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Topic: INDUSTRY NEWS - August 2009

INDUSTRY NEWS - August 2009

Pro9 receives more news than we can fit on our front page, and not all news can take pride of place with our "featured article" status, and frankly some news is less relevant to the European market, so for a trial period, we will be presenting it here!

Posting in this section will be locked except for admins - if you wish to discuss the news items posted here then please start a new forum thread in an appropriate section.

Club-8 Amsterdam dope capital of the world on the 20th of September

Club-8 Amsterdam hosts for the second time the famous Amsterdam (D)open. For every player who enjoys playing pool and likes to relax with a joint - this is the tournament of the year.

Pool and Marijuana, in Amsterdam the combination has been magical for the past 30 years. Most coffee shops have a pool table and the "Old School" Amsterdam player enjoys his relaxation at the table.

After entering the tournament, for only 25 Euros, people can relax with a surprise package that the players will get for free. In a nice atmosphere everybody will play a round robin with 7 other players followed by single elimination rounds which guarantees at least 7 matches in the round robin and at least one in the single elimination.
Club-8 allows people to use an alias name like The King, The Shadow, The Gen etc.

Club-8 is the leading pool centre in Holland. In recent last years it's players have dominated the team and individual competitions throughout Holland. The Dutch Championships, The Amsterdam Open, and The National Masters are a few of the very high standard tournamaments organized by Club-8 in the past, and the many hotels in Amsterdam can provide a nice stay in Holland.

Club 8 is happy to invite you to this unique opportunity for the first and only "Smoking" 8-ball pool-tournament in the world!

If you think you can beat our Kings, Shadows and Gen’s, we dare you to come on the 20th of September. Or if you like to play pool and enjoy the dope we will see you on the 20th of September Subscribe by following link www.club-8.nl/index.jsp?USMID=90695

Club-8
Admiraal de Ruyterweg 56b
0031206851703
www.club-8.nl
rienus@club-8.nl

STATEMENT

A Disciplinary Hearing took place on 4 August 2009 to establish whether Mr Ronnie O’Sullivan, a member of the Association, was in breach of the Association’s Disciplinary Rules following allegations that he conceded a frame in his match on 16 December 2008 during the UK Championship event whilst there were still available points on the table.

Mr O’Sullivan was not present at the hearing.

The Committee accepted Mr O’Sullivan’s admission that he was in breach of the Association’s rules and ordered Mr O’Sullivan to pay a fine of £300 and costs of £1,000.

There will be no further comment on this matter.

Milliken partners Knight Shot to grow Middle East market


Pictured (L to R) Pascal Guillaume, IBSF president, Mohammed Fadavi of Knight Shot and IBSF general secretary Mohammed Kammah.

Billiard cloth manufacturer Milliken has responded to growing interest in pool and snooker in the Middle East by agreeing to distribute its products exclusively through Knight Shot, the region’s leading wholesaler.

Dubai-based Knight Shot is the area’s major pool and snooker company with retail interests in the United Arab Emirates and wholesale operations across the Middle East including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.

It has 25 years’ experience in the cue sport market and distributes many of the top brands favoured by players, manufacturers and tournament organisers.

Milliken will be supplying its 100 per cent wool Strachan 6811 brand from its snooker range and SuperPro, which is the wool and nylon fine worsted blend used on American pool tables.

Marketing director Duncan Kettell said: “Knight Shot is very well known throughout the Middle East and provides the market with many lifestyle products.

“The development of billiards has been boosted by organisations such as the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports and the International Billiards & Snooker Federation, whose world snooker championships for non-professional players will be in Hyderabad, India in November.

“We believe the Middle East now wants to be part of this growing interest in billiard sports and Knight Shot is in the right place to provide the market with the best tables, cloth and cues.”

