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Topic: *Industry News* 2015 - 2024

Snooker Breaks New Ground With BetVictor World Mixed Doubles

As one of the few major sports where men and women can compete together on an equal footing, snooker will showcase its inclusivity in September with the BetVictor World Mixed Doubles.

The pioneering tournament will see the world’s top four men – Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Selby and Neil Robertson – each paired with one of the top four women – Reanne Evans, Ng On Yee, Nutcharut Wongharuthai and Rebecca Kenna.

Televised live by ITV, the invitation event will take place over the weekend of Saturday September 24 and Sunday September 25 at the Marshall Arena at MK Stadium in Milton Keynes. Ticket details will be announced soon.

The random draw will take place in advance of the event, with one man drawn to play alongside each woman. The four pairs will compete over two days in a round-robin format, followed by the final with the winning team to be crowned inaugural champion.

Each round-robin match will be four frames, with all frames to be completed. Teams will score one point for each frame. At the end of the group phase, the top two teams will go through to the final, which will be best of seven frames. The two players in a team will make alternate visits to the table (rather than alternate shots).

Session times are 1pm and 7pm on both days. Each of the first three sessions will feature two group matches, so all eight players will be in action. The final will then take place on Sunday September 25 from 7pm.

The players:

Ronnie O’Sullivan – current World Champion, world number one and crowd favourite
Judd Trump – 2019 World Champion known for his flamboyant style
Mark Selby – four time Crucible king and current world number three
Neil Robertson – the best player of the 2021/22 season, winning four titles
Reanne Evans – the most successful ever World Women’s Snooker player with 12 world titles
Ng On Yee – three-time World Champion and one of Hong Kong’s most famous sport stars
Nutcharut Wongharuthai – up-and-coming talent from Thailand who won her first world title 2022
Rebecca Kenna – women’s world number four and multiple title winner

This will be the first televised mixed doubles snooker event since 1991 when Steve Davis and Allison Fisher joined forces to win the title in Hamburg.

WST Chairman Steve Dawson said: “This is the first time that a mixed doubles snooker event will be broadcast live on free-to-air television so it’s a very significant moment for our sport. We’re delighted to partner with ITV and BetVictor for this fantastic tournament.

“Snooker is a game for everyone, regardless of age, gender and nationality, and we have proved this with the expansion of our tour and of the sport at grassroots level. There is no reason why men and women can’t compete together and we are thrilled to have – for the first time - four women on our professional tour in the coming season.

“The BetVictor World Mixed Doubles will be an opportunity for the eight players to compete in pairs, creating a different dynamic to the usual individual formats. It will be fascinating to watch both for the live audience and television viewers.

“We look forward to delivering a high quality event and we hope to make this a regular fixture on the circuit.”

Global Sponsorship manager Sam Boswell from sponsor BetVictor added: “We’re proud to be sponsoring the BetVictor World Mixed Doubles in September, it’s an event that showcases how the game is for everyone, and we look forward to growing our presence in world snooker by supporting this unique tournament.”

BetVictor Continues Partnership With World Snooker Tour

BetVictor, a leading global gambling company, will be title sponsor of nine events on the World Snooker Tour during the 2022/23 season, with the leading money winner across the BetVictor Series to earn a huge £150,000 bonus.

WST is delighted to continue its long term partnership with BetVictor, a dedicated supporter of snooker for many years.

The BetVictor sponsored tournaments will include the four BetVictor Home Nations Series events, the new and innovative BetVictor World Mixed Doubles and four others. The events are:

BetVictor Championship League, June 28 to July 29, Leicester, promoted by Matchroom Multi-Sport

BetVictor World Mixed Doubles, September 24-25, Milton Keynes

BetVictor European Masters, August 16-21, Germany

BetVictor Shoot Out, January 26-29, Leicester

BetVictor German Masters, February 1-5, Berlin

BetVictor Home Nations Series

BetVictor Northern Ireland Open, October 16-23, Belfast

BetVictor Scottish Open, November 28 to December 4, Edinburgh

BetVictor English Open, December 12-18, Brentwood

BetVictor Welsh Open, February 13 to 19, Llandudno

All of these events, other than the BetVictor World Mixed Doubles, will count towards the BetVictor Series. All money earned by every player in the eight counting events will be tallied on the BetVictor Series Rankings. The money list leader after the eighth and final event in Wales in February will earn the £150,000 bonus.

Last season, going into the final event there were 11 players still in with a chance of banking the bonus. In a dramatic finish, John Higgins came out on top and won the £150,000. Judd Trump captured the bonus in both 2020 and 2021.

All of the BetVictor-sponsored events will be broadcast live to hundreds of millions of snooker fans across the globe.

Discovery-owned Quest and Eurosport are the host broadcasters for the BetVictor Home Nations Series. Eurosport are also host broadcasters for the BetVictor Shoot Out, BetVictor European Masters and BetVictor German Masters.

The new BetVictor World Mixed Doubles will be live on ITV and ITV4, featuring the world’s top four men and top four women players. The BetVictor Championship League will be broadcast by streaming partners including Matchroom.Live

The events will also be shown around the world on WST’s broadcast partners which include TrueSport, SportCast, Now TV, Astro SuperSport, CCTV5, Liaoning TV, SPS Mongolia, Pakistan TV Sports, Premier Sports Philippines, Hub Sport and DAZN as well as various streaming partners including Huya, Youku, Migu and Matchroom.Live.

WST Chairman Steve Dawson said: “BetVictor has been a fantastic and welcome part of the snooker family for many years and we are thrilled to continue our partnership with them. In the coming season they will sponsor a wide range of events with a variety of formats. Every tournament will feature the very best players in the world at a time when the entertainment delivered by our sport is stronger than ever.

“The BetVictor bonus has provided a fascinating extra element to our tour over the past three years. From the first event, players are striving to top the leaderboard and put themselves in line for the £150,000. To have 11 players in the race over the final three days of the series last season gave us a thrilling conclusion and we hope for a similar story next time.

“Snooker continues to grow in terms of our worldwide television and digital audience, with new and younger fans discovering the enthralling nature of the sport every year. BetVictor have joined us on that journey, bringing their brand to hundreds of millions of followers. They are a great team to work with and we look forward to developing our relationship for many years to come.”

