LALIGA makes history with its first Retro Matchday

A unique and unprecedented activation in the sports industry, combining complexity and global scale, with impact across broadcast, digital, retail, and sponsorship. More than 547 million views and nearly 30 million fan interactions underscore the success of this cross-ecosystem initiative.

LALIGA has successfully delivered the first Retro Matchday in its history, an unprecedented and pioneering project in the sports industry due to its complexity and coordinated execution. The initiative transformed a matchday into a 360º global experience, activating clubs, broadcasters, sponsors, and partners simultaneously across all markets.

Under the concept “A Living Legacy,” the Retro Matchday connected the past and present of Spanish football, becoming one of the largest collective activations in the competition’s history, with 38 clubs participating and the entire ecosystem involved.

The project stood out for its cross-functional impact, reaching all key pillars across clubs and LALIGA. The Retro Matchday generated more than 547 million views and nearly 30 million interactions (up 197% compared to the same matchday last season) in the digital space, establishing itself as one of the season’s most impactful initiatives. The global conversation and media coverage, with thousands of placements across national and international outlets, further reinforced its relevance.

From a broadcast perspective, the audiovisual experience was reimagined through a retro narrative adopted by both LALIGA and their broadcasters. In Spain, Movistar Plus+ adapted its coverage under the concept “Football as it used to be,” surpassing 3 million views, while DAZN published more than 100 pieces of content related to the initiative, generating over 50 million views.

International broadcasters such as ESPN, DAZN and Migu in China, integrated the concept across live matches, studio programming and original content. Talent associated with these operators also played a key role in amplifying the initiative, generating more than 8 million views and nearly 300,000 interactions across social media. Figures such as Diletta Leotta (DAZN Italy), alongside creators in markets including Japan, the United States and China, reinforced the project’s global dimension. In total, nearly 190 creators participated, producing more than 617 pieces of content and generating 153 million impressions and 7.4 million interactions.

From a commercial perspective, the initiative boosted club retail through retro collections, with all 12 technical suppliers of LALIGA clubs coordinating efforts to bring the activation to life.

The Retro Matchday also featured both club and LALIGA sponsors, including PUMA, which developed a specially themed match ball for the occasion. The initiative also extended beyond the stadium, with the collection unveiled in March at a fashion show during Madrid Fashion Week. In addition, LEGENDS: The Home of Football in Madrid is hosting a dedicated exhibition featuring retro jerseys from participating clubs until May 4th, further strengthening the connection between history, identity and fans.

The success of this first edition positions LALIGA’s Retro Matchday as a benchmark initiative within the industry and reinforces its place in the calendar, with plans to return on the same matchday next season. The project highlights LALIGA’s ability to deliver global, innovative and highly complex activations, creating value across its entire ecosystem, from broadcasters and sponsors to clubs and fans.

Rubilen Amit is the 2024 Women's World 9-Ball Champion!

Filipino pool fans are ecstatic and proud to congratulate Rubilen Amit for winning the 2024 Massé WPA Women's World 9-Ball Championship! She defeated Chinese star Siming Chen in 4 sets on Sunday morning in the tournament held in Hamilton, New Zealand. 

Amit is now a three-time WPA World Championship title holder after having won two World 10-Ball titles back in 2009 and 2013. She secured the coveted 9-Ball crown in a controversial format wherein matches are played in short sets. The preliminary rounds were best-of-three affairs, while the final was a best-of-five, with each player needing to secure 4 racks to win a set. 

Much has been said about the format, with some saying that the short race per set favors the weaker players. However, the names that got through to the latter stages of the tournament would prove otherwise. In the semis, Chen defeated Japan's Chihiro Kawahara before facing Amit in the final, while the eventual champion had to find her way through multiple European title holder Kristina Tkach in the other semi-final match.

Other former champions like Kelly Fisher, Jasmin Ouschan, Liu Shasha, Wei Tzu-Chien and Chezka Centeno also went fairly deep into the tournament. 

Amit has won the $50,000 top prize. A well-deserved reward after years of hard work. At this point, amid all the hype that surrounded the summer games, it's time to question once more why pool sports are not included in the Olympics. In any case, I can only hope that our freshly-minted 9-Ball champion will receive as much recognition as our Olympians. 