Women & Americans at Predator World Straight Pool Championship: Complete Schedule


The players of the 69th World Straight Pool Tournament- photo courtesy Tom Flowers

Parsippany, New Jersey- Day 1 is in the books of the 69th World 14.1 Championship. Of course the favorites, the Europeans, made it through relatively easy, such as Hohmann's 92 and out against Jonathan Smith,Ortmann's dominating play over Steve Lipsky, and France's Stefan Cohen's 91 and out against Earl Herring. But the USA is looking good and so are the ladies,as they made their niches, too. The Predator World Straight Pool Championship is presented by Ozone Billiards. The Dragon Promotions revived event is in its 4th consecutive year alive with help of industry giants such as Predator, Ozone Billiards, Brunswick Billiards, Simonis Cloth, Master Chalk, Aramith Balls, Accu-Stats and the Laser Rack. Comet Billiards will host this year's event which will start play on August 24, 2009 and end August 29. The greatest straight pool players from around the world will arrive on USA's east coast again to New Jersey, and attend this prestigious event to play for the coveted title of World Straight Pool Champion.

The two lone ladies Yu Ram Cha of Korea and Gerda Hofstatter of Austria won both their matches handily. Cha defeated Chicago Qualifier winner Jeff Mohl 100-62 while Hofstatter defeated NYC Qualifier winner Jude Rosenstock 100-38. Both women played last year's World 14.1 but failed to pass the round robin. This year could be different.

Johnny Archer escaped underdog Ed Deska after trailing 82-50, but came back and ran the set out after a great jacked up cross side bank. Forum fan favorite Max Eberle returns to the World Tournament after 2 years absence with his dominating 100-28 win over California's Dan Wallace. Notable absence from John Schmidt who broke his arm a few weeks before the event. Schmidt would've been USA's top hope to win the crown, but players such as Archer, Eberle, Robles, Hopkins, Barouty are more than capable.

In an entertaining match on Accu-Stats, legendary Grady Mathews took on Danny Barouty, local NY legend. In a long winded match full of safeties, three fouled, and scratches, Barouty came on top at the very end 100-73.

"I just read the comments from the European contingent. Don’t be surprised if the winner doesn’t celebrate in a beer hall over a tall stein. There are going to be a few surprises coming out of the Big Apple. A victory drink at Greys Papaya on 72nd is a definite possibility. The owner of Amsterdam Billiards should start getting the joint ready for the celebration following the return of the title to the greatest city in the world. Not Berlin or Helsinki but New York. (Apologies to Madrid, Paris, Seoul and Tel Aviv. It ain’t happenin’). I guarantee victory or my name isn’t Steve Lipsky." said the always entertaining Danny Barouty of NY.

Fans can watch live online at www.accu-stats.com

Per day tickets can be bought at the door during the event.

The Mosconi High Run Award will pay $500 to the players with overall high run of the event plus $100 to the highest run each day.

The high run prizes are sponsored by Jay Helfert of Los Angeles CA, and Louis Pannullo of Queens, NY.

August 28 at 5pm, the night before the finals, Comet Billiards will host a special sponsor / pro team match tournament for the patron sponsors of the event. Billiard aficionado Stu Mattana of NYC and long time billiard supporter Harold Siegel of NYC are two of this year's generous patrons of the Predator World 14.1 Championship. Their contributions are helping keeping the event going. Dragon Promotions encourages others to come on board to join as a sponsor and can be reached at worldstraightpoolchampionships@gmail.com or call 1-407-782-4978

The 2009 Predator World Straight Pool Championship is proudly sponsored by Predator Cues, Comet Billiards, Brunswick Billiards, Simonis Cloth, Ozone Billiards, Laser Rack, Master Chalk and patron sponsors Stu Mattana and Harold Siegel of Excelsior Graphics. For more information on player registration, sponsorship, or if you would like to submit a comment, please email worldstraightpoolchampionships@gmail.com or contact Dragon Promotions at 1-407-782-4978.

Ozone Billiards has been providing pool players with top quality billiard products for more than eight years. Its commitment to customer service has helped Ozone Billiards grow to be one of the largest retailers of billiard supplies in the United States. For more information about Ozone Billiards and its product lines, visit www.ozonebilliards.com

Predator Group, an international billiards industry leader, is focused on bringing constant innovation and game-improving equipment to billiards players worldwide. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, Predator Group’s core brands include Predator Cues – high-end (professional level) cues with revolutionary technology to enhance performance, Poison Billiards – recreational cues with cutting-edge designs and Predator engineering for best-in-class playability, and Uni-Loc® – precision billiards equipment manufacturer. For more information regarding Predator Group’s products, visit www.predatorgroup.com.

