Site News
Topic: *Industry News* 2014

Predator and Poison Sponsor Scholarship Awards at 2014 BEF Junior Nationals

May 19, 2014 (Englewood, CO): The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is pleased to announce that Predator Group, the parent company of Predator Cues and Poison Billiards, is the official Academic Scholarship Award sponsor of the 26th Annual Junior National 9-Ball Championships. Their generous contribution will help award scholarships to the winners of each of the four age divisions at this year’s nationals (18 & Under Boys, 18 & Under Girls, 14 & Under Boys, and 14 & Under Girls).

In addition to providing scholarship funds, the team at Predator Group will also be presenting playing equipment prizes to each division’s winner. The company had previously supported the organization by underwriting the Team USA shirts for the most recent WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships in Johannesburg, South Africa, and parlays their efforts with their generous donations.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to support to the Billiard Education Foundation and their good works. It’s our duty as an industry leader to lend a hand to these brilliant young people. These are the next champions and enthusiasts, they’re our industries’ future,” said Kyle Nolan, Predator Group Director of Branding and Communications.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information on the BEF or sponsoring or underwriting any of its programs and events, visit the BEF website at billiardeducation.org or call (303) 926-1036.

Predator Group, an international billiards industry leader, is focused on bringing constant innovation and game-improving equipment to billiards players worldwide. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, Predator Group’s core brands include: Predator Cues – professional level cues and shafts featuring classical designs and revolutionary, performance enhancing technology; Poison Billiards – recreational cues with cutting-edge designs and Predator engineering for best-in-class playability; and Uni-Loc® – precision-engineered components for billiards products. For more information regarding Predator Group’s products, visit www.predatorgroup.com.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to promoting a lifelong love of pool and building the next generation of players through youth programs and academic scholarships. The BEF also produces the annual Junior National 9-Ball Championships and qualifies young players each year for the WPA World Junior Championships.

Dynamic-Billard Austrian Open, St. Johann (AUT)

The 3rd tournament of the 2014 Dynamic Billard Euro-Tour season is about to take off. Located in St. Johann / Pg. in Austria, the Alpina Wellness Hotel in Alpendorf is hosting this Eurotour. The tennis hall has been turned into a professional pool arena with 24 Dynamic III Matchtables. In order to get into the arena, the whole valley can be overviewed from the location of the tournament hotel. No wonder that this event belongs to the top events of the Tour.

160 players from 29 nations including USA, Kuwait and the UAE have found their way to Alpendorf, St. Johann in order to play for prize money and ranking points. As usual, a total of 34.000,-€ are at stake with 3.500,-€ going to the winner alone.

On Saturday and Sunday, another European event will be held in the same venue. The Euro-Tour for women is having a stop in St. Johann / Pg. 38 top female athletes from 12 nations will play for a 2.000,-€ added money prizefund with all entry fees going into it. Europe’s pool elite male and female will be guest in St. Johann / Pg. this week and provide a lot of high class pool action.

9 tables will be in the live stream throughout the event on Kozoom , starting daily at 0900 am. So now is the right time to order your Premium Pass !

New replay and download feature coming soon!

We are getting close to launch a really cool feature for our Premium Pass members; as our plan is to record all the "live" tables during an event, Premium Pass members get the chance to replay their own matches into their account. For those who choose to subscribe to Kozoom >3 months, you can download the videos as well!

Isn't that great?

Bradford and Christian Win First World 14.1 Qualifiers
story & photo by Michael Bradford

Boynton Beach, Florida- Slate Billiards in Boynton Beach, FL played host to the first World Straight Pool qualifier of the year this weekend. Players participating in the event, included World Straight Pool Tournament Sponsor, Dr. Michael Fedak and special guest appearance Charlie Williams who was on hand to watch the matches and meet the fans and players. Players from all over can pay a low entry fee and be able to take their chance to win a free spot against the world's most extraordinary straight pool players! Each qualifier winner will be guaranteed a minimal of 5 round robin matches in the finale main event. The main event will take place once more in New York City. Dragon Promotions and Dr. Michael Fedak are pleased to bring the 74th production of the oldest billiard event in the world on August 4th-9th, 2014. An even bigger star studded field is expected this year at Steinway Billiards Cafe, who is once more hosting the world's grandest straight pool championship.

