Puma The Lygon Arms
Puma Combe Grove Manor Hotel
PUMA HOTELS COLLECTION
Puma Walton Hall
Puma Hotels in partnership with the UK Pool Tour and EPA Puma Hotels & Resorts have had the pleasure of working with the EPA and IPA for a number of years now and are delighted to be continuing this relationship in the years to come. As a thank you to the EPA and Uk Pool Tour, Puma Hotels are offering all members of the English Pool Association and the UK Pool Tour discounted rates at all Puma UK hotels. Puma Hotels will be working with the EPA and the UK Pool Tour over the coming months to offer members different promotions and incentives. You can find information on the discounted promotion in this magazine. On behalf of Puma Hotels we would like to thank you for your support and hope you enjoy taking advantage of this promotion.
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PUMA HOTELS COLLECTION
WORLDPOOL OO CONTENTS President of WEPF – Joe Fanto
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Editor’s Message
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World Eightball Championships
Page 4-15
Golden Cue Finals – EPA
Page 18
Malta on the move.
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Wales – Pool Federation development.
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Ireland
Page 23
Scotland Reporting
Page 24
British Lions South African Tour
Page 28
World Masters Finals
Page 30
UK POOL TOUR Welcome to Tour Four
Page 35
Tour Two Main Event
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Tour Two Challenge Event
Page 38
Premier League update
Page 40
UK Tour Rankings.
Page 42
Tour Three Main Event
Page 43
Tour Three Challenge Event
Page 44
Coaching Skills with Steve Daking
Page 46
Challenge Rankings
Page 48
2013 UK Tour details & Entry form.
Page 49
Diary of Events
Page 52
Administration Office 20 South View, Bamford, Rochdale, OL11 5HU Tel: 01706 642770 Email: gharwood@eightballpoolmarketing.freeserve.co.uk
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WORLDPOOL OO FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK EVENTS in pool during the last 12 months have ensured even greater unification in the World Eightball Pool Federation and a greater determination than ever to work together in promoting our sport worldwide. Highlight of the year was again our World Championships which, despite a tight budget, has seen the return of the Sky Sports cameras to broadcast one of the most competitive events we have ever held. With more than 30 hours of transmission spread over several weeks, we have achieved prime time viewing for our events and we thank BSKYB for their support. T h e re w e re m a n y o u t s t a n d i n g performances at the championships with John Roe of England taking the men’s crown and Scotland’s Sue Thompson doing the double with the ladies’ World title and the World Masters. However, everyone at Blackpool, and in the game as a whole, was sad to hear Sue has announced her retirement from the sport. We wish her well for the future in everything she does. My congratulations to all of our champions. A big plus for the 2012 tournament was the introduction of Team Morocco. The North African contingent showed in their first appearance on the world scene that they have the ability to be competing for major awards in the near future. The membership of Morocco also has huge significance for the development of 8-Ball Pool in the region and we welcome them into the WEPF family. It was also great to see West African representation again in the form of Kenya while the return of South Africa was another boost for the Championships and the sport. We were delighted to see them support our world event in numbers. Australia brought their largest group ever with 40 participants, covering every category except in the wheelchair competition. This happens even though
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players pay in excess of 75% of the cost to be at the Championships. Closer to home, we had a record number of entrants from European countries with Scotland excelling with a massive group both in the World Championships and World Masters events. However, it is not only the World Championships that have seen great success during the past year. The British Lions’ tour to Australia was a major triumph followed by an equally excellent trip to Malta. Well done to the Lions who will be touring South Africa this October to play a Test series against the host country. On a less positive subject, the IPA issue has been a catalyst for the WEPF members to unite and focus on the real job at hand, extra focus on the sport. The issue is a handful of elite players who, with the influence of a “Pied Piper,” believe they can do better under another system. Basically think they can earn more money. Collectively, and of their own accord, they chose not to support this year’s World Championships. However, I make it clear that the WEPF has not closed the door on anyone and will not. There will always be an avenue back. However, the WEPF will not tolerate individuals or associations that try to denigrate or damage our Federation or create rival World Championships. Moving forward we need to continue the catch cry of last year, stick and work together with positive support and encouragement. We work toward another successful televised World Championships in 2013. And discussions with a major sponsor are already taking place. I would like to thank the WEPF executive and indeed all of the dedicated workers throughout the world who are working hard in their respective countries to further promote the sport and the World Eightball Pool Federation.
WORLDPOOL OO
LIFE AFTER OLYMPICS It’s hard to believe any other sport has taken place in recent months such has been the blanket coverage of the Olympic Games. Even football has been knocked off the back pages of our National press for the exploits of Team GB at London 2012. However, there has been plenty of other action if you look hard enough and the world of eight ball pool is no different. So, welcome to the latest of our Tour Four magazine, packed full of all the latest news, including a comprehensive look at the WEPF World 8 Ball Championships. And despite upheaval in the potting ranks since the 2011 edition, the Championships celebrated its 20th anniversary in style. Clearly events at Blackpool’s Imperial Hotel dominate this issue, including reports, results and photographs of the biggest, best and original world tournament. Certainly, it was great to see a new name being etched on the men’s singles’ trophy and Peterborough’s John Roe was a worthy winner, beating England skipper Lee Kendall in a high calibre final. Some things never change-at least they didn’t until the end of the ladies singles tournament. If Roe was a first time champion, Sue Thompson claimed the women’s award for a staggering 11th occasion. Indeed, there appeared no
reason why she couldn’t go on to dominate the game indefinitely. However, all good things come to an end and in this instance it’s Sue’s glittering career. The Scottish cue queen announced her retirement following the conclusion of her victory over Sharon Wright. The game will miss you Sue though I suspect a few of your rivals may breathe a sigh of relief. However, it’s unlikely we will see your likes again. Read why Sue has quit in this issue of English 8-Ball’s most popular online magazine. It’s not only the World Championships and the World Masters that have taken place since we last came out. So, in this bumper issue, we look back on the ever popular Golden Cue from Great Yarmouth, two UK Tour and Challenge Tour winners plus news from around the globe, including reports from Malta, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. As ever we are open to contributions or suggestions from readers-polite ones please-and we will endeavour to act upon them. So, thanks again for reading and enjoy your pool.
Trevor Baxter - Editor Email: trevor@redandwhitesport.co.uk
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WORLDPOOL OO
The World Championships
ROOTING FOR ROE RED LETTER DAY FOR NEW WORLD CHAMPION JOHN ROE may be the new WEPF World 8-Ball Pool champion but he hasn’t forgotten his roots. Indeed, 24 hours after his historic 11-7 win over Lee Kendall in the men’s singles final at Blackpool, Roe was cueing up again……in the Peterborough Thursday Night League. “There’s a lot more pressure playing as world champion,” agreed the 32-year-old father of two from Yaxley. “But it’s a small price to pay,” added Roe of his return to league duty with the Post Office Club. “I don’t really like a lot of attention and feel a bit nervous about it. But I know people mean well and want to wish me well.” Certainly, Roe is one of the game’s nice guys - a fact beaten opponent and roommate, Lee Kendall, was only too quick to acknowledge. However, he showed a ruthless streak throughout the tournament enabling him to leave Blackpool with two world titles to his name. In a high quality final, the former National Amateur singles champion took a 6-4 interval lead, a gap Kendall, despite his best efforts, was unable to close. Roe’s victory marked the 20th anniversary staging of the WEPF World Championship. And he is certainly one of the most unassuming champions on the impressive roll of honour. “To be honest, my main focus when I went to the Championships was to try and win
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Men’s Runner-up Lee Kendall back the team title. I hadn’t really thought about the singles. “But when I beat Gareth Hibbott, who was the number one seed, I started to fancy my chances. I was a little worried how I would play before the TV cameras but I soon settled down. “The final was really good quality; both of us seemed to break and dish. Fortunately for me Lee just made a couple of mistakes and I managed to capitalise. “When I got down to the last black in the final frame I just thought ‘I am never going to get an easier black to win the world title.
The World Championships
“So, I was delighted to see it disappear. It was also good for my supporters. Quite a few had travelled up from Peterborough and I didn’t want them to come all that way to see me lose.” Roe, a double glazing salesman, pocketed £6,000 for his Blackpool success, justification for taking up the game again after a 10 year absence. “I played a lot as a junior,” explained Roe. “But around 17 I couldn’t really afford to spend as much time playing. I had left school and needed to work. “Then there was drink and the girls,” he laughed. “About five years ago I started to play regularly again and managed to pick my game up again fairly quickly. “I never thought though when I did I would be world champion!” Disappointed Kendall, a world finalist for the second time in his career, said:” “Every time I felt I could get on top John broke and cleared up. “I asked him afterwards how he managed it and he laughed. He said he had to clear up because he thought I wasn’t going to miss. “I played well, but John played better and deserved to win. That’s what you might come up against in finals. “I know though that if I play to that standard again I will win it one day.” Roe’s success was even the more creditable as he wasn’t among the top eight seeds. But there was no denying him his triumph as he produced a string of fine displays. One of the highlights was an 8-3 victory over top seed and world championship semi-finalist, Gareth Hibbott, the Southport landscape gardener. Hibbott began his campaign confidently enough with an 8-2 victory over British Lions skipper Wayne Smith of Wales. But it proved a false dawn
WORLDPOOL OO as Hibbott fell to the curse of the seeds. Three-time world junior champion, Darren Matthew, was seeded two only to lose 8-6 against qualifier Martin Power. Other title challengers beaten in the last 64 were: Neil Toms (7), Russell Burgess (8), Maverick Zammit (5), Avtar Singh (4), and Oly Bale (6). Burgess fell 8-6 against Matt Brierley, Maltese hope Zammit succumbed to Scotland’s Colin Brown 8-5, Singh came unstuck by the same score to namesake, Surrinder, while Bale was blown away 8-4 by Guiseppe D'Imperio. Toms was edged out in a decider against English rival Josh Corkett. Only local star Lee Anderson and Hibbott made it to the last 32. And Anderson, seeded three, went out 8-6 against Karl O'Donoghue. *Roe’s second world title came as a member of England’s men’s side that beat Ireland 8-5 to avenge last year’s final defeat. Results. Last 32: Gareth Hibbott bt Wayne Smith 8-2, John Roe bt Pat McCarron 8-5, Hiten Patel bt John Parry 80, Alan Brown bt Matt Brierley 8-3, Robert Brady bt Colin Brown 8-7, Tom Cousins bt Kevin Mercieca 8-3, Tom Price bt Jordan Church 8-7, Steve Robertshaw bt Surrinder Singh 8-7. Karl O’Donoghue bt Lee Anderson 8-6, Keith Brewer bt Videsh Sabharwal 83, Ameur Abdelati bt Alex Camilleri 8-4, Giuseppe D’Imperio bt Karl Sutton 8-4, Lee Kendall bt Josh Corkett 8-1, Thomas Morrow bt Darren Price 8-7, Mark Chung bt Jordan Johnson 8-5, John Wheeler bt Martin Power. Last 16: Roe bt Hibbott 8-3, Brown bt Patel 8-5, Cousins bt Brady 8-3, Price bt Robertshaw 8-6, O’Donoghue bt Brewer 8-2, D’Imperio bt Abdelati 84, Kendall bt Morrow 8-6, Wheeler bt Chung 8-2. Quarter-finals: Roe bt Brown 9-4, Price bt Cousins 9-7, D’Imperio bt O’Donoghue 9-5, Kendall bt Wheeler 9-4. Semi-finals: Roe bt Price 10-4, Kendall bt D’Imperio 10-5. Final: Roe bt Kendall 11-7.
