Ultimate Pool Masters
THE ULTIMATE POOL MASTERS BREAKS OFF IN STYLE The inaugural Ultimate Pool Masters – sponsored by Apply Mortgages – is well underway, with a plethora of the world’s top English 8-Ball Pool players competing in this unique, live televised event that offers a top prize of £10,000.
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everal star names in the sport of English 8-Ball Pool have made it through to the second phase of the 64-player Apply Mortgages Ultimate Pool Masters - the Ultimate Pool Group’s second major tournament. The event is held over 21 weeks with broadcast coverage from British freeto-air sports channel FreeSports TV, giving everyone involved the opportunity to play in front of the live cameras. A straight knockout competition, every night four players take to the arena at the Players Pool and Snooker Lounge in Newcastle-under-Lyme to complete a section of the draw. Following the opening seven weeks of action, the last 64 and 32 is near-
Chris Melling
ly halfway complete, and we already have a stellar line-up assembling for phase two later this summer. Five-time Shootout event winner Jordan Shepherd was the first to qualify, getting the better of former professional number one Clint I’Anson 7-6 in a blockbusting curtain-raiser before dispatching Jez Graham 8-4 later that night in the group final. In a last 16 tie not-to-be-missed; the Welshman will cross cues with recent Vinny Champions League Pool winner Chris Melling who emerged from week two. Jordan Shepherd
42 | Billiards Buzz • June 2021
Despite not being at his ferocious best, ‘The Magician’ ended the gal-
