WORLDPOOL OO CONTENTS Chairman of EPA – Geoff Wilson
Page 2
Editor’s Message
Page 3
European Eightball Championships
Page 4-12
Inter-County Finals
Page 14-16
Aussie 8-Ball
Page 17
News from Ireland
Page 19
Pool in Wales
Page 20
France Report
Page 21
Scotland Scene
Page 23
UK POOL TOUR Welcome to Tour Two
Page 29
British Lions on Tour
Page 30-31
World Amateur Masters
Page 32-33
Tour One Report
Page 34
Introducing the Premier League
Page 36-37
Report on Challenge One
Page 38
Coaching Skills with Steve Daking
Page 42-43
Tour Rankings
Page 44
Challenge Rankings
Page 45
World Championship Qualifiers
Page 46
Diary of Events
Page 48
Administration Office 20 South View, Bamford, Rochdale, OL11 5HU Tel: 01706 642770 Email: gharwood@eightballpoolmarketing.freeserve.co.uk
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WORLDPOOL OO
Report from Geoff Wilson - English Pool Association
A SAD LOSS I have to start this column on a sad note for the world of pool. Alan Pointer, one of our true friends and colleagues, recently passed away following several years of illness. Alan was a true stalwart to the English Pool Association and had been involved in Essex County Pool for more than 25 years; sometimes running the County set up on his own. He was ever present at our National events at Great Yarmouth, either captaining, playing or just spectating with one of his beloved Barking sides. He always made time to speak to me, either telling me what the EPA had done right orin his opinion- what we had done wrong. Alan was a true gent who will be dearly missed and all our condolences go to his all family and friends at this sad time. On a happier note, the launch of the UK Pool Tour couldn’t have gone any better. Entries for the Tour exceeded what the organisers had hoped for, enabling the Premier League to start a year earlier. And what a weekend the first event was. The atmosphere, the quality of play, the organisation and the camaraderie of the players was exceptional. Then to top it all off,’ Mr EPA’ himself, England captain Lee Kendall, won the first event beating Chris Gill, another England player in a great final. The Challenge was won by Simon Ward beating Lee Pickard. Both Chris and Lee have joined the Premier League for their efforts. Congratulations must go to all concerned with the Tour and here’s looking forward to the rest of the year. At the recent EPA AGM several motions were debated that could have changed the Association drastically. But it was the true reflection on what our members want and the direction in which we are going, that stood out. A motion was put forward that ID Card holders could have the opportunity,
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without ramification, to play both World rules and Blackball rules at Interleague and above. This was massively defeated. The overriding message was, ‘you do have a free choice to play which rules you like. However, you must make the choice for World Rules if you wish to be part of the EPA. There were also motions to alter some of the World Rules. Some of these ideas didn’t even get a vote and were thrown out. This is testament that our members like the World Rules, and as the governing body for 8-ball pool in England we fully support what the WEPF and EEPF are doing. Why mend something when it isn’t broke. The new format for the Inter County finals at Vauxhall Holiday Park was a tremendous success. Although you always get a few teething problems with new formats, the whole event was just superb. Being in the main arena on Saturday evening at 10pm with 600 people in there either watching or playing pool was a fantastic buzz and this was replicated on Sunday morning. The general feedback from players was excellent and we look forward to the tournament again next year. Whilst on with Vauxhall Holiday Park, it gives me great pleasure to announce that a new three year deal is ready to be signed to keep EPA at the home of 8 ball pool. We are delighted for the continued support of VHP. Finally, the World Championships are just around the corner, and our team of organisers led by Alan Benton and George Harwood are putting the final details into place. A record number of teams will be attending and I am delighted to say that the Championships will once again be broadcast on Sky Television. To be back on the screens is fabulous news not only for the event but Pool in general. A tremendous amount of hard work and dedication goes into the organisation of the Championships, and may I personally thank all those individuals that make it possible. See you in Blackpool.
WORLDPOOL OO
WELCOME BACK! WELCOME back to World Pool. It seems like an age since our last edition but happily we’re back in business with plenty to report. Most people will be aware of the major changes that have taken place in the game since our previous editions. And I don’t intend to re-hash an old story. However, despite the split in domestic ranks, the sport still looks in rude health.
read about Jack Pople’s success at the European Championships in Ireland and the ground breaking trip to Australia by the inaugural British Lions. Interest in Scotland and France is also on the increase. These events have only whetted the appetite for this year’s World Championships in Blackpool. The Lions returned from Down Under with a historic series win to their name.
Certainly the new UK Pool Tour, plus the advent of the exciting Premier League, have been major successes since it was decided to go down this particular route.
They then journeyed to Malta and defeated the former European champions on their own tables. And plans are well advanced to take the Lions into Africa next year for a series of momentous matches.
Any fears there may not be a take up of Tour places were soon dispelled. Indeed, it became apparent the original target was too low and quickly the Tour became oversubscribed.
Certainly, Africa remains a massive untapped market of talent. And the Lions, with backing from the World 8-Ball Pool Federation, are keen to spread the 8-Ball gospel.
“We thought we would achieve 128 entries but to get to 155 was more than we dared hope,” said a Tour spokesman.
Indeed, it’s hoped several new nations from East Africa will be represented at the 2012 World Championships. Despite the success of the Lions - ably led by Wayne Smith there will be changes to the squad for future tournaments. And this is only adding to the desire of players to become involved with the new UK Pool Tour.
“The fact everyone has a chance to win prize money coupled with an open draw and no seedings has made the Tour really inviting. “It’s been noticeable a number of players who dropped off from previous Tours have now returned to the game. As a result, the overall playing strength is exceptional.” England captain and former World Championship finalist, Lee Kendall, made the Tour switch and was rewarded with a final victory over Chris Gill. Internationally, the game continues to expand. Elsewhere in these pages you will
We hope to reflect all that’s good in pool within the pages of World Pool. As I always state, this is the players’ magazine and we’re open to ideas and suggestions (polite ones, please) to make it even better. I look forward to hearing from you. Trevor Baxter - Editor Email: trevor@redandwhitesport.co.uk Tel: 07768 846839
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WORLDPOOL OO
European Championship Report
POPLE CROWNED EURO KING JACK Pople added his name to the European Championship roll of honour with a stunning victory in the men’s singles final. The 22-year-old London born player achieved the best result of his career with an 8-3 victory over Ben Flack. “The only previous time I had played in the main Euro singles was when I was 18,” he explained. “I lost in the first round to Neil Davey. So, my first target when I went over to Ireland was to get past the opening hurdle. “So, when I did that I just went from strength to strength and to win the tournament is a massive achievement for me. “I had Lee Kendall in my half of the draw and I reckon he was probably favourite to win it. “So, I wasn’t too unhappy when he lost in the quarter-finals. It was a massive incentive for me though Tommy Morrow is no mug.” Pople dispatched his Irish rival 7-5 in the semi-finals to face Bristol’s Ben Flack for the trophy. “When I got to the final I just thought to myself ‘it’s only one more match.’ Former World Masters champion Flack was pre match favourite but Pople soon took command and finished an impressive 8-3 winner. “It’s the biggest title I’ve won,” agreed Pople, who only took up the game at the age of 17. “Now, I can’t wait for the Worlds. “But there are plenty of other tournaments to go at before I get to Blackpool. And I’ve got plenty of confidence from the Euros.” Pople, who plays at Jordan’s Pool and Snooker Lounge in Rainham, Kent, also has
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Ben Flack - Euro Runner-up university studies to fit into his life. He’s studying for a Sports Science degree at the University of Kent. “My end goal is to become an osteopath,” he explained. “I’ve got one more year left at uni and then another 12 months at an osteopathic school. Obviously, when my exams come round they take priority. “But I try to play or practice as much as I can during the week. If I manage at least once a week then that’s not too bad. “I try to give my course work and pool an even balance.”
For the full results see our website on www.ukpooltour.com
European Championship Report
WORLDPOOL OO
BEAU-CHAMP
AMY CLAIMS LADIES TITLE
AMY Beauchamp (right) upset the form book to add her name to the European Championship roll of honour in Dublin.
The 25-year-old fulfilled her previous promise with victory over Kent and England team mate, Jackie Baker. For Beauchamp, it is the biggest title she’s won since taking up the game at the age of 15. For Baker, champion in 2004, it was final agony after beating hot favourite, Emma Cunningham in the semi-finals. However, as so often happens after such a huge result, it proves difficult to back it up in the next game. Welsh star Sharon Dickson defeated defending champion Sue Thompson in last season’s World Championship quarter-finals. But with hopes high of replacing Thompson as title holder Dickson lost in the semi-finals to Australia’s Renata Delahunty. Baker suffered a similar fate after a historic 6-4 win over world champion Cunningham. Beauchamp, at the time of writing a McDonalds manager in Ashford, held her nerve to win 7-3. “I think because I know Jackie so well I didn’t feel the pressure I might have expected to,” explained Beauchamp, shortly to move to Leicester. “Obviously, we have played each other quite a few times and know each other’s game very well.” Beauchamp’s only anxiety in the final came when Baker had an opportunity to square the match at 4-4. Instead, Beauchamp took the frame and never looked back. “It could have been a different story had it gone 4-4,” agreed the new champion who survived a greater scare in the last 16. “I was 4-2 down to Jo Kent and she had a
chance to finish. But I got back to 4-all and then win the decider. “I’m pleased with the victory. It’s a nice title to have and I won it from a high quality field. Hopefully, it will give me the confidence and go on to win other titles. “It’s certainly the biggest thing I’ve won. I beat Rachel Tucker to win the Champion of Champions in 2010 but the Euros are much bigger. “Needless to say, I had a few drinks to celebrate.” Defending champion Cunningham looked unbeatable as she powered past 2009 champion Carly Smith, Linda Thompson and Michelle Rooney (in a repeat of last season’s final). However, the course of the championships was to strike the Newry born star. Only Smith has won the ladies singles more than once and no title holder has returned the following year to retain the trophy. Can Beauchamp re-write the record books in 2013?
