Site News
Topic: *Industry News* 2013

Ding Targets Welsh Defence

Snooker ace Ding Junhui believes Mark Selby is the man to beat as he looks ahead to the defence of his BetVictor Welsh Open title next week.

Ding got the better of Selby in last year’s final at the Newport Centre, winning 9-6 to claim his fifth ranking title. But while China’s top player has won just one Players Tour Championship event this season, Leicester’s Selby has been the sport’s dominant force in recent weeks, winning the UK Championship and the Masters.

“Mark is always very hard to beat because he never gives up and doesn’t make many mistakes,” said 25-year-old Ding. “In the final last year I had to try my hardest on every shot. Mark is the best player at the moment but I would be happy to play him again, it’s good to go up against the best.”

Ding has been a trail-blazer for snooker in Asia and there are now ten Chinese players on the main tour, though none of the others have won ranking titles. A new generation is now emerging, led by Lu Haotian, who last year became the youngest ever World Under-21 Champion at the age of 14, and Ding hopes that others can emulate his success.

“It’s good for them to come to the UK and start a new life, and see what they can do in snooker,” said the two-time UK Champion. “I hope they enjoy it and do well. But we shouldn’t push them too hard, they are still young. I remember when I first came here, it was difficult.”

Ding received support from Chinese fans in Newport last year and hopes he’ll get plenty of backing again this time. “It’s great to go to different places and see the Chinese fans supporting me,” he said. “It means a lot to me to that they come to the venues to watch me play and cheer me on.”

Ding’s opening match gets the world ranking tournament underway, on Monday February 11 at 10.30am. The BBC Wales-televised event runs until the following Sunday, February 17.

Selby, Judd Trump, John Higgins and local favourites Mark Williams and Matthew Stevens will be among those battling for the £50,000 top prize.

TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE and fans are advised to book their seats quickly. All-day tickets start at just £12 and fans can buy tickets for any three individual weekday sessions for just £20. To book call 01633 656 757 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

For a limited time, there is also an offer for students: half price tickets for all day sessions from Monday to Thursday. Simply quote STUDENT147 when booking (valid NUS card required upon entry to the arena).

The full draw and format will be available after the completion of the qualifying rounds, which run from February 6-9.

The BetVictor Welsh Open is supported by Newport City Council.

Snooker: Robertson, Murphy And Davis Among Newport Qualifiers

Neil Robertson, Shaun Murphy and Steve Davis were among the star names to come through the qualifying rounds of the BetVictor Welsh Open, which starts tomorrow at the Newport Centre.

A new structure for the world ranking event meant that only the top four seeds (Ding Junhui, Mark Selby, Judd Trump and John Higgins) plus the top four Welsh players (Mark Williams, Matthew Stevens, Ryan Day and Dominic Dale) were guaranteed a place at the venue. All other players had to go through the qualifiers in Sheffield, which finished last night.

Former World and Masters champion Robertson had a tough match against up-and-coming Welsh player Duane Jones, coming from 2-1 down to win 4-3. The Australian will now face Ian Burns in Newport.

Murphy scored a 4-2 win over Thepchiaya Un-Nooh to set up a match with India's Pankaj Advani, while snooker legend Davis beat Kurt Maflin 4-2 to earn a meeting with world number one Selby on Monday afternoon.

Welsh amateur Gareth Allen will enjoy a dream debut at a ranking event venue on Monday at 1.30pm against four-time World Champion Higgins. The 24-year-old from Ewloe in Flintshire beat Rory McLeod 4-2.

Neath's Daniel Wells edged out former world number three James Wattana 4-3 and will now face a Welsh derby against Dale.

The full draw is attached. The BBC Wales and Eurosport-televised tournament runs until Sunday February 17.

TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE and fans are advised to book their seats now. All-day tickets start at just £12 and fans can buy tickets for any three individual weekday sessions for just £20. To book call 01633 656 757 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

For a limited time, there is also an offer for students: half price tickets for all day sessions from Monday to Thursday. Simply quote STUDENT147 when booking (valid NUS card required upon entry to the arena).

The BetVictor Welsh Open is supported by Newport City Council.

CAN UNITED STAY COOL IN THE BERNABEU?

Are you ready for the game of the year?

It's nearly time for Jose v Fergie and Ronny v Robin - in other words, Real Madrid v Manchester United.

Yes, at last we've reached the first round of the Champions League last 16, and it's showing here on the giant Blue Square Fanzone screens at Rileys.

So pass the word, gather your mates and make sure you get the best view and atmosphere for a game that's unlikely to disappoint.

Regards,
The Rileys Team

EBC Summer Billiard Training Centre

TRAINERS

Bruno Muratore
(Italy)
Winner Euro Tour , World Top Player

Dieter Johns
(USA)
3rd place World Championships

Jorgen Sandman
(Sweden)
World Top Trainer , Former president of WCBS and WPA

Stephan Cohen
( France)
European Champion

Radoslaw Babica
(Poland)
European Team Champion

More information: www.ebc-billiard.com

LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Free Pool & Snooker - Thursday 14 February from 6pm

Forget rose petals, chocolates and balloons and head down to Rileys for some table love.

