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Topic: *Industry News* 2013

WPBSA Statement

The hearing in the case of Stephen Lee to decide the sanction took place today. Adam Lewis QC will deliver his decision on sanction tomorrow.

WPBSA Statement - Stephen Lee

After a hearing that took place between 9th - 11th September 2013, on 16th September 2013 Adam Lewis QC found Stephen Lee was in breach of the 2005 and 2006 WPBSA Members Rule 2.9;

"Stephen Lee is found guilty of "agreeing an arrangement… (and of) …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."

A hearing was held on 24th September 2013 where submissions on sanction were made by the WPBSA and Stephen Lee.

On 25th September 2013 Adam Lewis QC delivered his decision on sanction in writing.

He concluded that that the appropriate sanction is that Stephen Lee serve a Suspension of twelve years under Rule 12.1(a) of the Disciplinary Rules.

That Suspension is to be calculated from 12 October 2012, when the interim suspension was imposed. Therefore Stephen Lee will not be able to participate in snooker before 12th October 2024.

He has ordered that he should pay a contribution towards those costs of £40,000.

The WPBSA has a zero tolerance approach to match fixing and this is further evidence of our uncompromising approach to dealing with such issues.

Jason Ferguson the Chairman of the WPBSA said: "We take no pride in having to deal with such serious issues. However this demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that snooker is free from corruption. It is an important part of our anti-corruption approach that players found to be involved in fixing matches or any aspect of a match are severely dealt with. We work closely with partners globally and the message we are sending is that if you get involved in match fixing you will be found out and removed from the sport."

Under the WPBSA Disciplinary Rules Stephen Lee has a right to appeal the finding and the sentence imposed.

For the ruling on sanction see www.worldsnooker.com

The hearings to deal with this matter were conducted through Sport Resolutions UK who are wholly independent of the WPBSA.

Sheffield’s Joel Faces Snooker World Champ In Barnsley

Sheffield snooker ace Joel Walker has landed a dream draw against his former mentor Ronnie O’Sullivan at next week’s International Championship qualifiers in Barnsley.

Walker won the Rileys Future Stars competition in 2010, a nationwide search for the best junior player. His prize included a series of training sessions with five-time World Champion O’Sullivan.

The talented 19-year-old has since turned professional and now has the chance to take on ‘Rocket Ronnie’ in a competitive match for the first time.

They will meet next Tuesday, October 1, at 2.30pm at the Barnsley Metrodome. The qualifiers are all day Tuesday and Wednesday, featuring 128 of the world’s best players, with the 64 winners to go through to the final stages of the world ranking event in Chengdu, China.

Entry for spectators is FREE and there’s no need to book, just turn up on the day.

“I’m really looking forward to playing Ronnie, I can’t wait,” said Walker, who is ranked 89th in the world. “I spent a lot of time practising with him in 2010 and learned a lot from him. I played six matches against him and the first time I was nervous, but after that it didn’t bother me. I didn’t beat him but the closest match was 9-7. I have improved a lot since then as a player, and if I play well on Tuesday I’ve got every chance of winning.

“I think spending that time with him will benefit me because I won’t be worried about who I’m playing, I’ll just be focussed on the balls. I still speak to Ronnie when I bump into him at tournaments and he always has time for me.”

Walker has made an impressive start to the season, reaching the last 32 of the Wuxi Classic in China and qualifying for the final stages of next month’s Indian Open in Delhi. “It’s great going to new countries to play snooker,” he added. “This season I’m trying to get into the top 64 and do as well as possible in the European Tour events.”

Other players competing at the Metrodome include Judd Trump, John Higgins, Mark Selby, Neil Robertson, Ding Junhui, Steve Davis and Jimmy White. For the full draw and format see www.worldsnooker.com

Rubilen Amit Chosen for Asia! Queens Cup to be Played on Min Tables

Manila, Philippines - Philippines national heroine Rubilen Amit has been selected onto the very elite Team Asia in the upcoming Queens Cup! Amit will join Asia Captain Ga Young Kim of South Korea as they go against a powerhouse foursome including Austria's Jasmin Ouschan and UK's Kelly Fisher, Captain of Team West. Two more players on each team will be named in the upcoming weeks for the inaugural Queens Cup! The East vs West ultimate team showdown between the world’s greatest lady professional billiards players will take place at Resorts World in Manila, Philippines on November 5th-7th, 2013 . The event is produced by Dragon Promotions which has signed on Min Table of Korea as the Official Table to be used during all televised matches. Andy Cloth is the Official Cloth and OB Cues is the Official Cue of the Queens Cup.

