Site News
Topic: *Industry News* February 2010

INDUSTRY NEWS - February 2010

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

ALCANO, LINING GIVE RP HOT POOL START IN WORLD TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS IN GERMANY
BY:MARLON BERNARDINO

MANILA, PHILIPPINES---Former WPA 9-ball and 8-ball champion Ronato “Ronnie” Alcano and Japan based Antonio “Nickoy” Lining toppled their respective rivals to spearheaded Philippines charge against Great Britain II, 4-0, in a high note at the start of first-ever World Team Cup Championship being held at the Hall 13 Hannover Exhibition Grounds in Hannover, Germany yesterday.

The Calamba, Laguna lanky hot-shot Alcano of Bugsy Promotions, stamped on his class against Briton Michael Valentine, 8-6, in the 9-ball competition as well the Pinamalayan, Oriental native Lining who dealt Chris Meiling, 8-4.

"It's a great start for the Philippine team,"said businessman/sportsman Ceferino "Perry"Mariano, president of the star-studded Bugsy Promotions." We hope mahawakan nila ang magandang momentum," added Mariano.

Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) chairman Florentino "Yen"Makabenta added that Nationals also won in the 8-ball Scotch doubles competitions by scores of 6-5 and 6-4.

Now playing the 10-ball competition, another Bugsy stalwart Dennis "Robocop" Orcullo goes up against Mick Hill while Negros Billiard Stable top player and reigning two-time BSCP National Pool champion Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza opposite Craig Osborne in this $400,000 total pot prize tournament which attracted 200 cue artists around 40 teams from 50 countries using point-system tournament patterned after the famous Davis Cup in international tennis.

Marlon "Marvelous"Manalo and Warren "Warrior"Kiamco completed the six-man team Philippines. BSCP vice president and veteran internationalists Edgar'Malabon" Acaba designated as team manager.

Sanyuan Foods To Sponsor China Open Snooker

World Snooker is delighted to announce Sanyuan Foods as the new title sponsor of the China Open.

The world ranking tournament takes place at the Beijing Students University Stadium from March 29 to April 4. Peter Ebdon will defend his title against the world’s top players, including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, John Higgins and Chinese hero Ding Junhui.

The event will be known as the Sanyuan Foods 2010 World Snooker China Open.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “This is our third title sponsorship announcement within the last few weeks and it’s another piece of great news for our sport. Very quickly, we’ve moved from a position of struggling for sponsors, to having one on board for all but one of our televised professional tournaments. China is snooker’s most vibrant growth area and I’m very excited about the commercial potential there, so this announcement is another step forward. We look forward to working with the team at Sanyuan, as well as the CBSA, promoter International Sports Ltd and our other partners, on another successful tournament.”

Beijing Sanyuan Foods Company Ltd's principal activities are the manufacture and sale of dairy products such as high-temperature milk, sterilized milk, room temperature milk, sour milk and powdered milk. Other activities include manufacture and sale of beverages, food and related raw materials, health foods, dairy machinery and food machinery, provision of accommodation, restaurant and information consultation services and leasing and managing real estate.

This company has 45 years' history in producing dairy products with over 5,000 staff and went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in May 1997.

EFREN “BATA” REYES WHO AMASSED NEARLY $1.7 MILLION IN PRIZE MONEY NAMED PLAYER OF THE DECADE BY THE USMBA
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

Efren “Bata” Reyes, perhaps the greatest billiards player of all time, continue put the Philippines on the global map.

This after the United States Billiard Media Association, the USBMA announced yesterday that the 55-year-old Filipino pool maestro named Player of the Decade, beating fellow former world champions Johnny “The Scorpion” Archer of the United States, Mika “The Iceman” Immonen of Finland and Ralf “Kaiser” Souquet of Germany in voting.

The Angeles City, Pampanga native Reyes, the top player of Puyat Sports who also inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall (BCA) Hall of Fame in 2003 ammased nearly $1.7 million in prize money according to the report of famous website Azbilliards yesterday, not included his latest feat in Indiana with a total earning of $47,500.

Reyes, who is fresh from winning his fifth straight Master of the Table Crown last Monday during the 12th Annual Derby City Classic at the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel in Indiana, United States.

“He (Efren) is an inspiration for the Filipinos.” said long-time benefactor sportsman/ businessman Aristeo “Putch” Puyat, acknowledge God Father of Philippine Billiards.

