Site News
Topic: *Industry News* 2012

3-Cushion World Cup, Antalya (TUR)

Follow the best 3-Cushion players LIVE on Kozoom. The Live video coverage will start on Mon, Feb 13th. If you don't have your Premium Pass yet, you can buy one at www.kozoom.com/en/billiard-carom/premium-pass

Hendry, Davis And Doherty Make Newport

Former World Champions Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis and Ken Doherty all successfully negotiated the final qualifying round of snooker's 888真人Welsh Open on Saturday.

The three snooker legends will appear in the televised stages of the world ranking event, which start on Monday at the Newport Centre.

Hendry, who dropped out of the world's top 16 earlier this season, scored a 4-0 win over Norway's Kurt Maflin despite a top break of just 49. He will meet BGC Masters champion Neil Robertson in Newport on Tuesday.

Davis, by far the oldest player on the main tour at 54, impressed in a 4-3 defeat of Ricky Walden. A break of 113 put Davis 3-2 ahead, and after Walden took the sixth frame with a 58 clearance, Davis won the decider with a run of 44 to earn a match with Ali Carter on Monday.

Doherty beat Jamie Cope with a top break of 77 and will now play Mark Allen on Wednesday.

Mark Davis kept alive his hopes of gaining a top 16 place by beating Jamie Burnett 4-2, while Marco Fu set up a meeting with Ronnie O'Sullivan on Wednesday thanks to a 4-2 defeat of Matthew Selt.

THE LATE RATE AT RILEYS IS HERE

If you're looking for some great value late night fun then look no further - as we're now open later than ever before!

It's not just about longer opening hours though - we've got some fantastic new late night deals for you - introducing The LATE RATE at Rileys.

Every night of the week from 11pm til closing you can get some fantastic offers at the bar and on the tables. The deals include;

£2 a pint
£2 an hour on pool and snooker
£2 for a burger

Get these deals any night of the week after 11pm, so don't join the taxi queue - get into Rileys with your mates and make a bit more of your night out.

If your mates aren't members, then don't worry, we've got that covered too; it's free to join after 11pm.

That's the life

The Rileys Team

HALF TERM AT RILEYS

2 hours of pool or snooker for just £6 - Bargain!

If you're 16 or under, Rileys is the perfect place to be this Half Term. Call your mates and get down to your local club for some action on the pool or snooker tables. You can use the offer before 6pm, including weekends - bargain!

Bring along three mates and the deal is just £1.50 each - you can't get better value than that!

Parents are not left out either, because they can play under the same rate so long as you are playing with someone 16 years and under.

Just visit your local Rileys club and ask for the deal. Simples.

If you're over 16 or a parent/guardian then please forward this on to someone who is so that they can get this great deal - thanks.

The Rileys Team

'BATA' REYES READY TO WEAVE HIS MAGIC IN SATURDAY'S PBB AGAINST KO PIN YI
by Marlon Bernardino

MANILA, Philippines---HALL OF FAMER Efren “Bata” Reyes is ready to weave his old black magic in the 2012 Philippine Bigtime Billiards (PBB) Face Off Series dubbed as Philippines versus Asia on Saturday, February 18 at the Pagcor Airport Casino in Parañaque City.

The 57-year-old, playing under the banner of Puyat Sports goes up against two-time WPA World Junior Champion Taiwanese Ko Pin-Yi in this event
jointly organized by the Mega Sports World and BRKHRD Corp and aired live over Solar Sports, Sky Channel 70 and Destiny Channel 34, and also aired worldwide through the Internet, live streaming at www.megasportsworld.com and www.philippinebigtimebilliards.com.

The PBB Face Off is a joint undertaking of Mega Sports World and BRKHRD Corp., and organized in cooperation with Sorsogon Province Sports Patron Philip Escudero of Malungai Life Oil, brother of Senator Chiz Escudero, Diamond Billiard table, Hermes Sports Bar, I-Bar, Golden Leaf Restaurant, Bugsy Promotions, Mandarin Sky Sea Food Restaurant, Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP), Hotel Sogo, Eurotel Hotel with The Philippine Star as official media partner.

Known as the first Asian to be inducted to the Billiards Hall of Fame, Reyes defeated fellow two-time world champion Wu Jia Qiang (formerly Wu Chia-ching from Chinese-Taipei), 9-6, in the Philippine Bigtime Billiards (PBB) Face Off Series last December 30.

“I trained hard for this fight so I can give a good show for pool fans,” said 1999 WPA World 9-ball Champion and 2004 WPA World 8-Ball Champion Reyes, top player of sportsman/businessman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, the acknowledged Godfather of Philippine billiards.