The event was a double elimination race to 100, Michael Bradford trailed Dr.Fedak in the first match 50-20... but then came back to win 100-70 and from there never trailed again on his undefeated run which included Brad Beeson and Danny Christian. Danny Christian sent, 7 time qualifying tournament winner, Jeff Mohl to the one loss side and then after his loss to Bradford in the finals of the winners side, he defeated Jeff Mohl to win the second spot in the tournament!. Bradford & Christian secured the first of two spots in the World Straight Pool Event! Thank you to the Tournament hosts, Michael Bradford and Bill Giffin for putting on a great event

Get the latest news and complete results of all years at www.worldstraightpool.com and daily year round updates on www.facebook.com/Worldstraightpool . Follow Dragon Promotions news at 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 4th 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.

OB Cues, Tiger Products, & Seyberts as Partner Sponsors of 2014 BEF Junior Nationals

May 23, 2014 (Englewood, CO): ​With this year’s BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships fast approaching, OB Cues, Tiger Billiard Products, and Seyberts have all joined the family of BEF supporters to help make the event possible.

Be sure to stop by their booths at the upcoming BCA Summit June 24-27 in Louisville, Kentucky where this year’s Junior Nationals will be held.

In exchange for their generous contributions, these companies will receive a half-page color ad and company overview in the event program, a one-year subscription to any of the major billiard publications, along with corporate logo and link on the BEF and affiliate websites. Various other sponsorship levels are also available.

Their support enables the BEF to direct more funds to their youth billiard programs and academic scholarships. Find out about all the ways your business can get involved by visiting billiardeducation.org.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to promoting a lifelong love of pool and building the next generation of players through youth programs and academic scholarships. Visit billiardeducation.org or call (303) 926-1039 to learn more about junior billiard programs in your area.

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Samm Diep-Vidal
Executive Director
Billiard Education Foundation
BilliardEducation.org
303.926.1039

Falcon Cues & Presidential Billiards sign on as Official Shirt Sponsors for 2014 BEF Junior Nationals

May 23, 2014 (Englewood, CO): ​ The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is proud to announce Falcon Cues and Presidential Billiards as the official shirt sponsors at this year’s BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships.

The top billiard student-athletes from across the nation will arrive in Louisville, Kentucky June 24-27 for their chance at becoming the national champion of their age division (18 & Under Boys, 18 & Under Girls, 14 & Under Boys, 14 & Under Girls). With the support of Falcon Cues and Presidential Billiards, these players will be outfitted with custom event polo shirts.

Falcon Cues will also be awarding the winners of each of the four divisions with prize packages retail valued at $500. “Falcon Cues is a strong believer in billiards at a young age and the BEF’s efforts. We are proud to support the BEF however we can,” said Chris Kuntz, V.P. of RAM Gameroom, official North American distributor of Falcon Cues.

Falcon Cues Ltd are now entering into its 18th year in business and we continue to manufacture professional standard, high quality pool cues at an affordable prices, because we believe that all pool enthusiasts should have the chance to play with a real pool cue. Visit falconcues.com for more information.

Presidential's billiard tables represent accuracy, beauty, and stability worthy of our high quality product. Presidential Billiards offers a variety of fine products including a large selection of pool tables and game room furniture encompassing models from entry level to heirloom quality and featuring exotic hardwoods and hand carving. Visit presidentialbilliards.com for more information.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to promoting a lifelong love of pool and building the next generation of players through youth programs and academic scholarships. Visit billiardeducation.org or call (303) 926-1039 to learn more about junior billiard programs in your area.

