most Filipino popular cue artists Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Ronato "Volcano" Alcano and Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza.

Ramon “Maestro Monching” Mistica, acted the spokesman of the group said that the Filipino pool wizards will resume their quest for honor and glory when the inauguration of US 10-ball tournament unfolds today at the same venue.

Sky To Televise World Snooker Shoot-Out

Sky Sports will televise a World Snooker event for the first time in over six years in the coming season, having signed up for the thrilling new World Snooker Shoot Out.

The tournament will combine exhilarating action with top-draw snooker, with the best 64 players on the planet taking part in a one-frame shoot out with a random draw. There will be a 20 second shot clock, with no time-outs and frames to take a maximum of 12 minutes. The event will run from January 28 to 30, 2011, and will be screened live on Sky – the first World Snooker event to be televised by Sky since 2004.

“It will be snooker at full throttle, testing the players to the limits of what they can do under pressure,” said World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn. “They will have to make quick decisions and show their natural ability and plenty of bottle – with the chance to double their money for every game they win. The champion will walk off with £32,000, which is not bad for a long weekend. There will be a very lively atmosphere so it might not be one for the purists, but we want to appeal to new and younger audiences and this is the perfect format to trial.

“I’m delighted to bring Sky on board for this one because I have every confidence that under producer Rory Hopkins’ production team, the coverage will be both original and innovative. The format fits perfectly for Sky, with non-stop breathtaking action which will keep viewers and the live audience on the edge of their seats. I’m in discussion with several sponsors and I fully believe that this event will be a massive success.

“This is among the most exciting ideas I’ve had since coming back into snooker and I can’t wait to see it realised. It’s one of a variety of new events on the calendar which will help to generate a new and wonderful era for snooker.”

The tournament is set to feature star names such as Rocket Ronnie O’Sullivan – who is sure to be favourite with his rapid attacking style – Stephen Hendry, Mark Selby, Ding Junhui and Betfred.com World Champion Neil Robertson.

Further details, including the venue and how to buy tickets for this sensational snooker show, will be released shortly.

INDUSTRY RALLIES FOR 27TH ANNUAL BCA EXPO

--Exhibit Hall and Pre-Registration Reflect Growth in 2010--

Broomfield, Colorado -May 13, 2010 -With the 2010 International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo (BCA Expo) rapidly approaching, the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) is pleased to report exhibit booth sales and attendee pre-registration are sharply ahead of last year's Expo.

When comparing attendee pre-registration, this year's numbers reflect an 18 percent increase from last year at this time. Additionally, booth sales have already surpassed last year's total number of 411 booths.

In a warming economy, both manufacturers and distributors have chosen the 2010 BCA Expo as a platform to launch new products and extend support for the home recreation industry. Currently, 113 companies have contracted to exhibit in 2010. On average those exhibiting are also committing to larger exhibit spaces than in 2009.

Additionally, as of this announcement, 22 new companies will exhibit at the 2010 Expo. New products include spas, saunas, tanning beds, casual furniture, cue accessories and much more.

"We are encouraged to see the industry pulling together to climb out of this dismal economy," said BCA Chairman, Ivan Lee. "After months of survival strategies, retailers of all kinds are seeking new products for their stores, new ideas for profitability and new networking opportunities to create a stronger future, while manufacturers are offering new products and Expo-only special pricing."

"The BCA Expo remains the gathering place for the industry to connect face to face, and this year will be more dynamic with a great lineup of seminars, industry discussions and opportunities for folks to share ideas, progress and concerns with their peers," commented BCA CEO Rob Johnson. "The strong pace of retail and room operator registrations, along with the increase in returning and new exhibitors, indicates a positive attitude within the entire home recreation industry."

Tickets For New World Open On Sale

Tickets go on sale this morning (Wednesday) for a unique and innovative new tournament on the World Snooker calendar: the World Open in Scotland in September.

The world ranking tournament runs from September 18 to 26 at the SECC in Glasgow and is set to feature the sport’s top stars, including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby, Scottish legend Stephen Hendry and Betfred.com World Champion Neil Robertson.

The pioneering format includes:

- Scope for 32 amateur players to join the 96 professionals in the qualifying phase. These amateurs will include junior, international and women players, as well as winners from tournaments staged at Rileys and other independent snooker clubs. Matches involving some of the top players will be held over to the venue.

