Site News
Topic: *Industry News* 2015 - 2024

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Glasgow To Stage Snooker’s Scottish Open

Snooker’s new Scottish Open will take place at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow later this year, and tickets are now on sale.

The world ranking event is part of the new Home Nations quartet of tournaments, alongside the English Open, Irish Open and Welsh Open. Any player who wins all four events will receive a massive £1 million bonus.

The Scottish Open will run from December 12 to 18 and will feature 128 of the world’s leading green baize stars, in a flat draw with all players starting in the first round.

Total prize money for each of the Home Nations events will be £366,000, with the winner to receive £70,000. All four tournaments will be televised by Eurosport.

And Scotland’s top player John Higgins believes the potential £1 million bonus will be a huge added incentive for snooker’s top potters.

“To win all four would be very difficult, you could compare it to Novak Djokovic or Tiger Woods trying to win all four Grand Slam events in tennis or golf,” said Wizard of Wishaw Higgins. “It’s a fantastic thing to aim for and you can imagine the hype around the Scottish Open if someone were to win the first two events. They would be under so much pressure.

“I’m sure every top player will look at that potential £1 million bonus and want to have a go, including Ronnie O’Sullivan – I’d be surprised if he doesn’t enter.”

Four-time World Champion Higgins was named snooker’s Player of the Year last season after winning two ranking events to take his career tally to 28. The 41-year-old is delighted to see a ranking tournament come to Scotland for the first time since 2010.

“It has been a long time coming,” he said. “In recent years we’ve had a lot more tournaments on the calendar and there should be one in Scotland because of the support for snooker here. I hope we get good crowds and it is well received, and I think we will because there will be 128 players there and the fans can see so many of the best on a single day.

“I know sometimes players feel under more pressure playing in front of their home crowd – the Welsh boys have faced that at the Welsh Open. So hopefully myself and the other Scots can do well and go a long way in the event. For us it’s a chance to play in front of our friends and family and all of our supporters.”

Tickets are ON SALE NOW and fans are STRONGLY URGED to book quickly because demand will be high and certain session are expected to sell out quickly.

And there’s a SPECIAL OFFER available as for a limited time only ALL DAY tickets for Monday 12th-Wednesday 14th December will be just £15! A limited number of tickets will be available at this special price. Terms and conditions apply.

For details call 0141 353 8000 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

Home Nations events
English Open – Event City, Manchester, October 10-16
Irish Open – Titanic Belfast, November 14-20
Scottish Open – Emirates Arena, December 12-18
Welsh Open – Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, February 13-19

Belfast To Stage Snooker’s Irish Open

Snooker’s new Irish Open will take place at Titanic Belfast later this year, and tickets are now on sale.

The world ranking event is part of the new Home Nations quartet of tournaments, alongside the English Open, Scottish Open and Welsh Open. Any player who wins all four events will receive a massive £1 million bonus.

The Irish Open will run from November 14 to 20 and will feature 128 of the world’s leading green baize stars, in a flat draw with all players starting in the first round. It will be the first professional snooker event in Northern Ireland since 2008.

Total prize money for each of the Home Nations events will be £366,000, with the winner to receive £70,000. All four tournaments will be televised by Eurosport.

Belfast’s top player Joe Swail said: “It’s brilliant. Everybody has been asking about having a tournament in Northern Ireland and now we’ve got one for the first time in eight years. In that time every exhibition I’ve done in Belfast has been full. There’s definitely an appetite for a ranking event. Belfast is a brilliant place and I think the event will be a great success.”

The two-time World Championship semi-finalist added: “I feel as if snooker is coming home with these new big events in the UK. I know the game is growing massively in China and it’s nice to travel. But for snooker in the UK to keep improving, it’s important that we develop the game at grassroots and it helps the profile of the game having tournaments like this.”

Tickets are ON SALE NOW and fans are STRONGLY URGED to book quickly because demand will be high and certain session are expected to sell out quickly.

And there’s a SPECIAL OFFER available as for a limited time only, All Day tickets for Monday 14th- Wednesday 16th November will be just £15. A limited number of tickets will be available at this special price. Terms and conditions apply.

For details www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

Home Nations events
English Open – Event City, Manchester, October 10-16
Irish Open – Titanic Belfast, November 14-20
Scottish Open – Emirates Arena, December 12-18
Welsh Open – Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, February 13-19

2016 HALL OF FAME INDUCTS...

Morris, Calhoun Elected to Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame

Broomfield, Colo., July 20, 2016 - The Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame welcomes a pair of powerful left-handed champions to the class of 2016. The United States Billiard Media Association today announced that smooth-stroking Hawaiian "Rocket" Rodney Morris and "The Texas Belle," Belinda Calhoun have earned induction as the 67th and 68th members of the sport's most prestigious hall of fame.

