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Topic: *Industry News* 2013

Swail – Snooker’s In My Blood

Belfast’s Joe Swail admits he has missed playing in snooker’s biggest tournaments as he looks forward to the Dafabet Players Tour Championship Grand Finals in Galway.

Swail will be one of 32 players battling for the £100,000 top prize in the event at the Bailey Allen Hall at the National University of Ireland in Galway from March 12 to 17.

The 43-year-old Ulsterman reached the semi-finals of the World Championship twice, in 2000 and 2001, and got to the final of the Welsh Open in 2009. But after a loss of form he dropped off snooker’s professional tour at the end of the 2011/12 season.

Competing as an amateur, he entered several PTC events this season and proved that he can still cut it at the top level. At the Paul Hunter Classic in Germany last August, Swail beat the likes of Jimmy White, Shaun Murphy and Barry Hawkins to reach the final before losing to Mark Selby.

That helped the player nicknamed the Outlaw qualify for the Grand Finals, and he’ll be in Galway with all guns blazing.

“I have missed playing in the big tournaments because snooker is in my blood,” said Swail. “Getting to that final in Germany gave me a great buzz. I’m excited about Galway now because it’s been quite a while since I had a really big event to look forward to.”

Swail will be practising with world number seven Mark Allen in the build-up to the tournament to sharpen his game. Allen is in peak form having won his second ranking title at the Haikou World Open last Sunday.“Mark has asked me for a few games when he gets back from China this week,” said Swail. “He is such an incredible player so it will be good for me to have a few matches against him.

"And hopefully plenty of people from Northern Ireland will come down to Galway next Tuesday as both Mark and I will be playing."

Swail’s performances in the PTC events could earn him a return to the main tour next season, but he is yet to decide whether the time is right.

“I’d like to think that I will give it a try but I’m still undecided,” he added. “I don’t want to go back just to make up the numbers, I’m only going to play if I feel that I can cut it. I want to compete and climb back up the rankings and if I don’t feel I can do that then I won’t turn pro. I have to be true to myself and make sure I’m not kidding myself.”

Swail’s opening match in Galway is against Stephen Maguire on the afternoon of Tuesday March 12. Also competing for the prestigious title will be the likes of Judd Trump, John Higgins, Neil Robertson, Mark Selby, Ding Junhui and Irish favourite Ken Doherty.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW and you can see four matches including Swail’s game for just 10 Euros…incredible value! For details see www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

£1.50 A PINT TODAY!

We're counting down to the big one, with up to 200 million people expected to be watching tonight when Manchester United take on Real Madrid.

But only Rileys members get to experience the big screen atmosphere of our Fanzones and a cracking £1.50 offer.

So yes, get down early, because from 5pm to 6.30pm we've got the tills set for £1.50 a pint*. What a result!

All you've got to do is quote 'ROONEY' or 'RONALDO' when you order at the bar.

Regards,
The Rileys Team

Doherty Confident Of Galway Success

Irish ace Ken Doherty goes into next week’s Dafabet Players Tour Championship Grand Finals with refreshed confidence after a recent return to form.

Dublin’s Doherty is among a star-studded 32-man line up for the event at the Bailey Allen Hall at the National University of Ireland in Galway, which runs from March 12 to 17. The likes of John Higgins, Judd Trump, Mark Selby, Neil Robertson and Mark Allen will also be chasing the £100,000 first prize.

Doherty reached the quarter-finals of the recent Welsh Open, beating Higgins on the way, and the semi-finals of the Scottish Open PTC event last December.

“I took some good scalps at the Welsh and that gave me a boost, to know that I can still beat the top players at the main venues,” said the 43-year-old, who won the World Championship in 1997. “Maybe I can’t pot balls and make big breaks in the way I used to, but I’ve still got the tactical side of the game. You never lose that and if you use it to your advantage it elongates your playing career – as Steve Davis has proved.

