Site News
Topic: *Industry News* 2012

williamhill.com Donate Cash For Centuries

UK Championship sponsor williamhill.com will donate £250 to Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice for every century break made during the nine-day tournament.

The snooker bonanza begins at the York Barbican tomorrow and runs until December 9. Every time a player hits the 100 mark, World Snooker's official charity Bluebell Wood, based in Sheffield, will receive a cash boost.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: "This is a wonderful gesture from William Hill and hopefully it will add a huge amount to the money we are raising for Bluebell Wood this year. I want to see all the players going for big breaks and piling in the centuries."

William Hill Chief Marketing Officer Kristof Fahy said: "Bluebell Wood does some unbelievable work and we're delighted to be able to help them out. Like Barry, we'll be cheering on every ton-plus break in the tournament."

For more information on Bluebell Wood see www.bluebellwood.org

Hurghada World Cup 2012 (EGY)

For the 3rd consecutive time, watch the best 3-Cushion players compete LIVE in Hurghada on Kozoom. The Live video coverage will start on Sunday, December 2nd at 10AM local time, and the first 2 days are free for all members. If you don't have your Premium Pass yet, you can register here...

http://www.kozoom.com/en/billiard-carom/premium-pass/

Brecel In From 100/1 To 16/1 For williamhill.com UK Championship Title

Luca Brecel upset the odds once again at the williamhill.com UK Championship and having been offered at 100/1 to win the tournament at the start of the week, his odds have been slashed to 6/1.

Things get no easier for the young Belgian as he faces Shaun Murphy in the quarter finals. Murphy is 1/3 to win the match while Brecel is 9/4.

“Brecel has undoubtedly been the star of the tournament so far and his performances in York have ensured that he will never again be 100/1 to win a major tournament,” said William Hill spokesman Joe Crilly.

McDermott Cue Mfg. moves to new facility in Menomonee Falls

MENOMONEE FALLS, WI (December 6, 2012) - McDermott Cue Mfg. LLC is a leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of pool cues, performance shafts and billiard accessories. McDermott is proud to announce that they have moved to a brand new location.

The new location features an upgraded facility and showroom. In the past, McDermott’s showroom has primarily consisted of their own brand of pool cues and accessories. The new showroom will now add popular game room gear such as pool tables, foosball tables, air hockey tables, shuffleboard tables and billiards lights.

“We are proud and excited to add Connelly pool tables, Tornado foosball, Dynamo air hockey and Champion shuffleboard tables to our retail showroom product lineup,” said Jayme Cernicka, Showroom Manager. “These ‘Made in the USA’ products align perfectly with the commitment to quality, performance and value that is synonymous with McDermott cues.”

The showroom isn’t the only thing upgraded at the new facility. The pool cue manufacturing process has been improved with new production equipment and a streamlined workflow.

“Over the last 35 years, we’ve become much more efficient with our cue building process,” said Larry Liebl, Executive Vice President. “We are now able to build more cues in less time using less space.”

McDermott’s new factory showroom is open in time for the holidays and operates from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday at N84 W13660 Leon Rd, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051.

McDermott Cue is headquartered in Menomonee Falls, WI and markets under the brands of McDermott Cue, Star Cue, Lucky Cue, Element Cue, Wildfire, Pool Prodigy, Intimidator i-Shafts, G-Core Shafts, Big Boy Shafts, Sledgehammer Break Cue, Stinger Break/Jump Cues and Elephant Balls.

For more information about this press release, contact Derek Blaguski, Marketing Director, at derekb@mcdermottcue.com or call 262-345-6506. More information can be found at www.mcdermottcue.com

Murphy Favourite For williamhill.com UK Championship After 12/1 Comeback

Shaun Murphy made it through to the final of the williamhill.com UK Championship in sensational circumstances and at one point drifted to 12/1 to win the match with the sponsors (25/1 to win the tournament). The biggest bet placed on him to win the match from 8-4 down was just £20. Carter was a whopping 1/40 to win the match when he was 8-4 up.

