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Topic: *Industry News* 2011

EFREN REYES AND RUBILEN AMIT WON THE TAOBAO WORLD MIXED DOUBLES IN HANGZHOU, CHINA
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

The Philippine team of Efren Reyes and Rubilen Amit successfully won the World Mixed Doubles by defeating the US team of Johnny Archer and Jeanette Lee, 10-6, late Friday in Hangzhou, China enroute the top prize of US $15,000.

Prior to this they defeated China in a thrilling match against Li He Wen and Chen Si Ming, 9-8.

A total of 16 teams from the around the world participated in the event composed of top international men and women players like current World 10-Ball Champion Kelly Fisher, Allisson Fisher, Mika Immonen, Thorsten Hohmann, Charlie Williams, Fu Xiao Fang, Lui Hai Tao Shanelle Loraine and many others.

By winning this event, the Puyat Sports Stalwarts have successfully defended their crown which they also won 2-years ago during the inaugural staging of the event.

With this win, the former double world champion Reyes becomes the oldest player at the age of 56 to win an open international event participated by top young players.

During the post game, the Angeles City, Pampanga cue master Reyes was quoted, saying “We hope our win will bring some cheers to our countrymen this Christmas Season. We offer our win today to our country.”

With the victory, Reyes and Amit's performance boosted the nation's morale, said sportsman/businessman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, acknowledge God Father of Philippine Billiards.

“Once again our flag has been raised in this foreign land after knowing that our Filipino kababayans Efren (Reyes) and Rubilen (Amit) successfully won the World Mixed Doubles in Hangzhou, China,” he said.

It shall be recalled that 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.

The other Philippine team of Lee Van Corteza and SEA Games Double-Gold Medalist Iris Rañola did not do so well after being defeated by the power house team of China.

CORTEZA STRIKES AGAIN BEATS YANG IN PBB FACE OFF SERIES
by Marlon Bernardino

FILIPINO'S Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza weathered Taiwan's Yang Ching-shun's fiery comeback to escape with a 9-6 win in the Philippine Bigtime Billiards (PBB) Face-Off series Saturday night at the Airport Pagcor Casino in Paranaque City.

The top player of Negros Billiards Stable (NBS) Corteza took home the top prize worth $5,000. Yang, on the other hand, received $2,500.

After forcing a tie at 4, Yang, known in Chinese-Taipei as the “Son of Pool" made a scratch enabling Corteza to win the 9th rack. The Davao City native Corteza saw his big lead, 7-4, by winning another two straight rack and never looked backed in the race-to-9, winner's break match-up jointly organized by the Mega Sports World and BRKHRD Corp and 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 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.

“Luck played a part in my victory. Yang is a very tough opponent and I really had a hard time beating him,” said the two-time National Open champion Corteza, playing under the banner of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiards Stable.

“I hope to play with him again as it’s really exciting going up against one of the world’s best cue artists.” added the former World Ten-Ball Finalist Corteza, whose stint in local and international campaign supported by Kopiko and Energen.

Negros Billiards Stable head coach Christopher Palses commented after the match "Buti nag scratch si Yang sa 9th rack, yun ang turning point ni Van-Van (Lee Vann) sa pagkapanalo niya sa mahigpitan nilang laro ng Taiwanese cue master."

It shall be recalled that Corteza topped the 3rd Golden Break 9-Ball Invitational Championship 2011 last August at the Golden Break Snooker & Pool Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He also won 2011 San Miguel Beer Oktoberfest 9-ball Open in the Masters category at the Resorts World Manila in Pasay City last October.

Meanwhile, the PBB Face Off series resumes with a match pitting Yang against Dennis Orcollo on Dec. 10. After that, Chang Jung Lin of Chinese-Taipei battles Roberto Gomez on Dec.17, Chang takes on Carlo Biado on Dec.23 and Wu Chia Ching of China battles Efren "Bata" Reyes on Dec.30.

World Snooker Statement

Following Mark Allen’s use of inappropriate language in his press conference at the williamhill.com UK Championship, he has been referred to the WPBSA’s disciplinary committee as he is in breach of tournament rules and could be charged with bringing the game into disrepute.

World Snooker’s governing body, the WPBSA, expects its members to behave in a manner which is appropriate to their status as professional sportsmen.

At a time when our sport is growing fast on a global scale and we are encouraging greater participation among young people, we expect players to be role models and take the issue of their behaviour very seriously.