Morris, 46, will enter the Greatest Players wing of the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame, while Calhoun, 63, will be honored in the Veteran Players category. Both will be formally inducted during ceremonies on October 20, 2016, at the Norfolk Sheraton Waterside in Norfolk, Va.

Rodney Morris

Born in Anaheim, Calif, but raised in Hawaii, Morris burst onto the pool scene in 1996 when, as a 26-year-old, he thrashed Efren Reyes in the final to capture the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship. Just hitting his playing prime, Morris was away from the game for nearly four years following a federal drug conviction. A remorseful and rededicated Morris returned to the game in 2001 and won the year-ending Sands Regency Open. Over the next six years, Morris captured the UPA Pro Tour Championship, the Matchroom Sports-promoted World Pool League title and the World Cup of Pool. He finished second to Reyes in the IPT World 8-Ball Championship in 2006, earning $150,000. Morris also made eight appearances on Team USA in the Mosconi Cup, earning MVP honors in 2004. More recently, Morris captured titles at the Turning Stone Classic and the U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship.

"I want to cry," Morris said, who lives in Lincoln, Calif. "It is validation and recognition of all the years and hard work I've put into this game. Getting into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame is especially gratifying because I came from a broken home, was raised on the streets and made just about every mistake you can make. But I persevered, which proves that everyone can do something great it they dedicate themselves to it."

Belinda Calhoun

Born Belinda Campos in Austin, Texas, Calhoun was one of the Women's Professional Billiards Association's top stars through the '80s, capturing a pair of BCA National 8-Ball Championships titles, the Texas River City Open and the NPCA Classic Cup 9-Ball title. Calhoun dominated 1985, winning the Women's World 14.1 title, the WPBA National Championship and the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship. That same year, she was also named "Player of the Year" by Billiards Digest and was named to the Pool & Billiard Magazine "All-Stars." Calhoun was credited with running seven racks and out during the 1993 World 9-Ball Championships.

In addition to her stellar playing career, Calhoun has been active in organization administration, serving 20 years on the WPBA Board of Directors, six years on the WPA Board and several years as a Billiard Congress of America Board Director.

"This is a wonderful surprise," said Calhoun, who now resides in Fork, S.C. "I had resolved myself to the idea that wasn't going to happen. I'm honored. I had always thought my career was deserving, so this is very gratifying. I feel like I've served the sport well for a long time."

Voting for the 2016 Hall of Fame was conducted by the USBMA Hall of Fame Board, which consists of USBMA members, elected At-Large members and living members of the Hall of Fame. To be eligible for consideration in the Greatest Players category, a player a) must be 40 years old by Jan. 1 of the year of their inclusion on the ballot; b) must have a professional playing career of at least 10 years; and c) must have recorded significant achievements in U.S.-based and international events.

Morris edged Women's Professional Billiards Association champions Gerda Hofstatter and Vivian Villarreal by a single vote. Morris was named on 48 percent of the ballots, while Villarreal and Hofstatter were named on 47 percent. Kim Davenport was named on 26 percent of the ballots, while Shannon Daulton and Jeremy Jones received votes on less than 25 percent of the ballots.

Calhoun's nomination was recommended by the Veteran Players Committee, which reviews the careers of players who were not elected in the Greatest Players category prior to turning 60, at which point they are removed from the ballot. Induction for a Veteran Players nominee is achieved if more than 50 percent of the Hall of Fame Board votes in favor of the candidate.

About United States Billiard Media Association
Founded in 2007, the United States Billiard Media Association (USBMA) is a non-profit association dedicated to elevating the visibility and status of billiards in the media at large. The USBMA consists of professional print, radio, TV, public relations and Internet media persons who cover cue sports. One of the association's main functions is electing of billiard media members to the Billiard Congress of America's Hall of Fame Board for the purpose of nominating and electing players and notable figures to the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame.

About Billiard Congress of America
Founded in 1948, the Billiard Congress of America is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to growing a united, prosperous and highly regarded billiard industry through Billiard Congress of America leadership. The Billiard Congress of America seeks to enhance the success of its members and promote the game of billiards though educational, marketing and promotional efforts, annual industry trade shows and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody's game. For more information, visit bca-pool.com or call 303.243.5070.

Attention Players Affected by SW Airlines Delays
​
CueSports International, Henderson, NV (July 21, 2016)

CueSports International is aware that some players planning to attend the 40th BCAPL National Championships are being delayed due to technical issues that have grounded many Southwest Airlines flights.