Billiard Congress of America Consolidates Operations

Broomfield, Colo. – August 24, 2009 – The Billiard Congress of America (BCA) today announced it will consolidate all business operations at its headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado. The move comes as the association continues to look at ways to improve its operating efficiencies in this challenging economy.

Prior to this consolidation, the BCA outsourced its membership, marketing, financial, IT and administrative services to Meeting Expectations, an Atlanta based strategic association management consulting firm.

“Meeting Expectations has been a great partner during the transition of our headquarters in Colorado Springs to Broomfield,” said BCA CEO Rob Johnson.

“They have played a significant role as we have revamped our operations and management systems and dealt with a very difficult economy. They have helpedus put a platform in place for operating our association as efficiently and effectively as possible, and it will pay dividends for the BCA far into the future.”

The BCA has hired two new employees to replace the services provided by Meeting Expectations: Shane Tyree and Cindy Giltner. Both lend strong professional backgrounds and experience to their respective positions.

Shane Tyree is the BCA’s new Membership and Communications Manager. Shane has a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and a master’s degree in Mass Communication from Texas State University. His professional experience is primarily within sales and marketing for newspapers and magazines, with his most recent position being the marketing and sales manager for a Colorado regional magazine. Shane’s strengths include matching customers with solutions, creative marketing ideas and dynamic writing skills. His experience within the digital marketing arena will also offer the BCA new and exciting venues for expansion.

Cindy Giltner is the new Staff Accountant. Cindy holds a master’s degree in finance from Colorado State University and was most recently the business manager for the National Business Officers Association, a non-profit association based in Boulder. She’s also served as the treasury and risk manager for Santa Clara University.

All BCA related issues will now use the following contact information:

Billiard Congress of America
12303 Airport Way, Suite 160
Broomfield, CO 80021
Phone: 303-243-5070
Fax: 303-243-5075

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 through education, marketing and promotional efforts, an annual industry trade show, tournaments and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody’s games. For more information, please visit www.bca-pool.com or call 303.243.5070.

World Snooker Continues Support For Teenage Cancer Trust And Children’s Hospice Association Scotland

World Snooker is delighted to announce that Teenage Cancer Trust and Children’s Hospice Association Scotland will remain among its official charities for another season.

Teenage Cancer Trust is a charity that builds specialist units in NHS hospitals, where young people with cancer can be treated with others of a similar age in a positive environment.

Simon Davies, Teenage Cancer Trust’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted that World Snooker will be supporting Teenage Cancer Trust again this season. Their support will help us raise awareness of the need for young people with cancer to be treated in specialist teenage cancer units. Every day, six young people are diagnosed with cancer. We want to give each and every one of them the best chance of a positive outcome by providing support and care tailored to their needs.”

Teenage Cancer Trust has also thanked World Snooker fans and players for their support during the 2009 Betfred.com World Snooker Championship.

Over £900 was raised through bucket collections alone thanks to the generous support of fans during the tournament.

Peter Ebdon donated a cue and personal coaching session, raising £700 for the charity, as well as taking time out to visit patients at Teenage Cancer Trust’s unit at Weston Park.

Steve Davis and John Parrot both signed a painting of themselves by the famous artist Peter McKee, which raised £600, whilst Stephen Hendry gave up his time to start off the bucket collections.

Simon Davies continued: “All of these contributions and contributors have made such a difference to the young people who are having cancer treatment at Teenage Cancer Trust’s unit at Weston Park TYA Unit.

“We would like to thank staff at World Snooker, who made us feel very welcome, and were more than helpful, making sure the young people gained entry to watch matches throughout the tournament. We would also like to thank Betfred.com and The Crucible Theatre for their support.”

For more information about Teenage Cancer Trust, visit www.teenagecancertrust.org

The Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) is a Scottish charity that provides the only hospice services in Scotland for children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

It costs over £5 million each year to run both Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch and the CHAS at Home service.

A children’s hospice offers professional care, practical help and emotional support to the whole family usually from the day of acceptance, to the death of their child, and beyond.

Rachel House in Kinross, Scotland’s first children’s hospice, opened in March 1996. Robin House in Balloch opened in August 2005. Both hospices are purpose-built and each can provide ongoing support for up to 200 families across Scotland each year. The CHAS at Home Team offers support to families referred to the hospices by providing a care service to families in their own homes when they need it most.