World Snooker will make no further comment until after the disciplinary hearing.

Orcollo,Taiwanese ace face off again
by Marlon Bernardino

WORLD NO.1 Dennis "Robocop"Orcollo will have a chance to exact revenge against Taiwanese ace Yang Ching-shun as the two topnotch Asian pool stars square off in a in a one-night Philippine Bigtime Billiards Face-Off series on Saturday at the Airport Pagcor Casino in Paranaque City.

Sports Betting at MegaSportsWorld favored Orcollo against Yang as of Wednesday. A $1-bet on Orcollo would win $1.55. A $1-bet on Yang would win $2.15.

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.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.


“I’m happy that Yang accepted my challenge for a rematch as I really want to avenge my loss against him the last time,” said the top player of Bugsy Promotions Orcollo, who now reached the pinnacle of the pool world by being named the World Pool and Billiard Association(WPA) 2011 Player of the Year.


“I will do my best to win this time and I’m confident that it’s me who will emerge the winner,” added the reigning International Predator 10-Ball champion and the 2011 Southeast Asian Games 8-ball gold medallist.

It shall be recalled that in 2007, Orcollo and Yang, regarded as the Money Game king in the respective countries, faced off in a race-to-60 marathon match at the Gateway Mall in Quezon City with the visiting former Asian Games gold medalist emerging the winner. They never met again until Orcollo issued a challenge for a rematch and Yang readily accepted it.

In 2009, Face Off Series 2-One More Time, Yang much known "Son of Pool" halted the comeback of Orcollo to escape with a 50-45 win was held at the Club Capo Exclusive in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

Last Saturday, two-time National Open champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza defeated Yang, 9-6, in the PBB Face Off series 10-ball encounter . Corteza's win came after Francisco "Django" Bustamante scored the first Filipino victory in the PBB Face Off series between localand international superstars by beating Daryl Peach of England. Orcollo and Carlo Biado earlier fell to Ralf Souquet of Germanyand Ronato "Volcano" Alcano bowed to Peach.

Future matches of the PBB Face Off Series will pit 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.

Tiger Products, Inc. signs WPBA Pro Cristina DeLaGarza

Tiger Products, a manufacturer of fine pool and billiard products, announces their sponsorship of WPBA pro pool player Cristina De La Garza. “I am extremely happy that we have teamed up with Cristina to promote the Tiger® brand. She is very professional & classy woman player who will be a great representative for us and for the game of pool. We have lot of new stuff in works and look forward to working with her for the years to come,” said president of Tiger Products, Inc., Tony Kalamdaryan.

DeLaGarza, 2009 National BCA 8-ball Champion, recently took a year off from competition while she was on maternity leave. She has relocated to Zurich, Switzerland with her son and boyfriend, Swiss Champion Marco Tschudi, and will return to competition in 2012 beginning with the Paris Open in January. The pair will plan and promote events in their region of Europe throughout 2012 and 2013 and have teamed up with Tiger Products for sponsorship of these events. Additionally, DeLaGarza will represent Tiger Products at upcoming billiard events in the U.S. and Europe.

“Tiger makes great quality products and I am excited to be working with them. The popularity of their products is growing across the globe so I look forward to helping promote Tiger both in the United States and my new home in Europe, “ said DeLaGarza. Born in Austin, Texas, Cristina turned pro in November 2008. In addition to her career as a player, she is a recognized writer/reporter and presenter and has worked with top promoters in the industry including Matchroom Sports, American Poolplayers Association, Kozoom, Dragon Promotions and InsidePool Magazine.

Tiger Products, Inc. is a recognized name in the industry, proudly manufacturing pool and billiards products made in the USA. Tiger began with laminated cue tips and now offers a variety of products including cues, shafts and multiple accessories. For more information about Tiger Products, Inc. visit www.tigerproducts.com.

ORCOLLO STRIKES AGAIN, BEATS YANG IN PBB FACE OFF
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FILIPINO cue artist Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo defeated Taiwan's Yang Ching-shun bagging the top prize of the Philippine Bigtime Billiards Face-Off series on Saturday at the Airport Pagcor Casino in Paranaque City.