He has become the first odds on favourite of the week to win the tournament with Selby 11/8 and Davis 7/1.

“We thought that there was no way back for Murphy and our punters certainly felt the same way,” said William Hill spokesman Joe Crilly. “Now that he is in the final, with the other semi still to play, he is now the clear favourite to win the tournament.”

Tournament winner: 10/11 Murphy; 11/8 Selby; 7/1 Davis

BIG GAMES, TOP SNOOKER NFL, WWE AND DEGALE!

Get ready for the Mancunian reunion this Sunday when the Prem's top two do battle in just one of a great card of top footy action this weekend.

Plus, the UK Snooker Championships conclude in York over Saturday and Sunday, we've got some NFL big hitters, WWE Wrestling and James Chunky DeGale takes to the ring.

Where? Right here at the Blue Square Fanzone at your Rileys Sports Bar.

Great vision, great sound, great sport and of course - a great atmosphere.

Feast your eyes on the sporting menu below.

Friday 7th December

BLACKBURN v CARDIFF K.O. 7.45pm
WWE RAW - 5.30pm

Saturday 8th December

KILMARNOCK v CELTIC K.O. 12.45pm
WOLVES v BIRMINGHAM K.O. 5.20pm
UK SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIPS SEMI-FINALS
JAMES DEGALE v FULGENICO ZUNIGA

Sunday 9th December

DUNDEE v DUNDEE UTD. K.O. 12.45pm
MAN CITY v MAN UTD. K.O. 1.30pm
WEST HAM v LIVERPOOL K.O. 4pm
UK SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIPS FINAL
WASHINGTON @ BALTIMORE K.O. 5.30pm
NEW YORK GIANTS @ NEW ORLEANS K.O. 9.15pm

Monday 10th December

FULHAM v NEWCASTLE UTD. K.O. 8pm

Tuesday 11th December

BRADFORD CITY v ARSENAL K.O. 7.45pm

Regards,

The Rileys Team

One Pocket Hall of Fame Voting

It's that time of year...

Now is your chance to vote for this year's class of One Pocket Hall of Fame inductees. There are excellent candidates both for Bank Pool and One Pocket, both among the living players and the deceased players.

All you need to do in order to vote is go to the OnePocket.org main forum www.onepocket.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=2 and log in. There you will find two separate poll threads -- one for Banks and one for One Pocket. Keep in mind you can vote for more than one player in both of these polls! There is also a Hall of Fame Comments thread if you wish to get involved in the conversation about this year's candidates.

Our annual Hall of Fame dinner will again be held Tuesday at the Derby City Classic. For more information or to make advance reservations visit www.onepocket.org/HOFbanquet.htm

Thank you for participating and supporting the One Pocket Hall of Fame!

Steve Booth
Administrator, OnePocket.org

Selby 8/11 Favourite To Win williamhill.com UK Championship

Mark Selby returned to world number one by making through to the final of the williamhill.com UK Championship and the tournament sponsors make the Jester 8/11 favourite to win the match.

Shaun Murphy, whose performance at the end of his match against Ali Carter was sensational is the 11/10 slight outsider.

“The whole week has been absolutely fantastic and we definitely have a final worthy of the action that has preceded it,” said William Hill spokesman Joe Crilly.

Williamhill.com UK Championship:8/11 Mark Selby; 11/10 Shaun Murphy

Selby Lifts williamhill.com UK Championship Trophy And Cut To 8/1 For Worlds

Mark Selby lifted the williamhill.com UK Championship trophy after a final that was as spectacularly unpredictable as the tournament that came before it. As soon as he defeated Mark Davis in the semis, Selby, who started the tournament at 11/1 with the sponsors, was installed as 4/6 favourite for the match although by the start of play, his odds had drifted to 4/5 (Murphy had been well backed at 11/10).

