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Topic: *Industry News* 2015 - 2024

Bingham Hopes For Shoot Out Success

Stuart Bingham will be aiming for back-to-back ranking titles when he competes in the Coral Shoot Out in Watford, which starts tomorrow.

Bingham won the Coral Welsh Open last Sunday, beating Judd Trump 9-8 in a dramatic final in Cardiff, his first title since becoming World Champion 21 months ago,

And the Basildon cueman will be one of 128 players at the Watford Colosseum this week for the Coral Shoot Out which runs from Thursday to Sunday. The event is non-stop quickfire action as all matches last a maximum of ten minutes, with a shot clock of 15 seconds for the first five minutes and ten seconds for the last five.

“The players who can control their nerves tend to do best in this format,” said world number two Bingham, who reached the final in 2014 before losing to Dominic Dale. “It helps to have a bit of interaction with the crowd and to enjoy it. The atmosphere will be different this time because it’s a ranking event for the first time, but I’ll still have a bit of fun with the fans while I’m at the table.

“It’s the kind of event that anyone can win because the matches are so short and there is a fair bit of luck involved. But it’s still great fun and I always want to play in as many events as I can.”

In fact Bingham has been playing in the Championship League in Coventry this week which has meant he has been unable to celebrate winning his fourth ranking title.

“I had four hours sleep on Sunday night then I had to get straight to Coventry,” he added. “Winning in Wales hasn’t really sunk in yet and it probably won’t until I get home to my friends and family. But I am still buzzing and I hope I can keep the good form going.”

Shaun Murphy, Jimmy White and Barry Hawkins are among the other top stars competing in the ITV-televised event in Watford.

Tickets are still available but fans are urged to book fast because certain sessions are close to selling out. Tickets start at just £15, or watch every session of the tournament with a Season Ticket for just £99. For details call 01923 571 102 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

Parks goes undefeated to win 21st Jay Swanson Memorial 9-Ball

CueSports International, Henderson, NV (Feb. 21, 2017) – Brian Parks, a seasoned pool player and owner of Cue Ball Billiards in Bakersfield, Calif., went undefeated through a full field of 128 players to earn the title of champion of the 21st Jay Swanson Memorial 9-Ball Tournament.

On Cue Billiards in La Mesa, Calif. hosted the tournament Feb. 18-19, 2017. The popular memorial tournament, produced by CueSports International (CSI), is an annual tribute to Jay Swanson, a well-respected player in Southern California. He was a giant of a man, known for his quiet demeanor and silky, smooth stroke. Swanson passed away in June 1996. A few months later, the first Jay Swanson Memorial was organized by Mark Griffin, now CEO of CSI.

Parks has been playing since he was 16 years old. His FargoRate previous to playing in the Swanee was 704, just 16 points below what CSI determines to be professional caliber (FR 720).

Parks’ path to the championship started with a no-show forfeit over Anaquad Cobe of Los Angeles. Parks then posted wins over: Bill Meacham (FR 656) of Florence, Colo., 8-2; George Teyechea (FR 658 ) of Tucson, Ariz., 8-4; Chris Tate (FR 607) of Nipomo, Calif., 8-3; Rodney “The Rocket” Morris (FR 782) of Lincoln, Calif., 8-7; Mitch “Wonderboy” Ellerman (FR 742) of Phoenix, Ariz., 8-6; and the legendary Francisco “Django” Bustamante (FR 796) of Cerritos, Calif., (8-3) before meeting Oscar Dominguez (FR 769) of Sylmar, Calif. in the finals.

Dominguez’s path to the finals included wins over Salvador Laguna (FR 575) of San Marcos, Calif., 8-1; Vince Vidaurre, (FR 547) of San Diego, Calif., 8-1; Johnny Kang (FR 731) of Lake Forest, Calif., 8-5; Bob Yamasaki (FR 627) of Valencia, Calif., 8-3; and a forfeit from his father, Ernesto Dominguez (FR 733) of Sylmar, Calif. before losing to Bustamante, 1-8. But Dominguez was undeterred by the loss and continued his quest to the finals with wins over Morris, 7-5 and Ellerman, 7-4, before getting revenge against Bustamante in the semi-finals by a score of 7-5.

