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Topic: *Industry News* 2011

ALCANO VS PEACH IN PBB FACE OFF
by Marlon Bernardino

Filipino cue master Ronato "Volcano" Alcano and Britain's Daryl "The Dazzler" Peach will rekindle their rivalry as the two pool masters collide in Philippine Bigtime Billiards (PBB) Face Off Series dubbed as "The Dazzler and The Volcano" on Saturday, November 19 at the PAGCOR Airport Casino in Paranaque City.


"Dahil bisita natin si Daryl, balak ko paupuin siya at panoorin niya na lang ako dito sa PBB," said the 39 years old Calamba cue artists Alcano, a former WPA World 9-ball and 8-ball champion in an interview of Solar Sports at the Golden Leaf Restaurant in Quezon City last Monday.

"Talagang pinaghandaan ko ito sa katunayan ay 50 racks a day ang ginagawa kong pagsasanay," added Alcano, playing under new billiard manager World Boxing Champion Filipino great Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao, also congressman from Sarangani province.

According to Peach, an ex-World 9-ball champion who just arrived from the country last Sunday via Emirate Airlines from London, he is ready to face Alcano for their 4th encounter.

" I eat 10 balls for breakfast" said the 39 years old Peach, a native of Castleford, West Yorkshire, England, also the hometown of reigning US Open champion Darren Appleton and Women's 10-ball world champion Kelly Fisher.

Peach defeated Alcano in the 2006 International Pool Tour (IPT) in Las Vegas, Nevada and 2007 World Pool (9-ball) Championships in Manila. Alcano, meantime bounced back by beating Peach during the 2007 World 8-ball Championships in United Arab Emirates.

The winner will getting $5,000 cash purse in this race-to-9, 10-ball affair, winner's break format event, jointly organized by the Mega Sports World and BRKHRD Corp.The consolation prize is worth $2,500 in the event was aired live over Solar Sports, Sky Channel 70 and Destiny Channel 34 and also aired worldwide through the Internet, live streaming at www.starbilliards.com.ph, www.megasportsworld.com and www.philippinebigtimebilliards.com.

The PBB Face Off series, a joint undertaking of Mega Sports World and BRKHRD Corp in close cooperation with PAGCOR, Crown, Diamond Table, Malungai Life Oil,I bAR, Golden Leaf Restaurant, Hermes Sports, Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) with the Philippine Star as the official media partner.

Peach is also schedule to face World 9-ball Champion Francisco "Django" Bustamante on November 26.

2011 PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup

More seats installed as ticket sales accelerate

WITH THE 2011 PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup set to run at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas from 8th to 11th December, promoters Matchroom Sport have taken the step of installing an additional 100 seats in the purpose built arena due to rapid ticket sales.

Originally planned with a capacity of 395, the tiered, theatre-seating styled arena will now be constructed with a maximum of 500 seats, all affording a superb view of pool’s most exciting event. That means that there are in excess of 100 extra tickets available for American and European pool fans for the four days of the tournament.

Tickets are priced at $35 per day or $120 for the four day season passes and booking charges will apply.

Currently the Mosconi Cup is sold through Ticketmaster (1-800-745-3000) or MGM Resorts Contact Center (1-866-740-7711) and also available at Ticketmaster and MGM Resorts Ticketing Outlets.

For online purchases please refer to Ticketmaster.com and search Mosconi Cup.

“We are absolutely delighted that we have been forced to put in additional seats due to the high demand for tickets for the Mosconi Cup. I believe that with a full arena, the atmosphere generated will propel the players to ever-increasing feats of skill and nerve in what is the greatest pool show on earth!” said Matchroom Chairman Barry Hearn.

PH Billiards secure another gold in SEAG
www.abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine billiards team is already assured of a gold and a silver medal in the ongoing Southeast Asian Games as world champion Rubilen Amit and Iris Ranola forged an all-Filipino finals in Women’s 9-Ball.

Amit, the former Women’s 10-Ball champion, defeated Hoe Shu Wah of Singapore, 7-4, in the semifinals to make her way to the finals.

Ranola defeated Huynh Thi-Ngoc Hyuan of Vietnam, 7-3, in the other semifinal match.

Amit and Ranola will settle who's going to be 1st and 2nd at the Ogan Permata Indah Hall in Palembang, Indonesia on Thursday.

The national billiards team already won 2 gold

Bingham – Feud With Allen Is Not Over

Stuart Bingham believes that his rivalry with Mark Allen will not be buried as he looks ahead to playing in the UK Championship next month.

The pair could meet in the quarter-finals of the tournament at the York Barbican, which would re-ignite the feud set ablaze at the Australian Goldfields Open earlier this season when Northern Ireland’s Allen accused Bingham of having “no bottle, no balls” and the Essex player responded by calling his rival “an idiot.”

Bingham won their quarter-final tie Down Under and went on to win the tournament, beating Mark Williams 9-8 in a dramatic final to land his first ranking title.

Anticipating a possible last-eight clash in York, Bingham said: “The rivalry is not going to disappear. I’ve seen him at tournaments but not spoken to him. Neither of us are going to say hello to each other. Until the next time I play him, I’ll keep away from him.

“It’s just one of those things that is unlikely to go away. After I lost in the quarter-finals of the PTC event in Killarney, someone on Twitter wrote ‘no bottle’. So it looks like people aren’t going to forget about it either.

“He did me a favour before our match in Australia because I forgot about the fact that I was playing for my first semi-final, I was just focussed on beating him. I felt good about it after the match, but then after I beat Shaun Murphy to get to the final, I broke down and all the emotion came out.”

Bingham is into the top 16 of the world rankings for the first time so earns an automatic place at the UK Championship. He faces Hong Kong’s Marco Fu in his opening match on Sunday December 4 at 11am.

“I’ve been plugging away in the qualifiers for 16 years so it’s great to be at the venue automatically now,” said the World No 12, who beat Ronnie O’Sullivan in the first round of the UK last year. “I’ve got a decent record in it and hopefully I can improve on that.

“I can’t wait to be in that situation of having the chance to win a tournament again, and I won’t be afraid of losing.”