For the full results see our website on www.ukpooltour.com
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NO ORDINARY JOE
WORLDPOOL OO
European Championship Report
Joe O’Connor again showed why he’s one of the country’s top prospects by regaining his junior singles title. The 16-year-old from Leicester beat Frank Costello to win the championship in 2010 and has also been a winner of the World Masters juniors. So, it didn’t come as too much of a surprise as O’Connor got his hands on the trophy again. “I fancied my chances of doing well but I still knew it was going to be tough,” he said after his 7-4 final success over England rival Jack Smithers. “I have been in three Euro finals now so it’s quite a good record to have. Hopefully, I can have a good run at the World Championships in Blackpool. “That’s my next aim.”
O’Connor, from Wigston, is currently in his last year at school. “It can be hard doing homework and finding time to practice,” he admits. Fortunately, I have got a table at my dad’s house so it isn’t too bad.” On the way to the final, O’Connor also defeated Dylan Fitzpatrick 5-2, Luke Bowry 5-2, Jordan Doyle 6-1 and Carl Martin 6-3. Smithers, perhaps unfortunate to come up against one of the game’s top teenagers in the showpiece, defeated Kieron Wood 5-1, Evan Kavanagh 5-3, Joe Maguire 6-2 and Louis Heathcote 6-3.
GREAT WEEK FOR GUISEPPE
Guiseppe D’Imperio will never forget his European Championship debut in a hurry. The 18-year-old from Whitton, London won the Under 21 title for the first time, topped the averages in the round robin section of the team event without dropping a frame and also reached the quarter-finals of the men’s event. No wonder happy Guiseppe said:”I had a brilliant week-probably more than I could have hoped for. “However, I knew I had a chance in the singles as most of the England team were in the opposite half of the draw. “So, I thought if I could get past Ashley Radford, who was in my section, then I had a good opportunity. So, I probably felt more nervous in that match.” D’Imperio won his quarter-final against Radford 5-2, hammered Ireland’s Adam McMakin 6-1 in the semi-finals before beating English team mate Lee Shepherd 7-4 in the final. “It’s definitely the best title I have won so far,” he enthused. “And because I am only 18 I will get a chance to defend it next year. “But I was pleased with the whole week. It was great experience playing in the main singles and to get a win over Chris Gill was pleasing.” Gill was beaten 6-5 in the last 16 before D’Imperio went down 7-4 in the quarters to eventual runner-up, Ben Flack. “I put in a lot of practice for the championships and it paid off,” added D’Imperio, an accountancy student.
Joe O’Connor European Junior Champion
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“My stats in Dublin mean I have qualified for the World team so hopefully I can do as well there.”
For the full results see our website on www.ukpooltour.com
WORLDPOOL OO
European Championship Report
FARE ENOUGH! CABBIE BILL STEERS HIS WAY TO PRIZE It was anything but ‘taxi for Rigby’ in the Over 50’s competition at the Green Isle Hotel. Cab driver Bill was in the driving seat from his opening match to ensure he retained his coveted title. “The standard in the Over 50’s is getting higher and higher so to win again is a good achievement,” says the 54-year-old potter. “I only dropped five frames all tournament so I have got to be pleased. “I had a bit of a sticky patch in the semi-final when I felt a bit nervous. But overall I think I played better this time than I did when I won in Malta.” Dad of six Rigby, who beat Bob Love 6-2 in 2011, was outstanding in the final as he swept aside Ireland’s Patrick Farrelly 7-2. Earlier, he defeated Scotland’s Derek Ahern 50, fellow England A player Roger Hunt 5-1 and in the semi-finals, England B’s Ian Turner 6-2. Rigby, 53, has played pool ever since he walked into the Avon pub on his 18th birthday. A former BAPTO member, he’s won countless Nottinghamshire singles titles and reckons to have amassed more than 50 titles throughout his career.
Bill Rigby Over 50’s Champion His last unfulfilled ambition is to become World Over 50’s champion at Blackpool in June. I have lost in the quarters and the semifinals but I feel confident I can go further this time. “But we’ve got Keith Brewer eligible for the Over 50’s now and he’s no mug, is he. As I say, it’s a great standard at this level now and you’ve got to play well to win things.”
Wheelchair Player 1 2 2 4 5 5 7 8 8
Played
Andy Rigby (Wal) Theresa Sheridan (Eng) Tom Hynes (Ire) Kevin Flynn (Ire) Eddie McGowan (Ire) Gary Simpson (Sco) Johnny Quaid (Ire) Thomas Cliffbyrnes (Ire) Stephen Casey (Ire)
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
Won Frames 7 6 6 5 4 4 3 1 0
22 21 19 18 16 13 11 8 1
Pts 14 12 12 10 8 8 6 2 2
Welsh star Andy Rigby remains the man to beat in the Wheelchair event. He retained his Euro crown with a 5-2 victory over Ireland’s Tom Hynes and has already been installed as favourite for this summer’s World title. See also Welsh pool news on page 20.
For the full results see our website on www.ukpooltour.com
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WORLDPOOL OO
European Championship Report
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS MEN’S SINGLES Doyle 6-1, Martin bt Gorman 6-4. Last 16: Jack Pople bt Mario Brincat 6-1, Clint Azzopardi bt Neil Toms 6-1, Lee Kendall bt Semi-finals: Smithers bt Heathcote 6-3, Marc Fleming 6-4, Thomas Morrow bt Pat O’Connor bt Martin 6-3. McAnally Chris O v e r 16-3, 2 0 0Guiseppe p e o p lD’Imperio e g a t h bt e re d aGill t In the final Leicestershire “A” made a 6-5, Ben Flack bt Russell Burgess 6-3, English Jordan Final: start, O’Connor Smithers Vauxhall Holiday Park for the steady but bt turned the7-4. match in Church bt Ashley Radford 6-4, John Roe bt P o o l A s s o c i a t i o n ’s I n t e r C o u n t y their favour at the third leg winning 9-2, Ryan Fleming 6-3. OVER 50’S: Championships. and went on to retain their title with a Last 16: Philippe Cots (France) bt Didier Quarter-finals: Pople bt Azzopardi 7-3, Mor- 23-15 victory over Nottinghamshire , their Hirschenhahn (France) 5-1, Mike McHale (Scotrow bt Kendall 7-3, Church bt John Roe 7-2, land) bt Shane 5-2,inFrank The weekend commenced with the K.O. “B” team alsoRobinson retained(England) their title a Flack bt D’Imperio 7-4. Wright (Northern Ireland) bt Nick Burton (EngCup, a new event which involved the comfortable 23-12 win over Derbyshire. land) 5-4, Patrick Farrelly (Ireland) bt Paul McSemi-finals: 7-5, Flackwho bt teams from Pople each bt of Morrow the 44 counties Gowan (Scotland) 5-4, Dave Minister (England) Church 7-6. John Hay (Scotland) 5-2, Ian Turner ended as runner-ups in the eight regions Inbtthe Ladies section Notts took the (Engfirst land) bt but Malcolm Marriott (England) 5-4, Bill Final: bt Flack whichPople form the8-3. E.P.A. inter-county leg 6-5, South Yorkshire came back Rigby (England) bt Derek Ahern (Scotland) 5-0, structure. toRoger take Hunt the second the Elliott match was (England)7-4, bt John UNDER 21’s (Scotland) 5-3. third leg which South won in the Last 16: AshleyinRadford (England) Sean Competition the new event isbtas fierce Yorkshire won 8-3, just needing 3 Sharkey (Ireland) 5-4, Guiseppe D’Imperio Quarter-finals: Cots bt McHale 5-4, Farrelly bt as the main Inter-County finals with frames in the final bt legMinister to win5-4, theRigby match (England) bt Ricky Clyde (Northern Ireland) 5-1, Wright 5-4, Turner bt Adam Hunt 5-1. teamsMcMackin from all(Ireland) areas btofDean theMcAlease country 23-15 and take the trophy back to (Northern Ireland) 5-4,the Eamonn Mooreback (Ireland) determined to take silverware to Yorkshire. bt Aaron Mullen (Northern Ireland) 5-1, Les Semi-finals: Farrelly bt Cots 6-0, Rigby bt their region. Categorises are Mens “A” Shepherd (England) bt Gary Steele (Scotland)& Turner 6-2. 5-2, Curley Michael “B”,Michael Ladies & (Ireland) Youth. btAfter a Hope very In the Youth final Surrey took a 6-5 lead, (England) 5-4, Conor O’Boyle (Ireland) bt Nigel Final: Rigby reversed bt Farrelly 7-2. competitive quarter-final section the but Bristol that score in the Clarke (England) 5-2, Ryan Fleming (Scotland) semi-final line-up was: second leg to level the scores, Surrey then bt Steve Chambers (England) 5-3. WHEELCHAIR took the third leg 7-4, winning five Semi-finals: Andy Rigby (Wales) bt Kevin Flynn Quarter-finals: D’Imperio bt Radford 5-2, McM e n s “ A ” s e c t i o n s e m i f i n a l s games in a row to win the final 23-17. (Ireland) 4-3, Tom Hynes (Ireland) bt Theresa Makin bt Moore 5-2, Shepherd bt Curley 5-2, Sheridan (England) 4-2. Nottinghamshire beat Merseyside 23-17 O’Boyle bt Fleming 5-3.
with Leicestershire winning 23-18 against
Semi-finals: D’Imperio bt McMackin 6-1, Bristol. Shepherd bt O’Boyle 6-3. Final: bt Shepherd 7-4. MensD’Imperio “B” section semi-finals
had Leicestershire defeating Hertfordshire 23JUNIORS 17, and Derbyshire beat Northants 23-18.
Last 16: Jack Smithers (England) bt Evan Kavanagh (Ireland) 5-3, Joe Maguire (Ireland) S eCiaran m i - F iFay n a l(Ireland) s o f 5-1, t h eLouis L a Heathcote dies had bt (England) bt Daragh beat O’Shea (Ireland) 5-1, Kevin Nottinghamshire Somerset 23-20, McSweeney (Ireland) bt beat Jack Andrew (Scotland) and South Yorkshire Norfolk 23-13. 5-2, Joe O’Connor (England) bt Luke Bowry (England) 5-2, Jordan Doyle (Ireland) bt Scott Gardiner 5-1, Jordan (IreIn the (Scotland) Youth, last years Gorman champions land) bt Callum Singleton (England) 5-4, Carl Staffordshire were beaten 23-13 by Martin (Ireland) bt Sam Hirst (England) 5-4.
