Site News
Topic: *Industry News* 2012

Snooker Stars Are Newport Bound

The best snooker players on the planet will be in Newport in February for the 2013 Welsh Open.

The world ranking tournament has been ever present at the Newport Centre since 2005 and once again the venue will host many of snooker’s top stars.

Prize money for the event this year has leapt from £201,500 to £250,000, with the winner to receive £50,000 instead of £30,000.

Top Welsh player Mark Williams is already looking forward to the event having shown impressive form last week with a run to the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters.

"I played pretty well in Shanghai and although I was disappointed to lose in the semis, it was good to show a bit of form in getting that far,” said the two-time World Champion from Cwm. “It gives me a boost of confidence for the next tournament.

"I feel that I have got titles in me and I've still got the hunger to win them. Obviously the Welsh Open in Newport is extra special as my home event and it's one I would love to do well in."

The Welsh Open runs from February 11 to 17 and tickets are ON SALE NOW. They start at just £10 (concessions £5) and until the end of October there is a HALF PRICE OFFER on adult tickets for the first four days of the event. Only a limited number of half-price tickets are available so book quickly.

There is also a special ‘Passport’ offer which allows fans to buy tickets for any three individual sessions over the first five days for just £20.

BOOK TICKETS NOW by calling 01633 656 757 or visiting www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

A spokesman for World Snooker said: “We believe that these special offers represent phenomenal value, especially the new Passport offer which gives fans the chance to watch a whole day of quarter-finals plus one other session for just £20. The offers will only last for a limited time so supporters are strongly advised to get their seats booked early.

“With the support of Newport Council, we’re delighted to bring many of snooker’s biggest names to the city again as the fans in South Wales and the surrounding area love the game. The tournament has been ever present on the calendar for over 20 years and carries a lot of prestige.”

BBC Wales will be the host broadcaster and the tournament will be televised around the globe to a potential audience of hundreds of millions.

This season’s Welsh Open will boast a new format with the players to be seeded in bands of 32 rather than 16, giving rising stars a better chance to qualify for the venue. Full details will be released soon. The qualifying rounds run from February 6 to 9 in Sheffield.

October 2012 Issue of Billiards Magazine Released for Free

Inside POOL Magazine is pleased to announce that it has released the October 2012 online issue. The October 2012 online issue of Inside POOL Magazine, featuring Ga Young Kim on the front cover, has been released at InsidePOOLmag.com. Also read news from the top billiards events from around the world, pool lessons from top instructors, and tons of great new technology in online billiard magazine viewing such as enhanced clarity, Bonus Content, loads of full-screen videos of professional matches, links to favorite web sites, flipping pages, zooming, emailing, sharing, and printing.

Featured on our cover, Ga Young Kim outlasted the field at the Women's World Championship to snare the crown. Mike Dechaine claims the title at Turning Stone. John Schmidt runs over the competition at the Maryland 14.1. Ear Strickland wins the George "Ginky" SanSouci Memorial event at Amsterdam Billiards in New York City. Finland grabs World Cup of Pool Glory and the APA Team National Championships crowns champions in Las Vegas. Get the latest news from the regional tours from around the country and the latest techniques from the top billiards instructors in the world.

The issue is the free, complete issue of the October 2012 Inside POOL Magazine print edition.

www.insidepoolmag.com/premium-new/october-2012-insidepool-magazine.html

Inside POOL Magazine publishes both print and online versions of each issue. Enjoy the free issue of October 2012 Inside POOL Magazine.

About Inside POOL Magazine Inside POOL Magazine launched in 2001 and, with pool player-based content and high impact photography, quickly became the largest magazine in the world for the sport of billiards. The official web site, InsidePOOLmag.com, followed shortly after and became one of the largest web sites in billiards. The web site features videos, image galleries, pool lessons, custom pool cue makers, online games, player profiles, tournament brackets, live streaming video, rules, product reviews, and the latest billiard news from around the world.

WORLD LADIES BILLIARDS & SNOOKER ASSOCIATION - PRESS RELEASE

NG On Yee continued Hong Kong’s dominance of the women’s snooker circuit this season by cruising to victory in the Northern Championship.

Ng dispatched defending champion Maria Catalano 3-0 in the second-leg final at the North East Derbyshire Snooker Centre, Clay Cross.

The 2009 and 2010 IBSF women’s world champion’s first ranking title on the World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association tour followed her compatriot Jaique Ip Wan In’s triumph in the Agnes Davies Memorial in May.

“I am very happy to have won,” declared the 21-year-old, who did not drop a frame during the tournament. “I tried my best and concentrated all day.”

And she added: “(Maria) is very good.”

Ng’s coach Wayne Griffiths, son of the 1979 world champion Terry Griffiths, said: “(Maria’s) certainly one of the best female players in the world so that was a good result for On Yee.”

Hong Kong women’s champion Yu Ching Ching was a quarter-final casualty. She was knocked out 3-0 by Ip Wan In, who had finished fourth in this year’s event.

Vicky Carter, who gave birth to son Noah six weeks ago, lost 3-0 to the eventual champion in the first round and 2-0 to Plate winner Tatjana Vasiljeva, from Latvia, in the semi-finals of the consolation competition.