World Snooker plans to help raise awareness of CHAS during the forthcoming Grand Prix tournament in Glasgow (October 3-11).

Debbie Traynor, CHAS Fundraiser, said: “We’re thrilled to be selected as an official charity for World Snooker. The Grand Prix event in October is a fantastic opportunity to reach a world-wide audience and those closer to home who may not be aware of CHAS and the essential support we provide to over 200 families each year across Scotland.”

For more information, visit www.chas.org.uk

Eckert Perfect: Germans Rule Day 2 of Predator World Straight Pool Championship



Parsippany, New Jersey- Germany's Ralf Eckert ran a perfect 100 ball run in his race to 100 round robin match against USA's Dan Louie. Even better was Pat Fleming had picked the match for Accu-Stats streaming, and it turned out to be a wise choice. Eckert's fellow Germans also had another good day staying undefeated on Day 2 of the Predator 69th World 14.1 Championship presented by Ozone Billiards. The Dragon Promotions revived event is in its 4th consecutive year alive with help of industry giants such as Predator, Ozone Billiards, Brunswick Billiards, Simonis Cloth, Master Chalk, Aramith Balls, Accu-Stats and the Laser Rack. Comet Billiards will host this year's event which will start play on August 24, 2009 and end August 29. The greatest straight pool players from around the world will arrive on USA's east coast again to New Jersey, and attend this prestigious event to play for the coveted title of World Straight Pool Champion.

Women's champ Yu Ram Cha won a close 100-87 match against legendary Grady Mathews. Though 3x younger than the Professor and vastly outnumbered in 14.1 knowledge, Cha's shotmaking kept it close and she pulled out the win. Cha later led 75-50 against NYC's Danny Barouty before Barouty out safetied her and clawed back a 100-75 win. Gerda Hofstatter lost a disappointing 100-43 to Shaun Wilkie, but bounced back with a win over Bill Dunsmore. Cha must win at least 1 out of the 2 remaining matches to qualify and faces group top seed Allen Hopkins and NYC's strong Jim Gottier. Hofstatter is also in the same spot but will have her hands full with Group leader Charlie Williams and top men's pro Tony Robles.

Corey Deuel leads Group 6 without any player barely passing 50 points against him and holding 2 opponents to less than a rack of points. Group 8 saw Charlie Williams make a small upset over more seasoned 14.1 player Tony Robles 100-56 to stay undefeated and the leader. Johnny Archer stays undefeated and leads Group 4 while Mika Immonen also stays the leader in Group 3 so far untested. France's Stefan Cohen stays brilliant with his 3 wins including 100-62 over throwback African American champ Earl Herring. Group 7 looks like will be a showdown between NJ/NY legens Allen Hopkins and Danny Barouty for the top seed in Group 7. The top seeds through the round robin will get a bye the first round of the next stage of race to 150 double elimination.

The German doomsday squad of Oliver Ortmann, Thorsten Hohmann, and Ralf Eckert are all undefeated and look very unlikely to lose their #1 spots in their groups.

Fans can watch live online at www.accu-stats.com

Per day tickets can be bought at the door during the event.

The Mosconi High Run Award will pay $500 to the players with overall high run of the event plus $100 to the highest run each day.

The high run prizes are sponsored by Jay Helfert of Los Angeles CA, and Louis Pannullo of Queens, NY.
    
August 28 at 5pm, the night before the finals, Comet Billiards will host a special sponsor / pro team match tournament for the patron sponsors of the event. Billiard aficionado Stu Mattana of NYC and long time billiard supporter Harold Siegel of NYC are two of this year's generous patrons of the Predator World 14.1 Championship. Their contributions are helping keeping the event going. Dragon Promotions encourages others to come on board to join as a sponsor and can be reached at worldstraightpoolchampionships@gmail.com or call 1-407-782-4978

The 2009 Predator World Straight Pool Championship is proudly sponsored by Predator Cues, Comet Billiards, Brunswick Billiards, Simonis Cloth, Ozone Billiards, Laser Rack, Master Chalk and patron sponsors Stu Mattana and Harold Siegel of Excelsior Graphics. For more information on player registration, sponsorship, or if you would like to submit a comment, please email worldstraightpoolchampionships@gmail.com