The UK Championship runs from December 3 to 11, with the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, Judd Trump, Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis and Mark Selby battling for the £100,000 top prize.

TICKETS FOR THE TOURNAMENT ARE ON SALE NOW and there is still availability for many sessions. For details call 0844 854 2757 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

SPECIAL OFFERS:

Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December are student nights, with tickets for students just £5 per night. That's a huge saving of £10. To claim this offer simply quote the offer code 'stud147' when booking tickets online, in person or by phone.

Book three evening tickets between Saturday 3 and Thursday 8 December for just £21 (saving £24!). Tickets do not need to be consecutive evenings. To claim this offer quote the code 'Eve321' when booking tickets. Tickets must be booked in person at the York Barbican or by calling 0844 854 2757.

For the above offers a limited number of tickets are available at these special prices. Terms and conditions apply.

Watch Live British 9-Ball 19th/20th November

It is the final GB 9 Ball Tour event of 2011 on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th November and online cue sports video portal Cuesport TV will be once again showing live coverage of this thriving national tour.

The matches featured will come from the Professional Cup on Saturday with players like Karl Boyes, Daryl Peach and Imran Majid in attendance. On Sunday the play switches to the final stages of the GB9 British Grand Prix as a number of the top UK players vie for position at the top of the rankings.

Cash bonsues are awarded to the top two finishers in the the ranking list and currently they are held by Imran Majid and Craig Osborne. The only players that can really threaten that are Jayson Shaw and Daryl Peach but it will be interesting to see who does enough to finish top.

Across the two days there will be 12 matches broadcast live including two finals.

You can get access to the full two days of the event now by buying a pay-per-view ticket at a cost of £4.99 (approx $7.90). please follow this direct link: www.cuesport.tv/Events/signin.aspx?eventID=272

Further Information

Cuesport TV have been providing live and recorded coverage of GB9 events since the tour's inception in 2008 and now have an archive of over 100 matches at the video portal.

In addition to the GB9 coverage there are now well over 500 videos to view online for free at www.cuesport.tv

ALCANO VS PEACH TODAY IN PBB FACE OFF SERIES
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino cue master Ronato "Volcano" Alcano will face Britain's Daryl "The Dazzler" Peach in an explosive showdown at the Philippine Bigtime Billiards (PBB) Face-Off series dubbed as " The Dazzler and The Volcano" today, Saturday, November 19, 9pm at the PAGCOR Airport Casino in Parañaque City.

Alcano is out to avenge his setbacks to Peach in the 2006 International Pool Tour (IPT) in Las Vegas, Nevada and 2007 World Pool (9-ball) Championships in Manila.

"I'm ready for Daryl. I'm going for a great performance on Saturday.” said the 39 years old Calamba cue artists Alcano, a former WPA World 9-ball and 8-ball champion.

"I am doing well. I have been training for this fight," said Alcano, who beat Peach during the 2007 World 8-ball Championships in United Arab Emirates.


"In a short, winner's break match, it's anybodies ball game," said the 39 years old Peach, a native of Castleford, West Yorkshire, England who won the 2007 WPA World 9-ball title in Manila.

The PBB Face-Off is a joint undertaking of Mega Sports World and BRKHRD Corp. The event was organized in cooperation with Airport Casino Filipino, Crown Sound System
Sakura Amplifiers, Home Theater Systems, Malungai Life Oil, Diamond Billiard table, Hermes Sports Bar, I-Bar, Golden Leaf Restaurant, Bugsy Promotions
Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) with the Philippine Star as the official media partner.

As of yesterday, Alcano is a -1.5 favorite against Peach (+2.5) according to official Sports Betting Mega Sports World which means that a $1 bet would win $1.60 if you place your bet on Alcano while your $1 would win $2.10 if you place your bet on Peach.

The winner will getting $5,000 cash purse in this race-to-9, 10-ball affair, winner's break format event, jointly organized by the Mega Sports World and BRKHRD Corp.The consolation prize is worth $2,500 for the loser in the event was aired live over Solar Sports, Sky Channel 70 and Destiny Channel 34 and also aired worldwide through the Internet, live streaming at www.starbilliards.com.ph, www.megasportsworld.com and www.philippinebigtimebilliards.com.

Other matches pitted Peach vs Francisco "Django" Bustamante on Nov.26, Yang Ching Shun of Chinese-Taipei vs Lee Vann Corteza on Dec.3, Yang vs Dennis Orcollo on Dec.10, Chang Jung Lin of Chinese-Taipei vs Roberto Gomez on Dec.17, Chang vs Alcano on Dec.23 and Wu Chia Ching of China vs Efren "Bata" Reyes on Dec.30.

World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association press release

TWO-time European pool champion Kim O’Brien returns to the women’s snooker circuit on Saturday in the East Anglian Championship at Pot Black Sports Bar, Bury St Edmunds.

It was at this club that O’Brien, who lives in Bury St Edmunds, last played on the World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association (WLBSA) tour. She reached the Plate and Doubles finals at the World Championships in April.

O’Brien will be joined in the draw by Fran Calvert, from Lowestoft , who also played in the World Championships.

World number one Reanne Evans has claimed the East Anglian title for the past three years.

In 2007, it was won by Kent ’s Katie Henrick – her one and only WLBSA title.

As well as the main event, there will be a Plate competition for first-round losers, a Seniors (40+) knockout and an under-40s Shield knockout.

The East Anglian Championship is the third of six WLBSA ranking events this season. The Pot Black Sports Bar will again host the World Championships in April.

East Anglian Championship
(Sponsored by Pot Black Sports Bar)
10am, Saturday, November 26, 2011,
Pot Black Sports Bar
Eastgate Street
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP33 1YQ
Tel: 01284 704231


Fran Calvert............................................................................................Kim O’Brien

POWER SNOOKER HAS ARRIVED AT RILEYS!

You've seen it on TV, now it's your turn to play Power Snooker, where it's points not frames that count.

It's the new quick fire snooker game that everyone is talking about, and you can now play it exclusively at Rileys!

Test your skills to the max with the 20-second shot clock, Power ball and Power Play, all wrapped up in a 30-minute contest.

Have you got the speed and skills to win on the Power Snooker baize?

