Site News
Topic: *Industry News* 2011

NINE FILIPINOS ALSO WIN IN OPENING MATCHES IN WORLD 8-BALL
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

After a rousing start of Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Dennis "Robocop" Orcullo and Joven Alba, nine Filipinos also won their group stage play in the on-going World 8-Ball Pool Championship 2011 in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates yesterday.

Ronnie Alcano, a former World 8-ball champion beat Amine Ouahbi, 7-4, in Group 7, to arrange a second round showdown with compatriot and fellow NBS stalwart Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, winner over David Plattner, 7-1.

" Sana muli natin matumbok ang World 8-ball crown," said Alcano, a newly member of the Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiards Stable (NBS).

Another NBS ace Lee Van Corteza beat Tomoo Tanako, 7-5, in Group 10 as well John Salazar nipped Karol Skowerski, 7-5.

" Kulang na lamang sa akin ang World title. Sa World 10-ball nag 2nd place lang tayo and I hope mag world champion na ako," said Corteza, who hails from Davao City and top gunner of sportsman/ businessman Jonathan Sy, also supported by Energen and Kopiko.

Sharing the limelight is Raymund Faraon who clobberred Hanni Al Howri, 7-5, in Group 14, as well Rodolfo Luat who downed Amin Fekry, 7-5, also in Group 14.

Roberto Gomez, a former World 9-ball finalists toppled Chris Melling, 7-6, in Group 11, Oliver Medinilla who dealt Francisco Diaz Pizarro, 7-5, in Group 9 and Francisco Felicilda walloped countryman Venancio Tanio, 7-3, in Group 8.

Davis Could Face Lisowski In World Qualifiers

Snooker legends Steve Davis and Jimmy White have both been handed tough draws in the qualifying rounds of the Betfred.com World Snooker Championship.

The qualifiers run from March 5 to 13 at the English Institute of Sport - Sheffield, with the 16 winners to go through to the televised stages at the Crucible in April.

Six-times World Champion Davis, ranked 40th in the world, could face promising newcomer Jack Lisowski in his opening match, and if the Nugget gets through he will play Stephen Lee for a place at the Crucible.

Lisowski, the 19-year-old from Gloucestershire playing his first season on the professional tour, who has qualified for the last two ranking events, said: "I'll have a tough match first against Liam Highfield or Kuldesh Johal, so I have to earn the right to play Steve Davis. He's one of the greatest players ever so it would be exciting to play him in our biggest event.

"Things are going well for me at the moment and the hard work is paying off so I just have to keep practising and hopefully keep getting results."

Whirlwind Jimmy White, ranked 57th, has to play one extra match, and if he wins his first game he'll be up against Tom Ford and then Ryan Day.

Ken Doherty, the 1997 Crucible king, needs to win just one match to book his place at the venue, and the Irishman could meet Malta's Tony Drago.

Also involved in the qualifiers are former UK and Masters Champion Matthew Stevens, rising star Judd Trump, one-frame Shoot-Out champion Nigel Bond, and many more.

Tickers for the qualifiers are on sale now from just £5 and it's a great chance to see players young and old giving everything for a coveted place at the Crucible.

To book now call 0114 256 5567 or visit www.arenaticketshop.co.uk

For the full draw and format see www.worldsnooker.com

ENTER THE ’UK CUP OF DARTS’ AND YOU COULD BE A GIANT KILLER

Chance to take on Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor in the UK Open

The ‘UK Cup of Darts’ is on the horizon and you could be a giant killer.

The UK Open is the only PDC tournament where amateur players compete against top professionals, including 15-time World Champion Phil Taylor.

Rileys, the largest pool, snooker and darts operator in the UK, have 32 places up for grabs for the UK Open at Bolton Wanderers’ Reebok Stadium in June.

Rileys will hold one-off knockout tournaments at 32 of their clubs nationwide to find 32 winners.

The 32 winners will also receive £100 of Rileys Vouchers and a personalised shirt to play in, when they attend the tournament in June.

Rileys Darts Ambassador Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor said: “I would love to see some new talent get through to the final rounds.

“There’s nothing better than a spot of giant killing. It happens in football’s UK Cup – so why not in darts?

“Rileys Darts Zones are spacious, modern and professional – a perfect venue to practice and then qualify for the UK Open.”

The finals for UK Open, televised live on Sky Sports, take place at Bolton Wanderers FC’s Reebok Stadium from Thursday June 2 to Sunday June 5, with a prize fund of £200,000.

Last year, Rileys amateur qualifier Paul Warwick, 43, of Milton Keynes won £2,000 after he reached the fourth round of the UK Open.

Civil Servant Paul even knocked seasoned pro Co Stompe out of the competition.

To enter the ‘UK Cup of Darts’ visit your local Rileys and register for the chance to take on the big boys! You can also enter on-line by visiting www.rileys.co.uk/tournaments before March 31.

To find the location of your nearest Rileys Darts Zone, please go to www.rileys.co.uk

Seminole Pro Tour

Its finally here!! The 2011 Seminole Pro Tour schedule. Visit www.seminoleprotour.com for dates. 5 tournaments total (Four will be BCA points events!!)

The website will be getting a complete overhaul soon. Old videos will be viewable, Pro Tour merchandise will be for sale and much more. Stay tuned, great things will be coming this year.