The top player of Bugsy Promotions Orcollo, who now reached the pinnacle of the pool world by being named the World Pool and Billiard Association(WPA) 2011 Player of the Year, won two straight racks to edged Yang, 9-7, in the race-to-9, winner's break format, jointly organized by the Mega Sports World and BRKHRD Corp and aired live over Solar Sports, Sky Channel 70 and Destiny Channel 34, and also aired worldwide through the Internet, live streaming at www.megasportsworld.com and www.philippinebigtimebilliards.com.

It was a sweet revenge for Orcollo, currently World No.1, because Yang beat him in their first two meetings here in the Philippine soil. "Masayang-masaya po talaga ako kasi nanalo din ako kay Yang dito sa bansa natin," added Orcollo, who also won the 8-ball gold medal in this year's Southeast Asian Games held last month in Palembang, Indonesia.

It shall be recalled that in 2007, Orcollo and Yang, regarded as the Money Game king in the respective countries, faced off in a race-to-60 marathon match at the Gateway Mall in Quezon City with the visiting former Asian Games gold medalist emerging the winner. They never met again until Orcollo issued a challenge for a rematch and Yang readily accepted it.

In 2009, Face Off Series 2-One More Time, Yang much known "Son of Pool" halted the comeback of Orcollo to escape with a 50-45 win was held at the Club Capo Exclusive in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

No less than Sorsogon Province Sports Patron Philip Escudero of Malungai Life Oil, brother of Senator Chiz Escudero, award the prizes to the two topnotch Asian pool stars that includes BRKHRD Corp. representative Joyren Tin, Airport Pagcor Casino shift manager Edgar Flores and Airport Pagcor Casino senior marketing officer Jobert Tantoco.

Orcollo took home the top prize worth $5,000. Yang, on the other hand, received $2,500.

" I decided to help and be involve in Sports, particularly billiards to help future players to excel worldwide. Billiards is a long time gateway of the Philippines to the eyes of the World. Let's help to maintain it to be such." said Sorsogon Province Sports Patron Philip Escudero of Malungai Life Oil, brother of Senator Chiz Escudero.

The PBB Face Off was 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, the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) with The Philippine Star serving as official media partner.

Meanwhile, the PBB Face Off series resumes with a match pitting Chang Jung Lin of Chinese-Taipei against Roberto Gomez on Dec.17. After that, Chang takes on Carlo Biado on Dec. 23; and Wu Chia Ching of China battles Efren "Bata" Reyes on Dec. 30.


SORSOGON Province Sports Patron Philip Escudero of Malungai Life Oil (sixth from left), brother of Senator Chiz Escudero led the closing rites in the just ended one-night Philippine Bigtime Billiards Face-Off series on Saturday at the Airport Pagcor Casino in Paranaque City

From left to right:BRKHRD Corp. representative Joyren Tin, Airport Pagcor Casino shift manager Edgar Flores, Dennis Orcollo, Yang Ching-shun of Chinese-Taipei, Airport Pagcor Casino senior marketing officer Jobert Tantoco and Sorsogon Province Sports Patron Philip Escudero of Malungai Life Oil (sixth from left),brother of Senator Chiz Escudero -Photo by Marlon Bernardino-

THE YOUTH OF TODAY IS GOING TO POT!

Leading sports bar group confirms snooker is attracting younger audience

Last week saw a lot of controversy surrounding snooker, sparked off by Mark Allen's comments regarding the new formats and followed by media claims of an ageing fan base.

Rileys, the world's largest sports bar and snooker group has hit back at those claims of 'an old people's sport'.

Maurice Kelly, CEO of Rileys says: "I saw that on the back of discussions about formats a couple of sports journalists made remarks that snooker was only watched by people in care homes, day centres or as one person said 'geriatrics in old people's homes'. Well I'd be happy to invite them along to any of our clubs where they'd see the majority of people in there are aged between 18 - 35 and these people watch snooker as well as play it."

The UK Championship was won last night by 22 year old Judd Trump, who beat Mark Allen in the final in front of a sell out crowd at the Barbican Centre in York. Mark Allen himself is 25 years old and the audience was a lively and diverse mix of age groups, completely dispelling the thoughts expressed in the media last week.

"Barry Hearn has brought snooker back to the forefront, where it belongs. It's the formats he's introduced that have brought in the younger crowd to the sport. We are wholly in support of anybody who pushes the game further and takes it to new audiences, it's what snooker needs" Maurice continues. " It's also in the interest of the snooker player to attract more people to the sport; this generates more opportunities for investment and therefore there's more money in the pot to be made. It's a win win situation."