"I am pleasantly surprised at the Queens Cup concept! Team play is the way to go for pool. It's really about time that Asia gets their shot at a real rivalry with the West" says Yahoo! Sports writer and TV sportscaster Bob Guerrero.

Amit shocked the pool world and gave a boost to Philippines women sports when she won the World 10-Ball Championships

"When I first heard about the Queens Cup, my first thought was "Genius!". I loved the idea of having a Ryder Cup type of tournament for women. Surely, this is going to be an exciting event to look forward to for everyone," said Amit a Gold, Silver, and Bronze medalist in World Championship history. "I feel honored to be part of the elite team representing Asia. I am committing myself to doubling my efforts in practice to prepare for this."

"Min Tables are very happy to have the greatest women players in the world play on our table. The Queens Cup will be an excellent event full of excitement and passion that only the women can bring. We can't wait for the world to watch!" says Sang Jun Min , CEO of Min Tables.

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

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.

The Queens Cup will play all its matches on the feature Min TV table with Andy Cloth as the surface used for this monumental competition.

Min Tables was founded in 1977 by Boo Young Min. All Min Tables are manufactured in South Korea and has become the leading table manufacturer in its country . Min Tables has been selected as the table of choice in world class events including the Asia Indoor Games, Korea International Championships, the Dragon Promotions produced International 10-Ball Championships seen on ESPN, and now the Queens Cup which is the premiere team event in women's pool. In 2000, Min Tables personal care and family values passed onto the son, Sang Jun Min. The Min Table is made with precision and almost 40 years of knowledge and craftsmanship, with the quality and ingenuity that has made all standards in South Korea famous in modern times. Please visit www.mintable.kr and follow www.facebook.com/pages/Mintable/240068119456306.

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

WE'RE GOING TO THE DOGS AT RILEYS!

It's weekend tournament time with the chance to win £30 on our new game 'Barkin Mad'. We're running tournaments on Friday and Saturday so get down to the club to join in the fun and go for the title!

Regards,
The Rileys Team

http://www.rileys.co.uk/parties

ANDY CLOTH Adds $1000 for BEF Juniors Nubbins Memorial Tournament

Rawlins, Wyoming- Andy Cloth USA will be adding $1000 in scholarship prize money for juniors attending the Andy Cloth Nubbins Memorial Junior Tournament. The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) recognized event will be on Sunday September 29th during the 2nd Annual ANDY CLOTH HIGH DESERT SHOOTOUT in Rawlins, WY on September 27-29th to the Jeffrey Memorial Community Center. The Andy Cloth Shootout will allow all players of all levels below pro status to come compete for a $22,000 prize fund with $9000 added to the events! The event is co-sponsorsed by Polaris, Str8 Shots, and supported by the Lions Club and Shively Hardware. Over 150 players will compete in different divisions of skills levels. From beginner, intermediate, and expert categories for all amateur players.

“We had such a good turnout for the juniors during the Wyoming Open, that I wanted to keep up the momentum for the kids ", said E.J. Glode , President of Andy Cloth USA. Glode is also Founder & Promoter of the Andy Cloth High Desert Shootout, the Wyoming Open, and dealer for Polaris in Wyoming for over 30 years.

The juniors event is dedicated in name to the memory of Steve "Nubbins" Doehling. Doehling was originally from Colorado but lived in Saratoga, Wyoming for the past 16 years. He was affectionately known as Nubbins because he had lost fingers in an accident years earlier. And yet he was instrumental each year working and doing anything that needed done at each Wyoming Open and any tournament that needed help. Doehling passed away only a month after the last Wyoming Open of this year. He was beloved and will be sorely missed, but would love the idea of his name being connected with young kids playing pool.

The juniors tournament will be 8-Ball on 7ft bar tables with only a $15 entry fee for the $1000 added event. Parents are encouraged to come out and bring their kids for a great day of family supported fun.

