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Topic: *Industry News* 2012

THE SAMBA BOYS TAKE ON THE BRITS!

Who'd have thought we'd see the day when Tom Cleverley and Ryan Giggs would stand shoulder to shoulder in the same team?... Hang on a minute... Well you know what we mean.

For the first time since 1960, we'll be seeing a GB footy team at the Olympic Games and to warm up, Stuart Pearce's side take on Brazil who are definitely in it to win it with big names such as Neymar, Pato and Hulk gracing their squad.

It's certain to be an entertaining event and of course, we wouldn't be telling you this if it wasn't available on the big boy Blue Square Fanzone screens, right here at Rileys. It's the home of having a good time, playing cue sports and darts, having a few drinks and watching sport and being with your mates. Back of the net!

Regards,
The Rileys Team

David and Santos teamed up rules Hermes Pro/Amateur 10-Ball Doubles Tournament; pockets P100,000
by Marlon Bernardino

THE tandem of former Sydney World Junior Quarter-finalist Renemar David and veteran campaigner Jojo Santos bested the pair of Richard Loo and Jordan Legaspi, 7-6, in the finals to rule the recently concluded 2012 Hermes Pro/Amateur 10-Ball Doubles Tournament was held at the Hermes Sports Bar in Hollywood Square Building in West Avenue, Quezon City.

David and Santos took home the top prize of P100,000, while the duo of Lu and Legaspi settled for the runner-up purse of P60,000.

The event was backed up by Tarsiers Corp., Malungai Life Oil, Association of Club, Karaoke and Disco Owners, B-League Corp, BMPAP and Bugsy Promotions which also participated by the squad of hall of famer Efren "Bata" Reyes, Dennis Orcollo, Carlo Biado, John Salazar and Jeff Diaz but failed to advance in the finals.

CSI Congratulates Top Spot Winners at BEF Junior Nationals

CueSports International, Henderson, Nevada -- July 20, 2012 -- CueSports International (CSI) sponsored 10 young players to the 2012 BEF US Junior National 9-Ball Championships. Produced by the Billiard Education Foundation (BEF), the event was held July 11-15 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at Romine’s High Pockets. CSI proudly supported this year’s players: Shawn Begay, Chad Behnke, Brady Behrman, Mike Evans, Nick Evans, Ricky Evans, Manny Perez, Sergio Rivas, JC Torres and Joey Torres.

CSI wishes to congratulate the following players for placing in their divisions: Chad Behnke (3rd Place in the Boys 18 and Under), Brady Behrman (4th Place in the Boys 18 and Under), Manny Perez (2nd Place in the Boys 14 and Under), Sergio Rivas (3rd Place in the Boys 14 and Under), and Shawn Begay (4th Place in the Boys 14 and Under). Behnke will be one of six players representing the US at the 2012 World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) World Junior 9-Ball Championships.

In addition to competing in this year’s junior nationals, several CSI sponsored players have also successfully competed in the BCAPL Nationals. A long time participant in the BCAPL National Championships, Chad Behnke hails from the well-known Iowa pool and billiard Behnke family. He, along with his parents and brothers, have cashed in several BCAPL national divisions including the Men’s Open Singles and Mixed Open Team, where they represented their family’s pool room, the Dakota Cue Club in Sioux Falls.

At age 18 Behrman burst more prominently onto the pool scene at the 2012 Derby City Classic cashing in the highly competitive 9-Ball division. In the Boys 14 and Under Division, with 54 entrants, CSI players dominated taking three out of four top spots. All three, Perez, Rivas and Begay are veterans at the national junior event. In 2011, Begay represented the US to the WPA Junior World Championship and in 2009 was awarded the BEF Academic All-American recognition for his scholastic excellence.

CSI is proud to be able to support these tremendous young talents, the BEF in their goals, and the US Junior National 9-Ball Championships.

CueSports International is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. In the past seven years CSI has directly paid out approximately Seven Million Dollars to players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events such as the US Bar Table Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial, the US Open One Pocket Championship and the US Open 10-Ball Championship. Visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com and www.playusapool.com for more information about CSI and its divisions.

Maguire Denies Lisowski To Take PTC Title

Stephen Maguire won the first domestic Players Tour Championship event of the season by beating Jack Lisowski 4-3 in the final of UKPTC1 at the South West Snooker Academy in Gloucester.