To find out, visit Rileys for full details of all the Power Snooker fun happening in your local area. (Please note, Power Snooker is not available at this time for online booking.)

Regards,
The Rileys Team

Martin Gould scoops the Power Snooker Masters title, live in Manchester

Power Snooker newbie Martin Gould beat Ronnie O’Sullivan to the Power Snooker title at the weekend.

Gould beat the defending Power Snooker Champion 286 points to 258, live at EventCity, at the Trafford Centre, in Manchester in the most exciting game of the competition.

Ronnie started well and looked like he was going to sail through to win the title. After missing a few Power Balls, Gould swooped in and came back from 234-138 down to claim the victory.

Speaking after the event Gould said: “The Trophy is more important because it’s my first major tournament win.”

Gould’s win came as a big shock to the crowd who towards the end got behind the player dubbed the Pinner Potter.

Commenting on Power Snooker Gould said: “I’d definitely give it a go again.”

Earlier on in the evening Gould narrowly beat Mark Selby 253 points to 246 in the first semi-final match. Neil Robertson was also knocked out in the semi-finals by Ronnie O’Sullivan 519 points to 157.

Despite his defeat Robertson humoured the crowd and sported one of his fans Aussie cork hats.

In the quarterfinal matches Mark Selby beat Mark Allen 398 points to 56.

Martin Gould beat Stuart Bingham 247 points to 180.

Neil Robertson beat Stephen Lee 271 points to 125.

Ronnie O’Sullivan beat Graeme Dott 185 points to 182 in the closet game of the day.

In between play the Power Snooker band kept the lively crowd entertained and created a buzzing atmosphere around the main arena throughout the whole weekend.

For further information visit www.powersnooker.com

World Renown Predator & Poison Cues, Master Chalk, Aramith Balls & Simonis Cloth Sponsor World Mixed Doubles

#1 Cue Company in the World

Hangzhou, China- With the greatest professional players in the world coming already, it's fitting that the world's biggest billiard sponsors join the World Mixed Doubles. Predator Cues, Poison Cues, Master Chalk, Aramith Balls, and Simonis Cloth will be the Official Products of the World Mixed Doubles. Dragon Promotions will be producing the event on November 30- December 2, 2011. In cooperation with 9 Club Entertainment and sanctioned by the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association. The event will pair the top men's and women's players together as a two-person team, with a total of 16 teams from around the world. Last year Efren "Magician" Reyes and Rubilen Amit of the Philippines won the inaugural first event defeating Team USA, Team Europe and Team Korea.

The World Mixed Doubles is sponsored by Rikko Decoration www.rikko.cn, 9-Club Entertainment, Official Cue is Predator Cues & Poison Cues, Simonis Cloth, Master Chalk, . Official media partner is www.Top147.com. Link to the Official site for the World Mixed Doubles is www.top147.com/news/Doubles

The event takes place at Jiebai New Yuanhua, #177 Yan'an Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. Tickets can be purchased at 9-Club or on site for 50RMB.

Players such as World Champion Jasmin Ouschan plays exclusively with Predator. Predator also sponsors world class events with DP.

"Predator Cues is looking forward to the World Mixed Doubles coming to China for the first time. Dragon Promotions has been a long time partner of Predator, and and we know China has a fantastic event in store for them. The pro players coming are very familiar with Predator and DP both having the highest qualities and standards. We would not put our name with just any event. I'm confident this will be one of the best events ever in China", said Karim Belhaj, CEO of Predator Group. Predator Group is also the creator of Poison Cues, the best economic cue on the market today. Predator Cues has over 70% of the world's professional players using their products, making them the #1 cue brand in the world.

Made in the USA, Master Chalk has been the long established and trusted choice of professionals for generations

Master Chalk, made by Tweeten Fibre, has been the longest trusted and most used chalk in history. "We make all our chalk in the USA, and are happy to support billiards in China", said Skip Nemecek, President of Tweeten Fibre. Tweeten Fibre also make quality tip products such as Triangle and Le Pro tips.

The event will be played on European brand giant Simonis Cloth. All the tables during the World Mixed Doubles will be using Simonis 860 TV Blue.

Simonis Cloth & Aramith Balls are used world wide

Teams from England, Germany, USA, Korea, Japan, China, Indonesia, Taiwan, Finland, and the USA will be competing for the World Mixed Doubles championship title. All players are welcomed to qualify for the main event through a 1 day qualifier on November 28, 2011 at 9-Club in Hangzhou, China. The stage 1 qualifier event will take place near the main event venue.

    Western City Plaza Hotel rate is $40 a night located 1 minute walk to 9-Club
    Contact candyshiyu@hotmail.com or call 1-500-005-3160 to register for the event
    For all info on the event contact dragonpromotionsnews@gmail.com

'DJANGO' NIPS PEACH IN PBB FACE OFF SERIES; REGAINS WORLD STATUS
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FILIPINO Francisco "Django" Bustamante finally got his redemption.

Seven days after absorbing a crushing defeat to Indon Ricky Yang, 3-9, in the semi-finals of the 26th Southeast Asian Games' 9-ball billiards event at Jakabaring Billiard Arena in Palembang, Indonesia, the Tarlac City native Bustamante edged Britain's Daryl "The Dazzler" Peach, 9-8, to end the foreign domination in the Philippine Bigtime Billiards (PBB) Face Off Series 10-ball championship last Saturday at the PAGCOR Airport Casino in Paranaque City.

Bustamante, former World 9-ball champion, playing under the banner of Puyat Sports took 5-3 to 6-4 commanding lead until Peach fighting back from the grave and took 8-7 lead in the 15th racks. However, the 39-years-old Peach, who hails from Castleford, West Yorkshire, England failed to sank the 8-ball allowing Bustamante to tied the match at 8-all count in the 16th racks and didn't wasted time winning the final racks.

“I’m simply overwhelmed,” said Bustamante who is schedule to celebrate his 48th birthday on December 29.

"It would be end if I didn't miss the 8-ball," added Peach, who beat Ronato "Volcano" Alcano in the previous PBB Face Off Series.