Pro9 Editor's Note: I've checked and all of these events are "open" to European entrants as well as US citizen's, and they all look great value and are in great venues too - so go get 'em Pro9'ers!

Alcano, 3 others Pinoys reach Last 16 of World 8-Ball
by: Marlon Bernardino

FORMER World 9-ball and 8-ball champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano and three other Filipino cue artists made it to the next round in the ongoing World 8-Ball Pool Championship 2011 after hurdling separate opponents in the round-of-32 yesterday at the Fujairah Exhibition Center in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.

Alcano, a Calamba City, Laguna native and one of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiards Stable (NBS) top pool players, defeated another ex-World 9-ball titlist Oliver "The Machine" Ortmann of Germany, 9-6, to advance into the round-of-16.

"Grabe ang hirap ng laban namin ni (Oliver) Ortmann. Buti may halong suwerte pa din," said Alcano, whose stint here is supported by sportsman/ businessman Jonathan Sy of the star-studded Negros Billiards Stable (NBS), Energen and Kopiko.

Alcano's next round assignment is 2009 World Ten Ball champion Darren "Dynamite" Appleton of United Kingdom, who brought downed Huidje See of the Netherlands.

Sharing the limelight are Dennis Orcullo who edged Vincent Facquet of France, Oliver Medinilla who clobbered Vilmos Foeldes of Hungrary, 9-5, and Joven Alba who beat Raj Hundal of United Kingdom, 9-7.

" Sana manalo sa round-of-16 ang mga Pinoy cue artists natin," said BMPAP co-founder Jonathan Sy.

Orcullo goes up against Shane Van Boening of the USA, Medinilla will square off with Niels Feijen of the Netherlands and Alba will test the mettle of Basher Hussain of Qatar.

Van Boening routed Jalal Yousseff of Jordan, 9-2, Feijen waylaid Rodney Morris of the USA, 9-2, and Hussain crushed Saleh Al Remawy of UAE, 9-5.

In other round-of-32 results, Carlo Dalmatin ousted Antonio Lining, 9-4, Takhti Zarekani dealt Alok Kumar of India, 9-2, Chang Jun-lin of Chinese-Taipei whacked Roberto Gomez, 9-6, David Alcaide of Spain routed Lee Vann Corteza, 9-3, Thomas Engert of Germany outplayed Earl Stickland of the USA, 9-7, Mika Immonen of Finland beat Karl Boyes of the United Kingdom, 9-1, and Nick Van Den Berg of the Netherlands smashed defending world 8-ball champion Ralf Souquet of Germany, 9-1.

Player of the Year Award at Opening Ceremony of this year’s European Championship

After the first category is finished, Jasmin Ouschan (AUT) has a small lead over Henrique Correia (POR)
Friday, February 25, 2011: The opening ceremony at this year’s European Championships in Brandenburg, Germany, will be the venue for the award ceremony of the EPBF Player of the Year.

The voting is divided into three categories: Open, National Federations and Sponsors & EPBF Board. The first category, open voting has just closed with a marginal lead for Austria’s top female billiard athlete Jasmin Ouschan. She was still trailing Henrique Correia two days before the lines were closed with around 100 votes but her fans mobilized another crowd of votes in her favour so that now she is ahead of Correia. This is the current order of the Top six ranked players after the open voting:

1. Jasmin Ouschan (AUT) 378 votes
2. Henrique Correia (POR) 350 votes
3. Ralf Souquet (GER) 117 votes
4. Konstantin Stepanov (RUS) 63 votes
5. Karl Boyes (GBR) 61 votes
6. Manuel Ederer (GER) 54 votes

Since there are two more categories to be counted and added to the current vote, a duel between Ouschan and Correia is written on the wall. The final result will be published in Brandenburg on Thursday, March 24th, 2011 at the opening ceremony of the European Championships.
The voting and all other results can be viewed on www.epbfplayeroftheyear.com.

The event will be hosted by the European Governing Body for Pool, the European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) and organized by International Billiard Promotion (IBP). For further information and reference please go to the event website www.epconline.eu or contact our press office.

WORLD 8-BALL: ORCULLO MAKES IT TO FINAL
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

DENNIS "ROBOCOP" ORCULLO of the Philippines barged into the final round of the World 8-Ball Pool Championship 2011 after subduing David "El Matador" Alcaide of Spain, 9-3, in Saturday’s semifinals at the Fujairah Exhibition Center in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.

Orcullo, a former fisherman from Surigao del Sur and playing under the banner of Perry Mariano's Bugsy Promotions, outclassed Shane Van Boening of the USA, 9-4, and Takhti Zarekani of Iran, 9-2, respectively to reach the semis.

"Masuwerte lamang ako kasi nakauna tayo," said Orcullo, who took a 5-3 commanding lead and never looked back.
He will face Neils "The Terminator" Feijen of the Netherlands in the finals, who blanked 2009 World Ten Ball Champion Darren "Dynamite" Appleton of the United Kingdom.

Feijen, earlier beat Oliver Medanilla of the Philippines, 9-4, and countryman Nick Van den Berg, 9-8.

Appleton, meanwhile was the one responsible for booting out former World 9-ball and 8-ball Champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano, 9-8, and snooker ace Joven Alba, 9-2, both from the Philippines in order.