On Valentines day, we've got FREE* pool & snooker for you from 6pm, all night long.

Bring along the special lady in your life and while we can't promise violins and flowers, we will give her a FREE* drink.

Bring the Mrs, or round up your mates and get here sharpish, to enjoy a great night out on us.

Feel the Rileys love.

Regards,
The Rileys Team

*To receive free table play please quote LOVE RILEYS. Free hour of table time with min £5 Food & Beverage purchase per hour (this must be £5 post team discount if applicable). Advanced purchase in one hour blocks. Free drink for your girlfriend from a selected range when you purchase your first hour on the table.

WPBSA Statement - Stephen Lee

As a result of the referral by the Gambling Commission on 5th October 2012, Nigel Mawer the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee of the WPBSA, launched an investigation into alleged match fixing by Stephen Lee in relation to matches at the Malta Cup 2008, the UK Championship 2008, the China Open in 2009 and the World Championship 2009.

The WPBSA has gathered a large amount of material from the Gambling Commission, West Midlands police and third parties in relation to these allegations. This has been a complex investigation where the material has had to be traced, recovered and re-evaluated with regard to the WPBSA rules.

The available evidence has now been considered and in accordance with the Disciplinary Rules, the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee has decided that there is a case for Stephen Lee to answer in relation to a breach of the WPBSA Members Rules. These alleged breaches relate to four matches at the Malta Cup 2008, two matches at the UK Championship 2008, one match at the China Open 2009 and one match at the World Championship 2009.

The case will be heard at a formal independent hearing arranged by Sport Resolutions UK at a date to be arranged.

Stephen Lee is currently suspended from competition and Jason Ferguson, the Chairman of the WPBSA, has decided that the suspension will remain in force until the conclusion of the hearing or hearings and the determination of this matter.

The investigation into the suspicious betting in relation to Stephen Lee’s Premier League match with John Higgins on 11th October 2012 is ongoing.

1. WPBSA Members Rules and Regulations (2008-9):

Section II

2.8         A Member shall not provide to any other person any information relating to snooker or billiards which that Member has by virtue of his or her position within the game and which    is not publicly available with the intention that it be used by the other person for or in relation to betting.

2.9         A Member shall not directly or indirectly:

2.9.1     solicit or attempt to solicit any person (whether a Member or not) to enter into any arrangement (whether or not in return for payment or any other form of remuneration or benefit);

2.9.2     agree or attempt to agree any arrangement (whether or not in return for payment or any other form of remuneration or benefit); or

2.9.3     accept or receive or offer to receive or give or offer to give, payment or any other form of remuneration or benefit,

in connection with influencing (in any way) the outcome or conduct of a game or frame (or any other part thereof) of snooker or billiards.

KNOCKOUT FOOTY KNOCKOUT SNOOKER!

Sharing the stage this weekend is Cup-tie football and the conclusion of Snooker's Welsh Open. The ties include Non-League Luton taking on Millwall and Leeds' visit to Man City.

It's all on the big Blue Square Fanzone screens at Rileys, where we have all the advantages of playing at home but with a better view and a funbox of indoor sports for the discerning leisure-seeking sports enthusiast. Back of the net!

Saturday 16 February
Luton Town v Millwall K.O. 12.45pm
Oldham Athletic v Everton K.O. 6pm
Welsh Open Semi-Finals

Sunday 17 February
Chelsea v Brentford K.O. 12pm
Man City v Leeds United K.O. 2pm
Huddersfield Town v Wigan Athletic K.O. 3.55pm
Fiorentina v Inter Milan K.O. 7.45pm

Monday 18 February
Man Utd. v Reading K.O. 8pm

Tuesday 19 February
Arsenal v Bayern Munich K.O. 7.45pm

Wednesday 20 February
AC Milan v Barcelona K.O. 7.45pm

Regards,
The Rileys Team

Act now, entries close soon for the Rileys Club Championships

Sponsored by Budweiser

The ever-popular Rileys Club Championships return, with entries now being taken for Pool, Snooker, American Pool and Darts!

Do you fancy yourself as King of the Pool table, or maybe Darts is more your thing? Whether your tekkers are with a cue or an arrow, the Rileys Club Championships offer you the chance of glory and all the bragging rights down at your local club.

This year you can sign-up for FREE if you enter online, or it's just £2 if you prefer to enter at your club - the choice is yours.

We've got some fantastic prizes on offer - with 6 months of FREE table play for the pool & snooker Champs, and 3 cases of Budweiser for the darts-supremos. Perhaps you're good enough to do the double or the treble or even win them all?

One thing we know for sure, it'll be a cracking night of fun and banter, so enter today and get your name down for your local event.

Regards,
The Rileys Team

ITV4 To Broadcast Snooker's World Open

ITV4 is to show full coverage of snooker’s Haikou World Open, which begins next Monday.