The race-to-9, winner's break format, 10-ball match was organized by Mega Sports World and BRKHRD Corp. and held in cooperation with Airport Casino Filipino, Crown Sound System Sakura Amplifiers and Home Theater Systems, Malungai Life Oil, Diamond Billiard table, Hermes Sports Bar, I-Bar, Golden Leaf Restaurant, Bugsy Promotions, Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) with The Philippine Star as official media partner.

German ace Ralf "Kaiser" Souquet had earlier defeated Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo and Carlo "The Black Tiger" Biado in the first two matches in the series aired worldwide through www.megasportsworld.com, www.philippinebigtimebilliards.com, www.starbilliards.com, www.starbilliards.com.ph, Solar Sports, Sky Channel 70 and Destiny Channel 34.

Another blockbuster match featuring Yang Ching Shun of Chinese-Taipei vs Lee Vann Corteza on Dec.3, Yang vs Dennis Orcollo on Dec.10, Chang Jung Lin of Chinese-Taipei vs Roberto Gomez on Dec.17, Chang vs Alcano on Dec.23 and Wu Chia Ching of China vs Efren "Bata" Reyes on Dec.30.

Pro Competition Announcement and Focused Journey From Dr. Cue!

Players, Fans, Media Contacts, Sponsors, and Friends,

     On a flight several years ago I found a Time Magazine in the seat back pouch in front of me. A corner of one page was folded over, so I knew that something in the publication’s content must have caught the attention of the person reading it. Upon further inspection I discovered a “special message of life” that became for not only me, but also my wife, Marty a key to understanding the billiard journey we had embarked on together back in the fall of 1986 with our professional show work, teaching exploits, unique artistic pool promotions and the various cue sport competitions attempted. The words at the top of the page captivated my attention as well:    

“Success is finding your calling and passion in life…

…And pursuing it regardless of financial gain”

     Marty and I have realized our calling and passion in life for over 25 years now – making people laugh in unique fellowship experiences both on and off the table, providing “instructional tips and artistic events” to help players and fans “enjoy the roll”, doing disciplined practice routines required for the challenges of professional “artistic pool” competitions, and sharing the joys of each experience in the process with each person we have met along the way.

     From a personal standpoint, I entered the professional Artistic Pool arena in 2000 at the age of 50, starting a whirlwind competitive journey that lasted 12 years, competing against the best Artistic Pool players from around the world in an assortment of Artistic Pool formats and shooting thousands of classic and / or created shots. During these special moments of challenge, I received one “table / event” victory after another beyond any dream or imagination for them. Not in boasting, but with a sincere and thankful heart for these blessings, I now realize this “platform of competitive success” has been allowed in my life as a special equipping and testimony so that each person observing and absorbing the “witness” might Rack Up A Victory in his or her “game and life” as well.

     In light of a new and exciting “life” vision plan for Marty and me, I have made a decision to leave the professional Artistic Pool arena as a competitor. We are planning to continue 1) performance and entertainment show engagements, 2) “open forum” teaching sessions, plus 3) directional effort and active sponsorship of junior, amateur, and professional Artistic Pool competitions. We will also be “sharing our journey experience” in various formats, so that others may be encouraged to remain focused with a special “hope and joy” to fulfill any heartfelt vision that has been given to them.    

     I plan to continue “consultant” and “commentary / announcer” work with the growing professional Artistic Pool movement worldwide and accent those efforts by establishing an official education resource tool called The Artistic Pocket. This special newsletter - style “sport report” will help all players, fans, media, sponsors, and friends of Artistic Pool to 1) understand the documented facts / foundation of our sport past, 2) enjoy the present movement even more, and 3) plan for future event participation, global promotion, and fellowship of talents with others. The 1st edition of this publication is scheduled for release in early January with subsequent editions coming out every 30 – 60 days. Each release will be sent via email by “bcc” to over 400 contacts we have in our growing sport database, plus over 70 media sources that support and enjoy the “gift” of Artistic Pool and its associated cue sport activities in a myriad of ways.

     Marty and I also have plans to reveal a unique “outreach” concept called the R.A.C.K. UP A VICTORY Tour. This will include new player / fan-friendly opportunities at select and limited venue locations with 1) The Master’s Treasure For You, 2) APPA (Artistic Pool Playing Artists), and 3) The Foundation of R.A.C.K. Special sport “stewardship” and “ambassadorship” principles will highlight the overall experience for all involved. For more information on this tour vision, please email or call us.

     Thank you for the memories and the wonderful blessing you have all been to us over the years. We hope and pray that we can share many more years traveling the “game and life” road together.

Best Victories!!     Tom and Marty (“Dr. Cue” and “Ms. Cue”)
Email: drcue@artisticpool.org     Phone: 765.795.4968


Photo © Markus Hofstätter/Touch Magazine - & used by Pro9 with express permission originally in this article: http://www.pro9.co.uk/html/article.php?sid=1230

REYES AND AMIT PAIR UP TO DEFEND WORLD MIXED DOUBLES CROWN
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

Efren "Bata" Reyes and Rubilen Amit of the Philippines will defend their title in the second World Mixed Doubles Billiards Championships to be held on November 30 in Hangzhou, China.

Reyes and Amit led Team Philippines in the inaugural championship in 2009, defeating the Korean tandem of Charlie Williams and Eun Ji Park to take the $6,000 winner's purse.

Reyes and Amit, both playing under the banner of Puyat Sports is from the South East Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia, will set out once again to compete in a major international event.

They will be joined by another Filipino pair in the form of recent San Miguel Beer Octoberfest 9-Ball Open Champion Lee Vann Corteza and SEA Games double Gold Medalist Iris Ranola.

Many of the other teams competing in the event are composed of world champions including recently crowned World 10-ball champion Kelly Fisher who will be pairing up with Tommy Donlon to make up one of two British teams. Some other notable teams include: Team USA (Johnny Archer and The Black Widow Jeanette Lee), Team Finland (Mika Immonen and Marika Poikkijoki) Team Chinese Taipei (Chao Fong Pang and Tsai Pei Chen) and the hometown bet from China (Li He Wen and Fu Xiao Fang) Reyes and Amit recognize the difficulty of playing in the scotch doubles format and have been preparing for the event for months. Unlike many of the other teams, they have the advantage of having been able to practice together consistently while preparing for the SEA Games.