The champion of the event will receive the top prize of $40,000 while the runner-up place went home $25,000.

KIAMCO BEAT KANG; GAINS FINAL IN US BAR TABLE 8-BALL TOURNEY
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

MANY-TIME Southeast Asian Games gold medallist Warren "Warrior" Kiamco of the Philippines defeated Amar Kang of the United States in their hot-seat match to booked his seat in the race-to-5 finals of the 14th Annual US Bar Table Championship 8-Ball Division at the Sands Regency Hotel in Reno, Nevada yesterday.

Kiamco, one of the top players of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiards Stable (NBS), will square off with John Morra of Canada for the title, who inflicted the second loses of Kang in the loser's brackets for the last final berths which attracted 157 players that includes Jose "Amang" Parica, Deomark Alpajora, Jundel Mazon and former WPA World 9-ball champion Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, who captured the 10-Ball Division Crown.

"Sana manalo tayo sa finals kay (John) Morra, para madeklara tayong over-all champion," said Kiamco, who also both took home the 9-ball and 8-ball crowns four years ago.

After getting a bye in the group play, the Pasil, Cebu native Kiamco, whose stint here is backed up by Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiards Stable (NBS), Energen and Kopiko, defeated Mark Estes, Jerry Matchin, Stan Tourangeau and Sylver Ochoa to make it in the final stage.

The undefeated Kiamco, a habitue of Star Billiards Center showed steely nerves as he beat Brandon Ashcraft before nipping Kang for the first final berths in the true double elimination format.

"Well, let's hope for the best kay Warren (Kiamco) sa game n'ya kay (John) Morra sa finals." said Jonathan Sy, the president of the star-studded Negros Billiards Stable (NBS).

Over the weekend, Kiamco bested American Leron Nevel in the finals to captured the 14th Annual US Bar Table Championship 9-Ball Division Tiara.

Kiamco pocketed $ 4,650 for winning his first major title this year in this annual event, making him eligible for the $ 5,000 bonus if he can also win the 8-Ball Division Crown against Morra who settling runner-up place with Pagulayan in the 10-Ball Event.

Milliken cloth proves to be a safe bet

Casino equipment maker TCSJOHNHUXLEY has chosen billiard cloth manufacturer Milliken as its high-end gaming table cloth partner.

Milliken is currently producing casino table cloth in four colours, dark green, royal blue, light green and burgundy and is anticipating growing demand in the year ahead.

Angus Noble, the commercial and manufacturing director at TCSJOHNHUXLEY, said the Stoke-based business had identified a need to improve the quality of the cloth it uses in the manufacture of a variety of gaming table layouts.

“The team at Milliken is proving to be superbly professional in tailoring its product to our precise needs,” he said.

“I am delighted to report that we have already achieved our objective of supplying customers with a much-improved product and are looking forward to increasing our business with Milliken in the months ahead.”

For Stroud-based Milliken, which is UK market leader in the manufacture of snooker, pool and tennis ball cloth, the relationship with TCJOHNHUXLEY adds a new string to its bow.

Marketing director Duncan Kettell said: “With interests in the UK, Australia, the US, Singapore, South Africa and Spain, TCSJOHNHUXLEY is a truly international player and we’re confident this contract will help us to reach new markets across the globe.”

Mak Marketing and Real Billiard
would like to invite on
Dynamic Billard Best of the East 2011
BULGARIAN OPEN 9 –BALL
7-8 March 2011- SOFIA

Venues:
Billiard Club "STIX" - address: Bulgaria, Sofia, Bulgaria squer No.1, in National Palas of Cultur which take place in the ideal center of capitol Sofia. The club equipped with 14pcs. 9' Pool Tables "Dynamic II" with new cloth for the tournament "Simonis-860" and balls "Super Aramith TV". There are also 2pcs. 12' snooker tables.Sport system: 9-ball , rules of EPBF, I round – Robin Round system – matches in groups race to 5; II round – single elimination – race to 7. Two best players from each group will qualified to single round . Dynamic 9-ft tables, Iwan Simonis 860 cloth; Aramith balls.

Participants – open tournament, max 128 players. Announcement until to 1st March to Mak Marketing only – e-mail:mak@makmarketing.pl ; phone/fax +48 41 362-11-47.

Registration: 7 March – 9.00 – 9.45 in the club. 10.15 - opening ceremony,

Prize money: Real Billiard guaranteed - 4.000 euro
I place – 1.200 euro + cup + medal
II place – 800 euro + medal
III places ( x2) – 600 euro + medal                            
V-VIII places- 200 euro,

Participants of Dynamic Best of the East get points which are accepted in new European ranking.