Selby was the fifth favourite of the tournament after Judd Trump, John Higgins, Neil Robertson and Murphy himself had all topped the betting at some stage throughout the nine days.

“The final was full of spectacular snooker reflecting all that we have seen over the last nine days and we at williamhill.com are already looking forward to next year’s event,” said William Hill spokesman Joe Crilly. “Selby was a worthy winner this week and having proved that he is over his injuries he now has to be considered a serious contender in The Crucible next year.”

Selby has been cut from 9/1 to 8/1 to win the World Championship after his performance in the tournament this week.

World Championship odds: 9/2 Trump; 5/1 O’Sullivan (with a run); 13/2 Robertson; 7/1 Higgins; 8/1 Selby; 12/1 Murphy; 12/1 Ding; 14/1 Allen; 16/1 BAR

PartyPoker.com Mosconi Cup latest news

USA ESPN details announced

WITH THE 2012 PartyPoker.com Mosconi Cup set to break off at 14.00 Eastern time on Monday 10th December, pool fans across America will be able to follow all the action live on ESPN 3 as Team USA goes in search of Team Europe’s crown.

Taking place at the legendary York Hall in East London between Monday 10th and Thursday 13th December, this is the 19th annual running of pool’s biggest event as two five man teams from the USA and Europe go at it over four days of sheer adrenalized 9 ball action.

Team USA are aiming to win back the trophy they last won at MGM Grand in 2009. The Europeans retained their trophy in Vegas 12 months ago, defeating USA 11-7 in Vegas.

Captained by CJ Wiley, Team USA members Johnny Archer(Georgia), Shane Van Boening (South Dakota), Dennis Hatch (New York) and Mike Dechaine (Maine) are joined by rookie Brandon Shuff (Virgina) for Mosconi Cup XIX.

ESPN3 is ESPN's multi-screen sports network, a live destination that delivers thousands of sports events annually and accessible online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app and through ESPN on Xbox LIVE to Gold members. It is currently available to 79 million homes at no additional cost to fans who receive their high-speed Internet connection or video subscription from an affiliated service provider. The network is also available at no cost to approximately 21 million U.S. college students and U.S.-based military personnel via computers connected to on-campus educational networks and on-base military networks.

Grant Property Sponsor Scottish Open

The World Snooker Tour has returned to Scotland for the first time in two years with Grant Property –one of the UK’s leading property management companies - providing official sponsorship. The event is the fifth stop on the new Betfair European Tour which is part of the Players Tour Championship Series.

The event is titled the Grant Property Investment.com Scottish Open.

The tournament, at the Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility from today until Sunday, is the first snooker event in Scotland since the 2010 World Open and sees a host of big names compete for a share of the 70,000 Euro prize pot, as well as coveted world ranking points and PTC Order of Merit points.

Peter Grant, CEO of Grant Property, said: “We’re proud to be playing a part in bringing World Snooker back to Scotland. I’m a big fan of the sport myself so it’ll be great to see how the tournament unfolds with so many prestigious names having entered.

“It’s been far too long since we had a World Snooker event in Scotland so we are more than happy to lend our support to this one.”

Members of the public will have the chance to see top Scots John Higgins, Graeme Dott and Stephen Maguire along with Mark Williams, Steve Davis, Shaun Murphy, Mark Allen, Ken Doherty and China's Ding Junhui.

World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn said: “We are thrilled to welcome on board Grant Property as the title sponsor for this event and we look forward to working with Peter Grant and his team.

“We’re coming towards the end of the PTC series and the best players in the world are battling for points to earn themselves a place in the Grand Final. The tournament will be broadcast to millions of viewers on Eurosport and it promises to be a tremendous three days of snooker.”

Tickets for the event can be purchased on the door, or from www.seetickets.com or 01698 274 600.

For further information on Grant Property, please visit www.grantproperty.com.


