The 2019 World 9-Ball China Open kicks off on September 1st in Shanghai China, and North America is sending a strong contingent of players to compete this time around.
On the ladies side, “The Duchess of Doom” Allison Fisher will be playing in her first international event as a representative of the USA. She will be joined by “Virginia Slim”, Gail Eaton. Eaton is a many time regional tour winner and ranked as one of the top 40 American women on the Fargo rankings list. While no stranger to the international events, this is Fisher’s first time playing under the American flag. She qualifies as an America due to her dual citizenship between England and the USA. “I’m excited to be representing the US. I have lived here nearly half of my life and my own family is here. It makes sense.” Fisher said.
All of these players are automatically qualified for stage two of the event, kicking off on September 5th. With a total prize fund of almost $375,000, the event will pay $40,000 to the top male player and $36,000 to the top female.
Just three days after player entries opened, the field for the 2020 US Open 9-Ball Championship has already surpassed the halfway mark ahead of the return of the pool major to Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Convention Center next April 13-18.
The $375,000 tournament is limited to 256 entrants and already over 115 players have entered already, with 30 places reserved for the ever-growing list of events on the US Open 9-Ball Championship Global Qualifying Series.
The first event on the Global Qualifying Series takes place August 25-26 at Sam's Billiards, Portland, Oregon. Over 30 spots are already reserved for winners of qualifying events, with more set to be confirmed soon.
Emily Frazer, COO of Matchroom Multi Sport, said: “Eight months until the US Open 9-Bxall Championship and we have already secured half the field, a phenomenal record that we fully anticipated to break. These players are smart, and their eagerness Will Pay off as we all watch this event sell out before the end of 2019.
“There are a lot of names on our list that didn’t participate earlier this year which shows the magnitude of the event globally and that players are keen to not miss out. We are inundated with requests for organisers holding qualifiers and we will have to get to a point where we turn these down. Players will soon be fighting for their US Open spot.
“Seeing this level of demand only sets our sights higher on a 512-player field in the foreseeable future.”
Player entries for the 2020 Open 9-Ball Championship are open now at www.matchroompool.com. Player entry fees remain at $1,000 and former champions receive free entry to the event. After sold-out crowds, record TV ratings and a full field of 256 players for the 2019 US Open 9-Ball Championship, players are encouraged to enter the 2020 Championship early to avoid disappointment.
Prize money payouts will start from 97th place, with players reaching this stage receiving $1,000. Those who successfully progress from the double elimination stage will earn at least $5,000 with quarter-finalists taking home $7,750, semi-finalists earning $15,000 and the runner-up to be paid $30,000.
Spectator tickets for the 2020 US Open 9-Ball Championship will go on sale on Friday, September 13th with full details including pricing to be announced shortly.
The 2020 US Open 9-Ball Championship will be partnered by Diamond, who supply the Official Table; the cloth is supplied by Iwan Simonis and the Official Balls are Super Aramith by Saluc. Predator is the Official Cue of the event and Kamui are the Official Chalk and Tip. The US Open 9-Ball Championship is sanctioned by the WPA.
Congratulations to stop # 11 winners, Danny Hewitt ($1,050 main event), Tom Acciavatti ($340 second chance) & our $1,500 Joss Cue raffle winner Kevin Gray.
Stop # 12 of the Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour's 22nd season will be at Union Station Billiards in Portland Maine on March 23 & 24 for our first ever handicapped event!. This will be our second of two stops at the Station again this season. Owners Mary and Phil Harju are our most generous hosts for what promises to be another great event and they deserve our thanks for hosting our tournaments. Union Station Billiards, one of the largest rooms in New England, boasts 18 Gold Crowns plus a new 9ft Diamond Pro all covered in 860 Simonis (The Cloth Of Champions). They also have a pub style restaurant with great food and a full bar, ping pong, foosball, air hockey and video games. So lets show the Harjus a big Joss Tour welcome by coming up to play or just watch what promises to be yet another great 9-ball event. You could even win a $1,500 custom engraved Joss Cue in the raffle. Anyone can participate and you do not have to be present to win. The drawing for the cue will be on Sunday March 24 immediately prior to the final match of the main event. For more information about Union Station Billiards, check them out on Facebook or call them at 207-899-3693.