Eight-time world champion Reanne Evans missed the tournament as she was attending a World Snooker coaching course in Sheffield.

Eva Palmius, from Cambridgeshire, took the Seniors title.

RESULTS (BREAKS)

PRELIMS: Jenny Poulter beat Maureen Rowland 3-0, Yu Ching Ching beat Tatjana Vasiljeva (33, 35) 3-2, Jaique Ip Wan In beat So Man Yan 3-0, Ng On Yee (44, 45) beat Vicky Carter 3-0, Natascha Niermann beat Hannah Jones 3-2.

QUARTER-FINALS: Maria Catalano (37, 50) beat Poulter 3-1, Ip Wan In beat Yu 3-0, Ng beat Tina Owen-Sevilton 3-0, Niermann beat Eva Palmius 3-0.

SEMI-FINALS: Catalano beat Ip Wan In 3-1, Ng beat Niermann 3-0.

FINAL: Ng (43) beat Catalano (37) 3-0.

SENIORS

SEMI-FINALS: Eva Palmius beat Maureen Rowland 2-0. Jenny Poulter bye.

FINAL: Palmius beat Poulter 2-0.

PLATE

PRELIM: Vicky Carter beat Maureen Rowland 2-0.

QUARTER-FINALS: Carter beat So Man Yan 2-0, Tatjana Vasiljeva beat Jenny Poulter 2-0, Yu Ching Ching beat Eva Palmius 2-0, Hannah Jones beat Tina Owen-Sevilton 2-1.

SEMI-FINALS: Vasiljeva (37) beat Carter 2-0, Yu beat Jones 2-1.

FINAL: Vasiljeva beat Yu 2-1.

ENTRIES

Maria Catalano (Dudley, West Mids)
Maureen Rowland (Wallsend, Tyne & Wear)
Tatjana Vasiljeva (Latvia)
Jenny Poulter (Maidstone)
Tina Owen-Sevilton (Bridgwater, Somerset)
Natascha Niermann (Cambridge)
Eva Palmius (Isleham, Cambs)
Vicky Carter (Sandy, Bucks)
Ng On Yee (Hong Kong)
Jaique Ip Wan In (Hong Kong)
So Man Yan (Hong Kong)
Yu Ching Ching (Hong Kong)
Hannah Jones (Derby)

NEXT RANKING EVENT

UK Championship
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Jesters Snooker Hall
Greenbridge Road
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN3 3JD
Tel: 01793 420660


Paul Wood, on behalf of the WLBSA, presents Northern Championship winner Ng On Yee with her prize money. (Picture by Vicky Carter).

World Seniors Snooker Line-Up Complete

Nigel Bond, Les Dodd, Barry West and Tony Chappel came through the qualifying rounds of the World Seniors Snooker Championship to make it to the final stages in Portsmouth.

The quartet will take their place at the Sky-televised main event at the Mountbatten Centre on October 27-28 alongside legends like Steve Davis, Jimmy White, Dennis Taylor and Cliff Thorburn.

Former World Championship finalist Bond made a break of 101 in beating former World No 5 Gary Wilkinson in the final qualifying round, to earn a tie with 1985 Crucible king Taylor in Portsmouth.

Dodd beat Steve Meakin 2-1 to set up a meeting with Alain Robidoux while Chappel's 2-0 win over Patsy Fagan earned a match with Tony Drago. West beat Ian Brumby 2-0 and will now play Dene O'Kane.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW, starting at just £10. There are also some outstanding VIP packages available. For details call 02392 626509 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

The full first round draw and match schedule for Saturday October 27 is:

1.00 pm
Darren Morgan v Joe Johnson
Dennis Taylor v Nigel Bond
Dene O'Kane v Barry West
Steve Davis v Cliff Thorburn

7.00 pm
Tony Drago v Tony Chappel
Karl Townsend v Tony Knowles
Alain Robidoux v Les Dodd
Mike Hallett v Jimmy White

WPBSA Statement

The WPBSA has been informed by the Gambling Commission that the CPS will not be taking further action in relation to the match fixing allegations against Stephen Lee, made in 2010. The Commission has decided not to commence criminal proceedings under the Gambling Act 2005.

The WPBSA will now be allowed access to details pertaining to the enquiry in order to consider whether there has been a regulatory breach of the Governing Body's rules.

CSI Responds to ABP Press Release and Supports BCA

CueSports International, Henderson, Nevada (September 28, 2012) – CueSports International (CSI), the organization which owns and produces the US Open 10-Ball Championship, wishes to correct erroneous information that was presented in a recent press release. On September 19, 2012, the Association of Billiard Professionals (ABP) distributed a press release that proclaimed their ranking list. There was an attachment to this release that listed the 3 events that were used for these calculations; Hopkins Player’s Championship, the US Open 10-Ball, and Turning Stone.

By sending out this information, the ABP suggested that all 3 events have sanctioned or recognized the ABP. That is NOT TRUE. The only event that actually recognized the ABP was the first event. This type of release misleads and confuses the players and the fans.
In a statement distributed to the mainstream billiard media on January 17, 2012 entitled “CSI Supports BCA as Governing Body for Cue Sports in North America” CSI clearly recognized and continues to support the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) as the Governing Body of Billiards in North America. The BCA point system is the only recognized system in North America used for inviting players to compete in WPA sanctioned World Championship events.

