Site News
Topic: *Industry News* 2011

Caesarscasino.com To Sponsor Snooker Shoot-Out

Caesarscasino.com has signed up as the title sponsor of the Snooker Shoot-Out, a brand new tournament to take place in Blackpool later this month and televised live on Sky Sports.

The event will be known as the Caesarscasino.com Snooker Shoot-Out and will run from January 28 to 30 at the Circus Arena in the north-west seaside town.

It's an innovative format for the one-frame knockout tournament with frames lasting a maximum of ten minutes and a shot-clock to ensure fast moving action. The world's top 64 players, including Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, Jimmy White, Ding Junhui and Neil Robertson will be battling for the £32,000 top prize.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: "We're delighted to bring Caesars Casino, a globally recognised online gaming firm, on board for what will be a fantastic and frenetic three days of snooker.

"This is the most radical of the new tournaments we have introduced to the calendar this season. It will be full of drama and glamour, bringing the sport to a younger audience. It will be great fun for those watching on Sky and I'm expecting a packed house in the arena.

"We're excited about working with the team from Caesars and looking forward to a thrilling event."

Sabin Brooks, Head of Marketing for Caesarscasino.com, added: "Caesarscasino.com is delighted to be sponsoring the innovative and ground breaking new Snooker Shoot-Out event. Our brand is all about excitement so the association was just too strong for us to miss the opportunity to be part of it."

Owned by Caesars Entertainment Inc. in Las Vegas, the world's largest gaming company, CaesarsCasino.com is the UK's only real Las Vegas Casino experience with a full complement of casino games including exciting slots, roulette, blackjack and baccarat. CaesarsCasino.com uses the latest Gamesys technology allowing UK residents to experience the browser-based, no download online gaming product. CaesarsCasino.com offers offer terrific prizes, jackpots, bonuses and promotions including all-expense paid trips to the iconic Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Tickets for the tournament are on sale now, and you can see 16 matches for just £10! For details call 0844 856 1000 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/shootout

"The Masters" 10-Ball Tournament

Pay during the month of January and get a $100 discount!

Player entry fee:

$400 Today!
$500(February 1-February 21)
$550(February 22-March 1)

Take advantage of the awesome discount, sign up today at BilliardHQ.com

There is a 128 player max for this event, so please be sure to to pay your entry ASAP.

"The Masters" 10-Ball Tournamant VIP Seats are now on sale!

Get up close and personal with your favorite player, purchase your VIP seat today!

Prices of VIP seats are as follows; 5 day pass for $150, 4 day pass for $135, 3 day pass for $120.

Register online a BilliardHQ.com

Thank you and we hope to see you all in March!

Sincerely,
Barry Behrman
Shannon Behrman Paschall
U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships    
"The Masters" 10-Ball Tournament

Facebook.com/masters10ball

“The Pearl” Heads to UAE for 2011 World 8-Ball Championship

After a 3 year hiatus from the world pool stage, legend Earl “the Pearl” Strickland is back and in prime form. “The Pearl” will once again be representing the United States in the World 8-Ball Championships February 19-26, 2011 in the United Arab Emirates.

Sponsored by Mike Gulyassy Custom Cues, Ice Breakers Billiards, and CueSports International (CSI), Strickland received his well earned invite to the world 8-Ball event due to his stellar comeback throughout the past year. In 2010, he started the year winning the 8-Ball division of the U.S. Bar Table Championships and ended the year winning the Steve Mizerak Championship and tied for 7-8th in the Turning Stone Classic XVI.

Strickland ascended the U.S. ranks quickly in 2010 and is currently the 6th highest rated U.S. player. Buzz has already started about the possibility of Strickland once again being invited to play on the U.S. Mosconi Cup Team. If this occurs, it would mark Strickland’s 14th and unprecedented year playing in the popular and revered U.S. vs. Europe team event produced by UK firm Matchroom Sport.