Future matches of the PBB Face Off Series will pit Ko versus Francisco "Django" Bustamante on Feb.25.

According to Verna Mariano of BRKHRD Corp and Bugsy Promotions, the Philippine Bigtime Billiards introduces a fresh new format for 2012.

"The events will maintain the one-on one match format every week but each season will be composed of 17 weeks. A year is effectively divided into three seasons. In each season, players will be determined by their team affiliation. In a format similar to the Davis Cup in Tennis, the Ryder Cup in Golf or the Mosconi Cup in Pool, two national or continental teams will compete per season." she said.

"National or continental teams will be composed of but not restricted to 7-10 players which must carry the nation or continent’s flag in international competitions. Players for each team need not be determined or restricted to particular individuals to avoid the possibility of having no players available during times when there are International Professional events taking place. Each win in the one-on-one events every Saturday gives a team a point. At the end of 17 weeks, the team with the most points wins."

The Philippine Team is composed of Reyes, Bustamante, Dennis Orcollo, Ronato Alcano, Carlo Biado, Lee Vann Corteza, Alex Pagulayan and Antonio Lining.

The Asian Team comprised of Ko, Chang Jung-lin, Yang Ching-shun,Chao Fong Pang and Chang Yu Long.

"Mayor Antonino Calixto Int'l. 10 ball Cup"
Cuneta Astrodome
Pasay City
Philippines
*WPA ranked Filipino's & Int'l. pool players (open field men-women)
*Format WPA rules, race to 9 double elimination, top 4 crossover K.O. race to 11.

*Prizes: total US $60,000.00
1st. $ 30,000.
2nd. $ 10,000.
3-4. $ 4,000. each
5-6. $ 2,000. each
7-8. $ 1,000. each
9-12. $ 700. each
13-16 $ 400. each
17-24 $ 200. each
-entry fee: $ 200.
Deadline 8pm. April 24,2012
* entries from abroad can pay entry fees on April 25, 6pm. at the players meeting & drawing of matches !

*Dates: April 26-29,2012
*Games starts April 26@ 3pm.
Final Top 4, April 29@ 6pm.

*please contact:
Edgar M. Acaba
edgarMacaba Promotions
Promoter-Tour Director
bscp2010_edgar@hotmail.com
+639228512281
+639278582469

HAD YOUR FILL WITH HEARTS & FLOWERS?

Money can't buy you love, but then again after 6pm on Valentine's Day you won't even need any money to play on our tables!

Whether you've got a loved one or not, we're offering some table love at Rileys because we don't do violins and candles, just straight forward club style fun and games of the cue variety, but FREE of charge*.

So if you have got someone special in your life (apart from yourself of course) make sure you get all that fluffy nonsense sorted before 6pm, then get hold of your nearest and dearest, and by that we mean your mates, and get yourself down to Rileys sharpish.

But if anyone is looking for love, we've teamed up with DatingDirect.com to give our members the chance to win a free 3 month subscription to the online dating site. Just click here to be in with a chance of winning.

All our love, Rileys.

The Rileys Team

English National 8-Ball Pool Tour Finals to be Shown Live

The 2011/12 English National Blackball Tour Finals are to be broadcast live over the Internet through web channel Cuesport TV.

The top players from the regional tours combine in a weekend of high class Blackball pool action at the English National finals.

Players such as 2011 EBPF National Singles Champion, Adam Brown, the 2011 BAPTO Singles Champion, Shane Thompson, former World and European Champion, Andy Lucas and in the ladies event, Sarah Trudgett, will compete amongst other notable players for the trophies and of course the prize money.

The event will be live on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th February from Midday. On the Saturday will be action from the Juniors and Seniors events. On the Sunday will be the Ladies and Men's event due to be completed around 9pm in the evening.

In order to view this high class, live, 8-ball pool tournament you need to sign-up for Cuesport TV pay-per-view. The National Tour Finals event costs only £3.00 for the weekend and will consist of at least 12 hours of live pool across the two days. To sign-up for the pay-per-view event please visit: www.cuesport.tv/Events/signin.aspx?eventID=745

Pete Williams of Cuesport TV Ltd said, "I am really delighted to be involved with the coverage of the English National Tour finals. England has lagged behind some of the other European nations in terms of the Blackball game over recent years and it is a great opportunity to showcase both the talent for the game in England and give the Blackball ruleset some additional exposure."

Clive Bentley the Western Region rep commented, "It is great to have involvement from Cuesport TV, we generally live stream some of the regional events but having outside help and promotion for the Tour finals will free up our time and provide a better platform for the players to showcase their talents."