Ozone Billiards has been providing pool players with top quality billiard products for more than eight years. Its commitment to customer service has helped Ozone Billiards grow to be one of the largest retailers of billiard supplies in the United States. For more information about Ozone Billiards and its product lines, visit www.ozonebilliards.com

Predator Group, an international billiards industry leader, is focused on bringing constant innovation and game-improving equipment to billiards players worldwide. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, Predator Group’s core brands include Predator Cues – high-end (professional level) cues with revolutionary technology to enhance performance, Poison Billiards – recreational cues with cutting-edge designs and Predator engineering for best-in-class playability, and Uni-Loc® – precision billiards equipment manufacturer. For more information regarding Predator Group’s products, visit www.predatorgroup.com.

World Snooker Appoints See Tickets

See tickets has been appointed as World Snooker’s official ticket agency for the Grand Prix, UK Championship, The Masters and Welsh Open.

See is the largest ticketing agency in Europe and has a database of 2.9 million people, to which information about leading snooker tournaments will be sent. Tournaments will also be promoted on See’s overseas websites.

Tickets for each event will be available to purchase directly from See Ticket’s website, via a link on worldsnooker.com. This helps to prevent customers buying from untrustworthy ticket websites.

We strongly advise fans to purchase tickets only from the World Snooker appointed Box Offices and via See Tickets. Tickets bought from unauthorised sources may not be valid and admission to the event may not be permitted.

Tickets for the Grand Prix, which runs from October 3 to 11 at Kelvin Hall in Glasgow, are already available. For details call 0871 230 1092 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/grandprix

Grand Prix Snooker Short-Listed For Major Award

World Snooker’s 2008 Grand Prix has made a shortlist of three in the prestigious Scottish Thistle Awards.

Nominated in the International Events and Festivals category, the world ranking tournament, staged at the SECC in Glasgow last October, has been selected as one of the finalists for the award. The winner will be named at a ceremony in Edinburgh on October 23.

The Grand Prix is one of the most important tournaments on the snooker calendar, and features the world’s top 16 players plus 16 qualifiers. The 2008 tournament produced stunning snooker throughout its nine-day duration, culminating in John Higgins’ 9-7 defeat of Ryan Day in a thrilling final.

The action drew bumper crowds to the SECC, with fans coming from around Scotland and further afield to watch the world’s best. Extensive television coverage from BBC, Eurosport and CCTV (China) sent the event to many millions of fans globally, putting Glasgow in the spotlight and showcasing the city as a host for major international events.

Scott Taylor, Chief Executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “Last year’s Snooker Grand Prix in Glasgow was a great event for fans, for the sport and for the profile of Glasgow as a location for major events, so it’s no surprise that it has been short-listed for a Scottish Thistle Award. We wish World Snooker all the very best in their bid to land a coveted tourism ‘Oscar’.”

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, the national events agency, said: “Snooker’s Grand Prix generated a huge volume of media coverage, including international as well as domestic broadcast, which has raised the profile of Glasgow as a host city and destination for indoor sports events. This tournament is highly regarded in Scotland as one of the best snooker tournaments in the world and the event’s nomination for a Thistle Award is a reflection of the high regard in which it is held.”

For more about the awards, see www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk

The 2009 Grand Prix runs from October 3 to 11 at Kelvin Hall in Glasgow. Higgins will be defending his title against the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan, Shaun Murphy, Mark Selby and top Scots Stephen Hendry and Stephen Maguire. Tickets are available – for details call 0871 230 1092 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/grandprix

The Grand Prix receives funding and support from the Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and EventScotland.

Premiere Brand Integration Firm, Brand In Entertainment, Gets In "Pool, Poker and
Pain's" Corner

Los Angeles CA, August 20th, 2009: Premier LA-based brand integration firm, Brand In Entertainment, has joined up with Pool Poker & Pain creator, Blair Thein, to elevate the level of the show’s offering Brand In Entertainment works directly with national and international brands, seamlessly integrating them into the heartbeat of popular culture. BIE brings over 35 years of advertising experience, along with an impressive roster of clients who appreciate the effectiveness of brand integration.

Blair Thein is the sports and entertainment visionary who created and built the breakthrough concept called "Pool, Poker, and Pain." PPP combines three of the hottest sports on the planet: Pool, Poker and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), in a character-based reality show. The show will culminate in a live event at a Las Vegas casino, making sports and entertainment history.