Lisowski was gunning for his first professional title and had a clear chance to win the deciding frame, but missed the final yellow off its spot. Maguire won a safety battle and cleared the colours to take the match. Victory for the 31-year-old Glaswegian is worth 2,000 ranking points as well as a £10,000 top prize.

Maguire came close to landing big titles last season, losing 9-7 to Ronnie O'Sullivan in the final of the German Masters and 10-9 to Peter Ebdon in the final of the China Open.

He admits this is an important season for him as he seeks to win his first full ranking event since 2008, and hopes a fresh approach to the game will pay dividends.

"I came to this event with a different attitude," said the World No 7. "I was willing to battle and play a safety game if I needed to. This season I'm going to try not to push the boat out too much. If it doesn't work then next year I'll go back to going for everything.

"I always start the season the same way, knowing that if I can get my name on a trophy I'll have done well. I don't count this in the same way as a ranking event but it gives me confidence and there are plenty of big tournaments to try to win.

"I think everyone has realised now that the ranking points from the PTC events are important. Plus £10,000 is a lot of money to be won in a weekend. It's easy to be up for it on the final day."

Maguire went 2-1 up with breaks of 84 and 75, Lisowski making a 70 in the second frame. The next two were shared then Gloucestershire's 21-year-old Lisowski came from 33-0 down to win the sixth frame and force the decider. From 42-0 down, Lisowski could have cleared up, but failed on the yellow on 56.

"He was a bit further away from the yellow than he wanted to be, but he still should have potted it," added Maguire. "Lucky for me he missed."

Lisowski had earlier beaten flat mate Judd Trump 4-3 in the quarter-finals and two-time world champion Mark Williams 4-3 in the semis. Maguire beat Australian Goldfields Open champion Barry Hawkins 4-3 in the quarters then saw off Andrew Higginson 4-1.

The Players Tour Championship is a series of ten events, four in the UK and six in Europe, with the top 24 on the final Order of Merit going through to the Grand Finals in March. They will be joined by eight players from the Asian PTC Order of Merit.

The next event is UKPTC2 from August 8-12 in Gloucester.

Results (last 16 onwards)

Last 16
Dave Harold 0-4 Andrew Higginson
Alan McManus 4-0 Dechawat Poomjaeng
Barry Hawkins 4-1 James Wattana
Andrew Pagett 2-4 Stephen Maguire
Mark Williams 4-0 Allan Taylor
Ali Carter 4-0 Jamie Burnett
David Grace 1-4 Jack Lisowski
Luca Brecel 1-4 Judd Trump

Quarter Finals
Andrew Higginson 4-3 Alan McManus
Barry Hawkins 3-4 Stephen Maguire
Mark Williams 4-3 Ali Carter
Jack Lisowski 4-3 Judd Trump

Semi Finals
Andrew Higginson 1-4 Stephen Maguire
Mark Williams 3-4 Jack Lisowski

Final
Stephen Maguire 4-3 Jack Lisowski

Betfair Backing Snooker Shoot-Out

World Snooker is delighted to announce Betfair as the new title sponsor of sensational quick-fire tournament the Snooker Shoot-Out.

The innovative one-frame knockout event, which was introduced in 2011 and features a shot-clock and random draw, will be known as the Betfair Snooker Shoot-Out. It will run from January 25 to 27 at the truly spectacular Tower Circus Arena in Blackpool.

The tournament, won last season by Barry Hawkins, will feature 64 of the world’s best players, chasing a top prize of £32,000, and will be televised live by Sky Sports.

Tickets for the tournament are ON SALE NOW! To book call 0871 620 7052 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras) or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We are thrilled to be working with Betfair, the world's biggest international online sports betting company, on the most exhilarating event on the snooker calendar.

“This tournament is all about thrilling and fast moving snooker action. It’s great fun for the players and for the fans who come along, and when the arena is packed out, it generates such a buzz. The Betfair Snooker Shoot-Out has become one of the most widely anticipated events of the season so everyone should get their seats booked straight away.”

Matt Robinson, International Director at Betfair, said: “We’re proud to sponsor such a unique event, one which is like no other. The Betfair Snooker Shoot-Out has revolutionised the game and I’m confident our customers will take to its fast paced nature. The tournament is a welcome addition to our growing list of sponsorship properties.”