Sister site Cuesportnews.com will also be running a live forum for the duration of the event with updated results and news and will also carry photos of the event at the conclusion.

Additional Information:

For further information about Blackball Pool in England please visit www.ebpf.org where you will find detailed information on the national tour, the county structure and the selection criteria for International events like the European and World Championships.

Cuesport TV have been broadcasting live pool and snooker events since 2008 and in 2012 will provide over 500 hours of live action. Each live event is sold on a pay-per-view basis and payment is made securely with a 128-bit SSL connection and processed by PayPal. For more information about Cuesport TV then please visit Cuesport.tv or contact Pete Williams on enquiries@cuesport.tv

EAG is the important European show for WSP Textiles

WSP Textiles (formerly Milliken), the UK based manufacturer of Strachan snooker and pool cloth, once again joined forces with its UK distributor Suzo Happ for January’s European Amusement and Gaming Expo (EAG) at London’s Excel.

Suzo launched a brand new Cuesports game called Trilliards (pictured) which is based upon the concept of combining Noughts and Crosses or Connect Four with Pool or Bar Billiards. The brand new, high quality table comes as standard with Strachan cloth and Aramith balls to give a precise professional playing experience. The stand also featured the Strachan professional range of snooker and pool cloths.

Sales Manager for Suzo, Matt Harris stated: “The show this year at Excel was our busiest to date with the stand busy at all times. The balance of offering the best range of premium products along with the new products such as Trilliards has ensured that the show was a success”.

“The Trilliards game seemed to be a real hit this year with the operators, it’s great to have a brand new product to offer the pubs which is a skilled game but can be enjoyed by all. It’s a really addictive new game!”

Like Suzo Happ, WSP Textiles serve markets across the globe, not least in China, where its Strachan brand of snooker cloth is a respected commodity by table makers and club owners across Asia.

Senior Account Manager at Strachan, Stuart Gardiner said: “EAG has quickly become established as a very important show for us as trading internationally becomes increasingly important. We have a great partner in Suzo Happ which are a global leader is the design, manufacture and distribution of gaming and amusements products to many UK operators”.

Bendigo Welcomes Snooker Back

Tickets to Australia’s prestigious world ranking tournament, the Australian Goldfields Open, are now on sale, announced Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher.

Ms Asher said the international event, to be staged at Bendigo Stadium from July 9 to 15, is a highlight on Victoria’s world-class major events calendar.

“The Australian Goldfields Open highlights the Victorian Coalition Government’s commitment to bringing major events to regional Victoria, delivering tourism and economic benefits to the local area,” Ms Asher said.

“Congratulations to Victoria’s own Neil Robertson on his recent win in the Masters in London. I’m sure snooker fans from all over Australia will relish the opportunity to see Mr Robertson take on the world’s best again at the Australian Goldfields Open.”

Former world number one snooker player and local boy, Neil Robertson, pushed for sport enthusiasts and snooker fans alike to come and watch the action.

“The atmosphere for last year’s Australian Goldfields Open final was one of the best I have ever witnessed and I am really looking forward to the 2012 event. I would urge everyone to get their tickets booked straight away because you can’t beat watching snooker live,” Robertson said.

Reigning Australian Goldfields Open Champion, Stuart Bingham, congratulated Bendigo on a fantastic tournament in 2011.

“I am thrilled we are going back to the same venue in July. It is the perfect chance for fans to see our sport played at its best,” Bingham said.

The world’s top 16 players will be seeded through to the final stages, to be joined by 16 qualifiers and two Australian Wild Card entrants.

Following the outstanding success of the 2011 event, City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Alec Sandner was pleased to see the Australian Goldfields Open return to Bendigo again this year.

“The City of Greater Bendigo is excited to host this international tournament in Bendigo again this year because it provides a unique opportunity to see the world’s best snooker champions play in regional Victoria and allows us to showcase our beautiful city to countries throughout the world,” said Cr Sandner.

Martin Jolly, Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand IMG added: “The Australian Goldfields Open will air in Australia on FOX SPORTS and be broadcast globally reaching over 66 countries including key tourism markets such as China and the United Kingdom.”

Tickets can be purchased online at www.bendigostadium.com.au/tickets.shtml or by calling Bendigo Stadium on 03 5440 6214.

WORLD 8-BALL: BIADO, GOMEZ JOINS 7 OTHERS PHL BETS IN LAST 64
by Marlon Bernardino

REIGNING National Open champion Carlo "The Black Tiger"Biado defeated Francisco Diaz-Pizarro of Spain, 7-2, while countryman and fellow Bugsy Promotion ace Roberto "Pinoy Superman"Gomez crushed Luke Rollinson of Great Britain, 7-3, respectively in Group M to salvage a spot in the Last 64 of the 2012 World 8-Ball Championship at the Fujairah Tennis and Country Club in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates yesterday.

