Park Inn by Radisson Hotel
Forgegate
Telford Centre
Shropshire
TF3 4NA
United Kingdom
www.gb9balltour.com
www.parkinn.co.uk
Friday/Saturday/Sunday 12-14 April 2013
Deadline for entries: 5 April 2013
The fifth annual Paul Medati Trophy is to be contested next month as the GB 9 Ball Tour returns to the magnificent Park Inn by Radisson hotel in Telford.
In what is the most pivotal year for the tour since its inception in 2008, the 2013 season could hardly have started in more spectacular fashion. Phil Burford regained the Midlands Classic title he won in 2011 in a quite brilliant final against the one and only Ralf Souquet, himself in inspired form in his very first GB9 event. Regrettably this event clashes directly with the Eurpoean 9-Ball Championships in Slovenia, an event which will see some of Great Britain’s esteemed professionals absent from this second GB9 event of the year. Due to this, there have been few better times for some of Great Britain’s top amateurs to shine through and take home a coveted piece of silverware and competition is sure to be as ferocious as ever.
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This tournament weekend, however, revolves around the memory of two dearly loved and much missed players just as much as it does the pool that is played during that time. The man whose name is given to this competition, Paul Medati, was a former professional snooker player from the 70′s and 80′s who took up 9-ball later into his career. After playing on the inaugural 2008 tour, he was diagnosed with cancer and sadly lost his battle with the disease just after the end of that season at the age of 64. More recently taken from us was another much loved character in the form of Mark Lovell. Mark rekindled his love of the game in time for the start of the 2010 season, attending each event between then and the 2011 Southern Masters, by which point he had already been diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer which he had previously fought. He was a fighter until the very end, however, indicated by his gaunt appearance at what was to be his final event. Mark sadly passed away in December 2011 at the age of 54. Both players live on in the heart and thoughts of all those who played against and alongside them, and the spirit both men showed both on and off the table will be in the minds of all those competing across the weekend.
As in previous years, this GB9 event will be used to raise funds for the amazing people at Macmillan Cancer Support. We raised around £2,000 in each of the previous two years so we’ll be looking to build on that.
SNOOKER PROFESSIONAL STEPHEN LEE TO MAKE HIS UK 9-BALL DEBUT
Following in the footsteps of other snooker professionals before him, Stephen Lee has registered to play in the upcoming Paul Medati Trophy. Having won trophies all across the world with what many feel is one of the finest cue actions in the world, his is an undoubted skill which should put him in good stead against the competition. We caught up with Stephen to get his views and hopes on the competition.
Q&A – Stephen Lee
Q) Firstly, welcome to GB9! Have you had much experience of playing competitive 9-ball pool before or is this new ground for you?
A) Hi there. This is very much new ground for me; I’ve played in just one event which was when I was out in in Thailand. I felt ok but realised that I would need to put some practice in.
Q) How has your preparation for this event been? Have you taken any particular attitudes to practice?
A) A few weeks before the GB9 event I’m playing in a 9-ball event in Ireland. After that I’ll knuckle down to make sure I put some serious practice in before the GB9 Paul Medati Trophy.
Q) You’ve proved your ability over many years on a snooker table. Do you feel the transition to the American table will be a smooth one, especially under the pressure of GB9?
A) I’m really looking forward to playing; it is something that I have been thinking about it for a while now. Plus I’ve heard for many players what a great tour GB9 is so I’ll be ready and excited for the challenge.
Q) Have you played against anyone else on the tour before in any form of cue sport?
A) Yes, I’ve played a little with Tony Drago and also asked advise from Jimmy White. They both said I’ll be fine so I’m going to give it my best shot and find out if they’re right!
Q) Lastly, what are your aspirations for this tournament and beyond in 9-ball?
A) Well to be honest I’ve a young family which keeps me busy, and also I’m not getting any younger, but I’m lost without a cue in my hand so I just want to try new experiences and just enjoy every event I play in. At the end of the day I’m a fun guy so let’s have a go and don’t look back!!!
The Paul Medati Trophy and Mark Lovell Challenge Cup will be running from Friday 12th through to Sunday 14th April. Entry is free to spectators as always and the event will be streamed live and free on GB9′s Live stream page of our website. As has been proven countless times, the best amateur players in Great Britain can very often cut it with the big names in 9-ball pool – if you think you’ve got what it takes, this could be your moment to shine.
Entries are being accepted up until 5 April, and are priced at just £120. If you have not played a GB9 event in the past 3 years then you not obliged to stay at the hotel venue (applies to your first event only). Full details are available on the event details page of our website.
If you can’t make it down to the venue then be sure to follow the event via the free Live stream and Live Scoring.
In 2013 GB9 is proudly sponsored by Carlson Rezidor Hotels, Simonis Cloth, Aramith Billiard Balls, OB Cues, Kamui Tips and Power Bridge making the perfect combination of the very best equipment in the most outstanding venues.