Extensive live coverage of the tournament in China begins on Monday 25 February, running from 6.10am to 3pm each day until the final on Sunday March 3. It marks a return to snooker for the ITV network, as the sport’s first ranking event shown since the 1993 British Open.

The Haikou World Open, staged on Hainan Island, will feature star players, including China’s number one Ding Junhui, defending champion Mark Allen, world number one Judd Trump, John Higgins, Mark Selby and Neil Robertson.

Clive Everton, Neal Foulds and Peter Drury will make up the commentary team for ITV4’s coverage.

Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, said: “We are delighted to bring to our viewers comprehensive coverage of such a key event in the snooker calendar, which adds another dimension to ITV4’s sports portfolio.”

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We are developing an increasingly competitive marketplace in terms of broadcast of our events so it’s a fantastic step forward for ITV to provide extensive live coverage of a world ranking event. We're delighted to be working with the ITV team.

“The Haikou World Open is a superb event with a top prize of £85,000 and deserves to be brought to a wider audience with free to air broadcast in the UK. We are a rapidly growing global sport and there is a high demand among fans.”

'Django' Bustamante is billiards' top earner for February

Filipino pool maestro Francisco 'Django' Bustamante is billiards' top money winner for the month of Ferbruary 2013, according to www.azbilliards.com.

The 49-year-old Bustamante, the top player of businessman/ sportsman Aristeo 'Putch' Puyat took the top spot after his magnificent performance at the start of the year of the Snake.

The Tarlac native Bustamante has already accumulated $38,000 in earnings after winning the 2013 Derby City Classic Master of the Table (1st place, $20,000), 2013 Derby City Classic Banks Division (1st place, $10,000), 2013 Derby City Classic One Pocket Division (2nd place, $6,000) and 2013 Derby City Classic 9-Ball Division (6th place, $2,000) held last January 25 to February 2, 2013 at the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel
Elizabeth, Indiana, USA.

Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, currently World No.2 in the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) ranking list, on the other hand came in 2nd with total earnings of $22,000 while Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan is at 3rd place with $21,250.

The Bislig, Surigao del Sur ace Orcollo, playing under the banner of Perry Mariano's Bugsy International Promotions, income got a major boost from his domination of the 2013 Derby City Classic Bigfoot 10-Ball Challenge where he earned a top purse of $20,000 while the Cabagan, Isabela pride Pagulayan, also playing under the baton of Puyat Sports won the top prize of $16,000 in the 2013 Derby City Classic 9-Ball Division.

Orcollo finished 6th in the 2013 Derby City Classic Banks Division for $800, 9th place in the 2013 Derby City Classic One Pocket Division for $850 and 34th place in the 2013 Derby City Classic 9-Ball Division for $350.

Pagulayan, meantime 3rd in the 2013 Derby City Classic Master of the Table for $2,000, 5th place in the 2013 Derby City Classic Bigfoot 10-Ball Challenge for $2,500, 17th in the 2013 Derby City Classic Banks Division for $400 and 22nd place in the 2013 Derby City Classic One Pocket Division for $350.

Rounding up the Top 10 are No.4 Shane Van Boening (16,350), No.5 Corey Deuel ($13,950), No.6 Niels Feijen ($12,550), No.7 Johnny Archer ($10,650), No.8 Justin Hall ($10,150), No.9 Ga-Young Kim ($10,000) and No.10 Shawn Putnam ($8,800). Ronato "Volcano" Alcano came at No.12 with $7,950 while Warren "Warrior" Kiamco at No.18 with $3,750.

Bustamante, Orcollo, Pagulayan, Alcano and Kiamco are members of the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP).

CSI’S – “SWANEE 17″, TO FEATURE ALL-STAR CAST!

Hard Times Billiards, Bellflower CA
February 23rd & 24th, 2013 @ 10:00 AM / PST

It’s called ‘The Home Of Champions’ for a reason folks! This years’ annual ‘Jay Swanson Memorial 9-Ball Tournament’ at Hard Times Billiards, sponsored by Mark Griffin of Cue Sports International will schedule the most stunning array of top professional players in it’s 17 year history. A handful of Britons, top American players and a virtual army of Filipino Pros are signed up for this, once again, filled field of 192 players. And lest we forget the large mob of ‘shortstops’ signed on, who on any given day, could give these guys a run for their money.
The A-List Pros to beat this year will consist of the following:

Ronnie Alcano, Darren Appleton, Francisco Bustamante, Sal Butera, Manny Chau, Oscar Dominguez, Ernesto Dominguez, Max Eberle, Corey Harper, Dave Hemmah, Warren Kiamco, Stevie Moore, John Morra, Rodney Morris, Dennis Orcollo, Alex Pagulayan, Jose Parica, Santos Sambajon Jr., Jayson Shaw, Louis Ulrich and Shane VanBoening!
Who Is Favored?