Peter Grant (left) with Chinese snooker stars Xiao Guodong (seated) and Cao Yupeng, all wearing Grant Tartan kilts

Ding Takes Scottish Crown

Ding Junhui won his first title of the season by beating Anthony McGill 4-2 in the final of the Grant Property Investment.com Scottish Open in Ravenscraig, part of the Betfair European Tour.

Local favourite McGill, from nearby Glasgow, enjoyed a miraculous run to the final, but just came up short against the more experienced Ding, who lifted a trophy for the first time since last season's Welsh Open.

China's top player Ding, age 25, has struggled for form in recent months but now looks poised for a tilt at major titles in the New Year, starting with the Betfair Masters in January.

Breaks of 71 and 77 helped put former UK and Masters champion Ding 2-1 up in the final, then rising star McGill, a 21-year-old playing in his first professional final, made a 66 to level at 2-2.

The Scot made a 49 in the next but, crucially, Ding hit back to take it with a 40 clearance. And when McGill missed a tricky yellow in frame six, it proved his last shot as Ding compiled a run of 71 to seal victory.

Ding, who earned the 12,000 Euro top prize plus 2,000 ranking points, said: "I played well this week, I made a lot of big breaks and concentrated in every game. I was a bit lucky tonight, the fifth frame was a big one. I've built a lot of confidence here and if I can keep my form going I can win more titles this season."

Earlier today, McGill was 3-0 down in his quarter-final against Thanawat Tirapongpaiboon and came back to win 4-3, then he was 3-1 down to Andrew Higginson in the semis and eventually won a respotted black in the deciding frame.

McGill said: "I could have been out earlier, to get to the final is a personal best. But I missed too many easy pots in the end. It was my first time in a big arena and I'll deal with it better next time."

The Betfair European Tour is part of the Players Tour Championship series. The next event is the Munich Open in Germany from January 4-6.

Results (Last 16 onwards)

Last 16
Thanawat Tirapongpaiboon 4-3 Barry Hawkins
Nigel Bond 1-4 Anthony McGill
Jimmy Robertson 1-4 Andrew Higginson
Kurt Maflin 3-4 Martin O'Donnell
Steve Davis 1-4 Ding Junhui
Ian Burns 4-2 Liang Wenbo
Mark Joyce 4-3 Gary Wilson
Ken Doherty 4-2 Ryan Day

Quarter Finals
Thanawat Tirapongpaiboon 3-4 Anthony McGill
Andrew Higginson 4-2 Martin O'Donnell
Ding Junhui 4-1 Ian Burns
Mark Joyce 2-4 Ken Doherty

Semi Finals
Anthony McGill 4-3 Andrew Higginson
Ding Junhui 4-2 Ken Doherty

Final
Anthony McGill 2-4 Ding Junhui

2013 Amway eSpring Open

Dear WPA Members

Information for the above event:

Please confirm your allocation by the 15th December to Sophie at apbu@ms68.hinet.net

The names of the players are due by 10th January.

Dates:
Stage 1    11 – 13 March (Qualifiers)
Stage 2    14 – 17 March

Quota – 40 players
AAPA        2
APBU        3
BCA        3
CPB        2
EPBF        5
OPBA        2
WPA        2
Organiser    5
Qualifiers    8
2012 Final    8    
(Chou, Chieh Yu; Ouschan, Jasmin; Pan, Xiaoting; Chen, Siming; Cha, Yu Ram; Fisher, Kelly; Kim, Ga Young; Wei, Tzu-Chien)

Prize Money – US dollars
Winner    34,000
Runner-up    13,000
3 & 4         6,000
5 – 8         2,800
9 – 16     1,300
17 – 24         800
25 – 32         500
33 – 40         300
Total        93,400

Please note that this event is a WPA Ranking event and points will be awarded to all participants.

As soon as other information is available, such as venue, format, hotel etc., it will be sent to you.