Unfortunately, CueSports International is not be able to offer refunds this late in the process.However, in order to effectively respond to the problem and possibly help ease the burden, we need to know which players are impacted.

If you have been delayed by Southwest Airlines, please email info@playcsipool.com with your name, city and state of residence, phone number, and list the divisions that you are registered for in the tournament. Please put “Southwest” in the subject line of the email.

We want to assure all of our players that we understand the situation and will do whatever we can to help lessen the sting of this unfortunate situation.

CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events like the US Bar Table Championships, US Open 10-Ball Championship, US Open 8-Ball Championship, and much more. For more information, visit www.playcsipool.com or call CSI at p702-719-POOL.

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

Home Nations Snooker Events To Include Wild Cards

The Home Nations series of world ranking events to run during the 2016/17 season will each feature two amateur wild cards from the host nation.

The series will comprise the new English Open, Irish Open and Scottish Open as well as the existing Welsh Open.

Each tournament will feature 128 players in a flat draw. Once all professional tour players have entered, the two wild cards will have next priority, followed by Q School top-ups.

The wild cards will be selected by the respective National Governing Bodies of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, using criteria to be agreed between each NGB and World Snooker.

A similar system was used for the recent Riga Masters ranking event, where amateurs Darren Morgan and Tatiana Vasiljeva were handed wild cards. Morgan enjoyed a superb run to the semi-finals before losing to eventual champion Neil Robertson.

The intention of introducing wild cards is to provide an incentive for the best amateur players to compete in their NGB tournaments with the chance to qualify for a televised ranking event.

Each of the Home Nations events will have total prize money of £366,000, with the winner to receive £70,000. All four tournaments will be televised by Eurosport. Any player winning all four events will receive a massive £1 million bonus.

For full details of the Home Nations events including venues and ticket information see www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

Home Nations events
English Open – Manchester, October 10-16
Irish Open – Belfast, November 14-20
Scottish Open – Glasgow, December 12-18
Welsh Open –Cardiff, February 13-19

Billiard Congress of America Names Chance Pack 2016-2017 Board Chairman

Broomfield, Colo. - July 26, 2016 - During its general membership meeting in Schaumburg, Ill., on July 12, 2016, the Billiard Congress of America announced the results of its 2016-2017 Board of Directors elections, which are as follows:

Category 1 (Manufacturer/Distributor)
• Brian Igielski (GLD Products), three-year term
• Wes Bond (Cue & Case Sales), three-year term
• Brian Rosselli (Olhausen Mfg), two-year term

Category 2 (Retail)
• Kim Morrison-Heacock (International Billiards, Inc.), three-year term

Category 3 (Room or League Operator)
• Ozzy Reynolds (CueSports International), three-year term

In the follow-up election of BCA officers, Chance Pack (Champion Shuffleboard) accepted a one-year term as BCA Board Chairman, as did each of the remaining seated officers: Vice Chairman Ivan Lee (Iwan Simonis); Secretary Jonathan Goudeau (Indoor Recreation Co., LLC); and Treasurer Brian Rosselli (Olhausen Mfg). The remaining director includes: Mike Serra (Championship, LLC).

"I am honored to be elected and serve as the chairman of the Billiard Congress of America," said Pack. "The organization continues to work extremely hard to support our membership and promote the game. The individuals serving on this board are committed to bringing new and innovative ideas to the table, and I'd like to commended them for the time they invest for everyone's benefit."

About Billiard Congress of America
Founded in 1948, the Billiard Congress of America is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to growing a united, prosperous and highly regarded billiard industry through Billiard Congress of America leadership. The Billiard Congress of America seeks to enhance the success of its members and promote the game of billiards though educational, marketing and promotional efforts, annual industry trade shows and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody's game. For more information, visit bca-pool.com or call 303.243.5070.

Billiard Congress of America | 303.243.5070 | shane@bca-pool.com | bca-pool.com
    
Billiard Congress of America, 10900 West 120th Ave., Unit B7, Broomfield, CO 80021

Verhoeven Open, New York (USA)

Must see of the summer for 3-cushion fans: the Verhoeven Open gathers World Class players in the New-York temple of the regretted Sang Chun Lee. Our team is looking into broadcasting the 12 tables of the tournament starting on Monday. It is of course a Kozoom exclusive!

Bill Glasgow Sr. Honored with Billiard Congress of America 2015 President's Award

Broomfield, Colo. - July 28, 2016 - Each year the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) recognizes an outstanding individual who made significant contributions to the billiard industry with the presentation of the BCA President's Award. This year the BCA has chosen to recognize William T. Glasgow Sr, aka "BG." BG, who recently passed away, served as owner and founder of the trade show management company W.T. Glasgow.