Reyes won more than 20 major men’s professional pool titles during the decade, starting with his $30,000 Camel Pro 8-Ball Championship win in 2000. Of his 22 major victories, the versatile Reyes won four one-pocket crowns, four 8-ball titles and 15 9-ball titles. He also won the Derby City All- Around title five times.

Reyes also the first Filipino won the prestigious World Pool (9-ball) Championships tiara in 1999 at Cardiff, Wales. He also took the World 8-ball title in 2004 in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.

He scored his biggest wins in the International Pool Tour (IPT), won two titles (2005 IPT King of the Hill and 2006 IPT North American Open) and pocketed $765,000.

In the distaff side, Allison Fisher of Great Britain also named Player of the Decade, defeating compatriot Karen Korr and Jasmin Osuchan of Austria for the coveted plum.

RAJ HUNDAL INTERVIEWED ON BBC RADIO TODAY

If you missed it (and you're based in the British Isles) you can listen to today's full 20 minute interview by Nihal with Raj Hundal on the BBC's excellent iPlayer service (just click the link below and skip forward to just past halfway at 1:10:05).

Nihal (born Nihal Arthanayake) joined BBC Radio 1 in 2002, and has since done stints on BCC TV as well as his programme on the BBC Asian Network.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00qjq8m/Nihal_01_02_2010/

Delta-13 Helps Support ZO & MAGIC's 8-BALL CHALLENGE

        Parker, Colorado, February 2, 2010: Executive Billiards announced their support today for the ZO & MAGIC'S 8-BALL CHALLENGE to kick off the NBA All-Star Weekend in Dallas, Texas on February 11th.

        ZO & MAGIC’S 8-BALL CHALLENGE is an annual fundraiser to support the mission of Alonzo Mourning Charities and the Magic Johnson Foundation. This upscale, intimate, fun and exciting event for the Who’s Who of the industry allows celebrities and athletes to kick-back and enjoy themselves as they prepare to usher in the weekend of festivities. Now entering year five, ZO & MAGIC'S 8-BALL CHALLENGE has become the most anticipated event of all-star weekend. Go to www.8ballchallenge.com to learn more.

        The Magic Johnson Foundation, founded by Earvin “Magic” Johnson in 1991, works to develop programs and support community-based organizations that address the educational, health and social needs of ethnically diverse, urban communities. You can learn more about making a donation at www.magicjohnson.org.

        AM Charities' mission is to encourage the educational development of our youth by creating programs and youth enrichment centers that promote positive change in low socioeconomic communities. You can learn more about making a donation at www.amcharities.org.

        Executive Billiards has donated 19 custom Delta-13 Elite ball racks for the event, including a 24-karat gold, hand polished rack for the silent auction. “We are honored and thrilled to be part of this fabulous event. These two charities have accomplished so much to aid under- priviledged children and to be a small part of this is very special indeed.” said Terry A. Taggart, President of Executive Billiards.

Additional product information about the Delta-13 Elite custom racks can be found at
www.delta-13.com.

Shanelle Loraine Signs Endorsement with Cream Silk

Manila, Philippines- Billiards beauty star Shanelle Loraine has signed on with Cream Silk, the #1 hair care brand in the Philippines. Shanelle will be appearing in several ads and TV commercials for the mainstream hair care products. Loraine's popularity in the booming billiards country of the Philippines ever since her debut at the Women's World 10-Ball Championship of last June and her recent 3rd place finish with partner Lee Van Corteza at the World Mixed Doubles Classic, both events produced by Dragon Promotions which manages Loraine.

"I was very excited when asked to endorse Cream Silk. It's the most popular hair product brand in the Philippines and nice to be associated with such a trusted and long standing company. And all my relatives in the Philippines and Guam love the commercial!" said Loraine.

Cream Silk has been the dominant market leader in haircare for over 25 years in the Philippines. As the Philippines' most trusted conditioner brand, Cream Silk's motto is "to inspire women all over the country to bring out their hair's full beauty potential".
Fans can view the national commericial video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4c2xPixlug

"Shanelle's charming personality and marketability is opening many doors for her. She also works hard on her game behind the scenes. We are getting so many requests for her to goto so many places. Shanelle is great for the sport and a fantastic role model for players." said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.

