Site News
Topic: *Industry News* July 2010

Euro Tour stops 6 & 7 2010

Dear all,

With this E-mail I want to inform you that IBPF / EPBF did finalize the details for the last 2 Euro Tour Stops 2010.

“Dynamic Portugal Open 2010” presented by FPB:

The playing venue will be Hotel Montechoro in the city Albufeira. The region is Algarve.

The website of the hotel is www.hotelmontechoro.pt

The nearest Airport is FARO.

There will be a shuttle service from the Airport to the venue and back.

“Dynamic Benidorm Costa Blanca Open 2010” presented by RFEB / CEP:

The playing venue will be hotel Villaitana Wellness, Golf & Business Resort in the city of Benidorm. The region is the Costa Blanca.

The website of the hotel is www.villaitana.com

The nearest Airport is ALICANTE

There will be a shuttle service from the airport to the venue and back.

This information is send in order to inform you all about the finalization which gives you the chance to make already flight bookings etcetera.

We will send out all other information soon so that you also can announce for these events.

With kind regards,
IBPF / EPBF

THE HITMAN GEARS UP FOR A HECTIC SCHEDULE OF BATTLES

Spending most of his time on his pool table, Raj is gearing up for a jammed pack season of big events.

Not only will Raj be participating in the World Cup of Pool again, he will make an appearance at the first Guinness World Series of Pool held in Jakarta.

29th July – 1st August
Jakarta, Indonesia
Guinness World Series of Pool
Organised ESPN Star Sport, this tournament will have great TV exposure with 15 hours of live coverage over the three days, aired all over Asia on ESPN Star. This tournament will also have 45 hours of repeats.

25th – 29th August
Dynamic Finland Open
Helsinki, Finland

7th – 12th September
World Cup of Pool
Manila, Philippines
MATCHROOM SPORT has announced the teams and players to contest the forthcoming PartyPoker.net World Cup of Pool. The event, which takes place in Manila, Philippines from Tuesday, September 7 to Sunday, September 12, features 32 teams.

3rd China Billiards Expo 2010 - An Invitation

The 3rd China Billiards Expo 2010 which will be held from Sep. 8 to Sep. 10, 2010 at Shanghai East Asia Exhibition Centre. (in conjunction with the World Snooker Shanghai Masters).

I am writing to invite your company to attend our show.

Hosted by Chinese Billiards & Snooker Association, CBE is the only exhibition in China that dedicated to billiard, pool and related equipments. Making use of the well-known platform of World Snooker Shanghai Masters, CBE aims to create an integrated platform of showcasing, networking, education and idea sharing to billiard world.

CBE 2009 gathered almost the whole actors in this industry such as: Master Cue, Mezz Cues, Palko, Star, Shender, Biaoli, Longsheng, Riley, L. P., Jianying, JUS, Chamberlain, President, Rasson, LEO, Jingying, Centric, 1 Klik, and Jyu Ben etc. Major sports media in China as: CCTV, SMG, Sina and 163 Sports came and reported CBE 2009. 5156 visitors visited CBE 2009.

For detailed information about our 2010 show, please go to www.chinabilliardsexpo.com.

Thank you for your time, we look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards

Chris Lian
International Liasion Office
The 3rd China Billiards Expo 2010
Tel: +86-21-34080577
Fax: +86-21-54305676
Cell: +86-13512182869
Email: zhangfeng@tiansheng.com.cn

BCA Announces Successful 2010 Expo
--- New Products, BankShot Entertainment Debut in Las Vegas ---

Broomfield, Colo. - July 20, 2010 - The 2010 edition of the Billiard Congress of America's (BCA) International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo, was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 14 - 16, 2010. The total attendance for the three-day event was 1,645, compared to 2009's total of 1,737; buyer attendance for the 2010 BCA Expo was 833, versus 953 in 2009.

The 2010 exhibit hall contained 132 companies in 465 total booths, including 31 new exhibitors. This represents a seven percent increase in total booth space, of which more than 10% offered products new to the Expo audience.

"The exhibit hall provided an energy for doing business that hasn't been seen in this market for several years," commented Ivan Lee, co-chair of the Expo and chairman of the BCA Board of Directors. "Whether it was walking the Expo floor or participating in the Business of Billiards seminar series, you got a very positive feeling for the commitment to the industry and the great opportunities that occur when this industry gets together in person, face to face. There was a powerful sense of productivity taking place that is very refreshing," said Lee.

Contributing to the dynamic exchange at this year's Expo was the Billiard Congress

of America's unveiling of BankShot Entertainment. BankShot Entertainment is a new marketing and activation division of the Billiard Congress of America. BankShot Entertainment will have the responsibility of helping increase the profitability of billiard businesses, including pool rooms and retail stores, by researching and negotiating partnerships with nationally recognized companies that offer discounted products, services and rebates. Through the group purchasing and rebate program, pool rooms and retailers will enjoy the same purchasing power normally reserved for Fortune 500 companies. BankShot Entertainment will also secure marketing partnerships outside the billiard industry that will help increase participation in, and awareness of, pocket billiards.