While some argue that competitive pool is a young man’s sport, the 2006 Hall of Fame recipient, 5 time U.S. Open 9-Ball and the 6 time world champion is poised to prove that perception wrong. At 49 Strickland is playing better than ever and is more determined than ever to win. Also known for his natural athletic ability, “the Pearl” adheres to a regime that includes running approximately 8 miles a day. He is also known for his prowess on the golf course.

The world 8-Ball event conflicts with the 18th U.S. Bar Table Championships, which is produced by Strickland sponsor CSI. However, CSI fully supports “the Pearl” in his decision to play in Fujairah and wishes him the best in the World 8-Ball Championship. For more information about Earl Strickland visit his page on the CSI site at www.playcsipool.com.

CueSports International is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League 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.

WPA WORLD 8 BALL CHAMPIONSHIP 2011
MIDDLE EAST OPEN QUALIFIERS

Dates 12th – 17th February 2011
Venue : Master Club for Billiards and Snooker Club
Ras Al Khaima, UAE

There are 9 spots available in Stage Two which will start in Fujairah from 19th to 26th of February in Fujairah Expo Centre.

Qualifying tournament information

ENTRY FEE - $80US or 300 DHS Per Single Tournament
Pay in Advance for 4 tournaments and get the 5th one free Cost for this is $280US or 1000 AED. This offer only applies if you pay before you play your first match.

There will be 9 separate events and you can play in a maximum of 5. On some days you may play in 2 tournaments but the tournament schedule will be set by the Tournament Director who cannot guarantee any requested times.

Tournament Hotel : Holiday Inn, Ras Al khaima 4 star hotel
(15 minutes walking distance from the venue. 5 minutes by car)

Price $120US a night including breakfast for Double Room
Deadline for the registration is the 8th of February. After this date you may still enter the events but places are limited so you cannot be guaranteed a spot. To ensure a place please fill out the registration form and send to :

Captain Douglas Gordon pro9dg@hotmail.com
or text to +44 7593843987

B-LEAGUE’S BAUTISTA NOW A BUGSY
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

MANILA---A sensational young pool player of the National Collegiate Billiards League (B-League) is now a member of the Bugsy Promotions- a billiards stable of the country’s finest players owned by sports patron Perry Mariano. A graduating high school student of St. Mary’s College in Quezon City , 13 year-old Rodlin John ‘RJ’ Bautista plays for his school’s billiards team competing in the junior division of the B-League. Bautista’s exploits skills and talents in the early pace of the league sponsored by Accel, H2O Hotel, Manila Ocean Park, Star Publications, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Negros Billiards Stable, Malungai Life Oil, Niknok Pritson Manok, Hermes Sports Bar, Human Plus, Star Billiards Center, Brunswick, Bugsy Promotions and Mediacom caught the attention and criteria of Mariano who co-organized the B-League in search for potential young players who will represent the country in the future international competitions. “He (Bautista) possesses the quality of future world class players starting from personality, dedication and discipline. With proper training and motivation, he is bound for glory in the sport of billiards,” said Mariano who formally announced the acquisition of Bautista as a new member of Bugsy’s. “I’m focused in the promotion of B-League. I don’t believe that out-of-school players are all capable of being champion. Collegiate players will uplift the status of billiards as a real sports discipline not for gambling or for the color of money.

B-League will produce more world class pool sharks in the near future. Bautista, who lives in Bagumbayan, Quezon City started playing at the age of 10 in their own billiards table bought by his supportive father Rodrigo (Bautista).

