Site News
Topic: *Industry News* 2013

Strong Start For Higgins

John Higgins won the first title of the 2013/14 season by beating Neil Robertson 4-1 in the final of the Victoria Bulgarian Open in Sofia.

It was a welcome return to form for 38-year-old Higgins who hadn't won a title for seven months and suffered a first round exit at the World Championship in April.

He won seven matches in Sofia, knocking out the likes of Shaun Murphy and Ronnie O'Sullivan before comfortably beating Robertson with top breaks of 60, 73, 118 and 82.

"It's a great start to the season for me, especially beating so many good players in one day," said the Wizard of Wishaw, who receives 25,000 Euros as well as 2,000 ranking points. "It gives me a lot of extra confidence.

"I'm playing with a new cue which I had made a few weeks ago. I wasn't sure if I'd like it at first because the chevrons are pointing towards the table rather than towards me as I've been used to in the past. But it's obviously working so far."

Earlier in the day, Higgins scored a 4-2 semi-final win over O'Sullivan, who had won five matches on his first appearance since his World Championship victory last month. Robertson edged out Crucible runner-up Barry Hawkins 4-3.

The tournament in the Bulgarian capital, which was staged for the first time last year with Judd Trump beating Higgins in the final, drew huge crowds, under-lining the popularity of snooker in continental Europe. "It's one of the best crowds we play in front of all season," Higgins added.

The European Tour comprises eight events, with the top 24 on the final Order of Merit to qualify for the Grand Finals next March, to be joined by eight more players from the Asian Tour Order of Merit. The next event is the Rotterdam Open from July 19-21.


Results (Last 16 onwards)

Last 16
Neil Robertson 4-1 Anthony Hamilton
Jimmy Robertson 4-2 Anthony McGill
Scott Donaldson 4-1 Matthew Stevens
Nigel Bond 1-4 Barry Hawkins
Shaun Murphy 0-4 John Higgins
Stuart Carrington 1-4 Fergal O'Brien
Mark Williams 4-1 Sam Baird
Ronnie O'Sullivan 4-2 Mark Davis

Quarter-finals
Neil Robertson 4-2 Jimmy Robertson
Scott Donaldson 1-4 Barry Hawkins
John Higgins 4-2 Fergal O'Brien
Mark Williams 0-4 Ronnie O'Sullivan

Semis-finals
Neil Robertson 4-3 Barry Hawkins
John Higgins 4-2 Ronnie O'Sullivan

Final
Neil Robertson 1-4 John Higgins

Southern Classic Tournament: Make your reservations today

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Olhausen World Tournament of 14.1: Championship Tour Edition Official Cloth

New York City, NY - American billiard table giant Olhausen has announced it has taken over the title position of the now Olhausen World Tournament of 14.1. Championship Cloth Tour Edition 3030 has been selected as the Official Cloth of the championship for the second year in a row and Olhausen the Official Table for the third year. Dragon Promotions and Dr. Michael Fedak will bring another star studded field at this year's 73rd Olhausen World Tournament hosted by Steinway Billiards in New York on August 19th-24th,2013. Through additional support from such sponsors such as Aramith Balls, Amsterdam Billiards, Pool & Billiard Magazine and Master Chalk, the absolute best pool players from around the world will arrive on the birth country of 14.1 once more to attend this prestigious event, and vie for the coveted title of greatest straight pool player in the world.

“Olhausen is pleased to take on the role of the title sponsor of the oldest pool tournament in the world. This is our third year of supporting the World Tournament and we enjoy seeing its success and growth. Olhausen values its relationship with Dragon Promotions and their committed support of professional pool", said Donny Olhausen, Founder and owner of Olhausen Tables. All Olhausen Tables are built in Portland, Tennesssee and have been American made since our beginning in 1973. Olhausen knows a little something about pool tables and pool players and The World Tournament brings the best of both together."

