Site News
Topic: *Industry News* 2015 - 2024

Snooker Shoot Out Becomes Ranking Event

Snooker’s celebrated Shoot Out tournament will be a world ranking event for the first time in the coming season.

The one frame knockout event with a shot clock is known for producing quick-fire action and dramatic finishes. All matches are played over one frame lasting a maximum of ten minutes.

The tournament was first staged in 2011 and has been won by Nigel Bond, Barry Hawkins, Martin Gould, Dominic Dale, Michael White and most recently Finland’s Robin Hull, who beat Luca Brecel in the final in Reading last February.

During the 2016/17 season, money earned at the Shoot Out will count towards the money rankings list for the first time. The tournament will be open to all 128 World Snooker Tour players, rather than the top 64 seeds who enter, as has been the case in previous years.

The 2017 event will run from February 24 to 26, with the venue yet to be announced. It will be televised by ITV4.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “The Shoot Out is all about who can handle the pressure and think fast when the clock is ticking. And that pressure will be intensified now that every pound earned counts towards the ranking list.

“For the players, competition will be fierce, and that’s the way sport should be. And they have 18 other ranking events to compete in next season so there is plenty of opportunity to climb the ranking list. We’re delighted to expand the tournament to all 128 tour players to give everyone a chance to experience this unique event with an opportunity to go all the way to the top prize.

“The Shoot Out has quickly become established as one of the most thrilling events on the calendar, much loved by fans. Tickets will be on sale soon and must be booked quickly because they always sell out.”

UK Final Tickets On Sale Friday

Tickets for the semi-finals and final of the Betway UK Championship go on sale on Friday at 10am.

The Betway UK Championship at the York Barbican runs from November 22 to December 4. It is one of snooker’s most important and prestigious tournaments, with a history dating back to 1977. All 128 players compete at the venue over 12 days, battling for the famous trophy.

General admission tickets went on sale last month and have already sold rapidly. Fans wishing to book seats for the last two days on Saturday December 3 and Sunday December 4 are strongly urged to be ready at 10am on Friday as they will sell fast.

For details call 0844 854 2757 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

The event has been staged in York since 2011 and last year it was won by Neil Robertson who beat Liang Wenbo in the final and made a sensational 147 maximum break. In recent years the title has also been won by Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby and Judd Trump.

Special Half Price Offer

Purchase tickets before the end of June and get half price tickets on session and all-day tickets between Saturday 26 November and Thursday 1 December

Every Pound Counts…Snooker Race Set To Start

The 2016/17 snooker season gets underway later this month and all professional players will already have one eye on the race to qualify for the World Grand Prix and Players Championship.

The campaign starts on May 28 and opens with the qualifying rounds of the Indian Open, World Open and Kaspersky Riga Masters at the Guild Hall in Preston.

And every pound earned in ranking events over the next eight months counts towards the World Grand Prix, with only the top 32 on this season’s money list to qualify for the tournament, which will also be staged at the Guild Hall. The final qualifying event is the German Masters which ends on February 5th, 2017, with the World Grand Prix starting the following day and running until February 12th.

Following that event, there will be three more qualifying tournaments for the Players Championship: the Welsh Open, the Shoot Out and the Gibraltar Open. The top 16 on the list will then qualify for the lucrative Players Championship to take place at Venue Cymru in Llandudno from March 6-12.

Earning a place at these two prestigious events provides an added incentive for all players throughout the season to enter each counting tournament and earn as much money as possible.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “Last season we saw one player miss out on a place in the Players Championship on countback, which meant that if he had earned an extra £1 during the season he would have qualified. That sends a message to all players that every pound counts, and once the season begins it’s all to play for. Those who don’t make it to these two big tournaments will only fall further behind on the ranking list.

“The qualifying list for the World Grand Prix and the Players Championship will be fascinating to follow throughout the season, just as the race to be in the top 16 in time for the Masters generates interest. There will be 19 ranking events in the coming season so there’s plenty of opportunity for all players to make a name for themselves. Let the race begin!”

Both the World Grand Prix and the Players Championship will be televised by ITV4. Ticket details for both events will be announced soon.

CSI HIRES NEW MARKETING MANAGER

CueSports International, Henderson, NV (May 12, 2016) – CueSports International is pleased to announce that it has hired Mary Coffman as its Marketing Manager.