"The Billiard Congress of America's mission is to enhance the success of our members and promote the game of billiards'" said Billiard Congress of America CEO Rob Johnson. "We are now in a greater position to fulfill this mission. We will have members that directly realize cost-savings as a result of this initiative, while others will benefit by the added industry marketing arising out of the partnerships this program is going to create."

"What individuals witnessed during the 2010 BCA Expo was the Billiard Congress of America's commitment to supporting and energizing the industry with new opportunities and forward thinking. Whether it was new exhibitors, products and education or the announcement of a new industry marketing and promotional effort, the Billiard Congress of America, including its board of directors and staff is committed to supporting a bright future for this industry," said Lee.

The BCA returns to the Sands Expo and Convention Center for the 2011 Expo, which will take place Wednesday, July 13 through Friday, July 15, 2011.

Cue King Promotions announced Matthew Lester to is 2010 roster

Cue King Promotions are extremely proud and honoured to announce the inclusion of Matthew ‘The Doncaster Destroyer’ Lester to its 2010 roster. Matthew, currently ranked No.12 in Britain hopes to make an even bigger impact on the world’s wheelchair American Pool circuit by breaking into the elite top 8 by 2012.

Matthew adds, “I’m really looking forward to this opportunity and that this relationship is a successful one.”

Since 2007, Cue King Promotions has been recognized for undertaking a series of promotional and consultant roles for leading Pool Billiard market leaders and International tournament directors.

“This is a genuinely unique challenge for all at Cue King Promotions. Matthew is an inspiration to us all and we look forward in working with him to further develop his playing experience and tournament success.” Explains Cue King Promotions; CEO Jason Lawrence.

The Destroyer has penned a two year deal with the English based agency, that are always scouting for American Pool Players who match their eclectic vision of business alliance in which to bring prosperity, fortune and luck to the pool athlete who is prepared to strive valiantly, seizing their opportunity. The 24 month deal comes with an option of extension for both parties.

You can keep up to date with all of Matthews exploits at www.matthew-lester.com

CRAIG IS 9-BALL HERO IN DESERT
--- Ipswich amateur battles to last 16 in world tourney ---

Hotshot Craig “Shotgun” Osborne pocketed £2,500 after reaching the last 16 of the World 9-Ball Pool Championships.

Craig, 30, of Hening Avenue, Ipswich, won four matches at the event in Qatar including an 11-8 victory over snooker legend Tony Drago. Oliver Medenilla ended Craig’s dream run 11-9.

Craig played in his first pool tournament at Rileys Ipswich only seven years ago. Now he has his own table at the club – covered in championship quality cloth – to practice on before tournaments!

Craig is currently ranked No 12 Europe and his World Championship achievements are extremely impressive because he has a full-time job as a sales team leader at Royal Bank of Scotland in Ipswich.

Craig said: “I was delighted with how I played. I think maybe I could have progressed even further, but it is still quite hard to believe how well I did.

“It was great to beat Tony Drago. He is a top professional with a lot of experience.

“I would like to thank Ross at Rileys Ipswich. If it wasn’t for the support from Ross and his team none of this would be possible.”

Francisco Bustamante won the tournament.

Predator 10-Ball Tour players reunite for shot at victory

Top 16 players to compete in Philippines

JACKSONVILLE, Florida. (July 22, 2010) – On Sept. 13 and 14, the top 16 players of the recent Predator World 10-Ball Tour event will reunite in Manila, Philippines. Dubbed the “Sweet Sixteen” event, the rematch is a continuation of the World Tour stop originally scheduled for Jan. 6 to 9 in Lloret De Mar, Spain. The Predator World 10-Ball Tour is sponsored by Predator Cues, an international leader in performance products for the billiards marketplace.

The Sweet Sixteen tournament culminates a competition that began in Spain with 88 players, each of whom earned the opportunity to compete through qualifier events held around the world. Severe weather conditions postponed the second day of play in Lloret De Mar, and players and tournament officials agreed to reschedule for a later date. Predator Cues is providing a stipend to the final 16 players to cover travel and lodging costs.

“We want to give the players the chance to finish what they started,” said Karim Belhaj, President and CEO of Predator Group. “They worked hard to get to the top, and it’s our honor to help them complete this journey.”