"We are extremely pleased to see Olhausen step up as the title sponsor of the World Tournament. And having Championship Cloth on board again gives the event the top two American brands. Pro players and fans, we welcome everyone to the Olhausen World Tournament! ," said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.

America's biggest independently owned billiard company, Olhausen Tables, is once again sponsoring the event. They join European ball manufacturer Aramith and Championship Cloth as repeat industry supporters of the event.

Get the latest news by following www.facebook.com/Worldstraightpool and www.twitter.com/Dragonpromoter

Vendor spaces are also available, for more information on player registration, sponsorship, or if you would like to submit a comment, please email worldstraightpoolchampionships@gmail.com or contact Dragon Promotions at 1-407-782-4978. Full event info is at www.dragonpromotions.com

Join the 141 Club ! Limited to the first 141 members. Visit www.worldstraightpool.com/tickets.html Tickets will be sold at the door during the event. Sponsors and private contributors can still join this year's event. Final added money and fundraising for the 3rd Annual Straight Pool Hall of Fame are still being generated. To help be a part of this treasured event, please contact Dragon Promotions and join the 141 Club.

Since 1972 Olhausen has been using 'American Made' products to design and build tables that have become known in the industry as the "Best in Billiards". They offer every type of pool table imaginable; from ornate pieces of furniture to professional tournament quality tables. No matter how they look on the outside, every Olhausen pool table has the same durable, award winning core on the inside... and that is why Olhausen Billiards can provide not only the highest quality pool table on the market, but also with a lifetime warranty from the Olhausen family! Their state-of-the-art factory occupies over 250,000 square feet and while Olhausen Billiards capacity to produce pool tables has greatly increased, their constant dedication to quality has not changed as every Olhausen pool table is still built to order. The Olhausen factory is not only the largest producer of billiard tables in the industry, but it is also one of the most environmentally friendly manufacturing facilities found anywhere in the world. Olhausen is building pool tables using methods that are not only best for the customer, but for the environment as well. Visit www.olhausenbilliards.com

ITV4 to Televise Snooker’s Champion of Champions

Snooker’s new Champion of Champions tournament will be televised by ITV4 in November.

The showpiece event will run from November 19 to 24 at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry and will bring together many of the best snooker players on the planet. ITV4 will provide extensive live coverage.

Promoted by Matchroom Sport, it will also be televised live on CCTV in China and syndicated globally. There will be a top prize of £100,000 on offer and current champions of snooker’s major tournaments, including the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Selby, Neil Robertson and Ding Junhui, will be eligible to compete.

The tournament will start with a quartet of four-man groups, with the winner of each group to progress to the semi-finals. The final on Sunday November 24 will be over 19 frames.

Snooker returned to the ITV network for the first time in 20 years earlier in 2013 with coverage of the Haikou World Open.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We are thrilled to welcome back ITV4 to televise the Champion of Champions. Their coverage of the Haikou World Open was a real success and I’m delighted that ITV have reaffirmed their interest in snooker.

“There is massive support for snooker in the UK so it’s great news for the fans that they can watch this fantastic new tournament on free-to-air broadcast.

“I’m excited about this event because it will bring together the elite of the sport. Coventry has a huge catchment area so I’m expecting packed houses and a tremendous atmosphere.”

Ticket details for the event as well as the full line-up of players will be announced soon.

Filipino Billiards Stars set to invade Japan 10-ball
by Marlon Bernardino

Billiards masters Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante will spearhead the Philippine campaign when the Japan Open 10-ball gets underway on July 13 to 15 in Tokyo, Japan.

Other notable cue masters will seeing in action are Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza, Ramil "Bebeng" Gallego, Jundel "Jano" Mazon, Rodrigo "Edgie Marilao" Geronimo, Johann "Bubwit" Chua, Val Pajuay, Roel Esquillo and Jerome Andrino.

The 31-year-old Pasay City resident Andrino made prominent in the local shore after winning the 2012 Balamban, Cebu 10-Ball Challenge.