Coffman has more than two decades of journalism experience, working in both daily newspapers across the Northwest and in business journalism. She will use her skills to appeal to a greater audience within the billiards industry and throughout mainstream media.

In addition to her professional media experience, Coffman is also an accomplished player who has participated in the sport at all levels, from league play to women’s professional tour events. She is passionate about pool and will use her enthusiasm and professional skills to help the BCA Pool League (BCAPL) and USA Pool League (USAPL) grow by attracting new players of all skill levels.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of this new role and to introducing our sport to new players, whom I hope will be as enthralled and engaged with the sport as I am,” Coffman said.

In her new role, Coffman will reach out to league operators as a resource to help them grow and thrive, by finding opportunities to attract new players and retaining current ones. She will also improve communication and support between the national organization and state and regional league organizations. Coffman plans to help league operators and players understand FargoRate and how it is being incorporated into leagues and tournaments to create more equitable tournament divisions throughout all levels of play.

“FargoRate finally gives the billiards industry an accurate gauge for determining a player’s true skill level and will help ensure that players at regional and national tournaments are pitted against those of comparable skill — providing a better experience for everyone,” Coffman said.

In addition, Coffman will take charge of the CSI’s social media, email marketing, advertising and promotions.

Coffman, previously of Richland, Wash. will be based out of CSI’s Henderson, Nev. headquarters. She will start in her new position in mid-June.

CueSports International is the parent company of the BCA Pool League (BCAPL), USA Pool League (USAPL), US Bar Table Championships, US Open One Pocket Championships, US Open 8-Ball Championships, US Open 10-Ball Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial and more. CSI is dedicated to providing more opportunities and choices to players of all skill levels. For more information, visit www.playcsipool.com or find them on Facebook.

CueSports International (CSI) ◊ 2041 Pabco Rd., Henderson, NV 89011 ◊ 702-719-7665 ◊ 866-USA-POOL

Who will win the Greek title after Masters Club?

For the first time, Kozoom broadcasts the final of the Greek Team Championship from the Barrage Club in Athens. The final tournament starts this Thursday and gathers 8 clubs that will compete for the title in a double elimination format until Sunday. The Premium Pass is required.

You don’t have yet a Premium Pass? Click here to order it...
www.kozoom.com/en/pool-billiard/premium-pass/

Subscribe today!

Iwan Simonis and Aramith Continue Support for Atlantic Challenge Cup

Organizers of the Atlantic Challenge Cup today announced Iwan Simonis and Aramith (Saluc) will extend their support of the Atlantic Challenge Cup in 2016 by continuing to be the official cloth and ball of the event, taking place July 8-11, 2016 in Schaumburg, Illinois (just outside Chicago). Simonis 860® and Aramith® Tournament™ TV Pro-Cup Pool Ball Sets will be used during the event.

"Simonis and Aramith have a long history of supporting play at every level of skill and in all parts of the world," said Billiard Congress of America Chief Executive Officer Rob Johnson. "As supporters of this initiative from day one, Simonis and Aramith have allowed this event to move from a concept to the staging our second event - this time on the North American continent."

"We were on board from the inception of this forward-thinking initiative," said Iwan Simonis and Aramith North American President Ivan Lee. "This platform allows for juniors to compete at the highest level of play on an international stage. It has become an opportunity for the entire industry to come together to cooperate on an event that encourages and rewards junior players for their dedication and commitment to excellence. Viewers of this event, either live or on the live internet stream, will witness top quality play and tremendous professionalism. I want to recognize all the efforts by the players, coaches, event supporters and organizers in making the Atlantic Challenge Cup a reality."

Now in its second year, the Atlantic Challenge Cup features the best youth players from Europe and America in a Mosconi Cup style event. Six players on each team, four boys and two girls, battle it out on an annual basis to see Aramith logo who has bragging rights across the Atlantic. The event is the result of a joint venture between the Billiard Congress of America and the European Pocket Billiard Federation.

A new website solely dedicated to the Atlantic Challenge Cup will be launched in the near future.

Press release issued by the BCA & EPBF.

2016 US BAR TABLE CHAMPIONSHIPS ANNOUNCED

CueSports International, Henderson, NV (May 18, 2016) – CueSports International (CSI) is pleased to announce the dates and location for the 2016 US Bar Table Championships! The event will be held August 22-28, 2016 at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. This is a $20,000 added event with open and women’s divisions.