Davis And Doherty Elected To WPBSA Board

Steve Davis and Ken Doherty both kept their places as directors of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association at the Annual General Meeting of snooker's governing body in Sheffield today.

Six-time World Champion Davis joined the WPBSA board in 2009 and was re-elected, while 1997 World Champion Doherty was co-opted earlier this year and was elected to the board for the first time. The results of the snooker players' vote were:

Steve Davis: 21 votes for, 1 against
Ken Doherty: 18 votes for, 4 against
Mike Dunn: 3 votes for, 19 against

WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson said: "I am delighted that Steve and Ken have both kept their places on the board. They are two of the sport's most experienced players and they bring a vast amount of experience and knowledge to the table, as well as the perspective gained by being current professional players.

"Snooker has made huge strides forward as a global sport over the past three years and we continue to support the work being done by World Snooker in creating a bright future for our members."

Warm Wishes 2013

We wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year 2013.

Jorge GONZALEZ

Top Class Snooker Back In Galway

Snooker’s Players Tour Championship Grand Finals will return to the city of Galway in Ireland in March, with many of the sport’s most famous names to compete for the £100,000 top prize.

The tournament was staged at the Bailey Allen Hall, at the National University of Ireland, for the first time last year and it returns to the same venue from March 12-17. It will be televised extensively by Eurosport.

The Grand Finals is the culmination of a series of 13 events on the Players Tour Championship this season, staged around the UK, Europe and Asia. The top 25 players from the Order of Merit plus seven from the Asian Order of Merit will go through to Galway to battle for the world ranking title.

The last of these events will be held in Munich, Germany, from January 4-6, and after that the full line up of players will be announced. Already sure to be among those 32 players are top stars including:

World Number One and UK Champion MARK SELBY
World Number Two, potting sensation JUDD TRUMP
Four-time World Champion JOHN HIGGINS
Last year’s runner-up in Galway NEIL ROBERTSON
China’s top player DING JUNHUI
World Open champion from Antrim MARK ALLEN
Irish snooker legend and 1997 World Champion KEN DOHERTY

A spokesman for World Snooker said: “We are thrilled to be heading back to Galway for this prestigious tournament. The Bailey Allen Hall proved an excellent venue last year and there was a superb atmosphere in the arena.

“The people in Galway and the surrounding area obviously love snooker, there was even a petition among the NUI students to bring the sport back to the city! So it’s great to return and we’re sure the tournament will be well supported.

“The line-up of players is the best there has been for the PTC Grand Finals with so many of the top names in the field, including Darling of Dublin Ken Doherty who no doubt will draw a lot of support.

“The PTC series has taken the players all over the world this season, to countries including China, Poland, Bulgaria, Belgium and Germany. Now all eyes will be on Galway for the thrilling conclusion.

“We have increased the prize money for the Grand Finals this year to £300,000, and the winner’s prize to £100,000, and there are also world ranking points on offer so there’s plenty of incentive for the players. It’s an event not to be missed!”

Shea McNelis from promoter T.H.E Agency added: “We are delighted to be partners again for the PTC Grand Finals and to have this event back in Ireland. The city of Galway really embraced the event last year.”

Ticket details for the tournament will be released soon and fans are advised to book immediately to ensure their chance to see the action live.

HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS WITH A DARTY PARTY AND FOOTY FIESTA!

Yes, Christmas is all about getting together with the family, but when the last cracker has been pulled and the Uncle you've not seen for a year is snoring in your favourite chair, you can always escape to the big screen sports sanctuary here at your Rileys Blue Square Fanzone.

Plus, there's FREE TABLE PLAY* on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve to get you in the right "frame" of mind for the feast of holiday sports we've got lined up, including world darts on the big screen.

