Site News
Topic: *Industry News* 2013

SOAK UP THE FOOTY AT RILEYS

We're into the second week of the Premier League and it looks like the big boys are already flexing their muscles.

And we've got a nice little wet offer for you this Saturday and Sunday with a pint on offer to you for the ridiculously reasonable price of £1.99*.

So step in, watch the beautiful game, enjoy the Rileys hospitality and take it nice and easy.

Regards,
The Rileys Team

"The Marvelous Captain" Marlon Manalo set to make comeback; eyes Qatar World 9-ball crown
by Marlon Bernardino

Veteran campaigner Marlon Manalo has all the opportunities to be the world’s best.

But for now, he is determined to follow the foot-step of Filipino World Champions in the likes of Efren "Bata" Reyes (WPA World 9-ball and 8-ball champion), Ronato "Volcano" Alcano (WPA World 9-ball and 8-ball champion), Francisco "Django" Bustamante (WPA World 9-ball champion), Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan (WPA World 9-ball champion), Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo (WPA World 8-ball champion) and Rubilen "Bingkay" Amit (WPA Women's World 10-ball champion).

He will make his return to the pool world after a long hiatus when he competes in this year’s World 9-Ball Championship beginning September 2 in Doha, Qatar.

"The World 9-ball tournament in Qatar will be a good test for me that's why I prepared well for it," said Manalo, who is also known in pool circuit as "The Marvelous Captain."

“I still believe I can become a world champion,” added Manalo, a many-time winner in the US Pool Circuit and runner-up to Reyes in 2004 World 8-Ball Championship.

"If we're lucky enough in the World Pool Championship in United Arab Emirates and Kaoshiung, Taiwan, I'd win at least one title for us," added the Jose Rizal University (JRU) AB Economics graduate.

"I will pour all that I know in Qatar," said Manalo, who settled for a silver medal in the snooker event by placing second to Bjorn Haneveer of Belgium in the 2001 Akita, Japan World Games.

The affable cue artist and chairman of Barangay Malamig in Mandaluyong City captivated the billiard circuit by clustering victories against noted pool sharks Yang Ching-shun of Taiwan and countrymen Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante in the knockout stage of the World Pool Championship in 2004.

The following year, the 2000 Asian Snooker Champion and 2008 National Champion Manalo went all the way to the semifinals of the same event before bowing to eventual champion Wu Chia-ching (Wu Jia-qing).

Although he’s been away from big competition the past few years, Manalo kept himself in shape by practicing daily in his own pool hall in Talumpung, Mandaluyong and famous Star Billiards Center in Grace Village, Quezon City, hosted by long-time sports patron Sebastian "Baste" Chua.

He is set to fly to Doha, Qatar on Saturday.

At this point, the Brgy. Malamig chairman from Mandaluyong City's quest for honor and glory received a needed shot in the arm from his long-time benefactors Mayor Benhur Abalos Jr., Rep. Neptali "Boyet" Gonzales II and Solar Sports head Ronald Tieng.

The 2013 World 9-Ball Championship sponsored by Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and co-sponsors by Simonis (cloth), organized by Qatar Billiards & Snooker Federation (QBSF) and sanctioned by World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) and Asian Pocket Billiard Union (APBU).

Fantastic Dynamic Best of the East - Romania 10-Ball
http://www.makmarketing.pl/m,best_of_the_east_en.html;

Upcoming events :

Black Sea Cup - Romania,
Baltic League - Latvia,
Challenge of Champions - Poland,
Dynamic Best of the East - Slovakia 10-Ball

More : www.ebc-billiard.com

Qualifiers Begin This Weekend for the Yalin Women's World 10-Ball Championship

Manila, Philippines- Ladies from all around America and Asia will have even a greater opportunity than ever before to have a chance to play for the greatest title in women's billiards.Qualifiers will be held for the 5th Annual Yalin Women's World 10-Ball Championship from September 7th - October 29th, 2013. Only 48 players will have a chance for the title of World Champion in a star studded elite field with the hardest format in women's pool. The main event will be held at 5 star luxury hotel casino Resorts World in Manila, Philippines on Oct 31st- November 4th,2013. The Yalin World Championship is produced by Dragon Promotions and filmed by ABS-CBN and will be televised worldwide over the 5 days of the tournament.

