Chris Melling claimed his second major Ultimate Pool televised title with victory at the thrilling end-of-season Champion of Champions Shootout.
The 16-player one-day spectacular brought together the winners and best performing players from this year’s Professional and Challenger Series’, testing them in a quickfire format consisting of best-of-nine frames matches and a 25-minute match-clock.
Melling won the first trophy of the inaugural Ultimate Pool season back in the spring with the Champions League, and he bookended his campaign beautifully with another big triumph on Sunday night. Despite being a champion on the circuit, he was a wildcard for this invitational tournament, selected for finishing fifth in the professional rankings.
‘The Magician’ was the best player throughout the day and looked comfortable with the fast-paced atmosphere, banking a cool £5,000 for less than 100 minutes work.
The two-time world champion broke off the event with a 5-2 win over Challenger Event 1 victor Adam Bassoo in round one. Returning for the evening session at the Players Pool & Snooker Lounge, he continued his pursuit with a fantastic 5-0 sweep of Challenger 7 champion Hiten Patel before ending the hopes of professional number one Shane Thompson 5-2 in the semi-finals.
His opponent in the final was the tenacious Chris Day. One of the outsiders for the competition, Challenger 4 winner Day was enjoying a brilliant week having confirmed his pro status and won Group 14 of the Eative Pairs Cup.
The Sudbury cueist ousted close friend, Pairs Cup teammate and Pro Series 5 winner Shaun Storry via a 6-reds shootout in round one. In the quarter-finals he squeezed past youngster Luke Gilbert 4-3 but had an even more nail-biting climax in his semi-final against last week’s tier one Professional Series event winner Gareth Potts.
Four-time world champion Potts led 3-2 with time winding down, but Day managed to level before constructing a memorable break clearance to snatch the tie – timing his run to perfection as he sank the 8-ball just before the buzzer. The finish was one of several dramatic conclusions during the day’s entertainment.
The finalists had faced each other a few weeks previously in an early round on the World Rules Pool Tour in an encounter that Day shaded via a deciding frame. However, in a very different environment, Melling was not to be denied the glory, stringing together the final four frames to record a 5-1 success. It meant that he dropped just five frames in four matches in the event – a dominant performance.
A two-time event winner on last season’s inaugural Supreme Pool Series, reigning BI World Champion Scott Gillespie begins his Liberty Games Open campaign against Clint I’Anson in an opening round blockbuster on Friday.
Held at the Players Pool and Snooker Lounge near Stoke-on-Trent, the competition is the curtain raiser to this year’s prestigious five-event Supreme Pool Series that brings together top, multi-disciplined English 8-Ball players from across the world. Entries from the UK, Europe, Africa and even Australia will have their eyes on the title and a lucrative £5,000 top prize payday come Sunday evening.
Scotland’s Gillespie made history in 2018 when he claimed the first ever SPS event. He will be hoping to repeat his success of making a fast start to a new term this weekend, although he faces the unenviable task of multiple major tournament winner I'Anson first up in a preliminary round tie.
Pre-tournament favourite Phil Harrison also secured a double of SPS titles last year – winning the back-to-back Strachan Open and Supreme Masters during the summer months. One of several current or former world title holders on display this year, Harrison looks set to cross cues with 2017 IPA World Champion Craig Marsh in the first round proper.
Number 1 ranked player Liam Dunster, who claimed last season’s concluding Grand Final and walked off with a record-breaking cheque of £51,000, will start the defence of his pole position against the rapid Darren McVicar.
Former professional snooker player and 2010 Shanghai Masters finalist Jamie Burnett has signed up to the series, and he too is on duty early doors when up against another promising youngster in Kian Monaghan. An entrant who has made an even bigger commitment is Australia’s Jake McCartney, whose thirst for premier level pool will be quenched in this unique, pressure environment. McCartney plays Scott Crawley Friday lunchtime.
Following the success of their introduction at the Grand Final last December, the series makes a full transition to Supreme Rules throughout this year. Format-wise, the 2019 Liberty Games Open features an initial double-elimination qualifying portion where eight will emerge undefeated, whilst another eight will come through the ‘Losers’ Side’ to join them. From the last 16 onwards the tournament becomes straight knockout.
You can catch free, live action of the 2019 Liberty Games Open courtesy of Beard Productions on YouTube across all three days. Starting Friday at 12.30GMT, four tables from each session will be streamed simultaneously.
Scott Gillespie (Photo courtesy of Supreme Pool Series)
Scott Gillespie returned to winning ways on the Supreme Pool Series with victory at the 2018 K8.com Classic last weekend.
The talented Scottish cueist won the season opening Jason Owen Open in May, but after early exits in the following two competitions on the SPS circuit, Gillespie has quickly reminded the English 8-Ball world why he is one of the best around.
Gillespie qualified unscathed for the knockouts after coming through an ultra tough section of the draw. In a blockbuster first round tie he got the better of Phil Harrison 11-6; the only other player to have triumphed on the series so far.