Bristol, and Surrey beat G.M.C. 23-16.
Quarter-finals: Smithers bt Maguire 6-2, Heathcote bt McSweeney 6-3, O’Connor bt
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Final: Rigby bt Hynes 5-2. LADIES SINGLES Last 16: Barbara Taylor bt Mathilde Bouvy (France) 5-0, Collette Henriksen bt Valerie Bayet 5-1, Amy Beauchamp bt Jo Kent 5-4, Mary Cunningham bt Sharon Wright 5-2, McKellar bt Lisa McGirr 5-2, Jackie Baker bt Catherine Buckley 5-0, Emma Cunningham bt Linda Thompson 5-0, Michelle Rooney bt Michelle Brown 5-3. Quarter-finals: Henriksen bt Taylor 6-4, Beauchamp bt M Cunningham 6-1, Baker bt McKellar 6-2, E Cunningham bt Rooney 6-0. Semi-finals: Beauchamp bt Henriksen 6-4, Baker bt Cunningham 6-4. Final: Beauchamp bt Baker 7-3.
For the full results see our website on www.ukpooltour.com
IRISH EYES ARE SMILING “B” TEAM TEAM IRELAND ARE KING MENS OF CUES AGAIN
WORLDPOOL OO
European Championship Report
AFTER TEAM GLORY
So much for the formbook! Just when England and Malta were thinking of a place in the European team final, along came Wales and Ireland to upset the odds. England won all seven matches in the round robin stage while Malta won six, losing to England only by a deciding frame. However, the semi-finals produced several surprises. Wales, who lost three games in the round robin stage, ran out 8-6 winners. At the same time, Malta played third placed Ireland and were sent packing by the same score line. In the round robin matches the hosts defeated the defending champions 8-7 and another close encounter was predicted. The crowd wasn’t to be disappointed. There is a full report of the final on page 18 of the magazine. But as a taster-it was a classic head-to-head and the Irish, roared on by a partisan crowd, clinched the game by a single frame. They now hold both World and European titles. Stephen Dempsey of Ireland “A” was player of the tournament with 15 wins out of 21 played.
England won the “B” team title with an easy 8-2 win over Ireland “C” in the finals. This mirrored their performance in the round-robin stage when they took all eight matches, winning 83 frames. In the semi’s, England defeated Northern Ireland by 8-5 while their opponents in the final went through by the same score against their fellow countrymen. The two Ireland teams had a great tournament each winning six of the round-robin games to end second and third place in the final table. With nine teams in the championships, there were some great matches. It was good to see Belgium defeating two of their opponents to continue with the steady improvements shown by their players. Niall Doherty of Ireland “B” and Neil Toms of England shared player of the tournament, each with 19 wins from 24 frames played.
England B - Men's B Team Winners
Men’s Teams A
Men’s Teams B
Semi-finals: Wales A bt England A 8-6 Ireland A bt Malta A 8-6
Semi-finals: England bt Northern Ireland 8-5 Ireland C bt Ireland B 8-5.
Final: Ireland A bt Wales A 8-7
Final: England bt Ireland 8-2
For the full results see our website on www.ukpooltour.com
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England Ladies Team European Champions
WORLDPOOL OO
European Championship Report
WORLDPOOL OO
ENGLAND AT THE DOUBLE JUNIOR TEAM EVENT LADIES TEAM With an identical record in the round-robin stage, it looked odds on that England and Northern Ireland were heading for a repeat of their titanic battle in last year’s World Championship final. On that occasion, England took the title by the deciding frame. This time, however, it was Northern Ireland who started favourites, having already won the earlier match in the round-robin stage against the world champions.
Republic of Ireland - World However, when the going gets tough the tough get going, and England reversed the earlier result with an 8-5 win to become double champions, European and World. England had a solid win in the semis beating Ireland by 8-4 while Northern Ireland defeated an emerging Scotland 8-6. Amy Beauchamp, the European Individual winner, was top team player with 15 wins from 18 played.
Ladies Teams Team 1 1 3 4 5 6 6
England N.Ireland Ireland A Scotland France Ireland B Belgium
Played Won 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
Frames
Pts
61 52 49 45 38 38 32
10 10 8 6 4 2 2
5 5 4 3 2 1 1
Semi-finals: England B bt England A 5-3 Scotland A bt Ireland 5-2
England’s juniors also became double European and World champions with an 8-2 win against Ireland “A” juniors.
The margin of victory was not expected as Ireland had six players in the top 10 of the round-robin ranking system. Five teams contested the round robin phase with the top two competing in the final stage. However, only four countries entered the junior competition which was disappointing though that did not deter the players from turning in some excellent pool during the event.Team Champions Men’s And it was good to see France back in the junior set-up. They used to be one of the strongest junior teams in the championships and hopefully will return to their former glory in the near future. At present, England have a great crop of youngsters coming through with Luke Bowry top player of the event with 22 wins from 24 played. Joe O’Connor, the European junior individual champion, gained 20 wins and the fast developing Jack Smithers had 19 wins from 24 frames.
Junior Teams Semi-finals: England B bt England A 5-3 Scotland A bt Ireland 5-2
Final: England B bt Scotland A 5-2 Final: England bt Ireland A 8-2 For the full results see our website on www.ukpooltour.com
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IMP-RESSIVE GUISEPPE IS RECORD BREAKER
WORLDPOOL OO
OVER 50'S BUT NOT OVER THE HILL
European Championship Report
Remember the name...Guiseppe D'Imperio. Hard name to forget but a fantastic talent on the evidence of his performance in Dublin. Beaten 7-2 in the last 16 of the World Championship, D’Imperio, went away and practiced. As a result, he achieved a record breaking 18 frames out of 18 played and followed up by winning the Under 21’s Individual title. To complete his week, he also helped England win the team title, defeating Ireland in a closely contested final. This section is aimed at players, recently departed from the junior section but not quite ready for the seniors. With players such as Scotland's Ryan Fleming and Adam McMackin from Ireland plus England’s Steve Chambers and Michael Hope in the ranks, it looks likely that the future of the game is guaranteed. No fewer than 10 players had over 50% wins in the team event in a fiercely contested event. However, no prizes for guessing who was player of the Under 21 event-step forward Guiseppe.
England A - U21 Champions
Under 21’s Teams
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England A - Over 50’s Champions The Over 50's competition is the biggest developing area of the sport, particularly in England and Scotland. So, it's not surprising this was the final of the Over 50’s team championship after both finished on identical points after the round-robin stage with five wins from six matches. However, what was surprising was a win for England “B” who took the title against Scotland “A.” This reversed the result of the earlier match when Scotland won 5-4 in the round robin stage. Ireland and England “A” were beaten semi-finalists. With France now also developing the Over 50 section it looks like a great world championship in prospect as the European nations look to taking the title away from the holders Australia. Mike McHale of Scotland was player of the event with 14 wins from 18, closely followed by Oliver Curran of Ireland with 13 from 18. Scotland had four of the top six players in the competition rankings.
Over 50’s Teams
Semi-finals: England A bt England B 5-0 Ireland A bt Ireland B 5-1
Semi-finals: England B bt England A 5-3 Scotland A bt Ireland 5-2
Final: England A bt Ireland A 5-2
Final: England B bt Scotland A 5-2
For the full results see our website on www.ukpooltour.com
WORLDPOOL OO
SKY THE LIMIT
FOR WORLD 8-BALL POOL CHAMPIONSHIPS The World Eightball Pool Federation are delighted to announce that Barcelo Hotels and Resorts are again sponsoring the sports premier event, and the final stages will be recorded for Sky Sports. This will be the 19th year out of the last 20, that the WorldEightball Pool Championships will be available to the many thousands of players who cannot make the trip to the finals but are keen to watch the proceedings on Sky Sports. We are equally delighted that SGTV, with many years experience working with Sky Sports, are producing the transmission which will be a minimum of seven programmes featuring the Mens and Ladies events at the championships. There will also be “live streaming”, a new product at last year's championships but one that allowed enthusiasts from around the globe to watch the proceedings as they were taking place. This was particularly beneficial to the Southern Hemisphere players who do not have direct access to our transmissions on Sky Sports. However, organisers do ollow up withD.V.D ‘s which are available after the championships have appeared on television. “SGTV Managing Director Simon Golding said:"Just like millions of Sky Sports viewers I remember the World 8 Ball Pool Championships being amongst some of the earliest sports covered on the channel. “It is very exciting to be involved with a sport that has such an established history with Sky. “SGTV has produced a whole host of programming for Sky over the last 10 years across sports like: golf, beach volleyball, triathlon and ten pin bowling plus various majorcuesports events. 8 Ball Pool is a very welcome addition to our production portfolio.
“Working on this year's WorldChampionships represents a very positive move for SGTV and the World 8 Ball Pool Federation”. Following the recent European Eightball Championships in Dublin, at one of the best internationals pool competitions ever held, the individual players and national teams are now eagerly looking forward to the World Championships which commence Sunday,24th June with the televised finals on Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th July. In addition to the countries at the Europeans, applications from: Australia, New Zealand, South Afica, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Morroco, West Indies, India and Malta have been received. This will make this year's event the largest ever held. It is not only the established categories of Mens, Ladies and Juniors who are attending, competitions for wheelchair, under 21’s, over 50’s have become an important part of the event, with the over 50’s one of the fastest growing sections of the championships. Australia have increased their squad and will be represented in all categories. South Africa will also be returning this year in strength along with squads from other African nations. On the UK home front, there will be additional opportunities for our players to compete with the best nations in the world via further development of the World Championship qualifiers. These were introduced last year and were a major success story, giving thousands of “Grass Root” players the chance to play in the sports top event. Details of when and where to enter this years qualifiers are shown in this publication on Pages 46 and 47.