" First-time ko po maglalaro sa ibang bansa at hindi ko sasayangin ang binigay ng pagkakataon sa akin ng mga taong naniniwala sa kakayahan ko," said Andrino, who beat former WPA 9 ball and 8-ball champion Ronato "Volcano" Alcano thru handicapped game last year.

"Dinayo ako ni champ (Ronnie Alcano) sa isang bilyaran sa Pasay. Medyo maganda tumbok ko kaya pinalad ako na manalo sa 10 ball game. Pero may handicapped ang game kasi pag na shoot ko na ang 7-ball panalo na ako," he added.

" Pangarap ko din na makapagbigay ng karangalan sa bayan at makatulong din sa pamilya ko sa paglalaro sa bilyar sa ibang bansa," last word of Andrino, a habitue in pool haus in Harrison Plaza mall.

MAKE RILEYS YOUR DEN FOR THE LIONS

It's less than a week to go before this epic series begins in Brisbane, and the British & Irish Lions take on Australia. Three successive Saturdays of top class, edge of your seat, high intensity rugby.

And what better way to enjoy the action than with our special £2 a pint offer* for each Test Match. We've got the big screens, the comfy seats and the best in liquid refreshment - the Sports Bar is THE place to be to watch the Lions in Oz.

Regards,
The Rileys Team

WPBSA Statement: Stephen Lee

On 14th February 2013 Stephen Lee was charged with serious breaches of the WPBSA members rules (Betting Rules) in relation to 8 matches over 4 tournaments in 2008-9. As per the WPBSA Disciplinary Rules, the WPBSA requested that SR UK appoint an individual to sit as an independent Disciplinary Hearing Board to hear the case against him.

On 7th March 2013 Adam Lewis QC was appointed by SR UK to act as the Independent Disciplinary Hearing Board. A timetable was set down for the proceedings and this was agreed by those representing Mr Lee. The WPBSA has met all the requirements set down by the Independent Disciplinary Hearing Board, unfortunately Mr Lee has not. This has caused significant delays to the process which have been compounded by Mr Lee changing his legal advisers on three occasions.

On Monday 17th June 2013, Mr Lewis set a new timetable for the proceedings and a date of 9th September 2013 for the case to be heard.

Info on all qualifiers including our first in Vietnam

See below info on all qualifiers including our first in Vietnam as well as our first amateur league qualifier run by NYC's Tony Robles, the Silent Assassin!

Plus... NAPL Hosts League Qualifier for the World Tournament of 14.1 June 13, 2013 by Dragon Promotions

We are very proud to announce that Tony Robles’ league, the National Amateur Pool League also known as the NAPL is an Official Sponsor of the 2013 World 14.1 Tournament which will take place at Steinway Billiards in Astoria, Queens on August 19-24!

National Amateur Pool League

Open only to NAPL members, the NAPL will run a qualifier on Saturday, June 22nd at one of its host rooms, Amsterdam Billiards & Bar in Union Square, New York City. This unique experience gives one dedicated amateur a chance to play in a World Championship amongst professionals from all around the world. The winner of the qualifier will get a guaranteed spot in the event and a paid entry (worth $580) to the 14.1 World Straight Pool Tournament.

Special thanks to Amsterdam Billiard’s owner Greg Hunt for providing his room for this qualifier event and to Dragon Promotions for giving the amateurs the opportunity to compete against the world’s best straight pool players!

For more information about the NAPL please visit PlayNAPL.com

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www.facebook.com/Worldstraightpool
www.worldstraightpool.com

Myung Jin Kim
Senior Events Manager
Dragon Promotions

USA Office 1-407-782-4978
Korea Office +82-2-860-5680
USA     www.DragonPromotions.com
Korea www.dragonpromotions.co.kr

Bluebell Wood Continues As World Snooker Charity

Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice in Sheffield will remain as World Snooker’s official charity partner for a second season.