He then ousted 2016 IPA World Champion Gareth Hibbott via a deciding frame, 11-10, and saw off two-times former WEPF World Junior Champion Jordan Church, 11-7. Securing his berth in the Last 16, the World Cup of Pool selection defeated Northern Irish rising star Declan Brennan, 11-7.
The random draw for the KOs drew Gillespie and Brennan together again – it was the former who would repeat the prescription, but with a different dose of 11-8.
Enjoying his best run in the series so far, the dangerous Craig Waddingham was eliminated 11-7 in the Quarter-Finals, whilst fellow countryman and the winner of multiple titles in recent years, Mark Boyle, was comprehensively dispatched 11-3 in the Semis.
Gillespie's opponent in the final was England's Shaun Storry, who had produced a string of impressive results on route.
Just like his rival in the final, Storry had advanced through the long weekend undefeated – it would be the first time on the series this year that both finalists came from the winners' section. Among those who lost to Storry included Hibbott (11-9) in the Last 16 and pre-tournament favourite Mick Hill (11-7) in the Last 8, a result that Storry described as the biggest win of his life on Social Media.
Despite having been priced up as 40/1 before a ball was struck, Storry had already been a champion at the Players Pool and Snooker Lounge venue when he claimed the Players Amateur Challenge in the spring of 2017.
However, his memorable run and ambition of a second title there was denied by Gillespie, who won the final 11-7 to become the 2018 K8.com Classic Champion, taking the trophy and £5,000 home as rewards.
Elsewhere in the 128 player entry event, winner of the Strachan Cup and Supreme Masters over the summer, Harrison's bid for an unprecedented hat-trick was closed early. After his opening round loss to Gillespie, the former World Champion was unable to re-create the heroics he produced during August and succumbed via the earliest avenue on the losers' side when he lost to Lee Clough in a decider.
Finalist at events 1 and 2, Liam Dunster's stay in Newcastle-under-Lyme was also brought to a close by Clough in a deciding frame during the Losers' Round 3.
Reigning World Masters Champion Callum Singleton make his mark on the series by reaching the Last 4 before going out to Storry. In the previous round he pipped former back-to-back WEPF World Champion Tom Cousins, 11-10.
Ronan McCarthy and Marc Farnsworth, two of the sport's most consistent performers, both qualified for the single elimination portion again. They lost in the Last 16 to Singleton (11-7) and Hill (11-10), respectively.
Attention on the Supreme Pool Series now turns to the climax of the season; the record-breaking Home Leisure Direct Grand Finals. Taking place between the 30th November to the 2nd December, the event boasts a top prize of £51,000 – the largest amount in English 8-Ball tournament history.
2018 Supreme Pool Series – Event 4, the K8.com Classic
There will be several high profile First Round clashes at the greatly anticipated Jason Owen Open, the opening event of the ground-breaking Supreme Pool Series.
Conducted live on Facebook and YouTube, the 128 player random draw predictably threw up some mouth-watering ties given the strength and depth of the series. As with all this year's tournaments, the format is initially Double Elimination qualifying, with the final 8 competing a straight Knock-Out. The Jason Owen Open, which runs between the 4th-6th May, boasts a total prize purse of over £18,000 with £5,000 going to the champion.
Amongst the picks of the round is Shane Thompson v Jayson Shaw. Thompson is an ever-improving, hardened and successful player on both the tournament and money match scenes, whilst global cuesports superstar Shaw – World Blackball Champion in 2010, will be returning to his small table roots.
Another superstar making a return to English Pool after a sustained absence is Darren Appleton, he has also been handed a very tough assignment with professional Clint I'Anson; one of the most consistent performers on the IPA circuit this decade.
Shaw and Appleton's fellow Mosconi Cup winners and World Champions too, Chris Melling and Karl Boyes are back on the smaller table, they will face Scott Ross and Stefan Risidi respectively.
Undoubtedly one of the pre-tournament favourites will be two-time WEPF World Champion Tom Cousins, who meets the experienced Paul Riley first up, whilst another ex-World Champion Phil Harrison drew one of the eight 'To Be Confirmed' names in the last section.
The Supreme Pool Series exhibits past and present World Champions from both sides of the rules divide – Current IPA World Champion Ben Davies is paired with Rich Wharton in Round One.
Jack Whelan, who won the IPA World Title in 2015, pits his wits against newly crowned Scottish Professional Champion Mark Boyle in yet another mouth-watering fixture. Reigning BI World Champion Liam Dunster tackles Andrew McKie.
The Jason Owen Open is the first of five events throughout the year at the Players Pool and Snooker Lounge in Stoke-on-Trent. The season ending Home Leisure Direct Grand Final will see the winner bank £40,000.
J.C. Torres took the open 9-ball division by storm, going undefeated to win his first title on the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour. Torres bested Brian Rosenbaum, 7-4, in the first set of the true, double elimination final, to claim his first-ever, tour victory. In the amateur 9-ball division, Pete Charles found himself face-to-face with J.C. Torres in the final match, who had the opportunity to do what only one player has accomplished in the 9-year history of the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour; win both divisions at the same event. Unfortunately for Torres, an undefeated Charles took the first set, 5-3, along with Torres’ chance to break the 9-year record.