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English Inter-County Round-up
STAFFORDSHIRE SUCCESS FOR only the third time since 1996, the men’s A and B team titles at the All-England Inter County finals have been won by the same county. So, take a bow the Staffordshire potters after their successes at Vauxhall Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth. The A team last lifted the trophy a decade earlier. But bolstered by world champion Adam Davis and former threetime winner, Gareth Potts, they defeated Suffolk 23-15 to avoid a hat-trick of final defeats having lost to London in 2010 and 2011. It was their sixth A team final triumph. Staffordshire B succeeded Lancashire as champions-their fifth win since 2003 and seventh in total. Nearly 1300 spectators watched the action at Vauxhall Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth with the youth teams getting the event underway. Bedfordshire, Bristol A, Cleveland, Warwickshire, Kent, Lancashire, West Midlands, and Leicestershire all won their opening matches.
tournament where Kent were defending the trophy. In the A section, Suffolk, London, Northamptonshire and Leicestershire all won while the eventual winners needed a play-off to progress. Potts and Davis produced the goods and Staffs were on the march. Ladies Day brought wins for: Lancashire, Somerset, Kent, Nottinghamshire, Buckinghamshire and Staffordshire. Cleveland were indebted to Emma Wilkinson, and Louise Etherington for seeing them through a play-off. Surrey also progressed by the same route at the expense of Suffolk thanks to Debbie Barthrop and Louise Elvin. But few who sat through a record five hours contest wanted a quick repeat of the experience. In the Men’s A winners matches Suffolk beat London 23-18, Staffordshire beat Shropshire 23-12, Lincolnshire defeated Northamptonshire 23-17, and Leicestershire got the better of Wiltshire 23-12.
In the men’s B team event, Kent and Bristol upset the form book but there were victories for Region winners: Staffordshire, Leicestershire, Lancashire, Cleveland, Essex, and London.
In the B section: Bristol knocked out Kent 23-14, Staffordshire accounted for Leicestershire 23-13 while Lancashire who trailed 21-18 in their game, won the last five frames to snatch a 23-21 victory. Essex beat London 23-16.
It was the turn of the big guns on Saturday morning plus the start of the ladies
World champion Emma Cunningham was in form for Buckinghamshire in their
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English Inter-County Round-up
play-off with Nottinghamshire. Along with Victoria Griffith, she helped her county progress along with: Lancashire, Kent, Staffordshire and Surrey. However, the Bucks girls eventually lost 23-14 in the semis to Lancashire while Kent beat Staffordshire 23-17. Hot [pre event favourites, Kent duly thrashed Lancashire 23-8 for a sixth win in the last eight years. The Youth final brought together Bedfordshire against Cleveland. The North Easterners never looked in danger as they ran out 23-15 winners. In the Youth section, Chris Wells won the last frame for Bedfordshire against Bristol A. Cleveland beat Warwickshire 23-16, Kent beat Lancashire and Leicestershire knocked out West Midlands, champions for the previous two years. In addition to the main competition, the Knockout Cup was held, resulting in a 23-18 victory for Lancashire over winners of the last two years West Midlands 23-
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21. Northamptonshire and Shropshire were beaten in the semi-finals. In the B section, Kent reached the final at the expense of Northumberland while Leicestershire progressed by beating Derbyshire 23-16. Kent then took the title with a 23-21 success. Sarah Day and Rachel Tucker won a playoff to put Nottinghamshire through to the ladies final. However, their side’s luck ran out in the final as Cleveland won the last three frames for a 24-22 victory. In the Youth section, Greater Manchester, who only got into the competition at the last minute, were up against local rivals Lancashire. The Red Rose side made a flying start only for GMC.to fight back to level at 22-all. In the play-off, Aaron Davies, and Gary Frederick took GMC through where they scored a 23-13 victory over Warwickshire.
Ladies - Kent - Inter-County Winners
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English Inter-County Round-up
Juniors - Cleveland Inter-County Winners
Men’s A - Staffordshire - Inter-County Winners
Men’s B - Staffordshire - Inter-County Runners-up
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AUSSIES NAME WORLD SQUAD
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Nothing beats good organisation and the Australian 8-Ball Pool Federation has already named its team for this summer’s World 8-Ball Pool Championships in Blackpool.
And after losing to the British Lions on their own tables in Sydney last year the men, especially, will be out to exact some revenge. Win or lose, the attitude of the Aussies to return each year for the championships is commendable given the distance and cost involved.
Blackmore. Team manager is Cheryl Congram.
Under 21’s: Anthony Adams (captain), Paul Hancock, Gary Proctor. Team manager Chris Rusk. Luke Foster (Western Australia) and Adam Bleumink (Victoria), who contested the National Under 18’s final, form part of the Junior squad. Foster, a 6-2 final winner, captains a group including: Ian Hinton, Cale Barrett, Michael Cacciola and Stephen Kaine. Warren Ross captains the squad.
The men’s squad contains some unfamiliar names so a step into the unknown could prove daunting for their rivals. Mick Delahunty-a familiar visitor in the past-and John ‘Rusty’ Wheeler are two of the best known players in the team.
The Masters squad is: Cranne Wrigley, Paul Hancock and Gary Proctor.
The full squad is:
The Under 12’s final was an all Queensland affair between Hayden Goode and Nikolas Burnett. And it was Goode who ran out a 6-3 winner.
Men: Wheeler, Delahunty, Alan Brown, Dean Welsh, Chris Forsyth, Adam List, Marcus Jackson, Dane Beeton. Team manager is Damien Smith.
*In the National Under 15’s singles, Jordan Mitchell from South Australia defeated Scott Brownrigg (Western Australia) 6-5.
The women’s squad includes last year’s ladies singles finalist, Renata Delahunty (right). She came so close to becoming the first Aussie to win the crown only to miss out against Northern Ireland’s Emma Cunningham. So, with hubbie’s support this year, she’ll be looking to go one stage further. The full ladies team is: Delahunty, Suzanne Bussanich, Nicole Welsh, Ana Christina Sarmento, Fiona Plummer, Cindy
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WORLDPOOL OO IRISH MEN CALL TEAM SHOTS Having added the title of 2012 European Pool Champions to their 2011 World crown, the Irish Men’s team is abuzz at the moment. Simultaneously holding both major international titles is not an experience Irish pool players have had to deal with before, but after an incredible 12 months that is exactly where the current crop of Irish players find themselves. The recent European Championships was a real success from the perspective of Ireland. All eyes were on the host country to see if they could follow up their 2011 Blackpool exploits. Many seasoned observers contend that the European Championships format is such that the event is more difficult to win than the World Championships. Shorter matches ensure that mistakes are punished more severely, and the smaller team sizes usually result in a more open field. The semi-final line up consisted of the 4 most consistent teams at European level over the last number of years. England topped the group and met Wales, the defending Champions. Ireland took on Malta in the other semi. Both matches were extremely tight affairs and the Ireland v Malta game in particular enjoyed a terrific atmosphere. The home crowd did what they could and Ireland squeezed into the final, their first in a number of years. The second semi was also a close match, but Wales made it through to the final after getting the better of a valiant England team. It was fitting that the final brought together the defending European and
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current World Champions, and the two teams contrived to throw up a match that had it all. Superb finishes, tactical battles and a couple of misses brought about by having to play under the most intense pressure, all combined to make this a classic match. Almost predictably the match went the full distance and although Wales had first chance following an in-off on the break, it was Ireland’s Ronan Fay who held his nerve to clear the decisive balls. Cue pandemonium among the home players and fans who had waiting a long time to finally land the elusive European Champions tag. The event itself was a tremendous success, both on and off the table, and reflects the continued ability of the EEPF to deliver high-quality events in attractive locations. The Irish Pool Association goes from strength to strength and is constantly tweaking its structures and Tour to ensure players get the level of competition that allows them to compete at the highest level, both domestically and on the international scene. The final event on the Irish tour calendar is over the May Bank Holiday weekend and will see 22 County teams battle it out for the most prestigious team titles in the Irish game. This year is expected to be the biggest ever, with huge entries in the Men’s, Ladies, Juniors and Under 15 events. County Cavan are the defending Men’s team champions and will again be the team to beat.
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Ireland A Men’s Team European Champions
Ireland A Mens Team Champions
WORLDPOOL OO Team Wales reach their 5th European “A” Team final in 6 years ………… Dublin’s Green Isle Hotel was this year’s destination for Wales to defend their European Crown. Once again the final went down to a deciding frame. However, this time it was Ireland who avenged their defeat in Malta in 2011.
The wheels are still on …. Andy Rigby proved to everyone one the wheels are still on for him to add another World 8-Ball Pool title to his ever growing trophy cabinet.
A large crowd built up throughout the game and the scene was set for another nail biter.
Indeed retaining his European crown at the second time of asking in the wheelchair event (see Right) was a fantastic achievement.
Up stepped Tom Price (Wales) and Ronan Fay (Ireland ) in the final frame. Price cleared the table down to the black but just missed the pocket, allowing Fay to produce a great under pressure finish.
Andy is without doubt the most successful pool player Wales have ever produced. He now holds the World and European titles and is getting prepared for this year’s return at Blackpool in July. With the full support of Kim ( Andy’s partner ) and a few strong helpers, Andy has proved that disability doesn’t need to prevent you achieving your dreams.
Wales Mens ”A “ Team Back Paul Hawkins, Wayne Smith (Capt.) & Russell Burgess Front Tom Price and Oly Bale
Wayne Smith (captain), said: “We only have a small nucleus of players but we are delighted to be part of the 5th European final in the last six years. Our team is getting stronger by the year and we will be back “Having beaten England in Malta the previous year, our hopes for this year were high. However, Team Wales will not lie down and can expect to make a significant impact at this year’s World Championships in Blackpool at the end of June.
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Andy Rigby pictured with Connor O’Boyle ( Chairman Irish Pool Association )
For more information about the PFW (Pool Federation of Wales) visit their new website www.pfw8ball.co.uk and get involved in joining one of Europe’s and the World’s most successful Pool teams.