He finds quality time in playing billiards after his school hours and during vacations. One of his major titles in his young career is when he pocketed the Tiger Cup Championship held at the Star Paper Billiards Center last year. “I’m very honored to be a member of famous Bugsy Promotions. I’ll try my best to reach their expectations. My ambition to become a national billiards player is nearing to reality with the support of Mr. Mariano,” said Bautista who is regularly training at the Skirts Billiards in Timog as a benefactor of Bugsy Promotion along with Asian Games 2010 gold medalist and world class Dennis ‘Robocop’ Orcollo, Roberto “Superman’ Gomez, Carlo ‘The Cool’ Biado and Hadley Mariano of a Lasalle Greenhills junior billiards team. One more strong contender to become a Bugsy player is Biondi Te of Xavier School also from the B-League co-organized by Reli de Leon.

Philippine Open Qualifiers
RayaSports

Those who wish to join the Qualifiers for the Philippine Open Pool Championship can now register by going to www.rayasports.wordpress.com/philippine-open/phil-open-qualifier-form/ and filling in the electronic form or downloading the PDF file of the form.

OBITUARY
SPORTSWRITER/ CHESS PLAYER DAD DIES AT 77

ALMARIO Llamas-Bernardino died on Tuesday. He was 77.

Llamas-Bernardino, father of sportswriter/ radio commentator,RP and US chess master Almario Marlon Quiroz Bernardino Jr., breathed his last at 7 p.m. at the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (formerly known as Labor Hospital) in Quezon City,Philippines.

"He moved on peacefully, and with quiet gentleness all around him.We will miss you dad," said Almario Marlon, a member of the National Press Club and SCOOP media group, delegation head and coach of RP Memory Team and also part of the coaching staff of La Salle Green Hills (LSGH), the reigning NCAA chess champion and Prada chess champion.

Llamas-Bernardino survived by wife Nelia Quiroz Bernardino and children Almario Marlon, Michael, Marinel and Anthony.

His remains lie in state at the Bernardino residence, 29 Batay Street, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines. Interment will be announced later.Call or text +63 919 849 3648 (smart) and +63 916 446 8123 (globe) for more details.

PAGULAYAN CROWNED NEW BANKS CHAMPION AFTER BEATING ALCANO AT DERBY; POCKETS $10,000
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

THE Philippines’ Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan trounced compatriot Ronato "Volcano" Alcano in an all Filipino Finale to rule the 9-ball banks division of the 13th Annual Derby City Classic being held at the Horseshoe Casino in Elizabeth, Indiana, USA on Tuesday.

The Cabagan, Isabela native cue artists, took home top prize $10,000 for his latest feat.
　
"This is the first year I’m not tired yet," said Pagulayan, a stalwart of Puyat Sports of sportsman/ businessman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, who has been spending much time in Las Vegas recently, walking seven miles a day and devoting his life to the game again.

"Matagal-tagal na din tayong hindi nagkampeon kasi matagal din tayong nahinto sa paglalaro," said Pagulayan, a former World 9-ball and US Open 9-ball champion.

Pagulayan next event is the Fat Boy 10-ball challenge which begins today.Fellow Puyat Sports ace Efren "Bata" Reyes is the defending Fat Boy 10-ball challenge champion after beating hometown hero Brandon Shuff into a virtual workout as finished with 15-8.
　
Reyes, much known the "Magician" in pool circuit who also won the Master of the Table award last year, failed to participate in this year's edition due to back problems kept according to the official website AZ Billiards.com report.

Captain Targets Blackpool Jackpot

Ali Carter hopes to turn an hour's work into a £32,000 jackpot at the Caesarscasino.com Snooker Shoot-Out this weekend.

The brand new tournament, which runs from Friday to Sunday at the Circus Arena in Blackpool, boasts an innovative one-frame knockout format, with frames to last a maximum of ten minutes.

The world's top 64 players, including Ronnie O'Sullivan, Jimmy White, Stephen Hendry, John Higgins, Neil Robertson and Steve Davis, will be battling for the top prize. Players start off with £500 and double their money with every win, the total prize fund standing at £130,000.

"It's ten minutes a frame and I'd need to win six matches in all, so that could be £32,000 for an hour's work!" said Captain Carter, who won his second ranking title at the Roewe Shanghai Masters last September. "That's the best way to look at the event - to treat it like a bit of fun, knowing you've got a chance of winning.