"During his many multiple decades long relationship with the BCA, BG was instrumental in introducing ideas and concepts to make the show better each and every year," said outgoing BCA Chairman Mike Serra. "He was always present on the show floor making sure exhibitors and attendees got what they needed. This award is a small token of the industry's appreciation for his tireless efforts to make our industry's largest annual event a success."

BG began his career at the Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago, while attending Loyola University. In 1967, he became director of sales for Hilton Catering at McCormick Place and returned to McCormick Place as director of sales and marketing for Greyhound Food Management.

In 1975, he was hired as show manager by the Electronic Industries Association to manage its Winter and Summer Consumer Electronics Shows (held in Chicago and Las Vegas) and was later promoted to vice president, where he remained until he started his own business in 1984 - the trade show management firm, W. T. Glasgow, Inc.

Among his first contracts was the former APAA Show, and when it merged with the Big I Show, Glasgow was awarded the management contract for the combined event, known today as AAPEX. That show currently ranks at #29 on Trade Show Week's prestigious "Trade Show 100" list.

His list of accomplishments is impressive. BG was the first recipient of the U. S. Department of Commerce E-Certificate for Service promoting exports through trade shows; he helped organize and was the first chairman of the Major American Trade Show Organization (MATSO), a forum that allowed show managers of major trade shows to discuss the unique needs and common problems experienced by shows of large magnitude; and in 2010, BG received the "Outstanding Achievement in Industry Leadership Award" from the International Association of Exhibitors & Events (IAEE).

"Bill supported the BCA Expo as though it was his most important event of the year. That's just the level of service he provided and the work ethic he exemplified," said Rob Johnson, Billiard Congress of America CEO. "I am confident the multitude of individuals in our industry who had a chance to work with Bill always came away with an understanding for just how dedicated he was to both, his craft and our industry."

Carter Captures World Open Crown

Ali Carter won the fourth ranking title of his career by beating Joe Perry 10-8 in the final of the Hanteng Autos World Open in Yushan, China.

Carter won six consecutive frames to go 8-3 ahead, and despite an exciting late rally from his opponent, he secured the match in frame 18 to capture the £90,000 top prize. Victory sees the 37-year-old from Chelmsford jump 15 places in the world rankings to number 16.

Carter's previous ranking titles came at the 2009 Welsh Open, 2010 Shanghai Masters and 2013 German Masters.

Since then he has battled bravely against testicular cancer and a tumour on his lung, as well as the ongoing effects of Crohn's Disease. The popular cueman made an emotional return to the circuit late in 2014 and went on to win the Paul Hunter Classic - a minor ranking event - last year. Today's success is another just reward for his tenacity and determination throughout.

This triumph, in his seventh career ranking final, also gives Carter a place in the Champion of Champions in Coventry in November and almost certainly the World Grand Prix and Players Championship later in the season.

Perry was playing in his fourth ranking final and looking for his second title having landed his first at the Players Championship last year. The 41-year-old produced stunning snooker to beat Neil Robertson 6-2 in the semi-finals on Saturday, but only showed patches of that form today. His runner-up prize is £40,000 and he stays 11th in the world.

Perry held leads of 2-1 and 3-2 early in the final, making breaks of 54, 56 and 78. But it was Carter who dominated the middle part of the match as he reeled off six frames on the spin. Runs of 80, 54, 91, 53, 61 and a superb 70 clearance in frame 11 helped the Essex potter surge 8-3 ahead.

Cambridgeshire's Perry stopped the rot in a scrappy 12th then made an excellent 131 in the 13th to close to 8-5. Breaks of 37 and 31 helped Carter win the next, then Perry made a 106 to claw back to 9-6.

Carter had a match winning chance in frame 16 but missed the last red with the rest when trailing by 11 points, allowing his opponent to clear up and reduce the deficit. And Perry continued to gather momentum in the next as a run of 92 saw him draw within one frame at 9-8.

But two-time World Championship finalist Carter withstood the pressure and finished in style with a break of 127.

"I'm delighted - there was so much riding on today, winning a ranking event as well as my top 16 place," said Carter. "I have been focused all week and to come out the winner is very special. It has been a great week for me.

"Today's match was very good. There were some big breaks and some scrappy frames as well. Joe might feel he lost the match in the first session, but then he played really well to come back at me. I knew I had to kill the match off in one visit so it was pleasing to do that in the end.

"I have been through a lot over the last couple of years so to get back into the top 16 is a huge achievement."

Perry said: "I struggled all day, I didn't feel comfortable. I was battling against my cue action. I only started to play when the match was over and I made a game of it. But it's the worst I have played for a long time and I'm really disappointed in myself.