After a successful year of raising funds for the hospice in 2012/13, World Snooker has decided to work with Bluebell Wood again throughout the 2013/14 season.

The hospice in North Anston offers care and support to children and young people with a shortened life expectancy, both in their own homes and at the hospice. It provides support to children and their families throughout South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and parts of North Lincolnshire.

A total of £75,724 has already been raised, with initiatives including:

Bucket collections at World Snooker tournaments

An auction of rare snooker memorabilia during the World Championship

Money raised during the World Snooker Awards night

Williamhill.com, World Snooker and WPBSA donated ‘cash for centuries’ at the UK Championship and Masters

Funds from player fines were donated to Bluebell Wood

There will be more initiatives in the coming months including an Evening With Steve Davis and Barry Hearn in Sheffield on November 21 – for details see www.bluebellwood.org/world-snooker/

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We have really enjoyed working with the Bluebell Wood team and we are delighted with the amount of money raised so far. But having seen the facility at first hand we realise what a monumental job they have on their hands, which is why we are determined to do all we can again in the coming season.

“It costs over £3 million a year to provide that service and they receive less than 5% statutory funding. The children and families there need our help and I’d urge everyone to dig deep and be generous to those who are not as fortunate as we are.”

Claire Rintoul, Chief Executive at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be chosen again. The money that was raised for us last year through World Snooker has been a fantastic boost to our work. We’re also grateful that this partnership has helped us tell so many more people about what we do and the support that we can offer children and families through some very difficult times.. The children here loved meeting the snooker players, and we were touched by their very genuine interest."

To find out more about Bluebell Wood and to make a donation visit www.bluebellwood.org


Pictured: World Championship finalist Barry Hawkins and Mark Davis with Shaun Coleman

Battles Nearing Conclusion in Tunica

The Ultimate 10-Ball Championships in Tunica, Mississippi is entering its final day with the cream of the crop ready to battle it out for top honors and the gorgeous crystal trophies that will be passed to our top three finishers in each division. There are only four ladies left in the field. Ga-Young Kim is resting in the hot seat having passed through the field unscathed. But her labors are not yet done. On the one-loss side we will first have Line Kjoersvik taking on Kelly Fisher.

The winner of that match will then take on Allison Fisher for the right to contest the Championship with Ms. Kim. That final match will take place at 2 PM CST and will of course be live streamed:

www.ultimate10ballchampionships.com/2013/wp/?page_id=48

There are a few more bodies still kicking around on the men's side of things. The hot seat contest will be between Can Wang of China and Mika Immonen of Finland. The winner will sit and rest until the finals kick off at 4:30. The loser will await an opponent. That foe will come from the battles between Niels Feijen and Darren Appleton and Carlo Biado and Alex Pagulayan. The winners of those two matches will face off and the victor will play the loser between Wang and Immonen for the right to enter the championship arena.

You may follow the live scoring and find the progress of all players on the live brackets:

www.azbilliards.com/tours_and_events/151-ultimate-ten-ball/5597-ultimate-10-ball-championship-2013/live/

WOMEN’S snooker has received another major boost with the signing of its biggest sponsorship deal for ten years.

Eden Resources - a Singapore-based company that organises seminars, events and training - will back two tournaments on the World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association circuit next season to the tune of £5,000.

And that takes the total funding for 2013/14 to £8,400.

The announcement came during the Wuxi Classic in China where nine-time world champion Reanne Evans made headlines around the world by becoming the first women to qualify for the final stages of a World Snooker Tour ranking event.

Eden, which also promotes the pursuit of excellence in sport, currently sponsors Hannah Jones - the 16-year-old World Ladies Junior Champion, who guested on the Snooker Legends tour - and Belgium star Wendy Jans, the women’s European champion.

Boss Chris Chuah explained that he was “personally inspired” by players like Mandy Fisher, Stacey Hillyard and Allison Fisher who “were as good as the men” during the golden age of the women’s game.