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Samm Diep-Vidal
Executive Director
Billiard Education Foundation
BilliardEducation.org
303.926.1039

Diamond, Simonis and Aramith Named Equipment Sponsors at 2014 BEF Junior Nationals

May 23, 2014 (Englewood, CO): What’s a national pool tournament without the best equipment? The Billiard Education Foundation’s Junior National 9-Ball Championships, being held in conjunction with this year’s BCA Summit in Louisville, KY, will benefit from three long-time supporters of junior billiards: Diamond (tables), Simonis (cloth) and Aramith (balls).

Diamond Billiard Products, conveniently located near Louisville, will provide 16 competition tables and related equipment for the four day national championship divisions. Balls will be provided by Aramith and cloth by Simonis, who has for years been a supporting sponsor of the Billiard Education Foundation.

“We continue to be grateful to these industry sponsors, without whom the Junior National Championships would not be able to continue to encourage student athletes and qualify our best youth competitors for the annual World Championships,” said BEF executive director, Samm Diep.

Contact the BEF for more information on becoming a sponsor of this prestigious event or other junior billiard programs.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to promoting a lifelong love of pool and building the next generation of players through youth programs and academic scholarships. Visit billiardeducation.org or call (303) 926-1039 to learn more about junior billiard programs in your area.

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Samm Diep-Vidal
Executive Director
Billiard Education Foundation
BilliardEducation.org
303.926.1039

21th Annual Junior Artistic Pool Championships at Junior Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky

May 22, 2014 (Englewood, CO): The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) proudly announces the 21st Annual Junior Artistic Pool Championships presented by Tom “Dr. Cue” and Marty “Ms. Cue” Rossman. This year’s championships will be run by Mark “Dr. Popper” Dimick who also supported the event last year. This year’s event will be held in conjunction with the 26th Annual BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships June 24-27, 2014 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, KY.

The Artistic Pool Lag Shootout Challenge has been a great success for many years among amateurs and juniors worldwide. The event encompasses the eight disciplines of artistic pool, one important discipline being the lag shot. All documents for the Junior Artistic Pool challenge can be downloaded from the BEF website. Top two finishers from each age division will receive trophies.

“Dr. Cue”, “Ms. Cue”, and “Dr. Popper” want to thank the BEF for their continued support of Artistic Pool. We encourage all juniors to participate in this special competition and to “enjoy the artistic roll”…always!!

Tentative Schedule for 2014 Junior Artistic Pool Championships

TUESDAY, JUNE 24:

Special Show

5:00PM to 8:00PM – Preliminary Rounds

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25:

11:00AM to 7:00PM -- Preliminary Rounds

THURSDAY, JULY 26:

11:00 to 5:00PM – Complete Preliminary Rounds, Final Rounds to follow

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to promoting a lifelong love of pool and building the next generation of players through youth programs and academic scholarships. Visit billiardeducation.org or call (303) 926-1039 to learn more about junior billiard programs in your area.

--
Samm Diep-Vidal
Executive Director
Billiard Education Foundation
BilliardEducation.org
303.926.1039

CSI Presents…The Tiger Challenge: Dennis Orcollo vs. Jung-Lin Chang

CueSports International, Henderson, Nevada (May 20, 2014) – CSI is proud to present The Tiger Challenge: Dennis Orcollo vs. Jung-Lin Chang. This exciting match will take place July 22, 2014 at 6:00pm pacific time during the BCAPL & USAPL National Championships at the beautiful Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Those in participating in the BCAPL or USAPL National Championships can watch for free in person or via direct live stream feed in their Rio hotel room. Those not in attendance can watch via pay-per-view at http://www.playcsipool.com/LiveStreaming.aspx.

CSI is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. In the past 9 years CSI has directly paid out $9,000,000 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, the US Open 8-Ball 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.

Contact: Ozzy Reynolds
Manager, CueSports International
2041 Pabco Rd, Henderson, NV 89011Phone (702) 719-7665
ozzy@playcsipool.com / www.playcsipool.com / www.playbca.com / www.playusapool.com

World Snooker statement - Ali Carter

It is with regret that World Snooker announces that world number 13 Ali Carter has been diagnosed with a form of lung cancer‎.