"The World 10-Ball is where you get to play in the most exciting atmosphere in front of the world's best fans", said Jasmin Ouschan, 2010 World 10-Ball Champion
"We have numerous players from all over Asia that come to participate in the qualifiers held in the Philippines the days leading up to the World Championship. But this year we wanted to give more Americans a chance to come and experience a billiard atmosphere they've never had before", said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.

Each year the finals of the World Championship is full of excitement and thrills like no other women's tournament

"The Yalin Women's World 10-Ball Championship is where Jasmin Ouschan, Rubilen Amit, and Kelly Fisher turned into World Champions. I don't think that's an accident. We have the best format in the toughest game in a fair and neutral environment. We host it in the Philippines where pool is a sport and every player is treated like a star. I hope every female player on Earth gets a chance to play in this event at least once in their life", explains Charlie Williams, Founder of Dragon Promotions.

The Yalin Women's World 10-Ball Championship is sponsored by Yalin Tables, ABS-CBN Sports, Studio 23, Balls, TFC, Resorts World, Star Paper Corporation, with Official Equipment Sponsors OB Cues, Championship Cloth, Aramith Balls, and Master Chalk.

Details of the qualifiers and main event can be found at www.facebook.com/womensworld10ball and soon www.WomensWorld10Ball.com

QUALIFIERS
$65 Entry Fee USA Qualifiers. Double Elimination Race to 6 & Race to 5.
Winner Receives Invitation & FREE entry to the World 10-Ball Championship $80,000 Purse

September 7 Hard Times Billiards , Los Angeles CA 562- 867-7733
September 15 Sandcastle Billiards , Edison NJ USA 1-(732) 632-9277
September 21 Cue-Phoria , Orlando FL 321-972-1867
September 28 Billiard Factory, Jacksonville FL USA 1-(904) 733-6880
October 28 Star Billiards, Manila Philippines 1-407-782-4960
October 29 Star Billiards, Manila Philippines 1-407-782-4960

The biggest TV coverage, biggest crowds, toughest game, most watched and most fun tournament of the year! USA, Asia, and Europe hosts contact us but all countries are welcomed! Email womensworld10ball@gmail.com or call 1-407-782-4978 for details . And please Follow and LIKE our page www.facebook.com/womensworld10ball

The World 10-Ball Championship elevates the game to another level.

The ambiance of the World 10-Ball is like no other event.

The 8th China Guangzhou International Billiards Exhibition (GBE2014)

Unlimited Business Opportunities, All at GBE2014
　　　The 8th China Guangzhou International Billiards Exhibition (GBE2014)

This is Jenny from the China Guangzhou International Billiards Exhibition (GBE), which is the biggest and most professional billiards products trade show worldwide. On behalf of GBE Committee, I would like to invite you to participate in GBE2014 Fair.

It is my honor to introduce GBE to you.
The 8th China Guangzhou Int'l Billiards Exhibition (GBE2014)

Date: March 1st -3rd, 2014
Venue: China Import & Export Fair, Pazhou Complex, Guangzhou.

GBE2013 remains strong despite global economic pressures.

As one of the biggest international billiard exhibitions in the world, GBE has already become the must-attend exhibition for the world billiard industry. Despite the weak economy around the world, GBE2013 was successfully concluded in Guangzhou on 4 April, 2013. The success of previous sessions ensures this show as one of the most attractive trade fairs in Billiard field worldwide, and ensures it as a better platform for professionals and specialists in this field to get together.

Although the global economic situation is not very well and billiard industry is influenced, GBE2013 still attracted top billiard suppliers both at home and abroad, including Shender, Yalin, Wiraka, Rasson, Predator Group (USA), Lucasi Hybrid (USA), Iwan Simonis S.A. (Belgium), Longoni Cues Italy, McDermott Cues (USA), Hainsworth Cloth (England), Aramith Ball (Belgium), Cosmos Billiards (Korea), All Table Sports(Australia), MBM Billiards (Italy), Palko Pty Ltd (Australia), Master Cues, Fury Cues, etc. Furthermore, there is an increasing number of international brands express that they will choose GBE as their premier business platform to exhibit their products.

GBE2014 - The most Influential Worldwide Industry Pageant
GBE2014, supported by 32 international professional associations and more than 60 professional media, will be staged in the Import and Export Fair Pazhou Complex during March 1st - 3rd, 2014. GBE is the best platform for worldwide billiards enterprises to improve brand valuation, showcase the latest products and technology as well as a pageant for professional buyers to seek top-notch suppliers.

Covering an expected exhibition area of 12,000sqm, inviting 160 outstanding enterprises, enjoying worldwide promotion, gathering professional decision makers, GBE2014 is the show you cannot miss.