Summit 2012 Draws Solid Attendance in Chicagoland
Exhibits, Education and Social Events Highlight Event

Broomfield, Colo. - July 23, 2012 - The 2012 edition of the Billiard Congress of America's (BCA) Summit 2012, formerly the International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo, was held at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and Hotel in Schaumburg, Ill., July 18 - 20, 2012.

Total buyer attendance for the three-day event was 965, a 36% increase over the 2011 show and the largest attendance since the event in 2008.

"Despite continued economic challenges, we are very pleased Summit 2012 generated a substantial increase in attendance," said Summit 2012 Chairman Skip Nemecek. "There was a real energy on the show floor, in the seminars and during the social events that was shared by both attendees and exhibitors resulting in an all-around compelling event."

With 293 booths and 98 exhibiting companies, the show floor was comprised of 35,000 net square feet of exhibit space, with an additional 10,000 net square feet of educational and training space. Of the 98 exhibiting companies, 21 were first-time exhibitors or returning to the event after an absence, including: Altivo Pedras, Ltda., American Classic, Inc., Ball Teck Korea, Boraam Industries, LLC, Carrom Company, Cosmos Industry Co., Ltd., Cyclop Phenolic Billiards, DFI Casual Dining & Barstools, ES Billiard Tip Mfg., H. Home, Harmon Designs, LLC, Incredible Technologies, Inc., Jiujiang Jiuxing Sports Co., Ltd., Montage Furniture Services, Nanjing Kanghom Sporting Goods Co., Ltd., Petro Enterprises, Primo Craft, Inc., Robertson Billiard Supplies, Inc., Tobias Designs, Triumph Sports USA, and Venture.

"The show this year was beyond our expectations," said exhibitor John Bertone of Kamui Tips. "We picked up many new customers and we were happy to see all of our old friends and peers. We look forward to coming back to Chicago next year, not only for the pizza, but also the social interaction this venue provides."

In addition to Summit 2012's show floor activity, the Business of Billiards Seminar Series offered six seminars designed to provide tangible, immediately implementable business improvement solutions.

"The education alone was worth my BCA dues," said retailer Michael Zimmerman of Zim's Rack. "Everything else that was included as part of Summit 2012 and the BCA member benefits are added benefits for our business."

The industry social, sponsored by the Billiard Congress of America, on Wednesday, July 18, attracted hundreds of show participants who enjoyed free cocktails and soda, while mixing and mingling with old friends, networking with industry leaders and watching a trick shot exhibition by BCA Hall of Famer Ewa Laurance.

"We can't wait to come back next year," said retailer Anthony Been of Bill's Recreation. "The variety of exhibitors was above our expectations and the opportunity to meet people during the industry social and on the exhibit floor was great. We also gathered more information from the seminars than ever before."    

Sponsors of Summit 2012 included: Ace Product Management Group, Inc., Atlas Billiard Supplies, Cue & Case Inc., Championship, LLC, Imperial International, Iwan Simonis, Kamui Tips, Tweeten Fibre Co., Siriani & Associates and Viking Cues.

During the event, the Billiard Congress of America also announced Summit 2013 will return to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and Hotel from Wednesday, July 10 through Friday, July 12, 2013. More information on Summit 2013 will be available as it develops at www.bcasummit.com.

"Coming back to Chicago is a wonderful choice," said exhibitor David Start of California House. "The location is great, the venue is outstanding to work with and we look forward to returning to Chicago. As a matter of fact, we have already increased our booth size for next year."

Mike Serra Elected to Second Term as Chairman of Billiard Congress of America

Broomfield, Colo. - July 23, 2012 - During its general membership meeting in Schaumburg, Ill., on July 17, 2012, the Billiard Congress of America announced the results of its 2012-2013 Board of Directors elections, which are as follows:

Category 1 (Manufacturer/Distributor)

•     Chance Pack (Champion Shuffleboard/Valley Dynamo/Connelly Billiards), three-year term
•     Chris Kuntz (RAM Gameroom Products), three-year term

In follow-up elections, Mike Serra (Championship, LLC) accepted a one-year term as BCA Board Chairman, as did each of the remaining seated officers: Vice Chairman Ivan Lee (Iwan Simonis); Secretary Elaine Gerber (Presidential Billiards, LP); and Treasurer Tony Stick (The Billiard Factory).