Billiard Congress of America Welcomes New Board Member

Superior, Colo. – July 7, 2022, the Billiard Congress of America announced the results of its 2022-2023 Board of Directors elections, which are as follows:

Category 1 (Manufacturer/Distributor)
Trey Stites (Champion Shuffleboard), three-year term

In the follow-up election of BCA officers, Shane Bouchard (Maine Home Recreation) accepted a one-year term as BCA Board Chairman, as did each of the remaining seated officers: Vice Chairman Ivan Lee (Iwan Simonis, Inc.); Secretary Stephanie Schmidt (A. E. Schmidt); and Treasurer Nick Kroll (Viking Cues). The remaining directors include: Ed Liddawi (Sandcastle Billiards); Philippe Singer (The Predator Group); Debbie Corvey (Boynton Beach Billiards); Robbie Selby (R and R Outdoors); and Trey Stites (Champion Shuffleboard).

About Billiard Congress of America

Founded in 1948, the Billiard Congress of America is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to growing a united, prosperous and highly regarded billiard industry through BCA leadership. The BCA seeks to enhance the success of its members and promote the game of billiards though educational, marketing and promotional efforts, annual industry trade shows, tournaments and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody's game. For more information, visit bca-pool.com or call 303.243.5070.

34th Annual BEF Junior National Pool Championships Crowns 2022 National Champions]
    
Superior, Colo., July 6, 2022 – The Billiard Education Foundation recently held its 34th annual Junior National Pool Championships, Tuesday, June 21 to Saturday, June 25. The event attracted more than 130 of the top junior pool players across the country.

During the event, the Billiard Education Foundation recognized more than 90 players as Academic All Americans, as they all had a great point average of 3.0 GPA or better. Of those players, 39 players had a 4.0 GPA or higher. Along with the Academic All Americans, the BEF also recognized Hayleigh Marion and Kaden Hillman as the recipients of this year’s Brenden Crocket Sportsman Award for exemplifying the ideals of sportsmanship while at the pool table with ethical behavior, fair play, and integrity throughout the event.

During the week-long tournament BCA Hall of Famer Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman also held his 28th consecutive annual artistic pool competition. Dr. Cue presented the 2022 Artistic Pool awards to this year’s champions: Brody Hillman (U18 boys division), Kaden Hillman (U16 and U14 boys divisions), Sofia Mast (U18 girls division), Hayleigh Marion (U16 girls division), and Skylar Hess (U14 girls division).

On Saturday, June 25th the Junior National Pool Championships concluded with the final matches in each category. In an effort to align with the WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championship, the BEF awarded gold, silver and bronze medals to the top three finishers of each division.

The finalist of this year’s BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships presented by Iwan Simonis are:

Gold Medalists:
• 18UB Landon Hollingsworth (Greenville, SC)
• 18UG Skylar Hess (Queenstown, MD)
• 16UB Adrian Prasad (Sacramento, CA)
• 16UG Precilia Kinsley (Roanoke, VA)
• 14UB Eddie Vonderau (Rapid City, SD)
• 14UG Savannah Easton (Las Vegas, NV)

Silver Medalists:
• 18UB Joey Tate (Elm City, NC)
• 18UG Kennedy Meyman (White Bear Lake, MN)
• 16UB Harry Leinen (Waconia, MN)
• 16UG Bethany Tate (Elm City, NC)
• 14UB Jayce Little (High Point, NC)
• 14UG Sofia Mast (Land O’ Lakes, FL)

Bronze Medalists:
• 18UB Niko Konkel (Winston-Salem, NC)
• 18UG Courtney Hairfield (Chester, VA)
• 16UB Niko Konkel (Winston-Salem, NC)
• 16UG Hayleigh Marion (Bristol, VA)
• 14UB Jordan Witkin (Algonquin, IL)
• 14UG Noelle Tate (Elm City, NC)

The finalist of this year’s BEF U18 8-Ball National Championship presented by Lucasi Cues are:

8-Ball Girls Division:
• Gold Medalist: Savannah Easton (Las Vegas, NV)
• Silver Medalist: Sofia Mast (Land O’ Lakes, FL)
• Bronze Medalist: Jordan Helfrey (St. Joseph, MO)

8-Ball Boys Division:
• Gold Medalist: Trent White (Plant City, FL)
• Silver Medalist: Jacob Kohl (Stevens, PA)
• Bronze Medalist: Brent Worth (Hampton, VA)

The finalist of this year’s BEF U22 10-Ball National Championship presented by Diamond Billiard Products are:

• Gold Medalist: Landon Hollingsworth (Greenville, SC)
• Silver Medalist: Nathan Nunes (Fremont, CA)
• Bronze Medalist: Adrian Prasad (Sacramento, CA)

Introduced at this year’s BEF Junior National Pool Championships was the Michael J. Repici Girls in Billiards Scholarship. The new scholarship fund provided $1,000 to the three girls 9-Ball division champions. In its inaugural year, the recipients of the Michael J Repici include: U18 9-Ball Champion Skylar Hess; U16 9-Ball Champion Precilia Kinsley; and U14 9-Ball Champion Savannah Easton.

Sponsors for this year’s event included:

• Aramith
• BilliardsKing.com
• Diamond Billiard Products
• Iwan Simonis
• J. Pechauer Custom Cues
• JamUp Apparel
• Lucasi Cues
• Mako Tips
• Predator Group
• Schon Custom Cues
• Seyberts Billiard Supply

About Billiard Education Foundation

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to promoting a love of pool and building the next generation of players through youth programs and academic scholarships. The BEF is managed by the Billiard Congress of America. For more information about the BEF or to learn how you can support the foundation please visit BilliardEducation.org.

Snooker Stars Heading For Hong Kong In October

World Snooker Tour and Hong Kong Billiard Sports Control Council (HKBSCC) are pleased to announce the return of the Hong Kong Masters to the WST calendar in October this year.

This prestigious invitation event was last held in 2017 and was a tremendous success. The last edition in 2017 was held in Hong Kong’s Queen Elizabeth Stadium, which was recognised by many players as one of the best venues for a snooker tournament. Neil Robertson beat Ronnie O’Sullivan in the final.

This time it will be staged, for the first time, in the Hong Kong Coliseum, the largest indoor stadium in Hong Kong with a maximum capacity of 10,000.

HKBSCC will invite eight top players, including Hong Kong’s snooker icons Marco Fu and Ng On Yee, to compete over four days from 6 to 9 October 2022.

WST Chairman Steve Dawson said: “We are excited to bring this event back to the calendar for the first time in five years and we are thrilled to be working with HKBSCC on what will be a fantastic tournament.

“Many of the world’s top players described the 2017 Hong Kong Masters as one of the best atmospheres they have ever played in, and this is another opportunity for them to experience the support of the local fans.”