- A completely random nothing Cup – style draw for all rounds, raising the possibility of top seeds going head-to-head early in the tournament.

- The action promises to be fast and furious, with all matches best-of-five frames, up until the final which will be best-of-nine.

- World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We wanted to come up with something really special to replace the Grand Prix event, and we believe we’ve done just that with the World Open.

“It will be fascinating to see how the best amateurs fare against the professionals. We could get a rags-to-riches story of an unknown player getting to the business end or giving one of the top stars a shock. The random draw has worked well in the past and the best-of-five matches will provide virtually non-stop action for the fans.

“I’d recommend anyone who loves snooker to get their tickets booked straight away because THIS EVENT CANNOT BE MISSED! The tournaments we’ve staged in Glasgow in recent years have been well supported but we want to see a full house this time! I can’t wait to see all the fans cheering their heroes on.”

Secure your seats from 9am on Wednesday by calling 0844 395 4000 or visiting www.ticketsoup.com. You can find more details on the format at www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

The World Open receives equal funding and support from EventScotland and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau.

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, the national events agency, said: “Snooker generates hours of valuable broadcast exposure for the city of Glasgow and is watched by millions of people around the world. We’re delighted to be hosting this new and exciting tournament in Scotland and we’re confident that it will attract impressive spectator numbers from across the UK. The new format of this event also means that amateurs will be given the opportunity to play against and alongside legends in the world of snooker which will ensure exciting clashes and fierce competition for spectators and viewers.”

Scott Taylor, Chief Executive, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “Having just been officially ranked as a key player in the world league of Ultimate Sports Cities, and having scooped the top award for its sports event marketing, Glasgow is the perfect host city for the new format, newly-named World Open.

“Glasgow City Marketing Bureau is proud to continue its support of the event, which is set to bring around 4,000 fans to the SECC, as well as around £335,000 to Scotland’s economy and almost £1million worth of TV exposure.”

The qualifying phase will run from August 21 to 24 at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield. The competitions run by Rileys and other clubs will be completed by July 31 – details on how to enter will be available soon at www.worldsnooker.com

DJANGO WINS BUT BATA LOST TO GOMEZ IN US 10-BALL TOUR
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

ROBERTO "Pinoy Superman" Gomez display his nerved and steel in the end game to edged hall of famer and compatriot Efren "Bata" Reyes, acknowledged as the greatest player of all-time played (9-6) to keep Filipino hopes flying high in the on-going 2010 US Open 10-ball championship yesterday (Tuesday night in US) at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas Nevada.

The Divisoria, Zamboanga native Gomez, dubbed as local version of Superman escaped the kryptonite of Reyes broke the 6-all deadlock winning the last three racks.

" Magaling talaga si Champ (Efren Reyes), bagama't nakauna agad ako ay naka dikit siya at talagang dikdikan ang laban namin, sinuwerte lamang sa bandang huli," said the 2007 World Pool Finalist Gomez, who jumped a 3-1 lead before Reyes close the gap at 3-all in the 6th racks. The game was tied at 5-all to 6-all before Gomez winning the last three racks in their close fought encounter, using the winner's break format.

Gomez, who beat Imrad Majid of Great Britain (9-2) in the first round will square off with Jason Klatt of the US in the next round, winner over compatriots Andrew Pettenger (9-8 ) and Johnny Archer (9-4), respectively.

Francisco "Django" Bustamante,meantime had an easy time disposing of Toru Kuribayashi of Japan (9-2).

" Talagang hindi ko binigyan ng pagkakataon si Kuribayashi (Toru), mahirap ng masilat lalu na't finalist siya ng World Pool Masters," said Bustamante, playing under the banner of Puyat Sports, who is fresh from winning a tournament in Winnipeg, Canada, two weeks ago.

" I think we have a good chances to win considering our top pool players dominating in the international event in the past," said sportsman/ businessman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, acknowledged God Father of Philippine Billiards.

Expect another Filipino will fell in the loser's brackets of this true double elimination format, after Bustamante goes up against country Edwin Montal in the third round. Montal bested 1996 US Open 9-ball ruler John Schmidt of the US (9-8 ).

Also with two wins were Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza, Dennis "Robocop" Orcullo, Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, Warren "Warrior" Kiamco, and Al Lapena.