On April 1st-2nd, 2017, Bogies West in Houston, Texas, along with tour title sponsor Poison by Predator Cues PoisonBilliards.com, and sponsors Cyclop Pool Balls facebook@CyclopPoolBalls, Ozone Billiards OzoneBilliards.com, APA of North Harris County facebook@APANorthHarrisCounty, OutsvilleBilliards.com, and Realtor Jimmy Jenkins, facilitated another successful event for the players of the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour.
Open and amateur 9-ball division action kicked-off Saturday afternoon, and brought back the final 16 on Sunday. In the open 9-ball division, Eric Charlton was on his way with wins over Viet Do, 7-1, Justin Pena, 7-6, and Matt Cash, 7-0, while Pete Charles defeated John Newsome, 7-2, Bobby Perez, 7-5, and Justin Pena, 6-4. Steve Williams bested Brian Rosenbaum, 7-5, Jesus Sorto, 7-4, and Jerry Cook, 7-3, while J.C. Torres ousted Chuck Adams, 7-1, Aldo Rosso, 7-1, and Yogi Salinas, 7-1. On the one loss side, Rosso was eliminated by Cash, and Rosenbaum blew past Justin Pena, 7-4. Final four winners’ side action witness Charlton defeat Charles, 7-4, while Torres overcome Williams, 7-5. The hot seat match was a hill-hill thriller, with Torres capturing his first hot seat win in the open division, 7-6. On the west side, Williams eliminated Rosso, 7-4, and Rosenbaum ended Charles, 7-2. Rosenbaum went on to defeat Williams, 7-3, and Charlton, reaching his first open division final. Both Torres and Rosenbaum were vying for first-time wins, and following a grueling day of match play, both players were feeling the strain. They traded game for game, until Torres pulled ahead to close the set, 7-4, winning his first Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour division title!
In the amateur division, Pete Charles logged wins over Erik Renteria, Shane Thompson, 5-2, and Yogi Salinas, 5-1, while Steve Williams ousted Chuck Adams, 5-0, Jimmy Jenkins, 5-1, and Jerry Cook, 5-2. Bobby Perez came on strong with wins over Kane Thompson, 5-1, Matt Cash, 5-3, and Bill Fuller, 5-4, while J.C. Torres defeated Thomas Madison, 5-3, David Taylor, 5-3, and Eric Charlton, 5-2. As the final four on the winners’ side took shape, the one-loss side was heating up. Reaching the final four on the one loss side, Charlton eliminated Chris Rocha, 5-4, while Justin Pena ended brother, Jacob Pena, 5-4, and Fuller, 5-2. Newcomer Jesus Sorto dominated Aldo Rosso, 5-2, but lost to Yogi Salinas 5-2. After losing to Fuller in the third round, 5-4, Rosenbaum found his rhythm, eliminating Viet Do, Matt Cash, 5-1, and Jerry Cook, 5-3. It was down to the final eight, and winners’ side final four action was underway. Charles took care of Williams, 5-2, while Torres dominated Perez, 5-0. Torres put up a tough fight for the hot seat, but was taken down by Charles, 5-3. Back on the west side, Pena eliminated Williams, 5-3, and Rosenbaum scored his fifth straight win over Perez, 5-3. Pena ended Rosenbaum’s run, 5-2, but fell to a determinEd Torres, 5-2. The final match was an all-too familiar scene for Torres, with Charles taking the lead following a couple of unforced errors. Charles closed out the final set, 5-3, clenching his second, Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour, amateur division victory.
The tour would like to recognize its 2017 sponsors and venues: Poison by Predator Cues, Cyclop Pool Balls, Ozone Billiards, APA of North Harris County, Outsville Billiards, and Realtor Jimmy Jenkins. This year, the tour welcomes back Texas venues Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar (Houston), Bogies West (Houston), Skinny Bob’s Billiards (Round Rock), and brand new venues, Fat Racks Sports Bar and Billiards (San Antonio), and CK Billiards (Dallas).
Without the nearly 300 players who attend Poison Lone Star Tour events, annually, production of this tour would not be possible. The tour would like to thank each and every player for their participation, whether it’s one event, or every event year round. It is because of your patronage, that the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour celebrates its 9th birthday this year, serving players across Texas and in surrounding states. The tour welcomes everyone back for the next event, to be held on May 6th-7th, 2017, at Skinny Bob’s Billiards, located at 300 Hester’s Crossing, in Round Rock, Texas. The full 2017 schedule is published at www.LoneStarBilliardsTour.com. The Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour encourages everyone who loves to play pool and compete in a friendly atmosphere, to attend an event. “Like” us on Facebook @LoneStarTour and “Follow” us on Twitter @LoneStarTour09.
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: https://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 http://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