For more detailed information about GBE, please visit www.gbechina.com. We are looking forward to meeting you at GBE2014 and to celebrating the feast together.

Address: Guangzhou Grandeur Exhibition Service Co.ltd.
Room 2303-2305,The 4th Tower, thingy Jun Plaza, No.836 of thingy Feng thingy Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, China
Contact: Jenny Xiong (Ms)
Phone: +86-20-29188293
Fax: +86-20-8257-9220
Mobile: 86-15876558395
Email: sales7@grandeurhk.com / jenny0124@aliyun.com
Website: www.gbechina.com

TYNE and Wear plays host to the world’s two best women snooker players on Sunday

World number one Maria Catalano and nine-time world champion Reanne Evans will be action in the British Open at Whitley Bay Snooker Centre.

Also on the programme are a Seniors (40+) tournament, an Under-21 competition and a Plate for those not reaching the semi-finals of the main event.

The British Open, last competed for in 2010 and won by Evans, is the first of eight ranking events on the World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association’s £8,400 2013/14 tour.

Eden Resources - a Singapore-based company that organises seminars, events and training - is sponsoring the Masters and the World Championships to the tune of £5,000.

Cambridge Snooker Centre will host the International Ladies Billiards Championship on September 22.

Meanwhile, Hannah and her sister’s debut on the WLBSA circuit will mean twin billing for the Derby girls in Whitley Bay.

Ten-year-old Ellie Jones - who also enjoys golf, tennis and karate - will join her 17-year-old sibling in the draw that takes place at 9.15am. Play commences at 10am.

WLBSA BRITISH OPEN
Sunday, September 8.
Whitley Bay Snooker Centre
305 Whitley Road
Whitley Bay
Tyne & Wear
NE26 2HU
Telephone: 0191 447 0515
Website: www.whitleybaysnookercentre.co.uk

ENTRIES

Maria Catalano (Dudley, West Mids)
Reanne Evans (Dudley, West Mids)
Vicky Carter (Sandy, Beds)
Jenny Poulter (Maidstone)
Hannah Jones (Derby)
Maureen Rowland (Wallsend, Tyne & Wear)
Laura Alves (Dublin)
Pam Wood (Newcastle)
Ellie Jones (Derby)


2013/14 WLBSA CALENDAR

September 8, 2013: British Open at Whitley Bay Snooker Centre (£300 sponsorship by the club).

September 22, 2013: International Ladies Billiards Championship at Cambridge Snooker Centre (£500 anonymous sponsorship).

October 5, 2013: Agnes Davies Memorial at Terry Griffiths Matchroom, Llanelli.

November 2, 2013: UK Championship at North East Derbyshire Snooker Centre, Clay Cross (£300 sponsorship by the club).

November 16-17, 2013: Eden Resources Masters at Cambridge Snooker Centre (£2,000 sponsorship).

January 25, 2014: East Anglian Championship at Pot Black Club, Lowestoft.

February 23, 2014: Southern Classic at Jesters Snooker Hall, Swindon.

March 30, 2014: Connie Gough Memorial at Dunstable Snooker Club (£300 sponsorship from Julie Hemingway).

April 18-22, 2014: Eden Resources World Championship at Northern Snooker Centre, Leeds (£5,000 sponsorship: £3,000 from Eden Resources and £2,000 from Northern Snooker Centre).

Jasmin Ouschan Selected for West Team in Queens Cup! Cup to be Played on Andy Cloth

Manila, Philippines - Billiard superstar Jasmin Ouschan has been selected to play for Team Euro-USA in the inaugural Queens Cup! The Austria born World Champion will join Team Captain Kelly Fisher of England to face off against the powerful ladies of Asia. The East vs West team ultimate showdown between the world’s greatest lady professional billiards players will take place November 5th-7th, 2013 in Manila, Philippines. The event is produced by Dragon Promotions which has signed on Andy Cloth as the Official Cloth and OB Cues as the Official Cue of the Queens Cup.

"I have always thought that the men team rivalries were great, and of course it would be great to have something like this as well for the women. Now I think fans will like the Queens Cup a lot because this team format makes it very exciting to watch", said the 27 year old #1 Europe Ranked and former World 10-Ball Champion. Jasmin Ouschan continues,"You get some of the best female players in one arena, that's going to be something special!"