'Pacman International 10 ball Cup'
Former WPA World Champion Thorsten Hohman of Germany 9-6

Day 2 Winners bracket results:

Ramil Gallego of Bacolod City stuns
Young Gun Jeffrey Diaz of Las Pinas victimized OFW Elmer Haya of Zamboanga 9-7and former WPA Double World Champion Ronnie 'd Volcano' Alcano 9-5. Jeffrey 'd Bull' de Luna beat Edgie Geronimo 9-4 & cracked WPA no.1
Deniss Orcullo 9-5, New comer Ricky Puro of Leyte cued veterans Leonardo Didal of Davao 9-8 & Warren Kiamco of Cebu 9-7. Upcoming Superstar Carlo Biado ripped Joven Bustamante 9-4 & Former Japan Open Champion Elvis Perez 9-0.

*Today's schedules Dec.15 day 3
*2pm Losers bracket :
Geronimo vs. Alcano
Angor vs. Sultan
Bustamante bs. Ogang
Hohman vs. Tanasas
Catamura vs. Damuag
Cuartero vs. Jusayan
Bonus vs. Bejen
*4pm loser bracket :
Orcullo vs. Haya
Banar vs. Luat
Pulpol vs. R. Dy
Salazar vs. Calaquian
Punzalan bs. Tolentino
Abduhalim vs. Perez
Kiamco vs. Arenal
Cuna vs. Gamas
*Winners side 6pm.
Jeff de Luna vs. Banares
Carlo Biado bs. Ricky Puro
Jundell Mazon vs. J. Villanueva
Antonio Lining vs. Alex Lumpay
LeeVan 'd Slayer' Corteza vs. Jech Limen
Ramil Gallego vs. Benjie Guevarra
Roberto Gomez vs. Johan Chua
Jeffrey Diaz vs. Ricky Zerna

*watch it live at www.starbilliards.com.ph

PACMAN International 10 ball Cup
Dec.16, day 3

New Rising Star Ricky Puro of Leyte added Carlo Biado to his collections. Ricky 'd KID' Puro dominates Biado all the way and won the match 9-5. Snooker ace Benjie Guevarra upset Ramil Gallego 9-7. Las Pinas young gun Jeffrey Diaz continued his winning streak beating newly crowned Sun Star 9ball champion Ricky Zerna of Dumaguete City 9-7. Day 3 proves to be a day of upsets, in the losers side, Manolo Tanasas beat WPA Champion Thorsten Hohmann 9-7, WPA Double World Champion Ronnie Alcano bows to unheralded Edgie Geronimo of Bulacan 9-5. Only WPA #1 Deniss Orcullo survived the day of upsets in the losers side by winning over OFW Elmer Haya 9-5 & against Edwin 'd Duck' 9-6.

Other results: winners side
J.de Luna -9 vs. 7-J. Banares
J.Mazon -9 vs. 7- J. Villanueva
A. Lining -9 vs. 6-A. Lumpay
L. Corteza-9 vs.6- J.Limen

Today Day 4 schedules:
losers bracket: 3pm
Geronimo-Lumpay
Villafuerte-Chua
Gallego-Damuag
Jusayan-Banares
5pm.
Pulpul-Zerna
Tolentino-Villanueva
Kiamco-Biado
Orcullo-Limen

Winners bracket:7pm
De Luna-Puro
Mazon-Lining
Corteza-Guevarra
Gomez- Diaz

Watch it live at www.starbilliards.com.ph

PBB Face Off Series: Anticipated Gomez vs. Chang battle starts
by Marlon Bernardino

THE highly anticipated match between Filipino billiard ace Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez and Taiwan’s Chang Jung-lin dubbed “Philippine Bigtime Billiards Face Off Series” gets underway tonight (Saturday) starting at 9 p.m. at the Pagcor Airport Casino in Paranaque City.

“It’s anybody’s ball game,” said Gomez, one of the top player of Perry Mariano's Bugsy Promotions who was best known for settling a runner-up finish with eventual champion Britain's Daryl "The Dazzler" Peach during the 2007 World Pool Championships in Manila. “Kahit dehado ako sa Sports Betting sa MegaSportsWorld, ay hindi nakakasiguro sa akin si Chang kasi maikli ang laro tapus winner’s break format pa,” added Gomez.