US Open 10-Ball Champion and Mosconi Cup 2013 player Rodney Morris with renown pro Raj Hundal of India will also be attending the festivities, purely as guests to promote the sport and help the juniors.

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, the High Desert Shootout and many more.

The Andy Cloth High Desert Shootout is organized and promoted by Shively Hardware and sponsored by Polaris

For more info or to play in the Andy Cloth Nubbins Memorial Junior Tournament contact wyomingopen@gmail.com or call 307-329-8924

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

ANDY Cloth has been selecting Australian wool and advanced European equipments, concentrating efforts on constant update of equipments and manufacturing process. Quality is the consistent pursuit of R&D .Continuously improving equipments and process were used to produce better products that satisfied the requirements of professional events and commercial clubs.Nowadays, ANDY has various kinds of billiard cloths as worsted cloth for pool, woolen cloth for pool, Carom 3-Cushions and Pyramid Cloth. ANDY cloth has broken the traditional production process of dyeing cloth after weaving, using the top dye method of high-tech and high cost to spin and weave the cloth after dyeing, which made the cloth more stable, durable and very few ball burn spots. What’s more,some other surface leveling technology made ANDY to the top cloth of high quality and performance, satisfied speed and stabile cloth for tournaments, long lasting wear and easily cleaning and maintaining cloth for commercial clubs. ANDY cloth not only has earned its reputation with professional players and clubs but also become one of the most famous and satisfactory worsted billiard cloth.

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

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

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

Billiard Congress of America Announces Date Change for Summit 2014
-- Summit 2014 to be held June 25 - 27, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky --

Broomfield, Colo. - Sept. 30, 2013 - The Billiard Congress of America today announced a date change for Summit 2014, taking place in Louisville, Kentucky at the Kentucky International Convention Center. The new date for Summit 2014 will be June 25 - 27, 2014. Summit 2014 was originally planned for July 16 - 18, 2014.

"The Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau approached us about moving our date so that they can accommodate an acrobatic gymnastics national championship event at the convention center in July," said Billiard Congress of America Chairman Ivan Lee. "In exchange for agreeing to move our dates they have agreed to partner with us on the creation of several new entertainment events surrounding Summit 2014. Such events will include a bourbon distillery tour, Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory tour, Louisville Slugger bat maker/cue maker summit, urban bourbon pub tour and Muhammad Ali Center tour. The host hotel will remain the Louisville Marriott Downtown."

About Louisville

Louisville offers Southern hospitality, the convenience of the Midwest, and the cultural creativity of a major metropolitan location. Experience nine attractions in four walkable blocks including Louisville Slugger Museum and Glassworks. There's plenty to see outside of downtown as well. Louisville has the largest Victorian neighborhood in the country, the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs and an underground zipline. Great dining areas include an entertainment district, the trendy NuLu area and two restaurant rows. Louisville is also home to the Urban Bourbon Trail™ which is a great way to explore the gateway to Bourbon Country®. From attractions to eats, Louisville has it all.

About BCA Summit

Established in 1983, the BCA Summit provides manufacturers, distributors, retailers, dealers and poolroom operators an annual venue for new business opportunities, including education, new products and networking. BCA Summit 2014 is sponsored exclusively by the Billiard Congress of America and proudly celebrates its 30th Anniversary in Louisville, Kent., June 25-27, 2014. For more information, please visit www.bcasummit.com or call 303.243.5070.

About Billiard Congress of America

Founded in 1948, the Billiard Congress of America is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to growing a united, prosperous and highly regarded billiard industry through BCA leadership. The BCA seeks to enhance the success of its members and promote the game of billiards though educational, marketing and promotional efforts, an annual industry trade show and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody's game. For more information, visit www.bca-pool.com or call 303-243-5070.

McDermott Announces Free Cue Giveaway for October 2013

MENOMONEE FALLS, WI (October 1, 2013) – McDermott Cue Mfg. LLC is a leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of pool cues, performance shafts and billiard accessories. McDermott is proud to announce the October 2013 Cue of the Month Giveaway Sweepstakes.

Each month, McDermott gives away a free pool cue to a lucky contestant. For October 2013, the giveaway cue is the GS12C, a customized version of their popular GS12. It features a Michigan maple forearm & sleeve, a custom black metallic paint, an upgraded Everest tip, and an upgraded lizard-embossed Italian leather wrap.