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WORLDPOOL OO
The World Championships
ELEVEN AND OUT FOR THOMPSON SUPER SUE REGAINS WORLD CROWN AND THEN ANNOUNCES HER RETIREMENT SUE THOMPSON, the queen of 8-Ball Pool for nearly two decades, is abdicating her throne. Those at Blackpool’s Imperial Hotel saw history in the making as Thompson became WEPF World 8-Ball Pool singles champion for the 11th time. Few realised though as the Scottish international was clearing up to beat Sharon Wright 8-3 they would be the last shots of her World Championship career. Within minutes of regaining the trophy from Northern Ireland’s Emma Cunningham, the 42-year-old Hull based cue queen announced her decision to quit the sport. Tearful Thompson, who won her first world crown in 1996, said after her latest and most emotional success:"I wanted to go out on top, playing my best pool. “And thankfully I have managed to do that. However, I won’t be back to defend my title next year. This is my last ever World Championship. “It’s been something I’ve been considering for a couple of years due to ill health. “I’ve got arthritis in my hips and I am also suffering from prolapsed discs. “And while I intend to carry on with my exhibition work, I have decided it’s too painful to play for 10 days solid.” Runcorn born Thompson who also won the World Masters and topped the team averages during her stay on the Fylde Coast, collected £1,600 for her win over Wright. “Only my close friends and family knew this was going to be my last Worlds,” she revealed. “So, while I am really happy to win my title back, I’m really sad it's the end as far as the World Championships are concerned. “Pool has been my life since I was 14 and
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it's going to leave a big hole. But I have got to think about my health. “Hopefully, I can comeback at some stage and perhaps make a presentation to the girls. But this is my last World Championships as a player.” Thompson played her part in an excellent final after which she paid tribute to her opponent. “Considering this was her first final, Sharon played really well. She could well be a future world champion.” Wright certainly enjoyed a superb tournament, just failing at the last to beat one of the all-time greats. She began by ending Emma Cunningham’s reign as world champion in the last 32. Cunningham has been ultra consistent since making her debut but this time she slipped up 6-5 to suffer her worst ever world championship exit. Wright also accounted for Blackpool’s own former champion Lynette Horsburgh 7-5 in the semi-finals. But there was to be no hattrick of famous scalps as Thompson wasn’t to be denied a fitting finale. Just for good measure, Thompson defeated Scottish international team mate, Horsburgh, 6-5 to win the World Masters after a 12 month absence. Ladies Singles Results: Last 32: Sharon Wright bt Emma Cunningham 6-5, Kim O’Brien bt Michelle Rooney 6-4, Suzanne Bussanich bt Lisa McGirr 6-5, Amy-Claire King bt Jodie Holt 6-4, Jackie Baker bt Deonette Jonkers 6-2, Lynette Horsburgh bt Fionna Plummer 6-1, Emma Wilkinson bt Emma Raeburn 6-0, Barbara Taylor bt Esmerelda Coetzee 6-2. Rachel Tucker bt Renata Delahunty 6-1, Mary Cunningham bt Ana Cristina Sarmento 6-5, Laura Pearce bt Laura Anne Sneddon 6-0, Nicole Welsh bt Amy Beauchamp 6-2, Sharon Lunn bt Lyndsey McKellar 6-2, Lauren Jelly bt Carly Smith 6-2, Sue Thompson bt Lyndsey Roberts 6-4. Last 16: Wright bt O’Brien 6-4, Bussanich bt King 6-1, Horsburgh bt Baker 6-3, Wilkinson bt Taylor (6-2), Tucker bt M Cunningham 6-4, Pearce bt Welsh 6-2, Jelly bt Lunn 6-5, Thompson bt Roberts 6-4. Quarter-finals: Wright bt Bussanich 7-5, Horsburgh bt Wilkinson 7-5, Tucker bt Pearce 7-5, Thompson bt Jelly 7-4. Semi-finals: Wright bt Horsburgh 7-5, Thompson bt Tucker 7-3. Final: Thompson bt Wright 8-3.
WORLDPOOL OO
SUE THOMPSON World Individual Champion
WORLDPOOL OO
O’BOY
JOE’S JUNIOR JOY
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Ireland’s Jordan Doyle 7-5 while Singleton knocked out Jordan Young 7-2. Young accounted for 2012 Euro Junior runner-up, Jack Smithers, 7-5 in the quarter-finals. O'Connor, a winner of the World Masters junior title in 2009 and 2010, has dominated junior pool in recent years. He was Euro Junior winner for the first time in 2010 and runner-up to Frank Costello in Malta last year. So, it came as no surprise when O’Connor completed a hat-trick of World Masters Junior titles. This time his final success was more straightforward, defeating John Bowkett 7-2 after a 6-3 semi-final win against Mark Lunn. However, it could have been a different story. In the last eight he lined up against Singleton once more.
Joe O'Connor showed why he’s eight ball pool’s hottest property by leaving Blackpool with a hat-trick of world junior titles. The Leicestershire teenager’s main ambition was the World 8-Ball Junior crown, the one major missing from his collection. And O’Connor duly obliged with victory over England team mate, Callum Singleton.
Again the contest went down to the wire and once more O’Connor came out on the right side of a deciding frame. Not 17 until November, O’Connor, who has played County pool since the age of 11, described his World Junior success over Singleton as the biggest achievement of his young career to date. "A lot of people said I was one of the big favourites for the title, so there was a lot of expectation on me,” he admitted. “But I managed to do it and I'm really pleased. I now feel like I'm the one everyone else has to beat. "This was the last one on my list of titles that I wanted to win as a junior, and now I've got the full set.”
However, last year’s beaten Blackpool finalist, didn’t have things his own way. Singleton threatened an upset as he shared the opening 14 frames with the ‘Wigston Wonder.’
O’Connor picked up his third world title of a memorable stay on the Fylde Coast when he helped England Juniors retain their crown with an 8-2 success over Malta.
But the European Junior champion’s expertise on the big occasion served him well as he edged the 15th and deciding frame. In the semi-finals, O’Connor defeated
*Leicestershire county captain, Steve Robertshaw, England’s Under 21 team manager, clinched the World Masters Plate. Robertshaw defeated Malta's Clayton Castaldi 7-3 in the final.
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The World Championships
WORLDPOOL OO
ENGLAND’S SPECIAL K IS SERIAL THRILLER LONG SERVING LEE RACKS UP ANOTHER TEAM PRIZE
Record breaking captain Lee Kendall guided England to men’s team glory with a revenge win over the Republic of Ireland. Victory was also sweet for Steve Mills, his first world crown as England team boss. Kendall, the longest serving English player of all-time, won two frames as the hosts reversed last year’s 8-5 defeat by their Irish rivals. The match was perfectly balanced at 5-all before the English stars turned on the style to lift the trophy for an 11th time in 14 years. Individual finalist Kendall, who has given a quarter of century service to his country and been skipper since 1998, said: “I few years ago I wasn't playing well and I wasn’t practising enough. “I changed that and the results improved, and I've done enough to keep hold of my place. “Now my cause has been helped because Steve Mills, has told me he needs to keep me in the team as captain for my experience, not just on form. “I’m very proud to hold the record and hopefully I can continue for another five years.” And it is credit to Kendall, he’s still on top
of his game as the team event appears to be more competitive every year. Thirteen nations were represented in the team event, including first time finalists, Morocco. The North Africans didn’t disgrace themselves winning three of their matches though France have plenty of soul searching to do before 2013 after taking only two scalps. The respective finalists qualified automatically for the semi-finals, losing only one of their 12 group games. England slipped up 11-10 against Wales while the Irish, bidding to add another world title to their European success of earlier in the year, lost their opening game, 14-7, to the eventual champions. Wales and Scotland won their semi-final qualifiers but respectively slipped up 8-4 and 8-5 to England and Ireland. Scotland’s Mike Clark has the best average of 78.78 percent in the round robin matches, winning 26 of his 33 frames. Welsh star Tom Cousins won most frames - 27 from 36 outings-while Kendall was England’s best performer with 22 wins from 29 games.
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WORLDPOOL OO
The World Championships
PUMA HOTELS COLLECTION
d Englan mpions a h eam C T r io n Se
Danny Luton Wheelchair Champion
England Junior Team Champions 10
WORLDPOOL OO
The World Championships
England Under 21’s Team Champions
rewer Keith B ampion ’s Ch Senior
Ryan Davie Under 21’s Champion 11
WORLDPOOL OO
The World Championships
LADIES DAY FOR ENGLAND AS HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF IN TEAM FINAL
NORTHERN Ireland’s ladies pool team discovered lightening can strike twice as hosts England won a thrilling final for a second successive year. A superb recovery by the defending champions saw them complete an 8-7 success over the Ulster rivals as they did in 2011. Such a score line looked unlikely when the two Cunninghams, Mary and Emma, plus two Jo’s, Coe and Kent, gave Northern Ireland a 4-0 advantage. And having defeated their English rivals in the round robin stage of the competition confidence was high. Instead, Jackie Baker’s side responded superbly, closing the gap to 4-3 and 6-4 before reeling off the frames required for a famous win. It was so near but yet so far again for the runners-up who will hope to make it third time lucky in 2013. The hosts topped the table after qualifying but only by the narrowest of margins. They
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won five of their six pool fixtures, losing 87 to Northern Ireland. In turn, the Ulster girls dropped their only match against Australia who finished level on points with Scotland. Certainly, the return of Sue Thompson to the international ranks boosted the Scots chance of taking the title. Thompson and Lynette Horsburgh finished one and two in the averages so it was some surprise when England ran out comfortable 8-3 semi-final victors against their old rivals. Sadly, for Thompson, the contest didn’t prove her finest hour as she was beaten by both Barbara Taylor and Sharon Wright. Amy Beauchamp and Baker, who won two of her three final frames, were the only English girls to feature in the top 10 of the averages. However, the English collective effort proved the difference over individual brilliance. Northern Ireland reached the final by avenging their group defeat against the Aussies courtesy of an 8-4 score line.
The World Championships
PUMA HOT ELS
WORLDPOOL OO
World Championship Results....