Over the next few months Carter will be facing an intensive course of chemotherapy. The 34-year-old from Chelmsford battled testicular cancer last year.

Carter, a winner of three ranking titles and twice runner-up at the World Championship, was due to play in the Wuxi Classic qualifiers in Gloucester this morning but has withdrawn from the event.

WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson said: “Ali is the toughest competitor I know and having spoken to him over the last few days I can assure everyone he has the fight to get through the battle ahead. I know that the world will be looking forward to Ali returning to action and I am sure that all of our friends, fans and partners will join with me in wishing Ali a full recovery."

Snooker Scores Record Viewing Figures

Snooker’s 2014 World Championship reached an astonishing audience of over 330 million viewers worldwide.

Figures from the sport’s key global markets show that 331,144,000 people watched the tournament, which concluded on May 5 when Mark Selby beat Ronnie O’Sullivan in the final in Sheffield. This is the highest ever reach figure for snooker’s blue riband event and shows an increase of over 30 per cent on last year’s audience of 252,905,000.

The event was televised live by 12 broadcasters in 80 different countries with highlight coverage being shown by four further broadcasters, making the 2014 World Championship the most widely televised event in the history of the sport.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “This underlines the incredible growth of snooker as a global sport in recent years. In our key markets in the UK, Europe and China, we are beyond doubt one of the most attractive and popular sports. If we added on figures from other countries which took live broadcast of the World Championship, such as Thailand, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Mongolia, then the total would be even higher.

“The viewing audience is growing at a rapid rate, matched by the increase in the number of tournaments, the level of prize money, and participation levels worldwide. I am delighted by the progress that snooker has achieved, and we are fully committed to continuing this growth in years to come.

“We have just witnessed one of the most exciting World Championships in recent memory with dramatic matches and a remarkable standard of play. The new season has already started and there will be much more of the same in 2014/15.”

CSI Instructional Series with Tom Rossman “Dr. Cue

”CueSports International, Henderson, Nevada (May 30, 2014) – CSI is proud to present The CSI Instructional Series with Tom Rossman “Dr. Cue.” CSI recently filmed 36 video segments with Rossman that cover various topics from fundamentals to trick shots. Each clip is available on the CSI YouTube channel absolutely free! The following is an outline of the video segments:

SEGMENT CATEGORY VIDEO SEGMENTS
Introduction 1
Fundamentals 6
Essential Mechanics 5
Advanced Techniques 4
Mental Tips 4
Kicking & Banking 11
Trick Shots 4
Final Thoughts 2

CSI Instructional Series with Tom Rossman Complete Playlist:
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdCfnbGD70QXr28bs6NnEYglN5Qf-bPzfCSI

YouTube Channel:
www.youtube.com/channel/UCtBRGZemSuj6k30FMQf4nJw

CSI is dedicated to creating more choices for all players. In the past 9 years CSI has directly paid out $9,000,000 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, the US Open 8-Ball 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.

Contact: Ozzy Reynolds
Manager, CueSports International
2041 Pabco Rd, Henderson, NV 89011Phone (702) 719-7665
ozzy@playcsipool.com / www.playcsipool.com / www.playbca.com / www.playusapool.com

EBC TEAM CUP 2014
sanctioned by European Billiard Council and Lithuanian Pool Federation.

Date: 14-15 June 2014

Venue : Billiard Club “Entry”, Kestucio 71, Kaunas, Lithuania.

Participants : Max. 12 teams. 1 women and 2 men athletes per team is obligated.

Discipline: 10 ball WPA rules, scotch triple.

Distance: all matches race to 9.

Tournament system:

Stage 1: three groups x 4 teams, (Robin Round) two the best team from each group qualifies to the Stage 2

Stage 2: two groups x 4 teams, (Robin Round) two the best team qualified to the semifinals.