“I hope that this humble sponsorship will go some way towards raising the profile of the ladies’ game and encourage more women players to take up the sport,” he said.

“The reason why we are sponsoring WLBSA is to hopefully inspire other companies to do likewise for women’s snooker, which certainly deserves greater recognition and support.

“Reanne’s entry into the Wuxi is a big step for ladies’ snooker and the timing of our sponsorship could not have been more opportune.

“Eden is prepared to renew sponsorship for two years for the same amount if we can get 32 participants for each event.”

The WLBSA will run eight snooker ranking tournaments and a billiards event next season. Eden is sponsoring the Masters and the World Championships.

The Northern Snooker Centre, Leeds, will host the World Championships next Easter and have promised £2,000 for each of the next three years.

WLBSA founder and chairman, Mandy Fisher, said: “It’s wonderful news that Eden Resources have chosen to sponsor ladies’ snooker and that the Northern Snooker Centre have added substantial sponsorship to make the World Championships a fantastic event.

“Reanne’s success in qualifying for China is perfect timing for a bright future for the ladies game.”

WLBSA secretary and treasurer Vicky Carter said: “It’s great for ladies’ snooker that Eden Resources have offered us their support and backing.

“With their help, and Reanne’s recent publicity, we hope to get ladies’ snooker back to where it used to be.”

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association is keen to “build on the current momentum” and see more women compete on the pro-circuit.

Its chairman, Jason Ferguson, explained: “We’re doing all we can to assist the resurgence of the women’s game.

“Hopefully, initiatives like Ladies Day at the World Championship and the CueZone Into Schools programme will help get more women playing snooker and in years to come we could see them competing on the professional tour.

“It was a fantastic achievement from Reanne Evans to qualify for the Wuxi Classic and hopefully by working together with Mandy Fisher and the WLBSA we can build on the current momentum.”

2013/14 WLBSA CALENDAR

September 8, 2013: British Open at Whitley Bay Snooker Centre (£300 sponsorship by the club).

Date TBC: Billiards event at venue TBC (£500 anonymous sponsorship).

October 5, 2013: Agnes Davies Memorial at Terry Griffiths Matchroom, Llanelli.

November 2, 2013: UK Championship at North East Derbyshire Snooker Centre, Clay Cross (£300 sponsorship by the club).

December 7-8, 2013: Eden Resources Masters at Cambridge Snooker Centre (£2,000 sponsorship).

January 25, 2014: East Anglian Championship at Pot Black Club, Lowestoft.

February 23, 2014: Southern Classic at Jesters Snooker Hall, Swindon.

March 30, 2014: Connie Gough Memorial at Dunstable Snooker Club (£300 sponsorship from Julie Hemingway).

April 18-22, 2014: Eden Resources World Championship at Northern Snooker Centre, Leeds (£5,000 sponsorship: £3,000 from Eden Resources and £2,000 from Northern Snooker Centre).


Picture supplied by World Snooker. Reanne Evans entertaining children at a school in China.

ABP Sanctions the Olhausen World Tournament of 14.1

Chicago, Illinois- The Association of Billiard Professionals is pleased to announce the Olhausen 73rd World Tournament of 14.1 will be held at Steinway Billiards on August 19-24th,2013 in New York City. The event will be $30,000 added and consists of an elite 48 invitational player field. The World Tournament is the oldest tournament in history that still exists today. To be an ABP sanctioned tournament, the event must meet ABP Professional Guidelines that meets or exceeds the guidelines set forth by the top professional players of the world today. The ABP is the only international pro players association in the world existing today.

The top 32 ABP ranked pros will receive an automatic invite to the event and 6 qualifiers are already set worldwide. So expect some of your favorite American and international pool players to be there. This is one event you will not want to miss!