“Qualifying for the PTC finals was my main target for the season, alongside getting to the Crucible. I missed out on Galway last season and I was gutted. It’s going to be a really special event and it will be fantastic to play in front of my home crowd. Galway is a wonderful home for the event and I’m sure we will get great crowds because the people in Ireland love snooker. It will be a superb atmosphere especially as it’s St Patricks weekend.”

Doherty is building a burgeoning career in the media but is determined to emphasise that his career on the green baize still takes priority.

“I’m still a player first and foremost,” he insists. “People come up to me and ask me if I’m still playing, because they’ve seen me on TV as a pundit. It drives me mad and I have to tell them through gritted teeth not to forget me as a snooker player. I might not be on TV in the big tournaments as much as I used to be but I’m doing ok. I’m as passionate about the game as I have ever been.”

Doherty plays his opening match in Galway on Wednesday March 13 against Kurt Maflin. In the same evening session, starting at 7.30pm, potting sensation Judd Trump faces Alfie Burden.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW with all-day tickets starting at just 15 Euros…incredible value! For details see www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

GBE2013, More Wonderful For You!

Only less than one month to see the most influential and No.1 business expo in billiards industry—China Guangzhou International Billiards Exhibition 2013 (GBE 2013) stage! Don’t forget and miss the important date and venue: April 3rd-5th, 2013 & China Import & Export Fair Pazhou Complex. Or you must feel regretful and miss many business opportunities! Please remember GBE always appreciate all the insiders’ support and waiting for you attendance!

13,000 square meters, 160 exhibitors, 12,000 visitors from 40 countries and regions are waiting for your attention! Our regular customers and international brands never miss the feast, included Shender, Yalin, Predator Group (USA), Lucasi Hybrid (USA), Leo, Kanghom, Jianying, Sampro, Wiraka, Rasson, Fury Cues, PALKO PTY LTD (Australia), Iwan Simonis (Belgium), Hainsworth Cloth England, Longoni Cues Italy, All Table Sports Australia, Strachan 6811TM (UK), Aramith Ball Belgium, 8 Ball Stand Co(UK), Master Cues, Mezz Cue, Cosmos, Ball Teck Korea etc. Their participation further highlights GBE’s comprehensive influence.

Influenced by the international financial crisis, although the billiards industry has continuously experienced downturn in European and American countries, rapid growth has been achieved in China. Under this circumstance, GBE provides incomparable opportunities for overseas companies in this line to explore Chinese market, strengthen international market and establish strategic cooperation. With diversified products and innovative design showcased, all manufacturers, agents or dealers will participate in GBE to seek business opportunities and strengthen international cooperation. It’s no doubt that GBE have grown up to the weathervane in the industry!

Being a grand feast in billiards industry, GBE has not only developed into a high-end commercial platform, but also become an essential channel for brand showcase and technical exchange. Besides, it also aims to popularize billiards culture. By staging a series of activities like billiards forum and training teenage snooker players, GBE plays a positive role in promoting industrial development and market cultivation. After several years of hard work, GBE has gained recognition and support from domestic and foreign businesses.

With various kinds of equipment and accessories displayed in exhibition halls, we may marvel at the present popularity of billiards sport in China as it was considered as a kind of demoralizing activity years ago. Facing this huge shift, perhaps China’s billiards companies should stay claim and think of workable ways to take a market share during the strong international competition. To achieve this goal, we still have to work harder.

China International Billiards Exhibition (GBE2013)

ACS Presents Pure X All American Tour Results from Legends Sports Bar in Clinton IA

The 2012-2013 Pure X Cues All American Tour – presented by the American CueSports Alliance (ACS) – brought its 24th stop of the Tour year to Legend’s Sports Bar in Clinton, IA, Saturday, March 9. The $500-added 8-ball handicapped tourney on 7-foot Valley bar boxes drew 12 players.