For the past week or so, Dennis Orcollo, Ronnie Alcano and Alex Pagulayan have been seen at Hard Times getting into action, playing the ghost, challenging hard-hitters with huge spots, just to keep in form and be ready for this event. Shane VanBoening has been playing alot also in Vegas, where he has just defeated Mike Dechaine in the TAR 31 Challenge Match, running 3 & 4 packs like a walk in the park! Francisco Bustamante & Scotland’s Jayson Shaw are hot off the grill from a recent, Accu-Stats Challenge, where neither player had more than a 2 game lead in a race to 21 but finally ending in a loss for Shaw! Max Eberle is also hitting well after defeating Dennis Orcollo in the finals at the Derby Classic, 14.1 Challenge. In addition, don’t forget Manny Chau, Corey Harper and Rodney Morris, who have all felt comfortable enough at Hard Times to chalk up some wins against players like Efren Reyes, Sal Butera and Louis Ulrich (Respectively).

One thing’s for sure…Our consecutive, 2 time winner of the ‘Swanee’, Alex Pagulayan has his hands quite full this time as the pro’s keep flocking from near and far.
Free Live Stream & Sponsor Support!
For the second consecutive year the Jay Swanson Memorial Tournament, aptly known to pool players as ‘The Swanee’ will be streamed for free and live online, onPoint Of View Pool’s Ustream Channel. Sponsored by several of POV Pool’s faithful supporters likeCue Sports International, Kamui Tips, Virtual Pool 4, GoPlayPool, Pro Pool Academy & Cue 2 Uand thanks to new the newfound support of OB Cues, this stream is made possible for free. In addition, this much needed support for the pool streaming community will also enable POV Pool the time and resources to post all Swanee matches to YouTube at a much higher quality of 720p HD.

Owner/Operator of POV Pool, Daniel Busch states, “I’m very grateful to all of the sponsors of this event for providing me with enough support to make this a worthy cause. The memory of this great pool player, Jay Swanson deserves it and this event could arguably be the biggest and most important memorial tournament for pool in the United States. It’s an honor to play a part in bringing the action to screens all over the world. Without the support of my sponsors and some of my private donors, this live stream would not be possible. Thanks as well, to Hard Times Billiards staff and owner Eddie Arreguin, who provides an awesome venue for pool and for players.”

POV Pool will also be present with helping hands, Mike Piyosambun, Barbara Lee, Christopher Fitzgerald, John Bertone, Frank Almanza and a handful of prepared commentators and co-hosts.
Realtime Stats and Performance Ratings!

And, for those of you who follow the numbers and want some data to hedge your bets with, Donn Espinoza will provide realtime Pool-Trax statistics and player analysis, which will be available for each streamed match, viewable in realtime on the Pool-Trax’s website at www.pool-trax.net or you can visit the Jay Swanson event page directly at the following link: http://www.pool-trax.net/Events/EventDetails.aspx?Sid=172
The Rules Of Engagement!
Please review the following details of the Jay Swanson Memorial 9-Ball Tournament.
The 17th Annual Jay Swanson Memorial 9-Ball Tournament!
$4,000 Added / 192 Players
Confirmed List CLICK HERE!

    Double Elimination / Race to 7 & 6
    Final 8 Players / Race to 7 one loss side
    Final Match / Race to 11 – True Double Elimination
    Magic Rack / Rack your own
    3-Foul Rule in effect
    Doors Open at 9AM PST
    Play begins at 10AM PST

Live Stream Link/s: www.povpool.comor ustream.tv/channel/povpool

Tournament Flyer: www.playbca.com/portals/0/Swanson/13swaneef.pdf

Best Regards,

Daniel Busch
Owner

Point Of View Pool Media
"Uniting The Billiards World From All Points Of View"

www.povpool.com
(310) 923-6639

World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association - Press Release

A FORECAST temperature of 10°C in Woking on Saturday has roused the women’s snooker circuit from its enforced winter hibernation.

World number one Maria Catalano will start as favourite in a 17-strong international field assembled at Woking Snooker Centre for the 2013 Connie Gough Memorial.

The defending champion from Dudley, West Midlands, will need to overcome the Far East threat of Hong Kong quartet Yu Ching Ching, Jaique Ip Wan In, So Man Yan and Ng On Yee to claim the title for a fifth time.

Also likely to be among the front runners are Tatjana Vasiljeva (Latvia) and Emma Bonney (Portsmouth).

Another name to look out for is 13-year-old Jasmine Bolsover, who will be hoping to take advantage of home tables.

Play commences at 10am. A Seniors (40+) tournament and a Plate competition, for those not making the quarter-finals of the main event, will also be held on the day.

The Connie Gough Memorial is the fourth and final ranking tournament before the World Championship.

Lack of entries forced the World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association to cancel November’s East Anglian Championship and last month’s Southern Classic.

The previous tournaments were won by Catalano (UK Championship), Ng (Northern Championship) and Ip Wan In (Agnes Davies Memorial).