A Look Around France
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CLUB FRANCE N° 4 : LA BAULE This competition is itself deroulee has La Baule the 14 and 15 January 2012. Eddy Mahe (Holy joachim 1) wins tournament “Club France” against Tony Ricolleau (The Pecq) on the score of 7-6 in final. The semi-finalists are: Philippe Touroux and David Benatre.
CLUB FRANCE N° 5 : ST-MALO-DE-GUERSAC The fifth open of the season took place has Saint-Malo-de-Guersac on the 4 and 5 February 2012. The final saw Anthony Gouraud (Provide) to impose against Arnaud Viard his teammate of equipe. The semi-finalists are: Tony Ricolleau and Ludovic Heise.
CLUB FRANCE N° 6 : CROISSY-SUR-SEINE The last tournament of the season took place at Croissy/Seine on the 3 and 4 March, 2012. It is a local player who triumphed in the person of Jean-Christophe Ouaknine (Le Pecq). The finalist is Felix Vicente ( Saint-Brevin 1). The semifinalists are: Charly Verwaerde and Anthony Gouraud shading.
Team France At Dublin 2012
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SCOTTISH SCENE SHARP SHOOTERS A total of 23 teams took part in the SEPF Scottish Interleague at Pettycur Bay with all fancied sides making it through the group stages. Aberdeen A were knocked out by neighbours, Stonehaven, with top snooker player, Marc Davis, winning the all-important decider after a Martin McIntosh hit and hope forced a decider for the Aberdonians. Elgin were beaten by last year's winners, Styx. The semi-finals saw Shooters (Aberdeen) knock out a talented Lockerbie team whilst Stonehaven edged out Fraserburgh.
POLLOCK’S FIRST CLASS DELIVERY ‘Potting Postie; Jimmy Pollock produced a brilliant display to win the Scottish Open against another first time finalists, Darren Matthew. Pollock’s 6-1 win to pocket a £1,000 first prize, completed a superb tournament that included a number of top players from south of the Border including: Marc Farnsworth, Geoff Campbell and Matt Brannan. Shooters and Rileys played host to the first day’s action as the starting line-up was whittled down to eight players for the final day.
A cracking final saw Shooters win a tight game to take home the silverware.
First up on the live streaming table was Farnsworth (Houghton-Le- Spring) against Dundee’s Marc Fleming.
MCHALE’S THE MAN
Farnsworth took a 3-0 lead and though Fleming levelled at 3-3, Farnsworth rattled off the next three frames to advance to the semis.
Paul McHale won player of the tournament in the senior section of the European Championships in Dublin. The Scots sent a large travelling party to the tournament and though the men's results weren't as good as expected there were highlights in other categories. The Senior A team, featuring Ian Moffat, Paul McGowan and McHale, romped their way to the final where they were beaten by England B. Perhaps the surprise of the tournament saw Scotland Ladies miss out on a place in the final despite leaving several top players at home.
Pollock (Dundee) cruised to a 6-1 quarter-final victory against Neill Simpson (Elgin). In the bottom half of the draw, Colin 'Dawg' Brown (Aberdeen) faced Philip Craig (Aberdeen). Craig dropped only one frame en route to the last eight defeating players of the calibre of Ryan Fleming (Dundee) and Adam Wood (Lossiemouth). For Craig though it wasn't to be as Brown ran out a 6-2 winner. Pre-tournament favourite and British Lion, Matthew had a tough task ahead against in-form Ian Daniel (Ellon).
Close games in the group stages saw Scotland narrowly lose to England but defeat Ireland before being knocked out in the penultimate frame of the semi-finals against a talented Northern Ireland team.
Not to be outdone by team mate Brown, Matthew matched his 6-2 score line and sent Daniel packing. Brown and Matthew shared the first six frames of their semi-final before Matthew produced a stunning break- dish to poke his nose in front.
Special mention must go to Audrey Beckett (Dundee) as arguably the most improved player in the entire squad!
There was no looking back and Matthew, who surprisingly has never won the Scottish Open before, took the game 6-4.
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Karen Burt - Ladies Open Champion & Men’s Scotish Open Champion - Jimmy Pollock Farnsworth was hot favourite in the second semi-final after playing some astounding pool in the earlier rounds. At one point, he rattled five dishes in a row to win 6-0 in under 10 minutes. It was clear it would take something special to beat him. Pollock made his way to the semifinals quietly but those who had seen him destroy Brannan on the streaming table knew-on form- he'd give anyone a run for their money. The match went to the wire but it was Pollock who had the eight ball clearance to take the all-important deciding frame and reach the final. Matthew probably started favourite and nobody predicted the demolition job that followed.There haven't been many winners as popular as Pollock, or many who have played as well as he did over the course of the weekend. The Ladies Open was won by Karin Burt (Aberdeen) who faced Susan Collins (Elgin) for the third major final in a row. The previous two competitions had seen them exchange 6-1 title winning victories in the Singles and Masters.
Collins knocked out one of the pre-tournament favourites, Lyndsay McKellar (Redcar), in the quarter finals before defeating Audrey Beckett (Dundee) in the semis. Burt edged out promising Angie Tidball (Keith) in the deciding frame of the quarters before beating Emma Raeburn (Aberdeen) to reach the final. In the final, Burt opened up a 3-0 lead before Collins battled back to take the lead herself. However, it was Burt who pulled a good finish out the bag in the deciding frame to end a 90 minute marathon and regain the Scottish Open title from Lynette Horsburgh. In the inaugural Scottish Senior Open, World Singles quarter finalist Paul McGowan (Kirkcaldy) defeated international team mate and European Championships player of the tournament, Mike McHale in the final . The combined Men's, Ladies and Senior's Open Tournaments were a great success with many players travelling from all corners of Britain to take part. The furthest distances travelled were by Willie Anderson (Kent) and Mark McGauley (Milton Keynes) though there was late interest from France who spotted our posters at the European Championships!
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26
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TOUR DEBUT “RESOUNDING SUCCESS”SAY ORGANISERS
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ANY opening night nerves for organisers on the eve of the new amateur UK Pool Tour were quickly dispelled as players declared the venture a resounding success. With a great atmosphere and large audiences for the weekend’s action, it proved one of the best Tours ever staged.
So, congratulations to the players who were successful in the Tour events-namely Lee Kendall and Simon Ward- and to the Premier League cueists for a magical tournament. But there will be no resting on laurels as Tour Two promises to be even better. In addition to the Tour, Challenge and Premier League, there is the ever popular Festival of Pool at Hinckley. This will include the Barcelo Open- for non Tour players- the three-man team event plus World Championships qualifiers. Put them altogether and there is a £25,000 prize pot to go for. But first a quick re-wind to Blackpool. The open draw format for the Main Tour event was well received with everyone on an equal footing without the benefit of a seeding slot. This allowed potential for a share of the cash plus valuable points for a possible place in the 2013 Premier League which will have an increased prize fund. Details of how to enter the 2013 Premier League are shown on page 36 with players rewarded for their good performances in 2012 events. The format and draw at next year’s Tours will not alter: no seeded places and open draws at each Tour. Word clearly got around after the success of Tour One as there will be new entrants on this weekend’s Tour with further places
available at Tour Three in June. For those wanting to join see details on our websitewww.ukpooltour.com.
An alteration to the playing format has been agreed for 2012. This will take place on the Challenge event as some participants at Tour One found problems understanding when their matches had been scheduled. Thanks to the feedback this situation has been easily rectified. The Challenge draw will be the same as for the main event. Everyone will be in the draw, other than Premier League players, and times of matches will be clearly shown from the start of the Tour. Such has been the success of the Tour that we are already discussing next year’s dates and venues with Barcelo. This will almost certainly lead to an even larger series of amateur only events. Any player on this year’s Tour is guaranteed a spot on the 2013 tour. In addition, we have agreed with organisers of the World Amateur Masters that all members of the UK tour will be granted direct entry to the finals in Blackpool, ( June 29 to July 1). There will be an entry fee of £40 for an event which carries an £18,000 prize fund, second only to the World Championships. Entry forms are on Page 32 as well as our website (www.ukpooltour.com), plus all players will be posted an entry form. Sky Sports are again transmitting the final stages of the World Championships in a series of weekly programmes plus we may be able to include the final of the World Amateur Masters in the series. Have a great time at Hinckley Isle Hotel with the second round of the UK Pool Tour.
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LIONS IN AUSTRALIA WAYNE’S WONDERS ARE PRIDE OF LIONS HISTORIC WIN DOWN UNDER FOR BRITISH POOL STARS Once again McCartney won all his frames for Australia. McCartney proved outstanding for the ‘Green and Gold’ and another unblemished record helped the Aussies regain a series advantage with two Tests to go. So with the pressure back on, the Lions, needed a big performance in the penultimate Test to force a shootout. And that is exactly what happened. Lomax again won all three of his frames, backed up by solid performances from Smith, Hawkins, Waring and Matthew who all won two frames each. A 14-10 triumph levelled the series at 2- 2.
Captain Wayne Smith hailed the success of the first ever British Lions 8-Ball Pool Tour to Australia. After a losing start to the five Test series in Sydney, the Lions roared back to snatch a dramatic seven frame shootout to claim victory. Welshman Paul Hawkins was the hero as he sank the all-important black ball against Barry Kitchener for a 4-2 play-off triumph. Smith, who won 10 of his 16 frames, including four break and clearances, agreed:”It was the best trip I have ever had in pool.
And so to the decider which started well for the Lions. Ben Nunan cleared the table but missed a long black. Up stepped Jason Murgatroyd who played solidly to control the frame and give the Lions a 1 – 0 lead. It became 2-0 when Matthew won a nervy game against Aussie skipper Ron Kelly. Dependable McCartney then pulled a frame back against European champion Attard and after Lomax missed a long black, Justin Sajich compiled the easiest of clearances to square the contest at 2-2.