On the A-side, Midwest powerhouse Chad Vilmont (Clinton, IA), despite having to race to “8” on the regional handicap system used, whitewashed Jim Baker (Clinton, IA) 8-0 in the semifinals, just as Al Birkett (Clinton, IA) was putting away Ray Fredericksen (Clinton, IA) 6-1 in the same round. The A-side finals went Vilmont’s way, as he outpointed Birkett 8-4 to gain the hot seat.

On the B-side, once-defeated Keith Helfrich (Sterling, IL) eliminated Steve Parlow (Davenport, IA) at 4th place by a 6-1 margin. But in the B-side finals, Helfrich fell to 3rd place on the hill to Al Birkett 5-6. The tourney finals proved exciting, as Al Birkett handed Chad Vilmont his first loss in the first set – 6-6. But Vilmont gathered his momentum in the deciding set and clipped Birkett by another 8-4 margin for the title!

By virtue of Keith Helfrich also being the highest-finishing ACS member in the event, he qualified for a free 9-Ball singles entry into the 2013 Pure X ACS Nationals at the Tropicana Las Vegas – courtesy of the ACS. The ACS wishes to thank sponsors Pure X Cues, Championship Billiard Fabric and Nick Varner Signature Cases for their support in donating “Value-In-Kind” product for this and all stops on the Pure X All American Tour. Sponsorship opportunities and tour stop openings are still available for the 2012/2013 All American Tour by contacting the ACS.

The Tour remains in the Midwest, heading to Davenport IA, on Saturday, March 23, with a $500 added 8-Ball Tourney at Sharky’s Billiards (contact Terry Stevens at 563-359-7225). Further information, entry details and schedules for the 2012/2013 Pure X Cues All American Tour are available at www.americancuesports.org.

Final Results:

1st        Chad Vilmont (Clinton, IA)                         $340

2nd        Alan Birkett (Clinton, IA)                             $220 + $50 side pot

3rd        Keith Helfrich (Sterling, IL)                         $120 + $30 side pot + Free Singles entry to ACS Nationals

4th        Steve Parlow (Davenport, IA)                        $60 + $10 side pot        

The ACS is a non-profit, national organization dedicated to heightening the interest and awareness of cue sports through the support and sanctioning of organized competition throughout the United States.

Lausanne Billiard Masters (SUI)

Watch 8 of the best 3-Cushion players in the world compete for the title LIVE on Kozoom. The Live video coverage will start on Friday, March 15th. The Premium Pass is required the first 2 days and Sunday is Free to all members. If you don't have your Premium Pass yet, you can register here.

Billiard Congress of America Launches Membership Campaign Drive

New Members Receive $700+ In Free Merchandise

Broomfield, Colo., March 14, 2013 - In the Billiard Congress of America's ongoing efforts to increase member benefits, and help its members save money on daily operations, the association is proud to announce the details of its 2013 BCA membership drive.

The first 25 BCA Retail and Room Operator members that join the association from March 14 - April 30, 2013 will receive at no additional cost:

•     Championship - POP display box of Tour Edition Chalk ($159.20 MSRP)
•     Cue & Case Sales - OVER $100 grab bag of Extreme, Pro Series and Live Hard Play Hard accessories and apparel
•     Diamond Billiard Products - Diamond Billiard Shirt ($19.95)
•     J. Pechauer - Free jump cue ($150 MSRP)
•     How to Play Pool Right DVD featuring Jerry Briesath ($17.95 MSRP)
•     Lava Chalk - Free chalk and display box ($110 MSRP)
•     McDermott - Jump Training Cue Ball ($25 MSRP)
•     OB Cues - Q-Wiz Professional shaft conditioner ($5.95 MSRP)
•     Viking -Free Cue (Val-013) ($90.00 MSRP). PLUS, free black ViKORE 100* ($249 MSRP) to all new BCA Members that become a new Viking dealer and first $250 order*
•     More than $75 in additional BCA merchandise.