For those in need of motel accommodations, there is a nearby La Quinta, 340 Park Ave, Portland ME. 04102. 207-871-0611, or call Union Station for more info.
SPECIAL FORMAT FOR THIS EVENT ONLY: This event will be a special FargoRate Handicapped Event. We will be using the R7 Medium FargoRate races on our standard double elimination chart. We will also be using both established and non established ratings for all players. We will do our best to "rate" any players who have no FargoRate rating to the best of our ability. Should we feel an adjustment to any non rated player is warranted, it will be made on the spot. For more FargoRate info, go to FargoRate.com and watch their very informative videos. For this event, ALL players Will Pay the same entry fee of $70 (plus any applicable tour fees) as it is, in my opinion, already handicapped by the spotting of games making all players equal going in. The main event will be a $1500 added Saturday and Sunday, with a $500 added standard Non Handicapped second chance event on Sunday ($20 Entry Fee) for those non pro level players eliminated from the main event on Saturday.
For those of you coming to play, please arrive on Saturday March 23, Before 11:30 AM, and in proper dress please. Yes, jeans and sneakers are permitted in our billiard parlor events. But please, NO T-SHIRTS, TANKS, SHORTS OR SWEATS. Complete tour info can be found on our site www.joss9balltour.com
Our $25,000 Added Turning Stone Classic XXXII 9-Ball Open (August 22 – 25) is currently full pending many checks in the mail to me. If you would like to be added to our waiting list you must contact me immediately at 518-356-7163
Please remember to spread the word to frequent your local billiard parlors and utilize and promote the world class products of our most generous sponsors. They are the backbone of our sport and deserve our support!!
Thanks, and I hope to see you all at Union Station Billiards.
Professional pool makes its debut in the Gateway City, Tuesday, November 27th through Saturday, December 1st in downtown St. Louis, MO with The Ballpark Village 9-Ball Invitational.
Ballpark Village is the region's first sports-anchored premier entertainment district in the heart of downtown St. Louis.
This new pro 9-Ball event will feature an "Invitational Only" list of 64 premier professional pool players from around the globe who will compete for their share of the $57,000 purse. Tournament promoters are adding $25,000 to the entry fees of $500 per player to create the prize fund of $57,000. The winner of this inaugural event will earn $13,000. The prize fund will pay to 16 places, with the 13th-16th finishers taking home $1,500.
The Ballpark Village Invitational is a double elimination tournament played in Fox Sports Midwest Live
Opening night, November 27th, will feature a charity event with celebrity / player competition and exhibitions. Friday, November 30th, features live music with a local St. Louis tribute band. The tournament will conclude on Saturday, December 1st with 2 semi-final and championship matches inside FOX Sports Midwest Live!
Admission to Ballpark Village and the tournament are free, as will be the live streaming. Ballpark Village features a 1,200 square foot LED TV wall complete with a center 40 foot TV, creating the ultimate fan experience.
The Player Invitation list will be published within the next week. Player Registration for the exclusive invited players will begin shortly thereafter at the tournament website www.ballparkvillage9ball.com.
For more tournament information, contact Tournament Director, Rocky McElroy at (352) 584-5124 or email robsykora@gmail.com for business and sponsorship inquiries.
Congratulations to stop # 7 winners Dwight Dixon ($1,000 main event), James Chemaly ($300 second chance) & Dave Dreidel ($1,200 Joss Cue raffle). Also to Nelson Oliveira (last season's tour point champion) who receives a $500 paid entry to the Super Billiards Expo Pro event courtesy of Allen Hopkins.
The Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour will be at Sharp Shooters Billiards & Sports Pub in Amsterdam NY on February 17 & 18 for our "Northeast 9-Ball Open XXX". Sadly, in this edition we Will Pay homage to yet another of our regular players, Jim Romanowski, who passed away suddenly. Jim was a regular at Sharp Shooters since it began and was a big help with my Junior events. He will be missed by all.