The 16 finalists, representing nine different countries, include:

-     David Alcaide, Spain
-     Johnny Archer, USA
-     Marcus Chamat, Sweden
-     Tony Crosby, USA
-     Henrique Correia, Portugal
-     Lee Van Corteza, Philippines
-     Corey Deuel, USA
-     Ernesto Dominguez, Mexico
-     Niels Feijen, Netherlands
-     Aziz Hamrah, Afghanistan
-     Thorsten Hohmann, Germany
-     Oliver Ortmann, Germany
-     Steve Moore, USA
-     Rodney Morris, USA
-     Huidji See, Netherlands
-     Charlie Williams, USA

The Sweet Sixteen event will be held at SM City North Edsa in Manila, and will include four rounds of competition consisting of three semi-finals and a final match. All matches will be played according to current World Pool-Billiard Association rules and will be televised live by ABS-CBN and shown at a later time on EuroSport in Europe. The prize pool will remain consistent with the Spain event.

“We could not have brought this rematch to Manila without the help of Dragon Promotions, which is producing the Predator International event on Sept. 15, immediately following the Sweet Sixteen,” said Belhaj. “By hosting both the Sweet Sixteen and Predator International events in Manila, we hope to simplify travel plans for the players.”

Predator World 10-Ball Tour sponsors include Aramith, Atlas Billiard Supplier, Bilhares Carrinho, Billiard Master, Dragon Promotions, Guitart Hotels, Kozoom Multimedia, Poison Billiards, QKS Cases, Simonis Cloth, Tiger Products and Uni-Loc. For updated information on the Predator 10-Ball World Tour schedule, visit www.Predator10Ball.com. The website streams live video and provides real-time scoring during tour events.

ABOUT PREDATOR CUES

Predator Cues, an international billiards industry leader, is a high-performance, professional pool cue producer focused on developing revolutionary technology that enhances performance for billiards players worldwide. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, Predator Cues is a division of Predator Group whose core brands also include Poison Billiards and Uni-Loc®. For more information regarding Predator Group’s products, visit www.predatorgroup.com. For information on Predator Cues visit www.predatorcues.com.

1st QC EXECUTIVES 9-BALL BILLIARDS TOURNAMENT BEGINS TODAY
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

THE 1st Quezon City Executives 9-Ball Billiard Tournament reel off today, Saturday, July 24 at the famous Star Billiards Center, no. 46 Joy Street in Grace Village, Barangay Balingasa, Quezon City.

According to organizers Bayan Ko ay Sagipin (BAKAS) founding president Manolito “Cocoy” Alano and Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) founding head Ceferino “Perry” Mariano, the benefit of 9-ball-for-a-cause type of a tournament fund raising project will go to the Quezon City’s less fortunate children feeding program and humanitarian projects in the future.
" We encourage all executive pool players in Quezon City to take part in this 9-ball-for-a-cause tournament. We also thank Mr. Baste (Sebastian) Chua, long-time billiards patron for his undying support of billiards," said Mariano, heads of Bugsy Promotions and manager of Dennis Orcullo, Ronato Alcano, Gandy Valle and Carlo Biado, among others.

“It’s all systems go and the 1st QC Executive 9-Ball is expected to be an exciting tournament with the participation 500 country’s executive pool players” added Bayan Ko ay Sagipin (BAKAS) founding president Manolito “Cocoy” Alano.

Some 500 participants from all over Quezon City are expected to participate in the four-day tournament (July 24, 25, 31 and August 1) that offers gift certificate, elegant trophy and medals plus cue case awaits to the winners backed up by the Quezon City government in close cooperation with long-time billiards patron Sebastian “Baste” Chua.

Registration fees are pegged at P 1,000 in the race-to-5, winner’s break format wih the official event broadsheet partner- The Philippine Star Official publications partners.

What is Power Snooker?
Martyn Wood / Eurosport

Three-time snooker World Champion Ronnie O'Sullivan hopes a new quick-fire version of the game will help revolutionise the sport.

Power Snooker, which makes its debut at London's O2 Arena in October, puts the emphasis on stroke-making rather than long, drawn-out tactical battles.

"This is the future of snooker and a few people have got to get their heads around it," O'Sullivan said.

"It is going to change snooker. The crowd will love it and the public will enjoy it. I cannot find a flaw in it. You just want some excitement in your life and this brings excitement."

The traditional rules have been picked apart, and instead of the traditional 15-ball rack of reds, there will be red nine balls placed behind the pink in a diamond formation, and players activate a 'PowerPlay' by potting the middle red.

O'Sullivan recently labelled the Crucible tournament in Sheffield as 'boring', but the former world number one insists the new regulations will better suit his aggressive style.

"It is the year 2010 and we are not stuck in the 1970s anymore. I can understand that people still like their long endurance games, but for me the excitement of playing a game that keeps you on your toes, keeps you on your edge, is something I am really looking forward to."

So how does it work?

- Players are limited to 20 seconds per shot, and a violation of the rule results in a 20-point penalty.

- Each game lasts half an hour, with the clock starting once the red balls are broken, and stopping only at the end of each frame. At the end of the 30 minutes, the victor is determined by total points rather than the number of frames won.