The Queens Cup is predicted to be another Dragon Promotions hit with this star studded world class event, this time spotlighting women's pool

"Jasmin is going to be a key player for the West Team. They will need her youth and her fire to help stay with the younger Asian team. And Jasmin has an amazing high gear she can hit if she catches on fire. That could be a turning point for the Euro-USA team", explains Charlie Williams of Dragon Promotions. Williams is the creator and Executive Producer of the Queens Cup.

The Queens Cup will showcase the rivalry between the Asians and their western counterparts in Europe and USA, much similar to the Ryder Cup in golf or Davis Cup in tennis. The absolute best ladies from their respective countries and continents will be selected for the teams. The event will last 3 days in a 10-Ball format that will race to the first team reaching 10 matches for the win. Style of play will include singles, doubles, triples, and 4-on-4. Captains will be put to the test to create the best strategy in partnerships and chemistry of match-ups. If the matches go 9 to 9 hill hill, a final 4-on-4 play will create the dramatic conclusion.

Andy Cloth has been the premier cloth of Asia for years and now is available at fantastic prices in the North America market. andyclothusa@gmail.com or call 1-307-710-1447

The Queens Cup will play all its matches on one feature TV table and has selected Andy Cloth as the surface used for this monumental competition. Andy Cloth has quickly risen and established itself as the top premiere pool cloth in all of Asia and is now spreading its wings over to the western continents.

"We got into this business because we experienced that Andy Cloth, at minimal, plays just as well as the other top name worsted cloths. But the difference is that Andy Cloth is more durable in various weather conditions, and the best part is that our prices are considerably lower for a top shelf product", explains EJ Glode, President of Andy Cloth USA which now distributes throughout North America. "We are happy to be teamed up with Dragon Promotions on the Queens Cup. It's really exciting to see the best women of the world battle it out to prove who is the best. I'm really looking forward to my first trip to the Philippines to watch it in person not just as a sponsor, but as a fan of pool!"

Glode also produces the successful Wyoming Open and the High Desert Shootout tournaments in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States which uses Andy Cloth exclusively.

Ouschan has established herself as one of the hottest and brightest stars of the game with her movie star looks and powerful skills on the felt

Those who follow pool knows the massive and explosive growth of billiards in Asia and the rise of numerous champions from China. The slew of new international champions have all been practicing and winning on Andy Cloth. Andy is already the top cloth in China that has been exclusively used in all the major China championships.

"We at Andy Cloth are really thrilled at the opportunity to be the Official Cloth of the Queens Cup. We work very hard to create a high quality cloth and are excited to showcase it in the western world", said Andy Lin, Owner of Andy Cloth.

Andy Cloth was founded in 1973 and has become one of the premier professional playing cloths in the world today. Manufactured in Taiwan, Andy Cloth has quickly impressed critics and professional players worldwide and has been exclusively used in major international events such as The Women's World 9-Ball Championship, The China Open,The Beijing Open, USA's 71st World Tournament of 14.1 in the USA, the International 10-Ball Championships in Philippines, the Wyoming Open and many more . Andy Cloth also sponsors top Asian stars such as Yu Ram Cha of Korea.

Andy Cloth can be reached to consumers and dealers by contacting andyclothusa@gmail.com or call 1-307-710-1447

Follow Andy Cloth at www.facebook.com/andypoolcloth and www.twitter.com/AndyCloth

Sponsors may now contact Dragon Promotions at support@dragonpromotions.com or 1-407-782-4978 . More official equipment sponsors will be announced shortly.

Stay tuned for more exciting news and follow the event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thequeenscup


Jasmin will be a welcomed force to the West Team when the Euro-USA squad takes on powerhouse Asia

WATCH ROY'S BOYS ON THE BIG SCREEN

The World Cup qualifying campaign gathers itself for the final straight, with four games for England to book a place at the finals.

It starts tonight with the visit of Moldova and after England's 5-0 win in their first meeting, we can hopefully expect a few goals!

So just to spice it up a bit more you can get your pint on the night 7 til 11 for just £1.99. Can't say fairer than that. Great view, great games and very friendly wet prices. Back of the net!

Regards,
The Rileys Team

REANNE Evans kicks off the 2013/14 snooker season with victory in the British Open

The nine-time world champion from Dudley, West Midlands, accounted for teenager Hannah Jones 4-1 in the final at Whitley Bay Snooker Centre, Tyne and Wear.

Derby ace Jones, 17, appearing in her first ranking final, took the first frame but was unable to deny 27-year-old Evans her 33rd World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association ranking title.