Mosconi Cup Points Events!
We are proud to announce that all three of the open divisions are Mosconi Cup USA Team points events! Players finishing in the top 32 will earn points on a sliding scale. The top three American players with the most points at the end of the year will be selected for the USA Mosconi Cup Team!

10-Ball Divisions: Aug 22-24
Open 10-Ball: Race to 7 / $5,000 added
Women’s 10-Ball: Race to 5 / $1,000 added

9-Ball Divisions: Aug 24-26
Open 9-Ball: Race to 9 / $5,000 added
Women’s 9-Ball: Race to 7 / $1,000 added

8-Ball Divisions: Aug 26-28
Open 8-Ball: Race to 5 / $5,000 added
Women’s 8-Ball: Race to 4 / $1,000 added

Master of the Table Bonuses*
Open Divisions: $1,500 / Women’s Divisions: $500
* must play in all 3 divisions to be eligible

How to Register
Online: www.playcsipool.com/2016-us-bar-table-championships
Email: entry@playcsipool.com
Postal Mail: ATTN: USBTC Entry, CueSports International, 2041 Pabco Rd., Henderson, NV 89011

How to Book Your Room (Book by Aug 1)
Venue: Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
Online: https://resweb.passkey.com/go/SUSBT6R
Phone: (800) 635-7711, Group code: SUSBT6R
Room Rate: $59/night!
Deadline: Book by Aug 1, 2016 for the special group rate!

Deadlines
Aug 01 – Last day to receive the special hotel group rate
Aug 02 – Late fees begin / Last day for mailed entries
Aug 20 – Last day to register online

Sponsors/Affiliates
Diamond Billiard Products, Cyclop Balls, Simonis Cloth, BadBoys Billiard Productions, FargoRate, Magic Ball Rack, Matchroom Sport, CueSports International

CueSports International (CSI) ◊ 2041 Pabco Rd., Henderson, NV 89011 ◊ (702) 719-7665 ◊ 866-USA-POOL

GREAT OFFERS FROM RILEYS

We’ve always got great offers on at Rileys, so visit this page often to keep track of our money saving deals.

USE CODE '3FOR2' WHEN BOOKING

Kunlunshan Becomes Snooker’s Official Water Partner

World Snooker is delighted to announce Kunlunshan as the new official water partner for several of the sport’s biggest tournaments for the next three years.

Kunlunshan (Kunlun Mountain Water) will be snooker’s official water partner at the UK Championship, the Masters, the Welsh Open and the World Championship for the 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons.

Branded water, glasses and ice buckets will be displayed on set next to the players and during post-match interviews at each of these tournaments.

Kunlunshan is China’s leading brand of natural mineral water and is taken from an area over 6,000 metres high in the Kunlun Mountains.

Kunlunshan will also be the title sponsor of the annual Fans Player of the Year award, voted for by fans on social media on Twitter as well as Weibo and WeChat in China. This award was won this year by Ronnie O’Sullivan.

World Snooker director Jason Ferguson was in Beijing today to announce the partnership and said: “We are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership agreement with a major Chinese brand in Kunlunshan.

“The UK Championship, the Masters, the Welsh Open and the World Championship are broadcast here in China and all around the world and produce staggering viewing figures, with this year’s World Championship watched by 210 million people on CCTV in China alone.

“So this new partnership will provide maximum opportunity for our sport to show just what it can do for a major Chinese brand. And it will display the World Snooker brand alongside Kunlunshan Water, showing just how high a mountain our sport has climbed.

“The timing of this strategic partnership is perfect, as the World Snooker Tour continues to grow, events are getting bigger and bigger, more and more people are tuning in.

“Kunlunshan Water is a brand we are very proud to be associated with. I know we will be great partners and I welcome them officially to the World Snooker family.”

Europe Announces 2016 Atlantic Challenge Cup Team Captain

The European Pocket Billiard Federation today announced its team’s Captain to face the Americans during this year’s staging of the Atlantic Challenge Cup taking place July 8 – 11, 2016 in Schaumburg, Illinois (just outside Chicago).