Dates Changed for Virginia U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship Qualifier

Due to a scheduling conflict with other events in the Mid-Atlantic region, the qualifier being held at First Break Café in Sterling, Virginia for the 2010 U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship is being moved from March 27-28 to April 10-11.

CSI, First Break Cafe room owner, and tournament director believe it is in the best interest of the players, the sport and for all rooms and venues involved to rearranged the dates in order to ensure each is successful and the players can maximize their competitive playing opportunities.

The winner of the $1000 added qualifier being held at First Break Café will receive their entry to the 2010 U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship.

April 10-11, 2010
Northern Virginia
First Break Café
46970 Community Plaza #200
Sterling, VA
(703) 444-2551
$1000 Added
Entry: $65
Open: 10 am
Start: 12 Noon
Contact: Anthony Luong

The U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship will be held at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada immediately following the World Pool Masters and in conjunction with the 34th Annual BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships. It is also a recognized BCA point event and will feature the top men and women players from the U.S. and around the world.

In addition to the qualifier at First Break Café, participating regional tours and a select group of other independent host rooms will each send one player to the $25,000 added national 10-Ball event. To play in a qualifier spot hosted by a regional tour, participants must be a member of that tour or meet the tour’s membership requirements. The following tours are involved with the U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship qualifier program: The Desert Classic Tour of Arizona, The Great Southern Billiards Tour and the Ozone Billiards Predator Tour.

The Desert Classic Tour and the Great Southern Billiards Tour will include their U.S Open 10-Ball Championship qualifier spot at one of their regularly scheduled tour stops this spring.

The Ozone Billiards Predator 9-Ball Tour will award their U.S. Open 10-Ball spot to the tour point leader at the conclusion of its 6th stop of the 2010 season. Visit their website for the tour 2010 schedule at www.predator9balltour.com or contact tour organizer Tony Robles at (917) 202-2750.

The remaining qualifier spots can be won at qualifier tournaments in the following host rooms: Butera’s in Moorpark, CA; The Wynkoop in Denver, CO; Pool Sharks in Las Vegas, NV; The Golden Fleece, Kenmore, WA; as part of the Virginia State 10-Ball Championship being held at First Break Café in Sterling, VA; and Toronto, Canada (date / location TBA).

Qualifier Dates and Locations:

February 6-7, 2010
Arizona (Desert Classic Tour Stop)
Bullshooters
3337 W. Peoria Ave
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 441-2447
$1000 Added
Open: 10 am
Start: 12 Noon
Entry: Handicapped scale
$70(A+), $50 (A), $35 (B), $25 (C)
Contact: Dennis Orender
info@desertclassictour.com
www.desertclassictour.com

February 20, 2010
*Special 1 day 16 player limited field
California
Butera’s
476 West Los Angeles Ave.
Moorpark, CA
(805) 523-3088
Entry: $75 pre-register
$100 day of if available
Open: 10 am
Start: 12 Noon
Contact: Sal Butera
www.buterasbilliards.com


April 10-11, 2010
Northern Virginia
First Break Café
46970 Community Plaza #200
Sterling, VA
(703) 444-2551
$1000 Added
Entry: $65
Open: 10 am
Start: 12 Noon
Contact: Anthony Luong

April 3-4, 2010
Nevada
Pool Sharks
3650 S. Decatur
Las Vegas, Nevada
(702) 222-1011
$300 Added
Entry: $55
Open: 10 am
Start: 12 noon
Contact: John Kutcher
www.poolsharks.net

April 10-11, 2010
Washington
The Golden Fleece
7804 NE Bothell Way
Kenmore, WA
(425) 908-7332
$1000 Added (based on 64 field)
Entry: $50
Open: 9 am
Start: 11 am
Contact: Askar or Sam
www.goldenfleecebilliards.net

April 17-18, 2010
Colorado
The Wynkoop
(303) 297-2700
1634 18th Street
Denver, CO
Entry: $50
Open: 10 am
Start: 12 Noon
Contact: Melissa Little
www.wynkoop.com

*TBA: Great Southern Billiard Tour Date / Location
www.greatsouthernbilliardstour.com

*TBA: Toronto Metropolitan Area Date / Location

CSI wishes to thank all the host rooms and tours for their participation and support. The U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship is sponsored and additionally supported by Diamond Billiard Products, Aramith, Simonis, The Action Report (TAR), BreakRAK and Bad Boys Billiard Productions. For more information about the U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship please contact CSI at (702) 719-7665 or email holly@playcsipool.com.