The addition of another Philippine team serves as a bonus and gives them a chance to make it an all- Filipino final similar to Amit and Ranola’s Gold Medal match in the Women’s 9- ball singles competition during the SEAG.

Ranola bought home double Gold Medals from both the 8-ball and the 9-ball events in the SEAG while Amit took home the silver for 9-ball. Reyes on the other hand, took home two bronze medals in 1-cushion and 3-cushion carom, a game which is hardly played on a competitive level in the country anymore. He gave way to the younger players for the billiard events but he was still able to bring home medals in the carom events which no one expected.

Corteza is also fresh from his San Miguel Ber Octoberfest win which makes the entire Philippine contingent a group composed of players steeped in high morale.

“I’m excited to again be paired up with my idol Efren Reyes” says Amit. “I’m looking forward to playing some of the best players in the World” The event pays out a top prize of US $15,000 with a total purse of US $40,000.
It is to be held on November 30 to December 2, 2011 in Hangzhou, one of China’s most beautiful cities an hour away from Shanghai. In recent years, Chinese players have emerged as the new powerhouse to look out for in the world of professional pool. Many new events have been staged in China and they have consistently produced several world champions including World Cup of Pool (doubles) and women’s world champions. Both of the Philippine teams are out to
defend the title as well as defend the Philippines’ claim as the “Mecca of Pool” and the home of the best players in the world.

A total of 16 teams will participate in this year's tournament, which features top male and female pool players.

"This is a dream come true for us to bring Dragon Promotions to China," said Wang Di, president of 9-Club Entertainment. "Their name is very respected here, and the World Mixed Doubles is one of the premiere events that we really wish to see.""Having the top men and women stars at the same time playing together will be a very big treat for the fans," he added.

Jeanette Lee & Johnny Archer Lead USA Teams

Hangzhou, China- Johnny Archer and Jeanette Lee will be teaming up for the very first time to go against the world's best man/women teams at the Taobao World Mixed Doubles. The two legendary players will be USA's top bet to secure the title, but will have support from American players in the event Jennifer Barretta ,Hunter Lombardo, Max Eberle, and Shanelle Loraine. The three USA teams will be up against three teams from China, Philippines, England, and other teams from Asia and Europe. All the players will be joining on November 30th to December 2,2011 at Jiebai Mall in Hangzhou,China. Chamberlain Tables joins Taobao.com, one of the world's top 20 most visited internet sites, as one of the top sponsors of the event. The combination of Taobao, Chamberlain Tables, 9-Club Entertainment, and Dragon Promotions will make this one of the hottest billiards events ever in China!

Archer is considered to be by many, one of the greatest American players ever!

Jeanette Lee is known as one of the most famous players in the world, and she is still playing well today. The Black Widow, as she is known, just recently finished 3rd at the recent WPBA event in America. And her partner, Johnny Archer, still remains ranked in the top 5 in the USA for over 20 years, many of those years being ranked #1.
" It is my first time playing with a female partner. I accepted the invitation because I really enjoy playing team events, and I am excited to play as a team with Jeanette", said Archer. Johnny will, coincidentally, be flying straight from China to Las Vegas after the event to play for Team USA again in the Mosconi Cup. It will be his 15th year on the USA Team.

Barretta is also a former fitness competition champion and owns a upscale gym in New York City

Jennifer Barretta and Hunter Lombardo will also be teaming up for the first time. Both players are ranked in the top 10 in the USA and could be a surprise hit in the event.
I accepted my invite to this event because I've never been to China, and I love playing doubles. I've played mixed doubles as an amateur in smaller events, but not at the pro level. Hunter and I will be a good team because whenever I'm around my partner we always laugh and have a good time. It's so important to be compatible", said Jennifer.

Shanelle has also done TV commercials and modeled aside from being a pool competitor

The final USA hopefuls will be the exotic match-up of Shanelle Loraine and Max Eberle.
" It has been a longtime dream of mine to visit China and to play pool here, as well as witness the pool craze in China which I hear is pretty phenomenal. I was the MC match announcer for the very first Dragon Promotions event ever which was held in Orlando, Florida over 10 years ago... so it is great to see the success that Dragon Promotions has created, and an honor to be playing in DP's first ever event in China!" said Eberle. Max is a former 2 times USA National College Champion and former USA Junior Champion. As a professional, he has a bronze medal at the World Straight Pool Championship.

Shanelle added, "I am absolutely honored to be invited to this world class event. It has always been a dream of mine to visit China! There's no way I could turn down this amazing opportunity to compete in Dragon Promotions first event ever in China." Loraine has improved alot over the years as a semi-pro player and finished an impressive 3rd place last time at the World Mixed Doubles with wins over Finland and Japan. "I absolutely admire Max Eberle's game. I have so much respect for him and his many accomplishments throughout his lifelong career of playing. I have his DVDs and his book called "Zen Pool". I am super excited to have him as my teammate! My experience in playing with the opposite gender has always been so positive. I know we will have a great time."

No matter the outcome, the USA Teams will be very versatile and fun to watch, and are sure to make a big impact on the tournament.

All players and teams from any country can try tomorrow by being registered and entered by 11am 28/11/11. Contact candyshiyu@hotmail.com or call 1-500-005-3160 to register for the event

Tomorrow night it will be decided who gets the coveted spot into the event.

The World Mixed Doubles will have 28 hours of original TV programming. Teams from England, Germany, USA, Korea, Japan, China, Indonesia, Taiwan, Finland, and the USA will be competing for the World Mixed Doubles championship title.