“We were all a bit wary at the start as we did not know each other that well. “However, we started to bond from the minute we got to Australia. We spent a day together in Sydney before we played our first game and from that point we just got stronger and stronger. “We had meals together, drank together, went out together and all got behind each other. That’s why we did so well.
Next up was the battle of the captains; Woods against Smith. Woods went for game early but broke down to leave Smith a tricky but ultimately successful run out for a 3-2 lead.
“Don’t underestimate what we have done here. This is massive for pool, and we were the first team to do it. “It was a pleasure to captain and manage this team and I will hold those memories for many years. “Each and every one of you brought the best out of all of us. That’s why we achieved the biggest prize in pool.”
It was then Hawkins who grabbed the headlines in a scrappy and tense frame. After Kitchener missed his chance, Hawkins ran out with one difficult yellow ball to manoeuvre. He played all the right shots and split the yellow to leave the easiest of shots on the black to clinch a landmark victory for British 8-Ball Pool.
Australia, desperate to gain bragging rights on their own tables, started the series well with a 168 win thanks to fine play by WEPF World Championship semi-finalist, Ben Nunan, and singles winner, Steve Woods. But with jet lag starting to clear from their systems, the Lions hit back to draw the second Test 12-all. It could have been even better had Hawkins not missed a vital black with victory in sight.
McCartney was voted Australia’s player of the series for 11 wins from 16 frames while Lomax took the honours for the Lions. Smith achieved a total of four run outs from nine frames. Team Averages
Smith, Malta’s Clayton Attard and Scotsman Darren Matthew all produced some fine pool as Jake McCartney and Ron Kelly proved unbeatable for the Aussies. Getting stronger with every game, the Lions levelled the series thanks to a 15-9 success. Gavin Lomax was the star performer, winning two frames in double quick time from the break. Solid performances from Jason Murgatroyd and Liam Stanley helped secure the victory.
Wayne Smith Darren Matthew Clayton Attard Liam Stanley Paul Hawkins Gavin Lomax Jason Murgatroyd Scott Waring 30
16 / 10 Break and clear x 4 16 / 10 16 / 9 Break and clear x 1 15 / 6 16 / 6 16 / 10 Break and clear x 2 16 / 6 15 / 7
LIONS IN MALTA
LIONS CONQUER MALTA NOW FOR SOUTH AFRICA?
AFTER a historic series win in Australia last October, the British Lions were anxious to maintain their winning form during a week long trip to Malta.
And they did just that, rounding off an excellent stay on the George Cross Island with a 17-7 Test win over their hosts. It was another great performance by Wayne Smith's squad who also played warm-up games against local representative sides. And while the Lions defeated Top Guns 15-9, they started their stay with a 16-8 defeat to a strong team from St Georges. However, both fixtures were great preparation for the game against former European champions, Malta. And despite split loyalties local hero Clayton Attard represented the Lions as he had done with distinction Down Under. Maverick Zammit gave the hosts the perfect start before Attard, Jason Murgatroyd and Smith defeated Antoine Aquilina, Johan Attard and Clint Azzopardi. A 3-1 scoreline became 6-1 as Gavin Lomax, Paul Hawkins and Liam Stanley played solidly to beat Marjus Catt, Mario Brincat and Christ Mills. Ivan Rizzo, who famously knocked out Mick Hill at the 2002 WEPF World 8-Ball Championships, pulled one back for the home side, defeating Scott Waring. The second session started with the Lions roaring to the opening seven frames through: Attard, Murgatroyd, Smith, Matthew, Lomax, Hawkins and Stanley.
Marjus Catt defeated Waring to reduce the arrears to 13-3 going into the final session. Mathew made it 14-3 over Rizzo, Azzopardi beat Murgatroyd (14-4) while Attard continued his good form against Zammit. (15-4).
Malta won the next two frames through Johan Attard and Mills, beating Smith and Lomax before Hawkins and Stanley won both their games. The last word, however, went to Malta with Mario Brincat defeating the unlucky Waring for a 17-7 final score. Player of the week for the Lions was Jason Murgatroyd who won seven of his nine frames. In addition to the Test, a 32-man singles competition was won by Johan Attard beating Smith 8-5. Future plans for the Lions includes a tour to South Africa later this year and potentially games against several emerging East African pool playing nations. Indeed, the presence of the Lions would give the game a major shot in the arm in Kenya and Uganda. Certainly talks are well advanced for South Africa where it's envisaged playing internationals in Johannesburg and Cape Town. This will be the third visit by a UK side but the first by the Lions. Full details of how to qualify to be part of the lions trip to South Africa will be available shortly. Indeed, Iinterest is certain to be high as in 2013 the Lions will return to Australia to mark the 20th anniversary of the forming of the World 8-Ball Pool Federation.
British Lions Squad with the Australian Team 31
AMATEUR WORLD EIGHTBALL MASTERS £19,000 PRIZE FUND 29th JUNE & 1st JULY 2012 FINALS – IMPERIAL HOTEL, BLACKPOOL ENTRY FORM FOR THE USE OF UK POOL TOUR MEMBERS ONLY CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: FRIDAY 24th May 2012 This is your opportunity to gain direct entry 29th June & 1st July 2012. Entry:
This entry form is for the use of UK Pool Tour members only, Open to Amateur player only Entry forms to be sent, with a cheque/postal order, made payable to EPA, to the address below. Direct entry to the Grand Finals starting on Friday 29th June (7 p.m.) – ENTRY FEE £40. Rules: Played to World 8-ball Pool Rules. Play: Grand Final limited entry, play commences 7 p.m. on Friday 29th June with the Final stages on Sunday 1st July. No denims or trainers please. E.P.A. Dress code will be enforced. Venue: Imperial Hotel, Blackpool, North Promenade, Blackpool, Lancs. England. Regulations: All players must agree to abide by the Rules and Regulations of the event. The Tournament Directors decisions will be final. Members of the UK Pool Tour can only enter through the UK Pool Tour. Prize Fund: Champion £5,000 – Runner-up £2,000 – Semi-finals £1,000 each – Quarters-finals £500 each Last 16 £300 each – last 32 150 each – Last 64 £80 each --- PLUS Plate event £1,100. (optional entry)
PLEASE DETACH AND RETURN
COMPETITION ENTRY FORM 2012 World Eightball Pool Amateur Masters NAME ………………………...............………….. SIGN ……….………........………………….. (BLOCK CAPITALS)
ADDRESS ……………………………………………………………………………...................... ………………………………………………......................………………………………………… COUNTY ……….........................…………… POST CODE …………...........………………… TEL. NO. ……………….......……………. EMAIL …....................……………………………… Complete the entry form and send with a Cheque/Postal order for £40 (payable to the E.P.A.) send to:Tournament Office: 20, South View, Bamford, Rochdale, Lancs. Tel. 01706-642770 CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES – MONDAY 14th MAY 2012.
BUMPER PAY OUT FOR MASTERS
WORLD MASTERS 2012 A RECORD entry is guaranteed for the 2012 World Masters taking place during the World Championships at Blackpool this summer.
Masters which will be played over the weekend of June 29 to July 1.
To re-iterate, the World Masters, won in 2011 by Neil Raybone, is open to any amateur level player with four options available to gain direct entry to the final stages a. All amateur players playing for their country at the World Championships team events are eligible to enter. There is no age restriction and players from all categories of events at the Championships can enter the Masters event.
A bumper prize fund-with £5,000 on offer to the new champion-plus an amateur only format has guaranteed such a great response from the grass roots scene. With a level playing field guaranteed this has encouraged many more players to take a shot at the big money available in one of 8-Ball Pool’s major competitions. Masters qualifiers will be staged in 16 venues throughout the country so look out for details on the websites on how to enter.
b. Through the English Pool Association. The EPA has allocated places through their county structure and card holding members of the EPA should contact their county officials for details of entry.
With the World Championships and World Masters played at the same venue Blackpool’s Imperial Hote l- the total prize money for the two tournaments is over £ 45,000.
c. All amateur members of the UK Pool Tour. See entry form on page 32 or on website-www.ukpooltour.com
In addition to a £5,000 first prize, there is £2,000 on offer to the runner-up; £1,000 for losing semi-finalists, £500 for losing quarter-finalists, £300 for the last 16, £150 for the last 32 plus £80 for players beaten in the last 64. So far, more than 400 entries have been received.
d. Entry into new regional qualifiers which will played during May, with a total of 32 finalists from the 16 venues throughout the UK.
A large proportion of Masters’ entries clearly originate from the UK but there is always much interest from the rest of the world with South Africa and Australia already booking their places.
In addition to the World Masters, there is also a Ladies’ World Masters-holder Emma Cunningham- to be played on Sunday, July 1 and Monday, July 2. Further entry details to this event will also be published on the EPA and WEPF sites during the coming month.
Details of the venues will be published on the EPA and UK Tour sites during April.
All players travelling to the World Championships are entitled to participate in the 33
LEE-P OF FAITH
TOUR ONE REPORT
“This time I was favourite to win so the pressure shifts. So, I was glad to get over the line. “It was hard playing extra games on the Saturday. But you go away for the weekend to play pool, not sit in your hotel room.
LEE Kendall opened a new era for 8-Ball Pool by winning the first ever title on the new UK Pool Tour at the Barcelo Blackpool Imperial Hotel.
“I think the Premier League is a great addition to the schedule and hopefully next year it will be televised,” added Kendall, a quarter-finalist at the recent European Championships.
And no one could deny veteran Kendall is success after a long and distinguished career.
The England skipper certainly showed his class in the League and is currently top of the table on frame difference from former World Junior champion, Jordan Church.
Indeed, having twice finished runner-up to Gareth Potts on the 2011 IPA Tour, it was a case of third time lucky for the Stoke on Trent star.
The highlight of his three games was an 8-0 victory over Steven Kane. And Kendall took full advantage of the new ‘winner breaks’ format, running seven successive frames.
Kendall defeated Geordie Chris Gill in the final, using his vast experience to take the final two frames of an 8-6 win after trailing throughout the contest.
Winning the lag in his next match against Church, Kendall took his run to nine ‘dishes’ in a row before the sequence was broken.