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

RAJ HUNDAL WINS MOST UP AND COMING PERSONALITY OF 2010 BRITISH ASIAN SPORTS AWARDS

Pool star Raj Hundal is the supreme winner of the Most Up and Coming Sports Personality of the Year. Screening on Sony Entertainment Television, Raj shows how he beat a world-class field of finalists to take the top prize.

“I was truly honored just be nominated, but to actually win was a dream come true and this is something I feel which is a very big achievement for myself and my sport. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sony Entertainment Television for putting on a great evening and Cobra Beer, who were the sponsors of my award. I would also like to thank the people who are most close to me at Matchroom Sport, Dragon Promotions, Poison Cues, and Brunswick Billiards. Most importantly, I need to thank my friends and family, their support has been tremendous support throughout the years and without the hard work of my management team, this would have never happened.

Lastly, the support I received from my fans has been outstanding and with their votes, this award is now in my hands. Words cannot express my appreciation’’

Winners on the night were:

Viroshan Gnanapandithan- Young Sports Personality of the Year
Jesse Mander- Junior Sports Personality of the Year / Male Riana Devi Soobadoo- Sports Personality of the Year / Female Raj Hundal- Most Up & Coming Sports Personality of the Year Salma Bi- International Outstanding Achievement Award Amit Bhatia- Community Business in Sport Sivakumar Renganathan- Coach of the Year
Saina Nehwal- International Sports Personality of the Year Amir Khan- Moment of the Year

“I’m truly inspired by all these winners and all the nominees as they are all champions in their own right and make me want to work harder as an athlete and as a role model. This has opened new doors for me already but my aim in life is to make pool a bigger sport than what it is today’’.

The flamboyant evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London started with nominees being greeted by the media and an array of photographers. The evening continued with a champagne reception , delicious three course meal and a silent auction, which raised over sixteen thousand pounds (approx $25, 000) for charity . The ceremony commenced showcasing and highlighting all the sponsors who were involved and introduced the British Asian talent, which was full of inspiring athletes like Amir Khan and Dennis Lewis.

Dott – I Must Qualify

Former World Champion Graeme Dott is desperate to get back to the Crucible, but first faces the dreaded test of the Betfred.com World Snooker Championship qualifiers.

The Pocket Dynamo has been ever present at the Crucible since 2000, reaching the final in 2004 then enjoying the best moment of his career in 2006 when he beat Peter Ebdon 18-14 in the final.

But after a loss of form in 2007 and 2008 which saw him go 16 months without winning a match in a ranking event, Dott dropped out of the top 16. He is now showing signs of getting back to his best, including a run to the last 16 of the totesport.com Welsh Open.

But the 32-year-old from Larkhall looks ahead to the World qualifiers in March with trepidation. “It’s the worst match anyone can play in,” he said. “I won’t feel happy if I win – just relieved. It will probably be a very tough match, especially as I’ve not played in the qualifiers for quite a few years.”

The qualifiers run from February 26 to March 9 at the English Institute of Sport – Sheffield. The likes of Steve Davis, Jimmy White, Ken Doherty, John Parrott, Judd Trump and Liang Wenbo will all be fighting for a place at the Crucible.

“I’ve never been to the qualifying venue in Sheffield, not even to watch, so I’m not sure what it’s like,” Dott added. “Unless Daniel Wells or David Gray get through from the first round, I’m due to play either Andy Hicks or Jimmy Michie. They are both very hard opponents. It doesn’t really matter who you play, you just have to deal with the pressure.

“If you lose that match it kills you. Especially if you have already qualified for China, it must be heart-breaking to go out there and know you are not going to be at Sheffield.”

Dott, who stands 20th in the provisional rankings, added: “I’m doing ok so far this season. I’m still a fair way off the top 16, but I’d love to get back in there so I don’t have to go through the qualifiers next season."