"You can't approach it in the same way as the World Championship because you could break off, see the other guy make it big break and then go home."

The tournament will receive extensive live television coverage from Sky Sports. Players will be given 'ball in hand' after any foul and there's also a shot clock of 20 seconds for the first five minutes and 15 seconds for the last five minutes.

Carter believes his fluent style could give him an advantage. "I've played with a 20-second shot clock before and dealt with it easily enough," said the Essex cueman. "Even 15 seconds shouldn't be a problem. If you treat it as a fun event then you will naturally play quickly. You just have to make sure you are on the pulse in terms of being ready to get to the table when your opponent misses, rather than sitting in your seat."

Carter faces Whirlwind White in his opening match, in the first session of the tournament, which starts at 6pm on Friday. Tickets are available for just £10 and there are 16 matches in that session - so that's a chance to see 32 of the world's best players for a tenner!

There is also a SPECIAL OFFER on tickets - TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE on any adult ticket. Just quote the code 'SHO241' when purchasing tickets.

And there are VIP tickets available which offer the chance to come backstage and mix with the stars.

For details call 0844 856 1000 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/shootout

Dragon & Rocket at Poison Pool School & Shows at Mark II Lounge & Red Shoe Billiards

Chicago, IL – Poison Cues will bring world class billiard professionals Charlie Williams and Rodney Morris to Chicago for two special appearances at the Mark II Lounge and Red Shoe Billiards on February 1 and February 2. Red Shoe Billiards will host the first event, The Poison Pro Pool School, a five hour class developed to help players of all levels improve critical game skills such as breaking, cue ball control, power draw and follow shots. Participants can expect to learn how to improve their overall technique and identify how to take their games to the next level.

Players can register for The Poison Pro Pool School before the event at Red Shoe Billiards in person, via e-mail at propoolschool1 (at) gmail.com or by calling (407) 782-4978. For more information, click on the following link: www.facebook.com/koreandragon#!/photo.php?fbid=10150128636766419&set=a.10150128636696419.327924.156065621418.

On February 2, the Mark II Lounge will host The Poison Pro Challenge, a special event featuring a trick shot exhibition, player/fan challenges and a VIP dinner with both Charlie Williams and Rodney Morris. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and space is limited. Interested players and enthusiasts should make reservations by calling (773) 274-8623. For additional information, visit www.facebook.com/koreandragon#!/photo.php?fbid=10150128636721419&set=a.10150128636696419.327924.156065621418.

"We are really excited to host Charlie and Rodney. It's not everyday the Mark II Lounge gets to host two of the world's greatest players. We want to expand our business and reach more billiard enthusiasts so this will be a great event for us," said Tony Anton, owner of the Mark II Lounge.

Dragon Promotions, promoter of these two exciting events, manages both Charlie Williams and Rodney Morris. Simonis Cloth and Master Chalk will sponsor the events. For more information on Dragon Promotions’ worldwide events and players, visit www.dragonpromotions.com and follow Dragon Promotions on FaceBook at www.facebook.com/dragonpromotionsnews.

Predator Group, an international billiards industry leader, is focused on bringing constant innovation and game-improving equipment to billiards players worldwide. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, Predator Group’s core brands include Predator Cues – high-end (professional level) cues with revolutionary technology to enhance performance, Poison Billiards – recreational cues with cutting-edge designs and Predator engineering for best-in-class playability, and Uni-Loc® – precision billiards equipment manufacturer. For more information regarding Predator Group’s products, visit www.predatorgroup.com.

Williams instructs some fans in Bangalore, India

European Championships 2011 in Brandenburg to be broadcast by Eurosport

Eurosport 2 will broadcast semifinals and finals of the European Pool Championships in Brandenburg LIVE!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011: The European Pool Billiard Championships for Men, Women and Wheelchair competition are foreshadowed. While the European National Federations are in the final stages of announcing their players to the event, the organizer succeeded this week in getting six hours of LIVE TV on Eurosport 2, one of the main sports channels in Europe with a possible audience of 42 million (!) viewers.