“We decided to involve the team leaders from the European Youth championships in our consideration and have chosen Lithuania’s Tomas Birkmanis,” said the EPBF president Gre Leenders. “It was a choice made by the EPBF board from the candidates available this year and it is our intention to continue to involve the European coaches and team leaders in future selections. We are a big family over here and we like to reward those who put the effort into what they do and this is one way to encourage the team coaches. Sandra Hanf did a great job as captain for the inaugural event but it was always our intention to involve others,” Mr. Leenders continued.

Thomas comes to the team with some high credentials, not content with being a coach, already a C level in the EPBF curriculum, Tomas has been the president of the Lithuanian pool federation since 2010. He takes charge of many things throughout the federation but has his passion on the future of the game.

During the 2013 European Youth Championships, he guided the youth of the little country of Lithuania to a team silver in 2013. His players also picked up two bronze and a silver in the individuals during the same event. This experience will come in handy knowing the pressure he faces as team Europe’s captain.

When told of his appointment, Tomas was speechless at first but once it sunk in, it was all smiles. “Ï am so happy to be chosen for this position and I will try my best to continue the great work that my predecessor has started,” said Tomas. “She set the bar high, but I believe that I have a strong team that will give everything to fight for that trophy come the 8th of July.”

The European team consists of Maksim Dudanets and Kristina Tkach of Russia, Poland’s Krystian Cwikla, Denmark’s Andreas Madsen, Belgium’s Diana Khodjaeva and the Ukraine’s Vitaliy Patsura in a team of six which face the Americans come the 8th of July.

Press release issued by the BCA & EPBF.

LATE FEES BEGIN JUNE 7 FOR BCAPL & USAPL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS!

CueSports International, Henderson, Nevada (May 31, 2016) – Late fees begin Tuesday, June 7 for the BCAPL & USAPL National Championships so don’t wait, register today! With nearly 40 divisions, 300+ Diamond pool tables, 50+ exhibitors, and professional events, there is truly something for everyone.

Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino - SPECIAL GROUP RATES - Book by July 1!
Book by July 1 to get the special group rate of $79/$129 with no resort fees! A standard room is a 600 sq. ft. suite and the group rate does not change with up to four (4) guests per room. Reservations can be made online at https://aws.passkey.com/g/54462875. For those without online access, call group reservations at 888-746-6955 and use group code SRCUE6.

Eligibility - Anyone Can Play!
There is a common misconception that all participants must be a member of a BCAPL-sanctioned league. While we highly encourage local league participation, we also recognize that many people live in an area without a BCAPL-sanctioned league. Therefore, anyone can participate in the singles and scotch doubles divisions by purchasing a CSI Associate Membership!

Free Live Streaming of Amateur Events
Players in the various amateur divisions will have the opportunity to play in the live stream arena. Amateur division matches will be shown live every day and will be recorded and uploaded to the CSI YouTube Channel.

Blogs Page
Check out our new Blogs Page for information on various topics such as FargoRate, BCAPL National Championship rules and guidelines, commonly asked questions, and much more!


IMPORTANT LINKS

BCAPL Schedule of Events / Entry Forms / Online Registration:
www.playcsipool.com/2016-bcapl-national-championships

USAPL Schedule of Events / Entry Forms / Online Registration:
www.playcsipool.com/2016-usapl-national-championships

Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino Group Reservation Page:
https://aws.passkey.com/g/54462875

Blogs Page:
www.playcsipool.com/blogs

CueSports International (CSI) ◊ 2041 Pabco Rd., Henderson, NV 89011 ◊ (702) 719-7665 ◊ 866-USA-POOL

Metrics Leap For World Snooker Social Media

World Snooker's official Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts achieved huge increases in audience engagement during this year's Betfred World Championship.

A new social media strategy was implemented during the 2015/16 season, focussing on using rich multimedia content including short and exciting clips of match footage.

During the Betfred World Championship, which ran from April 16 to May 2, World Snooker's Facebook page reached an average of 486,614 unique users per day, generating an average of 1,921,198 impressions. Both of these figures were up over 1,000% on the 2015 figure. The total number of Facebook users engaging with content increased by 900% across the tournament.

On World Snooker's Twitter account, the average number of impressions per day was 761,626, an increase of 36% on the previous year. Engagements per tweet jumped to 582, up from 2015's figure of 265. Videos posted on Twitter generated a record 527,400 views, equating to a total of 2,776 hours of video watched over the 17 days. Average number of views per video also increased by over 1,500%.