Semifinals: winner of group A against 2nd place in group B winner of group B against 2nd place in group A

Criteria of qualification in the groups :
- Big points - winning matches,
- Small points – frame difference,
- Match results between teams with same big and small points.
Match for 3th place – losers semifinals
Final – winners semifinals.

Tables: 14 tables -9 ft Dino Sport Pro
Cloth – Strachan Super Pro
Balls – Aramith TV

Program:

13 June 2014 – arrival

14 June 2014 – qualifying matches, at evening international pool party in the old city of Kaunas.
15 June 2014 – semifinals and finals.
15 June 2014 – departure.

Prize: minimum 2.000 euros, cups, medals and souvenirs.
1st place – 1.000 euro
2nd place – 600 euro
3th – place – 400 euro
Entry fee – 100 euro per team.

Announcements : European Billiard Council sport@ebc-billiard.com ; phone +48 41 362-11-47 until 10 of June 2014.

Sponsors: EBC - referees , Mak Marketing - 3 cups

Acomodation: All participants are advised to stay at the official hotel of the tournament which guarantees the best quality and price ratio: Best Western “Santaka” hotel, J.Gruodzio 21, Kaunas,

Lithuania. Price per double room per night is 50€. Price per single room per night is 44€. Please send reservations to incoming@santakahotel.eu with special code „EBC team cup“. Please keep in mind that the hotel cannot guarantee reservations made after the 11th of June.

WPBSA Statement - Stephen Lee

Nicholas Stewart QC has delivered his ruling on the costs of the final part of Stephen Lee’s appeal against his finding that he was in breach of the WPBSA Rules for match and spot fixing in connection with seven matches in 2008-9. The appeal was against the finding, sanction and the costs order imposed by Adam Lewis QC in September 2013.

Mr Stewart said that Stephen Lee failed completely in his appeal and has ordered that in addition to costs orders already made against him, he must pay the WPBSA £20,000 towards its costs of this appeal.

This means that Stephen Lee owes the WPBSA £75,000 in costs from the original hearing, £30,000 from the first part of his appeal and a further £20,000 from the second part of his appeal, a total of £125,000.

The full decision of Nicholas Stewart QC is available on the WPBSA website.

Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2014

“The Black Widow” Jeanette Lee to Speak at 2014 BEF Junior Nationals

June 2, 2014 (Englewood, CO): ​This year’s BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships plans to be a real treat for all attendees as “The Black Widow” Jeanette Lee, the most recognized face in billiards, plans to speak at the event’s luncheon on June 24th in Louisville, Kentucky in conjunction with the BCA Summit.

“I've always had a passion for kids and I'm so honored to speak at this year's Junior Nationals. I've watched and supported the Billiard Education Foundation throughout my career and I love the work they do and the commitment they make for our kids. I can’t wait to be there to share some time with the future champions of our sport!” said Lee.

Lee has been working hard to organize the Black Widow Juniors Camp designed for young intermediate to advanced level players age 14-18. Though the camp has been postponed until 2015, it has not stopped her from promoting youth in billiards.

There are still spots available in all four age divisions at this year’s junior nationals. If you’re interested in participating in the tournament or if you’re interested in attending this year’s banquet, contact executive director Samm Diep-Vidal at (303) 926-1039 or visit the website at billiardeducation.org.

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to promoting a lifelong love of pool and building the next generation of players through youth programs and academic scholarships. Visit billiardeducation.org or call (303) 926-1039 to learn more about junior billiard programs in your area.

--
Samm Diep-Vidal
Executive Director
Billiard Education Foundation
BilliardEducation.org
303.926.1039

Remarkable Prabhakar Wins Second National Snooker Title
By Alan Morris

Ajeya Prabhakar (San Jose, CA) has sensationally won the 2014 United States National Snooker Championship at the Top 147 Snooker Club in Brooklyn, New York, by defeating Raymond Fung (Brooklyn, NY) in the final, winning his second title which remarkably comes fourteen years after he won his first.