Starting on March 24th, more than 250 athletes representing 34 countries from all over Europe will compete for the various titles in the three divisions Men, Women and Wheelchair pool billiard. Ten days of high class pool will follow. On March 31st, these matches of the 9-ball competition will be aired LIVE:

 14:45-16:45 semifinal #1
 17:00-19:00 semifinal #2
 20:00-22:00 final match

The event will be hosted by the European Governing Body for Pool, the European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) and organized by International Billiard Promotion (IBP). For further information and reference please go to the event website www.epconline.eu or contact our press office.

Statement: Jimmy Michie v Marcus Campbell

The WPBSA has been made aware, by bookmakers, of suspicious betting patterns on the match between Jimmy Michie and Marcus Campbell at the Caesarscasino.com Snooker Shoot-Out on Friday evening.

The match in the one-frame knockout tournament in Blackpool was won by Campbell, 32 points to 21. An usually high number of bets had been placed on Campbell to win the match.

The matter has been passed on to David Douglas, head of the WPBSA's Integrity Unit, for a thorough and immediate investigation.

WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson said: "We take the threat of corrupt activity very seriously and we are treating this matter with the utmost urgency. Having set up the Integrity Unit last year, we have the mechanisms in place to make a full investigation."

ends

Philippine Open Moved to April 5-11

The WPA is pleased to announce that Raya Sport has agreed to move the dates of the Philippine Open to April 5-11, 2011. This alleviates a crowding problem with the international sports calendar and should help players around the globe to better schedule their activities. As the number of events around the world increases it will be vital for all promoters to work together to make certain that players and fans can make the most efficient use of their travel times and expenditures.

Licence To Thrill - Bond Wins New Snooker Shoot-Out

Nigel Bond completed his mission at the Caesarscasino.com Snooker Shoot-Out by beating Robert Milkins in the final of the new tournament.

Veteran Bond won his first televised tournament in 14 years by beating Milkins 58-24 in the one-frame knockout event at the Circus Arena in Blackpool.


The three-day event featured the world's top 64 players and an innovative format with a shot clock and frames lasting a maximum of ten minutes. And it provided plenty of gripping drama with several frames decided in the dying seconds.

Derbyshire's Bond, age 45 and ranked 37th in the world, eventually took the £32,000 top prize and won his first title since the 1997 Scottish Masters.

He built a 20-2 lead in the final, then capitalised on a loose safety from Gloucester's Milkins to pot a long red and compile a calm break of 38, which proved decisive.

"It's amazing to be a champion again after all these years," said the player who lost to Stephen Hendry in the 1995 World Championship final and beat John Higgins to win the British Open the following year. "This event is not for the feint-hearted, but I proved I can still pot the balls under pressure when it matters.

"With the shot clock you've got no time to think, you just go for the first ball you see and knock it in the hole. It stops you thinking about what can go wrong. It's been a fantastic event, a great atmosphere with full crowds every day."

It's one of a range of new tournaments introduced by World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn this season, and Bond is optimistic about the future of the sport.

"If anyone can turn it around, Barry will," he added. "Only time will tell, but best of luck to him. This tournament has been brilliant for me, it's helped to get more of a buzz about the game and it's good to have snooker back on Sky television.

"We've got another new event next week in Berlin, the German Masters, and I'm looking forward to that because they've sold thousands of tickets and hopefully it will be a similar atmosphere."

Ronnie O'Sullivan made two of the four centuries scored during the event, including the top break of 123. The Rocket reached the semi-finals before being stopped by World No 36 Milkins, while Bond beat Marcus Campbell in the other semi.