In the final match, which was a single race to 11, Dominguez jumped to an early 5-2 lead. Then Parks began fighting his way back, tying the score at 5-5 and then pulling ahead of Dominguez by a game. The players then traded games back and forth with Parks reaching the hill first, with the score at 10-8. But the alternate break format allowed Dominguez to break and run, making the score 10-9, before Parks would get back at the table.
Parks broke, made a ball and was faced with a difficult one–three combination into the corner pocket to start the rack. Parks made the combo, got perfect position on the one ball and ran out to earn the title of 2017 Swanee Champion and collect the $2,500 prize. Dominguez finished second and earned $1,500, while Bustamante received $900 for his third-place finish.

The event was live-streamed for free on the CueSports International Facebook page. Follow CueSports International on Facebook to receive notifications when CSI live streams matches.

CSI extends a big thanks to: On Cue Billiards owner Clyde Nooris and his staff for their hospitality; tournament director Amy Kane, who kept the event running in a smooth and timely manner; Mark Griffin; Steven Quan; George Teyechea; Ashi Fachler; and Chris Santana of Fast & Loose Designs.

To view replays of the free live stream matches, visit www.playcsipool.com/2017-swanee.

Final placing list for the 21st Jay Swanson Memorial 9-Ball Tournament:
1.     Brian Parks, Bakersfield, Calif. (FR 704)                    $2,500
2.     Oscar Dominguez, Sylmar, Calf. (FR 769)                 $1,500
3.     Francisco Bustamante, Cerritos, Calif. (FR 769)     $900
4.     Mitch Ellerman, Phoenix, Ariz. (FR 742)                    $600
5.     Bebeng Gallego, Philippines (FR 772)                        $400
6.     Rodney Morris, Lincoln, Calif. (FR 782)                     $400
7.     Vilmos Foldes, Fresno, Calif. (FR 790)                     $300
8.     Jose “Fach” Garcia, Victorville, Calif. (FR 696)        $300
9.     Ernesto Dominguez, Sylmar, Calif. (FR 733)             $215
10. Ken Johnson, Vista, Calif. (FR 595)                             $215
11. Mike Massey, Park City, Utah (FR 667)                     $215
12. Robert Morales, Temecula, Calif. (FR 581)             $215
13. Dave Hemmah, Harbor City, Calif. (FR 678 )            $160
14. Jess Libsack, Ramona, Calif. (FR 583)                        $160
15. Sina Valizadeh, San Diego, Calif. (FR 668 )                $160
16. Bob Yamasaki, Valencia, Calif. (FR 627)                 $160
17. Ramin Bakhtiari, Aliso Viejo, Calif. (FR 687)             $120
18. Rogin Figueroa, Temecula, Calif. (FR 525)             $120
19. Johnny Kang, Lake Forest, Calif. (FR 731)                 $120
20. Alfred Martinez, San Pedro, Calif. (FR 619)             $120
21. Shaun Murphy, Ramona, Calif. (FR 649)                 $120
22. David Nakano, Oceanside, Calif. (FR 525) $120
23. Jack A. Rippel, Las Vegas, Nev. (FR 590)                 $120
24. Chris Tate, Nipomo, Calif. (FR 607)                         $120
25. Sal Butera, Simi Valley, Calif. (FR 722)                     $80
26. James Cabal, Spring Valley, Calif. (FR 578 )             $80
27. Phil Carranza, Chula Vista, Calif. (FR 491) $80
28. John Ferguson, Riverside, Calif. (FR 563)                 $80
29. Ray Lorenzo, Imperial Beach, Calif. (FR 645)         $80
30. Alfonso Moreno, Jr. Ontario, Calif. (FR 617)         $80
31. Jeff Nesbihal, Yorba Linda, Calif. (FR 627)             $80
32. Winnie Tolentino, San Diego Calif. (FR 625)            $80

McDermott Releases Limited Run Team McDermott Cue

MENOMONEE FALLS, WI (February 22, 2017) – McDermott Cue Mfg., LLC is a leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of pool cues, performance shafts and billiard accessories. McDermott is proud to announce the release of a limited run Team McDermott cue.

The Team McDermott cue features ‘Team McDermott’ graphics on a black painted forearm and sleeve, which is complemented by a beautiful white/green Irish linen wrap. Customers have their choice G-Core, i-2 or i-3 shaft. The G-Core version can be purchased for $375 (MSRP: $416) and the i-Shaft version can be purchased for $475 (MSRP: $516). All Team McDermott cues will come standard with a Navigator Blue Impact tip.