Having won that first title back in 2000, Prabhakar then went onto lose in four more finals, so he could have been forgiven for thinking that it was never meant to be again. He has though been a stalwart of snooker in the United States over the years in both a playing and organizational capacity, and while he certainly still had the game to win another Championship he was probably surprised himself by commenting: "Incredible, after fourteen years!"

Defeat though will be very tough to take for Fung whose dream it has been to finally win this title, and this had been his best chance for ten years since being runner-up back in 2004.

Fung has had a great season playing on the United States Snooker Association (USSA) Tour having won three events, and when he defeated Prabhakar in the group stage of this Championship he certainly would have gone into the final with confidence despite having had a long drawn out semifinal battle.

Prabhakar won the first frame comfortably and then sealed the following frame on the final black for a 2-0 lead.

The third frame was another tight affair that Fung won on the black, but the Californian went into the mid-session interval by restoring his two-frame advantage by winning frame four on the final colors.

The match had been intensely and closely fought to this point, and some of the pressure would have been eased on Prabhakar when he extended his lead to 4-1 after winning another closely contested fifth frame.

Fung pulled back frame six which was a high-scoring strenuous black ball game, but relief came to Prabhakar has he finally got over the line by securing the next frame for a well deserved 5-2 victory.

Both players have now gained automatic selection to represent the United States in the Men's Event of this year's International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF) World Snooker Championships, which will take place in Bangalore, India, from November 19-30. The winner of this event will be invited to compete on the multimillion dollar professional 2015-16 World Snooker Tour.

The USSA would like to give its thanks to everyone who made this Championship possible, especially to the players who came from all across the country, and to the proprietors of Top 147 Snooker Club for their continued support in hosting events.

As the 2013-14 snooker season concludes, the USSA would also like to thank its sponsors, Saluc, who manufacture the Aramith Tournament Champion snooker balls, the Tweeten Fibre Co., and to Ozone Billiards who have supported the association this season.

John Lewis, Secretary
United States Snooker Association (USSA)
101 S. Military Ave., Suite P - #131
Green Bay, WI 54303
Tel. 920-662-1705
Toll-free. 1-888-662-1705
Fax. 920-662-1706
Email: jlewis@americancuesports.org
Website: www.snookerusa.com

- The United States National Governing Body for Snooker
as recognized by the International Billiard & Snooker Federation -

European Cup for Teams, Istanbul June 6-8

The European crown for club teams is at stake from 6 to 8 June in the tournament in which the Turkish top team of Bahcelievler defends the title. The winner of last year’s European Cup dethroned the stronghold of Agipi, which was defeated after years of hegemony in its own house.

The organization of the European Cup final is now in the hands of the Turkish team in the Siyavuspasa Sports Center in Bahcelievler. The home team is performing in the group with Coral Colon (Spain) and BC Deurne (Belgium). The other group consists of FC Porto (Portugal), Agipi (France) and Alcantarilla (Spain).

Kozoom will turn its cameras for three days towards world class players such as Frédéric Caudron, Torbjörn Blomdahl, Tayfun Tasdemir, Dani Sánchez, Eddy Merckx, Lütfi Cenet, Marco Zanetti, thingy Jaspers, Nikos Polychronopoulos, Ruben Legazpi and other famous players who guarantee three cushion on the highest level. You can follow the games live on Kozoom with a Premium Pass.

If you don't have your Premium Pass yet, you can order it now.

Kozoom Challenge; 1-Cushion 1500 pts, June 27-29

What can we expect when the two best 1-Cushion players in the world face each other in a marathon match to 1500 caroms? Which style of playing, based on technique, ingenuity, high class and mental toughness will survive when Frédéric Caudron and Jean Paul de Bruijn clash in the Kozoom Challenge, a battle over three days?

The Salpho Billiard Center in Malle, from 27 to 29 June, is the place where real billiard lovers can witness the very best in one of the most wonderful disciplines in billiard. One cushion is the game for the real specialists: subtle gather shots, controlled positions alongside the short rail, small draw shots, pique's, massé's, the two protagonists master it all in every detail.