Winner of Dynamic Best of the East 2010 will not pay entry fee in Euro Tour series 2012. ( in 6 tournaments)

Dress code: B - Black trousers ( no jeans will be permitted) , polo shirt, black shoes.
Entry fee – 50 euro for men, 30 euro for woman and pupils ( max 16 years old),

Hotels:
Hotel No.1:
Hotel Lozenec - 3 stars /10min. walk away from the club/
Address - No.23, Sveti Naum Blvd.
Sofia 1421, BULGARIA
www.lozenetzhotel.com

Hotel No.2:
Hotel Central Park - 4 stars /100 meters from the club/
Address - No.106, Vitosha Blvd.
Sofia 1463, BULGARIA
www.centralparkhotel.bg

Booking: Chavdar Todorov – e-mail: real_billiard@abv.bg until to: 1st March.
Tournament director – Marcin Krzeminski –E-mail: mak@makmarketing.pl ; mobil:+ 48 602-196-206
Sponsors: Dynamic Billard Organization – Germany, Iwan Simonis –Belgium, IBP – Netherlands, Real Billiards – Bulgaria,

Tournament is sanctioned by the European Pocket Billiard Federation.

DYNAMIC BEST OF THE EAST 2011
RANKING SYSTEM

1place-137,50 points
2 place - 120 points
3 - 4 place-105 points
5-8 place - 92,50 points
9-16 place- 82,50 points

17-32 place -75 points
33-48 place – 68,75 points
49-64 place – 63,25 points
65-80 place – 57,50 points
81-96 place - 50 points
97-112 place – 45 points
113-129 place - 40 points

Master's 10-Ball To Accommodate Traveling Pro's
By: Jerry Forsyth

The Tournament Directors for the Master's 10-Ball Championship in Chesapeake, Va., Ken Shuman and Jay Helfert, in conjunction with the promoters of the event, Shannon Behrman Paschall and Barry Behrman, in order to accommodate the many players who are traveling from events in the United Arab Emirates and Reno and who are encountering weather delays along the way, have decided to push back the players meeting and entry deadline by 15 hours to 11AM on Tuesday, March 1. Further, all late fees have been waived.

This will allow the players who might have been prevented from attending the championship the opportunity to participate in this BCA ranking event. Players may now contact Shannon Behrman Paschall at 757-499-8900 or through email at: USOpen9ball@yahoo.com to arrange their entries.

Matches will begin at 1PM after all players are feted to a complimentary lunch immediately following the players meeting. We look forward to seeing you at the Chesapeake Conference Center for this Championship.

New Dates and Venues added to 2011 U.S. Open 10-Ball and U.S. Open One Pocket Championship Qualifier Calendar

New dates and host venues have been added to the qualifier calendar for the 3rd U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship and the 12th U.S. Open One Pocket Championship. All qualifiers for both national events are taking place March through early May 2011.

Each qualifier winner will receive, as part of each qualifier prize fund, a paid spot to either the U.S. Open 10-Ball or U.S. Open One Pocket Championship. The two U.S. Open events, produced by CueSports International (CSI), will be held consecutively in the pro arena at the Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 12th U.S. Open One Pocket (May 12-15th) is $10,000 guaranteed added and limited to 64 players. The 3rd U.S. Open 10-Ball (May 16-21st) is $25,000 guaranteed added, limited to 96 players, and a Billiard Congress of America (BCA) point ranking event.

For further information about both U.S. Open national events visit www.playcsipool.com. Each event has a dedicated page on the CSI site that lists detailed information, an e-version of each event player welcome packet, the invitee lists, and a link to each tournament’s scheduled qualifiers.

Entries for both national events are now being accepted. Since there are limited field sizes in both the U.S. Open One Pocket and U.S. Open 10-Ball, players who plan to participate in either or both events are encouraged to enter as soon as possible to secure a spot. Players are still eligible to participate in qualifiers (see below for the entire CSI qualifier participation policy). To enter either the U.S. Open 10-Ball or U.S. Open One Pocket Championship contact Holly at CSI (holly@playcsipool.com) or call (702) 719-7665.

The following three new U.S. Open One Pocket Championship qualifiers have been confirmed and added to the calendar:

March 19, 2011(Saturday Only)
Drexeline Billiards
5100 State Road
Drexel Hill, PA
(610) 259-9144
Added: $250
Field: Limited to 16 players
Entry: $75 (incl. green fee)
Open: 8 am
Auction/Draw: 11 am
Start: 1 pm
Contact: Alan Waldo
Cell: (215) 385-6114

March 26, 2011 (Saturday Only)
Sportsman Billiard Club
3965 Sullivant Ave.
Columbus, OH
(614) 279-5888
Added: $400
Field: Limited to 16 players
Entry: $75 (incl. green fee)
Open: 12 noon
Draw: 1 pm
Contact: Jerry Conkel
Cell: (614) 507-1276

April 27-29, 2011
California One Pocket Challenge
California Billiard Club
881 E. El Camino Real
Mountain View, CA
(650) 965-3100
Added: $4,000
Field: Limited to 64 players
Entry: $100
Open: 10 am
Start: 11:30 am
Contact: Chris Swart
Cell: (510) 378-6301

The following U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship qualifier has been confirmed and added to the calendar:

April 30 – May 1, 2011
Drexeline Billiards
5100 State Road
Drexel Hill, PA
(610) 259-9144
Added: $500 w. 32 players
Entry: $75 (incl. green fee)
Open: 8 am
Auction/Draw: 11 am
Start: 1 pm
Contact: Alan Waldo
Cell: (215) 385-6114

CSI policy on qualifier participation: CSI recognized qualifiers are open to all players. Qualifier start times, added money, entry fees and races vary based on location. Only one spot will be awarded per qualifier. Players who submitted or submit an entry form and fee to either the U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship and / or the U.S. Open One Pocket Championship may still play in CSI recognized qualifiers.