Tickets for the qualifiers start at just £5 and can be bought by calling 0114 2565656 or visiting www.arenaticketshop.co.uk

THE 23RD ANNUAL JAPAN OPEN
"NEW PIA HALL"
1-11-1, Kaigan
Minato-ku
Tokyo
Japan

20-21 March 2010

FORMAT: WPA 9-ball
Men: Double elimination, race to 8. Single elimination from last 128, race to 9
Women: Double elimination, race to 7. Single elimination from last 32, race to 8

PRIZE MONEY:
Men's first prize: JPY 1,500,000 ( Approx: £10,623 / €12,192 / $16,643 )
Women's first prize: JPY 400,000 ( Approx: £2,833 / €3,251 / $4,438 )
* We will withhold 20% of the prize money for tax purposes.

ENTRY FEE:
Men's pro player 　　 JPY 30,000 ( Approx: £213 / €244 / $333 )
Men's ama player     JPY 15,000
Women's pro player JPY 20,000
Women's ama player JPY 10,000

DRESS CODE:
Men: with tie, with black leather shoes, no jeans, no sneeker, no T-shirts
Women: no jeans, no sneeker, no T-shirts

CONTACT:     yokota(at)jpba.ne.jp

Please e-mail or fax the following information by March 11.
Please note that an entry must be submitted from a national federation/association. Entry from an individual won’t be accepted.
JPBA office, 5-1-8, Fukazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan, Tel&Fax(+81-3-3705-8223), Email: yokota(at)jpba.ne.jp

　JAPAN OPEN is an official tournament recognized by WPA (World Pool-billiard Association) and APBU (Asian Pocket Billiard Union)

Crucible Snooker Tickets On Sale

Tickets to the Betfred.com World Snooker Championship at the famous Crucible Theatre in Sheffield go on general release this Saturday (February 20).

The tournament, which runs from April 17 to May 3, is one of the highlights of the sporting calendar, as the most prestigious and coveted title in snooker.

All of the sport’s star names will be battling for the trophy and a first prize of £250,000, including ‘Rocket’ Ronnie O’Sullivan, Shaun Murphy, Mark Selby, Stephen Hendry, Sheffield-based Ding Junhui and defending champion John Higgins.

The box office opens at 9.30am on Saturday and fans are advised to book immediately for the best chance of getting tickets for the sessions required. To book your seats, call 0114 249 6006 or visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

A spokesman for World Snooker said: “For 17 days during the Betfred.com World Snooker Championship, the eyes of the globe turn to Sheffield to watch one of Britain’s great sporting occasions. It’s a fantastic tournament full of drama, exciting matches and brilliant play. Last year there were 83 centuries, smashing the old record of 68, which shows how much the standard of play is improving. There are many contenders for the title this year and it promises to be another classic.

“The event will be televised live in over 60 countries worldwide, with a global audience of over 180 million. For the lucky few who are able to get tickets, the experience is a truly memorable one.

“The Crucible and Sheffield have become synonymous with snooker, having hosted the tournament for over 30 years, and we were delighted to announce last year that we will stay there until at least 2014. In April we’ll be welcoming thousands of dedicated fans from the region, and much further afield. Certain sessions get sold out very quickly so we advise anyone who wants to experience the greatest snooker show on Earth to book their tickets now.”

ORCULLO TO COMPETE IN WORLD POOL MASTERS
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

REIGNING International Predator 10-ball champion Dennis “Robocop” Orcullo will compete in the 2010 PartyPoker.net World Pool Masters slated on May 12 to 16 at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada Orcullo, top player of star-studded Bugsy Promotions, expects an uphill battle in the 64-man field from over 20 countries in this $10,000 total pot prize weeklong-event with the winner getting the lion share of $20,000.

“I’m ready. It’s a big challenge for me, but I will do my very best for flag and country,” said the former fisherman from Bislig, Surigao del Sur, Orcullo, member of the Philippine billiards team who bagged the silver medal in the first-ever World Team Cup in Hannover, Germany early this month.