The Team McDermott cue is part of a limited run, meaning it is only available for purchase through February 28, 2017. Cues will start shipping to customers on April 1st.

If you would are interested in purchasing a Team McDermott cue, visit McDermott’s website at www.mcdermottcue.com or contact an authorized McDermott dealer.

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

For more information about this press release, contact McDermott’s Creative Director, Derek Blaguski, at derekb@mcdermottcue.com or call 1-800-666-2283. More information can be found at www.mcdermottcue.com.

McDermott Team offer: www.mcdermottcue.com/team-mcdermott-cue-2017.php

Ultimate Team Gear named official team shirt provider of the BCAPL & USAPL

CueSports International, Henderson, NV (Feb. 23, 2017) – CueSports International (CSI) is excited to announce that Ultimate Team Gear has been named as the official team shirt provider for the BCA Pool League (BCAPL) and the USA Pool League (USAPL).

Ultimate Team Gear is also the official clothing provider of many high-profile billiard events, including the Mosconi Cup, World Pool Masters and more.

Players and teams can order custom shirts at a 10 percent discount through May 1, 2017. This is a perfect option for teams competing in the BCAPL National Championships and USAPL National Championships, since matching team shirts are required.

To receive the special discount, order online at www.playcsipool.com/order-custom-team-shirts and use Discount Code CSI2017.

UTG can help teams create innovative, stylish and comfortable jerseys that will help them look and feel their best while competing locally, regionally and nationally.

Help the BEF win $10,000 during March Madness!

February 23, 2017 (Denver, CO): Starting February 24, 2017, Brackets For Good, sponsored by mGive, is providing a chance for Denver-based nonprofits to win a $10,000 grand prize and the Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is on the bracket!

Brackets For Good hosts online, bracket-style fundraising tournaments every March in communities around the United States. Participating nonprofits rally enthusiastic donors to out-fundraise their opponents in order to advance.
Billiard enthusiasts around the country are more than familiar with tournament brackets. “Here’s a chance for the entire community to compete as one. Help us advance to the next found on the bracket and enjoy a little March Madness of our own! If you’ve been considering making a donation, now is a great time to do so,” added BEF Exec. Dir. Samm Diep-Vidal.

Brackets For Good 2017 Denver sponsors include: mGive, Simploy, Jet Linx, Bloomerang and Lids.

IPA Press Release - Welsh Open!

After the unmatched success of the IPA World Pool Championships in Bradford last month the 2107 IPA Tour is even more eagerly anticipated than usual and kicks off this weekend in Cardiff with the Welsh Open, Professional, and Amateur Championships from the Mercure Holland House Hotel that is a sell out and has attracted the best players to hold a cue as expected.

With three days of live action, and free entry for spectators, this was always going to be a superb starting point for the season with blackball pool so popular in Wales, even more so since Craig Marsh was crowned World Champion. The addition of bookmaker input via Coral has set the pool world buzzing and added a new dimension of interest in the sport, while recent BBC coverage on the Outside Source programme gave pool a whole new audience round the World, however briefly.

Add in recent live radio coverage (strange but true) and the IPA is clearly opening new doors in the sport we all love, but who exactly will the ambassadors be on the table this season?

With a new set of players joining the professional ranks after fulfilling the rankings requirements, it will almost certainly be the most competitive season yet but from a punting perspective those who have been at the top will fight as hard as ever to remain there, starting with Marc Farnsworth who is the early favourite for both the Professional and the Open events. Always tough to beat he seems sure to be there or thereabouts this weekend, but with plenty of local support the Welsh boys seems sure to put up a bold showing. Craig Marsh has to head that list after his World Championship victory, but Simon Ward, Kristian Phillips, Jordan Shepherd and others can never be written off, and will get in to the mix if the draw lets them avoid each other early on.

Gareth Hibbott remains one of the most consistent players on the tour and can never be written off, a remark that also applies to other former World Champions Jack Whelan and the evergreen Jason Twist, though the beauty of this sport (and thus the value as well), is that any of the top players can beat anyone else on their day – the standard really is that high.