The remaining directors include: Nick Alexander (Clicks Billiards); Martin Bloom (Olhausen Mfg.); Jonathan Goudeau (Indoor Recreation Company); Thomas Rodgers (Robertson Billiards) and Austin Rothbard (Brunswick Corporation).

"It has been an honor to serve the Billiard Congress of America and the industry this past year as Chairman of the Board of Directors," said Serra. "I have enjoyed working with the Board and association staff on many new initiatives aimed at supporting and promoting our industry. I look forward to continuing to lead the Association as many of these new initiatives are introduced during the next year. It has also been gratifying to work with the Board and Summit 2012 Committee to produce a very successful and important event for our industry."

SUMMER DAYS AT RILEYS

2 hours of pool or snooker for just £6 - Bargain!

If you're 16 or under, Rileys is the perfect place to be this Summer. Call your mates and get down to your local club for some action on the pool or snooker tables. You can use the offer before 6pm, including weekends - bargain!

Bring along three mates and the deal is just £1.50 each - you can't get better value than that!

Parents are not left out either, because they can play under the same rate so long as you are playing with someone 16 years and under.

Just visit your local Rileys club and ask for the deal. Simples.

If you're over 16 or a parent/guardian then please forward this on to someone who is so that they can get this great deal - thanks.

Regards,
The Rileys Team

WPBSA STATEMENT

The Disciplinary Committee of the WPBSA has today heard the case of Joe Jogia in relation to the suspicious betting patterns on his match with Matthew Selt that was due to take place at the Sky Snooker Shootout at Blackpool on Saturday 28th January 2012.

It was alleged that a series of bets were placed on Matthew Selt to win this match and the pattern of betting was deemed to be suspicious. As a result betting was suspended on the match on the evening of 23rd January 2012. On 26th January 2012, Joe Jogia withdrew from the match citing an injury and the match did not take place.

An investigation was conducted by the WPBSA which found that on and between 20th and 24th January 2012, a total of 19 bets were made or attempted, all at different betting shops in the Leicester area on Matthew Selt winning this match against Joe Jogia. 14 bets to a total value of £4,830 were placed and 4 bets to a total of £2,300 and 1 bet of an unknown amount was declined.

It was established that the two persons placing the bets were known to Joe Jogia as associates and telephone records demonstrate that in the period leading up to and following the placing of bets Joe Jogia was in repeated contact with them. There was no contact prior to 16th January 2012 then he sent 33 text messages and made 3 calls to one of the persons placing the bets and 42 text messages and 1 call to the other. Joe has failed to provide a consistent or detailed explanation as to the reason for the contact.

Initially, Joe Jogia claimed that the reason for the betting must be that people were aware of an injury that he had suffered, but 4 of the suspicious bets were placed before he claimed to have suffered the injury and a further 7 of the bets were placed before he sought medical attention.

Although there was no evidence to show that Joe Jogia would have gained financially, the Disciplinary Committee found that the frequency and timing of this contact, his lack of a consistent explanation for the contact and the suspicions raised by the pattern of bets placed by his associates, created an actual or apparent conflict of interest for him as a Member of the WPBSA, or otherwise risked impairing public confidence in the integrity of his Match with Matthew Selt.

The WPBSA Disciplinary Committee found that he is in breach of the following members rules:

SECTION 2 – BETTING RULES

2.    Betting misconduct

It shall be a breach of these Rules for a Member to do any of the following:

2.1.4 General:

2.1.4.1     to engage in any other conduct (ie beyond that specified in

paragraph 2.1.1 to 2.1.3) that is corrupt or fraudulent, or creates an actual or apparent conflict of interest for the Member, or otherwise risks impairing public confidence in the integrity and/or the honest and orderly conduct of the Tour and/or any Tournament or Match;

Joe Jogia was today banned from involvement in the game of snooker and billiards until the conclusion of the 2014 World Championship and ordered to pay £2000 as a contribution towards the cost of the hearing and investigation of the case.

WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson said “In protecting the public image of our sport the WPBSA has strong links with the gambling commission and the betting industry. The integrity of our sport is of paramount importance and today’s outcome highlights how seriously the WPBSA will treat such matters."