2013 Connie Gough Memorial
Saturday, March 2
Woking Snooker Centre
Kingfield Road
Woking
Surrey
GU22 9AA
Tel: 01483 762754

ENTRIES

Maria Catalano (Dudley, West Mids)
Tatjana Vasiljeva (Latvia)
Jenny Poulter (Maidstone, Kent)
Tina Owen-Sevilton (Bridgwater, Somerset)
Jasmine Bolsover (Woking)
Vicky Carter (Sandy, Bucks)
Yu Ching Ching (Hong Kong)
Martina Lumsden (Eastbourne)
Marianne Williams (Smallfield, Surrey)
Jaique Ip Wan In (Hong Kong)
So Man Yan (Hong Kong)
Gaye Jones (Melksham, Wilts)
Ng On Yee (Hong Kong)
Eva Palmius (Isleham, Cambs)
Emma Bonney (Portsmouth)
Michelle Marinova (Bracknell)
Chris Sharpe (Chelmsford)

O'Sullivan To Compete At World Championship

Ronnie O'Sullivan today declared his intention to defend his World Championship title in Sheffield in April, a decision welcomed by World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn.

Four-time Crucible King O'Sullivan took a break from snooker after beating Ali Carter in last year's final, but will make a much-anticipated return on the sport's biggest stage.

Hearn said: "We're delighted that Ronnie has decided to enter the World Championship, it is fantastic news for the sport. The event would not be the same without the defending champion.

"We have had a series of outstanding tournaments this season, with record ticket sales and superb viewing figures. There are many great players contesting the big titles. But Ronnie remains a fans' favourite and we welcome him back.

"The atmosphere when he steps into the Crucible arena on the first morning of the Championship will be electric. Anyone who hasn't got tickets booked for the tournament should do so immediately because it's building up to be the best ever."

As defending champion, O'Sullivan will be number one seed and will be scheduled to play on the opening day of the tournament, Saturday April 20, at 10am and 7pm.

The World Championship runs from April 20 to May 6 and will feature the top 16 seeds and 16 qualifiers.

Tickets are still on sale for selected sessions, and there are phenomenal hospitality packages available for the semi-finals and final. BOOK NOW by calling 0844 6565 147 or visiting www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Act now, entries close soon for the Rileys Club Championships

Sponsored by Budweiser

The ever-popular Rileys Club Championships return, with entries now being taken for Pool, Snooker, American Pool and Darts!

Do you fancy yourself as King of the Pool table, or maybe Darts is more your thing? Whether your tekkers are with a cue or an arrow, the Rileys Club Championships offer you the chance of glory and all the bragging rights down at your local club.

This year you can sign-up for FREE if you enter online, or it's just £2 if you prefer to enter at your club - the choice is yours.

We've got some fantastic prizes on offer - with 6 months of FREE table play for the pool & snooker Champs, and 3 cases of Budweiser for the darts-supremos. Perhaps you're good enough to do the double or the treble or even win them all?

One thing we know for sure, it'll be a cracking night of fun and banter, so enter today and get your name down for your local event.

Regards,
The Rileys Team

BMPAP BET DENNIS ORCOLLO WINS AGAIN IN US POOL CIRCUIT
by Marlon Bernardino

FILIPINO Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo cemented his status as one of the Philippines' elite sportsmen by topping Scotland's Jayson Shaw, 13-3, in the final to win the 17th Jay Swanson Memorial 9 Ball Tournament was held at Hard Times Billiards in Bellflower, Los Angeles, California on Friday (Thursday night in US Time).

With his latest feat, Orcollo, top player of Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) received the champion's purse of $3,000 while Shaw pocketed the runner-up purse of $1,500. Rodney "The Rocket" Morris settled $1,000 for third place.

"Dennis (Orcollo) is now dedicated and dependable Pinoy cue artist. Without him we have already lost our dominance in the sports of billiards," said long-time benefactor sportsman/businessman Ceferino "Perry" Mariano, top honcho of Bugsy International Promotions.

Orcollo found his way to the hot seat match by beating Oscar Domniguez of Mexico and Morris.He bested Shaw in the hot seat match to advance in the final. Shaw arranged a rematch with Orcollo by crushing Morris for the last final berth.

"I want to show through my actions that athletic excellence can be achieved with dedication, hard work and support," said Orcollo, the 2011 PSA Athlete of the Year and a 2011 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist.

It is the third major title of the year for the Surigaonon, who in January 25 to February 2, won the 2013 Derby City Classic Bigfoot 10-Ball Challenge at the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel, Elizabeth, Indiana, when he beat Niels "The Terminator" Feijen of the Netherlands in the final for the top prize of $20,000 and the 2013 US Bar Table Championships Men's 10-Ball at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in Reno, Nevada last February 25 when he toppled American Corey Deuel for the 1st prize of $4,550. Orcollo will be representing the country in the 2013 World Games billiards competition scheduled on July 25 to August 4 in Cali , Colombia.