Dragon Promotions will have television covering the event internationally reaching nearly 30 countries worldwide. The World Mixed Doubles will be an exciting format which is unique in bringing women and men together on a side-by-side team, the only event of its kind. With the greatest professional players, the world's biggest billiard sponsors, the biggest billiards event producer Dragon Promotions now brings the biggest TV coverage in China. Dragon Promotions in cooperation with 9 Club Entertainment will be producing the event on November 30- December 2, 2011. The tournament is sanctioned by the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association. The event will pair the top men's and women's players together as a two-person team, with a total of 16 teams from around the world. The Taobao World Mixed Doubles is sponsored by Chamberlain Tables, Rikko Decoration www.rikko.cn, 9-Club Entertainment, Official Cue is Predator Cues & Poison Cues, Simonis Cloth, Master Chalk, and Aramith Balls . Official media partner is www.Top147.com. Link to the Official site for the Taobao World Mixed Doubles is www.top147.com/news/Doubles/
The event takes place at Jiebai New Yuanhua, #177 Yan'an Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. Tickets can be purchased at 9-Club or on site for 50RMB.

Predictions & Colors of the Taobao World Mixed Doubles

Who will hold the Taobao World Mixed Doubles Trophy ?

Hangzhou, China- Top147.com and Pool Bond Magazine sat down and discussed the predictions for this year's Taobao World Mixed Doubles. The pro players also added their input on how they would fair in the tournament. The platers also explained the significance of why they chose the colors they will wear in the event. Here are some quotes from the stars of the event.

The Colors

Team USA Shanelle Loraine & Max Eberle :
"We decided on a few different colors to represent on different days.
Red, Since we are both playing in China for the first time we decided to wear red in hopes that it will bring us good fortune.
Blue, to represent our country.Black, to help bring out our competitive spirit", said Loraine.

Team USA Hunter Lombardo
Colors were playing by ear, depends on the mood.

Team England
We chose black as red clashes with my eyes!

Team Korea
red and blue is my countrys color-erica

Team Finland
We chose Royal Blue as our colour, because it represents Finland really well and of course it suits the IceMan!

I am known as the Black Widow – so black was a natural choice for me. Also black is one of Johnny Archers favorite colors as well so it worked out perfectly for us.

Team Japan
"Still considering.Haha"

Team Germany
Havent chosen any color yet. I leave that up to Nes. She is going to a fashion university in New York City and is one of the most stylish people I know.-toast

Predictions

Here's what some of the top pool journalists in China have to say ...

Li Xiaolong - "I think Fu Xiaofang and Liu Haitao will win the World Mixed Doubles. But I would to see them against Jeanette lee and Archer in the finals with China versus USA.

Neil Mclean - I pick Siming and Li Hewen to win. And they will win against Reyes and Amit. But personally, my favorite team is Finalnd. I like to see them win because I'm a big Mika Immonen fan. The very first pool match I ever saw on TV was Mika, and he won of course"

Tai Chengzhe - I'm hoping for Archer and Jeanette Lee to win. But I think it's going to be Vhinese Taipei versus China's Fu and Liu Haitao.

China Teams armed with deadly but pretty girls such as Siming Chen and Fu Xiaofang will be a top bet to reach the final four

Here's what the players themselves have to say...

"I am very grateful for the invitation to this event as I have been out of the game for some time and im sure many people will have written me off, but I feel I still have a little left in the tank! I predict a very lucrative tournament for " The Fisher and The Disher!" - Toomy Donlon, Team England

"While I would love to see two US teams make the finals, this event has a very accomplished field and therefore every team will be dangerous.     Johnny and I did not come all the way from the US to come in 2nd place! We came here with one goal and that is to win it all!" , says Jeanette Lee of Team USA.

"I have all my faith in mika and I trust him to be the team´s driving force." explains Marika Poikkijoki of Team Finland.

"With my coach (Charlie Williams) as my partner I feel good , because he knows my pool style and the way I think. It feels good to play with him. " says Eunji Erica Park of team Korea. " My prediction is .....champions!"

"I think we will do well only because we both are relaxed and take things in stride. No matter what happens I know we'll have fun! - Jennifer Barretta. Team USA.

"I am a big fan of Nes and her playing style. She is extremely talented but unfortunately for her pool career busy with school. If she could focus on pool I would ensure her a bright future. We both have been practicing and will spend three days before the event in Shanghai getting used to the climate, time zone and equipment. My friend Sherman will prepare a table in his pool room with the exact same conditions so we can optimize our preparation. On paper we are not the favorites in this competition but we are highly motivated and I predict some surprises. We have played perfect sets in practice and know we are capable of beating any team. I am a very experienced doubles player and we both will enjoy the tournament to the fullest." says Thorsten Hohmann. Team Germany.
"Li Jia has alot of guts! She also has as much heart as I have", says Kenichi Uchigaki of Team Japan. "Team events are much harder to handle for anybody .I think it needs a lot of patience sometime. If we control ourselves ,we can go above the top three places."

"I'm excited to be representing my country in such a high-class event with so many of the super-stars if the sport of pool.
I'm looking forward to a fruitful collaboration with my team mate Marika Poikkijoki. She has shown that she can beat the best so together we can be contenders for the title." -Mika Immonen, Team Finland

" They say your only as good as the company you keep, and Jennifer is great! She is smart,beautiful,fun and has a game to match it. I love her style, she fights and never gives up! Most important we click. I'm excited! Not only is The World Mixed Doubles recognized as one of the most prestigious events,but I've heard how fun it is from everyone who has played in it before! I would've been crazy not to play! I feel we have as good of a chance to win as any of the teams,were hungry, both of us are coming into our own as players and take nothing for granted! We are playing to play great and put ourselves in position to win! - Hunter Lombardo, Team USA.

" I know we will have fun playing, and because of that we will be tough to beat. Shanelle recently won a tournament in Florida and I have been hitting the balls well lately so expect a few surprises from our side of the table. I'm excited to have Shanelle as my partner, and although we've never met before, I've seen her in photos and videos for years already and have to admit that she is one stunning woman, and has a very professional looking playing style at the table. I have talked with her on the phone and she is really nice, so I'm looking forward to us having a fun time playing in this historic event as teammates." - Max Eberle, Team USA.

" I think the Asian teams will be tough to beat but Jeanette and I have a good chance to win"- Johnny Archer of team USA.

" Fu and Haitao vs Allison Fisher and Craig Osborne. That's my call. But a Jeanette Lee and Archer versus China would be awesome! . Efren and Amit are going to be super tough, and factor Lee Van Corteza and Ranola,too. There are over ten teams that are real contenders. I think there will be a Filipino, a Chinese, an England team, and the USA in the final 4. But somehow Korea will win it all, haha" - Charlie Williams, Team Korea.