Under 21 Singles: Last 16: Sean Sharkey bt James Kirk 7-6, Ryan Shaw bt Tom Church 7-5, Nigel Clarke bt Ashley Radford 75, Ryan Davie bt Scot Hector 7-2, Adam McMackin bt Adam Griffiths 7-3, Glen Hannibal bt Michael Hope 7-6, Conor O'Boyle bt Josh Corkett 7-3, Lee Shepherd bt Ryan Fleming 7-3.
Quarter-finals: Young bt Smithers 7-5, Singleton bt Gorman 7-1, Doyle bt Grech 7-6, O'Connor bt Kaine 7-1. Semi-finals: Singleton bt Jordan Young 7-2, O'Connor bt Doyle 7-3. Final: O'Connor bt Singleton 8-7.
Quarter-finals: Shaw bt Sharkey 7-5, Davie bt Clarke 7-4, Hannibal bt McMackin 7-3, Shepherd bt O'Boyle 7-2. Semi-finals: Davie bt Shaw 7-6, Hannibal bt Shepherd 7-5. Final: Davie bt Hannibal 8-6.
Wheelchair Singles: Quarter-finals: Phil Hendrickson bt Tony Southern 42, Ryan Kisten bt Andy Rigby 4-3, Danny Luton bt Gary Swift 4-2, Theresa Sheridan bt Stephen Ramraj 4-1. Semi-finals: Sheridan bt Hendrickson 4-2, Luton bt Kisten 4-3. Final: Luton bt Sheridan 5-4.
Senior Singles: Last 16: Bill Rigby bt Dave Styles 7-3, Nick Burton bt Nicky Cahill 7-5, Ian Turner bt Ian Moffat 7-5, Keith Brewer bt Dave Minister 7-0, Peter Golding bt John Elliot 7-3, Steve Brindley bt Shane Robinson 7-6, Graham Bake bt Frank Wright 7-0, Tony Kay bt Paul White 7-2. Quarter-finals: Rigby bt Burton 7-4, Brewer bt Turner 7-0, Golding bt Brindley 7-5, Bake bt Kay 7-6. Semi-finals: Brewer bt Rigby 7-0, Golding bt Bake 7-1.
Men’s Team: Play-offs: Wales bt Australia 11-8, Scotland bt India 11-7. Semi-finals: England bt Wales 8-4, Republic of Ireland bt Scotand 8-5. Final: England bt Republic of Ireland 8-5. Ladies Team: Semi-finals: England bt Scotland 8-3, Northern Ireland bt Australia 8-4. Final: England bt Northern Ireland 8-7.
Final: Brewer bt Golding 8-0. Junior Singles: Last 32: Jordan Young bt Ciaran Fay 6-4, Jordi Etchells bt Connor Davies 6-4, Jack Smithers by Jamie Gaffney 6-3, Adam Bassoo bt Evan Kavanagh 6-2, Callum Singleton bt Cale Barrett 6-2, Ben Fortey bt Joe Mcguire 6-4, Jordan Gorman bt Adam Maher 6-1, Gurvinder Gill bt Jordan Berwick 6-0, Jordan Doyle bt Dylan Cassar 6-3, Scott Muscat bt Ryan Falzon 6-5, Deyan Grech bt Darren Redmond 6-3, Frank Costello bt MaCauley Gunn 6-4, Stephen Kaine bt Charlie Hassett 6-3, Ryan Pisani bt Junaid Thaff 6-1, Ian Hinton bye, Joe O'Connor bt James Charlwood 6-4. Last 16: Young bt Etchells 6-2, Smithers bt Bassoo 62, Singleton bt Fortey 6-0, Gorman bt Gill 6-4, Doyle bt Muscat 6-5, Grech bt Costello 6-3, Kaine bt Pisani 6-5, O'Connor bt Hinton 6-2.
Juniors Team: Semi-finals: England bt India 8-2, Malta bt Australia 8-3. Final: England bt Malta 8-2. Under 21’s Team: Semi-finals: England A bt England B 5-4, Ireland A bt Scotland A 5-1. Final: England A bt Ireland A 5-1. Senior’s Team: Semi-finals: England A bt England B 5-3, South Africa bt Ireland A 5-3. Final: England A bt South Africa 5-3.
For a comprehensive results service visit www.wepf.org
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WORLDPOOL OO
The World Championships
LIFE OF RYAN
“It was a fabulous set-up and a great atmosphere. And hopefully with more practice I can have a longer run in the main event.”
RYAN DAVIE is clearly a quick learner as demonstrated by a debut victory at Blackpool.
WHEELIE GREAT!
The 20-year-old from Kirkintilloch had never played World Rules competitively before arriving at the Imperial Hotel. But despite several scares Davie mastered the tactics perfectly to walk off with the Under 21 title in succession to Ashley Radford.
DETERMINED Danny Luton has overcome double disability to become WEPF World 8Ball Wheelchair champion for the first time.
DAVIE BOY MARCHES TO TITLE AGAINST HANNIBAL
“I had a couple of weeks practice before going to Blackpool but it was the first time I had played World Rules in a tournament,” he acknowledged. “That’s perhaps why I had a few close matches,” added the City of Glasgow College computing student. Davie showed his credentials with a last 32 win over English rival, Guiseppe D'Imperio, fancied not only to become Under 21 champion but also World title winner. Instead, Davie came out on top 7-6 against the European Under 21 champion thanks to a deciding frame break and dish after being 4-2 up. His next test came in the semi-finals over Channel Islander Ryan Shaw. “I was lucky to win 7-6 again,” he admitted. “Ryan had a double hit in the decider which was unfortunate for him but lucky for me. “Then in the final I was 4-0 down before I started to play really well to comeback,” added Davie following his 8-6 win.over Glen Hannibal. “Unfortunately, I’ll be too old to defend the title next year. But I'll definitely be back.
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DANNY DELIGHT AS THERESA JUST MISSES OUT
The 46-year-old from Bristol had never been beyond the semi-finals in three previous attempts on the Fylde Coast. However, he survived a couple of scares to take the title at the expense of another first time finalist, Theresa Sheridan. “My game is more 9-Ball than 8-Ball and I wasn’t going to enter at first,” he said. But a couple of other players persuaded me to take part and I am glad they did now. "I had a bit of luck but you always need that if you are to win a major title." Luton dropped only one match in the group stages-against Tony Southern-on his way to qualifying for the quarter-finals. He then defeated Gary Swift 4-2 before facing South African hope, Ryan Kisten, a last eight winner over defending champion, Andy Rigby, in the semis. And there was concern for the West Country wheeler when he went 3-0 down. However, he battled back to win 4-3 to setup a meeting with Sheridan who defeated Phil Hendrickson of Wales 4-2. “Theresa had a shot at the black to beat me 5-3 but fortunately she missed and I
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came back to win 5-4,” added Luton whose victory and repeated participation in pool is certainly commendable. Paralysed from the neck down after a fall in 1983, Luton was also blinded in his right eye. Despite the handicaps he has proved a major force in the wheelchair ranks. “People have said Joe Davis only had one good eye so I am in decent company,” he laughed. “And they reckon it is easier to focus with just one. “But it in fact takes me longer. However, I am doing alright and I’ll be back to defend my title next year.”
BREW TIME FOR KEITH KEITH Brewer set a record that may never be equalled on his way to a first ever World Seniors success. The 50-year-old from Poole won five matches without dropping a frame.
WORLDPOOL OO both of us. We were both aware of the possibilities. “So, to complete an 8-0 score line was just amazing. I’ve come home from tournaments in the past and probably been pleased just to drop a few frames. “But not to drop any is something I am really proud of. Even to do it in a League tournament would be something special. ”And I would say it’s even harder under World Rules than say the old EPA rules. “If I am right, I think only one player got down to the black against me.” And while the intensity of the matches isn’t the same as on the Main Tour, Brewer’s arrival on the Seniors has ensured he’s the man to beat. And understandably so. The Dorset based star is the oldest man to win a Main Tour event at 50. “I know people say life begins at 40 but for me life begins at 50. I went to Blackpool really focussed to win the Seniors title.”
In more than 30 years at the top level Brewer never remembers getting close to such an achievement. And the former World finalist’s appearance on the Seniors Tour has certainly raised the standards bar.
For the record Brewer defeated: Paul McGowan (6-0), Dave Minister (7-0), Ian Turner (7-0), Bill Rigby (7-0) and Golding (80). His World title win follows on from three wins on the Seniors tour but without coming close to reaching such heights of perfection.
“It was only when I got to the semi-finals it dawned on me of the possibility,”said Brewer.“But I was up against Bill Rigby, the European champion, and A team captain who I had only beaten 5-4 on the Tour.
“It’s really refreshing playing on the Seniors and a different pressure,” he added. “Everyone expects you to win all the time and if you don’t handle the pressure then there’s plenty who will beat you.
“I thought ‘let’s see how far I can go before I drop a frame.’ The record books show Rigby couldn’t stop the ‘Brew’. And that was the same scenario for Peter Golding in the final. “When I went 3 or 40 up it became a psychological thing for
“And I am sure they all want to see me get beaten. But I feel my game is in good shape and it would be great to complete a clean sweep of the Seniors this season.”
15
POOL BOX ON THE
SKY SPORTS TRANSMISSION TIMES FOR 2012 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS MATCH
DATE
TIME
Ladies Individual Final
Wednesday 3rd October
6pm to 7pm
Mens Team 1st Semi-Final
Wednesday 10th October
6pm to 7pm
Mens Team 2nd Semi-Final
Wednesday 17th October
6pm to 7pm
Mens Team Final
Wednesday 24th October
6pm to 7pm
Mens Individual 1st Semi-Final
Wednesday 31st October
6pm to 7pm
Mens Individual 2nd Semi-Final
Wednesday 7th November
5pm to 6pm
Mens Individual Final
Wednesday 14th November
5pm to 6pm (also showing 8pm to 9pm)
ALREADY LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR Televised Finals - Wednesday 3rd July 2013
Golden Cue
WORLDPOOL OO
17
MAXIMUM GAIN FOR PAYNE AND CO. 147X CLAIM GOLDEN CUE CROWN
WORLDPOOL OO
Golden Cue
Nearly 1,400 people, including 320 teams, headed for Vauxhall Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth for the Golden Cue weekend.