The total NEW member package value is over $700. The annual dues for Retailers and Room Operators with 1 location are $200 - that's an instant $500+ return on a member's investment for supporting the only association in the industry dedicated to our member's success.

With new membership the BCA can continue to provide programs, services and benefits that positively impact our member's business and continue to promote pool and billiards as a lifestyle.

In addition to the NEW member package NEW BCA members will also receive benefits that directly cover the cost of membership, including:

    Free BCA Summit 2013 Registration: Membership provides free admission to Summit 2013 (including all the education seminars) in Chicago/Schaumburg, July 10 - 12, 2013 (formerly known as the International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo). Free registration is available for a limited time.
    First Data Merchant Program: Members are encouraged to call First Data today at 770-618-6667 to save on credit card processing rates. If First Data doesn't meet or beat a member's current rate, they will pay the member $250!
    Free Billiard Congress of America Merchandise: Members can cover the cost of their membership and build customer relations with free Billiard Congress of America merchandise, including Billiards: the Official Rules and Records Book, How to Play Pool Right (DVD, booklet and poster), Etiquette Posters, plus much, much more.

Billiard Congress of America members are the foundation for building and improving the billiard and home recreation industry. It is through their dedication and commitment to the industry that the association flourishes.

To become a member of the Billiard Congress of America and take advantage of the NEW member package and great other BCA membership programs please contact Shane Tyree, membership manager at shane@bca-pool.com or 303.243.5070 extension 23.

Billiard Congress of America Sends Top American Players to 2013 World Games

world games Cali Broomfield, Colo., March 13, 2012 - The Billiard Congress of America is honored to announce that Monica Webb, Jeanette Lee, Johnny Archer, and Brandon Shuff have accepted invitations to represent the United States of America as they compete at the 2013 World Games in Cali, Columbia this summer.

In an effort to increase pro-player travel stipends for this prestigious event, the BCA has reduced the rate of the official billiard rules mobile application from $2.99 to $.99. The new price is in effect immediately and will only be discounted for a limited time. 50 percent of all proceeds from the sale of the official billiard rules mobile application will go to assisting the American players' travel expenses.

In a collaborative effort to increase the travel stipend the Billiard Congress of America is also seeking members of the billiard industry to donate to the travel fund for the Americans competing at the 2013 World Games in Cali, Columbia. The Billiard Congress of America has requested that each industry sponsor donate a minimum of $200, with 100 percent of their donation going to the travel stipends for the 2013 World Games in Cali, Columbia.

"The Billiard Congress of America is reducing the cost of the official billiard rules app and is reaching out to the industry hoping we can come together and collectively send America's best pool players to bring home the Gold from this year's World Games," said Billiard Congress of America Chairman Mike Serra. "The BCA would like to thank the American Poolplayers Association, Championship Cloth, Iwan Simonis, Tweeten Fibre, CueSports International and CueStix International for already expressing interest and support for the industry wide fund raising campaign."

Rules Icon The Billiard Congress of America's official mobile rules application is available for both the iPhone and Android platforms and contains the World-Standardized Rules of Pocket Billiards (8-Ball, 9-Ball, 10-Ball, 14.1 Continuous Pool, Black Ball, and more). The official billiard rules app is designed for players and enthusiasts who want instant access to the World-Standardized Rules, regulations and table specifications. The app also allows users the opportunity to email the Billiard Congress of America directly from the application with a rules question. This mobile application also gives players a new way to seek answers from certified BCA and World-Standardized referees.

To support the pro-player travel stipends as an industry sponsor and send America's ambassadors to the World Games this summer in Cali, Columbia, click here, complete and return the form to the Billiard Congress of America. Depending on your service provider, click iPhone or Android to support the pro-player travel fund for only $.99 and download your mobile rules app today.