The IPA Tour is free entry to spectators and can be watched in HD on the live stream here www.ipapool.com/tour-extra/live-streaming/ with Coral the only bookmaker taking bets on the event here www.sports.coral.co.uk/?action=GoEvCategory&ev_category_id=28 with bets taken on the tournaments overall and individual live streamed matches.

CSI Events Calendar

Dear Members of the Billiards Media, Bloggers, Friends and Colleagues:

Our updated CSI Events Calendar is below. Please check your publication / website and add any event that is not already posted on your calendar.

Since this is a monthly rolling list, NEW or UPDATED items are listed with a DOUBLE ASTERISK, for your convenience.

03/11/2017
US Open Straight Pool Championship Qualifier**
Pool Table Magic
75 Ella Grasso Turnpike
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
(860) 627-8494

03/19/2017
US Open Straight Pool Championship Qualifier**
Sandcastle Billiards
101 Townsley St.
Rte. 1 South
Edison, NJ 08837
Contact: Ed
(732) 632-9277

03/26/2017
US Open Straight Pool Championship Qualifier**
Easy Street Billiards
511 Tyler St.
Monterey, CA 93940
Contact: Danny Barouty
(831) 333-0825

06/08 – 11/2017
2017 Ohio BCAPL State Championships**
Hollywood Casino
200 Georgesville Road
Columbus, OH 43228
Contact: Central Ohio BCAPL
Entry forms at www.centralohiobca.com
chriswilliams@centralohiobca.com
(614) 989-0680

07/17-19/2017
US Open 10-Ball Championship**
Griff’s
3650 South Decatur Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89103
Contact: CueSports International
Online Registration: www.playcsipool.com/2017-us-open-championships
www.playcsipool.com
(702) 719-7665

07/29-31/2017
US Open 8-Ball Championship**
Griff’s
3650 South Decatur Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89103
Contact: CueSports International
Online Registration: www.playcsipool.com/2017-us-open-championships
www.playcsipool.com
(702) 719-7665

8/31 – 9/4/2017
2017 Southwest Regional Championships**
We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center
10438 North Fort McDowell Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85264
Contact: CueSports International
Registration Not Available Yet
www.playcsipool.com
(702) 719-7665

12/18-21/2017
US Open One Pocket Championships**
Griff’s
3650 South Decatur Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89103
Contact: CueSports International
Registration Not Available Yet
www.playcsipool.com
(702) 719-7665

Rocket Set For Llandudno Opening Night

The Ladbrokes Players Championship takes place in Llandudno next week and Ronnie O’Sullivan will headline the opening night.

The ITV4-televised event will run from March 6 to 12 with the top 16 players on this season’s one-year ranking list battle for the title and £125,000 top prize.

Five-time World Champion O’Sullivan is sure to draw a big crowd for the opening session of the tournament at the Venue Cymru in North Wales, at 7pm on Monday March 6th.

Recently crowned Welsh Open Champion Stuart Bingham will also be in action on Monday evening. Tuesday’s 1pm session sees world number one and World Champion Mark Selby kick off his campaign, with Judd Trump and Barry Hawkins featuring at 7pm.

The top players placed in the first round schedule already are:

Monday March 6
7pm
Ronnie O’Sullivan v opponent
Stuart Bingham v opponent

Tuesday March 7
1pm
Mark Selby v opponent

7pm
Judd Trump v opponent
Barry Hawkins v opponent

Wednesday March 8
1pm
Ding Junhui v opponent
Ali Carter v opponent

The full draw will be made available once the final line up has been confirmed following the conclusion of this week’s Jojobet.com Gibraltar Open

Tickets for all sessions are ON SALE NOW – for details visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets or call 0871 620 7052 (calls cost 13p per minute plus the network access charge).

Day - Llandudno Place Is In My Hands

Ryan Day insists he'll only be concentrating on his own matches at this week's Jojobet.com Gibraltar Open, where his place in next week's Ladbrokes Players Championship will be at stake.

Only the top 16 players on this season's one-year ranking list will go through to the Ladbrokes Players Championship in Llandudno, which runs from March 6 to 12. A top prize of £125,000 will be up for grabs in the tournament at Venue Cymru.

Day currently occupies 16th spot but he could be overtaken in the final counting event in Gibraltar, which runs from Friday to Sunday. Joe Perry could leapfrog Day by reaching the final, while Mark Williams also has a chance if he wins the tournament.