To enter the contest, visit www.mcdermottcue.com/giveaway and fill out the simple survey. There is no limit to the number of times one can enter the contest. At the end of the month, McDermott will randomly select a winner to receive a free GS12C pool cue. Congratulations to last month’s winner, Kathryn Cianci of New York, NY. She won a G201C pool cue with a high-performance G-Core shaft!

McDermott Cue is headquartered in Menomonee Falls, WI and markets under the brands of McDermott Cue, Star Cue, Lucky Cue, Element Cue, Wildfire, Pool Prodigy, Intimidator i-Shafts, G-Core Shafts, Big Boy Shafts, Sledgehammer Break Cue, Stinger Break/Jump Cues and Elephant Balls.

For more information about this press release, contact McDermott’s Creative Director, Derek Blaguski, at derekb@mcdermottcue.com or call 1-800-666-2283. More information can be found at www.mcdermottcue.com.

McDermott Announces Cues for the Cure Fundraising Campaign

MENOMONEE FALLS, WI (October 1, 2013) – McDermott Cue Mfg. LLC is a leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of pool cues, performance shafts and billiard accessories. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, McDermott is raising money for breast cancer research and awareness.

During the month of October, a portion of the proceeds from select pink products will be donated to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. Last year, McDermott was able to raise $750 for the cause. They hope to raise even more this year.

McDermott added a new Pink Clover t-shirt for the month of October in an effort to raise money. It features their “clover” logo on a pink Hanes Tagless t-shirt. The price of the shirt is $15, which includes free shipping to continental United States locations.

For more information on the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation and how you can help, please visit http://www.tnbcfoundation.org.

To see McDermott’s pink Cue for the Cure products, visit http://mcdermottcue.com/cuesforthecure.

McDermott Cue is headquartered in Menomonee Falls, WI and markets under the brands of McDermott Cue, Star Cue, Lucky Cue, Element Cue, Wildfire, Pool Prodigy, Intimidator Shafts, G-Core Shafts, Big Boy Shafts, Sledgehammer Break Cue, Stinger Break/Jump Cues and Elephant Balls.

For more information about this press release contact Derek Blaguski, Creative Director, at derekb@mcdermottcue.com or call 1-800-666-2283. More information can be found at www.mcdermottcue.com.

LAST FOUR EYEING UP FINAL

The Shakespeare hosted the semifinal draw for the Newport Pool Open on Tuesday night and the last four now know who stands between them and a place in this years final.

Ian Lewis will look to continue his fine debut performance in the Open, however the consistent Ricky Leese stands in his way. Leese will be looking to complete a Market Drayton and Newport Open double having already won the former earlier in the year.

Last years champion Neil Dale will have to wait until Sunday to find out whether he faces new Newport Legion signing Paul Lucas, or team mate and former champion Colin Pink.

The team of Colin Pink and Ricky Leese will have been delighted to have been kept apart in the singles competition, however they were to be left disappointed as a lengthy match saw them crash out to Luke Minton and Kyle Smith ending their doubles ambitions. Minton and Smith will now face Darren Pountney and Ant Heathcote in the semi finals after they also won on Tuesday night, beating Paul Cartledge and Jack Dicken 3-1.

Mick Manning and George Allen made light work of Scott Smith and Neil Holford, they will look to continue their quest for a second Open win a row when they take on Paul Trevor and Andy Miles.

The finals night will be held at the Newport Royal British Legion on the 23rd of October and all are welcome. Both the finals and third place playoffs will take place on the evening.

WEDNESDAY IS EUROPE NIGHT!

After the drama of last night's Champions League clashes, washed down we hope with one or two of our tasty £1.99 pints, it's the turn tonight of Bayern Munich to flex their muscles against Man City and Shakhtar Donetsk to host Man United.

And because we know you love it, it's just £1.99 a pint again tonight*.

Plus don't forget to check out our full fixture list on the brand spanking new Rileys website.

Regards,
The Rileys Team

http://www.rileys.co.uk/parties

* £1.99 Pint available Wednesday 2nd October, 6pm until 11pm. Participating clubs only. Not available in Scotland.