- Potting the middle red, known as the PowerBall, activates a two-minute PowerPlay during which points are doubled. However, missing a shot during the timeframe means the clock stops, and the opponent gets to use the remaining time.

- The new rules stipulate that two or more reds must hit a cushion following a break to start the frame, and there is a 50-point bonus for a century break. That amount doubles if the feat is repeated in successive frames.

- Organisers also plan to have players wear microphones during games to promote interaction with the crowd.

147-THOUSAND! ‘ROCKET’ RONNIE’S BIGGEST BREAK

O’Sullivan gives 147,000 FREE Junior Memberships to Rileys snooker clubs nationwide

Snooker superstar ‘Rocket’ Ronnie O’Sullivan is giving away 147,000 Junior Memberships to Rileys pool and snooker clubs.

Ronnie and Rileys, the UK’s largest cue sports operator, are determined to give youngsters aged 12 to 18 the chance to start developing their cue skills when the summer holidays get under way.

Rileys Ambassador Ronnie said: “I’m delighted that Rileys are letting me give away 147,000 Junior Memberships to their clubs.

“With the summer holidays just around the corner, youngsters will want to try new sports.

“Rileys clubs provide them with a safe environment surrounded by experienced staff. The clubs are good value, and in most cases just down the road. Parents can feel relaxed about them learning my game at Rileys.

“Pool and snooker are great for helping youngsters improve their ability to concentrate, and improve their maths. My maths used to be terrible!”

Rileys Chief Executive Maurice Kelly said: “Rileys are committed to developing snooker in the UK.

“We want to work with Ronnie O’Sullivan in every way to encourage young people to play snooker and pool.

“Our first-ever Future Stars competition attracted nearly 1,000 under 16s trying to become the next Ronnie O’Sullivan. They are the future of the game. We are working at grassroots to give them real opportunities.”

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn is backing Rileys’ massive 147,000 Junior Membership giveaway.

Hearn said: “We support any scheme that brings youngsters into snooker or pool. They are the lifeblood of the game.

“I congratulate Rileys and Ronnie on this great membership giveaway.”

Youngsters aged 12 to 18 can apply for a free Junior Membership – which is valid for one year and usually costs £5 – by going down to their locals Rileys and filling in a Junior Membership application form.

Rileys have 120 clubs across the country clubs which are being equipped with Darts Zones with six or eight extra-wide throwing lanes, Championship-quality darts boards, electronic scoring and special lighting. The FREE Junior Membership also covers use of the Darts Zones.

To find your nearest Rileys club please go to www.rileys.co.uk

Russian Junior Training Camp

Former international champions Alex Lely and Rico Diks from Holland organized the third annual training camp for the Russian Junior selection in Poligon Billiard Club in Moscow. A number of ambitious amateur players joined the group thus totaling 24 players that worked hard for five days, with outside temperatures exceeding 35 Celsius.

The Russian billiard culture has always been dominated by Russian Piramid, but a shift towards Pool is gradually taking place. Hopefully it will not be long before the achievements of the Russian Pool Champions become recognized by the big audience in Russia. Outside Russia some names are sure to ring a bell with the Pool aficionado: Evgenji Stalev, Konstantin Stepanov, Ruslan Chinakhov.

A bronze medal in this years World Team Championships, the reigning Junior World Champion and many gold medals in recent European Junior Championships by Ruslan Chinakhov, Nastja Nechaeva and Roman Pruchay…Stalev, Stepanov, Chinakhov, they are the frontrunners of a generation of Russian Pool Champions. The parents and the children take the game very seriously and some are now even regular customers in Pool’s Walhalla: One Side in Manilla.

As the young guns practice their shot-making religiously, the two Dutch trainers decided to focus the attention on knowledge: kicks, banks and safeties as well as elements of the mental game. Every morning the group of 26 persons marveled onlookers as they collectively performed a blissfully silent session of Chi Kung in the park. Thereafter it was 7 hours of theory and practice only interrupted by a post-lunch break in the forest where in the shadow of the high trees a very laid-back game of soccer was played.

The European Junior Championships take place from the 29th of July until the 7th of August. Results and livestream can be found on www.epconline.eu. Here the Russian players can be seen battling it out. Other powerhouses in the championship are the Netherlands, Germany and Poland.

Molly Newbold Q & A

Rileys talk to the world’s youngest female snooker referee 18-year-old Molly Newbold. Molly, from Derby, has officiated at matches featuring cue stars Ronnie O’Sullivan and Jimmy White. Molly is sponsored by Rileys, the UK’s largest pool and snooker operator with 120 clubs nationwide.

Molly, will you please bring us up to date with the latest developments in your career?
I have passed my Class Two and Three exams with the English Association of Snooker & Billiards. I hope to pass my Class One exams in the next couple of months which means I will be able to referee international professional tournaments.

Are you following in the footsteps of Michaela Tabb?
Michaela Tabb is my idol. She has given me lots of advice and spoken to me about her experiences as a referee. I see her as a type of mentor, and we stay in touch.