Freya Gooden
Head of Operations

World Snooker Ltd
2nd Floor
111-117 Victoria Street
Bristol BS1 6AX

OB Cues July Contest winner

OB Cues would like to thank everyone who entered our July contest for a FREE OB Pool Cue Shaft. Congratulations to Joshua Harbour from Bethany, Oklahoma who won the contest. We have already been in contact with Joshua and he has picked an OB-2 with Radial Joint as his free shaft. Thank you to everyone who entered this month and we will have another contest next month that will start on Wednesday August 1st 2012.

OB Cues, headquartered in Plano, Texas is a leading manufacturer of High Performance Pool Cues and Pool Cue Shafts made 100% in the USA since 2005. For more information on OB Cues or OB shafts or to become an authorized dealer, please visit www.obcues.com

CSI Tunica Open Players Cash at Harrah’s

CueSports International, Henderson, Nevada -- July 27, 2012 -- The CSI Tunica Open, a satellite event of the 1st Annual Southern Classic, drew 84 players in the 8-Ball division during July 20-22 and 79 players in the 9-Ball division during July 23-25 at Harrah’s Tunica in Tunica, Mississippi. CSI (CueSports International) awarded a total of $9,060 to the top finishers in the six double elimination divisions.

Payouts:

8-Ball Men’s Open Singles
1st Place: $2,200 Robert Frost
2nd Place: $650 Sean King
3rd Place: $200 Nicholas Hickerson

8-Ball Men’s Senior Singles
1st Place: $$650 Joey Aguzin
2nd Place: $230 Scott Willoughby
3rd Place: $100 Robert Doral

8-Ball Women’s Open Singles
1st Place: $450 Nicole Keeney
2nd Place: $150 Jessie Human
3rd Place: $60 Liz Lovely

9-Ball Men’s Open Singles
1st Place: $2,000 Nicholas Hickerson
2nd Place: $650 Dustin Wilkins
3rd Place: $200 Gabe Apollos

9-Ball Men’s Senior Singles
1st Place: $630 Gene Albrecht Sr.
2nd Place: $220 John Bretinoiu
3rd Place: $90 Bobby Hibbitts

9-Ball Women’s Open Singles
1st Place: $420 Liz Lovely
2nd Place: $120 Nicole Keeney
3rd Place: $40 Grace Nakamura

To view the brackets for the CSI Tunica Open, visit the CueSports Tournament System (CTS) at www.ctsondemand.com. The CSI Tunica Open was produced by CueSports International and played on 7’ Diamond tables. The 1st Annual Southern Classic was produced by Diamond Billiard Products and played on 9’ and 10’ Diamond tables.

CueSports International is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. In the past seven years CSI has directly paid out approximately Seven Million Dollars to players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events such as the US Bar Table Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial, the US Open One Pocket Championship and the US Open 10-Ball Championship. Visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com and www.playusapool.com for more information about CSI and its divisions.

Betfair Sponsor Snooker’s New European Tour

Betfair, the world's biggest international online sports betting company, will sponsor World Snooker’s new European Tour this season.

The European Tour is a series of six events over the next few months, capitalising on the sport’s burgeoning popularity across the continent. It will be known as the Betfair European Tour with each event broadcast on Eurosport.

The six events, which form part of the Players Tour Championship series, are:

Paul Hunter Classic, Furth, Germany August 23-26
Gydnia Open, Gdynia, Poland, October 5-7
Belgian Open, Antwerp, Belgium, October 19-21
Bulgarian Open, Sofia, Bulgaria, November 16-18
Scottish Open, Ravenscraig, Scotland, December 14-16
Munich Open, Munich, Germany, January 4-6

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We are delighted to bring in Betfair as the sponsor of the European Tour. Just like us, they are targeting emerging markets in many areas of Europe, and this tour will provide tremendous exposure for their brand.

“Each of these events will receive extensive television coverage from Eurosport and the viewing figures are phenomenal. We are extremely excited about the potential snooker has on the continent in the coming years. These events will attract the best professionals and amateurs, providing great opportunities for the players. And for the passionate fans in places like Bulgaria and Poland it’s a chance to see the world’s leading stars compete.”