The action started with the England Under 21 and Senior trials plus the World Masters qualifiers which drew an overwhelming response. As a result and to reward English Pool Association members, the E.P.A. decided to send 32 qualifiers to the finals instead of the customary 16 players. Turning to the Golden Cue tournament and the preliminary round saw some close matches. The 8 Ball Club from Essex lost by the odd frame to Phoenix Cue Club A as did Riley's Cannock against Riley's Sussex. Bournemouth Con Club lost by the same score to Brierley Hill Sports while Dan Wells, Steve Parker, and James Green from the Shearer Arms (Hampshire) beat Chris Coccia, Dean Lapham, and Matt Champ from the Three Crowns (Bristol) 5-4. In the second preliminary round, Gordon Fyvie, Mark Price, and Scott Gaught squeezed through against Lee Doyle, Steve Battye, and Ash Martin as did Cambridge Snooker against F.W.M. Club from Wiltshire. In round one, the Inter County clash between William IV B (Norfolk) and Rose Tavern A (Suffolk) resulted in a 5-1 success for the men from Norfolk. Dan Trasler, Scott McMillan, and Mick Skinner from Stella Riley's (Northamptonshire) beat Peter Somerton, Liam Holmes,
18
Steve Simpson Golden Cue Individual Winner and Matt Lyne, comprising Manor House Hotel B 5-4. The Glossop Alkies celebrated a similar score line Thurcroft Miners B. Into round two, Players’ Bashers (Stafforshire) edged through 5-4 against Scunthorpe Conservative as did Club Replay (Cheshire) against the Bleep (Sussex). Chris Minns, Robbie Dickson, and Ben Annison (The Moosetwits) lost to Jon Waller, Alistair Bailie, and Glen McKay (Saxon Hotel) 5-4. There was plenty of talent on display as Gavin Lomax, Danny Davies and John Bowkett beat Nicky Parnell, Darren Hope, and Matt Goodale 5-4.
Golden Cue
Most of the games in round three produced one-sided affairs to bring the competition round to the last 32. Here, Richie Foxall, Dan Eaton-Lees, and Joe Hutton beat Glen Hannibal, James Griffin, and Tony Morgan 5-3. JJ's Pool Hall beat Riley's Rocks 5-2, Limetree B beat Riley's Cannock 5-4, as did Spot on Reds (Northants) against Slough Irish Club. Coopers saw off Les Dodd Snooker, Southport, 5-3, and Woadmans Arms (Cambridgeshire) beat Wellington Arms (Staffs) by the same score. Chris McMullan, Simon Dodwell, and Paul Frith (Riverside Snooker D) beat Steve Dowdell, Wayne Dowsett, and Calum Ranson (Mr Pools D) 5-4. Glen Cahir, Ian Davenport, and Dave Arstall saw off Michael Hope, Rob McGowen, and Tom Kennedy 5-4.
WORLDPOOL OO Heenan put Somercotes 2-0 up but Steve Robertshaw beat Lee Gilbert to make it 21, Shaun Payne then won two for 147 X, and Robertshaw made it 4-2. However, Bullock beat Tommy Donlon for 4-3 and Shaun Payne was unbeaten as he won frame eight to claim the competition for 147X. In the Golden Cue singles, a large entry culminated in Steve Simpson (Derby) beating Adam Brown (Oxford) 4-2, and Kenny Hampson (Bolton) beating Barry Finnan (Merseyside) 4-3 in the semi-finals. Simpson then defeated his Lancashire rival 5-4 in the final to claim the victory spoils.
In the last 16, Riley's Z (Sussex) beat Volunteer A (Northamptonshire) 5-3, Club 147 X (Leicester) beat Three Crowns A 5-2, Somercotes (Derbyshire) whitewashed (Woadmans Arms), Club Replay beat The Shearer Arms 5-1, Phoenix Elite beat Midland X 5-4, Bridge Hotel (Lincs) had a 5-1 victory over Limetree B, Riley's (Wigan) won 5-2 against William IV A (Norfolk), and Riverside Snooker D beat JJ's 5-3. Progressing from the last eight were: Riverside D (bt Riley's Wigan 5-2), Somercotes (bt Club Replay 5-3), Riley’s Z (bt Phoenix Elite 5-3) and Club 147 X (bt Bridge Hotel 5-3). In the semis, 147X beat Darren Welfare, Jason Norris, and Paul McNeil from Riley's Z 5-3, and Somercotes beat Riverside D 5-2. In the final, Liam Bullock, and Stephen
Kenny Hampson Golden Cue Individual Runner-up
19
WORLDPOOL OO
Golden Cue
Team 147 Leicestershire - Golden Cue Team Winners
Somercotes Derbyshire - Golden Cue Team Runners-up
20
NEW PRESIDENT
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FOR MALTA POOL ASSOCIATION
Long serving Maltese pool official Carmel Cilia has been re-elected as President of the Malta Pool Association.
Cilia chaired the Association for 12 years before being side-lined for the last two. However, Association members recognised his contribution to the game and have again shown confidence in a man who was instrumental in the Association’s foundation. Vincent Degiorgio, a founder member of the Association, has been confirmed as secretary for the 24th consecutive year. His experience, both locally and in the ranks of the European Eight Ball Pool Federation and World Eight Ball Pool Federation, has been vital in keeping Maltese teams at the top level of the international pool scene. Other members of the executive to be voted in are: Saviour Mifsud as vice president, Warren Attard as treasurer and Pasquale Sciberras and Joseph Chetcuti as
Vincent Degiorgio - Malta
Carmel Cilia - Malta executive members. Well done to all involved. Malta continues to be one of the leading Associations in World Pool with top class results in both European and World competitions. At this year’s European event, the men’s team reached the semi-finals only to be narrowly beaten by Ireland, the eventual champions. Clint Azzopardi and Mario Brincat were joint fifth in the overall rankings with 13 wins in the team event. At the Worlds it was the Juniors who excelled with an 8-3 win over Australia in the semis before losing to a powerful England team in the final. Owen Amato and Ryan Pisani were joint seventh in the world junior rankings with 10 wins. In addition to their playing skills, the people of Malta can be proud of their committees’ organisational ability which is recognised throughout the world. Degiorgio is one of the leading administrators in European and World circles and is one of the principal reasons Malta won the bid to host the 2014 European Eight Ball Pool Championships which will see more than 300 players travelling to the island to compete in six different categories.
21
ROBLIN OFF TO CAPE TOWN
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Riley’s Chester played host to the Pool Federation of Wales’ British Lions qualifier. The event produced plenty of surprise results and resulted in a tense play-off to decide one of the players to represent the Lions in Cape Town in October.
So, Dave Roblin is looking forward to packing his suitcase after defeating Steve Brindley from the PFW’s Over 50’s squad, 5-0.
COUSINS TOPS WORLD TEAM AVERAGES A tournament that promised much for the Pool Federation of Wales ended in ultimate disappointment at the WEPF World 8-Ball Championships in Blackpool. Despite having chances to beat the eventual champions, the Welshmen lost 84 in the semi-finals to England who went on to beat Republic of Ireland in the final. However, there were some plusses including the form of Tom Price and Tom Cousins. The Price was right as he reached the individual semi-finals only to come up against an inspired John Roe. Price’s Peterborough rival won the day before defeating Lee Kendall in the final to become a first time world champion. Hereford based Cousins was the star of the PFW team, winning yet another player of the tournament title after topping the averages with some superb pool. Russell Burgess and Wayne Smith were not far behind and gained places in the world team.
22
POOL BOOM IN NORTH AND MID WALES The PFW has worked hard in the last year in North and Mid Wales to expand the sport. And it is gratifying to see so many new players from this region making their way into the squads. And many local leagues have taken part in World Singles and British Lions’ qualifiers over the past few months. Indeed, the PFW has changed its selection process for the men’s squad in 2013 to allow more players from these regions a chance of making the squad. There are open trials being held in November 2012 with the winners playing off against the lower squad players in March 2013. The PFW have also been working with the North Wales Pool Promotions organization to help build a strong support structure for everyone in the regions. This will include venues across the regions being able to host events for local players. The PFW would also like to thank our sponsors Lyons Holiday Parks based in Rhyl, f o r t h e i r s u p p o r t i n t h e Wo r l d Championships and allowing the PFW to hold events there over the next 12 months.
WORLDPOOL OO
HOEY DOWN! SEAN DANCING WITH JOY AT IRISH SUCCESS Former Northern Ireland international Sean Hoey marked his debut at the Irish Championship singles by beating Ronan Fay in a memorable final at Trabolgan Holiday Park. The final took place during the largest Inter-County event ever staged, including 20, 12 player men's sides and eight junior teams. Hoey had waited more than six years to play in the singles as any player ineligible to represent the Republic of Ireland is automatically disqualified from the Championships. Hoey, due to his Northern roots, had to wait six years for his chance and took it with both hands, beating Fay 10-8. In the earlier rounds, hosted six weeks before the Inter County weekend, Fay beat former European champion, Stephen Dempsey, in the quarters and County Tyrone's Chris Beattie in the semis. Hoey defeated four-time and defending Irish champion, Robert Brady, in the last 16 and former World Under-21 champion Karl O'Donoghue in a nail biting semi-final, last frame decider. He now automatically qualifies for a spot on the Ireland Men's World Championships team for 2013. In the Ladies Championships, Bernie McCaffrey bet Catherine Buckley while Kevin McWeeney defeated Conor O'Boyle to win the Under 21 crown. McWeeney now has the distinction of winning the Junior and Under-21 titles in the same year. He beat another star of the
future, Jordan Gorman, in the junior final. Gorman, 14, who marked his WEPF World Championship debut by reaching the semifinals of the junior event, before losing to eventual champion, Joe O'Connor, captured the Under 15's crown. The Inter County men's team final took place between border rivals, Louth and Meath. It went down to the final session before Louth pulled away from 9-all to win 14-11. At the World Championships, Ireland's Men's and Under 21 sides lost their finals to England. Karl O'Donoghue reached the quarter finals of the individual and also the semifinals of the World Masters. Robert Brady also made it to the last-16. In the Under-21 event, Conor O'Boyle, Adam McMackin and Shaun Sharkey progressed to the last eight of the singles. Conor combines his playing career with his role as chairman of the Irish Pool Association. "I took over last year when I was 20 and I was re-elected at the AGM for another season," he told World Pool. "There is a huge amount of work that goes in to the whole running and set-up of the Tour but I loved the challenge. "I had a great committee working with me and this time next year I hope the Association will be even stronger than it is this year."
23
THE SCOTS ARE COMING
WORLDPOOL OO
POOL IN GREAT SHAPE NORTH OF BORDER The resurgence of Scotland as a major pool power was amply underlined by performances at the WEPF World 8-Ball Pool Championships. Indeed, the 106 strong squad were the only nation to deny a strong English squad scooping all the silverware.
resurgent Scottish squad enjoyed its strongest performance in recent years. Indeed, it has been another exceptional year of growth and success involving the Scottish Eightball Pool Federation.
So, take a bow Sue Thompson who captured her 11th world title plus the World Masters title, the latter an all Scottish final with Lynette Horsburgh.
The Federation was encouraged by Darren Mathew’s participation on the Lions’ tours to Australia and Malta. Mark McGauley leads the Scottish contingent on the UK Pool tour and currently lies sixth in the rankings.