Click here to predict the outcome of the challenge and win a Longoni Armonia Cue!

ACS OFFERS NEW INSTRUCTOR MANUAL FREE TO ACS CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS

The American CueSports Alliance (ACS) has produced a new Instructor Manual, authored by ACS-certified Instructors Anthony Beeler and Mark Finkelstein with assistance from the ACS Instructor Committee. Along with being a valuable training reference, the ACS Instructor Manual is a valuable resource in assisting ACS certified instructors in organizing their coaching outlines and curriculums. Complete with detailed graphics and explanations, the ACS Instructor Manual is offered at no charge to all ACS Certified Instructors and will be included in any certification renewal package or upon request.

The ACS Instructor Manual is only available to ACS Certified Instructors. Instructors certified with other programs may join the ACS at the same certification level by which they are currently recognized and become eligible for the Manual. The ACS Instructor Manual is not for sale to the general public.

Inquiries regarding the ACS Instructor Program may be made via telephone: 920-662-1705/ email: website: www.americancuesports.org.

The ACS is a non-profit, national organization dedicated to heightening the interest and awareness of cue sports through the support and sanctioning of organized competition throughout the United States.

John Lewis, Executive Director
American CueSports Alliance
101 S. Military Ave., Suite P - #131
Green Bay, WI 54303
Tel. 920-662-1705
Fax. 920-662-1706
Email: jlewis@americancuesports.org
Website: www.americancuesports.org

Ronnie O'Sullivan on Dr. Steve Peters and how he'll help England's World Cup Squad

Five-times world snooker champion Ronnie O'Sullivan admits he would never have won his world titles in 2012 and 2013 without the help of Dr Steve Peters. In his latest exclusive blog, Ronnie explains to Eurosport's Desmond Kane what Liverpool's sports psychiatrist Dr Steve Peters will bring to the England World Cup squad, and why the professor could make a crucial difference as Roy Hodgson's side bid to qualify for the last 16 ahead of Uruguay and Italy in the tournament's 'Group of Death'.

“The first thing we should say about Dr Steve Peters is that he is a great guy. He is such a lovely man, but he is not sitting alongside Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers during Premier League matches as a football fan.

“He is not a key part of Roy Hodgson's staff for this World Cup because he is an England fan. He is a very skilled individual who gets professional sport, professional sportspeople and he gets the pressures and demands of sport at the very highest level.

“Although some of the guys in the England squad haven't had huge amounts of time with him, he will have a big impact in Brazil. He was working quite intensely with the Liverpool squad during a terrific season, but has had a positive impact with his words of wisdom.

“It takes quite a while to get your head around and buy into the work he is doing, but the advantage of having Steve on your side is that, when you sit down and listen to him, a few light bulbs go off in your head.

“You feel good about yourself. I think he will have a really positive effect on players like Wayne Rooney, who I note is keen to benefit from Steve. For Wayne, the penny will drop when he listens to Steve but all the players will understand themselves a bit more. When you get your mental attitude right, it is a case of staying on track and reinforcing into your head what Steve is saying.

“It becomes a skill to maintain those positive thoughts after the initial euphoria of working with him. He is with the England camp so the players can go to him after training, between games... whenever they like really to benefit from him. It didn't do Liverpool any harm this season, did it? And it won't do England any harm if the squad buy into it. It is all a bonus for the Liverpool lads in the squad because they are used to Steve. Fair enough, it might not win them the World Cup, but if they feel good about themselves and feel like winners going into these matches, it might make the difference between a point or two. And a point or two could make the difference in them getting out of a tight section ahead of Italy and Uruguay. You have to understand the mind, and how we all react to certain situations in different ways. Not just in sport. He will really help make England's players feel better about themselves by just being there.

“The World Cup can be quite long for football players. There is a risk that the pressure can affect them between games. They have two weeks before the tournament then at least a few weeks together in Brazil.There is a risk of cabin fever, but I think that is where Steve will come in. He will understand that. He will give the players ways to deal and cope with that. It is not so much that they will be 'bored', but when you are away for 17 days or a month you have to deal with the pressure when you are not playing. When you can deal with that pressure when you are not playing, you can actually enjoy yourself.

