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Topic: *Industry News* 2012

INDUSTRY NEWS - January 2012

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, after successful trials, we will continue to present it here!

Posting in this section will be locked except for admins - we encourage discussion about these news items, so please start a new forum thread in an appropriate section.

If you have relevant news, and would like to submit it for our consideration, please send it to the editor via the email address on the card below.

Stevens Delighted By Masters Return

Matthew Stevens takes on John Higgins at the Masters later this month, and is thrilled to be back at snooker’s most prestigious invitation tournament after a five year absence.

Welshman Stevens won the tournament back in 2000, beating Ken Doherty 10-8 in the final. He dropped out of the world’s top 16 in 2007, therefore missing out on the Masters, which is exclusive to the sport’s elite players.

But Stevens has now regained his top 16 berth and can’t wait to take to the stage again and compete for the £150,000 top prize, in the tournament which runs from January 15-22 at Alexandra Palace.

“It’s one of the tournaments all the top players want to be in,” he said. “I’ve not been involved in it for a few years so it’s great to be back. The event gets such a massive audience on TV and in the arena so it just feels really special.

“I’m sure Alexandra Palace will be completely different to Wembley so it’s a fresh start for all the players. I’ve watched the darts at Ally Pally on TV - it looks like a really good venue with a great atmosphere.

“Being back in the top 16 has made a massive difference for me. With all the new tournaments the calendar is very busy, so if I had to go to the qualifiers as well it would be a lot tougher. I’m winning matches that I was losing before, just the odd 5-4 here and there, but when you add those up it makes a big difference.”

Stevens will turn 35 this year and it’s seven years since he reached the second of his two World Championship finals. But he believes he has plenty of time to add to his haul of trophies.

“I still feel as if I’ve got a lot of good years ahead of me in the game,” he said. “My eyes aren’t going and I’m in decent nick. Hopefully I’ll still be playing at a high level when I’m 40 and beyond.”

He takes on World Champion Higgins at 12.30pm on Tuesday January 17.

Tickets for the tournament are ON SALE NOW – for details call 0871 620 7052 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras).

There are discounts available for groups bookings and for evening sessions, subject to availability. For details see www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

BCW’S PECHAUER TOUR
Anyone can play in Open events. Must be sanctioned to play in finals. A,B,C events based on ability
For all other questions or details not found here go to www.bcwpool.com
All events will be played on 9’ tables
a big thank you to our sponsors! and participating venues!
(Simonis Cloth, Pechauer Cues, Mueller products)

The Brass Ring
www.thebrassringmadison.com
701 East Washington Ave.
Suite #104
Madison, WI 53703
( 608 ) 256.9359

Master Z's                                                        
www.masterzcueclub.net
2454 North Grandview Blvd.
Waukesha, WI 53188
(262) 552.3615

send entries to PO box 085266 Racine, WI 53408 - attn: Billiard Congress of Wisconsin, or PayPal to jdemet@hotmail.com

Feb 4, 2012 - The Brass Ring
A,B,C players only - 9 ball - $700 added - $25 entry ($5 table time, $5 tournament director, $2.50 towards finals $12.50 towards prize fund) - $15 sanction - (Jr. 18 under) $5 sanctions - single elimination - Race to Handicap A (10 games) B (8 games) C (6 games) - Rack your own break from the box - First matches play at 1 pm - sign up deadline Feb 2 - $10 late fee until 12 pm Feb 4 - 64 player max - Warm up available at 11 am - Highest finishing woman gets paid - Most other standard BCW rules apply - players meeting at 12:30 pm - Break pot draw 12:45 pm - out of state players need ID and proof of ability (second of motion from other tournament director, room owner, or individual league ranking - all play stops at 1:30 am and continues the following day at 1 pm

March 10, 2012 - Master Z's
Any one can play - 10 ball - $1,200 added + Pechauer break cue - $30 entry ($5 table time, $5 tournament director, $2.50 towards finals $12.50 towards prize fund) - $15 sanction - (Jr. 18 under) $5 sanctions - single elimination - Race to: Master/Open player (11 games) AA (10 games) A,B,C (9 games) - Rack your own break from the box - First matches play at 1 pm - sign up deadline March 8 - $10 late fee until 12 pm March 10 - 64 player max - Warm up available at 11 am - Highest finishing woman gets paid - Most other standard BCW rules apply - players meeting at 12:30 pm - Break pot draw 12:45 pm - out of state players need ID and proof of ability (second of motion from other tournament director, room owner, or individual league ranking - all play stops at 1:30 am and continues the following day at 1 pm