Corteza, playing under the baton of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiards Stable trounced Chris Bartram of the United States (9-5), Orcullo nipped John Morra of Canada (9-3), Alcano waylaid Glenn Atwell of the USA (9-0),Kiamco defeated Huidje See of the Netherlands (9-2), and Lapena smashed Tommy Najar of US (9-1).

" Matatag talaga si Bartram (Chris), buti na lamang pumabor y'ung bola sa akin sa end game," said NBS stalwart Corteza.

Jose "Amang" Parica also regelated in the loser's side in this $89,000 total pot prize tournament which offers$20,000 to the champion.

Player Tour Championship Helps Form Snooker’s ‘Brave New World’

A brand new snooker series, the World Snooker Player Tour Championship, is set to start next month and will form an integral part of the sport’s era of innovation.

The series will feature 12 three-day events (PTCs), the first of which takes place at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield from June 25 to 27. A new Order of Merit, distinct from the World Rankings, will be incorporated into the series based on money earned at each event. Upon conclusion of the 12 PTCs, the top 24 on the final Order of Merit will go through to the televised stages in March.

Each of the 12 events will carry prize money of £50,000, and at the televised stage there will be £200,000 up for grabs – giving total prize money of £800,000. World Ranking points will also be available throughout for Main Tour players.

Six of the PTCs will be held at the Academy, with the other six in continental Europe, including at least four in Germany, where the popularity of snooker is booming. The maximum field for each event will be 128 competitors; this will allow for a minimum of 32 places for amateurs to compete against the 96 professional players. An amateur pre-qualifier will be held should the event be over-subscribed.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “The Player Tour Championship forms the backbone of our brave new world for snooker. It plugs the gaps between the main ranking events, providing plenty of opportunities for the professionals, which is what they have been crying out for.

“I’m particularly excited about the new Order of Merit! This will create extra interest among fans and media as players battle to get one of those 24 spots in the final stages. It will be like the race to get into the Ryder Cup team in golf, with players sweating over every pound. It gives talented young players the chance to come from nowhere and surge up the list, while the top boys will have to be on their mettle.

“I hope that all of the leading stars will enter these events, and with a lot of money and ranking points available, there is every incentive. They will have to play in at least six of the PTCs to be eligible for the televised finals. I’ve used a similar model in darts and it’s worked fantastically well.

“I’ll also be fascinated to see how the events go in Europe. The new series provides World Snooker with a strong structure through which to enter new international markets.”

Each event will cost £100 to enter. Details on how to enter will follow soon on worldsnooker.com

The deadlines for entries are:
PTC1 - MONDAY 14 JUNE 2010
PTC2 – MONDAY 28 JUNE 2010
PTC3 – MONDAY 12 JULY 2010
PTC4 – MONDAY 19 JULY 2010

RP'S CORTEZA BEATS CHINESE LO; RULES US OPEN 10-BALL TOUR; POCKETS $20,000
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FILIPINO Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza defeated Chinese Hi Wen-lo , 13-12, in their rematch on the final to rules the just concluded 2010 US Open 10-ball championship at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas Nevada, USA yesterday.

"Winning a tournament wherein you have to compete against the world's bests players is a very big accomplishment, and I'm very happy for this win," said Corteza, the top player of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiard Stable.

"I got my confidence after winning against Van Boening (Shane)," said Corteza, who also edged American hopeful Shane "The South Dakota Kid" Van Boening, 9-8, in their loser's side encounter to take the last final berth.

Aside from getting the top prize of $20,000, the feat made Corteza ranked No. 5 in the world based on the latest rankings released by the World Pool Billiard Association (WPBA) following his second back-to-back international titles. He captured the 1st Annual Hard Times-Mezz Cues 10-Ball Open title at the Hard Times Billiards in Bellflower, Los Angeles, California, USA, two weeks ago.

Lo, on the other hand settled runner-up purse of $12,500 while 3rd placer gets Boening $8,500 and fourth placer another Filipino bet Francisco "Django" Bustamante went home $5,700.

""I've hoped and prayed hard enough to win this crown for my countrymen as well as my boss Jonathan (Sy) who has been helping me compete abroad," added Corteza.

“Once again, congratulations Van-Van (Corteza). You have made every Filipino proud of your triumph,” long-time benefactor sportsman/businessman BMPAP co-founder Jonathan Sy, the president of the rising Negros Billiards Stable (NBS) said of the top player of NBS.