Sports Betting at MegaSportsWorld favored Chang against Gomez as of Friday. A $1-bet on Chang would win $1.65. A $1-bet on Gomez would win $1.87 in this race-to-9, 10-ball affair, winner's break format event, jointly organized by the Mega Sports World and BRKHRD Corp and will be aired live over Solar Sports, Sky Channel 70 and Destiny Channel 34 and also aired worldwide through the Internet, live streaming at www.megasportsworld.com and www.philippinebigtimebilliards.com.

Sorsogon Province Sports Patron Philip Escudero of Malungai Life Oil, brother of Senator Chiz Escudero said " I never imagine how hard and intense the game of billiards is, till i became involve in the sport. Government should seriously look into its development."

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, Mandarin Sky Sea Food Restaurant, Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) with The Philippine Star as official media partner.Future matches of the PBB Face Off Series will pit Chang vs Carlo "The Black Tiger" Biado on Dec.23 and Wu Chia Ching of China vs Efren "Bata" Reyes on Dec.30.

MORE UPSETS ROCK IN INT'L PACQUIAO 10-BALL TOUR AT STAR BILLIARDS; CORTEZA SURVIVED
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FORMER two-time national open champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza survived a day of upsets in the on-going Manny Pacquiao International 10-ball championships yesterday at the famous Star Billiards Center in Grace Village, Quezon City.

Corteza, top player of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiards Stable (NBS) downed Jech Limen, 9-6, to remain in the winner's brackets that includes Jeffrey de Luna, Jundel Mazon and Antonio "Nickoy" Lining.

"Pumabor y'ung bola sa akin," said Corteza, whose stint here is supported by Kopiko and Energen. "Sana magtuloy-tuloy ang panalo ako," added Corteza, the 2011 SMB Octobest 9-ball champion.

De luna, 2007 Manny Pacquiao 9-ball champion bested Jericho Banares, 9-7, Mazon edged Judy Villanueva, 9-7, and Lining toppled Alex Lumpay, 9-6.

However, heavyweights Carlo Biado, Ramil Gallego, Ricky Zerna, Ronato Alcano and Thorsten Hohmann of Germany suffered a heart-breaking setback in what called a biggest upset in the $60,000 total pot prize tournament sponsored by Cong. Manny Pacquiao, hosted by long-time billiards patron Sebastian "Baste" Chua and supervised by Edgar "Malabon" Acaba.

Biado, the reigning national open champion was yielded to Ricky Puro, 5-9, Gallego bowed to Snooker ace Benjie Guevarra, 7-9, and newly crowned Sun Star 9ball ruler Zerna was collapsed to Jeffrey Diaz, 7-9. In the loser's side, Hohmann bowed to Manolo Tanasas, 7-9, as well Alcano was yielded to Edgie Geronimo, 5-9.

World No.1 Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo survived the day of upsets in the losers side by winning over OFW Elmer Hay, 9-5, and Edwin 'd Duck' 9-6, respectively.

Rocket v Ding Clash Sold-Out!

Ding Junhui starts the defence of his Masters title against Ronnie O'Sullivan at Alexandra Palace on January 15, and the match has sold out a month in advance.

Tickets for the 1500-seater arena have sold rapidly and there are none left for the showpiece clash between China's Ding and Londoner O'Sullivan.

The final of the event on Sunday January 22 is also virtually sold out, with just a few tickets remaining for the afternoon session.

There are seats available for all other sessions and there are some tremendous matches in prospect, including:

New sensation Judd Trump v Stuart Bingham (Monday January 16, 12.30pm)
World Champion John Higgins v former Masters winner Matthew Stevens (Tuesday January 17, 12.30pm)
Aussie ace Neil Robertson v UK finalist Mark Allen (Tuesday January 17, 7pm)
Twice Masters champion Mark Selby v Stephen Lee (Wednesday January 18, 12.30pm)

A spokesman for World Snooker said: "We are thrilled to have sold out the opening match several weeks before the tournament starts. We're starting a new chapter in the rich history of the Masters by moving to Ally Pally and we are convinced it's going to be an incredible atmosphere.

"There are still tickets on sale for most of the first round games as well as the quarter and semi-finals, but they are going quickly so fans should book them immediately. A pair of tickets make a great Christmas present!"