March 24, 2012 Master Z's
A,B,C players only - 9 ball - $700 added - $25 entry ($5 table time, $5 tournament director, $2.50 towards finals $12.50 towards prize fund) - $15 sanction - (Jr. 18 under) $5 sanctions - single elimination - Race to Handicap A (10 games) B (8 games) C (6 games) - Rack you own break from the box - First matches play at 1 pm - sign up deadline March 22 - $10 late fee until 12 pm March 24 - 64 player max - Warm up available at 11 am - Highest finishing woman gets paid - Most other standard BCW rules apply - players meeting at 12:30 pm - Break pot draw 12:45 pm - out of state players need ID and proof of ability (second of motion from other tournament director, room owner, or individual league ranking - all play stops at 1:30 am and continues the following day at 1 pm

March 31, 2012 The Brass Ring
Any one can play - 10 ball - $1,200 added + Pechauer break cue - $30 entry ($5 table time, $5 tournament director, $2.50 towards finals $12.50 towards prize fund) - $15 sanction - (Jr. 18 under) $5 sanctions - single elimination - Race to: Master/Open player (11 games) AA (10 games) A,B,C (9 games) - First matches play at 1 pm - sign up deadline March 29 - $10 late fee until 12 pm March 31 - 64 player max - Warm up available at 11 am - Highest finishing woman gets paid - Most other standard BCW rules apply - players meeting at 12:30 pm - Break pot draw 12:45 pm - out of state players need ID and proof of ability (second of motion from other tournament director, room owner, or individual league ranking - all play stops at 1:30 am and continues the following day at 1 pm

2012 Wisconsin State Pocket Billiard Championships

April 7/8, 2012 Master Z's (food specials will be available)
10 ball State Open - $2,500 added - Open to first 60 Paid Entrants (Sanctioned players) and Top 4 (free entries) in the Open division tour stats (2012 season) - $65 entry - double elimination - Race to 9 games - sign up deadline for finals check, cash, or money order received by April 1st - send to PO box 085266 Racine, WI 53408 - attn: Billiard Congress of Wisconsin, or PayPal to jdemet@hotmail.com - players meeting for all three final events Thursday April 6th Master Z's at 7pm - Break cues allowed - phenolic tips allowed - Jump cues not allowed

April 14/15 , 2012 Master Z's (food specials will be available)
9 ball State Am - $1,500 added - Open to first 60 Paid Entrants (Sanctioned players) and Top 4 (free entries) in the amateur division tour stats (2012 season) - $55 entry - double elimination - Race to 7 games - sign up deadline for finals check, cash, or money order received by April 1st - send to PO box 085266 Racine, WI 53408 - attn: Billiard Congress of Wisconsin, or PayPal to jdemet@hotmail.com - players meeting for all three final events Thursday April 6th Master Z's at 7pm - Break cues allowed - phenolic tips allowed - Jump cues allowed

April 21/22 , 2012 Master Z's (food specials will be available)
9 Ball State Jr. - $1,375.00 in Scholarship funds - Trophies - Junior National Qualifier (18 and under, top 2 finishers) (14 and under, top 2 finishers) - $25 entry - first 32 to sign up get spots (sanctioned players only) - Max 32 player field - round Robin format - sign up deadline for finals check, cash, or money order received by April 1st - send to PO box 085266 Racine, WI 53408 - attn: Billiard Congress of Wisconsin, or PayPal to jdemet@hotmail.com - players meeting for all three final events Thursday April 6th Master Z's at 7pm - Break cues allowed - phenolic tips allowed - Jump cues allowed - 2012 Junior (can not turn 19 before January 1st 2012)

'MAESTRO MONCHING' MISTICA CUES UP FOR CANADIAN 9-BALL
by Marlon Bernardino

FILIPINO Ramon "Maestro Monching" Mistica is setting his sights on the forthcoming CBSA Alberta 9 Ball Tournament set on March 16-18 in Alberta, Canada.

"I hope to do well in this event," said the Murphy, Quezon City resident Mistica, one of the country's top pool instructor, a confidante of World No.1 and World 8-Ball Champion Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo.

Mistica who goes by the moniker "Maestro Monching" rose to national prominence in 1980, with a victory over Filipino billiards legend Jose "Amang" Parica.