ANAG 71/2, 1C and 3C Triathlon - Oct 4th to 6th

Enjoy some Classic games LIVE coverage on Kozoom: Balkline 71/2, 1-Cushion and 3-Cushion are on the program. The Live video coverage will start on Friday, October 4th for 3 days of fun. If you don't have your Premium Pass yet, you can order it now.

OSPN Sponsored Pay The Players Tournament

Last month the OnSitePool Network or (OSPN) did something special. A challenge match for Adam Smith and Alex Olinger both professional and semiprofessional known players. “I was able to pay each player $75 for their appearance in this game I set up out of the new video subscriber members that came to watch this event” said Mike Warden live stream producer of OSPN. “I want to do something like that every month but up the ante”.

OSPN will be producing a live stream of a regional monthly pool tournament this weekend October 5 in Ohio at Chuggers Bar & Grille. There will be semi-professional/top amateurs and locals competing in this $500 added tournament. Sure there will be other tournaments within a few hours and all over the country on this same day. There will even be other live streamed events, perhaps some with established professional players. The difference is that OSPN will be the only one of those live stream events that will be paying the players anything for their contributions of video content.

The time has come to step up to the table and break and run hill/hill for the cash. We are talking about a challenge made to our billiard community, the players and the fans of our sport. Most if not all of the producers creating billiard content this weekend will be satisfied with doing a live broadcast, then just uploading it free online to many popular sites. The problem with this model is there really is no model at all. It’s the sellout of the billiards industry. The content has no value and therefore is rendered worthless. This topic should be discussed at great length. Hopefully, this challenge will bring about a much needed debate. This is one of the primary reasons the Onsitepoolnetwork (OSPN) was brought into existence.

OSPN proposes that every single person to sign up for the OSPN On Demand Billiards Club this week for a $7.99 a month video subscription membership that money will be put into a pool. OSPN will pay these players outright that play on the “tvmike” table for this tournament or add monies to the prize fund. As an example, if there are 100 new subscribers then that will bring us about $700 to pay these players minus transaction fees. A continued video subscription will ensure the growth of the only billiards exclusive private streaming network and protected On Demand video subscription archive.

“I think it’s a great idea said Zach Goldsmith founder of OSPN we might see a future national champion at this tournament and if we can help with simple expenses such as food, gas and tournament entries at least it’s something to give back to the players”

Sign up for the OSPN On Demand Billiards Club at : www.onsitepool.tv

Register a user ID then start a Video Subscription.

Tournament details: Chuggers Bar & Grille - 9244 Market Square Drive, Streetsboro OH 44241 - $35 Entry – 9 Ball Races of 7/5 Winners Break – 3 Fouls – Doors at 8 AM – Player Auction at 10 – Played on 5 diamond bar tables. With large turnout this will be a 2 day event. Director – Curt Wanyek – Watch for FREE live on any device: www.onsitepool.com/tvmike

Billiard Education Foundation Announces New Logo

September 21, 2013 (Englewood, CO): The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is thrilled to announce a new official logo, one which encompasses the true commitment and mission of the organization: to build the next generation of billiard student-athletes while promoting a lifelong love of the sport.

Nearly 100 designs were submitted when the foundation announced a logo contest over the summer. Supporters voted online and the top 8 designs were then presented in Las Vegas during the 2013 BEF Junior Nationals and CSI National Championships to determine the winner. The BEF thanks all the artists who submitted designs and all those who voted to help select the final winner.

The new logo, which features academic colors, a nine ball and mortarboard, over an open book, will be used on the billiardeducation.org website, for media, apparel, advertisements, promotional materials, and future BEF literature. High resolution files of the new logo can be downloaded from the BEF website.

The 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity started as junior programs produced by the Billiard Congress of America. Since its inception, the BEF has awarded over $200,000 in academic scholarships and sends young players to represent North America at the WPA World Junior Championships each year by way of their annual Junior National Championships.

Visit billiardeducation.org or call (303) 926-1039 to learn more about nationwide youth billiard programs and academic scholarships.

Victory For Allen In Germany

Mark Allen won his first title of the season by beating Ding Junhui 4-1 in the final of the Ruhr Open in Germany.

Northern Ireland's 27-year-old Allen outplayed China's Ding in the final of the season's fifth European Tour event to take the 25,000 Euro top prize.