GREAT RIVALRIES AND TOP MATCHES THIS WEEKEND

There's some great match-ups in this weekend's footy and of course it's all on show on the Blue Square Fanzone screens here at Rileys - the home of big screen sport. Highlight of the weekend offers El Clasico on Saturday when Real Madrid face bitter rivals Barcelona and on Sunday those old North London adversaries Spurs and Arsenal lock horns.

Saturday 2 March

RANGERS v EAST STIRLING K.O. 12 noon
ST MIRREN v CELTIC K.O. 12.45pm
S.WEDNESDAY v FOREST K.O. 5.20pm
WIGAN ATHLETIC v LIVERPOOL K.O. 5.30pm
REAL MADRID v BARCELONA Starts 8pm

Sunday 3 March

DUNDEE v DUNDEE UTD K.O. 12.45pm
KILMARNOCK v HIBS K.O. 3pm
SPURS v ARSENAL K.O. 4pm

Monday 4 March

ASTON VILLA v MAN CITY K.O. 8pm

Tuesday 5 March

MAN UTD. v REAL MEADRID K.O. 7.45pm

Wednesday 6 March

JUVENTUS v CELTIC K.O. 7.45pm

Regards,
The Rileys Team

Orcollo Rules Heady 17th Swanee Roster

CueSports International, Henderson, Nevada (March 1, 2013) – The Western US Pool Season started full swing in style with the completion of the 17th Jay Swanson Memorial 9-Ball Tournament. The “Swanee” is produced by CueSports International (CSI) and was held at Hard Times Billiards in Bellflower, California. Live streaming was provided by POV Pool (povpool.com).

The full 192 field ushered into the pool room early Saturday morning February 23rd to face one of the most regarded and grueling two day 9-ball events in the country. With a total purse of $15,520 up for grabs and the strongest field in the “Swanee” 17 year history; it was tough action for the rail birds. With such names in the field as recent two time consecutive winner Alex Pagulayan, Shane Van Boening - the undisputed top US player for the past several years and multiple world champions such as Francisco Bustamante, Darren Appleton, Dennis Orcollo and making a re-appearance on US soil Ronnie Alcano, the top spot could go to any player.

However not to be ruled out were rock solid top California players such as Sal Butera, Ernesto Dominguez and Louis Ulrich to name a few who have the arsenal in their playing repertoire to take on their international counterparts.

Winning the Swanee comes down to several factors, as all premier tournaments do; skill, a strong mental game, perseverance, a dash of occasional luck of the rolls and in this particular event, stamina.

When the dust settled it was Dennis Orcollo crowned champion late Sunday night and pocked the $3,000 first place prize. In addition to winning the 17th Jay Swanson Memorial, a few additional highlights of Orcollo’s professional 13 year career includes winning the 2012 US Open 10-Ball Championship – also produced by CSI, the 2011 Derby City Classic 9-Ball division, the 2011 WPA World 8-Ball Championship and the 2010 World Pool Masters.

Payouts for the 17th Jay Swanson Memorial 9-Ball Tournament:

1st $3,000: Dennis Orcollo
2nd $1,500: Jayson Shaw
3rd $1,000: Rodney Morris
4th $750: Ernesto Dominguez
5th-6th $535: Shane Van Boening and John Morra
7th-8th $400: Brian Butler and Manny Chau
9th-12th $300: Brian Parks, Santos Sambajon Jr., Francisco Bustamante and Ramin Bahkriari
13th-16th $200: Ronnie Alcano, Darren Appleton, Louis Ulrich and Alex Pagulayan
17th-24th $175: James McGoo, Manuel Herrera, Greg Harada, Chris Fitzgerald, Jeremy Jones, Dave Hemmah, Jeff Beckley and Jerry Matchin
25th-32nd $150: Chris Fangre, Jordan Skandlan, Warren Kiamco, Victor Ignatio, Ariel Garrido, Jose Parica, Frank Almanza, and Sal Butera
33rd-48th $100: Chino Reyes, Arthur Garcia, James Milazo, Max Eberle, Keith O’Donnell, Dave Martineau, Stevie Moore, Ike Runnels, Oscar Dominguez, Jaden Brock, Chuck Evans, Stacy Novack, Patrick Kim, Beau Runningen, Danny Gokhul and Jon Giles
49th-64th $75: Butch Barba, Dane Elmstedt, Al Lawrence, Ryan Buist, Daniel Busch, Sean Lane, Mark Barba, Mike Laos, Kelii Chuberko, Wayne Pullen, Mike Longmire, Henry Brodt, Dan Boone, Terry Tom, Dwayne Guillory and Reid Fleming

Next stop for many of the players who participated in the Swanee is Reno, Nevada where the 20th US Bar Table Championships started the very next day, Monday the 25th. To watch all the action at the Bar Table Championships via online PPV by The Action Report (TAR) visit www.theactionreport.com.
CueSports International is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. In the past 8 years CSI has directly paid out $8,000,000 to players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events such as the US Bar Table Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial, the US Open One Pocket Championship, the US Open 8-Ball Championship and the US Open 10-Ball Championship. Visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com, and www.playusapool.com for more information about CSI and its divisions.