HKBSCC Chairman Vincent Law said: “The Hong Kong Masters will be the first major international sport event in Hong Kong since we were hit by the pandemic. There is no better occasion to show to the world that Hong Kong is back for business. We hope the tournament this time will set more records and bring excitement that the public have been longing for. We are thankful to WST for its support to billiard sports in Hong Kong. We hope the players and the people of Hong Kong will have some fun.”

The player line up and ticketing information will be announced by HKBSCC shortly.

GBE-Guangzhou Billiard Exhibition Returns for This Aug. With Brand New Products

By GBE Committee

Opening its show floor to worldwide buyers and exhibitors for the 16th time, GBE expo will make a strong comeback this August with an abundance of new innovations, technologies and information.

The 16th Guangzhou International Billiards Exhibition (GBE 2022)
Date: August 10th-11th (9:00-17:00); August 12th (9:00-13:00)
Venue: China Import and Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou
Website: www.gbechina.com

Besides those commonly-found products like billiard cues, cue cases, cue tips, billiard tables, table slates, cloth and lights, billiard balls, chalks and etc., scores of new exhibitors will also come with billiard hall furnishings like carpets, floors, sofas, chairs, as well as smart management systems, score keeping solutions, and a collection of game tables.

Currently, China has shortens its quarantine to 10 days for overseas arrivals, which means there is still enough time for you to plan an in-person visit to GBE. If not, we are also happy to help you make contact with suppliers you need!

Partial Exhibitors for GBE 2022

Billiard Cues: Cueman Duan, J.Flowers, B.S. Cue, Vision Sports, Oulai Sporting Goods, Youlian Xinda Trading, Weizhuosite Sporting Goods, Taile Cue Factory, and etc.

Billiard Tables: JOY, B.L.P, RASSON, Jianying Billiards, Xingjue Billiards, DZS, Baineng KK, MR SUNG, Jingkai, Tianxi Billiards, Yimeisi Billiard Tables, Kangborui Sporting Goods, and etc.

Table Cloth: Strachan 6811, Iwan Simonis, WSP Textiles, CPBA, Liberwin, Shenyang Textiles, Dikaisi Textiles, Zhongxing Textile, and etc.

Table Slates: Aosikang Stone, Hengkang Stone, Tianbang Stone, Qixing Stone, Wenlei Stone, Xinmingjia Trading, Wansheng Stone, and etc.

Billiard Accessories: Aramith, Unique, Shuangzixing Sporting Goods, Hongtaiyang Sporting Goods, Jingling Sporting Goods, and etc.

Billiard Hall Furnishings: Junyao Sports, Huade Carpet, Angting Decoration Materials, Meiyi Furniture, Ruiqi Furniture, Qiule Lighting, Huyi Billiard Equipment, and etc.

Billiard Hall Management Solutions: Rich Technology, Qingzhou Technology, CRAND Technologies, Mokuai Technology, Kangxi Shengshi, and etc.

For more information about our show or our exhibitors, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Contact us
Contact Person:Monnie Chan
TEL/WA:+86 13169641676
EMAIL:grand.wa@grahw.com

APF ASIAN 9-BALL OPEN BECOMES NINEBALL WORLD RANKING EVENT

Matchroom Pool is delighted to confirm that The APF Asian 9-Ball Open 2022 this August 24-28 in Singapore will become the first ranking event in Asia on the Nineball World Rankings with the tournament organised by the Asian Pool Federation set to welcome some of the world’s biggest names led by US Open runner-up and Singaporean Aloysius Yapp.

Tournament Information
The addition of the tournament marks a major moment in the inaugural year of the Nineball World Rankings with the eventual winner of the APF 9-Ball Asian Open set to take home $10,000 in a maximum field of 96 and an entry fee of only $200. Fans will be treated to seeing some of the biggest names alongside Yapp including Ko Pin Yi, Ko Ping Chung, and Naoyuki Oi.

Matchroom Multi Sport Managing Director Emily Frazer said: “We’re delighted to welcome the APF 9-Ball Asian Open to our Nineball World Ranking schedule. The tournament offers a fantastic opportunity for players in the Southern Hemisphere the opportunity to earn vital Nineball World Ranking events which shape the backbone of Matchroom Events and will be the future of Nineball and Pool. Whilst filling the calendar with European events is great, we have been concerned about the travel constraint for players based in Asia and potentially non-eligible for Nineball ranking points, we hope it’s the first of many ranking events in Asia for us. These rankings points will prove vital for players looking to play at the highest level and playing for the biggest prizes. It’s becoming more and more lucrative to play Nineball.”

Other participants include:

Robbie Capito (Hong Kong, China)
Johann Chua (Philippines)
Jeff De Luna (Philippines)
Duong Quoc Hoang (Vietnam)
Nguyen Anh Tuan (Vietnam)
Luong Duc Thien (Vietnam)
Chang Yu Lung (Chinese Taipei)
“Asian Pool Federation Limited( APF) is thrilled by this exciting collaboration with Matchroom Pool which will undoubtedly enhance and reinvigorate #asianpoolwith the introduction of the Nine-ball World Ranking points for the APF Asian 9-Ball 2022 tournament “ – Christopher Chuah, President and Founding Member of APF.

From 96 to 32, the tournament will be double-elimination with each match a Race to 9. From the Last 32 to the semi-finals it will be single-elimination and Races to 11. The semi-final and final will be a Race to 13.

The tournament joins the PRP Nineball Open that was added to the Nineball World Ranking schedule last week. PRP Billiards will promote the 128-player tournament in Zaragoza, Spain from September September, 14 to 19.

How the Live 2023 Nineball Rankings Impact the 2022 Mosconi Cup Selection Process

The top player from each team from the Live Nineball World Rankings will be selected after the conclusion of the 2022 European Open Pool Championship at Hotel Esperanto Fulda, August 9-14 2022.

A further two players for each team will then be taken off the Live Nineball World Rankings after the conclusion of the 2022 US Open Pool Championship at Harrah’s Resort, Atlantic City from October 10-15 2022.

Both Team Europe and the USA will then have two wild card picks each as selected by the two respective captains Alex Lely and Jeremy Jones.

About Nineball World Rankings
Find out more on the new global nineball world ranking system. The rankings are the new cornerstone of the game globally to recognise Nineball as the primary discipline of pool, sanctioned by the World Pool-Billiard Association. The establishment of the Nineball World Rankings propelled Matchroom’s further commitment to the growth of pool globally.

WCBS ALLOWS RUSSIAN AND BELARUSIAN ATHLETES TO COMPETE UNDER A NEUTRAL FLAG

The WCBS Board unanimously decided to lift its ban on Russian and Belarusian Athletes from competing in WCBS and its Member Federation Competitions.