A formidable cast of participants from Europe, the United States and Canada will also compete. Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, a former world 9-ball champion and Edwin "Sweet Stroke" Montal are also the favorites in the tournament. Not to be outdone 3-time Canadian 9-ball champion Alain Martel, Jason Klatt, Luc Salvas, Tyler Edey and 2008 World Junior girls champion Britanny Bryant.

Shoot-Out Final Weekend Sold Out!

Tickets for the final weekend of the World Snooker Shoot-Out in Blackpool in January have sold out, with only a few VIP packages left for the last day.

The one-frame knockout tournament, which was a spectacular success when it was staged for the first time last season, runs from January 27 to 29 at the Blackpool Tower Circus.

Tickets for Saturday January 28 and Sunday January 29 have sold out nearly a month before the event, and there are just a few VIP packages remaining for Sunday January 29.
Tickets are also selling rapidly for Friday January 27 (6pm session), and fans are advised to book immediately to avoid missing out.

The Sky-televised event features 64 of the world's best players, with fantastic first round matches including John Higgins v Judd Trump, Mark Williams v Steve Davis and, in a repeat of last season's final, Nigel Bond v Robert Milkins.

Matches last a maximum of ten minutes, with a 20 second shot clock for the first five minutes and 15 seconds for the last five.

A spokesman for World Snooker said: "A day out in Blackpool watching exhilarating snooker action is the perfect way to beat the winter blues. Fans obviously loved it last season and we're thrilled to see tickets selling at a rapid rate. Hopefully within the next few days the whole event will be sold out, which will make for a tremendous atmosphere and one which the players can't wait to experience."

BOOK NOW for the Friday or Sunday by calling 0871 620 7052 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras) or visiting www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

URGENT: NEW EVENT for March 2012

March 8 – 11, 2012
BCAPL Midwest Regional Championships
$10,000 Added
Canterbury Park
1244 Canterbury Rd.
Shakopee, MN 55379
Singles – Teams
Contact: Kim Fisher
(651) 636-2022
info@play-up.com
www.playbca.com

National Snooker Championship Awarded To Embassy Club

The United States Snooker Association (USSA) is pleased to announce that the Embassy Billiards Club in San Gabriel, California, will host the 2012 United States National Snooker Championship from May 25-27.

With fourteen full-sized British made Riley snooker tables, all which are kept in immaculate condition, the Embassy Billiards Club has always proved to be a popular host of the Championship having been played there first back in 1995.

The Club's most recent staging of the Championship was back in 2010 which saw Ahmed Aly travel from Brooklyn, New York, to successfully defend his title. Aly will also be present as the number one seeded player again this year, hoping to achieve that same feat having won the title again last year for a third successive time.

Alan Morris, the Executive Director of the USSA, said: "The Embassy Billiards Club has a long tradition in hosting snooker's premier annual event in the United States, and we are very happy to be back there for the 2012 Championship. The Club has always been very generous in showing its support for the hosting of the event, and offering a warm welcome to all the players from around the United States." He added: "The Board is also considering a new Championship format to be implemented this year, which we believe will be much fairer to all players and eliminate any meaningless Group matches."

This new format along with the entry details will be made available shortly with the publication of the entry document to which interested participants will be able to register on the SnookerUSA.com website to receive.

The United States Snooker Association (USSA) is recognized as the USA governing body for snooker by the world-governing body – the International Billiard & Snooker Federation (IBSF).

The USSA also produces a highly successful annual National Snooker Tour sponsored by Aramith Billiard Balls.

New venue for this year's Super Billiards Expo

2012 SUPER BILLIARDS EXPO
An Allen Hopkins production
The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
100 Station Avenue
Oaks
Philadelphia
USA
www.superbilliardsexpo.com
www.phillyexpocenter.com/home

Maguire Breaks Trophy Drought

Stephen Maguire won a tournament carrying ranking points for the first time in nearly four years by beating Joe Perry 4-2 in the final of Players Tour Championship event 12 in Munich, Germany.

Glasgow's Maguire won the event, known as the Arcaden Shopping Open, with a fine display against Cambridgeshire's Perry. The World No 9 went 2-0 up with breaks of 105 and 77, before Perry pulled one back with a 63. Maguire fired in a 93 to lead 3-1, and after Perry had won frame five with a 75, the Scot finished off a high quality final with a run of 62 to win frame six and the match.