"I know what the others have to do, but if I have a good run myself then I can make sure of my place," said Welshman Day. "I'll just be focusing on my own matches and not thinking about other results.

"Qualifying for the event in Llandudno would be fantastic because it's a great event and it would also improve my chances of staying in the top 16 for the World Championship. It's a superb venue and I've really enjoyed playing there in the past."

Day came close to winning the first ranking title of his career at last month's Ladbrokes World Grand Prix, but lost 10-7 to Barry Hawkins in the final.

"It was disappointing to just come up short in that match," he said. "But having a good run there put me into contention for the Players Championship and hopefully I can take advantage of that now and finish the season strongly."

The 36-year-old from Pontycymmer is playing in the Championship League winners’ group in Coventry this week, then faces a late dash to Gibraltar to be there in time for his opening match on Friday afternoon.

"The event in Coventry finishes on Thursday night, then I've got to get to Gatwick by Friday morning for a 7am flight to Gibraltar," he added. "I knew it was going to be a busy schedule over the last few weeks and I'm happy to be playing in all these tournaments."

Televised by ITV4, the Ladbrokes Players Championship will feature top stars including Ronnie O'Sullivan, Mark Selby, Judd Trump and John Higgins.

Tickets are still available and start at just £15 but fans must book fast because certain sessions will be sold out soon. For details call 01492 872000 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

Q School 2017 Open For Entry

Any snooker player who has dreamed of turning professional will have a chance of earning a tour card at Q School 2017 in May.

There will be 12 two-year tour cards available, with the opportunity to join the global snooker circuit and compete for prize money of £10 million.

Q School will start on May 9 and will be staged at the Guild Hall in Preston for the first time. The entry fee is £600.

There will be two knock out tournaments, with the four semi-finalists in each to earn a tour card for the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons. The remaining four tour cards will be awarded to the next four players on the Q School ranking list. All draws will be random with no seeding, and all matches best of seven frames.

A ranking list will be compiled during Q School with players earning one point for every frame won. The leading players on that list who do not gain tour cards could potentially be offered ‘top-up’ places in main tour events during the 2017/18 season.

For more details visit www.worldsnooker.com and click the Q School 2017 link.

The entry deadline is Wednesday, 5 April 2017 at 12.00pm. Current main tour players who are unable to retain their place on the tour will be permitted late entry into Q School.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “Sport is about opportunity for all, regardless of nationality or gender, which is why we introduced Q School in 2011, to give as many people as possible the chance to chase their dreams and become a professional snooker player. Over the past six years it has proved the best and fairest way to allow players to qualify for the World Snooker Tour. And with 12 places up for grabs on the tour, if you have the ability and the belief, then your chances are good. The event will be played in excellent conditions at the fabulous Preston Guild Hall so there are no excuses. The best will rise to the top.

“And the Q School ranking list means you don’t have to gain a tour card to have the chance to play in ranking tournaments. For example Andy Hicks finished high up on the list to gain entry into most ranking events this season and he recently reached the semi-finals of the Shoot Out.

“Our tour is growing year by year. Within the past seven years, overall prize money has increased from £3.5 million to £10 million. And there is much more to come as we grow our sport across the planet. It’s such an exciting time for snooker – for fans and players alike. If you want to be a part of it, this is your chance. So get your entry in for Q School today!”

Players Vote To Keep Shoot Out

Snooker's professional players have voted to keep the Coral Shoot Out tournament as a world ranking event.

Last month the one-frame knock out event was made a ranking event for the first time, with Anthony McGill winning the £32,000 top prize in Watford.

World Snooker subsequently asked all tour players to vote on whether the ITV-televised tournament should remain as a ranking event or be removed from the calendar.

Of the 125 players who voted, 90 voted to keep the Shoot Out as a ranking event, and 35 voted to remove it.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: "I am very pleased with the result of the vote, with 72% of tour players voting in favour. The Shoot Out will go ahead as a full ranking event in 2018, and following that we will evaluate its commercial success, as we would for any other tournament."

40th Anniversary Celebration of Sheffield's World Snooker Championship

This year marks the 40th anniversary of snooker's World Championship first being staged at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

And to mark that occasion, World Snooker and Sheffield City Council are staging a special celebration event inside the famous Crucible arena on the eve of this year's tournament, on Friday April 14th. Tickets are now on sale and are expected to sell out rapidly.