Or just simply put as Allison Fisher put it...
"I predict Craig and I will win!"

DP will have television covering the event internationally reaching nearly 30 countries worldwide. The World Mixed Doubles will be an exciting format which is unique in bringing women and men together on a side-by-side team, the only event of its kind. With the greatest professional players, the world's biggest billiard sponsors, the biggest billiards event producer Dragon Promotions now brings the biggest TV coverage in China. Dragon Promotions in cooperation with 9 Club Entertainment will be producing the event on November 30- December 2, 2011. The tournament is sanctioned by the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association. The event will pair the top men's and women's players together as a two-person team, with a total of 16 teams from around the world. The Taobao World Mixed Doubles is sponsored by Chamberlain Tables, Rikko Decoration www.rikko.cn, 9-Club Entertainment, Official Cue is Predator Cues & Poison Cues, Simonis Cloth, Master Chalk, and Aramith Balls . Official media partner is www.Top147.com. Link to the Official site for the Taobao World Mixed Doubles is www.top147.com/news/Doubles/
The event takes place at Jiebai New Yuanhua, #177 Yan'an Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. Tickets can be purchased at 9-Club or on site for 50RMB.

williamhill.com become title sponsor of snooker’s UK Championship

World Snooker is delighted to announce that williamhill.com has signed a deal to become the title sponsor of snooker’s UK Championship.

Europe’s leading online betting firm, who offer the widest range of sports betting and gaming products in the market, will support the BBC-televised nine-day snooker extravaganza.

Snooker’s second biggest ranking event and a firm fixture on the sporting calendar since 1977, the £625,000 williamhill.com UK Championship starts this Saturday at the Barbican in York and runs until the following Sunday, 11th of December.

This year’s williamhill.com UK Championship will feature 32 of the best players in the world – including the reigning world champion and defending UK champion John Higgins, the current world number one Mark Selby, and the recent Premier League winner Ronnie O’Sullivan.

Other former world champions who’ll be playing in York include Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, Neil Robertson, Mark Williams, Graeme Dott, and Shaun Murphy

Kristof Fahy, Chief Marketing Officer at William Hill said: “The UK Championship is one of the crown jewels in the world of snooker and we’re delighted to put our name to such a prestigious event.

“William Hill is a worldwide brand and our sponsorship of the UK Championship gives us the opportunity to promote our online and mobile betting products to a global audience.”

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said "We're delighted to welcome William Hill as the new title sponsor of the UK Championship. Having worked with their team at the Grand Slam of Darts I know they are a fantastic company, so it's fitting that they're sponsoring one of snooker's biggest tournaments.

"The UK Championship is one of the highlights of the snooker calendar and receives outstanding exposure through coverage on BBC and across the world, providing exceptional brand exposure for the sponsor to hundreds of millions of fans globally.

"It promises to be a superb tournament with 32 of the best players in the world gunning for the title."

Coverage of the williamhill.com UK Championship on BBC starts at 1pm this Saturday, 3rd December. Tickets for the event are on sale now - for details call 0844 854 2757 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

Latest tournament odds

williamhill.com UK Championship (sponsors bet): 6/1 Ronnie O'Sullivan 13/2 Mark Selby 8/1 John Higgins 8/1 Mark Williams 9/1 Ding Junhui 9/1 Neil Robertson 12/1 Shaun Murphy 12/1 Judd Trump 16/1 Mark Allen 25/1 Allister Carter 35/1 Graeme Dott 35/1 Stuart Bingham 40/1 Stephen Maguire 40/1 Matthew Stevens 50/1 Ryan Day 50/1 Marco Fu 50/1 Martin Gould 66/1 Stephen Hendry 66/1 Stephen Lee 80/1 Ricky Walden 100/1 Robert Milkins 100/1 Mark Davis 100/1 Marcus Campbell 100/1 Dominic Dale 125/1 Tom Ford 125/1 Matthew Selt 125/1 Rory McLeod 125/1 Peter Lines 150/1 Li Yan 150/1 Steve Davis 200/1 Adrian Gunnell 200/1 Joe Jogia --- 1/2 Odds Place 1,2

Holt Downs Dale For PTC Success

Michael Holt hopes his best years are still ahead of him in snooker after winning Players Tour Championship event ten with a 4-2 victory over Dominic Dale in the final.

Nottingham's World No 38 Holt captured a PTC title for the second time by winning seven matches at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield, beating the likes of Mark Selby and John Higgins to get to the final.

Breaks of 75 and 58 put him 2-0 up on Dale, and though Dale drew within a frame at 3-2, Holt wrapped up the result in frame six with a run of 44.

"I'm never far away from being very good or very bad," said 33-year-old Holt, who won PTC12 last season but has never been beyond the quarter-finals of a full ranking event. "My attitude has been terrible recently but it was a lot better here. Maybe the shorter matches suit me because there's not enough time to lose my head.

"I'm good enough to do well in any event but my attitude has stunk at times. I haven't achieved what I should have done - I've been in the top 32 but that's not what I turned pro for.

"I've said it before, but if I can keep a consistent temperament then I've still got time to achieve a lot in the game," added Holt. "This win is for my dad, as well as my manager Dave Bramley who has stuck by me."

The PTC is a series of 12 short events, with the top 24 on the final Order of Merit going through to the Grand Final in March, providing they have played in at least three domestic events and three overseas. The next tournament is PTC11 in Sheffield from December 17-19.

Results (last 16 onwards)

Last 16

Neil Robertson 3-4 John Higgins
Rory McLeod 1-4 Joe Perry
Chris Norbury 3-4 Jamie Cope
Ben Woollaston 1-4 Michael Holt
Dave Harold 4-2 David Grace
Graeme Dott 3-4 Stephen Lee
Ricky Walden 2-4 Dominic Dale
Liang Wenbo 4-3 Ken Doherty

Quarter-finals

John Higgins 4-3 Joe Perry
Jamie Cope 0-4 Michael Holt
Dave Harold 1-4 Stephen Lee
Dominic Dale 4-3 Liang Wenbo

Semi-finals

John Higgins 2-4 Michael Holt
Stephen Lee 2-4 Dominic Dale

Final

Michael Holt 4-2 Dominic Dale

Strachan backs new pool organisation

Strachan, Britain’s leading pool cloth manufacturer, is backing the new International Professional Pool Players Association (IPA) eight-ball tour in 2012.