" This is the reason why we managers are still holding the dream that someday our lawmakers can help this sport. We will also work in making Quezon City the Wimbledon of billiards," added Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) founding head Ceferino “Perry” Mariano, also the president of Bugsy Promotions.

Earlier, Corteza bested Tony Robles of Mexico (9-6), Chris Bartram of US (9-5), Francis Crevier of US (9-8 ), Kuo Po-cheng of Taiwan (9-2), Mike Dechaine of US (9-8 ), and Manny Chau of Peru (9-8 ) in the winner's brackets of this $89,000 to prize double elimination format. He lost to Lo (9-6) during their first encounter in the hot seat match.

Actually, Corteza race a 6-3 lead against Lo in their first match but the latter's (Lo) won six straight racks for 9-6 triumph to earned a first final berth.

Against Van Boening in their do-or- die match, after a 5-all deadlock in the 10th racks, Van Boening won three straight racks to reach the hill (8-5). However the last American hopeful was stuck at 8 after Corteza won four straight racks to escaped a narrow 9-8 wins.

The former undefeated Lo, meantime earlier beat Marc Vidal of US (9-2), Tyler Edey of Canada (9-7), Oscar Dominguez of Mexico (9-6), Corey Harper of US (9-0), Charlie Williams of US (9-6), Mika Immonen of Finland (9-5) and Corteza (9-8 ) in the hot seat match before bowing to Corteza (13-12) in their rematch on the final.

Other Filipino bets who saw action that includes 2010 Player of the Decade and hall of famer Efren "Bata" Reyes, Jose "Amang" Parica, Ronato Alcano, Roberto Gomez, Warren Kiamco, Edwin Montal, Al Lapena and Dennis Orcullo, who won the 2010 Party Poker World Pool Masters last Monday in the same venue.

According to RP billiards spokesman Ramon "Maestro Monching" Mistica, over-all in three weeks time, the Filipinos captured four international title, two title courtesy of Corteza (LA and Las Vegas 10-ball), World Pool Masters contribute of Orcullo and Super Billiards League in Winnipeg, Canada won by Bustamante.

QUEZON CITY IS RP'S WIMBLEDON OF BILLIARDS---BMPAP HEAD PERRY MARIANO
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

QUEZON CITY is RP's Wimbledon of Billiards this was revealed yesterday by Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) founding head and Bugsy Promotions president Ceferino "Perry" Mariano.

“The Quezon City is RP's Wimbledon of Billiards,” Mariano said. “The idea is to have a world championship that can call the Quezon City home.”

Why not, Quezon City hosted numerous international billiards tournaments in the past. In 2007, the World Pool Championship returned in Philippines with the Big Dome hosted the biggest event in the planet. Bugsy Promotions bet Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez wound up second place which topped by eventual winner Briton Daryl Peach.

Long-time billiards patron and paper magnate Sebastian "Baste" Chua's world class Star Billiards Center is also located in Grace Village, Quezon City.


Also in Quezon City, hosted the part 1 and 2, Yang Ching-shun and Dennis Orcullo match-up as well Chao Pong-fao and pool maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes. Other international events hosted by Quezon City were the Philippines versus the Rest of the World as well the 1st JBET poker.net World Women's 10- Ball and World Mixed Doubles.

" This is the reason why we managers are still holding the dream that someday our lawmakers can help this sport. We will also work in making Quezon City the Wimbledon of billiards," added Mariano who thanked the Quezon City government under the leadership it's outgoing mayor and congressman elect Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte and outgoing vice mayor and mayor elect Herbert Bautista and Joy Belmonte, chairperson of the Quezon City Ladies Foundation and vice mayor elect
for their undying support in the Philippine billiards.

STAR editor-in-chief Isaac Belmonte, the eldest of the four Belmonte siblings, is the chairman of BMPAP.

Meantime, according to RP billiards spokesman Ramon "Maestro Monching" Mistica, over-all in three weeks time, the Filipinos captured four international title, two title courtesy of Lee Vann Corteza (LA and Las Vegas 10-ball), World Pool Masters contribute oby Dennis Orcullo and Super Billiards League in Winnipeg, Canada won by Francisco "Django" Bustamante.