The show will include live interviews with former champions and current players competing in this year’s tournament, who will be present in the arena. There will also be archive footage of many of the great moments of the past four decades of snooker's biggest event.

Remember Alex Higgins celebrating the title with his baby in arms in 1982? Or Dennis Taylor's epic black ball final in 1985? Or Ronnie O'Sullivan's fastest ever 147 in 1997? The show will bring these moments - and many more - back to life.

The event starts at 6pm and tickets for this unique occasion will cost just £20. A donation from the ticket sales will be made to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

BOOK TICKETS NOW by calling 0844 65 65 147

WPBSA Statement: Stuart Bingham

Following an investigation into an alleged breach of the WPBSA Betting Rules by Stuart Bingham, a decision has been taken today that there is a case to answer.

The matter has now been referred to the WPBSA Disciplinary Committee where a formal hearing will take place at a venue and date to be confirmed.
This relates to bets placed on snooker in contravention of the WPBSA Betting Rules.

There is no suggestion of any match manipulation or corruption in this case.

WPBSA Betting Rules extract:
Betting misconduct
2.1 It shall be a breach of these Rules for a Member to do any of the following:
2.1.1 Betting:
2.1.1.1 to place, accept, lay or otherwise make a Bet with any other person in relation to the result, score, progress, conduct or any other aspect of the Tour and/or any Tournament or Match in events sanctioned by the WPBSA, WSL or WBL;
2.1.1.2 to solicit, induce, entice, instruct, persuade, encourage, facilitate, authorise or permit any other person to enter into a Bet for the Member’s direct or in direct benefit in relation to the result, score, progress, conduct or any other aspect of the Tour and/or any Tournament or Match in events sanctioned by the WPBSA, WSL, WBL, WLBS or WDBS;

The full WPBSA Members Rules can be viewed here.

Date: Wednesday March 15, 2017

SNOOKER’S CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS RETURNS TO RICOH ARENA

Snooker’s Champion of Champions returns to Ricoh Arena, Coventry this November 6-12 with tickets on sale from 10am on Wednesday (March 22) at www.championofchampionssnooker.co.uk.

With the likes of defending champion John Higgins, UK Championship winner Mark Selby and The Masters champion Ronnie O’Sullivan already among those who have earned an invite, the tournament is set to build on its status as one of the season’s must-see events.

Broadcast throughout by ITV4 in the UK and on networks around the world, the Champion of Champions marks its fifth year in 2017 and pits tournament winners from the previous 12 months head to head for the prestigious title and the £100,000 winner’s prize.

The action gets underway on Monday, November 6. The tournament starts with a quartet of four-man groups, with one group played out on each of the first four days. The draw and fixtures for the group stage will be announced in the autumn.

The four group winners proceed to the semi-finals, one of which is played on the evening of Friday, November 10 with the second on Saturday evening. The final will place over 19 frames and two sessions on Sunday, November 12.

Tickets go on sale at 10am on Wednesday, March 22 at www.championofchampionssnooker.co.uk, with an early bird offer pricing tickets at as little as £7.50. Premium tickets are available for all sessions with VIP Hospitality tickets on sale for the semi-finals and the final.

Qualifying events take order of precedence with the defending champion and ‘triple crown’ winners at the top of the list, followed by the major ranking events on the World Snooker Tour. The four Home Nations tournaments are next on the list, followed by the World Championship runner-up, the remaining ranking events on the World Snooker Tour, the World Cup winning duo, and the 6 Reds World champion.

The full list of qualifying events can be found at www.championofchampionssnooker.co.uk.

WPA WEBSITE - PRESS RELEASE

A number of people have informed us over the past few days that our WPA website has not been working. After investigating the matter, we have found that many people have been getting access to our site through the address of www.wpa-pool.com It seems that this address has been working for our site for some time, when in fact the address is incorrect, it has actually belonged to a swimming pool business. This anomaly has only become known to us since their domain name expired and the site has become redundant. The correct address for the WPA is www.wpapool.com or www.wpapool.net or www.wpapool.org We are now trying to acquire the other domain name and hope that we will be successful within a few days and therefore make our site accessible through any of the four above mentioned addresses. We apologise for any inconvenience, it is one of those things that is beyond our control but we are confident all will be rectified soon.