Victory for Maguire ends a run of 45 months without winning an event carrying ranking points, since the 2008 China Open in Beijing.

"I played really well in the final, that was the best match I played in the event and it's nice to do that in the final," said 30-year-old Maguire. "I didn't practise at all over Christmas so I didn't expect much coming here, but maybe that's the secret.

"To win any tournament these days is a good achievement and it gives me a lot of confidence for the rest of the season. I'm really looking forward to the Masters next week and hoping I can get a run going."

The event in Germany was the last of 12 short events in the PTC series. The top 24 on the final Order of Merit now go through to the Grand Final at the Bailey Allen Hall in Galway, Ireland, from March 14 to 18.

Maguire finished in the top 24 last season but had to withdraw from the Grand Final because of the birth of his third child. "It was a shame to miss it because I'd put a lot of work into qualifying for the finals, but family comes first," he added. "I'm definitely going to Ireland this time, I'll miss my daughter's first birthday but I'm sure she'll understand!"

The full line-up of 24 players for Galway will be confirmed tomorrow.

PTC12 Results (last 16 onwards)

Last 16
Kurt Maflin 2-4 Andrew Higginson
Marcus Campbell 3-4 Michael Holt
Ricky Walden 4-2 Xiao Guodong
David Gilbert 1-4 Joe Perry
Mike Dunn 2-4 Mark Allen
Stephen Hendry 4-2 Marco Fu
David Grace 3-4 Martin Gould
Stephen Maguire 4-1 David Gray

Quarter-finals
Ricky Walden 1-4 Joe Perry
Mark Allen 3-4 Martin Gould
Andrew Higginson 0-4 Stephen Maguire
Stephen Hendry 4-3 Michael Holt

Semi-finals
Martin Gould 0-4 Joe Perry
Stephen Hendry 3-4 Stephen Maguire

Final
Joe Perry 2-4 Stephen Maguire

Haikou To Stage Snooker’s World Open

Snooker’s World Open will be staged in the city of Haikou on Hainan Island in South China for the next five years.

The world ranking tournament, which was announced at a press conference in China today (Monday), will be known as the Haikou World Open.

This season, the event runs from February 27 to March 4. The world's top 16 players are automatically seeded into the event, to be joined by 16 players who come through the qualifying rounds, which run from January 11 to 14. There will also be eight wild cards at the final venue.

All matches up to and including the quarter-finals will be best of nine frames. Total prize money is £400,000, with the winner to collect £75,000.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We are delighted to announce the staging of the World Open in Haikou for the next five years. The popularity of snooker in China continues to grow at a phenomenal rate and we have capitalised on that by establishing a third full ranking event, alongside the China Open and Shanghai Masters. We expect to make more announcements about events in China in the coming weeks.

“My warm gratitude goes to Star Xing Pai for promoting the new Haikou World Open, and to the China Billiards and Snooker Association under the leadership of Mr Zhang Xiaoning, as well as the Haikou Government.

“Hainan Island is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and an ideal place to stage one of our world ranking tournaments. The players competing in the event are in for a wonderful time and it’s fantastic to be taking snooker to a new part of China. I have no doubt that the fans there will show the same passion and enthusiasm for our sport that we have seen at our other tournaments in China.”

BGC PARTNERS TO SPONSOR THE MASTERS

World Snooker is delighted to announce BGC Partners as the new title sponsor of the Masters, snooker’s greatest invitation event.

BGC Partners is a leading global brokerage company primarily servicing the wholesale financial markets with offices in over 35 major cities.

THE BGC MASTERS is being held at Alexandra Palace in London, it will start this Sunday and will run until 22nd January.

China’s Ding Junhui will be defending his title against the rest of the top 16 players in the world including the likes of Judd Trump, Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins and Mark Selby.

The BGC Masters will be broadcast live on the BBC, Eurosport, CCTV5, GSC Shanghai and Now TV Hong Kong, with highlight coverage in Australia, India, Thailand, Malaysia and the Middle East.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “It gives us great pleasure to bring in a new title sponsor for one of our biggest tournaments, especially one as prestigious as BGC Partners. This is a huge step forward for our sport and demonstrates the growing appeal of snooker on a global scale.