WPA World Rankings

Due to the close proximity on the calendar of many WPA events this spring we will be using a static ranking list for several events in order to provide the time required for proper invitations to be sent and travel arrangements to be made. This is how the rankings list will be used for these events:

The rankings list will apply for events as follows:

The rankings after they have been adjusted following the completion of the 8-Ball WC will apply for the following events:
PHILIPPINE OPEN
BEIJING OPEN
WORLD TEN BALL CHAMPIONSHIP

The rankings after they have been adjusted following the completion of the Philippine Open will apply for the following events:
CHINA OPEN

The rankings after they have been adjusted following the completion of the 10-Ball WC will apply for the following events:
9-BALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

.............CORRECTION.................

The ranking list time of use (above) sent yesterday contained an error. The rankings as they currently stand will be used for both the World 8-Ball and the Philippine Open. So to restate the entire schedule:

The current rankings will apply for the 8-Ball WC and Philippine Open;

The rankings to be used for the Beijing Open and 10-Ball WC will be as they stand after the 8-Ball WC has been calculated; and

the rankings to be used for the China Open will be as they stand after the Philippine Open has been calculated; and

the rankings to be used for the 9-Ball WC will be as they stand after the 10-Ball WC has been calculated.

Predator MyKon Billiard Cue-Design Contest Narrowed to Two Finalists
Facebook feedback and unique design inspires Predator to also create new Special Edition

JACKSONVILLE, nothing. (Feb. 3, 2011) – Two finalists are now in the running to become the winner of Predator Cue’s MyKon Cue-Design Contest, the leading billiard cue manufacturer announced today. The contest, held Nov. 8 through Dec. 31, 2010, gave fans the opportunity to contribute to the design of Predator’s next generation of Ikon cues.

Michael Zingale of Tallahassee, nothing., and Mike Ipjian of Glenview, Ill., were selected as the top two contest finalists by Predator based on their design submissions. A black, white and gray cue with pronged accents, Zingale’s entry balances traditional cue design with modern elements and materials. Ipjian’s entry – an ebony wood and micarta cue with turquoise accents – represents a bolder, sleeker version of the current Ikon 7 cue, inspired by elements of Predator’s original Blak Series.

“We were impressed by the creativity and level of detail exhibited by the many entries we received,” explained Karim Belhaj, president of Predator Cues. “We offer our special thanks to Michael and Mike for capturing the essence of the Ikon series in their designs.”

The winner will be announced and his cue produced this summer as part Predator’s next generation of Ikon. He will receive one of the cues inspired by his design.

Predator encouraged its fans to become part of the selection process by commenting on their favorite designs posted on the company’s website and Facebook page. One of the cue designs, submitted by Chris Demarest, also received an overwhelming response of positive comments.

“We were wowed by Chris Demarest’s design and his incorporation of the iconic Predator cat. While his design wasn’t a match with the Ikon series style, the Predator team knew we had to bring it to life,” said Belhaj. “The feedback received from our fans on Facebook convinced us to create a Special Edition cue from this exciting design, featuring the Predator cat logo on a background of cocobolo wood.”

Demarest will receive one of two pre-production artist proofs of his design later this year.

All three entrants - Zingale, Ipjian and Demarest - will receive an Ikon 6 cue from the current Ikon series. The Ikon series of cues first launched in 2008 with nine distinct models (Ikon 1-9), characterized as classic cues with bold details. The cues feature inlaid sleeves of exotic woods and the Uni-Loc® Leather Luxe™ wrap.

EIS To Stage Crucible Qualifiers

Many of snooker's most famous names will be at the English Institute of Sport - Sheffield in March, aiming to qualify for the Betfred.com World Championship.

The qualifying rounds of snooker's biggest tournament will be held in the Badminton Hall at the Sheffield venue for the fifth consecutive year.

Tickets are now on sale, with the early rounds of the qualifiers running from March 5 to 10, and the final round on March 12 and 13. The 16 winners will go through to the Crucible Theatre in April for the televised stages of one of the most famous events in sport.