Sue’s double rounded off a glittering career as she subsequently announced her retirement from international competition. All of Scotland thank her for a fantastic contribution to the game of pool.
The SEPF has seen massive expansion in the last three years. Each Region hosts its own Tour events in all categories including the inaugural Region 5 tour on the West Coast and Western Isles.
Not to be outdone, Kirkintilloch’s Ryan Davie lifted the Under 21 title on his remarkable debut appearance at the World Championships.
A new sixth region will be formed shortly on the East coast. Membership in Scotland now numbers in excess of 6,000 players in more than 30 leagues. We are convinced we can rightly declare the SEPF the largest pool organisation in Scotland.
An elated Scottish team revelled in the win which helped partially overcome the disappointment of the previous year’s Under 21 final. With the men’s, ladies’ and Under 21 teams all reaching the semi-final stages, a
24
The SEPF held four major National events in the last year. The largest ever Scottish Open saw many top players from outside Scotland travelling to play while the Scottish Masters, now a ranking event,
WORLDPOOL OO
saw its largest entry for many year. Alan McLeod duly secured the title for a second year running. The SEPF Interleague at Pettycur Bay attracted teams from many new member leagues making it one of the closest fought in many years. Four National tour events have been held for Seniors, Ladies’, Under 21’s and Juniors. The National team has also attracted a new sponsor and 2013 will see the introduction of a new National men’s tour. The junior section has seen significant growth with 70 plus players participating in the National Tour this year, following a recovery from a low point three years ago when Scotland had just one junior player registered. Four Regional junior tours are running with between 15 and 50 players playing on each one. Region 5 is due to launch their junior tour soon. Each SEPF region now has a junior manager with junior players being mentored by former junior players such as Marc and Ryan Fleming plus Pat McCarron.
have all now successfully converted from disclosure Scotland to the new PVG system to be cleared to work with junior players. A junior National Singles and Open are planned plus the introduction of a Junior Interleague event. Close co-operation with youth clubs and schools has been successful in gaining access to local government funding for juniors and the SEPF operates several pool clubs. Recent friendly matches against Northumbria, Cumbria and Merseyside have helped the players gain experience which we hope will translate into international success in the future. *The SEPF premier event, the Scottish Singles, will be held in Kirkcaldy on September 8-9 and will be streamed live via livesport.co.uk on a dedicated channel for SEPF events broadcast from a new 60 seat arena with multiple cameras. *The SEPF has received confirmation from the EEPF that Scotland has been invited to host a re-launched Home International Championships in September/October 2013. We look forward to seeing you all.
The junior team managers and coaches
25
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13 14
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17 Puma Cardiff Angel Hotel 18 Puma Combe Grove Manor Hotel, Bath
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19 Puma Basingstoke Country Hotel, Nr. Hook 20 Puma Brighton Old Ship Hotel
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21 Puma Torquay Imperial Hotel 21
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LIONS ON THE PROWL
WORLDPOOL OO
The British Lions
IN SOUTH AFRICA
Following last year’s successful trip to Australia, the Puma Hotels sponsored British Lions are now heading to South Africa for a historic first ever 8-Ball Pool Test Series against the hosts. International matches between the two nations have taken place for two decades but this is the first ever Test matches to take place on South African soil. And it looks likely to be every bit as competitive as the 2011 battles against the Aussies. The Lions, of course, came from behind to clinch the series before conquering Malta later in the year. However, the British Lions squad is not just about elite players. There are plenty of opportunities for grass root pool players to be part of the squad. Presently, five of the seven man team have already been selected with the last two spots to be filled at the international qualifiers being held on August 25 with a strong contingent of the best amateur players from Scotland and other areas of the UK.
28
The British Lions
WORLDPOOL OO
A qualifier has already been held by the English Pool Association for amateur level players only with Shaun Payne of Leicester winning his way into the Lions’ team. Shaun had a major success with the 147x team at the recent Golden Cue three man team event organised by the EPA. Well known on the county pool scene, he is a valuable member of this year’s Lions squad. Equally important to our quest to win the Test series will be Dave Roblin, representing Wales in the Lions squad. No Lions team in any sport is complete without Welsh representation. No stranger to top level pool, Dave has been a regular Welsh squad member and was recently involved with the Pool Federation of Wales team which reached the semi-finals of the World Team Championships in Blackpool-to be shown on SKY SPORTS in October. Both Shaun and Dave are also members of the UK Pool Tour which is currently growing into the leading tour event for 8Ball Pool in the world with prize monies next year of £ 114,000 and played in four star Puma Hotels. The top level of the Lions’ party is already decided with world champion John Roe supported by European and World Masters winner Jack Pople plus the England national captain Lee Kendall. Leaving Heathrow on October 7, the squad will fly to Cape Town and from there to the
Dave Roblin Lions Team Member Western Cape to compete against the might of South Africa assembled for their National finals. After a brilliantly successful Olympics we look forward to similar success for the British Lions. Next year’s British Lions tour will be to Perth, Australia which was the venue 20 years ago when the World 8-Ball Pool Federation was formed. Qualifiers for this tour will start around April 2013. Full details to be published on the WEPF’s member’s websites later this year.
29
WORLDPOOL OO
The World Masters
CRACKER-JACK EURO KING POPLE POTS ANOTHER TITLE JACK POPLE proved his doubters wrong by adding the World Masters title to his European crown. And the 22-year-old Londoner is keen to add more trophies to his collection by the end of the season. Pople shrugged off his early exit from the World Championship to win the Masters at the expense of Australia’s John ‘Rusty’ Wheeler. “I think there were one or two who wondered whether I could back up the Europeans,” he explained. “So, I was pleased with the Masters but the Euros was probably extra pleasing because it was my first major win. “I didn’t play that great in the Worlds if I am honest even though I felt I was playing well enough before the tournament. “In the early rounds of the Masters I was fairly comfortable but when I got to the last 32 the players started to get harder and harder. “But in the last 16 I came up against JJ Faul who I used to play alongside on the same team. I beat him 8-0 in about 30 minutes and didn’t miss a ball. “I thought then I might be in with a chance.” Pople, studying for a Sports Science degree at the University of Kent, dispatched Andy O’Hara (8-4), in the quarters but almost came unstuck against Irishman Karl O’Donoghue in the semis.
30
“That was probably the best game I played all week,” he recalled. “I was 7-5 up but then didn’t get another shot and found myself 8-7 down. “I managed to nick one to force a decider when Karl snookered himself on his last ball. “Fortunately, he let me in and I managed to get over the line. I always knew it was going to be a difficult match because Karl is one of the best players in Europe and had got to the quarters of the Worlds. Pople also found himself up against it in the final against Aussie National Singles champion, Wheeler. “I had a few calls from people on my team back home who knew a bit about him. But I was a bit worried when I was 5-2 down. “Fortunately, I managed to battle back and get 9-6 up. He came back to 9--8 before I got the last frame after he went in-off.” Pople collected £5,000 for his win. “I was thinking about getting a new car and taking the girlfriend on holiday. So, the money will come in handy.” With two championships in the bag, Pople still hopes to finish the year with more. “There’s the National singles and the Champion of Champions to go for. So, to get one of those would be great.” Ian Kettel, World Masters champion in 2007, reached the last 32 before losing to Frenchman, Benoit Dumez.
SUE-PERB!
WORLDPOOL OO
The World Masters
THOMPSON NETS ANOTHER WORLD TITLE Not content with winning one world title, Sue Thompson duly doubled up her title haul with victory in the World Masters final. In doing so Thompson equalled Emma Cunningham's double feat of 12 months earlier. And Ulster star Cunningham's defence of her Masters crown lasted longer than her attempt to retain her World singles crown. She progressed to the semifinals before coming up against the eventual champion. However, Thompson proved too strong and reached the final with a 6-3 win. Mum of one Lynette Horsburgh, Thompson's Scottish team mate, provided the opposition in a keenly contested final. And Horsburgh, who defeated 2007 World Masters champion, Sharon Dickson in the
last 16, came as close as anyone to preventing Thompson's double dream. Despite a lack of practice between world championships, Horsburgh acquitted herself well throughout the championships, reaching the last four of individual and team competitions. "If someone had told me I'd achieve all that before the tournament, I would have been delighted," she said after losing just 6-5 to Thompson. "Sue and I had a great match in the Masters final and it would have been great to play her in the Worlds as well. "She is a really good player but also a really good sport. "She called a foul against herself in the final and not everyone would have done that."
Ladies Results Last 32: Debbie Burchell bt Collette Henriksen 5-3, Emma Cunningham bt Esmerelda Coetzee 5-2,, Sharon Lunn bt Liz Vesty 5-1, Emma Wilkinson bt Lauren Jelly 5-2, Katie Henrick bt Michelle Rooney 5-3, Cindy Blackmore bt Laura Pearce 5-3, Sue Thompson bt Kim O'Brien 5-2, Sharon Wright bt Ana Sarmento 5-1, Mary Cunningham bt Fiona Plummer 5-4, Barbara Taylor bt Leanne Pearce 5-2, Carly Smith bt Karin Burt 5-0, Amy King bt Lisa Wray 5-3, Sharon Dickson bt Renata Delahunty 5-2, Lynette Horsburgh bt Laura Sneddon 50, Nicole Welsh bt Thelma Lowe 5-1, Stacey Hancock bt Tina Alton 5-4.
Mens Results Last 32: Andy O’Hara bt Anthony Adams 7-6, Luke Foster bt Richard Bradbury 7-1, Jack Pople bt Mike Clark 7-3, JJ Faul bt Surinder Gill 7-3, Karl O’Donoghue bt Ameur Abdelati Riad 7-6, Guiseppe D’Imperio bt Tony Ricolleau 7-1, Chris Alexander bt P Harkness 7-5, Jordan Church bt Colin Brown 7-5, Darren Price bt David McQuillan 7-2, Michael Hope bt Arnaud Viard 7-3, John Wheeler by Mark McGauley 7-2, Benoit Dumez bt Ian Kettel 7-1, Simon Ward bt Tom Price 7-4, Mark Bowen bt Nick Bell 7-2, Pat McCarron bt Tony Brown 7-0, Glenn Hannibal bt Lee Anderson 7-6.
Last 16: E Cunningham bt Burchell 5-3, Lunn bt Wilkinson 5-3, Henrick bt Blackmore 5-4,Thompson bt Wright 5-0, Taylor bt M Cunningham 5-2, Smith bt King 5-1, Horsburgh bt Dickson 5-3, Welsh bt Hancock 5-3.
Last 16: O’Hara bt Foster 8-5, Pople bt Faul 8-0, O’Donoghue bt D’Imperio 8-3, Alexander bt Church 8-6, Hope bt Price 8-4, Wheeler bt Dumez 8-2, Bowen bt Ward 8-1, McCarron bt Hannibal 8-5.