One of the responsibilities of a governing body is to insure that events do not conflict with previously scheduled events – particularly world events. The ABP has shown that they will schedule events that conflict with previously scheduled WPA world events. That is unacceptable, when the goal is to get North American players to participate in world events.

The US Open 10-Ball Championship will be held at the Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino (July 19-23, 2013) in Las Vegas. It will be a Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Point Event. It has been scheduled and will be played using the BCA guidelines. There is a very high probability that the US Open 8-Ball (held immediately after the US Open 10-Ball) will also be a BCA Point event. The 14th US Open One Pocket is also scheduled; that will make 3 US Open events with $60,000 in added money. All these events are played alongside the 37th Annual BCAPL National Championships – “The Greatest Pool Tournament in the World”.

It is unfortunate that we have to take this action, but CSI must clarify that neither the tournament nor CSI are affiliated with the ABP. CSI does not recognize, endorse or sanction with the ABP as an official player ranking organization in the United States. CSI has never agreed to promote an ABP sanctioned event. CSI has requested that ABP send out a corrective press release, however with the way that several websites have reported the ABP press release as accurate, we felt compelled to set the record straight.

CueSports International is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. In the past 8 years CSI has directly paid out $8,000,000 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, the US Open 8-Ball 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.

ABP Sanctions The Championship Cloth Pro Classic
From the Law Offices of Dennis Walsh, ABP General Counsel abppropool@gmail.com

    Chicago, Illinois- The Association of Billiard Professionals is pleased to announce the adding on of another rankings tournament for the ABP with the Championship Cloth Pro Classic. The tournament takes place October 16th-20th, 2012 in New Iberia, Louisiana at Emerald Billiards side by side with the Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open. The total added money of $15,000 will yield 2 ranking point events split into a $7500 added 9-Ball and $7500 added 10-Ball event with both events paying $5000 for 1st Place. The top 16 pros ranked by the ABP International Rankings will be seeded at the events after conclusion of the Scorpion Cues Johnny Archer Classic. Currently USA's Mike Dechaine of Maine leads the ABP Rankings with South Dakota's Shane Van Boneing at #2 and India's Raj Hundal at #3.

    "We are ecstatic at being the title sponsor and supporting the men's pro tour with their new tour stop. The Championship Cloth Pro Classic will allow the best players in the Louisiana region to compete with the world's best, and on the best table conditions with Tour Edition 3030 cloth. We are going to help take pool to a higher level", said Fred Cohen, President of Championship LLC Brands. Both pro events will be played on Championship Cloth Tour Edition 3030.

    The Championship Cloth Pro Classic will be a 1/4 points value event per each tournament as the ABP will assist in building it's prize purse up in the upcoming years. The tournament will be using full ABP Rules & Format in 9-Ball & 10-Ball with races to 9 and double elimination. To join as a pro, amateur, or to sponsor the ABP, e-mail abppropool@gmail.com . Follow and support ABP at www.facebook.com/ABPpros

    "I'm really glad that we are able to help promoters now and build their tournaments. We have to adapt to the times, but we can't let pro pool just die. We need to have a full calendar of events on tour to keep the players playing. We need fans to keep watching, sponsors to keep advertising, and the sport to keep growing", said Mike Davis ABP Pro and Board Member. Davis is an 8 year veteran on tour and currently ranked #10 in the ABP International Pro Rankings.

    "We are America's #1 cloth manufacturer, so we are motivated to help pool grow in the USA. That's why we are elevating our committment to the sport and coming on board as the main sponsor. The Championship Cloth Pro Classic is going to be a terrific pro event, with doubling chances for all the pros to make money with two tournaments", said Mike Serra, Vice-President of Championship Cloth.
    
    The ABP will also be modifying its sanctioning guidelines to assist promoters and events to build their tournaments to higher levels. The goal would be to increase added prize money yearly for promoters with a starting base of $7000 added. The ABP desires to help promoters grow their events by giving them a base opportunity to grow each year with a system that requires growth but at the same time assists it.

    The ABP Rankings are the official rankings of the only pro players association in the world led by the sport's leading professional players with an 11 man board and ABP Attorney & General Counsel Dennis Walsh. The ABP Rankings were developed and are maintained by ABP Associate Joel Pope. The rankings format is designed using elements of successful sports such as golf and tennis. Mr.Pope formerly held a senior executive position with Fortune 500 company Starwood Hotels. Starwood Hotels owns Sheraton, Westin, W Hotels and is 145,000 employees strong.
    
    Entry is $230 per event and limited to 48 players . Late fee of $20 added after October 14th. Payment can be made with credit card over phone by calling Emerald Billiards in New Iberia, Louisiana 1 (337) 364-9922 as well as for tickets to watch and entries for the Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open Men, Women, Seniors divisions.