World Snooker's YouTube channel saw an increase of 94% in the number of video views, up to 296,542, while videos uploaded to Facebook generated over two million views, up 1,600% on 2015.

The most viewed video was Ronnie O’Sullivan’s four cushion escape from a snooker during his match against David Gilbert, which was watched nearly half a million times on Facebook alone.

A spokesman for World Snooker said: "Figures on all of our official social media channels have grown dramatically this year as we have focussed on high quality and engaging content. Snooker is a growing sport globally and we're delighted to find so many new fans interacting with us on digital channels. We intend to continue this trend in the coming season by providing our followers with content which reflects the drama and skill of snooker at the highest level."

World Snooker's official platforms:
Twitter: @WorldSnooker1
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WorldSnooker1
YouTube: www.youtube.com/WorldSnookerOfficial
Instagram: www.instagram.com/worldsnookerofficial
Snapchat: add ‘WorldSnooker’

The North Cyprus Challenge Cup !

Enjoy a 7-day coverage with the best European players! 20 tables of this Eurotour stop will be live streamed, as well as a new tournament sanctioned by the EPBF : The North Cyprus Challenge Cup.

Order or renew your Premium pass

Corner Bank 10-Ball Series Announced

The Corner Bank Sports Bar and Grill is today announcing The Corner Bank 10-Ball Series and Grand Championship. This series will consist of five $25,000 CAD added money preliminary events capped by the $100,000 added money Grand Championship. All events will be conducted at The Corner Bank located at 925 Warden Avenue in Toronto, Canada.

The schedule of these events is as follows:
Event #1: September 6-9, 2016***
Event #2: October 11-14, 2016
Event #3: November 8-11, 2016
Event #4: January 10-13, 2017
Event #5: February 14-17, 2017
Grand Championship: April 11-14, 2017

This Series will award a grand total of $225,000 in added money alone. Entry fees, entry requirements and field sizes are being determined this week and will be announced shortly.

The Corner Bank 10-Ball Series will be the richest event platform in North America and the Grand Championship will be the largest single payout available on the Continent. Players must compete in three of the five preliminary events in order to qualify to play in the Grand Championship.

All events will be streamed live on the internet.

***When we filled out the schedule for our events we were unaware that our event in September would clash with another major event in New York that was not listed on our reference calendars. Therefor, in order that the players can play in as many disparate events as possible we are moving our September dates to September 20-23. This is an "open' week that does not clash with any other major events.

Landmark WDBS Event Staged in Woking

World Disability Billiards and Snooker (WDBS) recently held its third event at the Woking Snooker Centre in Surrey.

The three-day competition was a landmark event for WDBS, as it was the first open to disability classification groups incorporating visual impairments, hearing impairments and learning disabilities.

Following an Open Day at which players with all disabilities were able to practice and receive free coaching from accredited coaches, the main competition then saw tournaments staged for each of the three disability groups over Saturday and Sunday. A separate Challenge Cup event was also contested by players who had not progressed to their respective finals.

The Group 7 competition for players with visual impairments was won by Paul Smith, who defeated David Baker 4-1. In the final frame of the match, Smith came from behind to force a re-spotted black, which he subsequently potted to secure victory.

Smith, who lost one eye in a shooting accident when he was 10, has previously competed on the main tour during the early 1990’s, when he played against the likes of current professionals Mike Dunn and four-time world champion John Higgins.

“It was a great event,” said Smith. “The people were lovely and it was a real eye-opener to see how players were able to cope and how well they can play.”

“I had a lovely weekend there with my fiancée Melanie who always brings me luck and it was nice to win with the support of people like former world number three Neal Foulds, who was keeping an eye on my results and giving me some friendly banter!”

Group 8, for players with hearing impairments was won 3-2 by David Ingham against Hull’s Lee Douglas in the competition final.

Ingham trailed 2-1 in their best of five frames final, but responded to force a deciding frame, which he would eventually win by potting the final black up into the green pocket to end a dramatic match.

A day earlier, Group 6 concluded with a 2-0 victory for David Barrett against Richard Yendle. The match was deceptively close with both frames coming down to the colours, but it was Barrett who would win both to claim victory.