Quarter-finals: Cunningham bt Lunn 5-2, Thompson bt Henrick 5-0, Smith bt Taylor 5-3, Horsburgh bt Welsh 5-4.
Quarter-finals: Pople bt O’Hara 8-4, O’Donoghue bt Alexander 8-3, Wheeler bt Hope 8-4, Bowen bt McCarron 8-6.
Semi-finals: Thompson Horsburgh bt Smith 6-1.
Semi-finals: Pople bt O’Donoghue 9-8, Wheeler bt Bowen 9-5.
bt
Cunningham
Final: Thompson bt Horsburgh 6-5.
6-3,
Final: Pople bt Wheeler 10-8.
31
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PUTTING SMILES ON EPA MEMBERS FACES IN 2012
TOUR 2 REPORT DIDN’T NEED TO GO TO SPEC SAVERS THOMPSON FOCUSED ON MORE SUCCESS Sunderland pot shot Steve Thompson reckons his eye sight isn’t as sharp as it once was.
“My toughest game was probably the semi-final against Mark McGauley,” admitted Thompson, travelling to Tours with North East pal, Chris Gill.
And while he may not still have 20/20 vision, Thompson has sights on more titles after his success at Tour Two.
“He is only a young kid but it was a real tough game. I thought I was going to lose at one point but managed to come through.
“I do wear glasses but they’re no good for pool,” he admitted. “I gave up snooker because my eye sight was getting worse.
“It’s always good to win a big title and maybe this will give me the confidence to go on and win a few more.”
“I’ve been ok with pool because I’m not looking as far. But it’s getting to the stage where I might need to do something about it.
Tour One winner Kendall lost in the last 16 to double 2012 Challenge Tour victor, Simon Ward, while Tour One runner-up Gill went out in the quarters to Jamie Moray.
“I don’t fancy contacts so maybe I’ll have to consider laser surgery.” Thompson has yet to spend his Tour earnings for an 8-2 final win over Jason Bates. Perhaps he can invest some of the £2,000 towards the process.
Challenge Two Results Last 32: Steven Kane bt Martin Goddard 7-5, Chris Gill bt Matthew Evans 7-4, Jamie Morray bt Luke Bowry 7-6, Mike Quinn bt Mark Bowen7-6, Paul Riley bt Chris Rigby 7-5, Jason Bates bt Ian Duffy 7-6, Simon Ward bt Shaun Payne 7-6, Lee Kendall bt Jack Pople 7-4, David McQuillan bt Shaun Brearley 7-5, Steve Thompson bt Harris Ali 7-4, Richard Gifford bt Robert Titchener 7-0, Nigel Olding bt Tommy Jones 7-4, James Murphy bt Matt Barcock 7-4, David Hunt bt Liam Stanley 7-6, Mark McGauley bt Ryan Mears 7-6, John Sullivan bt Jason Hebron 7-0.
“I think I’d need to win a few more tournaments first,” laughed the 31-year-old IT specialist. “Maybe I can get one eye done! Despite his problems, Thompson has enjoyed some outstanding form on the inaugural UK Tour. He reached the semifinals of Tour One before losing to Lee Kendall and then went two steps better, including his one sided final triumph.
Last 16: Gill bt Kane 7-2, Moray bt Quinn 7-3, Bates bt Riley 7-3, Ward bt Kendall 7-4, Thompson bt McQuillan 7-5, Olding bt Gifford 7-5, Hunt bt Murphy 7-3, McGauley bt Sullivan 7-4.
“I have always been an under achiever,” admitted Thompson, a former IPA regular. “I’ve struggled to get any real consistency; playing well one match and then not the next.
Quarter-finals: Moray bt Gill 7-2, Bates bt Ward 7-1, Thompson bt Olding 7-3, McGauley bt Hunt 7-1.
“But on this occasion I seemed to play well all the way through the tournament. In the final, I just seemed to get the chances first and managed to take them.
Semi-finals: Bates bt Moray 8-4, Thompson bt McGauley 8-6. Final: Thompson bt Bates 8-2. 36
STEVE THOMPSON - Tour 2 winner Presentd by tour offical Shaun Baker
CHALLENGE 2 REPORT
SIMON SAYS I’VE WON ANOTHER CHALLENGE TOUR! as Jason Bates came out on top 7-1.
SIMON Ward clearly loves a Challenge that’s why he has proved the man to beat on the UK Tour’s second tier event.
Ward has always been a formidable opponent at Club/Challenge level. In 2011, he made back-to-back appearances in the Challenge’s predecessor, the Club Open, winning and losing one tournament.
For a second successive Challenge Tour, unbeaten Ward came out on top as a string of opponents tried and failed to end his reign.
Ward first represented Wales Under 16’s at the age of nine and currently plays out of the Champs Pool Club in Gorseinon.
The 25-year-old from South Wales defeated Lee Pickard 6-3 to win his first Challenge event. This time Alfreton’s John Strange was on the wrong end of the same score line.
Unsurprisingly, Ward leads the Challenge rankings though Sullivan, Andy Cross and Karl Milner are in hot pursuit.
And no one could deny Ward his latest triumph. He knocked out former Club Open winner, John Sullivan, in the semifinals and eventual Tour Three winner Ian Duffy 5-2 in the quarters.
Challenge Two Results Last 32: Matthew Evans bt Robert Titchener 52, Kris Hampson bt James Blant 5-2, Matt Brannan bt Spencer Jones 5-0, Jason Bates bt Ben Larson 5-1, John Strange bt Jason Murgatroyd 5-0, Andy O’Hara bt Paul Riley 5-3, Chris Back bt Matt Barcock 5-0, Tommy Donlon bt Jason Hebron 5-2, Adam Griffiths bt Mark McGauley 5-2, John Sullivan bt Liam Stanley 5-1, Shaun Payne bt Michael Bebb 5-2, Andrew Hughes bt Nemeer Al-Jeryn 5-2, Jamie Simmons bt David Hunt 5-4, Simon Ward bt Shaun Brearley 5-4, Ian Duffy bt Martin Power 5-4, Adam Finch bt Chris Rigby 5-0.
There was also an excellent 5-4 win over durable Shaun Payne in the last 32. After beating Pickard, Ward, a qualified accountant, had stated his intention to replicate his Challenge form on the Main Tour. And he proved they weren’t idle words by reaching the last eight of Tour Two.
Last 16: Evans bt Hampson 5-1, Bates bt Brannan 5-1, Strange bt O’Hara 5-1, Donlon bt Back 5-1, Sullivan bt Griffiths 5-2, Hughes bt Payne 52, Ward bt Simmons 5-3, Duffy bt Finch 5-2.
Payne was also among his victims as was Tour One winner and 2012 World Championship runner-up, Lee Kendall. The England captain fell 7-4 to give Ward his place in the quarters.
Quarter-finals: Bates bt Evans 5-3, Strange bt Donlon 5-2, Sullivan bt Hughes 5-1, Ward bt Duffy 5-2. Semi-finals: Strange bt Bates 5-2, Ward bt Sullivan 5-2. Final: Ward bt Strange 6-3.
However, the run to the final then ended 38
SIMON WARD - Challenge 2 winner
PREMIER LEAGUE
PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE RACE HOTTING UP Premier League 2012
With seven of 11 sessions completed, the inaugural Premier League is proving one of the most competitive pool events ever held. Lee Kendall, Jordan Church and Russell Burgess top the table with 10 points, followed closely by Neil Toms and Ian Ali on nine.
1 1 1 4 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Indeed, Ali has played one game less than his fellow contenders, giving him the potential to become outright leader. British Lions captain Wayne Smith is on eight points which is only one victory from the leaders while World Seniors champion, Keith Brewer, is a further one point adrift with seven.
Lee Kendall Jordan Church Russell Burgess Neil Toms Ian Ali Wayne Smith Keith Brewer Oly Bale Chris Gill Lee Pickard Steve Kane David McQuillan
It all means the leading eight players can still gain that top spot with a prize of £2,500 plus a guaranteed place in next year’s Premier League. That’s one of the reasons for a number of 7-7 score lines as players become cagey about the final outcome and matches become more competitive. In session six, only one match was not drawn.
7 7 7 7 6 7 7 6 7 7 7 5
1 1 2 2 1 2 3 2 3 4 5 4
4 4 5 4 4 3 3 2 1 0 0 0
2 2 0 1 1 2 1 2 3 3 2 1
17 15 11 14 12 0 1 0 -9 -22 -23 -16
10 10 10 9 9 8 7 6 5 3 2 1
Kendall still has the most consecutive 8ball clearances with seven and looks favourite to take the prize in this category. However, there is still opportunity for someone to score eight and that would be a result. The rule, allowing frame winners to continue with the break, has certainly caught on giving everyone the chance to keep breaking, aiming for another clearance.
There are a number of interesting fixtures scheduled for Tour 4 when Kendall meets Ali, Smith plays Toms, Bale cues up against
Total Consecutive.. 8ball Clearances..
Total 8ball Clearances Total 17 15 15 15 12 9
L FD Pts
Church and Brewer faces Burgess. But do not discount any of the other matches still to be played, anything can happen and probably will. There is still a lot to play for. While matches are very competitive players are still showing outstanding skill with over 100 games resulting in 8-ball clearances. Toms tops that list with 17 followed by Kendall, Church and Ali who are all on 15 clearances.
Also don’t rule out former European champion, Oly Bale, who has six points but with a game in hand. He has also produced a brilliant 8-4 success over Kendall in session seven-the first loss sustained by the Premier League leader.