Kylian Mbappe finally shows up! Brace seals victory against Real Betis

Photographer: Antonio Villalba, Víctor Carretero y David S. Bustamante

REAL MADRID 2-0 REAL BETIS

After what can only be described as a disappointing opening to the 2024/25 La Liga season, Real Madrid CF fans were relieved to see the team beat Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium last Sunday.

The defending champions arrived with only two draws and one win from their opening three matches, and the victory on Sunday was crucial to get their campaign on track ahead of the international break. 

Los Blancos were not convincing in the opening half despite having being able to create a good number of scoring opportunities. The match remained goalless at the half, but the home side shifted gears after the break. They sealed the deal after French striker Kylian Mbappe finally made his presence felt. 

The massively hyped-up new arrival stole the show, scoring twice to record his first brace at home for his dream club. The Santiago Bernabeu crowd was extremely appreciative, giving him a standing ovation when he came off later in the match to give way for Luka Modrić. 

There were a lot of doubts about how well the Real Madrid squad would gel with the arrival of a superstar like Mbappe, but it seems like the rest of the squad are doing their best to figure out how to maximize his potential. 

Mbappe's first goal came at the 67th minute off a brilliant back-heel assist from Federico Valverde. Then, Brazilian forward Vini Jr. won a penalty, and the Frenchman was given the opportunity to take the spot. He took on the challenge and didn't waste the opportunity to score a brace. 

Meanwhile, Betis were not exactly sleeping in the sidelines throughout the Mbappe show. They created the first scoring opportunity after the tenth minute with a cross from Perraud which was headed wide by Abde. 

Apart from Mbappe's brace, Real Madrid players also created other scoring opportunities. Eder Militao forced a save out of Rui Silva with a header off Rodrygo's corner around the 20 minute mark. Soon after, Valverde made an attempt that was deflected off Natan straight to Silva's path. 

In the second half, Valverde was the architect of an attack that found Vini Jr., who managed to strike the post. 

Nearing the hour mark, Real Madrid appealed for a penalty after Sabaly fouled Dani Ceballos, but the pleas fell on deaf ears. Finally, Mbappe's opening goal in the 67the minute gave the home crowd and players some relief. 

The home team's confidence grew after the first goal, and the second came in the 75th minute after Vini was brought down by Silva. 

Referee Alberola Rojas called for offside, but VAR intervened. He consulted the monitor and eventually reversed his decision and pointed to the spot. Mbappé converted and made history with his first brace at home in the white shirt. 

Real Madrid remain unbeaten in La Liga thus far this season, but two wins at home and two draws away is not an ideal record. At least six injuries to the first team squad have already been recorded, and the international break is a welcome opportunity for the players to buy some time while recovering. 

2014 PartyPoker Mosconi Cup : Wilson names USA Squad

FOLLOWING ON from his appointment in January, 2014 USA PartyPoker Mosconi Cup captain MARK WILSON today names his squad of eight players who will be tasked with winning pool’s most prestigious team trophy for the first time since 2009.

Wilson has opted for a blend of experience and youth and his eight-man squad will be reduced down to the five who will travel to Blackpool, England at the end of November to contest the 21st annual Mosconi Cup.

Head of the pack and named as one of his two vice-captains is SHANE VAN BOENING, who will be making his eighth appearance in the event. The 30 year-old South Dakota native said, "I have been looking forward to another chance to win in the biggest setting. Winning is what I am focused on every day, and I want this one more than ever.”

Wilson added, “He routinely excels against the strongest players and deepest fields.  He exemplifies the work ethic, sportsmanship, and proficiency expected from all members of the team.  Team USA could not have a better leader on the table.”

Looking to make his second appearance in the Mosconi Cup after being a member of the team that successfully retained the trophy in 2006 is ‘Mr 400’ JOHN SCHMIDT. The 40 year old, now residing in California, is the oldest member of the squad and is thrilled at the prospect, "Being chosen for this Team USA and the chance to play for a Mosconi Cup is the most humbling experience and the biggest honor of my life."

Looking to make his eighth appearance is Prince of Pool, COREY DEUEL, who is hoping to add to his three Mosconi Cup wins.

"The last time that I played was the last time that the US won and I have some new ideas to offer for preparation of this year's team - concepts that I will share with every team member. The Blackpool venue is so inspiring that I can hardly wait for December."

The fourth member of the squad is 30 year-old BRANDON SHUFF who received a Mosconi Cup baptism of fire at the York Hall on his only previous appearance in 2012.