"I've had a good tournament and produced some good performances but I saved the worst until last. Ali played better than me and made less mistakes. I had more than enough chances."

World Cup of Pool Qualifier kicks off in Tirana today

Following the Dynamic Billard European Championships Youth, the qualifying tournament for this year’s World Cup of Pool will kick off today in Expo Center, Tirana, Albania.

26 teams from 16 nations have announced for a chance in this tournament. Only the winning team gets a spot in the main field of the World Cup of Pool. Players from Croatia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Turkey, North Cyprus, Slovakia, Portugal, Belarus, Luxembourg, Denmark, Latvia, Albania, Scotland, Bosnia&Hercegovina, Switzerland and Hungary are among the contestants.

The tournament is scotch doubles which means that the two player which make a team take their shots in turns. 9-ball, race to eight, alternate break, double elimination is the format. There is one (1) spot directly into the World Cup of Pool available. The next highest finishing teams will form the basis of a reserve list should any of the invited teams fail to travel to the World Cup of Pool in October. Any pair representing the same country as the winning team will not be eligible for the reserve list.

The following European countries have been invited directly into the 2014 World Cup of Pool therefore players from these countries are not eligible for this qualifying event:

Austria, England, Finland, Germany, Greece, Holland, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden

The main event holds provides approximately 45 hours of live coverage. The venue is still to be announced. The prize fund for the main event is as follows:

Champions - 60.000,-$ per pair
Runners-up - 30.000,-$ per pair
Semi-finalists - 15.000,-$ per pair
Quarter-finalists - 9.000,-$ per pair
Last 16 losers - 4.500,-$ per pair
First round losers - 3.625,-$ per pair
Total: 250.000,-US$

The tournament is played on up to 24 tables which are all streamed LIVE throughout the whole event. In order to be able to follow all the action LIVE, premium membership can be purchased at www.kozoom.com. Once a premium membership is held, all events for the respective period of time can be viewed LIVE. Additionally, a huge video gallery is contained in the website.

The qualifying event is hosted by the European Governing Body for Pool, the European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) and organized by International Billiard Promotion (IBP). Information about the qualifying event can be found at www.eurotouronline.com. For further information and reference about the main event please go to the event website http://www.matchroompool.com/world-cup-of-pool/.

Bingham - Top 50 Are Potential Winners

Stuart Bingham believes that such is snooker’s current strength in depth that anyone in the world’s top 50 is capable of winning tournaments.

The last two ranking events have been won by players outside the top 16 – with Anthony McGill capturing the Indian Open and Ali Carter landing the World Open crown.

“Out of the top 50, anyone can beat anyone and win an event,” said Bingham, who won the World Championship last year. “I played McGill in India and although he hadn’t won a ranking event before, I knew his time was going to come because he was playing so well.

“Then I played Carter at the World Open and he punished every little mistake I made. It’s not like years ago when the titles were won by a small number of players, these days there are so many who are capable if they have a good week.”

World number two Bingham was full of praise for former practice partner Carter who won his first ranking title since two successful battles against cancer.

“He’s already won the biggest battle in his life,” said Bingham. “I suppose winning a tournament seems a lot easier to him now. It just shows you the determination he has.”

Bingham feels a weight has been taken off his own shoulders after struggling with the added expectation that came with being World Champion last season.

“Last year was a massive learning curve,” said the 40-year-old. “Being interviewed all of the time and featuring in all of the posters was just a totally different experience. I wasn’t on the poster at the World Open and little things like that mean I can just play my snooker and get on with it.”

Bingham is also looking forward to a packed schedule in the coming months with the new Home Nations series kicking off in October with the English Open in Manchester. However he believes it would be almost impossible for a player to claim the massive £1 million bonus on offer for winning the English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh Open events.

“It is great to go back to Scotland and Ireland and get another tournament in England. It’s another few tournaments to enter and to have a chance of winning,” said Bingham. “Obviously after the first tournament there will only be one person with a chance of the bonus. To come through 28 matches on the trot would be incredibly difficult.”

Tickets for all Home Nations events are now on sale – for details visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

English Open – Event City, Manchester, October 10-16
Irish Open – Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, November 14-20
Scottish Open – Emirates Arena, Glasgow, December 12-18
Welsh Open – Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, February 13-19

Daniel Maciol is 2015 EPBF Youth Player of the Year

Poland’s Daniel Maciol has been awarded the honor to carry the title of the 2015 EPBF Youth Player of the Year.