Tim and Julie Berlin, owners of Sharp Shooters, deserve much thanks for once again hosting our event and allowing us the use of their beautiful room. Sharp Shooters is the home of some of the Diamond Pro tables that were previously used at one of our Turning Stone events as well as six, 7 foot Diamond bar boxes. All covered in 860 Simonis, "The Cloth Of Champions". At Sharp Shooters there is something for everyone. You can enjoy a friendly game of Pool, Foosball, Darts and even two tournament quality indoor Bocce Ball courts, all while meeting friends out for some food, drinks & to watch the game. A fun and friendly atmosphere for all ages! They feature a Pub Menu that has all of your favorites, as well as a full service bar – Sharp Shooters Billiards & Sports Pub is one stop shopping for a great night out! Check them out at www.sharpshootersbilliards.com ; As always, there will be a custom engraved Joss Cue raffle. The cue is valued at $1,200, anyone can participate, and you do not need to be present to win! We will draw for the cue on Sunday Feb 18, just before the final match. Check it out here: https://josscues.com/cues/custom/joss-custom-26/
For those in need of motel accommodations, there are 2 nearby: Super 8, 5502 Rt 30 S, Amsterdam NY 12010 – 518-843-5888 OR
Valley View Motor Inn, 1351 NY Rt 5 S, Amsterdam NY 12010 – 518-842-5637. Both are just off exit 27 of I90 (NYS thruway) and very close to Sharp Shooters.
This event at Sharp Shooters Billiards & Sports Pub will consist of a $1500 added Saturday and Sunday Main Event (entry Fee $120 for pro level or $70 for non pro level) and a $500 added consolation event on Sunday ($20 Entry Fee) for those non pro players eliminated from the main event on Saturday.
For those of you coming to play, please arrive on Saturday February 17, BEFORE 11:30 AM, and in proper dress please. Jeans and sneakers are permitted in our billiard parlor events only. But please, no T-shirts, tanks, shorts or sweats. Complete tour info can be found on our recently updated site www.joss9balltour.com
Schedule Update: Please be advised that stop # 12 at King Smiley on March 17 & 18 has been cancelled due to the pending sale of the property. All equipment is for sale by contacting them directly at 518-812-9206.
Our $25,000 Added Turning Stone Classic XXX 9-Ball Open, Season Finale, will be held on August 23 – August 26, 2018. I began taking entries just last month and it is already close to 1/3 full. To enter you must contact me at 518-356-7163 or see me at any of our events Before the event is full at 128. I strongly urge everyone to act now if you are at all serious about playing in this great event!!
Please remember to spread the word to frequent your local billiard parlors and utilize the world class products of our most generous sponsors. They are the backbone of our sport and deserve our support!!
Thanks and I hope to see you all at Sharp Shooters.
In regards to WPA Player Licenses, the intent of the WPA, and its General Assembly, including the Billiard Congress of America, is to protect organizers and players alike, who support professional hosted events and a player and promoter code of ethics. All members (worldwide) of the WPA General Assembly worked together to develop a WPA Player License for this purpose.
To our knowledge, since its inception the WPA Player License has been implemented void of negative player consequences. Many top American players have already completed the WPA Player License. Additionally, if at any time, a player finds the license too restrictive or if he/she feels they are being unfairly treated they may cancel their WPA Player License effective immediately.
With that said, it has become clear this week that there are many North American players unaware of the WPA Player License.
Given this situation, the Billiard Congress of America will pay the 2016 annual $15 WPA Player License fee for all North American players competing in the 2016 US Open. The Association will also remit $15 to any North American player who has previously completed the WPA Player License process.
For those competing in the 2016 US Open, please complete the Player License Form and provide the requested passport size headshot photo to the WPA at events@wpapool.com prior to the US Open. The BCA will then remit the $15 to the WPA on behalf of all North American players in the 2016 US Open who complete the process.
If you have purchased a WPA Player License and wish a $15 refund, please click here.
If you have submitted your paperwork for the WPA Player License and want the BCA to cover the $15, please click here.
To learn more about the intent of the WPA Player License, an interview on the subject with WPA President Ian Anderson will be available on American Billiard Radio very soon.