Do you like playing snooker?
I used to play a bit, but I haven’t done so for ages. Refereeing snooker is my passion. I’ve wanted to be a snooker referee since I was 12.

What do your teachers expect you to be doing now?
They all knew I wanted to be a snooker referee. So I think they expect me to be refereeing!

Who is your favourite player?
I have to say Ben Woolaston - as he is my fiancé! We met at an exhibition when I refereed one of his games. Ben is a professional snooker player, but I’m not allowed to referee his games anymore!

What was your most embarrassing moment in snooker?
When I was refereeing my first match, I mixed up the yellow ball and the green ball. I put them on the wrong spots. Someone had to correct me!

What do you think of the waistcoats and bow tie image?
I think waistcoats and bow ties look smart and professional. I wouldn’t like to see that change.

Do you like any other sports?
I sometimes watch tennis and football, but mainly it is just snooker.

How can snooker attract more women to the game?
I guess through Michaela Tabb. She is a big inspiration to young women who want to be involved. Also Reanne Evans is a leading light. She is now competing in some of the same competitions as the men.

What other interests do you have?
I enjoy writing, and I am working on a novel at the moment. My dream is to have something published one day.

What car do you drive?
I passed my driving test at the end of February. I have a Smart car.

What is your favourite film?
Message In A Bottle.

What is your favourite TV programme?
X Factor.

Favourite band?
Snow Patrol.

Favourite clothes shop/designer?
I love shoes. My favourite shop is Hobbs!

Best freebie?
My sponsorship from Rileys. It is great to be recognised.

Filipinos Seek Glory Against A Formidable Line Up Of The World’s Best Cue-Masters
by Marlon Bernardino

After a grueling qualification process in 13 cities within Indonesia, the 2010 Guinness World Series of Pool – 10Ball Challenge has finally entered the Grand Finals stage, where 10 of the country’s best cue-artists led by current World No. 2 Lee Vann Corteza take on 54 of the best professional pool masters in the world at the Mall Taman Anggrek Jakarta from July 29- August 01, 2010.

The road to glory will not be easy featuring top names of the sport aiming to clinch the title the first ever GWSOP champion. Organized by ESPN STAR Sports, Jakarta will welcome a stellar list of pool talents from across the globe such as current World No. 1 Mika Immonen (FIN), current World No. 3 Ralf Souquet (GER), Thorsten ‘The Hitman’ Hohmann (GER), 2004 WPA Champion Alex ‘The Lion’ Pagulayan (PHI), 2007 US Open 9Ball Champion Shane Van Boening (USA), Stevie Moore (USA), and current World No. 5 Darren Appleton (GBR) to its shores.

In addition, the recent qualifiers saw contenders from the Philippines and Taiwan, two countries with a strong reputation of producing some of the sharpest billiard players in the world, excelled in the elimination field to qualify for 12 Grand Final slots. However, with hometown pride and USD$95,000 in prize money at stake, pool fans can expect nothing less but greatness from the local challengers.

Following through in its promise and commitment towards supporting the development of pool, Guinness has partnered with ESPN STAR Sports to present the region’s best talents and provides a golden opportunity for aspiring Indonesian billiard artists to showcase their abilities against battle hardened professional players in Indonesia’s very first international 10 Ball tournament .

Other Filipino in the main draw that includes Dennis Orcullo, Ronato Alcano, Antonio Lining, Jundel Mazon, and Victor Arpilleda.

Said John Galvin, Marketing Manager, Guinness: “The 2010 Guinness World Series of Pool – 10Ball Challenge demonstrates Guinness’ commitment towards development in pool in Indonesia to hone local talents and showcase it against the world’s best professional pool masters. Hence, it is a proud moment for us to stage this series of landmark pool events, culminating in the Grand finals in Jakarta”.

Said Harvey Davis, Vice President, ESPN STAR Sports Event Management Group: “We are delighted to partner with Guinness again for this event and we’re committed to offer our expertise to showcase the best cuesport action and ensure that the event will be held at the highest international standards for the competitors and spectators. With over 15 hours of exhilarating pool action broadcast live over STAR Sports, we will be able to provide fans across the region a spectacular billiard event. This is also a great avenue for us to work hand in hand with Guinness with their thrust of promoting the growth of the sport not just in Indonesia but across Asia as well.”