Orcollo and Bryant Take 10-Ball Divisions at 20th US Bar Table Championships

CueSports International, Henderson, Nevada (March 1, 2013) – Reno, Nevada became pool central in the US Monday, February 25th. Players from all over the world, both amateur and professional, descended upon the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino to test their 7’ table skills at the 20th US Bar Table Championships (February 25-March 3).

The popular seven day event is produced by CueSports International (CSI) and sponsored by the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. The tournament features 6 divisions, all played on 7’ Diamond tables: Men’s 10-Ball, Men’s 9-Ball, Men’s 8-Ball, Women’s 10-Ball, Women’s 9-Ball and Women’s 8-Ball. This year there are a total of 583 entries, a 14% increase from 2012. Players who enter all three of their respective divisions are eligible to be awarded points based on their finishes towards a bonus payout. The top three men and the top two women with the highest overall points will receive bonuses.

In addition to the 6 main divisions, this year CSI added second chance single elimination events to each group, 10-ball, 9-ball and 8-ball. Joining CSI at the USBTC for a second consecutive year, the WorldPPA is hosting their organization’s World Championship for its members.

The first two and a half days of the US Bar Table Championships are dedicated to the 10-ball competition. In the Men’s 10-Ball Division 118 players competed for their piece of the $17,300 purse that was allocated for that division alone.

While he sustained a 5th round loss to Georgian Stevie Moore, Dennis Ocollo, hot off his win at the 17th Jay Swanson Memorial 9-Ball Tournament, plowed through his remaining opponents on the one loss bracket to pocket the $4,550 first place prize.

Although relatively new to the USBTC, the women’s divisions also saw growth this year. In 2010 CSI added for the first time a separate women’s 8-ball division to the USBTC. Bolstered by how well that inaugural women’s only division was received, in 2011 CSI added a separate women’s division in all three games.

This year the Women’s 10-Ball division saw 26 entrants with a division payout of $2,300. Canadian Brittany Bryant, who has been a dominant force in women’s pool in North America since she was barely a teen, went undefeated including beating “Texas Tornado” Vivian Villarreal in the finals to take the $875 first place prize.

Upon completion of the 10-ball divisions, the 9-ball action starts up then the seven day Reno event concludes with 8-ball from Friday, March 1 through Sunday, March 3rd. The Action Report (TAR) is steaming the entire seven days live. You can catch all the action at www.theactionreport.com.

Payouts for the Men’s 10-Ball Division of the 20th US Bar Table Championships

1st $4,550: Dennis Orcollo
2nd $2,600: Corey Deuel
3rd $1,800: Rodney Morris
4th $1,200: Ronnie Alcano
5th-6th $750: Shane Van Boening and Stevie Moore
7th-8th $475: Thorsten Hohmann and Jayson Shaw
9th-12th $300: Mark Haddad, Jeff Buckley, Francisco Bustamante, Stan Tourangeau
13th-16th $225: Brian Begay, John Morra, Mitch Ellerman, and Jeremy Jones
17th-24th $175: Jason Klatt, Christopher MacDonald, Tim Larson, Rory Hendrickson, Mark Tafoya, Oscar Dominguez, Jose Parica and Darren Appleton
25th-32nd $150: Terry Johnson, Ernesto Dominguez, Rafael Martinez Chavez, Warren Kiamco, Amar Kang, Ramesh Gokhul, Manny Chau Duran and Sam Cole

Payouts for the Women’s 10-Ball Division of the 20th US Bar Table Championships

1st $875: Brittany Bryant
2nd $500: Vivian Villarreal
3rd $300: Melissa Little
4th $175: Mary Rankin
5th-6th $125: Leslie Bernardi and Jessica Frideres
7th-8th $100: Brooke Thomason and Suzanne Smith
CueSports International is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. In the past 8 years CSI has directly paid out $8,000,000 to players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events such as the US Bar Table Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial, the US Open One Pocket Championship, the US Open 8-Ball Championship and the US Open 10-Ball Championship. Visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com, and www.playusapool.com for more information about CSI and its divisions.

World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association - Press Release

THREE days after spending her entire birthday engaged in her second favourite activity, Maria Catalano bagged her tenth snooker title on the women’s circuit.

The world number one defeated Portsmouth’s Emma Bonney 3-0 in the final at Woking Snooker Centre to take a fifth Connie Gough Memorial trophy home to Dudley, West Midlands.

Catalano, 31 last Wednesday, said: “This one always falls about three days after my birthday. It’s great to win it because it’s an extra birthday present.

“I could see Emma was playing well and I thought I’ve got to play well to win it.

“It was live on the internet and that put a little bit of pressure on us because we’re not really used to that.

“Emma didn’t play like she had done all day and I did what I needed to do.”

Catalano revealed her birthday outing involved a lengthy trip to the Bicester Village designer retail centre, near Oxford.

“I spent all day shopping because that’s my second favourite hobby,” she laughed.

Catalano had accounted for three of the four Hong Kong entrants en route to the final.