    Championship Cloth is a division of D & R Industries, Inc. which began in 1963 in a small apartment in Chicago, Illinois. Through the years, D & RIndustries, Inc. went through many changes and expanded into a variety of recreation-oriented businesses, but really found its niche within the billiard industry. After distributing billiard fabrics for more than 25 years, it was clear to D & R that there was a need for affordable high quality billiard fabrics. Thus, a team consisting of engineers, textile experts and old time billiard people worked together to develop what is now known as the "Championship Line" of billiard fabrics. Championship's expert team of engineers and experts worked for over five years to develop the finest billiard cushion rubber in the industry. A decade later, Championship's cushion rubber can already be found on the tables of many of today's major billiard table manufacturers. More recently Championship acquired major billiard supplier MBS Group, which has substantially expanded Championship further.D & R has now been a proud staple of the billiard industry for almost 50 years providing the finest billiard fabrics, cushion rubber and component parts. Today Championship now sells more billiard fabric than all of its major competitors combined. Please visit www.champbilliards.com

    The ABP is a united assembly of international professional billiard players. The ABP was formed to be the voice of players worldwide in order to assist in tournament and industry challenges. ABP directives include standardizing equipment, rules, ensuring the timely payment of prize money, assisting promoters and sponsors, and the overall protection and security of professional players. The ABP works to improve the sport of billiards and jointly works with associations, promoters, sponsors and players alike in the joint goal of growing the sport and providing security to all involved. Membership of the ABP includes players from Europe, Asia, and the United States. To join and support the ABP, e-mail abppropool@gmail.com . Follow and support ABP at www.facebook.com/ABPpros

Wyldecrest Park Homes Sponsor World Seniors Snooker

World Snooker is delighted to announce Wyldecrest Park Homes as the title sponsor of the World Seniors Championship for the third consecutive year.

The Sky Sports televised tournament will be known as the Wyldecrest Park Homes World Seniors Championship and will feature many of snooker's all-time legends including Steve Davis, Jimmy White, Dennis Taylor and Cliff Thorburn.

It was staged for the first time in 2010 and won by 'Whirlwind' White, then last year Darren Morgan captured the title by beating Davis in the final.

This year the event is on October 27-28 at the Mountbatten centre in Portsmouth. Tickets and VIP packages are on sale - for details call 02392 626509 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

Wyldecrest Parks is one of the UK’s largest mobile home park operators, priding itself on having high quality parks and giving residents a peaceful and stress free life.

Alfie Best, chairman of Wyldecrest, said: "We are thrilled to again be involved in a fantastic event which brings great entertainment to all sports fans. Many of our residents are avid snooker fans so we look forward to joining World Snooker for a wonderful weekend."

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: "Wyldecrest have been outstanding supporters of snooker in recent years and it is a pleasure to welcome them back for the World Seniors Championship. Sky Sports provide extensive live coverage of the tournament which clearly offers tremendous exposure for the Wyldecrest brand.

"It's fabulous to see the great names of the 1980s and 1990s battling for this prestigious crown. They will have some fun with the crowd, but winning still matters to them above anything."

The full first round line up is:

Darren Morgan v Joe Johnson
Dennis Taylor v Nigel Bond
Dene O'Kane v Barry West
Steve Davis v Cliff Thorburn
Tony Drago v Tony Chappel
Karl Townsend v Tony Knowles
Alain Robidoux v Les Dodd
Mike Hallett v Jimmy White

Inaugural World Professional Billiard League (WPBL)
Season Starts November 8th 2012

For the first time in the history of competitive billiards, a multi‐city 132 match professional league is about to begin its inaugural season. With teams in twelve cities across the USA and Canada, and 36 of the world’s top pool players, the November 8th launch of the World Professional Billiard League (WPBL) aims to take the world by storm.

“It’s time for professional billiards to take the main stage,” explains Larry Chiborak, WPBL President & CEO. “Millions of people play and love pool, but there’s no true league, no teams and no set schedule to follow. The WPBL’s goal is to make billiards accessible and entertaining for everyone; our players are the best of the best and this season we have over one million dollars at stake.”

The WPBL regular season kicks off November 8th, 2012 and runs until April 21st, 2013. The playoffs start April 25th, 2013 and the championship match will be played May 19th, 2013. All WPBL matches are played in Las Vegas, Nevada at the newly constructed WPBL arena. There will be live play‐by‐play announcers, a live audience and, to increase the excitement, the WPBL is the world’s first Bonus Ball league.

“There’s no other game like Bonus Ball – it’s a hybrid of nine ball, straight pool and snooker,” explains Johnny Archer, four‐time world champion and WPBL Player Director. “The strategy and difficulty of the game bring out the talent in our players, and the unique scoring system, shot clock, time limit and score board really boost the excitement.”

To get a feel for Bonus Ball and to see some real live WPBL action, the WPBL has just launched their first promotional video titled, “Captain's Challenge: Atlanta Scorpions vs. Toronto Blue Sharks” available at www.wpbl.tv.

Johnny Archer is the first big name player to be announced, but the WPBL is chalk full of the world’s best shooters leading teams from 12 cities including Atlanta, Las Vegas, Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, New York, Toronto, Philadelphia, Chicago and Boston.

WPBL matches will be available to pool halls, bars and homes all over the world via online pay-per‐view purchased on a weekly basis throughout the season. The full schedule will be released in the upcoming weeks, along with team names, logos, jerseys and full team rosters. All league information will be posted on the forthcoming re‐launch of the WPBL.tv website scheduled for November 1st. More information is currently available on the www.wpbl.tv or www.playbonusball.com websites.