Ceferino “Perry” Mariano, president of the star-studded Bugsy Promotions and co-founder of the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) said “Let’s hope and pray Dennis and other Filipino bets will continue to play well and again bring honor to the country this year,”

Aside from Orcullo, fellow BMPAP top players and world-renowned cue artists Efren “Bata” Reyes, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Alex “The Lion” Pagulayan and Lee Vann “The Slayer” Corteza will lead the charge for the Filipinos as against those coming from Austria, Canada, China, Chinese-Taipei, England, Finland, Germany, Holland, India, Korea, Malta, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Malta, Mexico, and the USA World Championship titlists the likes of World Ten-Ball Champions Darren Appleton and Mika Immonen, World 9-Ball Champions Johnny Archer, Thorsten Hohmann and Daryl Peach and World 8-Ball Champion Ralf Souquet. Seasoned professionals David Alcaide, Niels Fiejen, Marcus Chamat, Charlie Williams, Rodney Morris, Corey Deuel, Shane Van Boening, Ko Pin-yi, Fu Jian-bo, Raj Hundal, Oscar Dominguez, Tyler Edey, John Schmidt, Tony Drago, Allison Fisher, Yu Ram Cha, and Jasmin Ouschan are also must-see players.

Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn commented, “I am very excited about the future of the Masters. It did very well and was very prestigious as a 16 player invitational but now is the time to take the event to another level and then beyond.We’ve increased the field to 64 with the aim of having qualifying tournaments all over the world and that is the model the Masters will follow now and in years to come.”“It gives every aspirational pool player in the world the chance to play in Vegas in one of the game’s biggest competitions and compete against the superstars of pool. “It is my every intention to build the World Pool Masters up into an event comparable to the World Championship when Matchroom Sport promoted it from 1999 to 2007.”

The first two days of the event feature double elimination play on a multi-table set-up as the field reduces from 64 down to 32.The event then goes to single elimination and the last 16 is played out in a single table arena setting in front of the TV cameras, culminating in the final on the evening of Sunday, May 16.Television is produced by Matchroom Sport and will be seen as 15 x one hour programmes in 14 countries around the world with more to be added to the list.

Jimmy Hopes To Be White Hot In Crucible Qualifiers

Jimmy White insists he has a “burning ambition” to get to the final stages of the Betfred.com World Snooker Championship.

The six-times Crucible finalist goes into the qualifying round’s for snooker’s biggest tournament needing to win three matches to get to the sport’s Theatre of Dreams. White plays his first match at the English Institute of Sport – Sheffield on Wednesday March 3 against Patrick Wallace or Mark Boyle, and would then have to beat Ken Doherty and Joe Swail to get to the televised stages in April.

Recent defeats in the totesport.com Welsh Open and Sanyuan Foods China Open qualifiers have left 47-year-old White languishing in the lower reaches of the provisional rankings, with no guarantee of keeping his place on the professional tour for next season.

“I’m not thinking about that because I’m just concentrating on getting to the Crucible,” said the crowd favourite from London. “It’s my burning ambition to get there.

“The last few weeks have been painful for me. I played in the Masters and I was over-whelmed by the support I got. But the table was faster than what I am used to, I couldn’t settle and the nerves got to me.

“Then in the Welsh Open qualifiers I was 4-0 up on Ian McCulloch, he made an amazing clearance and came back to beat me 5-4 on a respotted black. And in the China qualifiers I was 3-1 and 74 points up against Xiao Guodong, but ended up losing 5-4 again. I was devastated by those two results. I’ve been practising five or six hours a day.”

White’s confidence has since been buoyed by an exhibition in Grimsby in which he made a 147 maximum break and a 146 in the last two frames.

“That was a special night and it shows that I’m hitting the ball well,” added the former UK and Masters champion. “I just need to take some form into the World qualifiers.”

The EISS qualifiers run from February 26 to March 9, with the likes of Steve Davis, Graeme Dott, John Parrott, Judd Trump and Liang Wenbo as well as White and Doherty, all fighting for one of 16 coveted places in the Crucible line up.

Tickets start at just £5 per day and can be bought by calling 0114 2565656 or visiting www.arenaticketshop.co.uk.

JOSE PARICA ENDS UP 2ND TO SHANE VAN BOENING IN 17TH ANNUAL U.S. BAR TABLE 10-BALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

FILIPINO legendary Jose "Amang" Parica felled his opponents one by one but surrendered the battle that mattered most, bowing to US brightest hope Shane "The South Dakota Kid" Van Boening, 7-5, in the finals of 17th annual U.S. Bar Table Championships 10-ball competition yesterday at the Sands Regency Casino Hotel in Downtown, Reno, Nevada, USA.

Parica, dubbed as the leader of the Filipino invasion in the US pool circuit in the mid 80's, swept his way into the title match but suferred twice to eventual champion Van Boening, in the race to 7, alternate break, rack your own, true double elimination format which attracted 115 cue artists.