First things first, I will be dedicating this year’s event to our dear friend Craig “Pineapple” Morris, who passed away recently and will be missed very much.
Words cannot be said enough about my dear friend Mr. Pat Fleming, owner of Accu-Stats Video Productions, who began his legacy in 1982 at the U.S. Open with one camera and now, 33 years later, look how far he has come. Pat has opened a U.S. Open Bank of America Escrow Account and will collect the $75,000.00 added funds prior to mid-July as well as all players’ entry fees which will be used to pay through 48th place.
Thank you so very much to Mr. Ian Anderson, President of the World Pool Association and Mr. Skip Nemecek, America’s W.P.A. Representative, to allow their continued support even after many failures. Now that Pat Fleming has taken charge of the added funds of $75,000.00 as well as $113,000.00 in entry fees, this comes to $188,000.00, he will also be in charge of the disbursements which is a blessing for all. God bless Pat Fleming.
Every 5 years starting this year, all U.S. Open past active champions will pay no entry fee under one condition only; they all must proudly wear their green jackets prior to each match they play with no exceptions. This is all I ask.
VIP seat holders, now we are in a ballroom 65×180 feet, which is twice the size of the past 2 years. This will enable you all to have primo seating and even better than they were at the Chesapeake Conference Center. Here is exactly how this year’s set-up will be:
A total of 300 VIP seats as well as around 600 general admission seats will be needed now that we will be in Downtown Norfolk’s Financial District. The 3 rows on both sides of the T.V. arena table will be; 1st row floor level, 2nd row 16 inches higher on a platform, and the 3rd and final row will now be only 32 inches high on a platform. So when you add a chair and a body on the 3rd row, both sides are much lower. Now having 4 long rows one on each side with the platform being 56 inches high, 2nd row platform is 72 inches up, 3rd row platform will be 88 inches high, and the 4th and final row platform will be 104 inches, 8 ½ feet, high. This will clear the way for all to have a wonderful view of the entire ballroom along with a 4 foot wide walk way around the backside entrance to where you wish to sit. My architect has assured me there will not be a remote possibility of the same problem we had last year, none whatsoever.
The Sheraton will begin taking your reservations April 1st and use code USOPEN for the $89.00 rate for single or double. Remember smokers; just ask for a balcony room at no additional charge. They have 468 rooms of which 375 are blocked for us each night. For all of the week parking, 24 hours, will only be $5.00 instead of their usual $12.00. Lunch consisting of a sandwich, chips, and soda for $7.00 and each night a stupendous dinner buffet as we had at the Chesapeake Conference Center for $15.00; beer and mixed beverages are also priced very low.
U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships, 39th annual October 13-18, 2014 will be at the Chesapeake Marriot Hotel, 757-523-1500; rates start at only $89.00 per night. Prize fund is $170,000.00 and play begins on Monday, October 13th and concludes on Saturday, October 18th. Players meeting, deadline, & draw is Sunday, October 12th at 4pm at the Marriot; food will be provided.
Match times:
Saturday Final Day
1:00 pm – Semi Finals 3:00 pm – The Final 7:00 pm
For information, contact Roberta Agnor Monday-Friday from 9:30 am – 5:30 pm at 757-963-7649 or Q-Master Billiards at 757-499-8900. There is much going on before & during the pro event. There are only 21 VIP seats left so get them now if you want them.
Players: There will be a $50.00 late fee beginning Monday, October 6th. There are 91 signed up already so don’t hesitate, this will fill.
Vendors: There are only a few spots left so get yours now, 8 foot table is $500.00 & 16 foot table is $800.00.