To book call 0871 620 7052 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras) or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

WPBSA AGM Result

Jason Ferguson and Nigel Mawer received resounding support from snooker players at the Annual General Meeting of the WPBSA in Sheffield today (Friday).

WPBSA Chairman Ferguson, who was standing for re-election, was unanimously backed by the players, with all 26 of those who voted supporting him.

Nigel Mawer QPM, the former Detective Chief Superintendent of the Metropolitan Police, who was co-opted on to the board earlier this year, received 23 votes in favour and two against, with one player abstaining. Mawer will continue in his role as Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee.

Ferguson said: "The show of support for the WPBSA board from the players sends out a clear message that snooker is united. We will continue to work hard in our function as the sport's regulatory body, supporting the progress being made by World Snooker in growing the sport on a global scale."

'PACMAN International 10 ball Cup'

Dec.16 Results:

Jeffrey 'd Bull' de Luna paused the momentum of Ricky 'd Kid' Puro 9-4. The break makes the difference said d'Kid later. Jundel Mazon won over Antonio Lining 9-5, in the battle of the BALD's. 2010 US Open 10 ball Champion, LeeVann 'd Slayer' Corteza continues his silent dominion and put Snooker Ace Benjie Guevarra to the loser's side.

Young Gun Jeffrey Diaz kryptonite Roberto 'Superman' Gomez 9-4. Meanwhile on the losers side, WPA #1 Deniss 'Robocop' Orcollo survives the day winning over Jech Limen 9-7, and against Warren Kiamco 9-5. Other losers bracket survivors are Antonio Lining, Oliver Villafuerte, Roberto Gomez, Jerecho Banares, Ricky Puro, Benjie Guevarra & Demosthenes Pulpol. No game today Dec.17 Pacman's Birthday. Final day on Sunday Dec.18 starts at 2pm. ( Phil. Time)

Watch it live at www.starbilliards.com.ph

CORTEZA TOPS PACQUIAO INT'L 10-BALL; POCKETS $30,000 USD
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

Manila, Philippines---TWO-time National Open champion Lee Vann “The Slayer” Corteza lived up to his moniker by beating World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) Player of the Year and World No.1 Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, 11-7 late Sunday, to rule the Manny Pacquiao International 10-ball championships at the famous Star Billiards Center in Grace Village, Quezon City.

Corteza, the top player of Negros Billiards Stable and JSY Sports took home the $30,000 USD prize while Orcollo, received $10,000 USD from the total prize pool of $60,000 USD put up by Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao in close cooperation with long-time billiards patron Sebastian "Baste" Chua and tournament organizer Edgar "Malabon" Acaba who supervised the said 10-ball affair.

The Davao City native Corteza, whose stint is backed by Energen and Kopiko, marched to the finals after beating 2007 Manny Pacquiao 9-ball ruler Jeffrey "The Bull" de Luna, 11-6, while Orcollo dealt unheralded Jeffrey Diaz, 11-7.

Last month, Corteza also beat Orcollo, 11-8, to pocket the top prize of P350,000 in the Masters category of the 2011 San Miguel Beer Oktoberfest 9-ball Open held at the Resorts World Manila in Pasay City.

I’m very happy and proud to have won this tournament made by my boxing idol and cong. (Manny) Pacquiao, sayang nga lang, hindi s’ya nakarating sa awarding kasi sumabay halos sa birthday n'ya,” said Corteza a stalwart of the star-studded Negros Billiards Stable of businessman Jonathan "Bacolod" Sy.

Earlier, Corteza beat 2007 World Pool Championship finalist Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez, 9-6, to arranged a final four showdown with de Luna while Orcollo edged Jundel Mazon, 9-7, to face Diaz. In fact, de luna and Diaz waiting their final four opponent after undefeated record in this true double elimination format. de luna sent Orcollo in the loser's brackets while Diaz inflicted first loses of Corteza.

The winner of the tournament was supposed to play Pacquiao in an exhibition match, but the boxing superstar failed to make it in time for it. Pacquiao, nevertheless sent congratulatory message to Corteza and the rest of the players who participated in the event that includes ex-World 9-ball Champion Thorsten "The Hitman" Hohmann of Germany, 2008 WPA World Junior silver medallist Jericho Banares and 2011 BSCP National Pool Champion Carlo "The Black Tiger" Biado.

Ford Takes PTC11 Title

Tom Ford believes he has the confidence to beat snooker's top players after edging out Martin Gould 4-3 in the final of PTC11 in Sheffield.