“I expected to do well and possibly win the event but nothing is guaranteed,” agreed Kendall, a 7-6 last 16 and quarter-final winner over Tommy Donlon and Mark Bowen respectively.
“I practiced really hard before that first Tour and I knew I was in good form,” he explained. “So, I’ll be doing the same before Tour two to prove it wasn’t a fluke!”
“After all it had been a long time since I last won a Tour.
UK Tour One Results
“In fact, I think you’d have to go back to 2002 when I beat Darren Appleton to find my last Tour win.
Last 32: ee Pickard bt Lee Smeed 7-2, Jack Pople bt Ben Larson 7-5, Gavin Lomax bt Mark McGauley 7-4, Chris Gill bt Paul Riley 7-1, Andy O’Hara bt Jason Murgatroyd 7-2, Russell Burgess bt Mark Brannan 7-4, Chris Back bt Nick Phillips 7-1, Jason Taggart bt Carl Rowe 7-6, Lee Kendall bt Craig Kendall 7-0, Tommy Donlon bt Steve Bridgewood 7-3, Mark Bowen bt Keith Brewer 7-6, Oly Bale bt Shaun Brearley 7-5, Andy Cross bt Ian Ali 7-3, Steve Thompson bt Jonathan Bushnell 7-4, Liam Stanley bt Jamie Morray 7-2, Rich Mallard bt Neil Wren 7-4.
“To be honest it was a scrappy final. I’d played a lot of matches on the Saturday, including matches in the new Premier League. “So, by the time Sunday came round I had started to wilt. Fortunately, I managed to leave just enough petrol in the tank.”
Last 16: Pople bt Pickard 7-2, Gill bt Lomax 7-3, O’Hara bt Burgess 7-5, Back bt Taggart 7-5, Kendall bt Donlon 76, Bowen bt Bale 7-5, Thompson bt Cross 7-5, Stanley bt Mallard 7-0.
Gill grabbed the early initiative and found himself 2-0, 3-2 and 5-3 up. However, Kendall kept plugging away and played two excellent tactical frames to take the title.
Quarter-finals: Gill bt Pople 7-4, Back bt O’Hara 7-1, Kendall bt Bowen 7-0, Thompson bt Stanley 7-3.
“I was disappointed to lose those two finals to Gareth last year. But` I was always second favourite going into those games.
Semi-finals: Gill bt Back 8-5, Kendall bt Thompson 8-6. Final: Kendall bt Gill 8-6.
34
Chris Gill UK Tour 1 Runner-up
PREMIER LEAGUE
POTTERS CUE UP FOR PREMIER LEAGUE
15th placed Tour player as the replacement for the Premier League champion. No other current Premier League player will be considered other than the champion. Our first matches in the Premier League, starting on Tour One, were exceptional and justified our decision to start the event a year early.
When discussions took place on the structure for the new UK Tour, organisers intended 2012 would only comprise a Main Tour event and a Challenge tournament.
The intention was then to promote the top 16 players from the Main Tour to form the prestigious Premier League to become our third event of the 2013 UK Tour.
One of the rules introduced was that Winner has the break for the next frame to encourage players to go for the “dish.”As an incentive, we have offered the player with the most consecutive break and dish frames, a prize at the end of the season. Expectation was this would be won with three to four frames. However, Lee Kendall decided to put down a target by doing seven frames in his first match. This was then followed by Russell Burgess doing five consecutive break/dish frames in one of his earlier matches.
However, such was the superb response to the Tour’s formation; it was decided to immediately inaugurate the Premier League with eight players, previously in the professional ranks, plus a further four from the winners of Tour One. As a result the eight former pros would not play the Challenge event. And once we have completed the opening season, it will be top players from the previous year who will form the Premier League as their reward for doing well.
Can anyone now top Kendall’s total of seven? Anybody out there fancy it? There is also a prize for the player with the most breaks and dish wins.
So, the leading 14 players from the main event will automatically enter the Premier League in 2013. They will be joined by the leading Challenge event player in 2012 who is not already in the Premier League by virtue of being in the top 14 on the Main Tour. The final place for 2013 will go to the winner of this year’s Premier League. If that person is already chosen, then we will take the
Premier League 2012
1 1 3 3 5 5 5 8 8 8 8 8
Lee Kendall Jordan Church Neil Toms Wayne Smith Oly Bale Russell Burgess Keith Brewer David McQuillan Steve Kane Chris Gill Lee Pickard Challenge Play Off
P W D
L FD Pts
3 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 2 0 0 0
0 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 2 0 0 0
2 2 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 9 10 3 -1 -1 -3 -12 -15 0 0 0
5 5 4 4 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 36
Premier League matches are best of 14 frames with first to eight winning the contest. This also provides opportunity for a 7all draw as happened between Kendall and Jordan Church. Congratulations to Chris Gill on the Main Tour and Lee Pickard on the Challenge for their performance at Tour One. Both have won places in this year’s Premier League. There will be a play-off at Tour Two, between Ian Ali and Glyn Crook to decide the last place in the 2012 Premier League. Early days yet, but Kendall and Church are joint leaders after Tour One though Neil Toms is only one point behind them with a game in hand. We still have Gill, Pickard and the winner of the play-off who might just surprise a few when they start playing Premier League.
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES Session 1 Jordan Church Steve Kane Challenge Play Off Oly Bale Keith Brewer Russell Burgess
8 v 6 0 v 8 v v 3 v 8 3 v 8
Session 2 Lee Pickard Chris Gill Neil Toms Wayne Smith David McQuillan Lee Kendall
8 8 2 7
8 8 6 8
v v v v v v
v v v v v v
3 6 8 7
4 4 8 1
v v v v v v
Steve Kane Challenge Play Off 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 Challenge Play Off
Russell Burgess Jordan Church Steve Kane Lee Kendall Oly Bale Keith Brewer
v v v v v v
Lee Kendall David McQuillan Russell Burgess Lee Pickard Jordan Church Steve Kane
v v v v v v
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 Challenge Play Off 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
v v v v v v
Neil Toms Wayne Smith Oly Bale Keith Brewer Challenge Play Off Chris Gill
Session 11Matches for 17/11/2012
Challenge Play Off Chris Gill Neil Toms Wayne Smith David McQuillan Lee Pickard
David McQuillan Oly Bale Challenge Play Off Chris Gill Neil Toms Wayne Smith
Matches for 09/06/2012
v v v v v v
Matches for 09/06/2012
Session 10 Matches for 17/11/2012
Matches for 04/02/2012
Session 6 David McQuillan Lee Kendall Steve Kane Lee Pickard Wayne Smith Neil Toms
Session 8
Matches for 04/02/2012
Session 5 Keith Brewer Russell Burgess Jordan Church Steve Kane Lee Kendall Oly Bale
Keith Brewer Russell Burgess Challenge Play Off Chris Gill Neil Toms Oly Bale
Matches for 04/02/2012
Session 4 Neil Toms Wayne Smith David McQuillan Lee Pickard Challenge Play Off Chris Gill
David McQuillan Lee Kendall Lee Pickard Chris Gill Neil Toms Wayne Smith
Matches for 04/02/2012
Session 3 Chris Gill Oly Bale Keith Brewer Russell Burgess Jordan Church Challenge Play Off
Session 7
Matches for 04/02/2012
Oly Bale Keith Brewer Russell Burgess Jordan Church Challenge Play Off Chris Gill 37
v v v v v v
Lee Pickard Keith Brewer Russell Burgess Jordan Church Steve Kane Lee Kendall
CHALLENGE 1 REPORT
WARDING OFF THE OPPOSITION SUPER SIMON UP FOR THE CHALLENGE SIMON Ward is ready for an assault on the new UK Pool Tour after again proving his credentials on the sport’s undercard.
came through 5-3 in the end.” Ward also found himself trailing Pickard in the final. But from 3-2 down, he reeled off the next four frames to lift the trophy. His victory gave him automatic entry into the new, exciting Premier League, a chance he generously rejected due to personal commitments later in the year.
The 25-year-old South Wales potter, a qualified accountant, won his numbers games at Blackpool’s Imperial Hotel, including a 6-3 Challenge final success over Lee Pickard.
However, he was delighted by his weekend’s Challenge work. “The matches are relatively short races so you have got to take your chances.
It follows on from his achievements in 2011 when he made back-to-back appearances in the Challenge’s predecessor, the Club Open.. “That’s two wins out of three now but my main goal is now to do well on the Main Tour,” explained Ward.
“So, even though I wasn’t happy with my performance on the Main Tour, I’m pleased to win another one of these tournaments. “And I still think I am capable of making the top eight on the Tour providing I play well in the next few tournaments, starting this weekend.”
“I lost in the first round to Shaun Brearley and clearly I wanted to get further in the tournament. I decided to join the UK Pool Tour because there is some decent money on offer and I think I am capable of getting my share. “But I will only do that my winning more matches on the Main Tour.”
Challenge One Results Last 32: Simon Ward bt Gavin Lomax 5-2, Jason Hebron bt Steve Finnegan 5-2, Nick Phillips bt Mark McGauley 5-3, Matt Brearley bt Jason Taggart 5-3, Shaun Payne bt Rich Mallard 5-3, Nick Wollerton bt David Shand 5-2, Ian Ali bt Stuart Langford 5-1, John Sullivan bt Adam Griffiths 51, Tony Bayes bt Andy Cross 5-4, JJ Faul bt Tommy Jones 5-2, Glyn Crook bt Jonathan Bushnell 5-4, Tommy Donlon bt Steve Bell 5-1, Wayne Camm bt Jamie Simmons 5-1, Matt Brannan bt Karl Milner 5-3, Luke Bowry bt Carl Rowe 5-2, Lee Pickard bt James Murphy 5-3.
Ward, who first represented Wales Under 16’s at the age of nine!, made up for his early exit by going the distance in club land. However, Ward, who plays out of Champs Pool Club in Gorseinon, nearly suffered an unwanted double. Such is the strength in depth of the competition, in the last 32 he faced Gavin Lomax, a member of the all conquering British Lions squad in Australia and Malta.