Tickets for the 4 nights of challenge matches prior to the Open will be on sale Monday 10/6/14. You can call Roberta between the hours of 9:30 am – 5:30 pm at 757- 963-7649. The prices are as follows: Thurs. – $20.00 Fri. – $25.00 Sat. – $25.00 Sun. – $25.00 Special price, if you buy all 4 nights you will pay $80.00; a savings of $15.00. At Q-Master Billiards in the Tournament Room: Thursday October 9th – 7:00 PM Efren Reyes & Francisco Bustamante v/s Chris Futrell & Eric Moore Race to 15 10-Ball Friday October 10th – 7:00 PM Efren Reyes v/s Earl Strickland in a race to 15 9-Ball – $1000 prize. Saturday October 11th – 7:00 PM A ring game featuring the past 3 back to back U.S. Open champions; Mika Immonen, Darren "Dynamite" Appleton, & Shane Van Boening playing 10-Ball. $1000 prize. Sunday October 12th – 7:00 PM Scotch doubles Efren Reyes & Niels Feijen v/s Mika Immonen & Jose Parica 10-Ball, $1000 prize.
Here's the info on the amateur events happening before & during the Open: October 10th-12th will be the BCAPL Virginia Beach Regional Championships* with $2,000 added. The schedule is as follows: Friday Oct. 10th – 7:00 PM 9 Ball (Race to 3/3) Saturday Oct. 11th – 9:00 AM Men's & Ladies 8 Ball final eight Sunday Oct. 12th – 10:00 AM Scotch Doubles (Race to 3/2) Entry Fees: 9 Ball – $20, 8 Ball – $30, Scotch – $50 *Anyone can participate by joining a BCAPL League & having four weeks of play between June 1 & October 8, 2014. All the above matches will be played at: Q-Master Billiards 5612 Princess Anne Road Virginia Beach, VA 23462 (757) 499-8900 During the week of the Open Oct. 13th-18th: Monday Oct. 13th – 7:00 PM Pro Mini Tournaments Tuesday Oct. 14th – 7:00 PM Pro Mini Tournaments Wednesday Oct. 15th – 7:00 PM Masters 8 Ball (Race to 3/3) Thursday Oct. 16th – 7:00 PM VBBC 8 Ball (Tiger running) Friday Oct. 17th – 7:00 PM APA/Moose 8 Ball (Tiger running) There will be lots of mini tournaments going on as well during the week. Any questions, please call Tiger Baker at 757-472-8874.
Sponsored by Diamond SMART TABLE, True Blue Simonis 860 Cloth, and Cyclop Pool Balls.
Old guys rule, at least, Efren stiil does. He went 11 rounds in the world's most punishing arena to show that if you make one mistake, you will pay.
If you leave him a ball, he'll steal at least 6 or, most likely, run out, That's what he did to master one-pocket marksman, Shannon "The Cannon" Daulton, That remarkable win gave Efren his 6th DCC title…at near 60 years old! Undefeated…and, still with the stamina to tame a pack of raging carnivores.
In the packed Accu-Stats' TV arena, Shannon, always the Southern gentleman, stood and applauded respectfully as tournament director Ken Shuman introduced the man who needed no introduction.
"Action," signaled Accu-Stats' Julian Robertson. The TV cameras started rolling.
Shannon ran the first rack like Efren would soon visit the buy-back booth. He was running out the second and missed pocketing a ball while, simultaneously, trying to open the stack.
Efren did what he does. He punished him…and ran out.
The 4th rack was unbelievable. Shannon still in shock, and down 2-1, fouled. He failed to touch a rail, although, he did still leave safe.
Efren tickled the cue ball off the bottom of the stack, it came back to stick on the other side of the rack, protecting 3 previously unleashed balls now sitting around Efren's pocket. Howdeedodat? (Where's the rewind button?)
Shannon, still mesmerized by the magic, tried to recover and left an opening. Efren pocketed 8 and out. He also appropriated $12,000.
Scott Frost, Shannon's opponent in the semi's, really wanted another shot at Efren. He'd beaten him before and knew that he could again, if given the chance.
Just like his best selling DVD, Scott was playing "Power 1-Pocket." His performance, today, included everything from kick combos to two rail, slow-rollers guaranteed to tease if they didn't fall. Yet, it wasn't enough. It took 2 hours of respectful, friendly fire before Shannon prevailed. It's always such a crowd pleaser to watch these two pals compete; They've been doing it for decades.
Previously, Scott had put Bustey to rest at 3-1, and in his first match of the day, young Justin Hall, the 2012 Southern Classic One-Pocket, and Bank Pool winner. Justin is definitely here to stay. One can tell; he revels in action.