Telecast of the 2010 Guinness World Series of Pool – 10Ball challenge will be carried LIVE on STAR Sports with fifteen hours of exhilarating competition from July 30 to August 01, 2010. Broadcast times are as follows:Marlon Bernardino

Fri, July 30, 2010 from 17.00-21.30 (HKT) - Preliminaries
Sat, July 31, 2010 from 12.00-18.00 (HKT) - Quarterfinals
Sun, August 01, 2010 from 12.00-17.00 (HKT) - Semifinals & Finals

(Competition on Friday will start at 11.00 (HKT); TV Schedules subject to change without prior notice)

The 2010 Guinness World Series of Pool – 10Ball Challenge is sanctioned by the Asian Pocket Billiard Union (APBU) and organized by ESPN STAR Sports' Event Management Group (EMG). Guinness is the title sponsor for the Event. The local sanctioning body is the All Indonesian Billiards Association (POBSI). Iwan Simonis and Aramith supply the official tablecloth and official balls respectively. Murray provides the official pool table while Predator is the official cue. STAR Sports is the official broadcaster.

Please visit www.guinnessworldpool.com and www.facebook/guinnessindonesia for more information

Statement From Peter Ebdon

Peter Ebdon, the World number 18, has released the following statement:

"I would like to make it known that I consider that I will not be in a position to play to the best of my ability in my Roewe Shanghai Masters qualifying match in Sheffield next week.

"This is down to personal circumstances, including the fact that I am getting re-married in Hungary this weekend. Since playing in a recent tournament in Thailand I have not been able to practise, and by the time the qualifiers come around I will not have played for ten days or more.

"I know just how bad I can be when I don't feel properly prepared as I am the type of player who needs to practise hard in order to play to a reasonable standard.

"As always, I will be doing my utmost to win what is a very important match for me but in truth, my levels of expectation will not be very high."

BCA Names Ivan Lee of Iwan Simonis 2010-2011 Board Chairman

Broomfield, Colo. - July 28, 2010 - During its general membership meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 13, 2010, the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) announced the results of the 2010-2011 Board of Directors elections, which are as follows:

Category 1 (Manufacturer/Distributor)

    * Austin Rothbard (Brunswick Corporation), three-year term
    * Elaine Gerber (Presidential Billiards, LP), three-year term
    * Martin Bloom (Olhausen Billiard Mfg., Inc.), three-year term
    * Thomas Rodgers (Robertson Billiard Supplies), three-year term

Category 2 (Retailer)

    * Tony Stick (The Billiard Factory), three-year term

Category 3 (Room Operator)

    * Nick Alexander (Clicks Billiards), three-year term

In follow-up elections, Ivan Lee (Iwan Simonis, Inc.) accepted a one-year term as BCA Board Chairman, as did each of the remaining seated officers: First Vice Chairman Karim Belhaj (Predator Group); Second Vice Chairman Kathy Vegh (Danny Vegh's Billiards & Home); Secretary Skip Nemecek (Tweeten Fibre Co., Inc.); and Treasurer Mike Serra (MBS Group).

The remaining directors include: George Darafeev (Mikhail Darafeev, Inc.); Tom Gregory (Toltec Lighting); Danny Kuykendall (Danny K's Billiards); Fred Cohen (D&R Industries/Championship LLC) and Eric Weber (CueStix International, Inc).

"I look forward to teaming with a very experienced and talented group of individuals who are committed the Billiard Congress of America and its mission to enhance the success of its members and promote the game of billiards," said Chairman Lee. "The additional representation from the table manufacturers is welcome and their support and input will be invaluable over the next three years."

Francisco Bustamante, Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart Gain BCA Hall of Fame Election

Filipino star enters in Greatest Player category; Hubbart, Bell recognized for Meritorious Service

BROOMFIELD, Colo., July 27, 2010 - Francisco Bustamante, one of the most accomplished players to come out of the Philippines, has been elected for induction into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in voting conducted by the United States Billiard Media Association. Also, in the category of Meritorious Service, Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart, founders of the American Poolplayers Association league system in 1979, were elected for induction. Bustamante, 46; Bell, 66; and Hubbart, 69, will be formally inducted into the BCA Hall of Fame on Oct. 21 during ceremonies in conjunction with the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship in Chesapeake, Va.

Bustamante, nicknamed "Django" because of a resemblance to the lead character in a Western film of the same name, was born in the Philippine province of Tarlac. He began playing pocket billiards at 10 years old, and began competing in the United States in the early 1990s. He hit his stride in the United States in 1997, winning two Camel Pro Billiard Tour events. He was named Billiards Digest's and Pool & Billiard Magazine's Player of the Year in 1998 after notching four major tournament wins, and he earned Billiards Digest's and Inside Pool's Player of the Year titles again in 2002, winning five major events in the U.S. and abroad, and finishing second at the World Pool Championship.

Bustamante finally garnered his first recognized world title in 2010, winning the WPA World 9-Ball Championship in Doha, Qatar. His strongest game is 9-ball, where his blockbuster break is legendary; although he is more than proficient at all the major games, as witnessed by his All-Around title at the 2008 Derby City Classic.

Upon hearing the news that he would be the second Filipino in the BCA Hall of Fame (after Efren Reyes' 2003 induction), Bustamante was completely shocked.