World number one Maria Catalano had pulled out of the event because of illness.

Earlier, Jones defeated her ten-year-old sister Ellie 2-0 in the Under-21 final.

Vicky Carter, knocked out 3-1 in the quarter-finals of the main event by Hannah Jones, triumphed in the Plate competition – defeating Maureen Rowland 2-0 in the final.

Local girl Rowland, from Wallsend, came close in her second final of the day. She took the first frame of the Seniors (40+) final on the pink but missed the black for the match in the next.

But perhaps the snooker gods were looking down on her opponent, Jenny Poulter, who ran out a 2-1 victor.

Poulter’s mum Jean had been taken ill when the pair arrived on Friday night from their home in Maidstone but insisted from her hospital bed that her daughter competed in the British Open.

The WLBSA wishes Jean a speedy recovery.

The British Open was the first of eight ranking events on the WLBSA’s £8,400 2013/14 tour.

RESULTS (BREAKS)

QUARTER-FINALS: Reanne Evans (48, 38, 62, 47) beat Maureen Rowland 3-0, Jenny Poulter beat Ellie Jones 3-0, Pam Wood         beat Laura Alves 3-0, Hannah Jones beat Vicky Carter 3-1.

SEMI-FINALS (£40): Evans beat Poulter 3-0, Jones (42) beat Wood 3-0.

FINAL (£200/£90): Evans (45, 52, 31) beat Jones 4-1.

PLATE

SEMI-FINALS: Maureen Rowland beat Laura Alves 2-1, Vicky Carter (40) beat Ellie Jones 2-0.

FINAL (£15/£10): Carter beat Rowland 2-0.

SENIORS

SEMI-FINALS: Maureen Rowland beat Laura Alves 2-0, Jenny Poulter beat Pam Wood 2-0.    

FINAL: Poulter beat Rowland 2-1.

UNDER-21

FINAL: Hannah Jones (36) beat Ellie Jones 2-0.

ENTRIES

Reanne Evans (Dudley, West Mids)
Vicky Carter (Sandy, Beds)
Jenny Poulter (Maidstone)
Hannah Jones (Derby)
Maureen Rowland (Wallsend, Tyne & Wear)
Laura Alves (Dublin)
Pam Wood (Newcastle)
Ellie Jones (Derby)

NEXT EVENTS

International Ladies Billiards Championship
September 22, 2013
Cambridge Snooker Centre (£500 anonymous sponsorship).
Coldhams Road
Cambridge
CB1 3EW

(Snooker) Agnes Davies Memorial
October 5, 2013
Terry Griffiths Matchroom
Waunlanyrafon
Llanelli
Carmarthenshire
Wales
SA15 3AA


British Open champion Reanne Evans | Seniors champion Jenny Poulter
Pictures by Monique Limbos

WORLD CUP ACTION FROM KIEV

After Moldova comes the sterner test of playing Ukraine in their own back yard.

If England are going to qualify outright this is a game they dare not lose, but a win would help massively if they are going to be on their way to Rio.

So to ease those nerves you can get your pint on the night from 7 til 11 for just £1.99. Can't say fairer than that.

Big screen viewing, comfort, games and of course the Rileys Sports Bar atmosphere. Come on England!

Regards,
The Rileys Team

Bata, Manalo et al eye slots Final 32 of World 9-ball Championships in Doha, Qatar
by Marlon Bernardino

FILIPINO cue masters led by Efren "Bata" Reyes and Marlon "Marvelous Captain" Manalo are ready to face their respective opponents at the start of knock-out stage or Final 64 of the World 9-Ball Championship at the Al Arabi Sports Club in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday.

Last Tuesday, Reyes defeated Korea’s Jeong Young Hwa, 9-4, to advance Final 64 while the comebacking Manalo nipped Poland’s Mateusz Sniegocki, 9-4.

“They always think I will win and if I don’t win it’s no good to them,” Reyes told World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) officer Ted Lerner. “Too much pressure out there. Maybe if I can win a few matches I’m gonna play good without pressure but now, too much.”

Reyes will slug it out Nick van den berg of the Netherlands in the single elimination or knock-out format.

Manalo, Chairman of Barangay Malamig in Mandaluyong added: “This is my first tournament in three years and I’m not 100% confident. Being an elected official is a very busy job and I only had a chance to practice a few times coming back. My confidence is not yet back to 100%. But I do have a big heart. As long as you have the heart you can win here.”