Raymund Faraon also breezed through the main draw as he ripped Ahmed Al Hosani of UAE, 7-1, and Nick Van den Berg of the Netherlands,7-4, in Group N, while Demosthenes "Plong-Plong"Pulpul held off Albin Ouschan of Austria,7-6, in a do-or-die match in Group J as well Elmer Haya routed Yousfi Chaouki of MAR, 7-5, in Group D and Elvis Calasang smashed Al Howri Hanni of UAE,7-5,in Group F.

A total of 9 Filipinos, headed by defending champion Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza and Joven "Snooker Specialist" Alba, made it to the Last 64, a single round, race-to-11 knockout format, which offered a whooping $156,000 total prize. The winner will receive $20,000 cash purse.

Orcollo takes on Nasser Al Mujaibel of Kuwait in the round-of-64; Corteza squares off with Lee Chenman of Hongkong; Alba vs Ahmad Jallad of Jordan; Biado vs Haya; Gomez vs Mario He of Austria;Pulpul vs Hwang of Korea and Faraon vs Ko Pin-yi of Taiwan and Calasang vs Yukio Akagariyama of Japan.

CORTEZA, 2 OTHERS ADVANCE TO THE FINAL 32; ORCOLLO FALLS IN WORLD 8-BALL
by Marlon Bernardino

LEE VANN "The Slayer" Corteza, Carlo "The Black Tiger" Biado and Roberto "Pinoy Superman" Gomez of the Philippines made it to the Round-of-32 of the 2012 World 8-Ball Championship at the Fujairah Tennis and Country Club in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates yesterday.

Corteza, the two-time national open champion, who plays for the Negros Billiards Stable and JSY Sports of businessman Jonathan Sy, subdued Lee Chen Man of Hongkong, 9-2, in the Round-of-64, a single round, knockout format, which offered a whooping $156,000 total prize. The winner will receive $20,000 cash purse.

The Davao City native, who has set his sights on achieving every billiard player’s dream — win a world title, will goes up against Nguyen Phoc Luong of Vietnam in the next round, who brought downed Amin Fekry of UAE, 9-8.

The La Union bet Biado, on the other hand ousted compatriot Elmer Haya, 9-2, while the Zamboanga City ace Gomez toppled Mario He of Austria, 9-4.
Biado will meet Toru Kuribayashi of Japan, who dealt Tomasz Kaplan of Poland, 9-7, while Gomez will face Mark Gray of Great Britain, who crushed Maghsoud Ali of Iran, 9-3.

"Target kong makuha ang World crown (8-ball, 9-ball and 10-ball) para makasama ko ‘yung mga Filipino world champion," said Corteza, who is schedule to celebrate his 33th birthday on March 1 in a recent interview.

The multiple Southeast Asian Games gold medallist Corteza has won several big tournaments last year but still has to collect a legitimate world title.

Among his major victories last year were in the 2011 Golden Break 9-Ball Asian Invitational Championship, the San Miguel Beer Oktoberfest 9-Ball Open Masters, the Philippine Bigtime Billiards Face-Off and the Manny Pacquiao International 10-ball Championship.

His biggest achievement so far settling a runner-up finish with eventual champion Mika "The Iceman" Immonen of Finland during the 2009 World Ten Ball Championships was held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Last Year World 8-ball titlist Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo dismantled Nasser Al Mujaibel of Kuwait, 9-5, in the Round-of-64, however failed to continued his winning run by losing to Karol Skowerski of Poland, 9-3, in the first of the round of 32 matches later in the evening.

The 28 year old Skowerski, who’s ranked number 4 in Poland, took a 5-0 lead in the race to 9, alternate break format. The Kielce native showed superb potting skills and was never intimidated even when Orcollo began a fight back.“I played well and I really concentrated well the whole match,” an obviously delighted Skowerski said after the match as he was congratulated by teammates Radoslaw Babica and Tomasz Kaplan, both of whom were eliminated earlier in the day. “I wasn’t scared and I wasn’t nervous.” added Skowerski who joined Ko and Liu Haitao of China in the Round-of-16.

Ko, a two-time World Junior Champion, bested Raymund Faraon of the Philippines, 9-5, and Niels Feijen of the Netherlands, 9-2, respectively while Liu nipped Abdulatef Fawal of Qatar, 9-6, and Vilmos Foldes of Hungrary, 9-7, in order.