"Really? I'm still young!" Bustamante said. "Two things that I always dreamed of were to be world champion and to be in the Hall of Fame. This year both dreams came true. We all dream to be in the BCA Hall of Fame, so I am very happy today. We are heroes in the Philippines, but for the American people to recognize me like this makes me very proud."

Longtime road players and accomplished professionals, Bell and Hubbart decided to reach out to the grassroots players in 1979 through an amateur pool league they called the American Poolplayers Association (APA). Nationwide league systems like the BCA National 8-Ball leagues and Valley National Eight-Ball Association were just getting started as well, but Bell and Hubbart opted to go in another direction. They developed a handicapping system to allow players of all skill levels to compete against each other. With the handicapping system in place, they began franchising their concept.

Bell and Hubbart spent several years pouring all of their time and resources into developing the APA and its franchise system. With the support of sponsorship from Busch beer as a title sponsor beginning in 1981, the APA grew from 1,000 to 100,000 members over the next decade. Their ability to garner such non-endemic national sponsorship allowed the APA to grow into a league that today has more than a 250 thousand players and 270 franchisees. As a matter of fact, the APA was listed earlier this year as one of Entrepreneur Magazine's "10 Great Franchises For Less Than $20,000."

"We were outcasts for a long time because we were looked at as competition," Bell said. "But Larry and I just tried to build a business and do something worthwhile. We've always felt like we've done things that have helped the industry."

Voting was conducted by the USBMA Hall of Fame Board, which consists of USBMA members, elected At-Large members and living members of the BCA Hall of Fame. Induction is awarded to the player named on the most ballots. A second player is elected if he or she is named on more than 70 percent of the ballots. Bustamante (56 percent) was the leading vote getter, edging out familiar foe Ralf Souquet (46 percent) and fellow Filipino Jose Parica (44 percent). No other players were named on more than a quarter of submitted ballots.

According to BCA Hall of Fame voting rules, this was the last year of eligibility for Parica and Jim Mataya in the Greatest Players category. Both individuals will be past the age of 60 in 2011, which means the Veterans Committee will consider them for possible induction in future years.

To be eligible for consideration in the Greatest Player category, a player a) must be 40 years old by Jan. 1 of the year of their induction; b) must have a professional playing career of at least 10 years; and c) must have recorded significant achievements in U.S.-based events.

Hubbart and Bell were placed on the general election ballot after the USBMA's Board's 10-member Meritorious Service Committee named them as its official nominee. Thirty-one of 39 board members voted to approve Hubbart and Bell, with a simple majority required for induction.

Well glad to say we beat the BCA to the draw. Francisco Bustamante was elected to the Spanish Hall of Fame in June of this year along with his countryman, Efren Reyes.

Hearn’s impact is a fillip for snooker

World Snooker’s new chairman Barry Hearn is having the major impact that snooker needs, according to the manufacturers of Strachan billiard cloth.

“New events and new sponsors are giving the game a much-needed shot in the arm,” says the company’s marketing director Duncan Kettell (pictured).

“We have always felt that someone with Barry Hearn’s understanding of the game could unlock snooker’s intrinsic appeal to fans around the world.

“Barry has the entrepreneurial flare that appeals to sponsors and has begun to introduce new formats that are attractive to players and television companies.

“In response, we are already seeing other organisations, such as the International Billiards & Snooker Federation, which manages the amateur game, launching their first ever world 6-reds championships.

“And World Snooker is hosting a 6-reds event in Bangkok which will create further financial opportunities for professionals and boost interest in the game in the Far East,” said Kettell.

Strachan cloth will be specified at these and many other new events, including the newly-sponsored pokerstars.com Masters at Wembley and the totesport.com Welsh Open.

“Barry’s other suggestions, such as a new order of merit on the professional circuit and an international team world cup, will add further impetus to the game,” added Kettell.

Dott To Face Robertson In Glasgow Showdown

Scotland's Graeme Dott will play Australia's Neil Robertson in the first round of snooker's new World Open, which comes to Glasgow in September.

The random draw for the tournament pitched Pocket Dynamo Dott against Thunder From Down Under Robertson in a repeat of the Betfred.com World Snooker Championship final, which Robertson won 18-13 in May.

The World Open has been described as the 'nothing Cup' of snooker and includes innovations such as quick-fire best-of-five frame matches, a random draw, and the chance for amateur players to enter the qualifiers and get all the way through to meet the sport's top stars. It runs from September 18 to 26 at the SECC.

And World Snooker is offering a fantastic HALF PRICE TICKET OFFER!! For as little as £5 you can see three matches, with the world's top players in action. DON'T MISS THIS INCREDIBLE OFFER!! BOOK NOW by calling 0844 395 4000 or visiting www.worldsnooker.com/tickets. For the half price offer quote 'celebrate snooker'.

The clash between Dott and Roberton will be the opening match of the tournament, at 2.30pm on Saturday, September 18.