“Snooker is on the rise and the momentum built by a tremendous UK Championship last month will be continued at the BGC Masters as we already have outstanding ticket sales. The world’s elite players will put on a fantastic show at Alexandra Palace and I’m sure our new friends at BGC are going to enjoy what they see.”

Shaun Lynn, President of BGC Partners said: “The Masters is one of the most prestigious and well-recognised events in the snooker industry’s calendar and BGC Partners is proud to be title sponsor for the first time this year. BGC prides itself on the excellence of the services our world-class brokers and state-of-the-art technology provide to clients around the globe. We are delighted to join with the world’s top snooker players in presenting this championship event to snooker enthusiasts and sports fans worldwide.”

Tickets for certain matches at the BGC Masters are still on sale – for details call 0871 620 7052 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras) or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

Last chance to register for the 2012 DCC!

The Derby City Classic store will be closing at 9:00 PM EST on Tuesday, January 17th, 2012
You will still be able to purchase Player Entries (if fields are not full) and Spectator tickets at the Derby City Classic Office on Thursday, January 19th, 2012 from 4pm - 10pm
Also we are please to announce that we have one, 9 DAY VIP-TV EVENT PASS SEAT#7 for $240
VIP-TV SEATS ARE NON REFUNDABLE AND NON TRANSFERABLE
Please click here to purchase the ticket because it won't last long
www.dcctickets.com/BUYTICKETSPLAYERENTRY/tabid/59/CategoryID/28/List/0/Level/1/productid/1846/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName%2cProductName

Book your hotel stay at Horseshoe Southern Indiana.

Code S01PTPD: Discounted 9-day package (you must book package for arrival on January 20, 2012 and departure on January 29, 2012).
Jan 19 and/or Jan 29 may be booked at the discounted rate as well with the day night package.

There are two types of room reservations offered:

Code S01DCPT: Individual Booking Dates (book any nights you choose between 1/19 through 1/29/12).

Rooms must be booked by end of day on January 15 to guarantee availability. Limited DCC rooms will remain on sale through the end of the tournament at the individual night rate, code S01DCPT

Here are some very important notes on room reservation policies:
·     Every room reservation requires a charge of the first night's deposit at time of reservation.
·     This deposit is taken at the time of booking and is nonrefundable. No exceptions will be made.
·     A maximum of four people are allowed to stay in each room. Rollaway beds are not available.
·     If the discounted 9-day package is booked and any one of the nine nights is canceled, all room discounts will be revoked. Prices for all nights booked will revert to the full individual date prices.
·     Must be 21 to rent room.

Here is the information on each reservation type:

9-day package (limited availability)
GROUP/OFFER CODE S01PTPD
Book online: www.harrahs.com/CheckGroupAvailability.do?propCode=UEL&groupCode=S01PTPD

Minimum stay: 9 nights
Book by phone: 866-766-2671, code S01PTPD

Dates available: Dates available: arrive Fri 1/20/12 and depart Sun 1/29/12. Jan 19 and/or Jan 29 may be booked at the discounted rate as well with the 9 day package.
Price: $99.00/night. Additional $10 per room night per extra room occupant when more than 2 occupants.

Deposit Refundable? No

Policies/Terms: A credit card is required at time of booking. The nonrefundable first night's deposit is charged for each reservation at the time of booking. Reservations for the 9-Day Package rate cannot be booked for fewer than the 9-day consecutive stay for the dates mentioned above. Cancellation of any day(s) within the 9-day package will result in all days reverting to the individual rates of $126 Sunday-Thursday, $146 Friday-Saturday. The Hotel will accept 9-day package reservations until the block is full.

Individual Dates (limited availability)

GROUP/OFFER CODE S01DCPT

Book online: www.harrahs.com/CheckGroupAvailability.do?propCode=UEL&groupCode=S01DCPT

Minimum Stay: 1 night

Book by phone: 866-766-2671, code S01DCPT

Dates available: Thu 1/19/12 through Sat 1/28/12. Jan 17, 18, and/or Jan 29 may also be booked at the discounted rate.

Price: Sun-Thu @ $126.00/night, Fri-Sat @ $146.00/night. Additional $10 per room night per extra room occupant when more than 2 occupants.

Deposit Refundable? No

Policies/Terms: A credit card is required at time of booking. The nonrefundable first night's deposit is charged for each reservation at the time of booking. Reservations will be accepted until the block is full.


For information on Horseshoe Southern Indiana property amenities, events, features, dining options, etc. please visit www.horseshoeindiana.com.