Also getting the boot were Joven Alba, Demosthenes Pulpul and Elvis Calasang. Alba was bowed to Ahmad Jallad of Jordan, 9-8, Pulpul was succumbed to Young Hwa of Korea, 9-8, and Calasang who was yielded to Yukio Akagariyama of Japan, 9-2, in the Round-of-64.

2012 USA Mosconi Cup Rankings Latest

Shane gets off to the perfect start

AS THE RACE for Mosconi Cup spots gets underway in earnest, it’s America’s top player Shane Van Boening who leads the way after the Turning Stone Winter Event which took place in December.

Van Boening, who came top of the US Mosconi Cup rankings in 2011, beat the likes of Mike Dechaine, Ralf Souquet, Dennis Hatch and Rodney Morris before over-turning Raj Hundal in a close fought final.

That puts the ‘South Dakota Kid’ 40 points ahead of Morris in the early running with Dechaine filling out third place.

The US Mosconi Cup Ranking currently consists of five events. Points will be allocated as per the BCA Points List and each event will be weighted depending on total purse, size of field and number of top-ranked players competing.

Only players finishing in the last 32 of each event will be allocated points and at the conclusion, after the 2012 US Open, the top two players will automatically gain entry to the Mosconi Cup side.

The remaining three players will be Matchroom Sport wildcard picks although the ranking will play a part in this.

The next qualifying event is the Players Championship at Valley Forge which runs from 8th to 11th.

The Ranking

1. Shane Van Boening                     140
2. Rodney Morris                             100
3. Mike Dechaine                                70
T4. Dennis Hatch                                 60
T4. Brandon Shuff                             60
T6. Shawn Putnam                             50
T6. Earl Strickland                             50
T6. Dustin Morris                                50
T9. Stevie Moore                                40
T9. Jonathan Pinegar                         40
T9. Bucky Souvanthong                     40
T12. Larry Nevel                                 35
T12. Mike Davis                                 35
T12. Oscar Dominguez                     35
T12. Shane Winters                             35
T12. Oscar Bonilla                             35
T12. Chris Lynch                                 35
T12. Dan Thompson                            35

GOMEZ, CORTEZA, BIADO BOOTED OUT OF WORLD 8-BALL
by Marlon Bernardino

LAST Filipino standing Roberto "Superman" Gomez racked up two straight wins but failed to continued his winning run after losing his Quarterfinals matches to joined compatriots Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza and Carlo "The Black Tiger" Biado at the exit door of the 2012 World 8-Ball Championship at the Fujairah Tennis and Country Club in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates late Thursday.

The Zamboanga City native Gomez, the 2007 World 9-Ball runner-up, defeated Mark Gray of Great Britain, 9-6, in the Round-of-32 then subdued Yukio Akagariyama of Japan, 9-5, in the Round-of-16 but was yielded to Chris Melling of Great Britain, 4-9, in the Round-of-8, as the country's top bet failed to stay on track for the top prize of $20,000 in the $156,000 total prize week-long tournament.

The Davao City pride Corteza, on the other hand toppled Nguyen Phuc Long of Vietnam, 9-4, in the Round-of-32 but bowed to Fu Che Wei of Chinese-Taipei, 5-9, in the Round-of-16.

The La Union bet Biado, meantime toppled Toru Kuribayashi of Japan, 9-1, in the Round-of-32 but succumbed to Chang Jun Lin of Chinese-Taipei, 3-9, in the Round-of-16.

Semi Final matches between Fu Che Wei of Chinese-Taipei versus Liu Haitao of China and Chris Melling of Great Britain opposite Chang Jun Lin of Chinese-Taipei.

Earlier, last year titlist and world no.1 Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo was shocked by Karol Skowerski of Poland, 3-9, in the Round-of-32, late Wednesday.

Last year, Orcollo defeated Niels “The Terminator” Feijen of the Netherlands, 10-3, in the finals to win his first world title worth $40,000. That performance duplicated the World 8-Ball title conquest of compatriots Efren “Bata” Reyes in 2004 and Ronato “Volcano” Alcano in 2007. The only World 8-Ball crowns that Filipino pool players failed to win were those in 2005 (won by Taiwanese Wu Chia-ching), 2008 (German Ralf Souquet) and 2010 (Englishman Karl Boyes). The event was not held in 2006 and 2009.

Meanwhile, Orcollo and boxing champion Nonito Donaire Jr. are the co-winners of the coveted Athlete of the Year award to be feted by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) the country’s oldest media organization during its annual Awards Night on March 3 at the Manila Hotel along Roxas Boulevard.

The PSA is composed of editors and sportswriters of the different national broadsheets and tabloids.