“Some people seem to be natural at coping with pressure. I remember reading about the great Italian player Andrea Pirlo speaking about how he relaxed before the 2006 World Cup final. He said he was playing the PlayStation and got a great sleep in the afternoon before going out at night to help his country win the World Cup.You can never underestimate the importance of a settled mind. When I was in Sheffield at the World Championship this year, I had a great time. I wasn't playing as well on the table as I had the previous two years, but I wasn't stressing out between matches. I was switching off between the games enjoying my training, my food and my practice, then it was back down to business for the matches.

“That is the skill Steve will bring to England. The playing bit is easy really for the England players because you are out there, you are proud to be giving your all for the country and you get caught up in the moment.You are switched on, and are playing to win. You do your best, but when you come off the pitch you get time to think.You can worry and think 'I should do this or that', but if you manage those emotions well it makes such a difference to your performance.

“It then becomes easy for sportsmen to go out and express themselves, and it becomes less of an issue. I hope and think Steve's presence will allow the England squad to really enjoy their football at these finals.”

Ronnie O’Sullivan was speaking exclusively to Eurosport. Watch the next episode of “The Ronnie O’Sullivan Show” at 3.30pm on British Eurosport 2 on 26th June.

Garza Brothers Win 3rd Annual Billiard Factory Pool Tournaments

Jacksonville, Florida- The Billiard Factory hosted its third annual pool festival at its Jacksonville, Florida store. Four events took place which included the Andy Cloth Mixed Doubles 9-Ball Open, the Billiard Factory Junior 8-Ball Open, the Pure X Cues 10-Ball Amateur Open and the Kamui Free Pro Clinic with Charlie Williams. The big story was about two local Jacksonville brothers named Jimmy Garza and Bobby Garza who split up in events and both won their respective divisions. There was a little something for everyone that came. The Billiard Factory events were all produced by Dragon Promotions.

The events drew over 50 players from Georgia and Florida as well as numerous fans who came just to watch and enjoy the fresh grilled barbecue. Players competed from the ages of 7 years old up to 70. In the Andy Cloth Mixed Doubles 9-Ball, early favorites included the teams of Rachel Manning (last year's runner-up) & Asher Le, Shanelle Loraine & George Saunders, and Bobby Garza and Amanda Brisson. Manning and Le made an early upset against Loraine & Saunders but later were in turn upset by Erica Gordon and Will Schoonmaker in the semi-finals. But in the end, Brisson & Garza defeated Gordon & Schoonmaker 4-2 for the title.

In the Pure X Open 10-Ball, 30 players narrowed down to the clash between the event's two best players. George Saunders of Orlando was the early favorite, but Jacksonville's Jimmy Garza had been on a hot streak in the Southeast winning back to back amateur events. Garza took a loss against Saunders in his first match, but came all the way back to meet him in the finals. Saunders had escaped a thrilling hill hill match with Scott Rohleder, but Garza came out strong and in a high quality match, he came out with a 5-3 win over Saunders for the title.

“ We've been keeping an eye on our Billiard Factory location in Florida, and we are really excited to see the fan interest grow. Pro-active events create more loyalty, which is essential to building any business. Our managing partner Erik Decious has been with Billiard Factory for 17 years and his enthusiasm for the billiard industry is something we can all use today," says Tony Stick, Vice-President of Billiard Factory which has 12 locations throughout the nation. Billiard Factory is the largest billiard retail store in the United States.

"The events this year were an even bigger success than last year. And we have something special planned with Dragon Promotions this October to commemorate the 18th anniversary of our Florida Billiard Factory location", said Erik Decious, Managing Partner for Billiard Factory.


George Saunders, Will Schoonmaker , Erica Gordon , Erik Decious, Amanda Brisson, Bobby Garza, Jimmy Garza