ABP Note to Players: US Open 9-Ball Entries, Travel & Seedings

Chicago, Illinois- The Association of Billiard Professionals is pleased to announce the second consecutive year of its cooperation with the US Open 9-Ball Championship and its promoter Barry Behrman. This is an ABP International Pro Rankings tournament with the US Open 9-Ball seeding the top 16 ABP players as well as seeding from WPA and Billiard Congress of America rankings. The US Open 9-Ball Championship takes place October 21st- 27th, 2012 in Virginia Beach, VA. The event is $72,000 added with a full field of players for a whopping $200,000 purse.

Behrman is also cooperating with the ABP on match scheduling as all the ABP players in the ABP sanctioned Championship Cloth Pro Classic October 16th-21st will be given a one day grace period to travel in time and play on Monday October 22nd. This only applies to players who will already have paid their US Open entry fee of course.

Once again, players coming from ABP Louisiana events will be given October 21st Sunday as a travel day to the US Open 9-Ball Championship.

Players please note seeded players must have entries in by October 15th which is also the last day before the $50 late fees. All entries will be mailed to the Billiard Congress of America or pay online with info found here: www.usopen9ballchampionships.com/players.php

Or call 757-499-8900

The ABP seedings for the US Open 9-Ball will be the updated version after the results of the Scorpion Cues Johnny Archer Classic and the Championship Cloth Pro Classic 9-Ball on October 18th. The US Open seeding will be done October 20th.

To join the ABP as a pro, amateur, or to sponsor the ABP, e-mail abppropool@gmail.com . Follow and support ABP at www.facebook.com/ABPpros

The ABP is a united assembly of international professional billiard players. The ABP was formed to be the voice of players worldwide in order to assist in tournament and industry challenges. ABP directives include standardizing equipment, rules, ensuring the timely payment of prize money, assisting promoters and sponsors, and the overall protection and security of professional players. The ABP works to improve the sport of billiards and jointly works with associations, promoters, sponsors and players alike in the joint goal of growing the sport and providing security to all involved. Membership of the ABP includes players from Europe, Asia, and the United States. To join and support the ABP, e-mail abppropool@gmail.com . Follow and support ABP at www.facebook.com/ABPpros

Sports supremo, Barry Hearn, to present Haven House with cheque for over £120,000

Barry Hearn, Chairman of Brentwood-based Matchroom Sport, is to present Haven House Children’s Hospice with a cheque for over £120,000 this Thursday (11th October) at 11.00am.

The money has been raised through the hospice’s year-long partnership (2011 - 2012) with World Snooker, which is one of Mr. Hearn’s business interests. Funds were raised in a number of ways from player ‘fines’ to bucket collections and donations from snooker sponsors, including £25,000 from Betfred.

Mike Palfreman, Chief Executive of the Woodford Green hospice explains; ‘This really is an amazing sum and we are so grateful to Barry and all the team at World Snooker for making this happen.’ He continues;

‘This is a great example of how the local business community really helps to support our work with life-limited children and their families in the local area.’

Mr Hearn added; 'Haven House is very special to me as it does so much to help seriously ill children and families in my area. I'm so pleased that World Snooker was able to raise such a fabulous sum, I know that the hospice will put the funds to excellent use.'

This doesn’t mark the end of Barry’s relationship with the hospice, as his support will continue through the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). Barry is Chairman of the PDC, which will be supporting Haven House over the coming year as a charity partner.

BIG WEEKEND FOR RIVALS ON SCREEN

The Blue Square Fanzone giant screens await you at Rileys for a weekend of intoxicating exotic footy temptation. Are you a connoisseur of the beautiful game? Do you like to be whisked off to sunnier climes for your footy fixes?

If so, we've got a double barrelled helping of top euro clashes with Barca taking on Mourinho's Madrid and the old Milanese derby as AC take on Internazionale.

But of course, we've got a touch of the domestics as well, with some tough away days for Arsenal and Manchester United, which should keep you happy if you're more suited to Brit footy.

Don't forget, it's a team game. Get on the blower to your mates and go for it!

We've got all the Rileys indoor games on show, hot and cold refreshments, comfy chairs and of course, a warm welcome. It's your club - go on, spoil yourself!

Saturday 6th October

MAN CITY V SUNDERLAND K.O. 12.45PM
WEST HAM V ARSENAL K.O. 5.30pm

Sunday 7th October

CELTIC v HEARTS K.O. 12.45pm
SOUTHAMPTON v FULHAM K.O. 1.30pm
NEWCASTLE v MAN UTD K.O. 4pm
BARCELONA v REAL MADRID K.O. 6.50
AC MILAN v INTER MILAN K.O. 7.45

Regards,

The Rileys Team

Robertson In Pole Position

Neil Robertson won his first title of the season by beating Jamie Burnett 4-3 in the final of the Gdynia Open in Poland, part of the European Tour series.

Australia's Robertson clearly enjoys playing in Poland as he has won the only two professional events to be staged in the country, having triumphed at the Warsaw Classic last season.

Victory for the Australian is worth 12,000 Euros plus 2,000 ranking points and a guaranteed place in the Players Tour Championship Grand Finals next March. World No 8 Robertson reached the final of that event last season but lost to Stephen Lee - the only time he has ever come off second best in a televised final.