BCA Announces Candidates for Board of Directors Seats

Broomfield, Colo. - May 21, 2010 - The Billiard Congress of America (BCA) 2010 Nominating Committee announces that it has selected the candidates for the six (6) available seats on the BCA Board for the 2010-2011 Board year. The open seats include four (4) in the Manufacturer/Distributor category, one (1) in the Room Operator category, and one (1) in the Retailer category. The candidates are as follows:

Manufacturer/Distributor Category:

    * Austin Rothbard, Brunswick Billiards, Bristol, WI.
    * Chance Pack, Champion Shuffleboard, Richland Hills, TX.
    * Chris Kuntz, RAM Gameroom Products, Milton, ON.
    * Elaine Gerber, Presidential Billiards, New Caney, TX.
    * Jason Guttman, The Henry W.T. Mali & Co., Inc, New York, NY.
    * Martin Bloom, Olhausen Billiard Mfg., Portland, TN.
    * Thomas S. Rodgers Sr., Robertson Billiards, Tampa, FL.
    * Zachary C. DiMotta, Imperial International, Carlstadt, NJ.

Room Operator Category:

    * Carl Galante, Classic Cue Billiards, Depew, NY.
    * David Vandenberghe, CueSports International, LLC., Henderson, NV.
    * Nick Alexander, Clicks Billiards, Dallas, TX.

Retailer Category:

    * Tony Stick, The Billiard Factory, Houston, TX.

In order to select the best candidates, the Nominating Committee based its decision on the needs of the organization and the information provided by potential candidates. Each nominee supplied a Candidate Data Form, which enabled them to tell the committee why they are the best candidate for the position. The form is designed to highlight each candidate in the areas of billiards industry volunteer experience, professional job experience and responsibilities, and potential contributions to the BCA.

Ballots will be issued to all BCA members eligible to vote via US Postal Service the week of June 14, 2010 (the membership eligibility cutoff date for voting was April 14, 2010). Ballots can be returned to the BCA offices by Friday, July 9, 2010, or BCA members can hand carry their ballots to the Annual BCA Membership Meeting, Tuesday, July 13, 2010, 5:00 p.m., at the 2010 International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo in Las Vegas. The results of the elections will be announced at the end of the membership meeting.

CORTEZA, ORCULLO LEADS PHILIPPINE CONTINGENT TO 2010 WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIP NEXT MONTH IN DOHA

BY; MARLON BERNARDINO

LEE VANN "The Slayer" Corteza and Dennis "Robocop" Orcullo will lead a contingent of 9-Ball Pool players from the Philippines to the 2010 WPA (World Pool Billiards Association) World Pool 9-Ball Championships slated on June 28 to July 5 in Doha, Qatar.

“We are ready,” said the Davao City native Corteza, top player of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiards Stable who just arrived yesterday coming in a big wins in US pool circuit.

“I have a mission and that is to become a world champion (WPA),” added Orcullo, former fisherman from Bislig, Surigao del Sur, top player of Perry Mariano's Bugsy Promotions.

Corteza defeated Chinese Hi Wen-lo, 13-12, in their rematch on the final to went home the top prize of $20,000 last Sunday in the just concluded 2010 US Open 10-ball championship at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas Nevada.

Orcullo, meanwhile defeated Japanese Toru Kuribayashi, 8-3, in the final to went home the top prize of $20,000 winning the just concluded 2010 Party Poker World Pool Masters (9-ball competition) at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas Nevada, USA last Monday.

"I fully believe in Dennis' ability in hurdling the World Pool Championship. He is one of the greatest billiards players and what he only lacks is a World Pool crown to become a full world cue king," said sportsman/businessman Ceferino “Perry” Mariano, co-founder of BMPAP and president of the star-studded Bugsy Promotions, who is pushing Quezon City is RP’s Wimbledon of Billiards.

Mariano commented about the winning run of Filipino cue masters in the US pool circuit: “Corteza and Orcullo’s victory did not just make us, Filipinos, proud. It also showed to the world, once again, how competitive the Filipinos are,”

Both, Corteza and Orcullo, member of the Billiards Managers and Players Association (BMPAP) headed by its’ chairman STAR editor-in-chief Isaac Belmonte, doesn’t have yet a world crown despite numerous international title in the past.