The mobile application is powered by the Professional Billiard Instructors Association (PBIA). The PBIA is the largest recognized international body of billiard instructors, and is dedicated to growing cue sports through quality billiard instruction to individuals at all levels of proficiency to ensure that pool-playing students have a positive playing experience. For more information about the PBIA visit www.PlayBetterBilliards.com.

Django continues to win pool tournaments in the United States
by Marlon Bernardino

Filipino pool legend Francisco 'Django' Bustamante added another crown to his already huge collection after grabbing the title in the just ended 4th Annual Chet Itow Memorial last March 9 to 10 at the California Billiard Club Mountain View, California, USA.

The top player of sportsman/businessman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat of Puyat Sports bested Scotland's Jayson Shaw in the finals to finished undefeated in the 109 player's field. The 49-year-old Tarlac native started playing billiards seriously when he was 12 years old, went home the top prize of $US 2,500 while Shaw pocketed the runner-up purse of $US 1,600.

"Shaw opened the potential double-set finals with two quick racks; he and Bustamante both playing as though they were late for a bus. Bustamante got on the board, and Shaw took advantage of an unforced error to regain his two-rack lead. Bustamante used a carom shot to drop the 9-ball early in the fifth rack, and pull back within one, but he made another unforced error in the sixth rack to return the two-game lead to Shaw at 4-2.
Shaw didn't know it as the balls spread out in rack seven, but it was over. Bustamante put together a title-earning six-pack that included a 3-9 bank combination that finished it, in less than 45 minutes." according to AZBilliards.com report yesterday.

Santos "The Saint" Sambajon finished in tie for 7th to 8th place with American Bobby Alexander while Ronato "Volcano" Alcano and Deomark Alpajora was landed at 9th to 12th placer. Warren "Warrior" Kiamco and Ray Campana joined 13th to 16th placer.

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

"POV Pool To Attend The Andy Mercer Event At The Rum Runner. Possible, Live Stream!"

The Andy Mercer Memorial Tournament in Las Vegas!

It has been said by many that this venue is too small to accomodate a stream team.

Every year 64 of the best players from across the United States play at the annual Andy Mercer Memorial pool tournament at the Rum Runner Las Vegas on Tropicana. The tournament is held in March and is usually the weekend after the Doc Hill Memorial.

The tournament is hosted by owner Geno Hill and every year the board seems to fill faster and faster. Touring pros like Shane Van Boening and Darren Appleton are often viewed as just another match as they compete against some of the best "Bar Box" players in the United States.

This year's field will be one of the toughest yet, including one of pools hottest rising stars, Jayson Shaw, CTE/Pro One's Stevie Moore, Rodney 'The Rocket' Morris and many many more.

Here's the scoop!
POV Pool has been invited By Geno Hill to scout the venue for the possibility of streaming this event, live and free! It has been agreed by many that this venue is way too small and crowded, but one things for sure, POV Pool will be there to see if it's possible to pull it off!
This stream, if it happens will be LIVE & FREE! It will probably only be the final day, so please SAVE THE DATE/s and watch the forums!
03/24 - 03/25

Rum Runner Lounge
1801 East Tropicana Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89119-6559
(702) 736-6366

LIVE STREAM FEED @ www.povpool.com
www.rumrunnervegas.com

Previous Winners include:

1991 - Dave Nottingham
1992 - Joe Alvarez
1993 - Danny Medina
1994 - Jim Blakeman
1995 - Warren Kiamko
1996 - Roger Griffis
1997 - Roger Griffis
1998 - Jose Parica
1999 - Ismael Paez
2000 - Danny Medina
2001 - Jeff Heath
2002 - Jeff Heath
2003 - Nicholas Kruger
2004 - Jim Blakeman
2005 - Jim Blakeman
2006 - Ismael Paez
2007 - Ismael Paez
2008 - Brian Parks
2009 - Shane Van Boening
2010 - Ernesto Dominguez
2011 - Shane Van Boening
2012 - Shane Van Boening

Mezz Cues

We are pleased to welcome Brandon Shuff on the Mezz Team. Brandon has won over 30 Regional and Tour victories, a number of Bar Table Championships and was a member of the 2012 Mosconi Cup USA Team.