Masters champion Robertson had a slow start to the season but showed signs of his best form at the Hala Sportowo-Widowiskowa in Gdynia. He appeared to be crusing to victory over World No 39 Burnett when he went 3-0 up with a top break of 118, but his opponennt, who was seeking his first pro title, battled back to 3-3 with a top run of 64.

The decider was a tense affair lasting 52 minutes, and Hamilton's Burnett had a chance to win it but missed a black off its spot with one red left, trailing by 30 points. Robertson seized his chance to secure the trophy.

"I thought it was going to be an early night, but then at 3-3 I was under pressure because I would have been devastated to lose, so I was just relieved to win in the end," said 2010 World Champion Robertson.

"I won this tournament last season and went on to win another PTC event and then the Masters, so hopefully again this will be the start of a really good season for me.

"The crowd here was fantastic, the people really love snooker so it's great to come here and put on some world class snooker."

The Players Tour Championship is a series of ten events, four in the UK and six on the Betfair European Tour, with the top 25 on the final Order of Merit going through to the Grand Finals in March. They will be joined by seven players from the Asian PTC Order of Merit. The next event is the Antwerp Open in Belgium from October 18-21.

Results (Last 16 onwards)

Last 16
Stephen Maguire 4-1 Joe Perry
Liang Wenbo 3-4 Jimmy White
Tian Pengfei 4-3 Stuart Bingham
Kurt Maflin 4-3 Graeme Dott
Rory McLeod 3-4 Jamie Burnett
Martin Gould 3-4 Neil Robertson
Stephen Lee 3-4 Michael Holt
Ding Junhui 4-1 Mark Selby

Quarter-finals
Stephen Maguire 4-1 Jimmy White
Michael Holt 4-2 Ding Junhui
Tian Pengfei 0-4 Neil Robertson
Jamie Burnett 4-3 Kurt Maflin

Semi-finals
Stephen Maguire 2-4 Neil Robertson
Michael Holt 0-4 Jamie Burnett

Final
Neil Robertson 4-3 Jamie Burnett

Benefits for Players in Upcoming ABP Pro Events
Rodney Morris, Vice-President of the ABP

     Chicago, Illinois- The Association of Billiard Professionals will be working on providing its membership more benefits. Each day the ABP is working on bettering the conditions of being a professional player. The ABP is made up of only professional players, so who better to understand the environment at tournaments.

     To start, the ABP would like to inform pro players that the the 10 ABP International ranked players will be given a 50% discount off all food and beverages during the Scorpion Cues Johnny Archer Classic in Georgia and the Championship Cloth Pro Classic in Louisiana. The ABP top 16 will also be seeded in each of the events .

     "It's a great idea to give pro players as much benefit and value as possible. These guys earn their positions in professional pool. We all know it's a grind and every little bit helps", said Charlie Williams, ABP Board Member. "But we really need to thank the hosts who are being extremely generous to the ABP's requests. A big thank you to Keith Hulin of Emerald Billiards and Johnny Archer of Marietta Billiard Club, who is leading by example."

     "Giving discounts to our player membership and seeding is just the tip of the iceberg. We plan on doing alot more to help the players. We have to keep our boys out there playing and inspiring future players", said Johnny Archer, President of the ABP, Hall of Famer, and multi-World Champion.

     The current top 16 ABP Pros are:

         Mike Dechaine USA
         Shane Van Boening USA
         Raj Hundal IND
         Stevie Moore USA
         Dennis Hatch USA
         Brandon Shuff USA
         Shawn Putnam USA
         Corey Deuel USA
         Darren Appleton ENG
         Mike Davis USA
         Dennis Orcullo PHL
         Oscar Dominguez USA
         Mika Immonen FIN
         Jeremy Sossei USA
         Rodney Morris USA
         Johnny Archer USA

     ABP International Pro Rankings will be updated on October 15th after the Scorpion Cues Johnny Archer Classic and on October 22nd after the conclusion of the Championship Cloth Pro Classic.

     The ABP is an united assembly of international professional billiard players. The ABP was formed to be the voice of players worldwide in order to assist in tournament and industry challenges. ABP directives include standardizing equipment, rules, ensuring the timely payment of prize money, assisting promoters and sponsors, and the overall protection and security of professional players. The ABP works to improve the sport of billiards and jointly works with associations, promoters, sponsors and players alike in the joint goal of growing the sport and providing security to all involved. Membership of the ABP includes players from Europe, Asia, and the United States. To join and support the ABP, e-mail abppropool@gmail.com . Follow and support ABP at www.facebook.com/ABPpros

United States Snooker Association Opens 2012-2013 USSA National Snooker Tour in November at Prince Snooker Club in Brooklyn

The United States Snooker Association (USSA), established in 1991 in Chicago, Illinois, is the non-profit governing body for the sport of snooker in the USA as recognized by the International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF), the world governing body of non-professional snooker. Now headquartered in Santa Clara, California, the USSA is pleased to announce the 2012-2013 edition of the popular “USSA National Snooker Tour.” Each event is open to any individual player except for professional snooker players competing on the World Snooker Main Tour, however players must be a member of their respective national snooker governing body or alternatively non US-players can become an associate member of the USSA for a $25 annual membership fee paid onsite at their first event. The 2012-2013 USSA National Snooker Tour is proud to be sponsored by the world’s leading billiard ball manufacturer and its sets of Aramith Tournament Champion Snooker Balls are supplied for each event; and Tweeten Fibre Co. – suppliers of a snooker player’s favorite chalk: Green Triangle Chalk – also supplied at each host location.