Manalo's next assignment is Omar Al Shaheen of Kuwait.

In other Final 64 matches pit between Antonio Gabica vs Nguyen Anh Tuan of Vietnam, Marlon Villamor vs Karl Boyes of Great Britain, Raymund Faraon vs Manuel Gama of Portugal, Lee Vann Corteza vs Daryl Peach of Great Britain, Jeffrey de Luna vs Ruslan Chinakhov of Russia, Dennis Orcollo vs John Morra of Canada, Ramil Gallego vs Enrique Rojas of Chile, Carlo Biado vs Ralf Souquet of Germany and Israel "Amay" Rota versus countryman Mark Antony.

Francisco "Django' Bustamante failed to reach Final 64 after losing to Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, 6-9. Eralier, the two cue masters tallied 5 racks apiece.

The 2013 World 9-Ball Championship sponsored by Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and co-sponsors by Simonis (cloth), organized by Qatar Billiards & Snooker Federation (QBSF) and sanctioned by World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) and Asian Pocket Billiard Union (APBU). The 250,000 USD week-long event offers 36,000 USD to the champion with the runner-up place will bring home 18,000 USD.

IPA Press Release

Hot on the heels of the announcement of the 2014 tour dates that encompass all that is good in the world of 8 ball, the IPA (International Professional Pool Players Association) are pleased to remind you of the European Open this weekend, held at the Warwick Hilton 13th-15th September inclusive.

The best exponents of the always popular pub game will be on show live either in person or on the live stream via www.ipapool.com giving hungry pool fans one of the few chances they get to watch the game they play and love. With respected and knowledgeable commentators plus the best equipment, we are confident our product is the best available so why not get in some grub and a few beers this weekend and sit back to watch World champions and challengers from around the World strut their stuff on the green baize– you know it makes sense?

The big shots are back ! - Sept 16th to 22nd

Just after coming back from a great World Cup in Korea, the 3-cushion stars are meeting in Greece to play a new tour stop. Our team is traveling the world to cover these amazing competitions. This one takes place in a ranch at the heart of the Peloponnese, in a "Far-West" theme. With 80 points in the World ranking to defend, Torbjörn Blomdahl will have to fight to resist the assaults of a Frédéric Caudron who is at the top of his game, and likely to steal his rank. It will be Live on Kozoom starting with qualification phases on Monday, september 16th. If you don't have a Premium Pass yet, it is time to order it now.

http://www.kozoom.com/en/billiard-carom/premium-pass/

The ANAG CUP and its surprise guest - Oct 4th to 6th
    
Our Globe-Trotter team will the go to the Czech Republic from October 4th to 6th to cover the Triathlon (Balkline 71-2, 1C and 3C) organized and sponsored by ANAG. The surprise comes from Torbjörn Blomdahl who will compete for the first time in Balkline in an official competition! After his amazing performance in 1 Cushion during the last European Championship, we are looking forward to seeing what the number 1 ranked 3-Cushion player can pull out of his hat. Once again, this Live is a Kozoom exclusive !

HAPPY DAYS HERE AT RILEYS

The footy's coming thick and fast now and this weekend we can serve you up a feast of action that starts with that feisty Lancashire derby between Burnley and Blackburn and features some top action including, maybe, might be, Gareth Bale's Real Madrid debut.

And for you NFL fans, don't forget there's two bone-crushing encounters on Sunday. Get in, tune in and enjoy!

Regards,
The Rileys Team

SEVEN-time world champion Emma Bonney will be the one to beat in the International Ladies Billiards Championship at Cambridge Snooker Centre on Sunday.

The three-ball aficionado from Portsmouth is one of a field of eight chasing the anonymously donated £500 prize money.

Also in the draw for the event organised by the World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association are Norfolk teenagers Rochelle Woods, 15, and Josie Wright, 13.

Play commences at 11am with two round-robin groups of four. The top two from each group qualify for the semi-finals and the remainder will contest the Plate.

2013 International Ladies Billiards Championship
Sunday, September 22
Cambridge Snooker Centre
Coldhams Road
Cambridge
CB1 3EW
Telephone: 01223 249661

ENTRIES

Emma Bonney (Portsmouth)
Hannah Jones (Derby)
Eva Palmius (Isleham, Cambs)
Gaye Jones (Melksham, Wilts)
Kim O’Brien (Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk)
Trudy Lambert (Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk)
Josie Wright (Thetford, Norfolk)
Rochelle Woods (Kings Lynn, Norfolk)

WPBSA Statement - Stephen Lee

On 2nd October 2012, after a two year police and Gambling Commission enquiry, the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to proceed with a case against Lee and others in relation to match fixing.