Leicester's 28-year-old Ford won PTC3 last year and captured the second professional title of his career tonight with victory in this season's penultimate short PTC event.

Gould won the first frame on the black before World No 31 Ford took the next two with breaks of 66 and 60. Back came Gould to 2-2 then he knocked in a 127 to take the lead. But Ford dominated the sixth frame for 3-3, then came from 41-8 down to win the decider with a calm 66 clearance.

"We were both shaky at first, but when we settled down we were winning frames in one visit," said Ford after picking up the 10,000 Euro top prize. "I made a good break in the last frame, particularly the last red along the top cushion because I knew if I missed it I'd lose. I came here expecting nothing, but after winning my first match I got stronger."

Ford stunned snooker's man of the moment, Judd Trump, 4-1 in the quarter-finals, and also beat former World Champion Graeme Dott 4-0 in the semis.

"No disrespect to the players I beat to win a PTC event last year, but I count this one as a much better victory because of the players I've beaten," added Ford. "To beat the likes of Trump and Dott gives me a lot of confidence to go on and do well in the big tournaments.

"Maybe last year I relaxed too much after winning the PTC, so this time I want to get my head down and keep going. I'm too far away from the top 16 to get in there this season, but I can get into the low 20s."

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 12th and last short event is in Munich, Germany, from January 6-8.

Results (last 16 onwards)

Last 16
Stephen Maguire 0-4 Mark Davis
Ding Junhui 3-4 Anthony Hamilton
Martin Gould 4-0 Simon Bedford
Michael Holt 4-1 Matthew Stevens
Mark Selby 0-4 Graeme Dott
Ricky Walden 4-2 Sam Craigie
Tom Ford 4-0 Yu Delu
Jamie Cope 0-4 Judd Trump

Quarter-finals
Mark Davis 3-4 Anthony Hamilton
Martin Gould 4-2 Michael Holt
Graeme Dott 4-1 Ricky Walden
Tom Ford 4-1 Judd Trump

Semi-finals
Anthony Hamilton 3-4 Martin Gould
Graeme Dott 0-4 Tom Ford

Final
Martin Gould 3-4 Tom Ford

USA Team: Message to the Public

"I think some of the comments and criticism directed at this year's Team USA is out of line and completely unmerited. I can speak from experience that the USA Team previously has had no structure or program. We are expected to just jump in together once a year and mesh like an experienced team. That is something the Europeans have had these past five years with the same coach, Johan, whom I respect tremendously. Any of the Europeans are open to say ,without hesitation, that he has been a key element in their success. The Europeans all came from strong junior and government supported programs, so it is not a far leap when they join team play as a professional. The American players have no such support system or even help to play in international or World Championship events. I've coached professional players for several years now with great successes, and I know there is more to getting the best out of a player other than sharing a meal together. Meanwhile, this year the entire USA team laid foundations for future USA Mosconi Teams. Each man contributed and followed the systems. We were working together weeks before the event, which was a first. And during the days leading up to the event and of course during, the players woke up at 7:00am and prepared properly as a team and even after the daily matches followed up as a team. Mike was the young fire that kept the energy up, Shawn was the master of special shots that was key in crucial match wins, Rodney was the spirit of the team keeping our hopes high, Shane was the anchor and steel we could rely on, and Johnny was the leader and legend I could depend on. I could not ask for any more than what each man gave. The chemistry was incredible and the spirit on a high level even to the very end. Everyman on our team knew that if even this time if we won a couple key matches , that we could have very well won the Mosconi Cup. And I feel confident that if I had the same exact team again, the program and chemistry would be exponentially stronger and we would be highly successful."
Charlie Williams - Captain of the 2011 USA Team, Professional Coach, and 5x Mosconi Cup USA Member


"How would you like to play the whole year to get ranked in the top 5, then at the end of the year you get 2nd in the US Open and also your ranked #2 in the United States, only to be told that you are not good enough to be representing your country because of an opinion of one promoter. And I like to add that Charlie Williams put more heart into the Captains position than any captain in previous years ! Think about those things the next time someone publicly bashes Team America ! "
Shawn Putnam - Proud Member of Team USA and US Open Finalist.