BILLIARDS: "BATA" REYES FACES KO IN PBB TONITE
by Marlon Bernardino

MANILA, Philippines---FILIPINO pool wizard Efren "Bata" Reyes vows to go all out against two-time WPA World Junior Champion Ko Pin-yi of Taiwan as they clash tonight in the Philippine Bigtime Billiards (PBB) Face Off Series dubbed as the Philippines versus Asia at Pagcor Airport Casino in Parañaque City.

The race-to-9, 10-ball affair is set at 9 p.m. (Saturday, February 18 ) with Reyes hard-pressed to come up with a win against Ko in this event jointly organized by the Mega Sports World and BRKHRD Corp and aired live over Solar Sports, Sky Channel 70 and Destiny Channel 34, and also aired worldwide through the Internet, live streaming at www.megasportsworld.com and www.philippinebigtimebilliards.com.

Sports Betting at MegaSportsWorld favored Ko against Reyes as of Friday. A $1-bet on Ko would win $1.60. A $1-bet on Reyes would win $2.10.

“It’s anybody’s ball game,” said the 1999 WPA World 9-ball Champion and 2004 WPA World 8-Ball Champion Reyes, playing under the banner of top player of sportsman/businessman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, the acknowledged Godfather of Philippine billiard.

Known as the first Asian to be inducted to the Billiards Hall of Fame, the 57-year-old Reyes defeated fellow two-time world champion Wu Jia Qiang (formerly Wu Chia-ching from Chinese-Taipei), 9-6, in the Philippine Bigtime Billiards (PBB) Face Off Series last December 30.

The PBB Face Off is a joint undertaking of Mega Sports World and BRKHRD Corp., and organized in cooperation with Sorsogon Province Sports Patron Philip Escudero of Malungai Life Oil, brother of Senator Chiz Escudero, Diamond Billiard table, Hermes Sports Bar, I-Bar, Golden Leaf Restaurant, Bugsy Promotions, Mandarin Sky Sea Food Restaurant, Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP), Hotel Sogo, Eurotel Hotel with The Philippine Star as official media partner.

Future matches of the PBB Face Off Series will pit Ko versus Francisco "Django" Bustamante on Feb.25.

According to Verna Mariano of BRKHRD Corp and Bugsy Promotions, the Philippine Bigtime Billiards introduces a fresh new format for 2012.

"The events will maintain the one-on one match format every week but each season will be composed of 17 weeks. A year is effectively divided into three seasons. In each season, players will be determined by their team affiliation. In a format similar to the Davis Cup in Tennis, the Ryder Cup in Golf or the Mosconi Cup in Pool, two national or continental teams will compete per season." she said.

"National or continental teams will be composed of but not restricted to 7-10 players which must carry the nation or continent’s flag in international competitions. Players for each team need not be determined or restricted to particular individuals to avoid the possibility of having no players available during times when there are International Professional events taking place. Each win in the one-on-one events every Saturday gives a team a point. At the end of 17 weeks, the team with the most points wins."

The Philippine Team is composed of Reyes, Bustamante, Dennis Orcollo, Ronato Alcano, Carlo Biado, Lee Vann Corteza, Alex Pagulayan and Antonio Lining.

The Asian Team comprised of Ko, Chang Jung-lin, Yang Ching-shun, Chao Fong Pang and Chang Yu Long.

BUGSY BET JUN LIN CHANG WINS WORLD 8-BALL TITLE IN FUJAIRAH; POCKETS $20,000
by Marlon Bernardino

JUN LIN CHANG is continuing his climb toward greatness after beating fellow countryman Chei Wei Fu, 11-6, in an all-Taiwan final to rules the just-ended 2012 World 8-Ball Championship at the Fujairah Tennis and Country Club in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates late Friday.

Chang, who signed up with Manila-based Bugsy Promotions of billiards patron Ceferino "Perry" Mariano last December, blew a 7-4 to 9-5 lead and never looked back.

Afterward Chang who is ranked No. 7 by the World Pool-Billiards Association (WPA) was understandably highly emotional not just about his amazing accomplishment, but about the man who had helped him get to the top of the mountain, who happened to be the same man he had just beaten to get there.

“It’s like a dream,” Chang said through an interpreter whose stint here is backed up by BRKHRD Corp. and Bugsy Promotions. “To be a world champion. It’s something I dreamed about for a long time. I didn’t feel any pressure playing him. He taught me more than just how to play pool. He taught me how to be a man in real life, how to carry myself, how to behave and lead your life, don’t criticize and get down on yourself too much. Lead with you actions not your words. He is not just a teacher but a big brother to me, and a good friend.”

"Thank God, Jun Lin Chang at last has plugged the missing link in his career," said Bugsy Promotions top honcho sportsman/businessman Ceferino "Perry" Mariano.