"I love that this event is a sanctioned ranking event. We need these kind of events on our calendar. I wish we had more 14.1 tournaments. We need to keep straight pool alive and well because it's a great game", says Mika Immonen, ABP Board Member and 2x World Champion. Other expected champions attending the World Tournament will be Oliver Ortmann, John Schmidt, Thorsten Hohmann, Mike Davis, Charlie Williams, Johnny Archer and many more.

The 3rd Annual Straight Pool Hall of Fame will also take place on August 21st and all the top players in the ABP will be in attendance for the star studded dinner and festivities. Voting for this year's 14.1 Hall of Fame will take place soon.

The event is promoted by Dragon Promotions and Dr.Michael Fedak and supported by Championship Cloth, Aramith Balls, Amsterdam Billiards and Master Chalk. Join the 141 Club ! Limited to the first 141 members. Visit www.worldstraightpool.com/tickets.html Tickets will be sold at the door during the event. Get the latest news by following www.facebook.com/Worldstraightpool and www.twitter.com/Dragonpromoter . For spectator/player information please email worldstraightpoolchampionships@gmail.com.


The ABP is an united assembly of international professional billiard players. The ABP was formed to be the voice of players worldwide in order to assist in tournament and industry challenges. ABPdirectives include standardizing equipment, rules, ensuring the timely payment of prize money, assisting promoters and sponsors, and the overall protection and security of professional players. The ABP works to improve the sport of billiards and jointly works with associations, promoters, sponsors and players alike in the joint goal of growing the sport and providing security to all involved. Membership of the ABP includes players from Europe, Asia, and the United States. To join and support the ABP, e-mail abppropool@gmail.com . Follow and support ABPat www.facebook.com/ABPpros
    
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ABP
Association of Billiard Professionals
www.facebook.com/ABPpros

Matchroom Sports Announces 888casino as Title Sponsor for Snooker’s Champion of Champions

GIBRALTAR (April 2, 2013) – 888 Holdings PLC (888.L) and Matchroom Sport have entered into a Title sponsorship agreement between 888casino and snooker’s biggest new tournament, the Champion of Champions.

The 888casino Champion of Champions will run from Tuesday 19th to Sunday 24th November at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

Televised live throughout on ITV4, the tournament features 16 champions of the previous season competing for a £270,000 prize fund including £100,000 for the eventual winner.

Stars such as Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Selby and Neil Robertson will all be invited to take part in an exciting new format that features four mini tournaments comprised of four players each, followed by the big money semi-finals and then final over the best of 19 frames.

Barry Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport, said: "We are very excited to have 888casino on board as title sponsor of a brand new tournament on the snooker calendar. 888 have been involved with snooker previously and I’m thrilled that they are continuing their association with the sport in such an innovative new event.

“The Champion of Champions is an elite competition featuring winners of all the major tournaments throughout the season and we are looking to establish it as a regular ‘best of the best’ and with unprecedented live coverage on terrestrial UK television, the 888casino Champion of Champions will be bringing snooker of the highest quality to a potentially huge audience, both domestically and around the world.”

Itai Pazner, Senior Vice President of 888.com, commented: “888 is excited to have the opportunity to continue our support and investment in Snooker. Matching up our leading casino brand, 888casino, with such a prestigious snooker event is a perfect fit for the brand and more importantly our customers. We look forward to utilizing the access and exposure as title sponsor of the 888casino Champion of Champions as an extension of the entertainment experience 888casino provides every day.”

The 888casino Champion of Champions will be broadcast live throughout on ITV4 for a minimum 48 hours. In addition, it will also be screened live on CCTV in China.

For more information about this release or 888.com and its house of brands, please contact 888.com Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Jennifer Von Strohe.