Athletes from Russia and Belarus can now compete in Billiards Competitions under a Neutral Flag.

The decision of the WCBS is endorsed by its three members, the IBSF (International Billiards & Snooker Federation), the UMB (Union Mondiale de Billard), and the WPA (World Pool-Billiard Association).

The World
Confederation of
Billiards Sports
Maison du Sport International
Av. de Rhodanie 54
1007 Lausanne Switzerland

THE AMUSEMENT & MUSIC OPERATORS OF WYOMING BECOME AN AFFILIATE ASSOCIATION OF CSI LEAGUES
July 25, 2022

CueSports International (CSI), and its CSI Leagues division, is excited to announce the Amusement & Music Operators of Wyoming (AMOW) as its newest affiliate league association. On Monday, July 18, the AMOW Board of Directors voted in favor of the new affiliation which makes all AMOW leagues, essentially every pool league in the state of Wyoming, members of the BCA Pool League.

This affiliation brings a wealth of new benefits to AMOW League Operators and players. Every AMOW league will now use the FargoRate League Management System (LMS) at no cost, the BCA Pool League mobile scoring app at no cost, all AMOW league data will be automatically reported to FargoRate at no cost, all AMOW players will get the premium features of the FargoRate app at no cost, all AMOW players can become eligible for BCA Pool League events, including the BCA Pool League World Championships in Las Vegas, and much more.

Additionally, all AMOW annual events will convert from the old subjective rating structure (AAA / AA / A / B / C) to divisions based on Fargo ratings and use the CSI online registration and tournament management system (CTS), the only such system in the world with FargoRate fully integrated. This means that AMOW players can register online for AMOW events and all divisions will be more competitive.

Finally, AMOW events will now use the brand new 7-foot Predator Apex Premier League Edition pool tables, which have been meticulously designed as a collaboration between CSI and Predator for maximum performance, reliability, and fun. To learn more about the 7-foot Predator Apex Premier League Edition table, click here.

AMOW President, Nic George, expressed his excitement about the new affiliation when he said, “We have clearly outgrown our humble beginnings. The time to move forward with CSI and FargoRate is now. We’re most excited for what this strategic partnership provides.”

Ozzy Reynolds, CueSports International CEO said, "We are thrilled to have the AMOW as part of the CSI Leagues family. Change is not the comfortable thing to do and the AMOW Board of Directors should be proud of themselves for being true leaders by improving their organization and the entire pool landscape in the state of Wyoming."


CSI is committed to unifying all pool leagues, across the globe, under one umbrella. All leagues, state and regional associations, and even other national organizations, can join CSI Leagues to obtain the vast array of benefits while maintaining their identities and independence. Any association or organization interested in offering the very best to its members should contact CSI at leagues@playcsipool.com.

The Amusement Music Operators of Wyoming (AMOW) is a state association comprised of service companies in the coin-operated amusement industry who share a common goal of providing recreation, camaraderie, fun and fair competition to Wyoming communities by coordinating well organized pool and dart leagues and events. We are proud to offer to qualified players, annually held Wyoming state events that recognize growth and excellence at all skill levels. By partnering with outstanding international organizations for pool and darts, the integrity of each sport is ensured and Wyoming qualified league players are invited to attend and compete in choice events hosted worldwide.

CueSports International (CSI) is an international pool league and event leader and is comprised of three divisions: CSI Leagues, CSI Events and CSI Media. CSI Leagues manages the BCA Pool League and USA Pool League; CSI Events produces numerous league and professional events around the globe and CSI Media creates live streaming and digital content. Through its vision and strategic alliances, CSI is “shaping the future of pool.” For more information about CSI or any of its divisions, visit www.playcsipool.com or find CueSports International on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

EuroTour Live broadcast from Bulgaria

The Dynamic Billard Petrich Open has come to the final stages and the
semi-finals and final can be viewed on the following TV platforms
Monday.

Bulgaria will be live on B1B.Box
Netherlands will be live on Eyecons
Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, North
Macedonia and Greece will be live on SportKlub HD
Austria’s ORF will show replays or highlights and Poland’s SportKlub TV
will show a replay.

Attached is a graphic if you would like to share this information to
your member during the Monday.

The semi-finals start at 17:00h local time, 16:00h CET with the final
scheduled at 20:00 local time 19:00 CET.

SAVE THE DATE!

EAG International Expo is coming to ExCeL London from 10-12 January 2023!
Pop the dates in your diary NOW and look out for more details about this major international leisure industry trade show over the next few months.

We hope to see you there!

Call +44 (0)20 4502 6795 or email sales@eagexpo.com to find out more.

British Open Trophy Named After Clive Everton

The trophy for next week’s Cazoo British Open has been named after Clive Everton, in honour of the legendary journalist and commentator who stepped down as editor of long-running magazine Snooker Scene this month.

The Cazoo British Open, televised by ITV, runs from September 26 to October 2 in Milton Keynes and the champion will lift the Clive Everton Trophy on the final night.

A former snooker and billiards player, Clive first commentated for the BBC in 1978 and went on to work for other broadcasters including ITV. His voice decorated many of the sport’s biggest moments for several decades.

In 1971, Clive took charge of the magazine Billiards and Snooker, and the following year it became Snooker Scene. He remained as editor for the next 50 years, one of the longest stewardships of any sports publication worldwide.

Snooker Scene played a crucial role in the politics of snooker as Clive scrutinised the action and decisions of the sport’s governing body. He played a vital role in the transition of power which led to Matchroom Sport and Barry Hearn taking the reigns of the WPBSA and WST in 2010.

Clive has been widely recognised throughout the media world as an outstanding journalist and commentator.

Age 85, he was inducted into the Snooker Hall of Fame in 2017 and awarded an MBE in 2019.

WST Chairman Steve Dawson said: “We felt that naming the British Open Trophy after Clive was a fitting tribute to him in the same month that he has retired from snooker journalism after more than 50 years. He has made an outstanding contribution to our sport and we will reflect on that each year when the Clive Everton Trophy is lifted. We wish him every happiness in his retirement.”

SEMI-FINAL ACTION SET FOR TOMORROW IN LASKO

The Longoni 9 Ball League gets a busy period of 9 ball action underway
in Lasko, Slovenia tomorrow (Friday) as Spain take on Bosnia &
Herzegovina and then Germany face off against Poland in two highly
enticing semi-final matches.