For Fu, the result brought on mixed emotions as his long cherished journey to his first world title ended in a losing battle with his very own pupil.

“I played bad in the final,” Fu said, still able to laugh and joke . “I felt like I ran out of energy. I’m very happy for him. I’m proud. But I think I would have preferred to have played a player from another country."

He went home with the top prize of US$ 20,000, Fu settled for a runner-up prize of US$ 15,000

On the roads to the finals, Chang defeated Great Britain's Mark Gray, 9-7, in the semi-final round to arrange a titular showdown with Fu who brought downed China’s Liu Haitao, 9-3.

KO BEATS 'BATA' REYES IN PBB FACE-OFF
by Marlon Bernardino

TAIWANESE PIN YI KO downed Filipino pool maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes, 9-4, to win the Philippine Bigtime Billiards (PBB) Face-Off Series dubbed as Philippines versus Asia late Saturday at the Pagcor Airport Casino in Parañaque City.

After a 2-all deadock in the 4th frame, the former World 9-ball and 8-ball Champion Reyes never had a chance to return to the table after Ko raced to a 6-2 and 7-4 lead in the PBB Face Off Series, joint undertaking of Mega Sports World and BRKHRD Corp., and organized in cooperation with Sorsogon Province Sports Patron Philip Escudero of Malungai Life Oil, brother of Senator Chiz Escudero, Hermes Sports Bar, I-Bar, Golden Leaf Restaurant, Bugsy Promotions, Mandarin Sky Sea Food Restaurant, Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) with The Philippine Star as official media partner.

Ko, who joined with Manila-based Bugsy Promotions of billiards patron Ceferino "Perry" Mariano last December along with fellow Taiwanese Kun Lin Chang who is fresh from winning the World 8-Ball crown last Friday in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, goes up against World 9-ball kingpin Francisco "Django" Bustamante on February 25 in this Mega Sports World and BRKHRD Corp. jointly event and was aired live over Solar Sports, Sky Channel 70 and Destiny Channel 34, and also aired worldwide through the Internet, live streaming at www.megasportsworld.com and www.philippinebigtimebilliards.com.

“Luck played a part in my victory." said two-time World Junior Champion Ko through an interpreter. " Efren (Reyes) is a very tough opponent." he added.

"Pin Yi-ko is one of the best players in the World today." said Reyes, the first Asian to be inducted to the Billiards Hall of Fame.

Aside from Ko and Chang, the 1-2 punch of Taiwan, other members of Bugsy Promotions under the rigid training of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PSCO) Billiards Academy headed by World No.1 and World 8-ball champion Dennis "Robocop" Orcollo, 2011 World Ten-Ball semi-finalist Carlo "The Black Tiger" Biado, 2007 World Pool Finalists Roberto "Superman" Gomez, 2006 World Junior Quarter-finalist Renemar "Revo" David, Johann "Bubwit" Chua, John Vincent Vicedo, youthful Hadley Mariano of College of St. Benilde, Biondi Te of Ateneo de Manila University, Rodlin John Bautista and Cedric Gonzales of University of Sto. Tomas and Geona Gregorio of Letran College, all products of the National Collegiate Billiard League (NCBL) or B-League.

"Bugsy Promotions now is the strongest billiard management group in the world." said Canadian 9-ball champion Ramon "Maestro Monching" Mistica, a close friend of Orcollo.

World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association press release

TWO women snooker players from Wiltshire will join an international field for the Connie Gough National Championships in Swindon on Saturday.

Jesters Snooker Hall plays host for the fifth leg of the World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association tour. The action starts at 10am.

Swindon’s Jodie Symes, 17, will be hoping to take advantage of home tables while Gaye Jones will make the short trip from her home in Melksham.

Hong Kong quartet Ng On Yee, Jaique Ip Wan In, So Man Yan and Yu Ching Ching are also in the 22-strong line-up.

But all eyes will be on seven-time world champion Reanne Evans, who returns to the circuit after being laid low with pleurisy.

The 26-year-old from Dudley, West Midlands , has lost her number one spot to Maria Catalano, winner of two ranking events this season.

Evans said: “I want to be back at number one and back winning comps. (But) I’ve only been back playing this week after two months off so I don’t know how I will play.

And she added: “I’m looking forward to playing again after having so long off.”

Evans has claimed the Connie Gough title for the last three years. Catalano claimed the three previous to that.

Portsmouth’s Emma Bonney will be bidding for back-to-back victories after lifting the Southern Classic trophy in Fareham last month.

The two youngest entrants are 12-year-old Jasmine Bolsover, from Woking, and 15-year-old England international Hannah Jones, from Derby .