So far, the Philippines have four world champions---Efren “Bata” Reyes (1999 World 9-ball in Cardiff, Wales and 2005 World 8-ball in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates), Alex “The Lion”Pagulayan (2004 World 9-ball in Taiwan), Ronnie “Volcano” Alcano (2006 World 9-ball in Manila and 2007 World 8-ball in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates) and Rubilen “Bingkay” Amit (2009 Women’s World 10-ball in Manila).

The prize fund (World Pool) for this initial appearance and in 2011 in Qatar is $250,000 and will increase to $300,000 for both 2012 and 2013.

Aside from Corteza and Orcullo, other Filipino bets in the tournament proper (World Pool) are Alcano, Marlon “Marvelous” Manalo, Antonio “Nickoy” Lining and Antonio “Ga-Ga” Gabica.

BCA Revamps the Seal of Approval Program Seal of Approval

The BCA Instructor Program awards a "BCA Instructors Seal of Approval" for excellent products used in billiard training or teaching. Products earning the Seal have been tested and approved by the BCA Instructors Product Review Panel and determined to be effective products for helping players improve their game.

Any person or company that writes/develops/invents a product intended to help individuals improve their game can apply for a BCA Instructors Seal of Approval.

The item will then be reviewed by five qualified BCA Instructors who will test and evaluate the item. They will evaluate the product based on its effectiveness for helping players improve their game or helping instructors teach players.

For more information please visit "BCA Instructors Seal of Approval." www.home.bca-pool.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=15

They Came, They Played, They Conquered at the 2010 BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships

While the temperature was unseasonably cool in Las Vegas during the 34th BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships, the pool playing was hot. Held May 14-22 at the Riviera Hotel & Casino, approximately 7000 amateur and professional players traveled from across the world to battle for their chunk of the $750,000 prize fund and be crowned the best in their respective divisions.

Prior to the BCAPL 8-Ball event starting on the 14th, the 9-Ball Challenge took place May 12-13. The 9-ball event, limited to 256 players, is open to all BCAPL and Player Members from Open to Grand Master level. Chris Melling took home the early event honors. Melling then beat “The Dakota Kid” Shane Van Boening in the Men’s Grand Master division of the BCAPL 8-Ball National Championship making history by winning both the Men’s Grand Master Singles and the 9-Ball Challenge.

The BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships started with the Scotch Doubles events. The Open Scotch Doubles had 341 entries. Kim Sanders and Brian Sanders, of the A.P.P.L.E – Austin Pool Player’s League, remained undefeated taking home first place. In the Master Scotch Doubles, which had 82 entries, the French Canadian duo of Veronique Menard and Francis Crevier had to grind their way to victory. Starting off on the one loss side of the final Master Scotch Doubles board, Menard and Crevier won 8 matches to make it to the finals and then double dipped the dynamo team of Glenn Atwell and Linda Carter from Washington State to take first place.

Saturday, May 15th the crowd swelled as thousands of individuals mentally prepared for the singles events. There were 11 separate singles divisions: Men’s Super Senior, Men’s Senior, Men’s Open, Men’s Master, Men’s Grand Master, Men’s Player Member, Women’s Open, Women’s Senior, Women’s Master, Women’s Grand Master and Women’s Player Member.

In the Men’s Super Senior division, Bob Oliver (MacDaddy’s In-House League, Little Rock, AR) breezed through the winner’s side to take first place. Writer Tom McGonagle (Silver Cue 8-Ball League, Dorchester, MA) had several close matches to stay on the winner’s side and take the Men’s Senior division hot seat. McGonagle almost lost his momentum as Shane Harvey (Action Billiard League, Lubbock, TX) took the first set of the finals 5-1. In set two, McGonagle regrouped beating Harvey out 5-4 narrowly winning first place.

The Men’s Open Singles is a test of endurance, skill with a sprinkle of luck tossed in for flavor. With 1291 contestants and 32 preliminary double elimination boards it takes a large dose of all three elements to win this division. The winner was Nuno Santos (Federacao Portuguesa de Bilhar, Lisbon, Portugal) who strode through his preliminary bracket only dropping 6 total games. In the finals board he had a tougher road going hill-hill on a majority of his matches towards securing victory.