Efren, prior in the day, menaced Dennis Orcollo and had reminded the talented and sporty Josh Roberts that the "Old Guard" was in the house and can still rock the rock.
Shannon knew that Josh was dangerous as he'd won on his Great Southern Billiards Tour.
Josh was last seen taking his winnings to the "Action" room to match up with the road worthy Chris Bartram. (Check the Forums.)
The Filipino Invasion continues: 3 players in the last 7 in One-Pocket, two in the finals in Banks. and there are more to come, including Kiamco, Biado, and Corteza in the 9-Ball.
And, guess who are in contention for the $25,000 Master of the Table purse?
Dennis, Bustey , and, you knew it, Efren.
Efren, like Elvis, had left the building before I'd gotten a chance to ask him why he'd won today. We all know how he would have answered, "I got lucky."
The Derby City Classic 9-Ball Championships
Sponsored by Lucasi Cues.
The Accu-Stats Arena held court to a match that had the crowd's attention: Karen, "The Irish Invader" Corr, against, by the luck of the draw, Efren.
Karen was thrilled to finally get a chance to compete with him, "It's a great honor. I've always admired Efren. It's great to see, up close, his skill. Although today," she laughed, "Maybe, a wee bit too close." She lost 9-2. The audience was super supportive and applauded warmly to Karen's grace in defeat.
Newly inducted Hall of Famer Jeanette Lee can draw an audience, too. Always a magnet wherever she goes,, her table with Nederlander Nick van der Berg was abuzz. Iphones were doing the smart thing as their cameras recorded every move as she pocketed ball after ball. Nick, unfazed, closed out the match at 9-5. The family is still well represented as Jeanette's hubby George Breedlove is competing on Friday.
Speaking of Nederlanders, Alex Lely, a former World Pool Master, is coaching a team of young Dutchmen that is attending the Derby to hone their competitive skills in the real world of American pool–and expenses are paid! (Are you listening America?)
Under Alex's tutelage, Jelle Kijlstra sent 2103 DCC 9-Ball champ Lee Vann Corteza to the buy-back booth. (Alex, still competitive, eliminated 2007 DCC 9-Ball champ Niels Feijen to reach the semi's of the George Fels Memorial straight pool event. More on this later.)
Friday's 9-Ball draw is constantly updated at http://dcctickets.com. Click to see when all your favorite players are competing.
2104 George Fels Memorial Straight Pool Challenge: High runs, Wednesday, 29th.
Mark Allen won his first title of the season by beating Ding Junhui 4-1 in the final of the Ruhr Open in Germany.
Northern Ireland's 27-year-old Allen outplayed China's Ding in the final of the season's fifth European Tour event to take the 25,000 Euro top prize.
Left-hander Allen won seven matches during the event to land his first title since he won the Haikou World Open seven months ago.
He took the opening frame of the final with a break of 76. Ding looked set to level until he missed a red to a centre pocket on 55, and his opponent battled his way back into the frame and took it on the colours.
A superb run of 100 put Allen 3-0 ahead, before Ding pulled one back with runs of 40 and 32. But there was to be no fight back as Allen's 74 in frame five saw him over the winning line.
"The way my form has been over the last few months, it's a big achievement to win here," said Allen. "A lot of it is down to Terry Griffiths, we did some work last week and he made a change on the technical side and helped me to be more positive. I need to keep putting the work in with him and hopefully it Will Pay dividends.
"I was able to have a couple of hours rest after my semi-final whereas Ding had a long match, so maybe he was not as fresh as me for the final, though I'm sure he was just as motivated.
"The crowd and the atmosphere here were brilliant. Snooker is taking off in mainland Europe which is good to see."
The tournament brought snooker to the town of Mulheim for the first time, and drew large crowds throughout the three days, emphasising snooker's popularity in Germany.
World number 75 Robbie Williams, from The Wirral, was the event's surprise package as he reached the semi-finals before losing 4-0 to Allen. Ding edged out Stephen Maguire 4-3.
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 Kay Suzanne Memorial Cup in Gloucester from November 7 to 10.