Name Neil Toms Ian Ali Jordan Church Lee Kendall Russell Burgess Wayne Smith
P W D
Name Oly Bale Steve Kane Lee Pickard Chris Gill David McQuillan Keith Brewer 40
Total 7 5 4 3 1 1
Name Lee Kendall Russell Burgess Neil Toms Ian Ali
Total 7 5 4 3
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES Session 1 Jordan Church Steve Kane Ian Ali Oly Bale Keith Brewer Russell Burgess
8 0 8 7 3 3
v v v v v v
Session 2 Lee Pickard Chris Gill Neil Toms Wayne Smith David McQuillan Lee Kendall
7 5 8 8 2 7
8 8 8 6 8 4
v v v v v v
4 3 7 1 8 3
v v v v v v
3 8 8 6 8 7
7 6 7 7 7
7 8 3 6 8 7
5 4 4 8 1 8
v v v v v v
Steve Kane Ian Ali Oly Bale Keith Brewer Russell Burgess Jordan Church
Lee Pickard Lee Kendall David McQuillan Wayne Smith Steve Kane Jordan Church
Session 9
Lee Pickard Wayne Smith David McQuillan Lee Kendall Steve Kane Neil Toms
Chris Gill Neil Toms Wayne Smith Oly Bale Keith Brewer Ian Ali
8 8 7 8 5 8
v v v v v v
8 4 5 8 4 7
7 8 7 7 7
Steve Kane Jordan Church David McQuillan Wayne Smith Lee Pickard Lee Kendall
Matches for 01/09/2012
v v v v v v
Russell Burgess Ian Ali Chris Gill Neil Toms Oly Bale Keith Brewer
Matches for 01/09/2012
v v v v v v
Lee Kendall David McQuillan Lee Pickard Jordan Church Russell Burgess Steve Kane
Session 10 Matches for 17/11/2012
Russell Burgess Jordan Church Steve Kane Lee Kendall Oly Bale Keith Brewer
Lee Kendall David McQuillan Russell Burgess Lee Pickard Jordan Church Steve Kane
v v v v v v
Neil Toms Wayne Smith Oly Bale Keith Brewer Ian Ali Chris Gill
Session 11Matches for 17/11/2012
Ian Ali Chris Gill Neil Toms Wayne Smith David McQuillan Lee Pickard
David McQuillan Oly Bale Ian Ali Chris Gill Neil Toms Wayne Smith
Matches for 09/06/2012
v v v v v v
Matches for 09/06/2012
8 v 4 8 v 6 v 7 v 7 8 v 1 8 v 4
Session 8
Matches for 04/02/2012
Session 6 David McQuillan Lee Kendall Steve Kane Lee Pickard Wayne Smith Neil Toms
Keith Brewer Russell Burgess Ian Ali Chris Gill Neil Toms Oly Bale
Matches for 04/02/2012
Session 5 Keith Brewer Russell Burgess Jordan Church Steve Kane Lee Kendall Oly Bale
David McQuillan Lee Kendall Lee Pickard Chris Gill Neil Toms Wayne Smith
Matches for 04/02/2012
Session 4 Neil Toms Wayne Smith David McQuillan Lee Pickard Ian Ali Chris Gill
6 8 3 7 8 8
Matches for 04/02/2012
Session 3 Chris Gill Oly Bale Keith Brewer Russell Burgess Jordan Church Ian Ali
Session 7
Matches for 04/02/2012
Oly Bale Keith Brewer Russell Burgess Jordan Church Ian Ali Chris Gill 41
v v v v v v
Lee Pickard Keith Brewer Russell Burgess Jordan Church Steve Kane Lee Kendall
UK POOL TOUR RANKINGS 2012 Position
Name
Town
Merit
Rank
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64
Lee Kendall Steve Thompson Jamie Moray Ian Duffy Chris Gill Mark McGauley Chris Back Jack Pople Paul Riley Mark Bowen John Bowkett Jason Bates Liam Stanley Andy O'Hara Lee Pickard Shaun Brearley Cory Rees Carl Rowe Nigel Olding Oly Bale Richard Gifford Danny Davies Neil Wren Nick Wollerton Rich Mallard David Hunt Russell Burgess Tommy Donlon Gavin Lomax James Murphy John Sullivan Jamie Simmons Simon Ward Mike Quinn Andy Cross Harris Ali Ian Ali Jonathan Bushnell Matt Barcock Matt Couch Matthew Evans Steve Kane Adam Griffiths Martin Goddard Tommy Jones Jason Taggart Antony Doble David McQuillan Luke Godfrey Chris Rigby Nick Phillips Steve Bridgwood Adrian Thompson Ben Larson Jason Hebron Jason Murgatroyd Matt Brannan Paul McArdell Richard Cairns Wayne Camm Glyn Crook Paul Tickle Keith Brewer David Roblin
Stoke-on-Trent Sunderland Stroud Telford Newcastle-upon-Tyne Milton Keynes Sutton Bridge Sittingbourne Blyth Ammanford Leicester Bourne Nottingham Southport Nottingham Northwich Brigend Boston Swindon Bridgwater Stroud Glenfield Portsmouth Barnsley Gloucester Bolton Weston-Super-Mare Leicester Leicester Liverpool Brimsdown Brighton Swansea Gloucester Ramsgate Bradford Stepney Neath Higham Ferrers Scunthorpe Littleborough Holstead Northwick Stroud Birkenhead Barnsley Burnham-on-Sea Newton Butler Hastings Nottingham Highgate Stoke on Trent Barnsley Halifax Stockton on Tees Bradford Penrith Harlow Sherbourne Grimsby Bolton Manchester Poole Newton-Le-Willows
0 0 0 6 2 0 2 0 0 0 5 0 2 0 0 0 6 4 3 3 2 0 0 0 0 9 6 6 5 5 5 4 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 8 6 6 5 3 3 3 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 10 8 7
26 26 24 20 20 20 18 18 18 16 14 14 12 12 12 12 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 4 4 4 4
TOUR 3 REPORT
DUFFY ROARS BACK FROM LIONS BLOW TO CLAIM MAIDEN TOUR “So, pool is still a bit new to me.” However, Duffy has quickly adapted. In the Telford League last season, he won the individual title, the doubles, trebles and the team!
FORMER snooker player Ian Duffy achieved the best result of his 8-Ball career with victory over John Bowkett to win the UK Tour at Hinckley. For the 42-year-old self-employed electrician it was sweet revenge after losing to his Leicester rival in a British Lions qualifier at the same venue for a trip to South Africa. Beaten 6-5 in the last 16 on that occasion, Duffy came out on top at the second time of asking.
“It wasn’t a bad haul,” he laughed. Only one man can win the title but there were other notable performances. Wayne Camm defeated World Seniors champion, Keith Brewer, 7-6 in the last 128 after the Poole veteran had been docked three frames for arriving late.
“It was probably the worst game I played in the tournament,” said the Telford based cueman. “I was 6-3 up and had a right wobble to go 6-all. I could have won all three frames but I think the pressure got to me a little. “So, I just gave myself a talking to and managed to win the last two frames. “Even though I had lost to John in the qualifier I thought I was a bit unlucky. I reckoned if I took that form into the final I would be okay.”
Stephen Whatley knocked out Shaun Payne 74 at the same stage after Payne’s Golden Cue success at the previous Tour. Eventual semifinalist Jamie Moray stunned European and World Masters champion, Jack Pople, 7-1 in the last 16. But Duffy was the man no one could beat. His road to victory was as follows: last 128 bt Scott Stephen 7-1, last 64 bt Gavin Lomax 7-1, last 32 bt Richard Gifford 7-6, last 16 bt Neil Wren 7-5, quarter-finals bt Chris Back 7-5, semifinals bt Jamie Morray 8-6.
Duffy, who only switched seriously to the small table game about four years ago, sensed it might be his tournament after a last 64 success against Gavin Lomax. “I knew Gavin was a dangerous player but if I could get past him I might go a long way. In the end I won 71 and felt I might have a real chance.”
Tour Three Results: Last 32: Jamie Moray bt Matt Barcock 7-3, Jack Pople bt Luke Godfrey 7-4, Matt Couch bt Neil Toms 7-4, Mark McGauley bt Paul Metcalf 7-4, Neil Wren bt Shaun Brearley 7-5, Ian Duffy bt Richard Gifford 76, Chris Back bt Dave Roblin 7-1, Adam Griffiths bt Paul Tickle 7-6, Nick Wollerton bt Antony Doble 7-6, Cory Rees bt Mark Bowen 7-5, Adrian Thompson bt Glyn Crook 7-6, Danny Davies bt Lee Kendall 7-4, Paul Riley bt Lee Pickard 7-3, Jamie Simmons bt Matt Brierley 7-4, Carl Rowe bt Oly Bale 7-0, John Bowkett bt Stephen Whatley 7-2.
Richard Gifford, however, proved a sterner test in the next round. “I just couldn’t get away from him and think I was 6-5 down before winning the last two frames. “Then I was 6-1 up on Nigel Wren and he came back to 6-5. I thought I had gone but again just managed to get through.”
Last 16: Moray bt Pople 7-1, Couch bt McGauley 75, Duffy bt Wren 7-5, Back bt Griffiths 7-2, Rees bt Wollerton 7-5, Davies bt Thompson 7-2, Riley bt Simmons 7-5, Bowkett bt Rowe 7-5.
Duffy survived all the scares to eventually take the prize. For Bowkett, there was double disappointment after losing to Lee Kendall in the bid to make the plane for Cape Town.
Quarter-finals: Moray bt Couch 7-3, Duffy bt Back 7-5, Rees bt Davies 7-3, Bowkett bt Riley 7-4.
“It’s the biggest thing I have won in pool,” confirmed delighted Duffy. “I’ve always been a snooker player,” he explained. “I won a ProAm in Birmingham a few years back with players in like Ronnie O’Sullivan and Dave Harold.
Semi-finals: Duffy bt Moray 8-6, Bowkett bt Rees 8-4. Final: Duffy bt Bowkett 8-6. 43
CHALLENGE 3 REPORT B L A S T f ro m t h e p a s t A n d y C ro s s discovered he still has a pool future to threaten double winner Simon Ward’s lead at the head` of the UK Challenge rankings.
“But he didn’t hit it hard enough and I pulled off a good finish. In the semis I had Jack Pople, the European champion and that was another close game. “Jack had a tricky double for 5-4 but missed it and let me back in. In the final, I played awesome, especially to lead 4-0.
Cross is one of 8-Ball Pool’s most respected players but has been conspicuous by his absence from the potting scene in recent years.
“Sometimes, it doesn’t always work out you produce your top form in the final. This time, certainly for the first four frames, I did just that and pulled off some good clearances.
But the 39-year-old Kent accountant signed up for action this year on the inaugural UK Tour and now has another title to his collection.
“Hopefully now I can have a good run on the Main Tour and maybe overtake Simon Ward at top of the Challenge rankings.
“I missed it to be honest,” said Cross who practices at the Oddfellows Pool and Snooker Club in Ramsgate. “So, I thought it would give it a go.
“There are some good young players about so it won’t be easy. Fortunately, thanks to Keith Clark and his partner Gwen at the ‘Odds’ I am able to put in some practice to make sure I am sharp as I can be for tournaments.”
“And because of what’s happened in the game, on this Tour I am starting from scratch like everyone else. “I wanted to prove to myself, I guess, that I could still do it. I know how to win and still like to think I am a winner.
Challenge Three Results Last 32: Jason Toovey bt Liam Stanley 5-4, Andy Cross bt Dave Birchall 5-2, Matt Brierley bt James Blant 5-3, Richard Gifford bt Matt Couch 5-3, John Bowkett bt Jack Smithers 5-4, Cory Rees bt Michael Farrell 5-0, Michael Smout bt Rob Johnson 5-1, Jack Pople bt Nick Wollerton 5-2, Karl Milner bt Kayson Hale 5-2, Paul Metcalf bt Jamie Simmons 5-2, Neil Wren bt Mike Quinn 53, Martin Goddard bt Chris McMullan 5-0, Jonathan Bushnell bt Chris Rigby 5-1, Chris Back bt Steve Bridgewood 5-3, Mark Bowen bt John Sullivan 5-4, David Hunt bt Shaun Brearley 5-1.