Left-hander Allen won seven matches during the event to land his first title since he won the Haikou World Open seven months ago.

He took the opening frame of the final with a break of 76. Ding looked set to level until he missed a red to a centre pocket on 55, and his opponent battled his way back into the frame and took it on the colours.

A superb run of 100 put Allen 3-0 ahead, before Ding pulled one back with runs of 40 and 32. But there was to be no fight back as Allen's 74 in frame five saw him over the winning line.

"The way my form has been over the last few months, it's a big achievement to win here," said Allen. "A lot of it is down to Terry Griffiths, we did some work last week and he made a change on the technical side and helped me to be more positive. I need to keep putting the work in with him and hopefully it will pay dividends.

"I was able to have a couple of hours rest after my semi-final whereas Ding had a long match, so maybe he was not as fresh as me for the final, though I'm sure he was just as motivated.

"The crowd and the atmosphere here were brilliant. Snooker is taking off in mainland Europe which is good to see."

The tournament brought snooker to the town of Mulheim for the first time, and drew large crowds throughout the three days, emphasising snooker's popularity in Germany.

World number 75 Robbie Williams, from The Wirral, was the event's surprise package as he reached the semi-finals before losing 4-0 to Allen. Ding edged out Stephen Maguire 4-3.

The European Tour comprises eight events, with the top 24 on the final Order of Merit to qualify for the Grand Finals next March, to be joined by eight more players from the Asian Tour Order of Merit. The next event is the Kay Suzanne Memorial Cup in Gloucester from November 7 to 10.

Results (last 16 onwards)

Last 16
Ben Woollaston 4-0 Chris Norbury
Mark King 3-4 Stephen Maguire
Barry Hawkins 2-4 Ryan Day
Ding Junhui 4-3 Anthony Hamilton
David Gilbert 3-4 Robbie Williams
Luca Brecel 4-1 Stuart Bingham
Kyren Wilson 2-4 Judd Trump
Mark Davis 3-4 Mark Allen

Quarter-finals
Woollaston 3-4 Maguire
Day 1-4 Ding
Williams 4-3 Brecel
Trump 1-4 Allen

Semi-finals
Maguire 3-4 Ding
Williams 0-4 Allen

Final
Ding 1-4 Allen

Rileys Sports Bars Upgrade to Professional Conditions

Rileys, the UK’s largest chain of sports bars are currently in the process of upgrading all their pool and snooker tables to use highest quality cloth and balls to give their customers that professional experience.

The Cuesports themed sports bars now select Strachan cloth and Aramith balls in all of their venues.

The man responsible for this decision at Rileys, Ian Huett said, “Too many clubs have taken the low cost route in the tough economic times, seeing cost savings in cheaper equipment. This is absolutely the wrong decision. By upgrading to the finest conditions you attract the better players and leagues at the same time as getting superior product life”.

Strachan cloth and Aramith balls have been used at all professional ranking snooker events including the World Championships at Sheffield for over 30 years and 20 years respectively.

Huett stated: “The high quality playing conditions provided at our bars and clubs will be the best in the world. This will be a key factor in the rising standard of play as we push to develop and grow UK Cuesports”.

Strachan cloth, Aramith balls, darts and a complete range of spares and accessories are being supplied to Rileys by Suzo-Happ Group.

Suzo-Happ, who are famous for supplying the UK coin op market with spares, now act as UK distributors for many premium Cuesports brands.

Suzo-Happ Regional Sales Manager, Matt Harris added: “Highest quality equipment such as cloth and balls are vitally important to the success of the modern club. Precision, speed and control are vital to players and this is guaranteed with Strachan cloth and Aramith balls”.

“Many clubs have not survived the recent recession but the ones that have are usually the better clubs that use premium cloth and balls, this is what attracts the players and keeps the tables in use”.

“Professional equipment need not cost the earth” said Harris, “We aim to put together packages tailored to a club’s needs that both saves money and upgrades conditions”.

Riley clubs are now well positioned as the premium UK Cuesports venues offering the atmosphere of a stylish, modern sports bar with professional standard tables.