The undefeated Van Boening pocketed the top purse of $5,000 while the West Covina-based Parica who hails from Manila settled for runner-up purse of $3,200.

Parica, known to local billiards fan as “Amang”, was recently inducted into the One Pocket Hall of Fame, defeated Arturo Rivera, 7-6, Matt Clatterbuck, 7-4, Shane Winters, 7-4, Brian Butler, 7-3, Oscar Dominguez,7-5, and Larry Wilson, 7-1, but was yielded to Van Boening,7-1, in the hot-seat match.

Parica, meantime eliminated Glenn Atwell, 7-5, in the losers clash to forge a rematch with Van Boening.

Parica is currently competing in the 9-ball competition of 17th annual U.S. Bar Table Championships is fresh from winning the 12th Annual Derby City Classic 60-year-old above Seniors One-Pocket Mini Event at the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel in Indiana last month and the 14th Annual Jay Swanson Memorial 9-Ball Tournament in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, last week.

BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships - "The Greatest Pool Tournament in the World!"

There are many reasons why the BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships has long been called “The Greatest Pool Tournament in the World!” and the 34th Annual will be no exception…

34th Annual BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships newsletter – has info you will need to enter, book your room at the Riviera, buy tickets for the pro events, and catch up on what’s new this year. You will find the newsletter, along with all of the entry forms and schedules on playbca.com.

Be a Riviera VIP (Very Important Poolplayer!) -- Exclusive Registered Guests Specials for all BCAPL Attendees Staying a the Riviera Hotel & Casino – the Riviera room rate is $85 (including Friday and Saturday) for up to four people in a room. New this year are the "Exclusive Registered Guests Specials" listed on page 3 of the newsletter. The Riviera is staging free slot tournaments; a drawing for $25 chips, free slot play, and gift certificates; regular food & drink specials; and more. Go to our special group reservations page.

Tournament charts LIVE ON-LINE from the Riviera this year! – CueSports International (CSI), the parent company of BCA Pool League since 2004, has developed a state of the art tournament management system – the CueSports Tournament System (CTS). The CTS is managing the U.S. Bar Table Championships at Terrible’s Sands Regency Hotel & Casino in Reno, Nevada this weekend. To view the charts live on-line right now.

All the friends and family back home can keep up with their favorite BCAPL players and teams LIVE ON-LINE from the Riviera during the 8-Ball championships this May. Fans will also be able to keep up with all the action at the US Open 10-Ball Championships through the CTS charts. VERY COOL!

18th PartyPoker.net World Pool Masters – returns to the Riviera May 12-16, offering a stellar field of 64 of the world’s finest professionals. This marks the third consecutive year that the World Pool Masters has appeared on US soil. Tickets are available on-line at playbca.com now

1st Annual US Open 10-Ball Championship – will be launched at the Riviera May 17-22, with an field of 96 to 112 of the best men and women professionals in the world.

The Action Report (TAR) – returns to the Riviera this year to provide a live on-line broadcast of the US Open 10-Ball Championship. For the best in pool action LIVE ON-LINE

Make your plans now! Enter before March 28, and beat the late fees this year. See you in May!

POOL-STREAM.com airs for the first time

“The heat is on!“ - only one more week and the action kicks off for the first time on „the old continent“. It's America's Superstar Shane „South Dakota Kid“ van Boening playing two Swiss players in a 9-ball race to 50! van Boening's contenders are multiple Swiss Champion and talent Ronald Regli on Thursday, March 4th, and reigning European Strait Pool Champion and Junior World Champion (2000) Dimitri Jungo on March 5th. Both matches are best of 99, winner break for $5000.- winner takes it all!

In the course of the fifth edition of the Grand Prix Open Biel - won by local hero Dimitri Jungo, Czech player Roman Hybler, Serbia's Sandor Tot and the player of the decade „the Kasier“ Ralf Souquet in previous years – Mosconi Cup Winner Shane van Boening will make his first appearance in Switzerland.