Any player who wins a qualifier spot after already submitting their entry form(s) and fee(s) will be reimbursed for the entry fee previously submitted and allowed to accept the paid qualifier spot. All qualifier winners must be verified by CSI with the qualifier host room and / or tournament director.

All U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship and U.S. Open One Pocket Championship entrants, including qualifier winners, must complete and sign the required entry form. A player, including any qualifier winners, will not be considered fully entered into either the U.S. Open 10-Ball or U.S. Open One Pocket national events until CSI receives the player’s entry form and fee.

Qualifier winner entry fees are to be submitted by the qualifier host location directly and not paid out in cash to the qualifier winner (value $340 for the U.S. Open One Pocket and $550 for the U.S. Open 10-Ball). Should a qualifier winner not be able to accept the spot, it will be awarded to the next highest finishing player from the same qualifier event or next eligible person per CSI.

CueSports International is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events such as the U.S. Bar Table Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial, the U.S. Open One Pocket Championship and the U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship. Visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com and www.playusapool.com for more information about CSI and its divisions.

Dublin Snooker Final Nearly Sold Out

Tickets for the conclusion of the Players Tour Championship Grand Finals in Dublin have been snapped up by fans, with the final virtually sold out.

The tournament runs from March 16 to 20 at The Helix and features many kings of the green baize including former World Champions Mark Williams and Shaun Murphy, twice Masters champion Mark Selby, Asian ace Marco Fu and former UK Champion Stephen Maguire.

There are still tickets on sale for all sessions, and they start at just 10 Euros. For details call 003531 7007000 (01 7007000) or visit www.worldsnooker.com/ptcfinal

Maguire signalled his return to form by reaching the final of the recent Wyldecrest Park Homes Welsh Open, and he's looking forward to building on that success with another long run in Dublin.

"Everyone worked hard to get into the Grand Finals (by playing in the 12 short PTC events) and it's a massive event on the calendar," said the World No 6 from Glasgow.

"A lot of the top boys are in it this year and I think next year everyone will play in the smaller events so it will be even tougher to win."

Bewleys Hotel are offering fans a special 10% discount on accommodation. Quote the code word "Helix" when booking at www.bewleyshotels.com

There's also a special offer for students with tickets available for just 5 Euros on Wednesday March 16.

IMG REPRESENTATION DEAL WITH WORLD SNOOKER LTD TO BECOME LONG TERM PARTNERSHIP

London: 3 March 2011 – IMG Media announced today it has extended its representation deal with World Snooker Limited (WSL), to distribute the worldwide media rights of all live coverage and highlights (excluding domestic deals) from WSL events for the foreseeable future. The partnership will also include event development and promotion, and sponsorship rights.

The professional snooker circuit includes prestigious tournaments such as the UK Championship, China Open, the Masters and the Betfred.com World Championship. Players from around the world take part in the tour, including Ding Junhui from China, Marco Fu from Hong Kong and Neil Robertson from Australia, as well as some of snooker’s legends such as John Higgins, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry.

Adam Kelly, Senior Vice President Marketing and Commercial Director, IMG Media said: “IMG Media is delighted to announce that our deal with World Snooker Ltd has developed into a long term partnership. We have long believed in the potential to grow the sport and have formed an even closer relationship with World Snooker that will help deliver a bright future. There is lots more to come from Snooker.”

Barry Hearn, Chairman, World Snooker Ltd, said: “The growth of snooker internationally in recent years has been exceptional, not only in Asia, but in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Snooker is being enjoyed by a growing number of fans around the world through our international broadcast partnerships. With IMG we are looking to develop snooker into a truly global sport with exposure to millions more fans.”

Record Sales For Crucible Snooker Tickets

Tickets for the 2011 Betfred.com World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield have been selling at record levels, with many sessions already sold out.

The tournament runs from April 16 to May 2 and it's one of the most keenly-anticipated events on the sporting calendar, as the best cue-ball wizards on the planet compete for the famous trophy and £250,000 top prize.

The top 16 line up was confirmed after the recent Welsh Open, with Australian Neil Robertson to defend his title at the Crucible against the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, John Higgins, Mark Selby, Shaun Murphy and Sheffield-based Ding Junhui. They will be joined by the 16 players who come through the qualifiers in March.

The last four days of the tournament, as well as several other sessions, are completely sold out. Overall, sales are up around 15 per cent on last year.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: "This year we decided to change the way we sell tickets for the Championship, getting rid of the old postal booking system and allowing all fans to buy tickets much earlier with an open telephone and online service. We felt this would make it much fairer and easier for everyone.

"The change has proved very successful and this is reflected in the fantastic figures for ticket sales. There's still six weeks until the event starts so I'm urging anyone who hasn't got tickets yet to get them booked up as I want to see every session sold out. People in Sheffield love their snooker, and we're getting more and more fans from overseas each year which is very encouraging.

"The atmosphere at the Crucible really is one of the most magical anywhere in the world, and with the incredible standard of snooker the top guys are producing now, this is really an event not to be missed. We're looking forward to working with Betfred.com and our partners in the City of Sheffield to make this an outstanding tournament."