"This guy has a ton of heart along with a great work ethic, and will be primed for a great year,” said Wilson. “He puts himself out there by playing many events throughout the US and I am pleased to have him on the team."

The first of the potential debutants is the highly-rated JUSTIN HALL, the 26 year-old from Palm Harbor, Florida.

"I have known of this kid’s talent and all-round skills for years, and now is the time that all of his previous success and experience will make the difference," said Wilson.

A proven champion at both banks and one-pocket, Hall is determined to take his chance, “I always wanted to make the Mosconi Cup team, and now that the opportunity is here, I will further intensify my training. I love being under pressure to perform and am looking forward to both the challenge to make the final five, and the opportunity to win on the biggest stage."

Another Mosconi Cup veteran hoping to return to the fray is California’s OSCAR DOMINGUEZ, who was part of 2009’s winning team on his only other appearance.

"The pinnacle of my career was the 2009 Mosconi Cup victory; it was quite an amazing experience and I am very grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the team in 2014,” said Dominguez.

Wilson added, "Oscar epitomizes the new face of the sport - positivity, work ethic, passion, and great attitude. I played many times against his father Ernesto, and I knew this kid would be an ideal candidate. Beyond being respectful he is just the kind of guy that I would want by my side in combat.”

The second rookie in the squad is 26 year-old JUSTIN BERGMAN who hails from Fairview Heights in Illinois. Justin has many regional victories and one major tournament win in the One Pocket division at the Southern Classic in 2012.

"Justin has been a good player since childhood; able to break and run out a rack on a 9' table since he was just 11 years-old. Given his recent form he will generate some real excitement and quite possibly shake up the pool hierarchy,” said Mark Wilson.

Bergman added, "I have only dreamed of ever making Team USA and going to the Mosconi Cup. I have been very dedicated the last couple of years and feel that I am improving and getting results. This is the next step."

The final piece in the Team USA jigsaw puzzle is Connecticut-based rookie JEREMY SOSSEI. One of the strongest players in the northeast, he has many regional tournament victories, and strong showings against some of the best players in the world.

The 34 year-old said, "Getting the call to possibly represent the USA in the Mosconi Cup has been a dream come true. I'm ecstatic! I've been working hard on my game the last couple of years and I believe I'm ready. With team work we can get the Cup back."

  

As well as Shane Van Boening, Mark Wilson has named DON WARDELL MD as his second Vice-Captain.

The 60 year-old is a practicing physician with a passion for billiards. Wardell has a strong interest in billiards history, sports medicine, training techniques, and biomechanics. He will be assisting Mark Wilson throughout the preparation over the coming months as well as in Blackpool when the event gets underway.

The 2014 PARTYPOKER.COM Mosconi Cup is sponsored by PartyPoker.com, the world's leading online poker site. The Official Table of the Mosconi Cup is supplied by Diamond Billiards, the cloth is supplied by Iwan Simonis and the Official Balls are Super Aramith by Saluc. Predator is the Official Cue and Mosconi Cup clothing is supplied by Universe.

Follow the PartyPoker Mosconi Cup of Facebook and Twitter @mosconicup

Luke Riches, Matchroom Sport: luke.riches@matchroom.com 

888.com World Cup of Pool 2013: England B, Holland and Philippines Through

 

Holland 7-2 Scotland
England B 7-4 Portugal
Philippines 7-4 Croatia

THERE were wins for three of the fancied teams at the 888.com World Cup of Pool as England B, Holland and the Philippines all made their way into the second round as play continued at the York Hall in London.

The Philippines pair of Dennis Orcollo and Lee Vann Corteza closed out the evening beating Croatia – Karlo Dalmatin and Ivica Putnik – 7-4. The Croatians were in with a chance as they stayed with their opponents in the early stages, but a succession of errors saw the team spirit drain away.

With a strong Filipino contingent in the crowd, including the Ambassador, the duo from Manila completed the win.

In the second match, England B – Chris Melling and Daryl Peach – were big favourites against a Portuguese team making their 888.com World Cup of Pool debut and they justified the bookmaker’s faith with a scrappy 7-4 win to book a second round game against Germany.