2012-2013 USSA National Snooker Tour Schedule
November 3-4, 2012 Stop #1: Brooklyn, NY – Prince Snooker Club
November 9-11, 2012 - Stop #2: Houston, TX – Snooker 147
November 17-18, 2012 Stop #3: San Mateo, CA – ACE Snooker Club
November 17-18, 2012 Stop #4: Flushing, NY – Carom Café Billiards
December 1-2, 2012 Stop #5: Las Vegas, NV – 4 Kaz Snooker Club & Bar    
December 8-9, 2012 Stop #6: Brooklyn, NY – Top 147
February 9-10, 2013 Stop #7: Brooklyn, NY – Prince Snooker Club
February 16-17, 2013 - Stop #8: Houston, TX – Snooker 147
March 9-10, 2013 Stop #9: San Mateo, CA – ACE Snooker
March 30-31, 2013 Stop #10: Las Vegas, NV – 4 Kaz Snooker Club & Bar
April 6-7, 2013 Stop #11: Brooklyn, NY – Top 147
April 20-21, 2013 Stop #12: Flushing, NY – Carom Café Billiards
April 27-28, 2013 Stop #13: Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Billiards
May 30 – June 2: 2013 USSA National Snooker Championships (Host venue TBD)

The USSA traditionally sends its National Champion and runner-up to the IBSF World Snooker Championships. National Champions are determined at the annual United States National Snooker Championship, with the 2013 Championship to be conducted at a yet-to-be-determined venue over Memorial Day weekend 2013. The current National Champion is California’s Sargon Isaac, who won his first title at Embassy Billiard Club in San Gabriel CA back in May.

If your establishment contains two or more 6 x 12 snooker tables and would like to host an event on future USSA National Tours, or if you would like any further information about the USSA, please call 1-888-662-1705, email alanmorris@snookerusa.com, or visit the USSA official website at www.snookerusa.com. Details for each event will be posted on the USSA website in October, 2012.

Color banners Pinoy contingent in US Open
by Marlon Bernardino

MANILA -- Filipino cue master Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo will lead the Pinoy invasion in the 37th Annual US Open 9-Ball Championship on October 21 to 27 to be held at the Holiday Inn Virginia Beach - Norfolk Convention Center in Virginia.

The Bugsy Promotions top player Orcollo will be joining comrades Carlo " The Black Tiger" Biado, Ronato “Volcano” Alcano, Warren "Warrio" Kiamco, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Israel "Amay" Rota, Santos "The Saint" Sambajon and Ramon "Maestro Monching" Mistica.

Also vying for the title are Chang Jung-lin and Ko Pin-yi of Chinese-Taipei. Orcollo, Biado, Chang and Ko are playing under the banner of sportsman/businessman Ceferino "Perry" Mariano of Bugsy Promotions.

"The US Open is considered as the longest running and most prestigious 9-Ball Event in the world." said Bugsy Promotions head Ceferino "Perry" Mariano. The US Open offers a total pot prize $200,000.

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Kiamco beats Strickland in Predator Open

MANILA -- Filipino cue master Warren "Warrior" Kiamco defeated American Earl "The Pearl" Strickland, 9-7, in the finals to topped the Open/Pro event of the Predator Tour last Sunday at the The Cue Bar in Bayside, New York.

The Pasil, Cebu native Kiamco is also fresh from winning the Houston Open last September 28 to 30 at the Legends Billiards League City, Texas. In claiming his overall title in the event, Kiamco defeated Danny Lee of the United States, 9-6, in the finals to collect $3,025.00 in prize money.

Davis Hopes He’ll Be Playing At 60

Snooker legend Steve Davis insisted he could still be competing on the sport’s professional circuit at the age of 60, as he looked ahead to the forthcoming Wyldecrest Park Homes World Seniors Championship.

The 55-year-old dominated snooker throughout the 1980s, lifting the World Championship trophy six times, and won his last major title in 1997. He is still ranked 50th in the world and reached the quarter-finals at the Crucible just two years ago.

“If I was a boxer I would be advised on health grounds not to go any further,” said the player nicknamed the Nugget. “The only thing that gets hurt as a snooker player is your pride, so as long as you can handle that you can carry on for as long as you want.

“I said I will retire when my ranking is higher than my age, but now I don’t have so many ranking places to play with, so like every good politician I have to reassess my original statement. The challenge is how long I can stay a professional before I am effectively given the sack by the new brigade, how long can I push back the tide.

“Barry Hearn actually challenged me to make it until I’m 60 and that is a great target to aim for. Who knows I could be the only player on the tour applying for a bus pass!

“I have a hobby mentality towards snooker. If I looked at it as a profession, I would have to ask myself some serious questions as to what the the devils playground I was doing with my life. But actually I do still enjoy the game, I love playing. If I lose I’m disappointed , but I look at the kid that’s beaten me and say ‘I’m older than your father, you should beat me!’”