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Barrett is now based in Sussex and practises with the likes of Jimmy Robertson and Mark Davis at O’Sullivans Snooker & Pool Club in Bexhill.

Finally, the Challenge Cup was won by Gary Gallacher, who defeated Kal Mattu in a one-frame final. Gallacher had competed in the group 7 competition earlier in the weekend, in which he had taken eventual champion Paul Smith to a deciding frame in their round robin match, before ultimately just missing on a place in the final.

The weekend was supported by WPBSA World Snooker coaches Tim Squires, Bob Hill and Danielle Findlay, who provided free coaching to all players. Further assistance was welcomed by several players from classification groups 1-5 who were not eligible to compete in the main competition, but were keen to support the event as coaches and officials.

The event was also visited by Jonathan Lord MP for Woking and the 43rd Mayor of Woking Anne Murray, who were both given a tour of the venue and introduced to players and officials.

WDBS director Bob Hill said: “This tournament further strengthened the ambition of the WDBS to develop new opportunities for people with disabilities to play snooker and highlighted the inclusive nature of the sport.

“The event demonstrated the wide range of benefits for those taking part, including developing new skills, passion for a sport, the chance to integrate and socialise with others and the opportunity to be understood and celebrated for one’s abilities.”

Hill, who provides coaching in Bristol, Bath and North Somerset, was accompanied by players from one of his snooker groups who participated in the Group 6 event and he was delighted with the experience that they had.

“Everyone in the group thoroughly enjoyed competing in the first WDBS tournament of this kind,” added Hill. “It was a really well organised event and a great atmosphere to play in. The sporting spirit shown by all the players was incredible and the excellent support from the volunteers and referees gave everyone an equal chance to compete.”

The next WDBS event will be the second Open Disability Snooker Championship, which will be held at the South West Snooker Academy on 14-16 October 2016. The event is set to be open to group 1-5 players, however as in Woking players of other categories are encouraged to attend to provide support and play throughout the open day.

US Announces 2016 Atlantic Challenge Cup Starting Players

The Billiard Congress of America, along with the Billiard Education Foundation, are pleased to announce the starting players for the 2016 Atlantic Challenge Cup. The 2016 event will take place at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention in Schaumburg, IL (just outside Chicago) starting July 8th and running through July 11th.

All members of Team USA attended an elite training camp in April hosted and sponsored by Jeanette Lee and the Black Widow Foundation. During three days of training, scrimmages and observation the instructors made their written recommendations to the Team USA Selection Committee. After reviewing these reports, a final vote was taken to determine the US starters for this year's Atlantic Challenge Cup to compete against Team Europe.

The 2016 starting lineup for Team USA is:

1.    Chris Robinson, 18 (Ventura, California)
2.    Ryan Ponton, 19 (Bradley, Illinois)
3.    Shane Wolford, 16 (Troutville, Virginia)
4.    Ricky Evans, 15 (St. Louis, Missouri)
5.    April Larson, 16 (Bloomington, Minnesota)
6.    Serena Black, 17 (Warrensburg, Illinois)

Team USA Members Sierra Reams and Zach Gurganus have been named 1st alternates, with Emily Herpel and Tyler Howell being named 2nd alternates.

"This year's selection was extremely difficult," said Selection Committee Chair Rick Doner. "All of these kids are great players. We wish we could start all 10 of them, and know that our starters will play great and represent America proudly."

For more information on qualifying and the selection process, please visit: http://billiardeducation.org/events/atlantic-challenge-cup/

Press release issued by the BCA & EPBF.

Jessie May Becomes World Snooker Charity

Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home, based in Bristol, has become World Snooker’s official charity partner for the 2016/17 season.

Jessie May provides a hospice at home service for terminally ill children, offering care to families in Bristol, Bath, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. Over the next year it will cost around £1.2m for the charity to provide this care.

The charity is currently caring for 105 terminally children throughout the area and a further 40 bereaved families. Jessie May Nurses provide respite care, end of life care, emotional support and bereavement support directly into the family home, completely free of charge.

World Snooker will carry out various initiatives to raise funds for the charity during the course of the season. Money will again be raised at the annual World Snooker Awards, as well as via player fines arising from disciplinary action and generous donations from tournament sponsors. Details of further initiatives will be made available in due course.