Matt Robinson, International Director at Betfair, said: “We are delighted to add World Snooker’s new European Tour to our sponsorship portfolio. The tour visits some key European markets so it’s a great way to raise awareness for our brand. We’re excited to support a game which attracts fans both old and new.”

CAN TEAM GB MAKE THE QUARTERS?

Team GB gave themselves a great chance of qualifying for the Quarter-Finals after their 3-1 win over UAE.

Now here come the Uruguayans at the Millenium Stadium on Wednesday and all the Brits have to do is avoid defeat to go through.

Giggsy's on fire, Bellamy's putting in the crosses and the young pups are doing the business, so who knows, maybe the boys can go all the way?

So the game on Wednesday is effectively a knock-out match, the tension gets ramped up and the excitement grows. That sounds like thirsty work, so don't forget, it's just £2 a pint on the night*.

Regards,
The Rileys Team

ALEX PAGULAYAN WINS BACK TO BACK TITLE IN US POOL CIRCUIT
by Marlon Bernardino

FILIPINO pool master Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan preserved his winning run in the American pool circuit by ruling the 2012 Southern Classic 9 Ball Championship at the Accu-Stats Simonis Arena at Harrah’s Casino and Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi, United States on Wednesday.

Pagulayan defeated fellow World 9-ball champion Johnny "The Scorpion" Archer, 7-6, in the finals.

Pagulayan beat Shane Van Boening of the USA to get into the final, and Archer beat another Filipino entry Warren "Warrior" Kiamco. In the previous round the Pasil, Cebu pride Kiamco beat countryman World 8-Ball titlist Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, putting paid to the chances of there being three Filipinos in the last four.

It was the Cabagan, Isabela native Pagulayan second straight title in US pool circuit whose stint is being supported by Philippine Billiard God Father Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, following his triumphs in the Diamond 10 Ball Challenge over the weekend. He nipped Landon Shuffett of the USA, 15-10, for the coveted title.

" Alex do his best to put the country once again in the world map of sports." said Philippine Billiard God Father Aristeo "Putch" Puyat.

WPBSA Statements on Stephen Lee and Mark Allen

Stephen Lee statement

On 28th May 2012 the Disciplinary Committee of the WPBSA found Stephen Lee guilty of a breach of the WPBSA Members and Disciplinary Rules in relation to two breaches of contract that directly related to his role as a professional snooker player that led to two County Court Judgements against him.

In order to properly assess the appropriate penalty the Committee deferred the decision on sanction until 26th July 2012 in order to give time for the player to make plans to resolve this situation. On 26th July 2012 an undertaking was given as to how the Judgements would be settled. He was reprimanded and given a formal warning as to his future behaviour.

Mark Allen statement

On 28th May 2012 the Disciplinary Committee of the WPBSA formally considered the case of Mark Allen in relation to alleged breaches of the WSL players’ contract. The circumstances were that since September 2011 he had failed to attend five separate promotional obligations at or immediately before Tournaments as required under his contract with WSL.

The Disciplinary Committee sought legal advice prior to reaching a decision and Mark Allen was found to be in breach of the following Members Rules:

WPBSA Members Rules and Regulations:
Obligations of Members
1 General obligations
1.4 Members must comply with the entry terms and conditions of each tournament in which they have entered (section 1.5 prior to January 2012).
1.3 Each member shall participate in all snooker and billiards Matches, Tournaments and Tours in a fair and sporting manner and shall co-operate with WSL and the WPBSA to promote and develop the sports of snooker and billiards (section 1.4 prior to January 2012).

On Thursday 26th July 2012 the sanction imposed by the Committee was a £2,000 fine and a formal warning in respect of his future conduct. He was also required to pay £1,000 towards the costs of the hearings.

Media commitments are an integral part of a tournament and are important for the image and commercial expansion of the sport. The Committee considered these failures as persistent and serious breaches of both his contract with WSL and the Members Rules.

WPBSA Statement

Following statements made in the Daily Star on Sunday 17th June 2012 regarding the betting activity of an alleged aid to Jimmy White, the WPBSA has taken the decision not to conduct a full investigation having found no evidence of any breach of the rules.

The WPBSA process of making enquiries is very thorough and has involved liaising with the Gambling Commission Sports Betting Intelligence Unit and the betting industry. The WPBSA have not found any evidence of inappropriate betting activity in relation to the statements in this article or by Jimmy White and therefore no further action will be taken.