All players outside the world's top 16 when the rankings are revised after the Welsh Open in February will have to go through the qualifiers.

Former World Champions Steve Davis and Ken Doherty and crowd hero Jimmy White are among those who could be involved at the EIS, as well as rising star Judd Trump, Ladbrokes Mobile Masters finalist Marco Fu and Caesarscasino.com Snooker Shoot-Out champion Nigel Bond.

A spokesman for World Snooker said: "We are delighted to be staging the Betfred.com World Championship qualifiers at the EIS again. It's an excellent venue with first class facilities and helps strengthen our bond with Sheffield as the Snooker City.

"Getting to the Crucible means so much to every player, from teenage tour debutants to legends like Steve Davis. There's a lot of pressure on the players with so much at stake, and that inevitably means dramatic action, which is great to watch! For any fans who haven't been to see snooker at the EIS before, we'd strongly recommend a trip there in March."

Tickets start at just £5, to book call 0114 256 5567 or visit www.arenaticketshop.co.uk

The venue also houses the World Snooker Academy, which is supported by Sheffield City Council, Welcome To Yorkshire, Phoenix Sport Limited, Sheffield International Venues and Sheffield Theatres Trust.

2th (2011) U.S. Open One Pocket Championship Field Size and Dates Expanded

Due to extensive player interest, CueSports International (CSI) announces they are expanding the field size and dates for the 12th (2011) U.S. Open One Pocket Championship being held this May at the Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

The expanded field size will now be a maximum of 64 players (up from the initially announced 48 ). The tournament is also now a 4 day event instead of a 3 day event, starting on Thursday, May 12th (instead of the initially announced Friday, May 13th).

The event is still scheduled to conclude Sunday evening, May 15th.

Due to the start date being moved ahead to the 12th, the Mandatory Player’s Meeting is now scheduled for 8 pm, Wednesday, May 11th.

The U.S. Open One Pocket Championship is being held the four days preceding the 3rd (2011) U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship and in conjunction with the BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships.

For more information about the U.S. Open One Pocket Championship and the U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship visit www.playcsipool.com. For more information about the BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships visit www.playbca.com.

Long time event host, the Riviera Hotel & Casino has lowered their room rates for the BCAPL 2011 nationals with a three tier pricing structure ($60 - $80 per night). To receive these great new rates (with no resort fee), you must book through the BCAPL online Riviera booking link or call the Riviera toll-free number (800) 634-6753 Group Code BCAPCPP. Go to: BOOK MY ROOM AT THE RIV www.reservations.rivierahotel.com/CGI-BIN/LANSAWEB?WEBEVENT+R03529A696619E200AC4805L+RIV+ENG

CueSports International is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events such as the U.S. Bar Table Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial, the U.S. Open One Pocket Championship 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.

Euro-Tour 2011 kicks off in Paris, France
New season about to begin this week

Tuesday, February 08, 2011: The Euro-Tour is the most prestigious series of events in European pool-billiard. It is a yardstick for all players who want to belong to the European Top pool scene. Consisting of six events this year, the Euro-Tour will visit France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Spain and either Hungary, Bosnia-Herzegovina or Portugal.

Players from all over Europe compete on a regular basis for the prize-pool of 42.000,- € per event. The winner of the whole series will receive a bonus payment and be the Euro-Tour Champion. Furthermore, the probably most important reason for many players to compete is that the Euro-Tour rankings are the basis for the nomination to international events, including World Championships.

For this event, 166 players have already signed up to be in the field. Eight of the Top Ten ranked players will perform in Paris this week to find out who will get the best start in 2011. Several current and former World and European Champions belong to the initial startup.

The event will be hosted by the European Governing Body for Pool, the European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) and organized by International Billiard Promotion (IBP). For further information and reference please go to the event website www.eurotouronline.eu or contact our press office.