In fact, the Longoni 9 Ball League is the first event in a pool
extravaganza that follows with men’s and women’s Euro Tour tournaments
and concludes with the European Pool Championships Seniors which runs
from 8th to 15th October in the same venue.

Scotch doubles is the game and the matches move to race-to-9 racks with
alternate break. Arguably, the most entertaining format for pool when
played at the highest level, scotch doubles sees each pair negotiate
their way through the rack using alternate shots.

Having started the competition with twelve teams, just four remain and
that will be down to two following tomorrow’s play. Each team is made up
of the two highest-ranked players on the Euro Tour prior to each round
of matches. The Spanish pairing of David Alcaide and Francisco Sanchez
Ruiz are both in fine form with Sanchez Ruiz in particular enjoying an
incredible 12 months which has seen him rack up multiple major
tournament wins.

They face Bosnia & Herzegovina, who will surely be the underdogs going
into the match. but Sanjin Pehlivanovic and Ajdin Piknjac will surely
have something to say about that. Both BIH players are beginning to
break through and Pehlivanovic, in particular, is looking to build on a
silver medal from the summer’s World Games in the USA.

The second semi-final features Germany against Poland and looks set to
be a very close-run thing. Representing Germany are Joshua Filler,
without argument one of the world’s highest level players, and the
improving Tobias Bongers who will be looking to give full support to the
incredible shot-making abilities of his cohort.

Poland, by equal measure, are fielding a matching pair of world-beaters
in Wiktor Zielinski and Wojciech Szewczyk. Zielinski, currently ranked
ET No.2, has enjoyed a stellar year including back-to-back Euro Tour
victories. Szewczyk has been around the game longer but enjoyed his
breakthrough win earlier this year as he took down the WPA World 10 Ball
Championship in Las Vegas. On paper, this match seems impossible to
call.

The opening Longoni 9 Ball League semi-final gets underway at 20:00
local time with the second semi-final scheduled at 21:30. The two
successful teams will then contest the final which takes place in
Treviso, Italy on Friday 25th November.

The winning team will receive €4,500 which includes prize money for wins
in the group stages. The runners-up receive 2500 Euro plus group
earnings and as with all the teams, the total prize money will be
divided into match shares with one share for each team appearance.
Matches can be viewed live on the free Kozoom platform, TV.Kozoom as
well as on the Longoni 9 Ball League & EPBF Facebook pages.

Amusement Expo International (AEI) Welcomes BCA Expo as New Colocation Partner in 2023

Premier billiards and home leisure show further bolsters AEI’s expansive entertainment-focused annual expo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MOKENA, IL - September 29, 2022 - Amusement Expo International (AEI) is excited to announce a major expansion of the core categories represented on its exhibit floor and educational program when the Billiard & Home Leisure Expo (BCA Expo) makes its debut as a new member of AEI’s colocation family in 2023.

For the past 40 years, the BCA Expo has served as the premier show for everything from billiards to barstools, cues to casual furniture, Ping Pong to shuffleboard, and much more. Owned and operated by the Billiard Congress of America (BCA), the annual BCA Expo will unite with AEI for the first time during its March 27-30, 2023 event at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“The BCA Expo is a perfect fit for AEI,” said Jeff Blair, AAMA President. “The products will complement our existing exhibit floor, and the BCA and other special show features will only enhance the overall experience for our customers.”

“AEI attendees are entrepreneurial, always on the lookout for new opportunities and ways to diversify their business portfolio,” said Tim Zahn,

AMOA President. “We’re excited to add BCA Expo to the AEI colocation family. With the addition of the BCA, attendees already operating retail locations will have the opportunity to get even more business done while in Vegas. The expanded exhibit hall provides new opportunities for everyone."

The addition of billiard and leisure sports products significantly expands AEI’s offerings under one roof. Originally created as an event for buyers and sellers of amusement, music and games—the coin-op business—AEI has broadened its reach in recent years via colocations and alliances with related industry segments including: Family Entertainment Centers (FEC); Bulk Vending; Laser Tag; Virtual Reality; Foundations Entertainment University; and, now Billiard and Leisure Sports. Simultaneously, AEI has put greater emphasis on the development of a top-quality educational program for attendees and exhibitors.

“With the increased demand on our dealers for advance planning and purchasing, combined with the opportunity to showcase our billiard and home leisure products to a larger audience of potential dealers, we are thrilled to partner with the AAMA, AMOA and its other partners for the Amusement Expo,” said Shane Bouchard, BCA Chairman. “We are also excited that the Amusement Expo allows our industry event to remain in Las Vegas, the most consistently successful host city for the BCA Expo.”

AEI is co-owned by a pair of industry trade associations: the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) coin-op.org and the Amusement and Music Operators Association (AMOA) amoa.com. The BCA Expo is owned by the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) bca-pool.com

ABOUT AAMA:
The American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) is an international, not-for-profit 501(c)6 trade organization representing the manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and location owner/operators for the coin-operated amusement industry. Our mission is to preserve, protect and promote our industry through legislative advocacy, education, events, networking and member programs.

ABOUT AMOA:
The Amusement and Music Operators Association (AMOA) is a national not-for-profit 501(c)6 trade association. For 75 years, AMOA has been the voice of, and advocate for, those individuals and companies engaged in the currency-activated amusement, vending, music and family entertainment equipment business.

ABOUT BCA:
Founded in 1948, the Billiard Congress of America is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to growing a united, prosperous and highly regarded billiard and leisure sports industry. The Billiard Congress of America seeks to enhance the success of its members and promote the game of billiards and leisure sports through educational, marketing and promotional efforts, annual industry trade shows and other programs designed to encourage billiards and leisure sports as a lifestyle.

Event Management:
For more information or to register for the 2023 AEI contact Event Manager Brian Glasgow at 708-226-1300 or brian@wtglasgow.com or visit the show’s official website: AmusementExpo.org.

BCA Expo exhibitors and attendees are encouraged to visit BCAExpo.com or call 303.243.5070 x22 for additional details on the 2023 Amusement Expo.

Contacts:
Pete Gustafson, AAMA Executive Vice President
pgustafson@coin-op.org

Lori Schneider, AMOA Executive Vice President
lori@amoa.com

Rob Johnson, BCA Chief Executive Officer
rob@bca-pool.com

WILLIAM T. GLASGOW, INC.
Amusement Expo International 2023 Event Management

LONGONI 9 BALL LEAGUE

Lasko, Slovenia

SPAIN AND POLAND WIN THROUGH TO FINAL

30th September 2022

THE FINAL OF the inaugural Longoni 9-Ball League will be contested by
Spain and Poland following their semi-final victories on Friday evening
in Lasko. They were contrasting matches with Spain running out
comfortable winners against Bosnia & Herzegovina, while Poland enjoyed a
gritty battle against Germany that was altogether more strategic.