The BCAPL Men’s Master division was stocked with well known and seasoned players including Ryan Solleveld from Canada, Jim Carmona from Las Vegas, Chip Compton from Oklahoma and Nick Tafoya from New Mexico to name a few, but the finals came down to the 2009 Men’s Open winner Bruno Sousa and his fellow team mate from Portugal Manuel Gamma (both from the Federacao Portuguesa de Bilhar, Lisbon, Portugal). Sousa won the hot seat initially sending Gamma to the one loss side. However it was Gamma’s turn as he double dipped Sousa by a slim margin (7-6, 7-3) to win the division.

The Women’s Open Singles is also a study in how the strong survive. After qualifying through the preliminary bracket stages, the final bracket of the women’s open included several well known regional players such as Amy Chen from Georgia, Stacy Alsup from Las Vegas, Tara Williams (nee’ McCracken) and Melinda Bailey from Texas and four members of the NYC team Kiss of Death; Borana Andoni, Emily Duddy, Olga Gashgova and subsequent division winner Gail Glazebrook (9-ball league at Amsterdam Billiards, NY, NY).

The top two finishers of the Women’s Master divisions are well known players. Ming Ng (NW Houston BCAPL), the 2009 WPBA Regional Tour Champion, faced Gari Jo Bloomberg (Player Member) who comes from a well known pool family in South Dakota and the aunt of top U.S. pro Shane Van Boening. Bloomberg cruised into the hot seat without facing even one hill-hill match. In the finals, she would retain that momentum as she defeated Ng 7-3.

If it could be said that if a player nearly dominated a division that player was Debbie Snook (Triple “P” Handicapped League, Pueblo, CO) in the Women’s Senior Singles. Although she lost in her third round to Lucille Donahue (4-2), that was her only sign of weakness as she plowed through the one loss side playing 9 matches and losing only 10 games total before meeting Kim Anderson (Player Member) in the finals. Snook took both sets (4-1) to secure the division top spot.

The BCAPL Men and Women’s Grand Master divisions are an opportunity for top professional players to challenge themselves in bar table 8-Ball. Amateur players also get to study up close the stroke and game of some of their favorite pros. The Men’s Grand Master division had 46 players from 4 continents and several national and international champions. It was a lesser known pro from the U.K, Melling, who hoisted his cue in victory. The Women’s Grand Master division featured 22 women including several world and U.S. champions. The finals featured two well known pros, “The Texas Tornado” Vivian Villarreal and currently 4th ranked world champion Kelly Fisher. Villarreal would prevail this day taking home the $2,600 for first.

Both the Men’s and Women’s Player Member divisions gave the opportunity for those who are not able to participate in a sanctioned BCAPL league the chance to play in the BCAPL nationals. The Men’s Player Member had 123 entries with two South Dakota men, Justin Brandt and Dan Olson crossing cues. It was 17 year old Olson who took the match. Stacy Lantz from Florida took the 1st place prize in the Women’s Player Member group.

Tuesday, May 18 was a day where the singles start to wind down and everyone preps for the team event. This particular day was also popular for those with a free day to stop by the U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship, also produced by CueSports International, to watch the world class action in the Royale Ballroom Pro Arena. Tuesday evening the BCAPL and the Billiard Education Foundation hosted Challenge the Stars. This is an annual event where the amateur players can challenge their favorite pros as a fundraiser for the BEF.

The team competition got underway Wednesday, May 19 with 6 divisions: Mixed Open, Mixed Trophy, Women’s Open, Women’s Trophy, Mixed Master, and Women’s Master. The mixed teams can have up to 10 people on their team roster and play 5 players per match. This year women’s teams only fielded 4 players per match and could have up to 8 players on each team roster.

The Mixed Open Team division had 16 preliminary brackets, 674 teams and was a double elimination race to 13 with $11,000 going to the first place team. Minneapolis, MN team “Who Needs a Billiard Coach,” headed by billiard photographer and coach Mike Fieldhammer took the top honors. The Mixed Trophy Team division had 74 entrants. The “The Italian Job” coming from the hot seat took on the “Rack Pack.” In a true double, the Rack Pack decisively took set one (13-6). It was a nail biter in set two as the two teams went hill-hill, the pack pulled it out winning set two (13-12).

The two final teams in the Mixed Master Team division had divergent experiences on the board. Good Eggz went down in the first match against former division winners Hustlin’ making them have to navigate the one loss said the remainder of the event. In the hot seat was Portugal Master’s who contained Manuel Gamma who finished 1st in the Men’s Master Singles. It was a good week for team Portugal as their momentum never wavered beating Good Eggz 13-8. Late Saturday afternoon after the Mixed Master Finals was completed the entire Portuguese team hoisted glasses of Champagne in the event main lobby singing the Portuguese national anthem.