Barry Hearn, World Snooker Chairman said: “We are delighted to be able to raise money for Jessie May during the new season and to be able to help support them in their work to provide children with life-limiting conditions the best possible care.

“Jessie May makes a huge difference to children in this region and I urge everyone to learn more about the work that they do and to make a donation.”

Chris Roys, Chief Executive at Jessie May said: “We are so excited to have been chosen by World Snooker, which has offered us a wonderful opportunity to shout about the fantastic work of our Jessie May Nurses.

“Over the past year our caseload has grown by 20% and this coming year we are predicting the same rise. The money and awareness raised through World Snooker will help ensure that we are able to respond whenever a child and family needs us.”

To find out more about Jessie May Children’s Hospice and to make a donation visit www.jessiemay.org.uk

IPA Pool Tour - Scottish Open, Professional, and Amateur Events - Press Release

The IPA (International Professional Pool Players Association) tour moves on to the Erskine Bridge Hotel for the weekend of the 10th-12th June for the Scottish Open, Professional, and Amateur events which have attracted the best cueists to Scotland to compete for the prize money and kudos on offer.

With a maximum field of over 200 for the Open, competition is sure to be fierce with the fast and furious blackball rule set, and the industry leading HD livestream provided free of charge via www.ipapool.com or www.coral.co.uk (our official betting partners).

For those unfamiliar with the sport, it’s the official version of the game we have all tried (pound in the slot, red and yellows and a black), which makes it all the more spectator friendly, but whereas we can play it, they have perfected it, and although the difference may look slim, their ability, consistency, concentration, and nerve is legendary in the world of cue sport. Played in a room with over 20 pool tables, the atmosphere is electric and the sportsmanship legendary, while the noise can be deafening at times, both from the crash of a hammer break and form the cheers or groans for each players supporters, but generally speaking defeat is taken on the chin with a handshake and a smile, and with the best tables cloths and balls that money can buy there is nowhere to hide and no excuses.
Behind the scenes, Tournament Director Paul Bebb keeps his team working away to keep things running smoothly, with the techies updating the live scores as needed and two wandering referees to answer any questions, and if everything goes as smoothly as normal (famous last words), then both players and spectators alike are in for some show.

Along with the usual suspects (2016 World Champion Gareth Hibbott, 2015 World Champion Jack Whelan, rankings leader Marc Farnsworth, Women’s dual World Champion Deb Burchell, and recent tour winner Dan Davy to name but five), this event has attracted Moroccan star Hamza Moutmir, Snooker professional Jamie Burnett (the first man to make a 148 break in a professional tournament), and leading nine ball player Jayson Shaw, so fans should be in for a treat, though trying to pick the winner is a bit of a herculean task.

Current odds for the Scottish Open have Marc Farnsworth and Clint I’Anson as the 5/1 Joint favourites in a very open field, closely followed by Gareth Hibbott who could yet be the sensible call at 7/1 and Simon Ward at 9/1, though those looking for a bit more value could yet be tempted by Craig Marsh at 16/1, though whoever you fancy, it’s going to be a tournament well worth watching, and whoever wins will have to beat some top top class players on the way.

In the professional event Clint and Marc are inseparable again, this time at 4/1 in the smaller but elite field, while the value seekers will latch on to the Amateur event where there is value to be had all the way up to the 80/1 shots, with rankings leader Chris Bowron available at a juicy 14/1 and thus a pretty tempting choice.

By Sunday evening, it will all be over and the tables will be taken apart and put in to storage until the next tour event in Warwick for the European Open in early August, but until then, enjoy, as the best on the baize strut their stuff for our entertainment.

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USA Announces 2016 Atlantic Challenge Cup Team Captain

The Billiard Congress of America today announced its team’s Captain to face the Europeans during this year’s staging of the Atlantic Challenge Cup taking place July 8 – 11, 2016 in Schaumburg, Illinois (just outside Chicago).
“The Billiard Congress of America has relied on the Billiard Education Foundation and its partners to assemble the most competitive team possible for the 2016 Atlantic Challenge Cup,” said BCA CEO Rob Johnson. “They have done an outstanding job with the player selection and we are now equally pleased to announce they have selected Earl Munson to return for his second consecutive year of leading Team USA for the ACC. Earl has dedicated a significant portion of his career to working with junior players and is extremely qualified for this challenging position.”