On 5th October 2012 the Gambling Commission referred the case back to the WPBSA.

As a result of the WPBSA being notified of suspicious betting on his match with John Higgins on 12th October 2012, Jason Ferguson the WPBSA chairman took the decision to suspend Stephen Lee from all competition pending the outcome of the case.

After receipt of some material from the Gambling Commission and further investigation, Nigel Mawer the Chair of the WPBSA Disciplinary Committee, decided that Stephen Lee had a case to answer in relation to the match fixing allegations.

The allegations were serious and related to match fixing or the provision of inside information to enable persons to win money by betting on those matches. The matches in question were three matches in the Malta Cup 2008, two matches at the UK Championship 2008, one at the China Open 2009 and one at the World Championship 2009.

The WPBSA, in accordance with its Disciplinary Rules, asked Sport Resolutions UK to appoint an independent QC to hear the available evidence. Adam Lewis QC was appointed to hear the case.

The case was heard between the 9th and 11th September 2013 in Bristol.

On 16th September 2013 Adam Lewis QC delivered the following decision:

"Stephen Lee is found guilty of "agreeing an arrangement… …accepting or receiving or offering to receive… payment or… other… benefit… in connection with influencing the outcome or conduct of" each of the seven matches in breach of Rule 2.9."

For the full decision see www.worldsnooker.com

A hearing is set for 24th September 2013 to decide on sanction.

The facts are that between February 2008 and April 2009, Stephen Lee was in contact with three different groups of people all of whom placed bets on the outcomes of his matches or on the outcomes of frames within his matches or on the exact score of his matches.

This took place in seven matches over four tournaments. The matches were Lee v Robertson, Lee v Fu and Lee v Doherty in the Malta Cup 2008 where there was betting on the exact score and the match outcomes. Lee v Hendry and Lee v King in the UK Championship 2008 where the betting was on the outcome of the first frame in each match. Lee v Selby in the China Open where there was betting on the match outcome. Lee v Day in the World Championship where there were bets on match outcome and the exact score. In this match there was 'in match' betting on the outcome of the frames in progress.

The bets were placed by three groups of people. The first were organised by his then sponsor who opened multiple betting accounts with various associates. These accounts were used to place the bets. The second group were coordinated by his then manager who placed almost identical bets. The third was an individual known to Lee who placed the same bets independently of the other two groups. Lee was in contact with the groups in the lead up to the matches in question and afterwards. In one case the person collected the successful bet and placed the half of the winnings into Lee's wife's bank account.

The total amount bet on these matches was in excess of £111,000 leading to winnings of over £97,000 for the persons placing the bets.

It is not clear how much Lee benefited from their activity or of his motivation to get involved in match fixing.

WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson said: "The WPBSA have a zero tolerance approach to match fixing. We have an extensive network of contacts across the world with the gambling industry and with bodies such as the International Centre for Sport Security and the Gambling Commission. This particular case was extremely difficult and complicated to bring to a hearing. We believe we have established the world's most sophisticated system in dealing with corruption in sport and we will take every step under the WPBSA Rules to deal with those responsible. Today's ruling is a stark warning to competitors in any sport who could become vulnerable in the future. Stephen Lee was the number 5 player in the world and had the opportunity to be part of snooker's great success story. His future participation in the sport is now in real doubt as he will face a significant sanction."

World Snooker Statement

Following comments made by Ronnie O’Sullivan on Twitter today, World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said:

"We take these type of allegations very seriously. We have written to Ronnie asking him to explain his comments and to provide details of any match fixing and the names of the players that he is referring to.

"Clearly, to make these type of allegations without informing the Governing Body through the correct channels is wholly unacceptable and extremely damaging to the Sport. We await his response.

"We will not be making any further comment on this matter until it has been investigated further."

World Snooker Launches Student Tuesday £5 Tickets

World Snooker is launching 'Student Tuesday' offering tickets for just £5 to four of the sport's biggest events.

The innovative scheme gives students the chance to see the world's best players in action for up to 80% off the usual cost at the 888casino Champion of Champions, the williamhill.com UK Championship, The Masters and the Welsh Open.