Leading 2-0 in the last-16, she admitted that Ng On Yee “didn’t really give me another shot” as breaks of 65 and 67 forced a decider.

But a run of 76 from a cross double secured a 3-2 victory.

After beating So Man Yan 3-0, Catalano fell 1-0 down to Jaique Ip Wan In and gave herself “a bit of a telling off” before prevailed 3-1.

Lack of entries had forced the World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association to cancel the previous two tournaments.

So Catalano was delighted a 17-strong field enabled the Connie Gough to proceed.

“When I knew this one was going ahead, I was like a kid at Christmas,” she said. “I was so excited and I couldn’t wait to get here.

“I love the game. And even after playing for 15 years, it still absolutely fascinates me.”

Meanwhile, Ng did fly home with some silverware. She beat Tina Owen-Sevilton (Bridgwater, Somerset) 2-0 in the Plate final.

Jenny Poulter (Maidstone, Kent) edged Chris Sharpe (Chelmsford) 2-1 for the Seniors title.

This was the fourth and final ranking tournament before the World Championships.

The WLBSA thanked Woking Snooker Centre owner Bob Mason for hosting the event and Terry Teeman for streaming the final.

RESULTS (BREAKS)

PRELIM: Ng On Yee (32) beat Jenny Poulter 3-0.

LAST-16: Maria Catalano (76) beat Ng (65, 67) 3-2, So Man Yan beat Eva Palmius 3-0, Marianne Williams beat Gaye Jones 3-0, Jaique Ip Wan In beat Chris Sharpe 3-0, Tatjana Vasiljeva beat Tina Owen-Sevilton 3-1, Yu Ching Ching beat Vicky Carter 3-0, Martina Lumsden beat Michelle Marinova 3-1, Emma Bonney (31) beat Jasmine Bolsover 3-0.    

QUARTER-FINALS: Catalano beat So 3-0, Ip Wan In (41) beat Williams 3-0, Yu beat Vasiljeva 3-1, Bonney beat Lumsden 3-0.

SEMI-FINALS (£60): Catalano beat Ip Wan In 3-1, Bonney beat Yu 3-0.    

FINAL (£150/£110): Catalano (36, 39) beat Bonney 3-0.

PLATE

QUARTER-FINALS: Ng On Yee beat Chris Sharpe 2-0, Jenny Poulter beat Michelle Marinova 2-0, Tina Owen-Sevilton beat Jasmine Bolsover 2-1, Eva Palmius beat Vicky Carter (34) 2-1.

SEMI-FINALS: Ng beat Poulter 2-0, Owen-Sevilton beat Palmius 2-0.

FINAL (£30/£20): Ng beat Owen-Sevilton 2-0.

SENIORS

QUARTER-FINALS: Marianne Williams beat Gaye Jones 2-0, Jenny Poulter beat Martina Lumsden 2-1.

SEMI-FINALS: Poulter beat Eva Palmius 2-0, Chris Sharpe beat Williams 2-0.

FINAL: Poulter beat Sharpe 2-1.

ENTRIES

Maria Catalano (Dudley, West Mids)
Tatjana Vasiljeva (Latvia)
Jenny Poulter (Maidstone, Kent)
Tina Owen-Sevilton (Bridgwater, Somerset)
Jasmine Bolsover (Woking)
Vicky Carter (Sandy, Bucks)
Yu Ching Ching (Hong Kong)
Martina Lumsden (Eastbourne)
Marianne Williams (Smallfield, Surrey)
Jaique Ip Wan In (Hong Kong)
So Man Yan (Hong Kong)
Gaye Jones (Melksham, Wilts)
Ng On Yee (Hong Kong)
Eva Palmius (Isleham, Cambs)
Emma Bonney (Portsmouth)
Michelle Marinova (Bracknell)
Chris Sharpe (Chelmsford)


Five-time Connie Gough Memorial champion Maria Catalano - Picture by Monique Limbos

Dafabet Sponsor PTC Grand Finals

World Snooker is delighted to announce Dafabet as title sponsor of the Players Tour Championship Grand Finals in Ireland.

The Dafabet Players Tour Championship Grand Finals will run from March 12 to 17 at the Bailey Allen Hall in Galway.

Star players including Judd Trump, Mark Selby, John Higgins, Ding Junhui, Neil Robertson and home favourite Ken Doherty will be competing for the £100,000 top prize.

The Grand Finals are the culmination of the PTC series, which has comprised 13 events across the globe this season.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We’re very pleased to welcome Dafabet as they are sponsoring a snooker event for the first time and we hope it will be the beginning of a long association. The exposure they will receive through television coverage of this event across the world will be vast.

“The players have been to China, Poland, Germany, Belgium, Bulgaria and the UK for the PTC series and now the leading 32 players are through to Galway to do battle for the trophy. It’s going to be a sensational six days of top class snooker.”

Tickets for the tournament are on sale now and start at just 10 Euros to see four matches, giving incredible value for money to fans! For full details see www.worldsnooker.com/tickets