TAR 35 Now Available On Demand

TAR 35 Now Available On Demand. See all the action from Dennis Orcollo vs Shane VanBoening from TAR 35 any time you want on any device you want. Price is $15 for the entire three day match or $5 per day if you only want to see a particular days play. There is an option to download the files to keep as well. For more info visit https://vimeo.com/ondemand/tar35

CEB Grand Prix Balk-line 71/2, Ronchin (FRANCE)

Follow the first Balk-line 71/2 CEB Grand-Prix LIVE this week-end on Kozoom With Frédéric Caudron's exceptional participation, who has not competed in this discipline since his world title in march 2000. All matches will be broadcasted Live starting on Friday, June 28th at 5PM. Reserved to Premium Members. You can order your Premium Pass now to enjoy watching the competition.

MAKE RILEYS YOUR DEN FOR THE LIONS

Well the job's half done - but it's also half undone, so the second Test is a must see match. Can Gat's lads see off the Wallabies?

And what better way to enjoy than with our special £2 a pint offer for each Test match.

We've got the big screens, the comfy seats and the best in liquid refreshment - the Sports Bar is THE place to be to watch the Lions in Oz.

Regards,
The Rileys Team

McDermott announces new products for 2013

MENOMONEE FALLS, WI (July 1, 2013) – McDermott Cue Mfg. LLC is a leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of pool cues, performance shafts and billiard accessories. McDermott is proud to announce several new products additions to their line for 2013. The new products will be unveiled to McDermott dealers and distributors at the 2013 BCA Summit show in Chicago and available to the general public shortly after.

New additions to the McDermott line include: the 2013 Cue of the Year and Cue of the Year Enhanced Limited Edition cues; seven G-Series cues featuring McDermott’s high-performance shafts. In addition to growing the McDermott G-Series cue line, the Star and Lucky cue lines introduced a combined ten new cues at various price points.
McDermott also added a 4x8 soft case and a McDermott Traditional Series billiard ball set to the 2013 product line.

McDermott Cue is headquartered in Menomonee Falls, WI and markets under the brands of McDermott Cue, Star Cue, Lucky Cue, Element Cue, Wildfire, Pool Prodigy, Intimidator i-Shafts, G-Core Shafts, Big Boy Shafts, Sledgehammer Break Cue, Stinger Break/Jump Cues and Elephant Balls.

For more information about this press release, contact McDermott’s Marketing Director, Derek Blaguski, at derekb@mcdermottcue.com or call 1-800-666-2283. More information can be found at www.mcdermottcue.com

EPBF NEWSLETTER

The Dynamic Billard North Cyprus Open...
...will be played in Kyrenia, North Cyprus, from October 3rd through 5th, 2013. Host venue will be the Hotel Acapulco. After several months of negotiations and discussion, the IBPF was finally successful in finalising the contract with the North Cyprus Billiard Federation.

The Euro-Tour event will be very attractive to all players. Not only because of the prize money and rankings points at stake, but also because of the beautiful touristic background of the location. North Cyprus has already proven several times that the landscape and scenery is absolutely stunning and worth a trip. Straight before the Euro-Tour event, the North Cyprus Federation holds their annual local tournament with international participation. Starting September 30th through October 2nd, players may take the chance and play two prestigious events back to back in that lovely holiday resort. Furthermore, the European Championships for Men, Women and Wheelchair athletes will also be played at the same venue in 2014, April 1st through 12th.

The Dynamic Billard European Championships 2013...
...for youth players will be played in the Radon Plaza Hotel in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Hercegovina, July 26th through August 2nd.

Directly after that, the seniors and ladies will take over the stage and play their annual European Championships August 4th through 11th, at the very same venue. With a few days break, finally the Dynamic Billiard Bosnia & Hercegovina Open 2013 Euro-Tour will finish the pool billiard festival at the Radon Plaza Hotel from August 15th through 17th. During the entire time, up to 20 tables will be in the Live Stream. The matches and all the action together with background information and much more can be viewed at www.kozoom.com/en/pool-billiard/ . Several possibilities for premium membership can be found on the Kozoom website. All other event details including Live score, invitation, line-ups, participants, etc. can be found on www.epconline.eu for the European Championships and www.eurotouronline.eu for the Euro-Tour.