Opening the proceedings were the Spanish pair of David Alcaide and
Francisco Sanchez Ruiz who were up against a Bosnia Herzegovina team of
Sanjin Pehlivanovic and Ajdin Piknjac. Spain took an early 2-0 after a
couple of BiH misses allowed them the opportunity.

The Bosnians though rode their luck to complete a run out for 2-1 and
then a dry break from Alcaide gave them the chance to run all 9 balls on
the table which they executed perfectly to draw level at 2-2. A couple
of small but critical errors from BiH gave the table to Spain in the
next two racks and they opened up a 4-2 lead.

A great break from Piknjac set up a run out and they made no mistakes to
reduce arrears to 4-3. Spain though, took the next for 5-3 and that soon
became 6-3, leaving Bosnia Herzegovina with it all to do. It was
becoming a romp for the Spanish duo as they raced through the next rack
for a 7-3 lead.

There was more woe for BiH in the next as Piknjac's break was illegal
although dry as well. Playing with a degree of telepathy, Spain cleared
the table to reach the hill. With Bosnian resistance all but gone, the
Spanish pair concluded an easy 9-3 win.

Commented Sanchez Ruiz, “It wasn’t easy because we know they’re good but
we played so comfortably as we’ve practiced two months together. We’ve
both played good this year so let’s see what happens in the final. The
most important thing is that we really enjoy playing together.”

Added Alcaide, “When you feel so confident in your partner, you feel so
good so you don’t worry if you miss a ball as we’ll have more chances.
We’re trying to focus on our games and that’s the most important thing.”

The second semi-final was a different story as Poland pulled away from
Germany in the closing stages following a tight encounter. Neither side
really got their respective breaks going and that led to plenty of
safety play and few run out opportunities.

With fruitless breaks and plenty of safety, the match found itself at 2
racks apiece before Poland then took the next with the break to take the
lead for the first time. Two balls went in off the break from Filler in
the next but the 2 ball was blocked and Bongers pushed out. A jump shot
from Zielinski left the 2-ball on for Bongers and he made it to set up a
runout for Germany for 3-3.

Nothing down on the break for Zielinski gave Germany a chance but the
unluckiest of scratches on a very tight angle from Filler gave a
grateful Poland ball-in-hand. They then restored their one rack lead at
4-3. Germany cleared what was a difficult table, following multiple
visits to square it up at 4-4. It was becoming an absorbing match as
neither team was getting much from the break and the racks were becoming
increasingly tactical.

Poland took the next after some back-and-forth safety and then made it
6-4 following a safety-packed tenth rack. Another fruitless break, this
time from Zielinski, got Germany back to the table and with the balls
out in the open the score moved to 6-5.

Another unfortunate scratch from Filler pocketing the 1-ball, handed the
table back to Poland and from there they restored their two-rack lead at
7-5. That soon became a three-rack lead as the Poles ran out from the
break to put themselves within one of victory at 8-5.

Another break left a safety - this time from Filler. The Germans were
patient and, in the end, got ball-in-hand as Szewczyk failed to
extricate himself from an impossible snooker, and they cleared to get
the match to 8-6. Just when he needed it, Zielinski delivered an
excellent break, downing 2 balls and leaving an open table. There were a
couple of testers along the way but the Polish pair executed them well
and they cleared for a 9-6 victory.

“We were struggling with the break, both of us but from the open game we
generally played quite well and Germany had two or three unlucky rolls
and we took advantage of it. I’m happy that we’re in the final with
Wojciech – he’s a great partner,” said Zielinski.

Szewczyk added, “I’d agree with Wiktor. It was pretty interesting - I
actually like the strategic part of the game as so many racks were of
this kind where we exchanged safeties and had to come up with some
creative shots. In the end we managed to make three break-and-runs out
of that disastrous break so it’s not really a bad score.”

Szewczyk is no guarantee for a spot in the final. Teams are made up of
the two highest ranked players prior to the final and with a Euro Tour
to compete in this weekend and a few other Polish players snapping at
his heels, anything could happen.

Full results from the evening’s play:

Semi Final 1: SPAIN (Alcaide/Sanchez Ruiz) 9 – 3 BOSNIA HERZOGOVINA
(Pehlivanovic/Piknjac)

Semi Final 2: POLAND (Szewczyk/Zielinski) 9 – 6 GERMANY (Filler/Bongers)

Dynamic Billard European Pool Championships Seniors & Ladies

LASKO, SLOVENIA, 9th – 15th OCTOBER

Stolka and Rademakers Rule the 10-Ball

HARALD STOLKA’S MARVELLOUS week continued in winning style as the
47-year-old German took 10-ball gold at the 2022 Dynamic Billard
European Pool Championships Seniors to add to the straight pool title he
claimed on Sunday. This time he defeated Jorge Tinoco (Portugal) by 7-4
to give him a 100% record at the annual gathering of Europe’s over-45
players.

Stolka travelled to Slovenia on his first ever visit to the European
Seniors and it was likely beyond his widest dreams that he would win the
opening two events. Today he was up against a player who collected two
golds himself at this same event last year but the German’s
determination and all-round play saw him through.

“I’m pretty happy today because this is my 20th match right now and I
felt the pressure today. I didn’t play real free earlier but played good
enough to give my opponents a strong fight and when I came to the semis
I started to play well so that was great and thank you very much,
billiard god!

Stolka won the lag to get the final underway but could not drop a ball
off the break. Tinoco missed a difficult long 2-ball, leaving it on for
Stolka, The German ran out of position going from 4 to 5 and missed the
cut into the centre pocket. Tinoco stepped up to steal the rack for 1.0.
Tinoco delivered another dry break and Stolka looked set for the run out
but again missed a cut on the 8 ball into the centre pocket to gift the
rack to Tinoco.

A superb snooker from Stolka saw a great escape attempt from Tinoco miss
the 1 ball by a hair's breadth to give ball-in-hand, from where Stolka
made no mistakes to get onto the scoreboard. A missed 1 ball from Tinoco
allowed his opponent to level things up at 2-2 and then Stolka ran out
from the break to take the lead for the first time at 3-2.

A good safety in the next allowed Stolka to increase his lead to
two-racks and the seventh game was the longest of the match as both
players went back-and-forth on the 2-ball before Tinoco nailed it but
with a 7/9 cluster down-table it was no formality. However, some
excellent positional play enabled the Portuguese to run out for 4-3.