Trump Aims To Keep Hot Streak Going

Snooker's new sensation Judd Trump wants to recreate the buzz he enjoyed in winning last month's williamhill.com UK Championship when he plays in the BGC Masters, which starts tomorrow.

Trump showcased his massive talent in winning the UK title in York, beating Mark Allen 10-8 in the final. He kept his winning streak going this week by winning an event in the Championship League, and is now determined to keep riding the wave of success at the BGC Masters.

Snooker's most prestigious invitation event runs from January 15 to 22 at Alexandra Palace in London and Trump enters the fray against Stuart Bingham on Monday at 12.30pm.

"I'm looking to go a long way in the tournament and get back the buzz that I had at the UK. Being in a big final is completely different to any other match, it's just a great feeling and brilliant atmosphere," said 22-year-old Trump, who also got to the Betfred.com World Championship final last year before losing to John Higgins.

"It's been an exciting season so far for me and I'm playing well. I've still got some improving to do and I know other players will be trying to bring me down.

"I've only played in the Masters once before but I know it would be a great achievement to win it because it's only the top 16 players, so every match will be tough."

Australian Goldfields Open champion Bingham won 5-1 when the two met at the Shanghai Masters earlier this season so Trump, who has coined the phrase 'naughty snooker' to describe his audacious potting, knows he will not have an easy start to his bid for glory at Ally Pally.

"Stuart and I have both broken through and won tournaments this season but we both still have a bit to prove in terms of playing well on TV," said World No 5 Trump. "I'll probably edge my way into the match and settle down, hopefully get a lead then I'll be able to relax and take shots on."

Tickets for the Trump v Bingham clash are ON SALE NOW - to book call 0871 620 7052 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras) or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

If Trump beats Bingham he will face a showpiece match with either Ronnie O'Sullivan or defending champion Ding Junhui in the quarter-finals on Thursday at 12.30pm. Tickets for that match are also available.

NOW'S THE TIME TO GET ON THE TABLES!

We've got some great Snooker offers for you and in the week when the Masters Snooker Championship starts at Alexandra Palace there's never been a better time to chalk the cue and give yourself a break at Rileys.

We're offering a whopping 70% saving on Pool & Snooker before 6pm, Monday to Friday, simply by booking online. It's booked, it's saved, it's easy and it's less!

We're also offering 25% off cues and box sets. Claim your discount voucher now. There's a great range on offer from starter to match play.

All in all, it's time to get yourself in club, rack-up and enjoy the game.

WIN WITH BIG HEAD GAMES

This is your chance to win free games from Big Head Games. Every day during the Masters, games will be given away on the International Snooker website, just answer one simple snooker question for your chance to win. Visit www.int-snooker.com during The Masters to enter.

Regards,

The Rileys Victoria (Rileys) Team

Northeast Indiana APA Hosts Legendary Allison Fisher in Poison Challenge

The Greatest of all time, The Duchess of Doom

Howe, Indiana- Dragon Promotions is pleased to announce The Northeast Indiana APA will be hosting 15x legendary World Champion Allison Fisher January 21, 2012 in The Poison Cues Challenge Match sponsored by Andy Cloth and Seyberts.com. "The Duchess of Doom" will be performing and meeting fans from 1pm-4pm during the NEIAPA Tournament at Piggy's Brew Pub. The following day on January 22, fans can sign up for Allison Fisher's one day clinic and learn from the greatest women's player in history.

"We are really thrilled to have Allison Fisher come to our event. We are celebrating our tenth anniversary of our league, so the timing is perfect. Our fans adore her, and to them it feels like a rock star is coming to town", says Allan Gunthorp, League Operator for the NEIAPA which serves Northeast Indiana & South Central Michigan.

"The Poison by Predator Challenge Matches is one of our best series of events for pool enthusiasts during the year. We want the fans and players to enjoy a memorable experience and working with the Northeast Indiana APA will give everyone that!" , explains Nina Negros, Marketing Manager for Predator Group.

Fisher is a record 39 WPBA Tour stop winner including a record 5 US Open wins and an unequaled 4 World Championship titles. She has won major events on every major pool continent from Asia, Europe, and the USA. 75 total major pocket billiard titles, excluding her career as the greatest women's snooker player in history as well. She was inducted without surprise into the BCA Hall of Fame in her first year of eligibility. She is currently the reigning WPBA US Open Champion.