Ian Anderson
WPA President

Legend Davis – Don’t Miss Snooker Celebration

Six time World Snooker Champion Steve Davis is urging fans in the Sheffield area not to miss next month’s special show at the Crucible.

The 40th Anniversary Celebration of Sheffield’s World Snooker Championship will take place at the Crucible on Friday April 14th, starting at 6pm. Former World Champions and all of the players competing in the 2017 tournament have been invited, so there will be many famous faces among the crowd.

The show will be a mixture of live interviews with these green baize greats, and archive footage of the most memorable moments of the past four decades of snooker’s biggest tournament.

“It’s going to be a wonderful occasion,” said Davis, who retired from pro snooker last year, having won the World title in 1981, 83, 84, 87, 88 and 89. “It’s amazing to think we have been at the Crucible for 40 years - there have been so many special moments. This is the perfect way to celebrate four decades of snooker in Sheffield.

“Snooker’s relationship with the Crucible has always been quite unique and magical. I’m delighted that we’re staying in Sheffield for at least another ten years. But it’s something that local people should never take for granted. And now here’s the chance to see what will be a fabulous tribute to the past 40 years.”

Staged by World Snooker and Sheffield City Council, this show is a unique opportunity for fans to celebrate the sport and see the top stars in the flesh.

Book fast - tickets for this unique occasion will cost just £20. A donation from the ticket sales will be made to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

BOOK TICKETS NOW by calling 0844 65 65 147 or visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

See Snooker Stars On Green Carpet

Snooker fans in Sheffield will have a chance to see many of the sport’s all-time greats during a green carpet parade on Friday April 14.

As part of the 40th anniversary celebration of the World Championship first being staged at the Crucible Theatre in 1977, the green carpet parade will feature former World Champions as well as a host of players competing in this year’s tournament, which starts the following day.

The green carpet parade will run from 5pm to 5.50pm, through Tudor Square and finishing at the Crucible itself.

At 6pm, the special show marking the 40th Anniversary Celebration of Sheffield’s World Snooker Championship will take place at the Crucible. Staged by World Snooker and Sheffield City Council, the show will be a mixture of live interviews with these green baize greats, and archive footage of the most memorable moments of the past four decades of snooker’s biggest tournament.

Councillor Mary Lea, cabinet member for culture, sport and leisure at Sheffield City Council, said: “I’m looking forward to what is sure to be an exciting 40th anniversary year of World Snooker here in Sheffield.

“While the championship is always a huge event for the city, and is indeed one of the most important events in our major events calendar, this year will be extra special - not least due to this celebration event at the Crucible.

“It would be great to see the people of Sheffield turn out on the night, enjoy the opportunity to see many of their snooker heroes, and support the proud tradition of our city hosting one of the world’s greatest sporting events over four decades.”

Book fast - tickets for this unique occasion will cost just £20. A donation from the ticket sales will be made to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

BOOK TICKETS NOW by calling 0844 65 65 147 or visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

World Snooker Championship to be Broadcast throughout the Americas and the Indian Sub-Continent Live On Facebook

Broadcast of snooker’s biggest tournament will be available in new territories through a partnership with Facebook Live.

The Betfred World Championship runs from April 15 to May 1 and the entire tournament* will be broadcast live on Facebook throughout North and South America as well as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

Fans in those territories will be able to watch the event FREE simply by connecting to World Snooker’s Facebook page.

The live broadcast will include coverage of both tables from the famous Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, as 32 players battle for one of the most prestigious titles in sport.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “This is a momentous announcement for snooker fans worldwide as it means our biggest tournament will have a far greater global reach than ever before. We already have a television audience for the World Championship in excess of 300 million in over 100 countries, and now we want to broaden our reach across the entire planet via Facebook Live.

“For the countless millions of fans in these territories this is fantastic news as they will be able to watch all 17 days of the tournament live and free, simply by logging on to our Facebook page.

“For us this strategy is about reaching out to relatively untapped areas and finding out the strength of the market. Snooker is booming in the UK, Asia and Europe and we are always looking for the next opportunity as we seek to develop as a truly global sport.

“We’re delighted to be working with Facebook on this initiative for the first time and I look forward to seeing some impressive numbers. We are celebrating 40 years of the World Championship at the Crucible this time and this is set to be the greatest tournament yet.”