Brandon will be playing with the Mezz ACE-805, the Wrapless Power Break and the Air Drive Jump Cue. Good luck to Brandon as he will be attending the upcoming World 8-Ball Championships in Dubai and the World Games in South America. We look forward to more of your success with Mezz Cues.

Ultimate 10-Ball Returns to USA

The Third Edition of the Ultimate Ten Ball Championships will unfold June 17-20, 2013 at the Harrah’s Resort in Tunica, Mississippi. This WPA World Professional Ranking, BCA Professional Ranking and WPBA Professional Ranking event will carry a total prize fund of more than $170,000!

Features of this year’s event include two-table free live streaming by PoolAction TV, Tournament Direction by Ken Shuman, free live scoring by AZBilliards, and referees managed by Randy Goettlicher. Representatives of the World Pool Association and the Billiard Congress of America will be present and the WPA Sports Director will oversee the entire event.

The competition will occur on Diamond 9-foot Pro-Am tables covered with Simonis 860 cloth and equipped with Aramith Pro Cup balls and Master Chalk.

In an effort to assist the professional player with their travel costs this event will conclude the day prior to the Diamond Billiards Southern Classic in the same venue so the pros get to participate in many well-paying events on only a single air ticket.

Beginning Friday, March 22nd full details and entry forms for the Ultimate 10-Ball Championship will be found at: www.ultimate10ball.com

World Snooker Exclusively Partners With HotelPlanner.co.uk

Snooker fans will be able to benefit from great value hotel rates thanks to a new agreement between World Snooker and HotelPlanner.co.uk.

This new partnership has created www,Snooker.HotelPlanner.com

HotelPlanner.co.uk is the UK entity of HotelPlanner.com, the world’s number one online group travel company. HotelPlanner will be selecting and creating customised event booking sites for each World Snooker Tour event.

These customised group booking sites will offer players, officials and fans the guaranteed lowest rates at the best hotels, most conveniently located to the event venue. HotelPlanner’s proprietary group booking, hotel rating system and mapping technology are a few of the reasons HotelPlanner was selected.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “This is excellent news for the many thousands of fans who come to our events as they will be able to book hotels at the best possible rates. Snooker is an incredibly exciting sport to watch live and we offer phenomenal value for money on ticket prices, and this new agreement with HotelPlanner.co.uk will help those who travel to tournaments. It will also allow us to provide the best hotel deals for the players and event staff."

Tim Hentschel, CEO of Hotelplanner.com said: “HotelPlanner is extremely excited to be partnering with World Snooker. We know our group travel technology and experience in professional sports travel for teams in the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, Nascar and PBR will make this partnership a great success.”

A Brand New Game : Saratoga The Tournament

Saratoga, Wyoming- March 29th on the eve of the Wyoming Open, all players will get a chance to play "Saratoga". This game was designed and developed by Wyoming Open founder E.J. Glode. How is this game different? Well, for starters they play with a black 13-Ball! The Saratoga Tournament will be a $500 added event limited to 32 players with an affordable $50 entry fee, preceding the $25,000 purse events the following day. Past champions of the Saratoga Tournament include Rodney Morris, Charlie Williams, Raj Hundal, and Amar Kang.

"I was playing pool with my dear friend Susan one night. We discovered that we played at different speeds, I was a little better than she was. She told me that I had to run my balls in order. This leveled the playing field significantly. A few months later, I started playing rotation 13-ball. This is a challenging game, but my favorite thing about it was how the rack popped and spread out. I started combining the two ideas, and came up with "Saratoga" " , explained game inventor and promoter E.J. Glode.