The company has joined Hilton Worldwide and Heywood supreme pool tables as backers of a new committee now heading up the organisation, which has attracted over £120,000 in prize money.

The committee is keen to develop the amateur and professional game in 2012 and hopes to see eight-ball pool return to the TV screens followed next year by the launch of a televised premier league.

The 2012 IPA tour has been conceived by world top ten pool professional Morray Dolan, pictured, and a committee keen to provide the game with a professionally-managed circuit that also appeals to the European market.

The new season starts in March with the British Open and the amateur championships in Blackpool. It will end in Newport in October with the Welsh Open and the Welsh amateur championships.

Dolan has paid close attention to regional alliances with the South of England hosting its first event, in Bracknell, for six years. The Midlands stages the tour’s flagship event at the NEC in April and the tour travels north in June with an event in Bradford.

Strachan marketing manager Stuart Gardiner is pleased the new tour has gelled so quickly. “All credit must go to Morray and the committee for pulling together the eight-ball game.

“I can see the players getting behind the tour because it has been constructed with their interests and those of spectators at its heart. It can only be good for the game and lead to more European players climbing the world rankings,” added Gardiner.

CORTEZA, YANG SQUARE OFF TODAY
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

TAIWANESE Yang Ching Shun and Lee Vann Corteza, two of the world’s top cue artists, clash today, Saturday in a one-night Philippine Bigtime Billiards Face-Off series at the PAGCOR Casino in Paranaque City.

Sports Betting at MegaSportsWorld favored Corteza against Yang as of Friday. A $1-bet on Corteza would win $1.70. A $1-bet on Yang would win $2.05

The match-up jointly organized by the Mega Sports World and BRKHRD Corp, set at 9 p.m. and live over Solar Sports, Sky Channel 70 and Destiny Channel 34, is one of the weekly face-off series pitting local and foreign cue artists in a race-to-9, 10-ball event also aired worldwide through the Internet, live streaming at www.starbilliards.com.ph, www.megasportsworld.com and www.philippinebigtimebilliards.com.

The winner will wine $5,000 while the loser gets $2,500. The PBB Face-Off is a joint undertaking of Mega Sports World and BRKHRD Corp., and organized in cooperation with Airport Casino Filipino, Crown Sound System Sakura Amplifiers and Home Theater Systems, Malungai Life Oil, Diamond Billiard table, Hermes Sports Bar, I-Bar, Golden Leaf Restaurant, Bugsy Promotions, Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) with The Philippine Star as official media partner.

Yang much known "The Son of Pool", expects a tough match against, Corteza dubbed as “The Slayer”, one of the hottest Filipino pool player today.

“I hope to do well in this event again please pray for me.” said the Davao City native Corteza.Corteza, top player of Jonathan Sy’s Negros Billiards Stable hopes to sustain his momentum after a back to back win in major tournament.

The two-time National Open Champion Corteza whose stint supported by Kopiko and Energen topped the 3rd Golden Break 9-Ball Invitational Championship 2011 title last August at the Golden Break Snooker & Pool Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The former World Ten Ball Finalist Corteza also won 2011 San Miguel Beer Oktoberfest 9-ball Open in the Masters category at the Resorts World Manila in Pasay City last October.

Future matches of the PBB Face Off Series will pit Yang vs Dennis Orcollo on Dec.10, Chang Jung Lin of Chinese-Taipei vs Roberto Gomez on Dec.17, Chang vs Carlo "The Black Tiger" Biado on Dec.23 and Wu Chia Ching of China vs Efren "Bata" Reyes on Dec.30.

Robertson Determined To Improve UK Record

Snooker star Neil Robertson aims to go beyond the quarter-finals of the williamhill.com UK Championship for the first time in the event in York, which starts tomorrow.

The Australian has been in superb form in recent weeks, winning two events in the Players Tour Championship series and climbing to No 4 in the world rankings.

Robertson proved his capacity to rise to the big occasion by winning the World Championship last year, but surprisingly he has yet to reach the semi-finals of snooker's second biggest ranking event.

"I do have a poor record in the UK Championship but I don't think there's any reason for that other than coincidence," said the Cambridge-based cueman. "My form has been fantastic recently, I've been very consistent, won a couple of tournaments, and I'm really looking forward to going to York and trying to keep that going in one of our biggest events."

The early-round matches at the UK have been reduced from best-of-17 to best-of-11 frames, but Robertson does not believe his chances will be affected by the change.

"You have to adapt to whatever the format is," said the 29-year-old. "I do enjoy the best of 17s, but on the other hand at least with best-of-11 you know you're playing for a result in one session rather then playing over two sessions.

"The new format means that every match is on a TV table, which is good for the players because some great matches have ended up on the outside tables in previous years.

"There's no dividing wall between the two tables which is ideal for the fans because they can watch both matches. At the Welsh Open last year I was on the other table when Stephen
Hendry was making a 147. You can lose focus when something like that is happening so you have to keep concentrating on your own match."

Robertson starts his bid for the £100,000 top prize against Tom Ford on Saturday (afternoon session).

The tournament at the York Barbican runs from December 3 to 11 and TICKETS ARE STILL ON SALE. For details call 0844 854 2757 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

SPECIAL OFFERS:

Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December are student nights, with tickets for students just £5 per night. That's a huge saving of £10. To claim this offer simply quote the offer code 'stud147' when booking tickets online, in person or by phone.

Book three evening tickets between Saturday 3 and Wednesday 7 December for just £21 (saving £24!). Tickets do not need to be consecutive evenings. To claim this offer quote the code 'Eve321' when booking tickets. Tickets must be booked in person at the York Barbican or by calling 0844 854 2757.

For the above offers a limited number of tickets are available at these special prices. Terms and conditions apply.