The celebrations were held during the closing banquet of the Dynamic Billard European Championships Youth in Tirana, Albania, on Monday, August 1st. Nominated for the award Youth Player of the Year were:

Daniel Maciol
Kristina Tkach
Krystian Cwikla
Fedor Gorst
Maksim Dudanets

Since the vote was held in three steps, the outcome of the voting procedure was kept as a secret until the actual ceremony. Cwikla, Dudanets and Gorst finally tied for third place with 7 points each. Kristina Tkach achieved 11 points while Maciol received 14 points from the public voting, EPBF members and EPBF VIPs and officials. With this amount of votes, Maciol was the winner of the coveted title.


President of the EPBF Gre Leenders (left) handing the award over to Daniel Maciol | Together with the title goes a pendant consisting of gold with the inscription „Youth Player of the Year 2015“ and the logo of the European Pocket Billard Federation. The other side displays a pool table with balls and a cue stick on it.

Format Change For Snooker’s European Championship

Snooker’s new European Championship ranking event in October will feature 32 players going to the final venue in Romania.

The tournament will run from October 3 to 9 in Bucharest and it will be the first ever professional snooker event in Romania.

This is a change to the previously announced format of 128 players at the venue. Instead, qualifying rounds will be staged at the Guild Hall in Preston from September 26 to 28, with all players needing to win two matches to make it to Bucharest.

The entry deadline for players will be August 24 and the seeding cut off point will now be after the Paul Hunter Classic in August.

Ticket details for the European Championship will be announced soon.

2016 Atlantic Challenge Cup Matches Available Now on YouTube

CueSports International, Henderson, NV (Aug. 12, 2016) -- Recorded matches from the 2016 Atlantic Challenge Cup are now available for free on the CSI YouTube Channel.

The 2016 Atlantic Challenge Cup was held July 8-11 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel near Chicago. The junior event, which is patterned after the Mosconi Cup, features youth teams from Europe and the U.S. Each team consisted of four boys and two girls that competed in team, triples, scotch doubles and singles formats.

There are 14 Atlantic Challenge Cup matches available, in addition to introduction and closing videos.
Atlantic Challenge Cup Introduction
Match 1: Europe vs. USA
Match 2: Europe vs. USA
Match 3: Europe vs. USA
Match 4: Dudanets/Madsen vs. Robinson/Evans
Match 5: Tkach/Khodjaeva vs. Larson/Black
Match 6: Cwikla vs. Robinson
Match 7: Patsura vs. Wolford
Match 8: Khodjaeva vs. Larson
Match 9: Tkach/Patsura vs. Robinson/Larson
Match 10: Khodjaeva/Madsen vs. Wolford/Black
Match 11: Dudanets vs. Evans
Match 12: Madsen vs. Ponton
Match 13: Tkach/Dudanets vs. Evans/Larson
Match 14: Cwikla/Khodjaeva vs. Ponton/Black
Atlantic Challenge Cup Closing

The Atlantic Challenge Cup was produced through a joint venture between the European Pocket Billiard Federation and the Billiard Congress of America. The event sponsors were CueSports International (CSI), Connelly Billiards, Iwan SImonis, Aramith, Imperial, Black Widow Foundation, Tweeten, Predator, C.P. Dean and Ultimate Team Gear.

“SUBSCRIBE” to the CSI YouTube Channel to be notified when new content is uploaded.

EPBF introduces European Rankings

The European Pocket Billiard Federation just implemented as per now the new European Rankings.

These rankings will take place of the Euro-Tour rankings with regards to nomination criteria for intercontinental events. So far, the players have been nominated through the Euro-Tour rankings as well as the European Championships for WPA-ranking events and World Championships. The European rankings will be the decider for that from now on.

The difference between the Euro-Tour rankings and the new European Rankings is that the European Rankings also include B-sanctioned events. All Euro-Tours are included and points get multiplied by 2.0. The B-sanctioned events will get the same points but the factor to multiply them with is 1.5. Maybe from next year and onwards, EPBF will decide to also include C-sanctioned events in the rankings.

The European Rankings can be found here...

www.europeanpocketbilliardfederation.com/european-ranking/

For further information please contact our press office press@epbf.com

Coral Extends Shoot Out Title Sponsorship

World Snooker is delighted to announce that the Shoot Out, one of the most exhilarating tournaments on the calendar, will be sponsored by Coral for the next two years.

The Coral Shoot Out will run from February 23 to 26 with the venue and ticket details to be announced soon. It will be televised by ITV4.

Coral was title sponsor of the event for the first time last season and has now extended the agreement for 2017 and 2018.

Since it was first staged in 2011, the Shoot Out has gained vast popularity among fans and TV audiences. It features a one-frame knock out format with all matches lasting a maximum of ten minutes, using a shot clock of 15 seconds for the first five minutes and ten seconds for the last five.