Together with our partners www.pool-stage.de and www.eSeven.de a pay-per-view livestream will be provided. With four different packages available viewers can choose the following on www.pool-stream.com:

    *     Shane van Boening vs Ronald Regli (March 4th, 6pm CET and 12pm ET) for $10.-
    *     Shane vs Dimitri Jungo (March 5th, 4.30pm CET and 10.30am ET) for $10.-
    *     both matches (March 4th and 5th) for $17,50
    *     both matches (March 4th/5th) and the Grand Prix Open (March 6th/7th) for $25.-

Commentators as well as live-chat and multi-angle camera perspectives make viewers from all over the world will being able to see every shot of these extraordinary world class players.

Visit www.pool-stream.com or www.gpobiel.ch

Delta-13 Named As Official Rack for MBO London Pool Tour

London, United Kingdom, 26th February 2010 — The Metropolitan Billiard Organisation has signed Executive Billiards, home of the Delta-13 rack; as a Gold Level Sponsor for the MBO London Pool Tour.

The long term contract confirms Delta-13 as the Official Rack for the high profile London based pool tour. The Colorado USA based engineering company Executive Billiards will support all MBO tours and events, sealing the agreement in time for the London Qualification Tournaments for the Matchroom Sport World Pool Masters; in Shepherds Bush, London, on the 6th and 7th March 2010.

“We're pleased to partner and sponsor the MBO Tour and are looking forward to building a long term relationship here, focusing on quality tournaments and increasing enthusiasm for the sport.” said Terry Taggart, President, Executive Billiards; manufacturer of the Delta-13 Billiard Rack. “The MBO management has many years of successful billiard experience which will translate into a strong organisation. We've just started our second year supporting the British Wheelchair Pool Players Association and Matthew Gleaves has been terrific to work with, so when the opportunity surfaced to work with another prestigious British billiard tour, it made a lot of sense for us.”

“This is really excellent news for us to welcome Executive Billiards onboard” said the Co-Founder and MBO President, Ste Williams.“I’m personally thrilled, they have taken a good look at what we have been building here in London. They have given us so much support going into the 2010 season and ahead of the Matchroom WPM Qualifiers next week. The Delta-13 is without question the best rack in the business and definitely increases the MBO profile even further.”

DELTA-13 ELITE Billiard Rack: The rails and corners are made from 100 percent billet aluminium. The corners and rails are fastened with 4-40 stainless steel screws that are secured with high strength Loctite 262. The rails have a colour anodize plating while the corners have a clear anodize finish. Every rack is measured using a CMM (coordinate measuring machine) to ensure that all of the tight tolerance have been met.

www.mbo-pool.com

McDermott Cue MFG, LLC is the new exclusive distributor of Elephant Ball.

MENOMONEE FALLS , WI . - 2/22/2010: McDermott Cue Mfg., LLC is a leading manufacturer and world-wide distributor of pool cues, performance shafts, and billiard accessories. McDermott is proud to announce an agreement with Elephant Balls LTD to be the exclusive distributor of Elephant Balls branded products which include billiard balls, training aids and other billiard accessories.

Elephant Balls LTD is a global leader in billiard balls that is known for their innovative designs and premium quality.

In the agreement, McDermott Cue will be involved in product development, marketing, sales and world-wide distribution of Elephant Balls branded products. Current available products for distribution are the Elephant Beautiful Ball Set, Elephant Traditional Ball Set, Elephant Practice Balls and Elephant EZ Shot Cueball. McDermott will also be distributing and stocking Elephant Lunar Rocks and the Ghostball Aim trainer. These items are currently in production and will be in-stock in the next couple of months.

"We are excited about the agreement as it provides McDermott customers a premier quality name-brand billiard ball line while giving Elephant Balls the customer service, marketing and sales support needed to thrive in today's billiard industry." said Larry Liebl, McDermott Executive Vice President.

Commenting on the agreement, McDermott Owner Greg Knight says, "Elephant balls has a great name and a strong reputation for making top quality products with unique designs. We look forward to offering this great product line along with our proven customer service."

McDermott Cue Mfg is headquartered in Menomonee Falls , WI and produces ands markets under the brands of McDermott Cue, Star Cue, Lucky Cue, Intimidator Shafts, G-Core Shafts, Big Boy Shafts, Sledgehammer Cues, Stinger Jump/Break Cues and Elephant Balls. For more information about this press release contact Marketing Director, Michael Slowik at mslowik@mcdermottcue.com or call 1-800-666-2283 1-800-666-2283 . More information can be found at www.mcdermottcue.com.