David Alcaide from Spain was fined...
...with 1.000,-€ for unsportsmanlike behaviour at the recent Euro-Tour in Austria. Tournament Director David Morris saw Alcaide throwing a semi-final match because he wanted to leave early in order to be able to catch his plane. "This kind of conduct cannot be tolerated", said Morris. "I tried to talk to him after the match but he was gone already. I then spoke to his opponent and got the confirmation that Alcaide suggested to him that he should play fast so Alcaide could catch his plane. He would then lose on purpose."

Alcaide, who is normally known to be a great and proper sportsman, was confronted with the accusation and accepted the penalty. He obviously regretted his behaviour and will not act like this in the future any more. He also tried to excuse his course of action.

The EPBF is sadly reporting the passing away of Thomas Gietmann...
...who left us last week on Wednesday, June 26th after long illness. Gietmann was one of the main persons responsible for the creation and development of junior's pool billiard in the Netherlands. He was always a noble sportsman and a great character to work with. A huge part of the success of the Dutch junior team, the "young orange", is definitely owed to Thomas. The international pool billiard family will miss him and his fresh and innovative ideas. Our thoughts go out to his family.

The qualifier for this year's World Cup of pool...
...will be played directly after the Euro-Tour in Radon Plaza Hotel, Sarajevo, on Sunday, August 18th, 2013.

Like last year in St. Johann, Austria, two man teams from countries that are not already represented at the prestigious MatchroomSport event will get the chance to qualify for the main event. Only one team per nation is permitted. Announcements for the official qualifiers may go to the EPBF office. The World Cup of Pool will be played in London, UK, September 17th through 22nd. The event will feature 32 two-man teams competing for a total prize fund of 250.000,- US$.

The EPBF will host another referee's course...
...during the Euro-Tour in Sarajevo. Like in previous years, EPBF referee instructor Thomas Overbeck will train referees from EPBF member nations and suggest new members for the EPBF referee squad. Interested referees may send their inquiries to the EPBF office and receive further information.

Pool returns to television for fans of 8 ball the World over

The IPA (International Professional Pool Players Association) are proud to announce that the final stages of the Professional Grand Prix will be televised on Sky Channel 428 (Premier Sports), one of the newest and most exciting sports channels available today. Nine o’clock is the time for your diary (or set to record, of course), as the channel will broadcast free of charge for those hours (no need to subscribe, unless you want to), showcasing the best action the 8ball game has to offer. This Friday (5th July) sees living legend Gareth Potts taking on Lee Clough in the first semi final, followed by an all Welsh clash between Ben Davies and Craig Marsh on the 12th July at the same time. The final will round off the mini series on the 19th July and with pool one of the most popular sports in the UK, a big audience is expected once word gets out – why not be one of them?

July 5th, 2013

As you may be aware, the Summit 2013 which is better known as the BCA Expo or tradeshow will be taking place next week in Schaumburg, Illinois from July 10th to July 12th. Hopefully you will be attending this event and if so, I would like to invite you to come by our booth #918. Royce and I will be there as well as the OB Pro Team which is Alex Pagulayan, Corey Deuel and Phil Burford. They will be giving away free autographed pictures and playing free challenge games at the OB booth. It is sure to be a fun time so please stop by and don't miss out!

BCA Expo 2013 Show Specials

We are going to have show specials at the booth so if you stop by, please ask for the specials so that we can give them to you.

If you do not make it to the show this year but would like to take advantage of the show specials, then please let me know by email no later than Friday the 12th of July and we can work it out (the specials will expire on Monday July 15th)
You can find out more information about the show at www.bcaexpo.com and also view a floor map of the event here:
http://www.bcaexpo.com/joomla/images/stories/bca2013_30%20schaumburg-floor%20plan6.13.13.pdf (We are on the right hand side about half way up)

Let me know if you have any questions and I hope to see you at the show!

Sincerely,

Shane Sinnott
Director of Sales
www.obcues.com
877.399.9901