Rapid and dramatic action is guaranteed with many matches going down to the last few seconds. Last season, Finland’s Robin Hull won his first professional title by beating Belgium’s Luca Brecel in the final.

And this season the tournament will gain extra significance as it becomes a world ranking event for the first time, so every pound earned will count towards a player’s ranking tally. That means the event is extended from 64 players to 128 and it will last four days instead of three.

Total prize money will be £146,000 with the winner to collect £32,000.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We are thrilled to extend our agreement with Coral for an extra two years. They have been fantastic partners of snooker in recent years and we anticipate building on that relationship for many years to come. Snooker’s ever-growing audience, both in terms of fans in the arenas and television viewers, ensures that as title sponsor Coral will generate tremendous exposure for their brand.

“The Shoot Out crates a massive buzz of anticipation when it comes around, it’s an event to enjoy and celebrate for the fans and players. In making it a ranking event for the first time we’ve added an extra edge and put the players under even more pressure when the clock is ticking. Sport at the highest level should be brutally competitive!”

Nicola McGeady, Coral PR Manager, added: “Snooker has evolved and modernised over the last few years and the Shoot Out has become one of the most exciting events on the calendar since it started in 2011. In the same way Coral has also modernised and innovated to offer the very best betting service, whilst staying true to its proud heritage as one of Britain’s biggest and best known betting brands. Together, the Shoot Out and Coral make a very good fit indeed. We have been sponsors of the UK Championship in the past, and by supporting the Shoot Out once more, we are continuing to show our commitment to the sport.”

Tickets will be on sale soon and must be booked quickly because they will sell out fast.


Robin Hull Won The Coral Shoot Out Last Season

Diet Leaves Whirlwind Fighting Fit

Jimmy White has lost several stone through dieting to boost his bid to keep his place on snooker’s professional tour.

Whirlwind White is now playing his 37th consecutive season on the professional circuit, but faces a battle to retain his tour card as he currently lies 103rd in the world rankings.

The 54-year-old proved his ability is still intact when he made a maximum break in practice last week. A video of the 147 was captured on CCTV at the snooker club in Coulsdon, and made its way online.

“I didn’t even know there were cameras in the club, then before I knew it the video had gone viral,” said White. “People were ringing me up saying they had seen it and how well I was cueing.

“I feel the best I have for a long time because I have lost a lot of weight by watching what I eat. I’m doing exhibitions all the time, travelling around the country, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of eating badly. So I have been careful for the past few months and it has worked. I plan to keep going and lose more.”

If White fails to climb into the top 64 of the world rankings by the end of this season, he will have to rely on being one of the eight next-best players on a separate one-year ranking list to keep his professional status.

“I intend to keep my place on the tour for at least another few seasons and that’s my goal,” said the winner of ten ranking events. “I don’t want to have to rely on getting a wild card. I have never lost my love for snooker, I’m still working hard at it and I believe I’ve still got it in me.

“I beat Ali Carter in the Indian Open qualifiers earlier this season and then he went on to win the next tournament in China. There are so many great players now that it’s tough to win matches, but I can still do it.”

White is particularly looking forward to the new Home Nations series of events, where all 128 players will be at the venue. The series gets going with the English Open in Manchester in October, followed by events in Belfast, Glasgow and Cardiff.

“It’s fantastic for snooker and the sport has never been in better shape,” added White. “It’s a chance for fans to watch everyone play. And the £1 million bonus for any player who wins all four is a great idea, and there are three or four who could do it.”

Tickets for all Home Nations events are now on sale – for details visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

English Open – Event City, Manchester, October 10-16
Irish Open – Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, November 14-20
Scottish Open – Emirates Arena, Glasgow, December 12-18
Welsh Open – Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, February 13-19

Manchester To Host Snooker Kings

Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, Neil Robertson and Shaun Murphy are among the top snooker stars to have already entered the new English Open in Manchester in October.

The tournament at Event City, from October 10 to 16, is the first in the new Home Nations series.

O’Sullivan has also entered the second event, the Irish Open in Belfast which runs from November 14 to 20 at the Titanic Exhibition Centre. The deadline for entering the third tournament – the Scottish Open – falls just after the Irish Open.

Any player winning all four Homes Nations tournaments would receive a massive £1 million bonus.

It will be a busy autumn schedule for O’Sullivan as he has also entered the Shanghai Masters, European Championship and International Championship. Last season, he didn’t play competitively until December.

A spokesman for World Snooker said: “The new Home Nations events will be a fantastic chance for fans around the UK to see the very best players in action. Each tournament will feature 128 players starting in the same round and the venues will have multiple tables, so for the price of a single ticket fans can see a host of the big names competing.