This year there were 20 more Women’s Open Teams than in 2009. The Dallas, Texas ladies “We’ve Got the Runs” went undefeated and beat Wisconsin team “Jackson Cue – Mickey’s.” The Women’s Trophy Team division had 8 teams in a double elimination race to 8. “Pocket Aces” from San Francisco, CA took the honors by dominating the bracket and beating “Full House” from Edgemere, MD 8-2. The Tulsa, OK women’s powerhouse team, “Magoo’s Masters” took out the Chicago team “Tick Tick Boom” to be the division top women.

2010 again showed why the BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships have been called “The Best Tournament in the World.” In addition to BCAPL nationals being the best U.S. based national championship event, CSI continues to demonstrate each year its commitment to expand the sport and the experience of the players. This year they launched new texting and email notification and live scoring features to their CueSports Tournament System (CTS), the online bracket and real time tracking system. Players are now able to receive text or email notification of when and where their matches were to be played thus allowing them more freedom to enjoy their time in Las Vegas and the Riviera Hotel & Casino.

The 34th BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships were sponsored by OB Cues, the Official Cue of this year’s event, Diamond Billiard Products, Simonis, Delta-13, Billiards Digest, TAR and BreakRAK.

CueSports International is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League, the National Championship Series (NCS), and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events such as the U.S. Bar Table Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial and the U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship. Visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com and www.playusapool.com for more information about CSI and its divisions.

O'Sullivan And Davis Excited By Expanded New World Snooker Calendar

Snooker stars Ronnie O'Sullivan and Steve Davis have expressed their excitement about the new tournaments on the expanded World Snooker calendar for the coming season.

In recent weeks, World Snooker, led by Chairman Barry Hearn, have added to the calendar a ranking event in Germany, a quick-fire Shoot-Out to be televised by Sky and a World Seniors Championship as well as the Player Tour Championship, a series of 12 short events culminating in a televised finale.

The calendar now consists of 24 snooker events, 20 of which will have world ranking points on offer for the players.

Three-times World Champion O'Sullivan said: "It's great to see new ideas for the game. Barry is already delivering on his promises and I'm positive that there will be more to come."

Snooker legend Davis believes that the Player Tour Championship (PTC) events will provide professionals with the busy schedule they have been calling for in recent years.

"It's a new direction for snooker, and if the game is to grow then the PTC will be an integral part of that," he said. "The players will have to get into a mindset of playing virtually every week, like darts players do now. I intend to play in as many events as possible once the season gets going."

The PTC will feature a new Order of Merit based on money earned at each event, with the top 24 after the 12 events to go through to the TV stages.

"With ranking points and a lot of prize money available, plus the chance to get into the big event at the end, there's every incentive," added 52-year-old Davis, who recently reached the quarter-finals of the Betfred.com World Snooker Championship on his record 30th appearance at the Crucible. "The players who are competing week-in, week-out will also become hardened to the match situation.

"Half of the PTCs are going to be in Europe, which is the biggest reason to play in them because that's where we are trying to capitalise in new markets. We're planting seeds and hoping some of them will grow, and that's the future of the game."

The first PTC event will be at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield and runs from June 25 to 27. Amateurs as well as professionals can enter, for details see worldsnooker.com

Time For the World 9-Ball Excitement to Begin!

The World 9-Ball Championship returns on June 29th and runs through July 5th with the greatest cue artists from around the world all converging on Doha, Qatar to stake their claim to the title of World Champion. Kazuo Fujima, Tournament Director of the event for the Qatar Snooker and Billiard Federation, has gone to great lengths to make this event a complete success.

The venue this year will be the headquarters building of the QSBF and the QSBF is being very generous by also acting as the main sponsor of the championship. Tables are being installed to handle the flow of the event and the players will find the best of playing conditions there.

Qatar television (Alkas) will be covering the final days of the event and broadcasting the matches to stations around the world so that fans who cannot get to the venue can still watch their favorite cueists in action. The World 9-Ball Championship is presented by the QSBF with assistance from Simonis Billiard Cloth and Saluc, the makers of the Aramith Pro Cup balls.

More information on the event may be found at www.QBSF.info.