The rules are fairly simple: It is a mixture of 8-Ball and 9-Ball. 13 balls are used, which include unique color schemes such as a green 1-Ball and yellow 3-Ball. But there are stripes and solids. The table is always open after the break. One of each equals a choice. Then you must shoot your colors in rotation, and then finale with the black 13-Ball for the win.

"The rules are simple but it's very interesting because games can become very defensive or very offensive depending on the players style. And players with great banking and kicking skills have a bigger advantage", observed Charlie Williams, promoter, player and one of the world's top pool coaches.

The Saratoga Tournament will finish in the same night it starts. The following day the 6th Annual Wyoming Open starts. The $25,000 purse event is co-promoted by Dragon Promotions and is renown to be the biggest and best pool event in the state drawing over 150 players in different divisions. The event is sponsored by Asia's #1 pro cloth Andy Cloth and Master Chalk. Local partners are Duke's Bar & Grill and Riviera Lodge and all events coordinated by Shively Hardware.

THE ROAD TO RIO CONTINUES

Top tier domestic footy takes a break this weekend as the World Cup Qualifiers take over with group matches on Friday and Monday.

We can't guarantee caps for Rileys Sports Bar big screen appearances, but we can offer taps, snacks and of course the world famous cue sport experience. Stadio Rileys - the home of big screen sport.

Friday 22 March

NORTHERN IRELAND v RUSSIA K.O. 7.45pm
SCOTLAND v WALES K.O. 8pm
SAN MARINO v ENGLAND K.O. 8pm

Saturday 23 March

RANGERS v STIRLING ALBION K.O. 12pm
SHEFFIELD UNITED v BRENTFORD K.O. 12.45pm

Sunday 24 March

TRANMERE ROVERS v STEVENAGE K.O. 4pm

Tuesday 26 March

SERBIA v SCOTLAND K.O. 7.30pm
NORTHERN IRELAND v ISRAEL K.O. 7.45pm
WALES v CROATIA K.O. 7.45pm
REP. OF IRELAND v AUSTRIA K.O. 7.45pm
MONTENEGRO v ENGLAND K.O. 8pm

Regards,
The Rileys Team

Betfair Sponsor Snooker’s World Championship

World Snooker is delighted to announce Betfair as the new title sponsor of the sport’s biggest tournament, the World Championship.

The Betfair World Championship will run from April 20 to May 6 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, with Ronnie O’Sullivan aiming to defend his title against the best players on the planet.

Betfair has already sponsored the Masters, the Shoot-Out, the German Masters and the European Tour this season, and has now enhanced its portfolio by adding the event which is the pinnacle of the snooker calendar.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “The World Championship is one of the great sporting occasions. It’s a tournament which draws the attention of everyone who loves sport, who loves to see the most talented competitors do battle under the most intense and pressurised conditions.

“We are thrilled to welcome Betfair as title sponsor for the first time. They have shown tremendous support for our events this season and the exposure they have already gained for their brand on a worldwide scale has been phenomenal. The World Championship is guaranteed at least 120 hours of coverage from the BBC and a global audience of 360 million.

“It is building up to be the most fascinating Championship we’ve ever had, so anyone lucky enough to be inside the Crucible cauldron to see the action live should savour every moment. I hope the Betfair team enjoy the 17 days of sporting drama as much as I will.”

Betfair spokesman Barry Orr said: “We are delighted to be extending our partnership with World Snooker, and the opportunity to further increase our commitment to the sport through title sponsorship of this marquee event is an exciting prospect. The return of Ronnie O’Sullivan also means that the line-up is as strong as ever and the stage looks set for a thrilling first ever Betfair World Championship."

The event will feature the top 16 seeds at the cut-off point after the China Open, which finishes on March 31, plus the 16 players who come through the qualifying rounds, which run from April 4 to 14 at the English Institute of Sport – Sheffield.