Larkhall's Dott, the 2006 World Champion, said: "It will be strange to play Neil in the first round. It's a tough draw for both of us. It's good to be playing him in Scotland and I'm sure I will get a lot of support. The match is only the best of five frames so you can't really compare it to the World final.

"I've never done well in tournaments with short formats, for some reason they don't suit me. But I totally agree with having new formats for snooker and I understand what (World Snooker Chairman) Barry Hearn is doing, and I'll be trying my best to do well."

Dott suffered a sharp loss of form in 2008 and dropped out of the world's top 16, but has since bounced back to No 13. "It makes a massive difference being in the top 16 and not having to go through the qualifiers," he added. "Luckily I was only out for one season. But the rankings change during the season now, so I have to start winning matches otherwise I could drop out again."

Other than Dott v Robertson, ten more matches from the last 64 stage will be played at the SECC, including:

Ali Carter v qualifier (Sept 18, afternoon session)
Stephen Maguire v qualifier (Sept 18, afternoon session)
Steve Davis v Peter Ebdon (Sept 18, not before 7pm)
Stephen Hendry v qualifier (Sept 19, 2pm)
Ding Junhui v qualifier (Sept 19, afternoon session)
Mark Selby v Barry Hawkins (Sept 19, evening session)
Ronnie O'Sullivan v Mark King (Sept 20, 12.30pm)
(three more to be confirmed)

All other matches will be played in the qualifying stage at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield from August 21-24, when top amateur players from around the UK and overseas will be battling against professionals for a place in the final stages.

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

Lone Indonesian Bet Nasution, Rises To The Challenge

July 31, 2010: Stellar performances from current world no. 5 Darren Appleton and 2007 Guinness 9ball Tour champion Chang Jung-Lin were overshadowed by an incredible performance in the quarterfinal rounds from unheralded Indonesian Irsal Nasution who conquered former double world champion Ronato Alcano to book a seat at the semifinals of the 2010 Guinness World Series of Pool – 10Ball challenge at the Mal Taman Anggrek, Jakarta Indonesia.

Scoring a beautiful 6 – 10 corner pocket combination at the 2nd rack to enter the scoring board, the 23 year old Indonesian hailing from West Sumatra obviously came well prepared in his match against the Filipino heavyweight.

With the score tied at 2 racks a piece, a flawless safety on the blue 2ball from Nasution saw the Filipino commit his first grave error of the match as Alcano misjudged his counter safety attempt to completely expose the table for an easy run-out from the local bet.

Things took a turn for the worse for Alcano in the middle stages where he simply was just trying too much. Missing a bank shot on the 10ball in the 8th frame and forcing the issue on a 9ball corner pocket shot resulted in another successful string of clean ups by his soft-spoken rival to have the score 6 – 3 in favor of the Nasution.

Rare unforced errors at the 10th and 11th racks from the Indonesian gave Alcano some breathing room however. But with the full support of the crowd and a growing confidence in his stroke it was only a matter of time until Nasution claimed victory.

True, enough one final mistake from Alcano on a 4 – 10 combination center pocket blunder sealed his fate as Nasution, after cleaning up the mess, gave Alcano a taste of his own medicine - bagging the emphatic victory with his own 9 – 10 combination.

A jubilant Nasution remarked: "This felt good. I have been practicing so hard these past few months and things are finally paying off. I did not expect to win against Alcano but fortunately my game was on and I was surprised to able to match him all throughout the match. What makes this even more special is the fact that I won in front of my home crowd. This gives me even more confidence going into the semifinals tomorrow."

In contrast Alcano said: “I am disappointed with my performance today. The match was actually pretty even from the start. But it was Nasution who came up first with the big shots. I think that was the key because clearly, momentum was his after that. Although this hurts, I wish him well for the remainder of the tournament. Having him win will give a big boost to pool in Indonesia.”

Earlier in the day, Europe’s last hope for glory Appleton, became the first player to advance to the semifinals after defeating his Mosconi cup team mate and close friend Ralf Souquet 8 – 4 while Chang the last remaining Chinese-Taipei contender, continued to make his country proud by beating American Stevie Moore 8 - 2 in their quarterfinal clashes. Completing the final four is Jundel Mazon who emerged on top versus Japan’s top seed Naoyuki Oi 8 -6 .

Tomorrow’s semifinals see Nasution hoping to avenge the loss of countryman Ricky Yang when he faces Chang and Mazon having his hands full going up against Appleton.

Pool fans can catch the semifinals and final round of the 2010 Guinness World Series of Pool – 10Ball challenge, broadcast LIVE on STAR Sports tomorrow August 01, 2010

Darren Appleton (GBR) vs Jundel Mazon (PHI)                     from 11.00-12.30

Chang Jung-Lin (TPE) vs Irsal Nasution (INA)                        from 12.30-14.00

Finals                                                                                     from 14.00-15.30