FRIDAY 21 DECEMBER

Blackpool v Wolves - K.O.7.45pm

SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER

Wigan v Arsenal - K.O.12.45pm
C.Palace v Huddersfield - K.O.5.20pm
Liverpool v Fulham - K.O. 5.30pm

SUNDAY 23 DECEMBER

Kilmarnock v Hibs - K.O.12.45pm
Swansea v Man Utd. - K.O.1.30pm
Chelsea v Villa - K.O.4pm
Hearts v Dundee United - K.O.4.30pm
Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh - K.O.5.30pm
NY Giants @ Baltimore - K.O.9.15pm

TUESDAY 26 DECEMBER

Villa v Spurs - K.O.5.30pm
Stoke City v Liverpool - K.O.7.45pm

SATURDAY 29 DECEMBER

Sunderland v Spurs - K.O.12.45pm
Brighton v Watford - K.O.5.20pm
Arsenal v Newcastle - K.O.5.30pm

SUNDAY 30 DECEMBER

Everton v Chelsea - K.O.1.30pm
QPR v Liverpool - K.O.4pm

PDC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS - 'TIL 1 JANUARY.

Regards,
The Rileys Team

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Dear all,

our office will be closed from Monday, 24th December 2012 until 04th January 2013.

We wish you a peaceful, blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Thanks to the successful collaboration this year, we are looking forward to continue our good and developed cooperation.

With best regards,

the team of Dynamic Billard

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Merry Christmas and many good wishes for a new year of happiness and prosperity.

From All of us at Miki company.

Van Boening Completes 2012 Atop Billiard Congress of America Points System
-- 2013 BCA Points Calendar Features Seven Events --

Broomfield, Colo., December 21, 2012 - As 2012 draws to an end, the Billiard Congress of America is pleased to announce the top three American Players for 2012: Shane Van Boening, Mike Dechaine, and Brandon Shuff. Van Boening ended the 2012 BCA Points Events Calendar ranked first, capping the year off by claiming his second US Open 9-Ball Championship.

"The Billiard Congress of America congratulates Shane, Mike and Brandon for their great success in 2012," said Billiard Congress of America Chairman Mike Serra. "Their success is the result of hard work, dedication and a love for the game."

At this time, the Billiard Congress of America is pleased to announce the 2013 BCA Points Events list:

    Turning Stone Classic XX, Jan. 10-13, 2013, $25,000 added
    15th Annual Derby City Classic Presented by Horseshoe Casino, Jan. 25-Feb. 2, 2013, $25,000 added
    Ultimate 10-Ball Championship, June 17-20, 2013, $50,000 added
    2nd Annual Southern Classic Presented by Harrah's Casino, 9-Ball Tournament, June 21-29, 2013, $25,000 added
    US Open 10-Ball, July 17-27, 2013, $25,000 added
    US Open 8-Ball, July 17-27, 2013, $25,000 added
    Turning Stone Classic XXI, Sept. 19-22, 2013, $25,000 added

The Billiard Congress of America annual points ranking is designed to rank male players competing in American tournaments. The BCA points ranking system is also used to determine the order in which American male players are invited to compete in WPA sanctioned world championship tournaments.

The Women's Professional Billiard Association (WPBA) selects female players to compete in WPA sanctioned world championship tournaments.

The Billiard Congress of America recognizes that not all players can compete in all ranking events. All players will be allowed to 'drop' one event per calendar year from their rankings. In this manner, players may miss one event per year and not suffer penalties to their rankings. Those players who do attend all events will also benefit in that their worst performance of the year will not be counted in their points total. For more information about the BCA points events, or the criteria to become a BCA points event please visit the Billiard Congress of America web site.

In support of professional pool players in America, the Billiard Congress of America has established a North American Professional Pool Player Travel Fund. In order to sustain the professional player travel fund the Billiard Congress of America will contribute 50 percent of all revenue sales from the Official Billiard Rules Mobile Application. The Official Billiard Mobile Rules Application is now available in the iTunes, and the Google Play stores. For more information regarding the Billiard Congress of America Pro Player Travel Fund visit: tinyurl.com/BCAProPlayerTravelFund.