The Leader of Sheffield City Council, Councillor Paul Scriven said: "Sheffield is quite rightly the world home of snooker and we're proud of that reputation. This year's event will no doubt build upon that success as we welcome thousands of visitors to the city. There's no better place to experience snooker than the Crucible and with wonderful countryside on our doorstep, great city attractions to visit and a vibrant shopping experience on offer, there's so much to do in Sheffield and something for everyone during the Championship."

David Fletcher, Director, Creative Sheffield, added: "The Masters earlier this year saw the first ever major final between two Asian players, a tangible sign of the game of snooker becoming truly international. Now that all ticket sales for the World Snooker Championship are on-line, this most prestigious of events in the snooker calendar is accessible to fans far and wide. Sheffield's pride in being associated with this growing international sport cannot be overstated."

To buy tickets call 0844 6565 147 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/world

Tickets are also on sale for the qualifying rounds, which run from March 5-13 at the English Institute of Sport -Sheffield, featuring the likes of Jimmy White, Steve Davis and Ken Doherty. Call 0114 256 5567 or visit www.arenaticketshop.co.uk

THE HITMAN TURNS UP HIS SWAGGER FOR THIS EVENING’S BRITISH ASIAN SPORTS AWARDS

The British Asian Sports Awards (BASA) was founded by Sony Entertainment Television Network in 2000 and has grown to be the biggest Asian sports awards in the UK. It was set up to globally showcase the immense sporting talent that exists within the Asian community in the UK. BASA prides itself on recognizing and celebrating the substantial achievements of British Asian sporting talents from across the UK. As well as honoring professionals who have already proved themselves within the sporting arena, BASA is a unique institution for raising the profile of talented amateur and semi-professional South Asians involved in sport and nurturing that talent even further.

Raj is one of the lucky few that has been selected again by the judges and it has been down to the public to decide who will be crowned winner for each category. Raj was nominated and won last year’s award for Most Up and Coming Sports Personality for 2010. Last year also saw thousands of entrants who were judged on their sporting prowess and the best were awarded at an exclusive glitzy ceremony. Other previous winners have included cricketer Salma Bi, Arsenal female footballer Riana Devi Soobadoo and Change4Life British Asian Sports Awards official ambassador, Amir Khan.

“It’s an honour to be nominated again but so great it’s in the category for the Sports Personality of the Year this time around. Last year I was lucky enough to win the Most Up & Coming Sports Personality of the Year and felt really honored to be nominated and to go on to win was a blessing, hopefully this year will have the same dream ending for myself and being a strong competitor winning is very important. Although winning the award is really not everything as this event is here to inspire the youth and future of all sports for both genders. Last year I met many Champions at the ceremony that told me I inspired them when they saw me playing on their television sets but the truth is they inspire me greatly to be a better athlete, person and role model’’.

With Raj’s usual swagger turned up a notch, he will be dressed to impress in a black tux, with custom made accessories that will make him stand out from the rest. This Hitman’s attire will be inspired by the same theme as the computer game and film character “The Hitman” instead Raj’s red accessories will be encrusted with red Swarovski crystals. He also decided to replace the Audi with a Rolls Royce Phantom.

Stay tuned to Raj’s fan page if you want to see more of this flamboyant evening tonight. Blogs, videos and photographs will be updated regularly from 5pm onwards on www.facebook.com/RajHundal

Yalin Women's World 10-Ball Airs 45 Days Straight on ESPN Star Sports
By Sally Lee

Asia - TV network giant ESPN Star Sports will be airing the Dragon Promotions produced Yalin Women's World 10-Ball Championship from February 15 through March 31,2011. It's a record total of 45 days straight airing every televised match of the event. The event took place in October with the main event at Robinson's Galleria Mall connected to the Crowne Plaza. The championship brought together 48 international pro women fighting for the title in 10-Ball, considered to be the sport's most challenging game.

"It's really great to see our event continue to draw an enormous amount of media coverage. ESPN Star Sports has been a great network partner and we are thrilled they value the event enough to air it for a month and a half straight. These women put on a great show and fantastic performances", said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.

ESPN Star Sports will air the Women's 10-Ball Championship in over 20 countries to hundreds of millions of viewers. The record airings is another feather in the cap of partners Cindy Lee and Charlie Williams of Dragon Promotions, as they were recently voted #2 in a poll of the Top Ten Most Influential People in Billiards. DP also just celebrated their 10 year anniversary.

The World 10-Ball Championship was sponsored by Yalin Tables, the premier billiard table manufacturer in China along with BCN Balls, Leqi Cloth, Crown Plaza Galleria Ortigas, Magic 89.9, Philippines Star, Nuvo City, Star Billiards Center and Robinson's Galleria. ABS-CBN Sports was the local television partner.

WORLD LADIES BILLIARDS & SNOOKER ASSOCIATION - PRESS RELEASE

FAREHAM Snooker Club plays host to the world’s best women players on Saturday

Six-time world champion Reanne Evans heads to the south coast bidding to extend her record-breaking 80-match unbeaten run in the Connie Gough National Championship.

Aiming to stop the queen of the green baize in the fifth leg of the World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association tour will be Cosham’s Emma Bonney, 34, the world number three.