Billiard Education Foundation Announces 2014 Academic Scholarships Sponsored by Str8 Shots

October 7, 2013 (Englewood, CO): Str8 Shots Billiards & Darts proudly sponsors the 2014 Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) Academic Scholarship Awards. Applications are currently being accepted for these awards. The objective of the BEF Academic Scholarship Program is to grant scholarships to students who have benefited from the sport of billiards and plan to pursue a college education.

This opportunity has previously only been available to high school seniors but through the generous support of Str8 Shots, this year’s scholarships will be award to three categories: high school seniors only ($2,000 award for the winner and $1,000 for runner-up), 9th -11th graders ($500 award), and 6th -8th graders ($500 award).

“Str8 Shots has been committed to encouraging youth to do all they can to achieve their highest academic potential since they opened the doors four years ago. Sponsoring the 2014 BEF Academic Scholarships is just another way we can provide the youth with an opportunity to reach their potential academically,” said owners Marc and Kimberly Griffiths.

Complete details on eligibility, guidelines, and application/registration can be found at the following link: www.str8-shots.com/2014-academic-scholarship-essay-contest/. Entries must be postmarked by Friday, February 28, 2014. Online registration deadline is Friday, February 21, 2014. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, April 15.

The BEF has awarded over $200,000 in academic scholarships since 1993 and continues to promote higher education and a lifelong love for the sport of pocket billiards. For more details on BEF scholarships or sponsoring an academic scholarship, visit billiardeduation.org.

Str8 Shots is the only online billiard and dart retailer committed to giving back to the community that supports them. We encourage players of all ages and skill levels through sponsorship, sportsmanship awards, and various other programs. For more information about the programs they offer, or to purchase your billiard or dart products, visit them at str8-shots.com.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to promoting a lifelong love of pool and building the next generation of players through youth programs and academic scholarships. Visit billiardeducation.org or call (303) 926-1039 to learn more about junior billiard programs in your area.

Newport Embraces Snooker's New Era

Snooker's Welsh Open world ranking event returns to the Newport Centre early next year, with a brand new format.

The best snooker players on the planet will head to the city in South Wales for the £300,000 tournament which runs from February 19 to March 2, 2014.

This season, World Snooker has introduced a new format for ranking events, with all 128 players to start in the same round. Established stars like Ronnie O'Sullivan, Judd Trump, John Higgins, Mark Selby, home favourite Mark Williams and defending champion Stephen Maguire will all be eligible to enter the event and could face against up-and-coming rookies in the first round.

This means that the tournament is four days longer than usual and fans will have the chance to see many more players in action, with a multi-table layout at the Newport Centre in the early stages. BBC Wales television coverage will start in the second week, so in the early stages, the only way to see the action is to come to the Newport Centre and watch it live!

Tickets for the tournament are ON SALE NOW and fans are strongly advised to book early as many sessions are expected to sell out quickly. There are two incredible offers available:

HALF PRICE adult session tickets for just £5 between Monday February 24 and Thursday February 27. This opening offer is for a limited time so take advantage now!

PASSPORT TICKET - come to any three individual sessions between Wednesday February 19 and Friday February 28 for just £21.

For full details call 01633 656 757 or visit www.newport.gov.uk/theriverfront

A spokesman for World Snooker said: "These are exciting times for our sport as we make revolutionary changes to the format of ranking events.

"Above all, it's fantastic news for the fans as we'll be bringing 128 of the world's leading players to Newport, including legends of the baize and rising stars. We know how much support there is for snooker in the

Newport area and fans will have the chance to see many more matches over a longer event. And the value for money of tickets is astonishing, especially when compared to other leading sports."

Last year's final was a gripping battle as Maguire edged out Stuart Bingham 9-8 in a dramatic deciding frame.

Total prize money for the event has been increased from £250,000 to £300,000, with the winner to receive £60,000 instead of £50,000.

The Welsh Open is supported by Newport City Council.

EAT, DRINK & PLAY AT RILEYS

This year let Rileys add some sparkle with our fantastic festive party packages, which start from just £10 per person.

Our club is packed with great things to do - including pool, snooker, darts and table football.

We can even organize a mini-tournament for you and we'll make sure that your party is fun for everyone.

To find out more call in or click here and we'll arrange everything for you.

PS - If you book before October 31st we'll give you a £10 bar tab to use at your leisure.

Regards,
The Rileys Team