"Pool, Poker, and Pain" will introduce a multi-talented, "new breed" of athlete: one who has the charisma, heart, will, and talent that it takes to grab the attention of a new breed of entertainment consumer.

In today's competitive entertainment landscape, Blair acknowledges that it will take the right branding to collaborate to maintain the integrity of his vision, as well as the integrity of each respective sport, to draw die-hard fans from each blockbuster industry.

In approaching BIE with the concept for "Pool, Poker and Pain," Blair was passionate about ensuring that his vision is executed through a creative approach that will maintain the honor and authenticity that each sport/game deserves.

To maintain the highest standards in all three disciplines and draw the most discerning fans, Blair Thein has invested the last four years developing this concept through recruiting a pool of multi-talented coaches and contestants.

President of Team Believe Promotions, Blair Thein has utilized his lifetime of networking around the sport of pool to find and recruit some of the most impressive athletes, including many top professional pool players in the game today.

Not only has Blair gained the interest and support from contestants, but he has also garnered support from all three fields, including press coverage in each industry (pool, poker, and MMA).

He has also gained sponsorship from arguably the most trusted brand in billiards today, Simonis Cloth.

Billiards industry leader Ivan Lee of Iwan Simonis, Inc. has recently given Blair his support in this project, stating, "I decided to sponsor event to push the boundaries of pool as a universal game of nerves and skill, and to see how it fares as one of the three disciplines combined to provide a new kind of entertainment and interest in our sport."

Rolfe Auerbach, President and CEO of Brand In Entertainment, also mentioned that he is excited to be a part of the branding of this remarkable concept, ensuring that today's savvy sports fans and brands can be a part of the future of sports and entertainment.

Just as many traditional media outlets are eroding with the advent of new technologies, many traditional forms of entertainment just don't pack a big enough punch to break through to a new paradigm for sports and entertainment in the 21st century... and that's just what "Pool, Poker, and Pain" intends to do.

One of the keys to executing this project will be integrating the sport of pool (billiards) into the conversations of sports fans across the world, shaping not only popular culture, but the way that pool is perceived worldwide. In the last decade, poker has experienced breakthrough growth, and it is undisputed that MMA is the fastest growing sport in the world, so Blair is excited that the "master of integration" is the chef stirring the pot in this project.

BIE will help Blair not only shock the sporting world, but also provide a platform to engage viewers in an exciting way, spicing up the dialogue around water coolers worldwide.

"Pool, Poker, and Pain" is the ultimate interactive sports-entertainment experience, and Brand In Entertainment is excited about moving forward with this concept, giving the sports of pool, poker, and MMA a radical heart transplant.

For More Information, Please Visit:

Brand In Entertainment
www.brand-inentertainment.com

Simonis Cloth
www.simoniscloth.com

Pool Poker and Pain:
www.poolpokerandpain.com

Ortmann #1 : USA's Deuel & Williams Surprise Top Seeds at Predator World 14.1 Championship


Deuel will enter the next stage of the event as #2 seed, and the top seeded American
Photo courtesy Jerry Tarantola

Parsippany, New Jersey- Oliver Ortmann's dominance of Group 2 has been unparalled compared to the previous years of the Predator World 14.1 as he utterly blitzkreiged his opponents. Ortmann held all of his opponents to 10 points or less, with two matches where he ran perfect 100's . Surprisingly is USA's Corey Deuel and Charlie Williams who not only went undefeated in their groups, but edged out the Europeans to take the #2 and #3 spots in the stage 2 cut of the Predator 69th World 14.1 Championship presented by Ozone Billiards. The Dragon Promotions revived event is in its 4th consecutive year alive with help of industry giants such as Predator, Ozone Billiards, Brunswick Billiards, Simonis Cloth, Master Chalk, Aramith Balls, Accu-Stats and the Laser Rack. Comet Billiards will host this year's event which will start play on August 24, 2009 and end August 29. The greatest straight pool players from around the world will arrive on USA's east coast again to New Jersey, and attend this prestigious event to play for the coveted title of World Straight Pool Champion.