News Flash: Hall of Famer Efren "Bata" Reyes of the Philippines Reach Semis
by Marlon Bernardino

Hall of Famer Efren "Bata" Reyes of the Philippines continued to flash fine form as he beat Darren Appleton of Great Britain, 200-108, to advance to the semifinal round of the World 14.1 (straight pool) tournament in Flushing, New York on Friday.

NEXT STOP THE SEMIS?

The momentum is building for Team GB after their 1-0 victory over Uruguay and now comes Saturday's Quarter-Final against South Korea which kicks off at 7.30pm. And you can see it here on the Blue Square Fanzone screens at Rileys.

Stuart Pearce's boys are looking well organised at the back and the young man Sturridge is finding the net, so who knows, it could just be that Britain's footy team could win a medal at the Games.

Now we're into the knock-out stage, it should mean plenty of excitement and tension and might even mean the dreaded penalty shoot-out!

Come on Team GB! Come on Giggsy, Bellers, Butters, Sturrers and all the other squadders!

The big screen awaits you and your Union Jack. We've got the comfy chairs, the liquid refreshment and off course all the indoor ball games to boot. Get in there!

Regards,
The Rileys Team

'Bata' Reyes winds up second in World Straight pool in US
by Marlon Bernardino

FILIPINO hall of famer Efren "Bata" Reyes failed to overhaul his American foe’s hot start to settle for second place in the the World 14.1 (World Straight pool) tournament in Flushing, New York, USA, over the weekend.

John Schmidt of Hesperia, California put USA back on top again in the 100th anniversary tournament of the game after beating Reyes, 200-169, in the finals.

Schmidt reached the finals after outclassing Ralph Eckert of Germany 200 to 60 while Reyes subdued reigning World 9-Ball and US Open 9-Ball Champion Darren Appleton of Great Britain, 200-108.

Top Class Snooker Returns To Scotland

The World Snooker Tour will return to Scotland for the first time in over two years in December with a tournament in Ravenscraig.

It will be the fifth event on the new Betfair European Tour, part of the Players Tour Championship series. The event at the 600-seater Ravenscraig Sports Facility will run from December 14 to 16 (Friday to Sunday) and will be televised by Eurosport.

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE and cost just £10 for a single day and £25 for a three-day pass.

BOOK NOW and take advantage of an EARLY BIRD OFFER: for a limited time only, single day tickets are just £6. CALL NOW on 01698 274600 or visit www.seetickets.com

It will be the first World Snooker event in Scotland since the 2010 World Open and four-time World Champion John Higgins is delighted that the sport is returning to his homeland.

“Scotland deserves to have its own tournament so it’s brilliant news that we will have an event here. Hopefully it will be a stepping stone to something bigger,” said Wizard of Wishaw Higgins, who lives just a few miles away from Ravenscraig. “I hope the crowds will come out and enjoy it.”

Higgins had a poor season in 2011/12 by his standards and failed to add to his collection of trophies. He has missed the first two ranking events of the new campaign but will be back in action at the Players Tour Championship event in Gloucester this week and is raring to go.

“I feel that I need to prove myself again after such a bad season,” said the 37-year-old, who has slipped to seventh place in the world rankings. “I’ve been practising hard for the last ten days and looking forward to getting started again.”

Higgins has given himself fresh impetus by having a snooker room built in his house, and is also playing with a new cue.

“The cue was made by Trevor White and I’m really happy with it,” said the Scot. “You never know for sure until you use it at a tournament under pressure, but so far it feels good.

“Having a table at home will help me as well because we spend so much time travelling these days that you need to have some time at home in between tournaments, so it will allow me to have a few extra hours of practice.”

The winner of the Ravenscraig event will pocket £10,000 from a total prize fund of £50,000, and there are also world ranking points and PTC Order of Merit points up for grabs. Most of snooker’s top stars are expected to enter.

There will be one main TV table and ten other tables and fans will be able to move between tables to watch a host of snooker’s leading professionals in action.

The sessions will start at 9am on Friday December 14 and Saturday December 15 and at 10am on Sunday December 16.

Ravenscraig has over two-thirds of the population of Scotland within 90 minutes drive so large crowds are expected and fans are advised to book tickets quickly.