An action-packed day includes a Plate competition, a Shield and a Seniors event.

Connie Gough National Championship
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Jesters Snooker Hall
Greenbridge Road
Swindon
SN3 3JD
Tel: 01793 420660

2012 CONNIE GOUGH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ENTRIES
Reanne Evans (Dudley, West Mids )
Maria Catalano (Dudley, West Mids )
Emma Bonney ( Portsmouth )
Jenny Poulter ( Maidstone )
Tina Owen-Sevilton ( Bridgewater , Somerset )
Suzie Opacic (Brambridge, Hampshire)
Katie Henrick ( Bickley , Kent )
Gaye Jones (Melksham, Wilts)
Eva Palmius (Isleham, Cambs)
Martina Lumsden ( Eastbourne )
Natascha Niermann ( Cambridge )
Jan Hughes (St Neots, Cambs)
Vicky Carter ( Stevenage )
Jodie Symes ( Swindon )
Ng On Yee ( Hong Kong )
Jaique Ip Wan In ( Hong Kong )
So Man Yan ( Hong Kong )
Yu Ching Ching ( Hong Kong )
Jasmine Bolsover ( Woking )
Marianne Williams (Smallfield, Surrey )
Chris Sharpe ( Chelmsford )
Hannah Jones ( Derby )

Pictures of Jodie Symes and Gaye Jones by Monique Limbos

EPBF and KOZOOM launch cooperation

Dynamic Euro-Tour and European Championships events in 2012 are all streamed in high quality

Sunday, 19 February 2012: The European Pocket Billiard Federation is happy to announce that the cooperation with the company KOZOOM will be continued in 2012 for all major EPBF events.

After intense negotiations, the EPBF and KOZOOM, a Paris-based TV-production company who is in close contact with Eurosport, came up with a promising agreement for the upcoming year 2012. Starting with the Euro-Tour event in Sarajevo in February 2012, KOZOOM will be recording and streaming all major EPBF events in 2012 in high quality, including the complete Dynamic Euro Tour and all European Championships.

KOZOOM has already implemented their own website, where all events can be watched via LiveStream. Daily, monthly and yearly passes can be purchased, once the user is registered with the website at www.kozoom.com.

Additionally, the website offers video archives, instructional videos, forums, news, etc. for all billiard interested fans. More details will be announced in another press release in the close future.

For further information and reference please go to the federation website www.eurotouronline.eu , follow us on twitter @EPBF_News or contact our press office.

The International Cuemakers Hall of Fame
Press Release by: Chris Hightower

The International Cuemakers Hall of Fame is inducting two of the world’s top cuemakers at the Super Billiards Expo this March. This years inductees are Dan Janes and Thomas Wayne. The following gives a little information about why both men are well deserving of their Hall of Fame status.

Dan Janes

In 1968 Dan and good friend Bill Stroud started the Joss Cue Company. The word Joss means Luck. In 1972 Dan bought Bill out of the business and went into higher production. Joss rapidly became one of the best known brand of cues. Even in his earlier years Dan was among only a handful of cuemakers that made his shafts interchangeable with a standard joint size on his cues. He kept up with the market trends and developed one of the highest tech shops in the business. He transitioned from V-groove points and pantograph work into CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) machined points and inlays. He pioneered some handle joining techniques that no other cuemakers were using. You could see his unique finger jointing method in some of his hustler type of cues. His cues have been considered to be one of the top brands of cues world wide for decades. Dan has also been a sponsor of some of the top pro players and has sponsored many tournaments. He has truly been an ambassador for the cue industry.

Thomas Wayne

Thomas started building cues in 1979. He has been a craftsman of some sort most of his life. He has made furniture, guitars, knives, jewelry, skateboards, etc. Although Thomas was not the first to use CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) machinery to build cues, he pushed the CNC machining of inlays to levels that were unheard of before. He trademarked the term 4-D Inlay, which refers to designs he can achieve by using 4 axis machining with special programming. His designs literally wrap around the cue. Many of the designs keep even the most experienced collectors and cuemakers looking at his cues trying to figure out how he did it. Some of the designs look like they were impossible to build. Thomas was also among the first to build a cue in the six figure retail range. Even though he is famous for his CNC inlay work, he still incorporates V-groove points into many of his cues. Thomas is known as one of the top CNC experts in Alaska and is consulted by makers of many other items on how to machine their products. Thomas was also one of the founding members of the American Cuemakers Association. When one thinks of Thomas Wayne they should think: Pioneer of CNC cue art at its finest!

For more information on the International Cuemakers Hall of Fame visit www.internationalcuemakers.com