Ortmann completely dominated his group, with only 62 total points scored against him in 5 matches. Unheard of. Ortmann started the day with a 100 ball run over Israel's Zion Zvi, keeping Zvi at 1. He ended the day with a 100 ball run shutout of USA's Bill Maropulos. Corey Deuel's unconventional side pocket break shot style earned him the #2 seeded spot as he went undefeated in Group 6. Charlie Williams below par pattern play but outstanding shotmaking earned his #3 spot undefeated. Both USA players stayed ahead of undefeated Europeans Mika Immonen of Finland (4th seed), Stefan Cohen of France (5th Seed), and German's Thorsten Hohmann (6th seed).

"These German contingent of Ortmann, Hohmann, and Eckert are incredible. They are the real deal and they look near unstoppable," said an astonished Pat Fleming, Founder of Accu-Stats.

Williams, in between producing and working the event, found time to upset legendary straight pool pros such as Tony Robles.


Other notable highlights:

-Minutes after Ortmann's finale 100 ball run of the night, Immonen started at a -1, and ran 101 and out against Robert Madenjian. Immonen claimed the daily $100 bonus for his high run.

- Madenjian had an intersting match with Germany's Ralph Eckert the match before where he led 97-86 needing 3 balls for the win to stay undefeated. He eventually got to 99-96, but missed a hard combo in the stack and succumbed 100-99 before Immonen's dismantling of him.

-Earl Herring, with only 2 wins, edged out a 3-way tie with Bob Jewitt and Jeremy Sossei to be the first African American to make the cut at the event.

-The first player from the middle east ever to play in a World 14.1 competition, Jordan's Zaid Thweib survived Group 1 with THorsten Hohmann, who he actually led against with a 70 ball run before Hohmann defeated him. Zaid advances to the final 24.

World #1 Immonen stayed undefeated and capped off the night with a 101 high run of the event (thus far)

Fans can watch live online at www.accu-stats.com

Per day tickets can be bought at the door during the event.

The Mosconi High Run Award will pay $500 to the players with overall high run of the event plus $100 to the highest run each day.

The high run prizes are sponsored by Jay Helfert of Los Angeles CA, and Louis Pannullo of Queens, NY.

Europeans Rock the Rack at Predator 14.1 Championships


Germany's Oliver Ortmann in action at the Predator World 14.1 Championship
Photo courtesy ©mediumpool.com

At the Predator World 14.1 Championship, being streamed LIVE form accu-stats.com, 2007 champion Oliver Ortmann continues undefeated with an invincible combined score of 500-62. Mika Immonen, also impregnable, has a total count of 500-162 in his first 5, round robin matches. Thorsten Hohmann, also indomitable, is looking to continue has success in straight pool titles.

Americans Charlie Williams, Corey Deuel and Allen Hopkins all remain unbeaten heading into the 24 player, double-elimination round.

The tournament continues through the Saturday. The Accu-Stats, Pay-per-view, LIVE, online streaming is provided with commentary by host Danny DiLiberto and guests who not only entertain, they instruct. For more, visit www.accu-stats.com today.

Ortmann Incredible on Day 4 (Still!)

Williams Moves Up to #2 Seed at Predator World 14.1 Championship


Charlie Williams showing off his 14.1 masse skills
Photos courtesy Jerry Tarantola

Parsippany, New Jersey- Day 4 of the 69th World 14.1 Championship saw the remaining players that made the top half cut race to 150. Oliver Ortmann continues his rampage with his 150 & out shutout of Earl Herring. Top seeds Thorsten Hohmann and Mika Immonen also made it through to the final 16 with ease. But the surprise darkhorse is USA's Charlie Williams who advanced to the final 16, and also moved up his seeding as the #2 best playing player of the Predator World Straight Pool Championship presented by Ozone Billiards. The Dragon Promotions revived event is in its 4th consecutive year alive with help of industry giants such as Predator, Ozone Billiards, Brunswick Billiards, Simonis Cloth, Master Chalk, Aramith Balls, Accu-Stats and the Laser Rack. Comet Billiards will host this year's event which will start play on August 24, 2009 and end August 29. The greatest straight pool players from around the world will arrive on USA's east coast again to New Jersey, and attend this prestigious event to play for the coveted title of World Straight Pool Champion.