To watch the Facebook Live stream, if you are in one of the countries listed below, all you need to do is visit www.facebook.com/WorldSnooker1 once the tournament starts. Then 'Like' the page to get notifications about the live broadcast, as well as all the latest news and information about snooker.

*In the USA, the Facebook Live Broadcast will be up to and including the quarter-finals only.

Countries where the Facebook Live broadcast will be available:

North America
USA (up to and including the quarter-finals only)
Canada
Mexico
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Costa Rica
Cuba
Dominica
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Grenada
Guatemala
Haiti
Honduras
Jamaica
Nicaragua
Panama
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago

South America
Argentina
Bolivia
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela

Asia
India
Pakistan
Bangladesh
Afghanistan
Sri Lanka

Statement from Barry Hearn, Chairman of World Snooker

In view of Ronnie O’Sullivan’s comments yesterday regarding ‘bullying and intimidation’ by Barry Hearn and World Snooker, I find it necessary to respond as follows:

All players have contracts with World Snooker Limited by way of a players’ contract which was written in conjunction with WPBSA and agreed with the players’ governing body. This sets out the obligations of the players and applies to all participants on the World Snooker Tour. There are no exceptions. Ronnie O’Sullivan has signed this contract and is therefore eligible to play in any World Snooker events as he wishes.

World Snooker owns the worldwide commercial rights for professional snooker. WPBSA is the governing body and represents the professional players on the World Snooker Tour. The WPBSA is exclusively responsible for all disciplinary matters pertaining to snooker, its players and their responsibilities outlined in the players’ contract. Neither World Snooker nor myself have any involvement whatsoever in disciplinary matters.

Neither World Snooker nor myself have received any communication from Ronnie O’Sullivan’s lawyers in regard to his responsibilities or concerns in relation to his signed players’ contract.

I personally take any accusation of ‘bullying and intimidation’ by me or World Snooker very seriously. Unfounded accusations such as these are damaging to World Snooker’s global reputation, as well as my own, and we will take whatever action is required to protect this reputation from such inaccurate comments. I hope all parties can move on from this position and concentrate on the brilliant entertainment provided by players at the Betfred World Championship.

Date: Monday April 17, 2017

CSI Announces Charity Pro-Am                                

CueSports International, Henderson, Nevada (April 24, 2017) – CSI is pleased to announce the 2017 CSI Charity Pro-Am, which will be on Friday, July 28 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas during the BCAPL National Championships!

The Charity
Donate Life America is a nonprofit alliance of national organizations and state teams across the U.S. committed to increasing the number of donated organs, eyes, and tissue available for transplant to save and heal lives.

This is a charity that is near and dear to CSI because in January of 2015, our founder, Mark Griffin, had a double lung transplant. Without that generous donor, Mark Griffin may not be alive today. For more information about Donate Life America, visit www.donatelife.net.

How it Works
Eight ( 8 ) top professional players will participate in a one-day pro-am (professional-amateur) scotch doubles 8-ball tournament. Each pro will be paired with a BCAPL, USAPL, or CSI member.

A free raffle drawing will be conducted at approximately 8 p.m. Thursday, July 27 in the live stream arena and eight ( 8 ) lucky winners will be randomly drawn. Each winner may choose one of the eight participating professional players not already taken as his or her partner in the scotch doubles charity tournament.

How to Get Raffle Tickets
Raffle tickets can be received at the Donate Life America booth July 19-27 and can be earned by any or all of the following ways:

·         Receive one (1) free ticket for each BCAPL or USAPL event you enter
·         Receive one (1) free ticket for making a voluntary contribution to DLA
·         Receive three (3) free tickets for registering to become an organ donor

The Pros
Six of the eight professional players who have already agreed to participate include Shane Van Boening, Thorsten Hohmann, Justin Bergman, Rodney Morris, Skyler Woodward, and Oscar Dominguez.

How to Watch
The entire event will be streamed live and free by CSI! The exact live streaming details will be announced at www.playcsipool.com/pro-am at a later date.

For more information, visit www.playcsipool.com/pro-am.

CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League (BCAPL), USA Pool League (USAPL) and also produces independent events such as the US Bar Table Championships, Jay Swanson Memorial, US Open One Pocket, US Open 8-Ball, US Open 10-Ball, and the CSI Invitationals. Visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com, or www.playusapool.com for more information.

Ozzy Reynolds
General Manager, CueSports International