Also in a high-quality line-up are world number two Maria Catalano, Ronnie O’Sullivan’s 29-year-old cousin, and, making her first appearance of the season, Kent’s Katie Henrick, 30, who is ranked fourth.

The last time 25-year-old mother-of-one Evans, from Dudley, West Midlands, was beaten on the WLBSA tour was on March 1, 2008. And she has won the last 18 tournaments that she has entered.

Favourite for the junior title is 14-year-old Derby schoolgirl Hannah Jones, the world number seven. She will be up against 16-year-old Naomi Clare (Ripley, Derbys) and 11-year-old Jasmine Bolsover (Woking).

The draw takes place at 9.45am and the action starts at 10am. Colin Selby is the tournament director.

The format is a best-of-five knockout. A junior championship and a Plate competition, for players not reaching the quarter-finals, will also be played. If time allows, a seniors event will be run.

The WLBSA is hosting six ranking events this season culminating in the World Championships in Bury St Edmunds in April.

WLBSA president Agnes Davies, the 1949 women’s world champion, died last month, aged 90.

Chairman Mandy Fisher said: “Agnes was a wonderful lady who I had the great pleasure of knowing and playing snooker with over the years.”

Connie Gough National Championship
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Fareham Snooker Club
Broadcut
Fareham
PO16 8ST
Tel: 01329 221759

CONNIE GOUGH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ENTRIES

Reanne Evans (Dudley, West Mids)
Maria Catalano (Dudley, West Mids)
Emma Bonney (Portsmouth)
Katie Henrick (Bickley, Kent)
Eva Palmius (Isleham, Cambs)
Jenny Poulter (Maidstone)
Hannah Jones (Derby)
Marianne Williams (Smallfield, Surrey)
Martina Lumsden (Eastbourne)
Gaye Jones (Melksham, Wilts)
Vicky Carter (Hemel Hempstead)
Tina Owen-Sevilton (Taunton)
Natascha Niermann (Cambridge)
Naomi Clare (Ripley, Derbys)
Jasmine Bolsover (Woking)
Victoria Gibbs (Trowbridge)


Photography by Monique Limbos

Kiamco and Villarreal Take 18th U.S. Bar Table Championships All Around Titles

Come snow or shine the U.S. Bar Table Championships (USBTC) held February 21-27, 2011 brings players from all across the globe to “the Biggest Little City in the World.” Hosted at the Terrible’s Sands Regency Casino Hotel in Reno, Nevada, the $25,250 guaranteed added event celebrated its 18th anniversary in 2011.

The event had over 450 entries in six divisions: Men’s / Mixed 10-Ball, 9-Ball, 8-Ball and Women’s 10-Ball, 9-Ball and 8-Ball. This was the first year in the event’s history to include a full set of women’s divisions and women’s All Around bonuses.

The USBTC is produced by CueSports International (CSI), sponsored by Terrible’s Sands Regency and Diamond Billiard Products, and directed by Bad Boys Billiard Productions. During the event players were paid immediately on-site. Over $66,000 was available for cash payouts.

The tournament began with the 10-Ball divisions, with 16 women and 93 men. The 9-Ball division started its engine mid-week with 23 women and 128 men. The 8-Ball competition, with 36 women and 157 men in contention, wrapped up the event. After two years of bandwidth issues at the host venue, the innovative team and internet live pool action leaders, TAR, this year was able to live stream.

In the women’s competition, a tornado ripped through all three fields with little mercy. Vivian Villarreal, long time WPBA professional and fan favorite, took first place in all three women’s divisions. Her dominance solidly secured her the $500 first place All Around Women’s Bonus.

Competing for the second place women’s All Around included Melissa “The Viper” Little, Nicole Keeney, Brittany Bryant, and Susan Williams. While the points were close, it was Bryant who came in second in the women’s All Around points behind Villarreal.

For the first time in several years, the Men’s / Mixed All Around competition was not dominated by one or two individuals. Instead there were a handful of players who were neck and neck in All Around points throughout the week.

The final board of the Men’s / Mixed 10-Ball division included the diverse crowd of Stevie “the Blade” Moore from Georgia, Canadian Pros Stan Tourangeau and John Morra, Californian Louis Ulrich, Arizona monster Mitch Ellerman, Midwest young gun Branden Ashcroft and 2008 World Pool Master Champion Alex “the Lion” Pagulayan.

Going into the 10-Ball finals between Pagulayan and Morra, the railbirds were putting “The Lion” heavily in favor over Morra. The live stream audience was treated to both men playing dead stroke in the first race to 7. However, two scratches on the break by Pagulayan gave Morra the edge needed to win the first set. Coming from the one loss side, Morra would need to beat Pagulayan again in a second set. It was not to be as Pagulayan came back strong and Morra seemed to lose steam, giving Pagulayan an easy win in set two.

Heading into mid-week Pagulayan led the men’s All Around points with Morra hot on his heels. However in the 9-Ball division both were knocked out much earlier than anticipated. “The Lion” was ousted by Vegas player Ray Skenandore and the kid from Ontario, Morra, was sent to the sidelines by Phoenix player Nick DeLeon. Both Pagulayan and Morra finished 49th-64th place in the division. The gate was now wide open to a slew of other players to pursue the meaty $2,000 first place Men’s / Mixed All Around bonus.