"This Ortmann is incredible. He plays so effortlessly and strong. He's had three 100 ball runs already, including today's 150 and out. That's unreal to do at a World Championship," said Danny Diliberto, expert commentator for Accu-Stats and former champion. Oliver Ortmann still remains the #1 seed into the final 16, holding his opponents to an astonishing 61 points total in six matches. That averages out to be Ortmann losing less than one rack per match.

With the exception of Germany's Ralph Eckert who was defeated by Mika Immonen and then upsetted by NYC's Jim Gottier, the Europeans are having a time of it still with Thorsten Hohmann staying undefeated with his 150-76 win over Shaun Wilkie. He remains the #5 seed. Immonen remains also at #4 seed. France's Stefan Cohen keeps turning heads with his solid play and a 150-83 win over Stevie Moore. Scotland's lone soldier Jonni Fulcher has been solid with 150-103 win over Danny Barouty and 150-111 over Max Eberle.

Though a top 5 ranked pro in the USA for the past several years, Charlie Williams didn't seem to be a top contender for the World 14.1 crown. Yet Williams stands with the 2nd best record of the event, and still undefeated. Williams defeated group favorite Tony Robles in significant margin at 100-56, and then ran over European 14.1 Womens Champ Gerda Hoftsatter 100-31, ran 73 and then 27 to win in 2 innings against Jude Rosenstock, and today delivered a devastating 85 and 56 back to back to defeat NYC favorite Steve Lipsky 150-8.

"Charlie usually doesn't care enough to try too hard and doesn't try to play shape but just makes alot of tough shots. But when he really wants to bear down and play good shape,patterns,etc ...well, he can",said top pro Mike Davis. Davis later defeated Lipsky in a hard fought 150-126 match to qualify for tomorrow's final rounds.

Notable highlights of Day 4:

-Johnny Archer delivered a power packed punch to Corey Deuel in a 150-0 blowout. Archer ran an 84 then missed. Deuel missed his first shot at the table. Archer never looked back.

-Jordan's Zaid Thweib became the first middle eastern ever to make it to the last stage of the World 14.1

-African American Earl Herring made it to the final 16, despite his 150-0 loss to Ortmann

-Danny Barouty led Allen Hopkins 109-3. Hopkins ran a 111 back and won the match 150- 115.

Fans can watch live online at www.accu-stats.com

Per day tickets can be bought at the door during the event.

Final Stage Race to 200 points : Current Standings Top 8

1     Ortmann     
2     Williams     
4     Immonen
3     Cohen     
5     Hohmann     
6     Robles     
7     Archer     
8     Fulcher
    
9-16 Seeds

9     Hopkins     
10     Deuel     
11     Moore     
12     Davis     
13     Madenjian     
14     Thweib     
15     Gottier     
16     Herring

Confident Walden Excited By Title Defence

Ricky Walden insists he has never felt better about his game as he looks ahead to the defence of his Roewe Shanghai Masters title next week.

The first world ranking event of the 2009/10 season takes place at the Grand Stage in Shanghai from September 7 to 13, with Flintshire’s Walden due to battle the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, Betfred.com World Champion John Higgins and home favourites Ding Junhui and Liang Wenbo for the title.

Walden certainly did it the hard way last year, knocking out Hendry, Steve Davis, Neil Robertson and Mark Selby en route to the final before beating O’Sullivan 10-8 to land his first ranking title.

“I’ve never felt better going into a season,” said Walden, who shot up the world rankings from 35th to 20th last term. “I’m looking forward to getting out to Shanghai as it will be a new experience for me, to defend a title. Snooker is crazy in China. Everywhere you go you get mobbed by autograph hunters. I love it because you get big crowds and they all know their snooker. It gives me a real buzz.

“Everything is going in the right direction for me and I feel as if the other players respect me more now that I’ve won a tournament and shown I can mix it with the big boys. It’s definitely given me the taste to win more. I also want to get into the top 16 because I feel I belong at the venues.”

Walden expects to be fighting fit as the season progresses, as he intends to run the New York Marathon on November 1.

“I’ve been doing a lot of running because it gives me discipline outside snooker, and it improves my fitness,” he said. “It can only help my game, especially in the long matches, and that will give me more chances to win trophies. I’ve done a couple of half marathons before, but never a full one. It could finish me off!”

For all the latest news, results and live scoring from Shanghai, follow www.worldsnooker.com