"The NEIAPA team of Allan Gunthorp and Curtis Sperry have worked incredibly hard for their league and its growth. With a decade of experience now and over 1200 players it seems they know exactly what they're doing. In their tenth year anniversary they're planning on increasing their numbers to over 200 teams! I'm ecstatic that they chose to work with Dragon Promotions and host Allison Fisher at their event! It's holding events like this that show how much they love their members and where the future of their league is headed", said Joe K. Lee of Dragon Promotions Sports Management. Lee is the newest addition to DP's talented team.

Allison Fisher's One Day Pool Clinic will be on January 22. Please email propoolschool1@gmail.com or contact the NEIAPA for more info. Allison Fisher is part of Dragon Promotions and is one of their elite stars including Mika Immonen of Finland, Rodney Morris of USA, Shanelle Loraine of Guam, Mike Davis of the USA, Charlie Williams of USA, and USA's Johnny Archer. Visit www.Dragonpromotions.com and watch the 10 year anniversary music video with hundreds of the worlds most famous players.

The Northeast Indiana APA is celebrating its 10 year anniversay of serving Northeast Indiana & South Central Michigan. During that time it has grown to nearly 200 teams and over 1200 members. Please visit www.NEIAPA.com or call 260-562-9333 to join or for more info

Allison Fisher has been sought after for shows,sponsorships and speaking engagements. She is also an experienced commentator and sports analyst for television including shows on ESPN, ESPN Star Asia, and ABS-CBN. Fisher has instructed in pool schools, clinics, and given private lessons. For information on booking Ms.Fisher please contact Dragon Promotions at 1-407-782-4978 or e-mail dpsportsmanagement@yahoo.com

Extra Tickets Released For Shoot Out

With tickets virtually sold out for the World Snooker Shoot-Out in Blackpool later this month, extra seats have been made available in the upper tier of the Tower Circus arena.

Fans have snapped up standard tickets for the popular one-frame knockout event, with Saturday January 28 and Sunday January 29 sold out, and only a few remaining for Friday January 27.

World Snooker have now decided to make the extra seats, some of which may have a restricted view, available with prices from just £5. The tickets are ON SALE NOW - to book call 0871 620 7052 (Please note calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras) or visit www.worldsnooker.com/tickets

A spokesman for World Snooker said: "We have been delighted by the response to this event and clearly fans are keen to see the likes of Judd Trump, John Higgins, Steve Davis and Jimmy White play in such an exciting tournament.

"We're pleased to offer those who haven't got seats yet the chance to buy tickets for the upper tier. These new tickets will not last long so fans are urged to book straight away.

"Blackpool are playing at home in the nothing Cup that weekend o why not make it a bumper weekend of sport with a trip to watch snooker as well!"

The Sky-televised tournament features 64 of the world's top players and has a quickfire format, with frames lasting a maximum of ten minutes.

Prices for the new tickets are:

Saturday January 28
Afternoon session £5
Evening session £15
All day £17

Sunday January 29
Afternoon session £10
Evening session £15
All day £17

CSI Supports BCA as Governing Body for Cue Sports in North America

As a long time member of the Billiard Congress of America (BCA), CSI supports the BCA in their recently announced pro pool initiative to provide funds to send North American players to international events. CSI is one of the first industry leaders to support the BCA initiative as a “2012 Official Contributor to International Competition.”

A solid framework for both North American and world professional pool has long existed, with the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) as the world body, and the BCA as the WPA member for North America. CSI commends the BCA on their commitment renewal as the “Governing Body for Cue Sports in North America.” CSI supports the BCA as the governing body, its pro points program, and the player selection process for international events.

With a decline in US player participation in world events, the time has come to change the structure of how pro pool in North America is supported. This is a great step in building that structure which will allow the top US and Canadian players to continue to compete and represent their countries internationally.

CSI, which produces the “US Open 10-Ball Championship,” one of the BCA pro point events, believes the future and strength of the sport lies in creating a synergy between the industry, the amateurs, the professionals, and the general public. Two years ago CSI launched the USA Pool League with that goal in mind, and a portion of CSI’s proceeds from the USAPL is pledged to promote and fund pro awareness.

We at CSI encourage industry support of the BCA in their new endeavor. In the past, CSI partnered with five other industry leaders to help support and fund the BCA Hall of Fame. It is time for all organizations that have the sport and industry foremost in mind to band together in support of the BCA.