A failed kick on the 1-ball from Tinoco in the next gave ball-in-hand to
Stolka but he missed a tough 2-ball. It was Tinoco's turn to miss next,
this time on the 4-ball and Stolka took his chances to restore his
two-rack lead. Stolka came with some championship winning form in the
next as he ran out from the break to put himself on the hill as he moved
the score to 6-3.

Tinoco won the next as Stolka missed the 4-ball, trying to squeeze it
past the 9. It was a lifeline for Tinoco who dished up to reduce the
deficit. In what would be the final rack of the match, a safety from
Stolka left the 1-ball on for Tinoco. With no room for error, Tinoco
played safe on the 5-ball and it was a good effort. There were multiple
visits and safeties but the Portuguese always had the advantage until a
loose one allowed Stolka a good look at the 5. He made it and gained
position on the 6-ball and from there, he ran out for the gold medal.

Stolka added, “I’m staying here for two more disciplines but I won’t
feel the pressure as every discipline is a new tournament and there are
so many strong players. I can’t believe that I’ve won twice right now
but I won’t be giving up for the next ones.”

Bronze medals went to Markus Kamuf of Germany and Norway's Jorgen
Nilsen.

In the ladies’ 10-ball it was the Netherlands’ Melissa Rademakers who
claimed her first ever European Championship gold medal as she defeated
Tuuliina Paluna (Finland) by 5-2. It was a welcome change of fortunes
for the Dutch girl as she had earlier been beaten by the same opponent
in the Winners’ Qualification stage.

Rademakers had the ideal match, racing out of the traps for a 4-0 lead
in the race-to-five final. Paluna pulled two back but a missed 10-ball
from the Finn gave her opponent a long look at the championship ball and
she firmly planted it in the corner pocket for the gold.

Commented Rademakers, “She came back at me but I didn’t do anything
wrong at that point and I knew I was waiting for a chance and I got it!
8- ball is my game but it’s hard to say how that will go but 10-ball was
not a priority but 8-ball, I love to play so I hope I can go far in that
one.”

Rademakers also looked shaky in her semi-final match, trailing 3-0 to
Karin Michl (Germany) but managed to turn it around.

“It was tough but I was playing well and trusted in that. The 3-0 was
probably not the way the match went but I felt good and that I could
come back at any time. It’s only a race to five and anything could
happen. “

Bronze medals went to Alexandra Cunha (Great Britain) and Birgit Heidorn
of Germany.

The 2022 Dynamic Billards European Championship Seniors and Ladies
comprises nine separate events across four disciplines - 8, 9 and 10
ball as well as straight pool for men and teams.

Play continues later today with action in both the mens’ and ladies’
8-ball divisions.

All matches can be viewed live at www.kozoom.com as well as selected
matches on the EPBF’s Facebook page.

Results, live scoring and draws are available at
www.epbf.com/tournaments/european-championships/

MATCHROOM POOL REACHES ONE MILLION FOLLOWERS

Matchroom Pool is delighted to share the news that over one million people now follow our pages across social media on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube combined with fans flocking to get the latest Nineball content.

Fans from as far as the Philippines and Vietnam in the East to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in the Middle East and the USA, and Canada in the West follow in their hundreds and thousands to enjoy pool from the world’s biggest promoters of the sport.

The Matchroom Pool Facebook page is the cornerstone of Nineball with videos being watched by millions of people with the most popular including Jimmy White’s magical run out at the 1995 Mosconi Cup clocking up nearly 50 million views and the 2002 World Pool Championship when Efren Reyes met Dennis Orcollo racking up over 15 million views. Facebook has even used the page as a case study to the rest of the sporting world due to the significant organic engagement and growth of the channel.

On YouTube, over 200,000 subscribers have soaked up highlights from the latest events on the Matchroom Pool schedule as well as full matches from years of old alongside live streams more recently from open events such as the US Open, UK Open, and European Open. The full match of Joshua Filler against his wife Pia has been watched over 6 million times whilst Judd Trump’s pool debut at the US Open has been consumed over 2 million times.

More recently, the Matchroom Pool Instagram tipped over 100,000 followers with the audience highly engaged with what is happening in the pool world with graphics and reels being shared with millions across the globe underlining the truly global reach and engagement of the promoter. Meanwhile, Twitter continues to play a huge part in play-by-play updates from the action at our tournaments alongside keeping fans informed.

We launched the Matchroom Pool forum last year on Facebook as the place for fans to discuss pool with like-minded people from all corners of the earth now with nearly 40,000 members, it’s one of the biggest pool communities on the internet. The Matchroom Pool TikTok is ever-growing with a fun spin on some of the funniest and best things we’ve seen on the table.

Matchroom Multi Sport Managing Director Emily Frazer said: “Nineball continues to grow at exponential rates, and it’s underlined by a huge community on our social media that continues to grow day by day with the team and players creating exciting content that keeps fans informed and entertained during and between events. I cannot wait to see where it will head over the coming weeks and months as we expand our number of events and continue to see Nineball recognised as a global, professional sport. Here is to the next million.”

ESPN Films' Latest 30 for 30 JEANETTE LEE

ESPN will debut the next installment in the Peabody and Emmy award-winning 30 for 30 series, “Jeanette Lee Vs.” on December 13 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. Directed by Ursula Liang (“9-Man,” “Down a Dark Stairwell”), the documentary recounts the rise of Jeanette Lee, the billiards player nicknamed “The Black Widow,” who at her peak became, improbably, one of the most recognizable figures in sports. The film will be made available on ESPN+ immediately after its premiere, along with the rest of the 30 for 30 library.

She was like nothing else her sport had seen. A vision of confidence, even swagger, as she stalked the billiards table. Dressed, always, in her signature color, with a two-fingered glove on her bridge hand and a stony, icy glaze that never seemed to change. The 30 for 30 film returns with Lee to her origins, Brooklyn, New York, where as the young child of Korean immigrants, she suffered from scoliosis, a painful spinal condition that required surgery. Lee rebelled as a teenager, and fell in love with billiards one night when she walked into a pool hall in Manhattan. Within a few years, she was playing tournaments and headed towards the professional circuit. Soon, women’s billiards was a mainstay on the fledgling ESPN2 network, and Lee’s unapologetic approach to self-promotion made her a television star.

Even as Lee became one of the top-ranked pool players in the world, her back issues never entirely went away. Then in 2021 came something more frightening: a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. As the film illustrates through extensive access to her life today, it’s a struggle she continues to fight, now as a single mom with the support of her children and extended family. It’s a poignant coda to a story about a woman who’s been battling her whole life and who remains one of the more distinctive stars to ever emerge on the sports landscape.