Prime to take advantage of that opening were Moore, Tourangeau and lesser known Tennessee player Josh O’Neal who all cashed high in the 10-Ball division and two additional dangers, Larry “the Truth” Nevel and top Philippine player Warren Kiamco. The finals of the 9-Ball men’s division were those very two dangers who uncharacteristically didn’t catch the final board earlier in 10-Ball, but earned redemption in the 9-Ball.

Nevel’s road to the 9-Ball finals was a long one. After a first loss to Beau Runningen in his third match, Nevel had to grind it through 9 more matches on the one loss side to make it to the mountain. Kiamco was more leisurely in his travel to the finals, enjoying the sweetness of being in the hot seat. The finals came down to Nevel and Kiamco. But even the best grinders can hit a wall. Although Nevel trounced Kiamco 9-2 in the first set, a little déjà-vu of the Pagulayan – Morra 10-Ball final took place. In set two Nevel lost a little steam and Kiamco played solid taking the set 9-6 and first place in the division. Now it appeared there was a new Sherriff in the All Around point list town.

Going into the 8-Ball and final division, there were more horses in serious contention for the USBTC All Around bonuses than the 9th race at Aqueduct.

The top contenders were Kiamco, Nevel, Moore, Pagulayan, Morra, Ashcraft, O’Neal and Tourangeau.

Moore played consistently all week placing 7-8th in the 10-Ball and 5-6th in the 9-Ball. Tourangeau was also one to watch with a 5-6th place finish in the 10-Ball and 7-8th place in the 9-Ball. Although they faltered in the 9-Ball, the 1st and 2nd place finishes in the 10-Ball still put Pagulayan and Morra in solid All Around position. Nevel and Kiamco garnered new life after their 9-Ball finishes and were slightly ahead of Pagulayan and Morra in the point list. Two darker horses but still in contention were Ashcraft with a 5-6th place finish in the 10-Ball and a 17-24th place in the 9-Ball and O’Neal with a solid 9-12th place finish in the 10-Ball and strong 5-6th finish in the 9-Ball.

The top contenders still had to maneuver the 157 player 8-Ball field. Some fared well, some fell to the wayside. The final 8 players included: Amar Kang, O’Neal, Kiamco and Ashcraft on the winner’s side and Morra, Moore, Josh Smith and Ivan Doty on the one loss side. Kang, Smith and Doty could only cash in on the All Around bonuses if they won the 8-Ball division.

Kang, Smith and Doty were motivated and potential spoilers to the other 5 players; evidenced when Doty knocked Moore out of the 8-Ball division 5-0. After the dust settled Morra and Kiamco were the last two players standing. While Kiamco again was the hot seat man, Morra meticulously made his way through 10 matches before facing Kiamco. It must have been the taste of his near 10-Ball victory that spurred Morra as he handily double dipped Kiamco 5-2, 5-2 to take the 8-Ball division title.

With division play over and points list in hand, it was announced that Kiamco took the $2,000 first place Men’s / Mixed All Around bonus, Morra took the $1,000 second place bonus and the initial lion that roared early in the week, Pagulayan, squeaked past the rest of the field to take the $500 third place bonus.

Results / Payouts (through 5-6th each division)

For the full lists of players, payouts and match results visit CueSports Tournament System (CTS) at www.ctsondemand.com

10-Ball Men’s / Mixed
1st: ($4,400) Alex Pagulayan
2nd: ($2,500) John Morra
3rd: ($1,600) Louis Ulrich
4th: ($1,100) Mitch Ellerman
5th-6th: ($500 each) Brandon Ashcraft and Stan Tourangeau
(Paid down to 24th place)

10-Ball Women’s
1st: ($825) Vivian Villarreal
2nd: ($450) Brittany Bryant
3rd: ($250) Susan Williams
4th: ($125) Nicole Keeney
5th-6th: ($75) Bonnie Plowman and Heather Pulford

9-Ball Men’s / Mixed
1st: ($4,650) Warren Kiamco
2nd: ($3,100) Larry Nevel
3rd: ($2,000) Ross Fregoso
4th: ($1,250) Bobby Emmons
5th-6th: ($800 each) Josh O’Neal and Stevie Moore
(Paid down to 32nd place)

9-Ball Women’s
1st: ($850) Vivian Villarreal
2nd: ($550) Nicole Keeney
3rd: ($350) Brittany Bryant
4th: ($200) Heather Pulford
5th-6th: ($100 each) Bonnie Plowman and Susan Williams

8-Ball Men’s / Mixed
1st: ($5,000) John Morra
2nd: ($3,000) Warren Kiamco
3rd: ($2,000) Amar Kang
4th: ($1,100) Josh O’Neal
5th-6th: ($800 each) Brandon Ashcraft and Ivan Doty
(Paid down to 48th place)

8-Ball Women’s
1st: ($875) Vivian Villarreal
2nd: ($525) Melissa Little
3rd: ($325) Shawn Modelo
4th: ($225) Bonnie Plowman
5th-6th: ($150 each) Brittany Bryant and Susan Williams
(Paid down to 12th place)

CueSports International is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events such as the U.S. Bar Table Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial, the U.S. Open One Pocket Championship and the U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship. Visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com and www.playusapool.com for more information about CSI and its divisions.