Last 16: Ward bt Hebron 5-1, Brierley bt Phillips 5-3, Payne bt Wollerton 5-2, Ali bt Sullivan 5-3, Faul bt Bayes 5-0, Crook bt Donlon 5-3, Camm bt Brannan 5-4, Pickard bt Bowry 5-0. Quarter-finals: Ward bt Brierley 5-2, Ali bt Payne 5-2, Crook bt Faul 53, Pickard bt Camm 5-3.
“I was 2-0 down to in the last 32 and he missed a black to go 3-0 up,” recalled Ward. “Fortunately, I managed to come back to win 5-2. Then in the semi-final I didn’t play very well against Ian Ali. “He missed a black to make it 4-4 and I
Semi-finals: Ward bt Ali 5-3, Pickard bt Crook 5-1. Final: Ward bt Pickard 6-3.
38
Simon Ward UK Challenge 1 Winner
40
Lee Pickard Tour 1 Challenge Runner-up
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43
UK POOL TOUR PROVISIONAL 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 Chris Gill Chris Back Steve Thompson Andy O'Hara Jack Pople Liam Stanley Mark Bowen Andy Cross Gavin Lomax Jason Taggart Lee Pickard Oly Bale Rich Mallard Russell Burgess Tommy Donlon Ben Larson Carl Rowe Craig Kendall Ian Ali Jamie Moray Jason Murgatroyd Jonathan Bushnell Keith Brewer Lee Smeed Mark McGauley Matt Brannan Neil Wren Nick Phillips Paul Riley Shaun Brearley Steve Bridgwood Andrew Herriot Chris Rigby Danny Davies Harris Ali Jamie Simmons Jason Bates Jason Toovey John Bowkett John Parkin John Rimmer Jordan Church Kevin McGarry Luke Godfrey Mark Shepherd Martin Goddard Matthew Evans Matthew Schofield Michael Bebb Michael Smout Mike Quinn Nick Wollerton Nigel Olding Pat Kelley Paul Horner Paul McArdell Richard Cairns Ron Sharpe Spencer Jones Steve Finnegan Stuart Harker Tommy Jones Wayne Camm
Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-upon-Tyne Sutton Bridge Sunderland Southport Sittingbourne Nottingham Ammanford Ramsgate Leicester Barnsley Nottingham Bridgwater Gloucester Weston-Super-Mare Leicester Halifax Boston Willenhall Stepney Stroud Bradford Neath Poole Harlow Milton Keynes Penrith Portsmouth Highgate Blythe Northwich Stoke on Trent Sheffield Nottingham Glenfield Bradford Brighton Bourne Liphook Leicester Bishop Auckland Southport Newington Blythe Hastings Clerkenwell Stroud Littleborough Walsden Llanymynech Oswestry Gloucester Barnsley Swindon Nottingham York Harlow Sherbourne Langley Mill Great Yarmouth Chesterfield Cleckheaton Liverpool Grimsby
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
16 12 10 10 8 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
PROVISIONAL CHALLENGE RANKINGS 2012 Pos
Name
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 Ian Ali Glyn Crook Matt Brierley Wayne Camm J.J. Faul Shaun Payne Tony Bayes Luke Bowry Matt Brannan Tommy Donlon Jason Hebron Nick Phillips Nick Wollerton John Sullivan Steve Bell Andy Cross Steve Finnegan Adam Griffiths Tommy Jones Stuart Langford Gavin Lomax Rich Mallard Mark Mcgauley Karl Milner James Murphy Carl Rowe Jamie Simmons Jason Taggart
Rank
16 10 10 8 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
45
Pos
Name
Rank
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
Jonathan Bushnell Steve Bridgwood Shaun Brearley Danny Davies Ian Duffy Luke Godfrey Stuart Harker Andrew Hughes Dave Hughes Andy Humphrey Terry Humphreys Spencer Jones Craig Kendall Rob Johnson Ben Larson Chris Mcmullan Jamie Moray Jason Murgatroyd Simon Olding Paul Riley Ron Sharpe Ryan Shaw Lee Smeed Jason Toovey Pete Trotman Luke Wassell Stephen Whatley Neil Wren Mark Eckersley
4 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
World Eight-ball Pool Championships 2012 FINAL QUALIFIERS – VENUES ???
Venue details with contact names & phone numbers will be available from Monday 16th April 2012 on the EPA website
www.epa.org.uk WINNING PLAYER(S) WILL GO FORWARD FROM EACH VENUE TO PLAY AT THE WORLD FINALS IN BLACKPOOL PLAY FOR THE TITLE OF
WORLD 8 BALL POOL CHAMPION at the Grand Finals in Blackpool July 2012 Terms and conditions: (1). Over 18s only, excluding employees of this outlet, employees of the Sponosr; and anyone professionally connected with this competition and their immediate families. Restricted to UK residents only. (2). ENTRY FEE OF £20 PER PERSON. Ask bar staff for Entry Forms, (or from www.epa.org.uk). Complete the form and send with a cheque/postal order, made payable to the chosen venue. All entries to be sent to venue prior to the qualifier date. (3). Games will be played to World 8 Ball Pool Rules (see www.epa.org.uk ). (4). Play will commence at 11am on date given for each venue and the event will be completed on that day, with a minimum of 1 player from each venue, going to play at the World Finals in Blackpool, where they will compete on 25th June, then from 28th June to 1st July, and if they progress to the Semi-Final stages 4th to 5th July. Those who win the ‘Qualifiers’ will receive an information pack about the World Finals. (5). Only 20 venues, see ‘Entry Forms’ for venue details and date played. (6). Each venue requires a minimum of 16 players and a maximum of 32 players. One winner from 16-31 players will go through to the World Finals. In the event of 32 players entering, the final 2 players from each competition will progress to the World Finals. Limited to a maximum 32 players per venue. Winning players from the ‘Qualifier competition’ go forward to Blackpool and have B&B accommodation and entry fee to World Championships paid for. There is no cash alternative. (7). All players must agree to abide by the Rules and Regulations of the E.P.A. – Tournament Directors decisions will be final. (8). Winner details will be available at www.epa.org.uk within 7 days of each qualifying event. (9). The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend this competition due to circumstances outside its control.
46
World Eight-Ball
Pool Championships 2012 Promoter: English Pool Association, World Championship Pool Office, 20 South View, Bamford, Rochdale, Lancs. OL11 5HU. Tel. 01706-642770 COMPETITON ENTRY FORM PLEASE COPY AND RETURN ALL OF THIS COMPLETED FORM, INCLUDING VENUE CHOSEN.
2012 World Championships National Qualifier NAME ...............................................................
SIGNATURE ............................................
(BLOCK CAPITALS)
ADDRESS ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................
COUNTY….........……………………....
E-MAIL ................................................................................................................................... POST CODE ...................................................
TEL. No. …………….................………
ENTRY FORMS RETURNED MUST HAVE A CHEQUE/POSTAL ORDER FOR £ 20 PAYABLE TO VENUE SEND IN THE COMPLETED FORM TO THE CHOSEN VENUE, RING VENUE FOR FURTHER DETAILS. NOTE THAT ONLY THE FIRST 16/32 PAID ENTRIES FOR EACH VENUE WILL BE ACCEPTED. SHOULD LESS THAN 16 PLAYERS APPLY AT A VENUE, AND THAT QUALIFIER MAYBE CANCELLED YOU WILL BE REFUNDED IN FULL
WORLD EIGHTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS – FINAL NATIONAL QUALIFIERS 2012
DIARY OF EVENTS PROGRAMME OF EVENTS UK POOL TOUR 2012 DATE MARCH
30TH - 1ST
EVENT TITLE EPA INTER-LEAGUE FINALS
VENUE VAUXHALL HOLIDAY PARK
APRIL
6TH - 9TH 6TH - 7TH 7TH - 9TH
UK POOL TOUR 2 PREMIER LEAGUE FESTIVAL OF POOL
HINCKLEY HOTEL HINCKLEY HOTEL HINCKLEY HOTEL
MAY
11TH - 13TH 11TH
EPA GOLDEN CUE FINALS EPA WORLD MASTERS QUAL.
VAUXHALL HOLIDAY PARK VAUXHALL HOLIDAY PARK
JUNE
8TH - 10TH 8TH - 9TH 23RD 24TH 29TH - 1ST
UK POOL TOUR 3 PREMIER LEAGUE WORLD QUALIFIER FINALS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS START WORLD MASTERS
DAVENTRY HOTEL DAVENTRY HOTEL IMPERIAL, BLACKPOOL IMPERIAL, BLACKPOOL IMPERIAL, BLACKPOOL
JULY
3RD - 4TH
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
IMPERIAL, BLACKPOOL TELEVISED FOR SKY SPORTS
AUGUST
31ST - 2ND
UK POOL TOUR 4
HINCKLEY HOTEL
SEPTEMBER1ST
PREMIER LEAGUE
HINCKLEY HOTEL
OCTOBER 5TH - 7TH
EPA INTER-LEAGUE K.O.
VAUXHALL HOL. PARK
NOVEMBER 9TH - 11TH 9TH - 11TH
EPA CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS EPA LADIES TOUR FINALS
VAUXHALL HOL. PARK VAUXHALL HOL. PARK
UK POOL TOUR 5 PREMIER LEAGUE
HARROGATE BARCELO HARROGATE BARCELO
16TH - 18TH 16TH - 17TH
UK POOL TOUR 2013 DATE FEBRUARY 15TH - 17TH 15TH - 16TH 17TH - 23RD
EVENT TITLE UK POOL TOUR 1 PREMIER LEAGUE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
48
VENUE IMPERIAL, BLACKPOOL IMPERIAL, BLACKPOOL IMPERIAL BLACKPOOL
Strachan ÂŽ
the finest pool cloth in the world.
As used by the EPA and UK Pool Tour for the 8-ball World Championships. The short dense nap offers the player the ultimate playing experience with unrivalled speed, consistency and control.
8
ATION CI
GLISH EN
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,ODGEMORE -ILLS
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