Mark Selby, Stephen Maguire and John Higgins will all be in action on the opening day of the 888casino Champion of Champions, on Tuesday November 19. The 'Student Tuesday' offer means a 75% discount at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

The williamhill.com UK Championship has a fresh format this year, with all players on the pro tour to start in the same round. That means established stars like defending champion Selby, Judd Trump and Ronnie O'Sullivan could face rookies in the first round. The tournament runs from November 27 to December 8 at the York Barbican.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: "This is a chance to come and see your heroes for just a fiver and for anyone who hasn't seen live snooker before, it's the perfect opportunity to see what it's all about.

"We have included four of the biggest events of the season in this brilliant offer. It's less than you would pay for two pints! I doubt you'll find a better value sports ticket this term."

The Masters, snooker’s most prestigious invitation event, is at Alexandra Palace in London from January 12 to 19. Selby will be defending the title which he won last season by beating Neil Robertson in the final and the likes of O'Sullivan, Trump, Higgins and Ding Junhui could also be competing for the famous trophy.

Students in Wales aren't forgotten and they too can benefit from this fantastic offer at the Welsh Open at the Newport Centre, with £5 tickets available for Tuesday, February 25.

To get the tickets at this special price just quote STUDENT TUESDAY at the box office. Box Office details for each event can be found at worldsnooker.com/tickets.

LIVE BOXING FROM THE COPPER BOX

The distinctive Copper Box in the Olympic Park hosts a great night of pro boxing and it's on the big screen here at Rileys.

Dereck Chisora headlines as he takes on Edmund Gerber for the vacant European Heavyweight title in a sure to be epic fight.

PLUS Billy Joe Saunders and John Ryder put their unbeaten records on the line and stylish brummie Welterweight Frankie Gavin takes on Manchester's David Barnes for the British title.

The action starts at 8pm.

Regards,
The Rileys Team

LACK of practice did not prevent seven-time world champion Emma Bonney stamping her authority on the International Ladies Billiards Championship.

Bonney broke the resistance of her teenager opponent Hannah Jones with a run of 50 halfway through the hour-long final at Cambridge Snooker Centre.

The 37-year-old from Portsmouth pocketed £200 prize money donated by an anonymous sponsor.

“It was close after the first half hour and then I made a 50,” said Bonney. “That changed the game. I got away in the second half.”

Bonney, who notched up a 108 break in her local league over the summer, added: “I’ve made a few breaks in the league but I’ve not had time to practise.”

“It’s very nice to have another event, as well as the World Championship.”

In the semi-finals, 17-year-old Jones (Derby) pipped Eva Palmius (Isleham, Cambs) by just three points while Bonney accounted for Kim O’Brien (Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk).

Gaye Jones (Melksham, Wilts) claimed the Plate title.

The World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association event saw the debut of Norfolk teenagers Rochelle Woods, 15, and Josie Wright, 13.

Bonney said: “It’s good that young players are coming up.”

And WLBSA chairman Mandy Fisher added: “Rochelle and Josie were both immaculately turned out. They’re lovely youngsters.

“They certainly could be forces to be contended with in the future. I’m hoping to see them at more events.”

Fisher thanked Cambridge Snooker Centre for hosting the tournament and added that it was “wonderful” the sponsor has agreed to back next year’s event.

RESULTS

Round robin Group A: Emma Bonney (Portsmouth) 249-94 Gaye Jones (Melksham, Wilts), Bonney 242-156 Hannah Jones (Derby), Bonney 322-53 Trudy Lambert (Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk), H Jones 266-63 G Jones, H Jones 189-67 Lambert, G Jones 121-76 Lambert.

Breaks: Bonney: 52, 43, 38, 35, 30.

Round robin Group B: Eva Palmius (Isleham, Cambs) 246-103 Rochelle Woods (Kings Lynn, Norfolk), Palmius 216-85 Josie Wright (Thetford, Norfolk), Palmius 226-57 Kim O’Brien (Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk), Woods 148-101 Wright, O’Brien 124-96 Wright, O’Brien 127-108 Woods.

Breaks: Palmius: 45, 30.

Semi-finals (£50): Bonney 363 (32, 33, 37, 43)-96 O’Brien, H Jones174-171 Palmius.

Final (£200/£100): Bonney 259(50)-160 H Jones.

Plate semi-finals (£10): Woods 118-116 Lambert, G Jones 105-96 Wright.

Plate final (£40/£20): G Jones 119-97 Woods.


Champion Emma Bonney, Plate winner Gaye Jones, Finalists Hannah Jones (left) and Emma Bonney - Pictures by Mandy Fisher