Munson, who has nearly two decades of experience working with US junior players, returns as Team USA Captain after leading the 2015 Team USA to a near upset in the inaugural ACC. In addition to serving as Team USA Captain, he is also entering his 11th year as the USA BEF Junior National tournament director and is a three-time USA team leader for WPA World Junior Championship events. During the past 13 years, Munson has organized, directed and coached billiards as part of a program to offer pool in school for 16 high schools and hundreds of junior players. He has also been a certified billiard instructor with the BCA and PBIA for more than 18 years.

To be appointed captain of Team USA again, Munson is extremely honored and grateful to work with these talented young athletes and professional team staff. “Being Captain of Team USA is the absolute pinnacle of my career and I feel very confident that this team will represent the USA well,” said Munson. “We warmly welcome the Europeans to the US and hope this year’s match-up will be as exciting as last year’s inaugural event.”

During the 2015 Atlantic Challenge Cup, Munson is credited with refocusing Team USA during a narrow defeat of 9-11, after having been severely down 3-8 in the match. His experience as last year’s Captain has given Team USA valuable knowledge of what critical areas the USA needs to improve upon to be viably competitive with this year’s talented European team. Munson, and his world-class group of professional player coaches, have worked hard to prepare Team USA to compete for the Cup on American soil.
Press release issued by the BCA & EPBF.

Selby Tops 2015/16 Money List

Mark Selby was snooker’s highest earner during the 2015/16 season, winning £510,909 in prize money.

On a list which takes into account money earned in every sanctioned tournament (not just ranking events) as well as high break prizes and 147 bonuses, world number one Selby was the only player to top the half million mark. His £330,000 prize for winning the World Championship in May accounted for a large proportion of Selby’s earnings.

Neil Robertson was second on the list with £413,383. The Australian banked £294,000 during a purple patch before Christmas when he won the Champion of Champions and UK Championship as well as making a 147 in the UK final.

John Higgins, winner of the International Championship and Australian Goldfields Open, was third with £331,287 while Masters and Welsh Open champion Ronnie O’Sullivan was next with £302,100.

There were 24 players who earned more than £100,000 during the season, while 44 players banked at least £50,000.

Over the last two seasons, six players have earned more than £700,000: Mark Selby (£782,075), Ronnie O’Sullivan (£753,550), Stuart Bingham (£749,719), Neil Robertson (£747,933), Judd Trump (£739,674) and Shaun Murphy (£706,090).

China’s promising teenager Zhou Yuelong earned £116,041 during his second season on tour. The 18-year-old’s total was swelled by his victory for China – alongside Yan Bingtao – in the Snooker World Cup.

Kyren Wilson jumped into the world’s top 16 last season by winning the Shanghai Masters and reaching the quarter-finals of the World Championship. The talented Englishman collected £219,700 in 2015/16, compared to £28,582 the previous season.

Belgium’s Luca Brecel was another to enjoy a successful campaign. The German Masters runner-up earned £109,358, compared to £58,832 the previous season and £25,599 the one before.

The total amount won by the top 16 earners during 2015/16 was £4,036,640. This figure was reduced from £4,569,113 in 2014/15 and £4,612,453 in 2013/14, despite an overall prize money increase on the World Snooker Tour over this period.

This reflects two things. Firstly, more prize money has been distributed to the earlier rounds of tournaments in order to create a more even spread. This is evident in the fact that players between 17 and 32 on the earnings list won a total of £1,656,580 in 2015/16, compared to £1,397,069 in 2014/15 and £1,350,187 in 2013/14. And the player 40th on the list earned £54,850 in 2015/16 compared to £49,972 in 2014/15 and £45,830 in 2013/14.

Secondly, last season saw several big prizes won by players outside the overall top 16 earners. Zhou Yuelong and Yan Bingtao’s victory in the World Cup was one example, joined by David Gilbert who won £65,000 by reaching the International Championship final, Liang Wenbo who collected £70,000 for his run to the UK Championship final, and Alan McManus whose semi-final spot at the World Championship was worth £66,000. This demonstrates the remarkable strength in depth on the tour; the capacity of players outside the top 16 to go deep in the biggest events.

The 2016/17 season will see overall prize money on the tour climb to £10 million for the first time.