The Wyldecrest Park Homes World Seniors Championship runs on the weekend of October 27-28 at the Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth and will feature many of the sport’s great names including Jimmy White, Dennis Taylor, Cliff Thorburn and Joe Johnson.

“The camaraderie and the feeling in the crowd is second to none,” added Davis, who faces ‘Grinder’ Thorburn in the first round. “The players are more likely to bend over backwards to do the hospitality room. Nobody’s uptight, they are all sat around having a chat with the fans and even though it’s a competition and they are playing for the prize, and playing to win, everyone is much more relaxed.

“Wyldecrest Parks are sponsoring this for the third year and it’s brilliant they have stayed on board. It’s the perfect event for a company like Wyldecrest to sponsor because it has a good family feeling.”

Tickets for both days and VIP packages for the Saturday are on sale but are selling fast so fans MUST BOOK QUICKLY - for details call 02392 626509 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

Association of Billiard Professionals 2012 Banquet
Johnny Archer, President of the ABP

         Marietta, Georgia- The Association of Billiard Professionals will be hosting its first ever ABP Banquet for Professional Players on October 13th. It will take place during the Johnny Archer Classic at a designated intermission between 6pm-730pm on Saturday. All players in the tournament will be invited to join as well as special guests.

     The ABP Banquet is completely paid for by the generosity of Johnny Archer and the Marietta Billiard Club. Players will enjoy speeches by notable guests, peers, and a music video dedicated to the players. The ABP will also honor a special guest with the first ever ABP President's Award given by ABP President Johnny Archer to the individual who has been invaluable to the progress of professional pool.

     "I just think its important for the players to be together and enjoy a good meal as a family. The ABP is not just an association, but a brotherhood", said Johnny Archer, President of the ABP.

     The ABP is an united assembly of international professional billiard players. The ABP was formed to be the voice of players worldwide in order to assist in tournament and industry challenges. ABP directives include standardizing equipment, rules, ensuring the timely payment of prize money, assisting promoters and sponsors, and the overall protection and security of professional players. The ABP works to improve the sport of billiards and jointly works with associations, promoters, sponsors and players alike in the joint goal of growing the sport and providing security to all involved. Membership of the ABP includes players from Europe, Asia, and the United States. To join and support the ABP, e-mail abppropool@gmail.com . Follow and support ABP at www.facebook.com/ABPpros

GET IN THE FANZONE FOR SPORT!

We've got a mega mix of sport for you this weekend on the Blue Square Fanzone screens. Rileys are dedicated to providing you the very best in sporty-vision in an atmosphere of comfort, joy and of course the traditional cue sport facilities.

We've got the World Cup qualifiers on Friday including England taking on San Marino and the all-celt clash between Wales and Scotland. Plus Trapattoni's Ireland look to bring down the Germans in Dublin. Tuesday's games see all four home nations in action.

Also out of Dublin, we've got top class Darts as the World Grand Prix concludes this weekend. And if American Football is your bag there's live action from 3 big NFL games. Hot dawgs! Hot dawgs! Rileys is all yours - go out and get in!!

Friday 12th October

WALES v SCOTLAND K.O. 7.45 pm
REP OF IRELAND V GERMANY K.O. 7.45pm
ENGLAND v SAN MARINO K.O. 8pm
PITTSBURGH @ TENNESSEE K.O. 1am

Saturday 13th October

GRAND PRIX DARTS - SEMI-FINALS

Sunday 14th October

GRAND PRIX DARTS - FINAL
DETROIT @ PHILADELPHIA K.O. 5.30 pm
NEW YORK GIANTS @ SAN FRANCISCO K.O.9.15pm

Tuesday 16th October

CROATIA v WALES K.O. 7.30pm
BELGIUM v SCOTLAND K.O. 7.45pm
PORTUGAL v N.IRELAND K.O. 7.45pm
POLAND v ENGLAND K.O. 8pm

Regards,
The Rileys Team

WPBSA Statement - Stephen Lee

On 2 October 2012 the Crown Prosecution Service announced that there will be no criminal proceedings in the match fixing allegations against Stephen Lee made in 2010. Following this decision by the CPS, the WPBSA started its own investigation into these allegations.

On 5 October 2012 the WPBSA met with the Gambling Commission in order to review material collected by the Gambling Commission which may prove relevant to the WPBSA investigation.

The WPBSA is now in the process of conducting a thorough enquiry into the circumstances and this will be led by Nigel Mawer, the Chairman of the WPBSA Disciplinary Committee.

On 12 October 2012, the WPBSA was informed of suspicious betting patterns relating to a game between Stephen Lee and John Higgins played on 11 October 2012. This suspicious activity has also been referred to Nigel Mawer, the Chairman of the WPBSA Disciplinary Committee.

The WPBSA have carefully considered both the initial information from the Gambling Commission which was reviewed on 5th October 2012 and the new information regarding suspicious betting patterns in relation to the match between Stephen Lee and John Higgins from 11 October 2012.

The WPBSA have concluded that it would not be appropriate for Stephen Lee to continue to compete on the World Snooker Tour whilst these investigations are undertaken and therefore WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson has taken the decision to suspend Stephen from competition whilst this enquiry is ongoing.

Subject to his right to appeal, this suspension will remain in place until either the conclusion of the investigation or any resultant hearings.