“So, it was nice to back it up,” said Cross, off the domestic scene for nearly seven years. “I know when I get involved in a tournament I can be dangerous. So, I was on a bit of a downer after losing 7-1 to Gary Southern the previous day.
Last 16: Cross bt Toovey 5-2, Brierley bt Gifford 5-3, Bowkett bt Rees 5-0, Pople bt Smout 5-0, Milner bt Metcalf 5-4, Goddard bt Wren 5-2, Back bt Bushnell 5-3, Bowen bt Hunt 5-2.
“But I dragged myself out of bed at 8.30am, didn’t have any brekkie so I could put in a bit of practice and gave it a go.”
Quarter-finals: Cross bt Brierley 5-4, Pople bt Bowkett 5-1, Milner bt Goddard 5-3, Bowen bt Back 5-3.
Reaching the quarter-finals with back-toback 5-2 wins, Cross came up against Matt Brierley for a place in the last four. “At 4-4, Matt had to roll in his last ball to get on the black,” he explained.
Semi-finals: Bowen 5-4.
Cross bt Pople 5-4, Milner bt
Final: Cross bt Milner 6-1. 44
ANDY CROSS - Challenge 3 winner
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CHALLENGE RANKINGS 2012 Pos
Name
Rank
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
Simon Ward Andy Cross John Sullivan Karl Milner Matt Brierley Tommy Donlon Chris Back Matt Brannan Shaun Payne Jamie Simmons Ian Duffy Adam Griffiths Andrew Hughes John Strange Jason Bates John Bowkett Luke Bowry Shaun Brearley Wayne Camm Glyn Crook Matthew Evans Jason Hebron David Hunt Jack Pople Jason Toovey Nick Wollerton Jonathan Bushnell Mark Bowen James Blant
32 20 20 18 16 16 14 14 14 14 12 12 12 12 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 8
48
Pos
Name
30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58
J.J. Faul Martin Goddard Rich Mallard Mark McGauley Chris Rigby Michael Smout Liam Stanley Neil Wren Nemeer Al-Jeryn Tony Bayes Steve Bell Steve Bridgwood Richard Gifford Kayson Hale Kris Hampson Stuart Harker Spencer Jones Tommy Jones Rob Johnson Ben Larson Chris McMullan Jason Murgatroyd Andy O'Hara Nick Phillips Paul Riley Carl Rowe Jack Smithers Cory Rees Paul Metcalf
Rank
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
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12 Major Amateur* 8-Ball Pool Tournaments 12 12 Major Major Amateur* Amateur* 8-Ball 8-Ball Pool Pool Tournaments Tournaments
£107,000 £114,000 £107,000
PRIZE PRIZE
FEATURING (Played to world rules) FEATURING ((Played world FEATURING Played&to toCHALLENGE world rules) rules) EVENTS MAIN AMATEUR* TOUR
TOUR 1 TOUR TOUR 11 TOUR TOUR 2 2 TOUR 2 TOUR 3 TOUR TOUR 3 3 TOUR TOUR 444 TOUR TOUR TOUR 5 5 TOUR 5
3-5 February 15-17 February 3-5 February 6-9 April 29 Mar - 1 April 6-9 April 8-10 June 24-26 May 8-10 June 1-2 September 16-18 August 1-2 September 26-28 October October 26-28 October
BLACKPOOL BLACKPOOL BLACKPOOL HINCKLEY HINCKLEY HINCKLEY DAVENTRY DAVENTRY DAVENTRY HINCKLEY HINCKLEY HINCKLEY HARROGATE TBA HARROGATE
MAIN MAIN AMATEUR* AMATEUR* TOUR TOUR & & CHALLENGE CHALLENGE EVENTS EVENTS
FUND FUND
Barceló Barceló
POOL PUMAFESTIVAL HOTELS POOL FESTIVAL FESTIVAL OF POOL EASTER WEEKEND EASTER WEEKEND 6-9 APRIL 2012 6-9 APRIL 20122013 29 March -1 APRIL
For details contact admin: For details contact UK admin: Pool Tour For details contact 8 Cavendish Crescent, Carlton, 20Nottingham, South View, Bamford, 8 Cavendish Crescent, Carlton, NG4 3PQ Rochdale, OL11 Nottingham, NG45HU 3PQ Tel: 07876-644993 01706 642770 07876-644993 Email:Tel: gw42wilson@aol.com gharwood@eightballpoolmarketing.freeserve.co.uk Email: gw42wilson@aol.com
Endorsed Endorsed by by the the English English Pool Pool Association Association PUMA HOTELS COLLECTION
GREEN BAIZE LTD GREEN BAIZE LTD
THE BELGIAN BILLIARD BALLS THE BELGIAN BILLIARD BALLS THE BELGIAN BILLIARD BALLS
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UK POOL TOUR 2013
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Tour Challenge World Masters Festival of Pool events Premier League 2013
The Prize Fund for 2013 will be £114,000. This includes:
The 2013 UK Pool Tour is open to amateur* players only. *Current recognised professional players who wish to enter the UK Pool Tour can do so by signing a declaration to relinquish their professional status, returning to amateur, and their application is accepted by the organisers. There will be 5 tour weekends; all held at 4-star Puma Hotels. Supreme pool tables, Aramith balls and Strachan fabric will be used. All players must stay at the hotel (minimum 2 nights stay per tour). Special accommodation rates are available to players and guests. Players on the tour are entitled to play in the main tour plus the Challenge event. Players will have the opportunity to play at the 2013 World Masters with a £18,000 prize fund (additional £40 entry fee will apply). Puma Hotels Festival Of Pool will have a prize fund of £25,000. For 2013 the prize fund will be as follows: Main Tour Winner £2,400
Runner-up £1,200
Challenge Event Winner Runner-up £1,000 £600
Semi-finalist Quarter-finalist £600
£400
Semi-finalist Quarter-finalist £400 £200
Last 16
Last 32
£200
£125
Last 16 £100
Last 32 £50
The costs are: Entry fees to the UK Tour will be Hotel accommodation including breakfast is £42 per night sharing, supplement for single occupancy. FREE parking at all venues. Each game of the Tour and the Challenge is allocated a specific time to enable players to know when they are playing, for every round of each event.
£470.
For year 2013, it is expected that there will be a minimum of 170 players on the tour.
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Tour Format
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ALL EVENTS ARE OPEN DRAWS Ranking lists will be published after each tour based on players performances. The ranking lists will be on an annual basis, points can be gained from both Tour and Challenge events. U.K. Tour events are open draws, there are no seeded placings. U.K. Tour players will have direct entry into the World Masters. E.
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PREMIER LEAGUE 2013 At the end of season 2012, the top ranked players will be eligible to enter the 2013 Premier League event which will have substantial prize funds. Players in the Premier League will play against each other in Round Robin format. All Premier League players will receive prize monies, providing they complete all fixtures. PRIZE FUND FOR 2013 The prize fund for each of the 5 main tour events for year 2013 will be £10,000, winner receives £2,400. In addition there will also be 5 Challenge events, each with a prize fund of £4,800, winner receives £1,000. (players who play in the Premier League are not eligible to play in the Challenge event). Tour Two will include the Puma Hotels Festival Of Pool with total prize fund of £25,000. VENUES AND SPONSORS UK Pool Tours commence on Friday Afternoon and conclude around 4 pm on the Sunday (NB only Bank Holiday weekend will be Tour 2 - Easter when additional events will be held.) Puma venues to be used, sponsored by Supreme, Milliken, Aramith and Puma Hotels. All events will be played to World Rules, tour matches will have a minimum of best of 13 frames. Every game held during a tour will have an allocated time. The schedule of matches will be announced a minimum of 2 weeks prior to each tour. 1
Players will receive an official UK Pool Tour shirt. No jeans or trainers will be allowed, trousers and shoes to be worn while playing in all UK Pool Tour events.
2
Players must stay at the venue. All bookings must be made via the UK Pool Tour. Anyone in default of this ruling will not be allowed to compete in any of the events.
3
Tables are on free play for all events. Practise is only allowed after conclusion of all games in the evening. The room will be closed from 2 am.
4
There will be no seeded placings and each event will be an ‘open’ draw. There will be a one year ranking system in operation. To join the 2013 UK Pool Tour - return the enclosed form, with £50 deposit.
Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. If your application is not successful your deposit will be returned as soon as possible. Once your entry is accepted, a further payment of £120 is payable by 18 th November, then £100 payable 7th January 2013. Payment of £100 at Tour 1 with balance of £100 by Tour 2. Fees are non-refundable. All players must pay the annual and also all of the entry fees even if they do not attend all of the tours. The organisers reserve the right to replace any entrant who fails to make the payment deadline as set out above. The organisers reserve the right to decline any unsuitable new applicants.
Download an application form available from www.ukpooltour.com or call 01706 642770
DIARY OF EVENTS PROGRAMME OF EVENTS UK POOL TOUR 2012 DATE AUGUST
EVENT TITLE UK POOL TOUR 4
VENUE HINCKLEY HOTEL
SEPTEMBER1st
PREMIER LEAGUE
HINCKLEY HOTEL
OCTOBER 5th - 7th
EPA INTER-LEAGUE K.O.
VAUXHALL HOLIDAY PARK
NOVEMBER 9th - 11th 9th - 11th
EPA CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS EPA LADIES TOUR FINALS
VAUXHALL HOLIDAY PARK VAUXHALL HOLIDAY PARK
UK POOL TOUR 5 PREMIER LEAGUE
HARROGATE MAJESTIC HOTEL HARROGATE MAJESTIC HOTEL
31st
16th - 18th 16th - 17th
UK POOL TOUR 2013 DATE FEBRUARY 15th - 17th 15th - 16th 17th - 23rd MARCH
1st - 3rd
EVENT TITLE UK POOL TOUR 1 PREMIER LEAGUE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
VENUE IMPERIAL, BLACKPOOL IMPERIAL, BLACKPOOL IMPERIAL, BLACKPOOL
INTER-COUNTY FINALS
VAUXHALL HOLIDAY PARK
29th -1st APR. UK POOL TOUR 2 29th -1thAPR. PREMIER LEAGUE
HINCKLEY HOTEL HINCKLEY HOTEL
APRIL
11th - 14th
INTER-LEAGUE FINALS
VAUXHALL HOLIDAY PARK
MAY
10th - 12th 24th - 26th
GOLDEN CUE FINALS UK POOL TOUR 3
VAUXHALL HOLIDAY PARK DAVENTRY
JUNE JULY.
23rd 2nd - 3rd
WEPF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SKYSPORTS TELEVISED FINALS
IMPERIAL, BLACKPOOL IMPERIAL, BLACKPOOL
AUGUST
16th - 18th
UK POOL TOUR 4
HINCKLEY HOTEL
52