Tickets for selected sessions of the tournament are still available so BOOK NOW to secure your seats for the greatest snooker show on Earth. Call 0844 6565 147 or visit sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

There are also some incredible VIP packages for the semis and the final which allow fans to see the latter stages unfold in style. For details call Frank on 01277 359 925 or the Crucible Theatre on 0844 6565 147.

There are also tickets available for the qualifying rounds from April 6 to 14 as the likes of Steve Davis, Jimmy White and Ken Doherty battle for a place at the Crucible. Call 0114 256 5567 or visit www.arenaticketshop.co.uk

The Betfair World Championship is supported by Sheffield City Council and Welcome to Yorkshire.

All Ireland Open 9-Ball Pool Championships
SATURDAY 27th JULY 2013

The biggest and most prestigious “9-BALL TOURNAMENT” in Ireland will see the 11th annual event take place on Saturday 27th July played in Donaldson’s Snooker & Pool Club Enniskillen Co.Fermanagh with full details announced nearer the tournament.

OVERSEAS PLAYERS: ------ Bed & Breakfast
Any overseas players looking to travel to Ireland for this 11th annual event please get in contact with me on 07563083572 and I can arrange Hotel booking for all players travelling.

PAST ALL IRELAND 9-BALL CHAMPIONS:
2003: Kevin Smith (England)
2004: John Wims (kildare)
2005: Pat Holtz (Scotland)
2006: Sam Gibson (Antrim)
2007: Paddy McLoughlin (Down)
2008: Declan Hughes (Armagh)
2009: Jason Power (Waterford)
2010: Paddy McLoughlin (Down)
2011: Coilean Massey (Antrim)
2012: Mark McDonald (Antrim)
2013:

Polish 10-Ball

Wojciech Szewczyk won the Dynamic Best of the East 2013 - Polish 10-Ball. The tournament took place in Kielce and 80 players from Czech, Slovakia, Romaina, Bulgaria and Poland took part in it. Next tournament will held in May in Prague.

Prize money:
1.050 euro - W. Szewczyk
700 euro - Marek Kudlik,
450 euro - Michal Lichodziejewski and Karol Skowerski
200 euro - Mateusz Śniegocki, Wojciech Trajdos, Krystian Cwikla and Mieszko Fortunski.

More: www.ebc-billiard.com and www.makmarketing.pl

Regards
Marcin Krzeminski

Extra Tickets For Betfair World Championship Released

Snooker fans hoping for a chance to see the Betfair World Championship live can book seats for previously sold-out sessions as extra tickets are released at 10am tomorrow (Thursday).

Snooker's greatest tournament starts in just over three weeks on April 20 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield and it is one of the truly magical occasions on the sporting calendar.

A limited number of tickets for each session - including the final on May 5 and 6 - have become available as they were left over from World Snooker's allocation to its partners.

The tickets will be on sale when the box office opens at 10am on Thursday and fans are advised to book immediately to secure their seats. Call 0844 6565 147 or visit sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

A spokesman for World Snooker said: "We are building towards one of the most fascinating Championships ever, with Ronnie O'Sullivan back to defend his crown against a host of gifted players such as Judd Trump, Neil Robertson, Mark Selby, Ding Junhui, Mark Allen and John Higgins. Anyone who has the chance to be at the Crucible to see the action live should grasp the opportunity, as it is an incredible experience. Tickets are also a fantastic gift to give to a friend for Easter.

"We are pleased to be able to offer more tickets for general sale and advise fans to book quickly. We are on course for record sales and the atmosphere inside the arena will be electric."

There are some incredible VIP packages for the semis and the final which allow fans to see the latter stages unfold in style. For details call Frank on 01277 359 925 or the Crucible Theatre on 0844 6565 147.

There are also tickets available for the qualifying rounds from April 6 to 14 as the likes of Steve Davis, Jimmy White and Ken Doherty battle for a place at the Crucible. Call 0114 256 5567 or visit www.arenaticketshop.co.uk

The Betfair World Championship is supported by Sheffield City Council.

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