"I was proud to represent America and play with my teammates this past Mosconi Cup. We had a great team and played our hearts out. As a patriot, I would have stepped down and handed my ticket to someone else if I didn't feel I deserved a spot. The USA has hundreds of pool players that would love to participate in the Mosconi Cup. Matchroom Sports did our nation and the sport a great service by instituting a much needed points structure which allowed all players an equal opportunity to qualify for the event. I would like to thank Matchroom Sports for giving a young player like myself the opportunity to play in such a great event and explaining in advance what goals I needed to set for myself to qualify. "
Mike Dechaine - Ultimate 10-Ball Champion and 2011 Mosconi USA Rookie


"I think anyone who has never earned their way onto the Mosconi Cup Team, let alone anyone who has never played professional pool for a living, should not be talking about something to the media that they have no clue about. And captain or no captain, we all know how to play pool. These are the greatest players in the USA, it's not like we are going to go out and forget how to win or make a ball. Meanwhile, Charlie did a thousand times more than any previous captain before him."
Rodney "Rocket" Morris - US Open Champion, World Cup Champion, and 8x Mosconi Cup USA Team Member


"I want to say that it was a pleasure playing on this team and also having Charlie as my captain. I really did enjoy the togetherness as a team. I was really pleasantly surprised at how well we all clicked with each other. Every man did his part. Thanks to each of them who have become even better friends".
Johnny Archer - US Open Champion, World Champion, 15x Mosconi Cup USA Team Member and BCA Hall of Famer.

A LITTLE CHRISTMAS CHEER FROM RILEYS.

This Christmas Eve there's a little extra festive spirit here at Rileys. When you buy an hour of pool or snooker after 6pm on Christmas Eve you'll also get 2 pints of beer FREE* - yep, a couple of pints on the house. Call it an early Christmas present from us to you. Buy another hour, and you'll get another couple of pints, and so on... you get the idea.

What better way to kick off the Christmas holidays - get your nearest and dearest together for a few drinks and a couple of hours on the tables, and ease your way into the festivities.

If you're a little late on the Christmas shopping front - there's no need to panic as whilst you're there why not pick up one of our fantastic cue box sets, or treat them with a Rileys gift voucher - the choice is yours.

Enjoy Christmas the Rileys way.

That's the life!

Zhang Xiaoning Becomes WPBSA Honorary Vice-President

The WPBSA has appointed Mr Zhang Xiaoning as its new Honorary Vice-President.

Mr Zhang is a leading figure in sports administration in China, with roles including Director of Multi-ball Administrative Centre of State General Administration of Sports, Member of the Chinese Olympic Committee and Chairman of CBSA.

He initially joined the WPBSA board last year, though he has been unable to become a director due to regulations in China.

WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson said: "We are delighted to welcome Mr Zhang into his new position as Honorary Vice-President. As our sport becomes more and more popular throughout Asia, with increasing numbers of Asian players on the professional tour, we feel it is vital to have a representative from China within the WPBSA.

"Mr Zhang has exceptional experience in sports administration and will play an important role in the strong relationships we are building with our colleagues in the Far East."

New Masters Hospitality - A Wonderful Way To Watch Snooker!

The best 16 snooker players on the planet will be at Alexandra Palace in London for the Masters next month, and you can see the final weekend in style with our fantastic brand new hospitality package!

Imagine seeing top stars like Judd Trump, Ronnie O'Sullivan, John Higgins and Mark Selby while sipping champagne and browsing a signed programme! Or how about buying one of our sensational packages for a friend for a truly unique Christmas present?

The tournament runs from January 15-22 and it's snooker’s greatest invitation event, with a top prize of £150,000 and the famous Masters trophy up for grabs.

This outstanding hospitality package includes:

Champagne and canapes on arrival.
A superb three course lunch, including beer, wine and soft drinks.
Signed programme and commentary ear-piece.
A prime-placed seat to watch the world's best players in action.

The package is available on semi-final day, Saturday January 21, for either the afternoon (1pm) or evening (7pm) session at a price of just £99 per person.

And it's also available for the showpiece final on Sunday January 22, for either the afternoon (2pm) or evening (8pm) session for just £120 per person.

There are a LIMITED NUMBER of packages available at this incredible bargain price. The final of the tournament is virtually sold out so this is the perfect way to make sure you are there to enjoy this classic sporting event in the lap of luxury.

BOOK NOW by calling 0871 620 7052 or visiting www.worldsnooker.com/tickets... don't miss out!