“The fields are going to be extremely strong and clearly the chance of a £1 million bonus is an incentive for all players. Once the entry date for the English Open has passed on September 14th we will be announcing the draw and format for Manchester.

“Tickets are selling fast so fans are strongly urged to get their seats booked for all four tournaments.”

Total prize money for each of the Home Nations events will be £366,000, with the winner to receive £70,000. All four tournaments will be televised by Eurosport.

Tickets for all Home Nations events are now on sale and there's an amazing SPECIAL OFFER running for a limited time only. All day tickets for the Monday to Wednesday for each event are just £15 - remarkable value for the chance to see the world's best.

For details visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

Home Nations events
English Open – Event City, Manchester, October 10-16
Irish Open – Titanic Exhibition Centre Belfast, November 14-20
Scottish Open – Emirates Arena, December 12-18
Welsh Open – Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, February 13-19

Bergman, Frideres capture US Bar Table 10-Ball Titles

CueSports International, Henderson, NV (Aug. 24, 2016) — Justin “Iceberg” Bergman double-dipped Skyler Woodward in the finals of the 10-Ball Division at the 23rd Annual US Bar Table Championships taking place this week at the Westgate Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

The 10-Ball Division began Monday with 74 players and by Wednesday the field had whittled down to just three young rising stars in the U.S. billiard scene: Bergman, of Fairview Heights, Ill.; Woodward, of Paducah, Ken. and Billy Thorpe of Dayton, Ohio.

Bergman’s path to the finals included wins over Miguel Batista, 7-6; Jason Klatt, 7-1; Jesse Piercey, 7-4; Dale Stanley, 7-2; and Vilmos Foldes, 7-1; before he was sent to the B side of the bracket by Woodward, with a score of 3-7. But being on the loser’s side of the bracket didn’t appear to slow Bergman’s energy or determination.

Bergman, who celebrated his 29th birthday Friday, beat Shane Van Boening, 7-6, in the loser’s bracket and then went on to beat Larry Nevel Jr., 7-2 and Thorpe, 7-6, before facing Woodward in the finals for the $3,800 first place prize. And Bergman knew he had his work cut out for him. Woodward had posted solid wins over Manny Perez, 7-5; Mo Salamah, 7-4; Bret Huth, 7-0; Chris McDaniel, 7-2; and Thorpe, 7-4, to take the hot seat.

The finals match was a study in opposite styles of play. Woodward showed off his relaxed confident free-wheeling game while Bergman was cautious and methodical, visualizing each detail of his game plan at the table before executing a single shot. And Bergman’s meticulous play coupled with controlled and successful break shots led to his victories over Woodward. Bergman beat Woodward by a score of 7-5 in the first match and 7-6 in the second.

Bergman took home $3,800 for the win and Woodward collected $2,200. Thorpe, who finished third, won $1,600.
In the Women’s Division, Jessica Frideres, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, was waiting in the hot seat when Rebecca Wagner, of Las Vegas, returned for revenge. Frideres had wins over Grace Nakamura, 5-1; Heather Cortez, 5-3; and Adina Pelletier, 5-0, before sending Wagner to the loser’s bracket in a hill-hill match.

Wagner posted wins against Trinh Lu, 5-3; Kimberly Whitman, 5-4 and Mary Coffman, 5-0 before losing to Frideres. Wagner faced Nakamura in the loser’s bracket and beat Nakamura, of Ontario, Can. in a hill-hill match to reach the finals.
Both women showed solid skills and depended on plenty of safety play to keep the score tight. But in the end, it was Wagner who would make the final mistake, allowing Frideres to win the hill-hill match and the 2016 USBTC 10-Ball Champion title.

Frideres earned $725, Wagner, who got second, received $425. Nakamura finished third for $275. For complete results and payouts, go to www.playcsipool.com.

The US Bar Table Championships continue through Aug. 28, with the 9-Ball Division underway and the 8-Ball Division to start Friday.
In addition, players who place in the top 32 of each open division receive Mosconi Cup USA Team 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.
Sponsors include: OB Cues, the Official Cue; Kamui, the Official Tip; Diamond Billiard Products, Cyclop Balls, Simonis Cloth, BadBoys Billiard Productions, FargoRate, Magic Ball Rack and Matchroom Sport.

The 2016 US Bar Table Championships are produced by CueSports International, the parent company of the BCAPL and USAPL. CSI also produces independent events, such as the US Open 10-Ball Championship, the US Open 8-Ball Championship and much more. For more information, visit www.playcsipool.com or call 702-719-POOL.

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