CueSports International (CSI) is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. In the past seven years CSI has directly paid out approximately seven million dollars to players. CSI is the parent company of the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. CSI also produces independent events such as the US Bar Table Championships, the Jay Swanson Memorial, the US Open One Pocket Championship and the US Open 10-Ball Championship. Visit www.playcsipool.com, www.playbca.com and www.playusapool.com for more information about CSI and its divisions.

CSI leads the billiard industry in the development of technology. For more information on the state-of-the-art software systems for league and tournament management visit www.leaguesys.net and www.ctsondemand.com.

DERBY CITY CLASSIC 14 FREE LIVE STREAM

Jimmy White Testimonial

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn and creator of the Snooker Legends Events Jason Francis are pleased to announce a day to celebrate the career of one of the world’s most popular snooker legends, Jimmy White.

A special Lunch and Dinner will take place in the Great Room at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Saturday 2nd June 2012.

Jimmy is one of snooker’s all-time greats having won ten world ranking titles in his glittering career. His flowing, attacking style as well as his sportsmanship and loveable personality have made him one of the most popular British sporting figures ever.

Join Jimmy and a host of celebrities and snooker legends for lunch and watch him play a challenge match against his great friend Ronnie O’Sullivan, with unique commentary from John Virgo, officiated by Michaela Tabb.

Later that evening enjoy dinner, designed by Gino D’Acampo, and then dance the night away as the legendary Ronnie Wood, from the Rolling Stones, joins a band of special music legends to play a tribute concert to the Whirlwind.

Event Tables for 10 guests for can be secured for either the lunchtime challenge match with Ronnie and Jimmy, or the evening with Ronnie Wood. Discounts are available if you stay all day and attend both! Every event table will get a commemorative cue signed from Jimmy.

Premier Tables for 8 guests will get you closer to the action and will be hosted by a former world snooker champion. You also get wine and beer thrown in and a cue and case signed by Jimmy, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Ronnie Wood!

Guests will have the chance to bid for some of Jimmy’s personal memorabilia from his career including his playing cue and case.

To secure tables call the Whirlwind Testimonial Line on 01280 222 147.

Why not take advantage of the special “Whirlwind Testimonial” room rate at the Grosvenor that night?

WOMEN snooker stars from round the world return to Hampshire on Saturday

Fareham Snooker Club, which hosted the Connie Gough National Championship in March last year, will stage the Southern Classic.

Organisers were delighted to add Hong Kong quartet Ng On Yee, Jaique Ip Wan In, So Man Yan and Yu Ching Ching to a truly international line-up for the fourth leg of the World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association tour.

Also in the 17-strong star-studded cast are Iranian Anna Sanei and German Natascha Niermann.

But it’s two English girls who are the pre-tournament favourites.

World number one Maria Catalano, from Dudley, West Midlands, will be bidding for her third title of the season and Portsmouth ’s Emma Bonney, ranked third, will be hoping to improve on her runners-up trophy the last time the WLBSA circuit played in Fareham .

Missing her second event of the season is seven-time world champion Reanne Evans, who is suffering from pleurisy.

The youngest player in the draw, which takes place at 10am, is the phenomenal Woking schoolgirl Jasmine Bolsover, who celebrated her 12th birthday last month.

Last season’s Southern Classic in Swindon was won by Evans, who beat Catalano 3-0 in the final.

Southern Classic
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Fareham Snooker Club
Broadcut
Fareham
Hampshire
PO16 8ST
Tel: 01329 221759

2012 SOUTHERN CLASSIC ENTRIES

Maria Catalano (Dudley, West Mids )
Emma Bonney ( Portsmouth )
Jenny Poulter ( Maidstone )
Tina Owen-Sevilton ( Bridgewater , Somerset )
Suzie Opacic (Brambridge, Hampshire)
Gaye Jones (Melksham, Wilts)
Eva Palmius (Isleham, Cambs)
Martina Lumsden ( Eastbourne )
Natascha Niermann ( Cambridge )
Jan Hughes (St Neots, Cambs)
Vicky Carter ( Stevenage )
Anna Sanei ( Iran )
Ng On Yee ( Hong Kong )
Jaique Ip Wan In ( Hong Kong )
So Man Yan ( Hong Kong )
Yu Ching Ching ( Hong Kong )
Jasmine Bolsover ( Woking )