Said Liang: “This is a challenging moment in the U.S. for Asian Americans; the community is on edge and increasingly targeted in bias incidents. There couldn't be a better time to bring Jeanette's pioneering, maverick journey to the forefront. She is inspiring at every turn and an icon to many. I'm honored to tell her story and introduce her to new audiences. She battled fierce opponents, trying times, debilitating pain, personal demons and persistent criticism, but remains a singular presence from a breakout era of pool—an unforgettable figure, the Black Widow.”

The documentary is executive produced by ESPN Films in association with Words + Pictures, founded in early 2021 by Connor Schell. From Words + Pictures, Schell and Libby Geist are executive producing. This is the second collaboration between ESPN Films and Words + Pictures as part of an ongoing deal between the two companies. Phil de Picciotto, Jason Weichelt and Tom George are also serving as executive producers.

Advance press screeners, additional information, including film clips and director statements and bios, are available upon request. Follow 30 for 30 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About ESPN Films

ESPN Films has been an industry leader in documentary filmmaking since its inception in March 2008, producing more than 100 documentaries that have showcased some of the most compelling stories in sports. The high quality of storytelling, highlighted by the Peabody and Emmy Award-winning 30 for 30 series and the Academy-Award winning documentary “O.J.: Made in America,” has led to record viewership as well as multiple honors and critical acclaim. Additional projects from ESPN Films over the years have included 30 for 30 Shorts, Nine for IX, SEC Storied and Emmy award-winning docu-series “The Last Dance.” ESPN+ is the exclusive home for the entire 30 for 30 library.

BETONLINE BECOMES OFFICIAL PARTNER OF 2022 MOSCONI CUP

Matchroom Pool is pleased to announce BetOnline.ag, the global sports betting giant, as an official partner of the 2022 Mosconi Cup, which is set to take place from November 30 to December 3 at Bally’s Las Vegas. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, DAZN in the USA, Canada, Spain and Italy as well as other networks worldwide including on Matchroom.Live for those without a broadcaster.

As one of the world’s biggest online gaming operators, BetOnline offers the best odds for all sports, politics and entertainment. It also features one of the industry’s top racebooks, as well as state-of-the-art live casino and online poker platforms.

BetOnline.ag will be offering a substantial range of odds for the Mosconi Cup as Team Europe and Team USA do battle in Pool’s biggest rivalry.

The partnership will provide BetOnline with exposure across the 2022 Mosconi Cup, including branding throughout the arena, the Mosconi set and on-site. BetOnline will also tap into Matchroom Pool’s worldwide social footprint where more than 1 million fans consume the latest Nineball news and information.

The 2022 Mosconi Cup is less than a month away with both Team USA and Team Europe’s rosters complete. Jeremy Jones’ USA side will be led by world champion and world No. 1 Shane Van Boening, along with teammates Skyler Woodward, Oscar Dominguez, Tyler Styer, and Earl Strickland. Alex Lely’s Team Europe will look to win the Mosconi Cup on American soil for the first time since 2017 with the squad of Joshua Filler, Francisco Sanchez Ruiz, Albin Ouschan, Jayson Shaw, and David Alcaide.

Limited extra seats have been released after initial tickets sold out record time for the 2022 Mosconi Cup with over 2,500 fans descending on Bally’s Las Vegas each day for the sport’s spectacle of the year as old rivalries reignite over four action-packed days in the cauldron-like Nineball arena. Get yours here.

Watch the 2022 Mosconi Cup live on Sky Sports in the UK, DAZN in the USA, Canada, Brazil, Spain and Italy. Viaplay in Scandinavia, the Baltics, Poland, and the Netherlands as well as broadcasters worldwide. See how to watch in your country here.

Those without a broadcaster can sweat the action on Matchroom.Live.

“Nineball has been an extremely popular pool sport discipline in Europe for years, but we’ve also seen a ton of growth and interest in the U.S. recently, not only from our players, but the American billiards community in general,” BetOnline.ag Brand Manager, Dave Mason, said.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Matchroom Pool as a title sponsor of the 2022 Mosconi Cup. This the biggest billiards event in the U.S., and we can’t wait to introduce fans to the 25-year-old BetOnline brand behind a full menu of odds and information,” added Mason.

Matchroom Multi Sport Managing Director Emily Frazer said: “We’re delighted to be working with BetOnline.ag for this year’s Mosconi Cup. This is a great chance for both fans to get involved and bet on the action with one of the world’s biggest gaming operators and for BetOnline.AG to get involved in an emerging market that is only getting better. We hope it is the start of a flourishing partnership and I cannot wait to see where we can take it.”

MATCHROOM POOL EXTEND AGREEMENT WITH KAMUI BRAND FOR NEXT 3 YEARS

Matchroom Pool is delighted to announce a new three-year agreement with KAMUI Brand who will continue as the official chalk and tip partner of events ran by pool’s biggest promoter.

The Japanese brand has been at the heart of Matchroom events for many years and it will see KAMUI chalk and tips on offer to players at all events including the upcoming Mosconi Cup in Las Vegas from November 30 to December. Other events include the World Pool Championship, US Open Pool Championship, European Open, UK Open, World Cup of Pool, World Pool Masters, and Premier League Pool.

KAMUI will benefit from Matchroom’s digital global footprint through over one million followers and linearly with broadcast partners worldwide, including Sky Sports, DAZN, Viaplay, and SportKlub. The KAMUI branding will be visible through the product in use and in-arena branding, TV sets, and social media assets.

Ambassadors using KAMUI products include two-time Mosconi Cup MVP Jayson Shaw, former US Open champion Carlo Biado, European legend Niels Feijen, and Nineball World No. 19 Sanjin Pehlivanovic.

Masato Hiraoka, President of KAMUI Brand said: “We are thrilled to be continuing the collaboration with Matchroom. We have witnessed big changes in the billiard industry in the last couple of years and Matchroom has been one of the biggest positive influences on it. It is a great opportunity for KAMUI to join them in improving our worldwide community.”

Emily Frazer, Matchroom Multi Sport Managing Director said: “KAMUI Brand has been a long-term partner of Matchroom, and we’re excited to continue our work. The partnership is mutually beneficial for all involved as we expose KAMUI Brandto people across the world through our events and in turn, our players get provided KAMUI chalk to use at our events as well as the backing of the world’s leading chalk manufacturer. It’s the perfect time to renew our partnership with our ever-growing portfolio of Nineball events.”