It wasn’t their greatest showing but if getting into the second round was their goal, they achieved it. They took the early 3-0 lead, but then Melling failed to get out of a snooker and with ball in hand, Portugal reduced the deficit. The Portuguese pair of Manual Gama and Guilherme Sousa started to shed their early nerves and after a poor miss on the brown 7 by Melling they got the score back to 3-4.

They shared the next two racks and at 5-4 down, Portugal had every chance of springing an upset. However, they couldn’t capitalise on it and the English pair held their nerve to get over the line

“Most players only play a table as quick as this in Matchroom events. It is a quality table and I don’t think you can find a table as quick as that,” said Melling.

“Most people at home don’t understand the pressure you are under. At the end of the day as long as you win that is main thing. We will both go back and assess our game because we both made some mistakes but we both made some great shots as well and that is the beauty of pool.”

Peach added, “It is a little bit nerve wracking but it’s nice to get the first match and the first win under your belt.”

Earlier, Holland, with the dependable duo of Niels Feijen and Nick Van den Berg, took out Scotland 7-2 to advance to the last 16. With a wealth of scotch doubles experience, both in the Mosconi Cup and this event, they always had a little too much for the Scottish team comprised of American-based up and comer Jayson Shaw and seasoned vet Jonni Fulcher.

 Feijen was delighted to get through what could potentially have been a banana skin; “It was the first match of the tournament and we had to get used to the table as it slides a lot and also the lights and the crowd.

“We grew in confidence though after both teams made a couple of mistakes. We’re a good doubles pair and have got a lot of experience and at this venue where we both helped take down the Mosconi Cup last December. Hopefully we can keep it going.”

The 2013 888.com World Cup of Pool runs from Tuesday September 17 to Sunday, September 22 at the famous York Hall in Bethnal Green, East London. The field features 32 teams from 31 countries in a single elimination format. The total prize fund is US$250,000 with $60,000 going to the eventual champions.

Play continues tomorrow with three more first round matches:

Japan v Sweden
China v Hungary              
Russia v Hong Kong        

For live streaming of the 888.com World Cup of Pool go to http://www.pool.livesport.tv/home

The 2013 World Cup of Pool runs from 17 – 22 September and takes place at the York Hall, London. For those wanting to watch the action in person, all tickets are available from www.seetickets.com (Search ‘World Cup of Pool’)

via press release

2013 888.com World Cup of Pool: First Session Completes With Wins for Three Favourites

Finland 7-2 Austria                                                           

Korea 7-2 Estonia                                                                         

Germany 7-4 Malta

Defending champions Finland – Mika Immonen and Petri Makkonen - are through to the second round of the 888.com World Cup of Pool following a comfortable 7-2 win over Austria as the six-day tournament got underway at the York Hall in East London.

                            

They won five racks in a row from 2-1 down to seal victory, after Austria, represented by Jasmine and Albin Ouschan, looked set to go 3-1 ahead. Jasmine, though, miscued pocketing the brown 7 and lost position. Trying to catch up left her with a tough cut on the 9 ball which she left in the jaws of the corner pocket.

After that the tide turned as the confident Finnish duo sprinted for the line.

“It’s always tough in the first match. We were a bit jittery and they had a chance for 3-1 but it was a tough one for Jasmine on the 9 and she jarred it. We got in control, didn’t look back and closed door,” said Mika Immonen.

“We’re happy to get over the first hurdle. It was nerve-wracking but we’re just trying to stay positive for next match.” He added.

The 2013 888.com World Cup of Pool runs from Tuesday September 17 to Sunday, September 22 at the famous York Hall in Bethnal Green, East London. The field features 32 teams from 31 countries in a single elimination format. The total prize fund is US$250,000 with $60,000 going to the eventual champions.

Korea (Ham Won Sik and Ryu Seung Woo), a semi-finalist in Manila in 2011, progressed to the round of 16 with a win over European qualifiers Estonia made up of Erki Erm and Dennis Grabe. It was an error-strewn match that never looked like catching fire and there were countless ball in hand opportunities in the first half of the game, as neither side really took advantage of them.

The Koreans though surged ahead in the closing stages to take the match and can look forward to a round two match against Finland.

The final match of the session saw Germany put paid to Maltese hopes with a 7-4 win. The German pair of veteran Ralf Souquet and debutant Dominic Jentsch were fancied from the off but soon found themselves 4-1 down to Tony Drago and Alex Borg.

As with most turnarounds, it hinged on a single incident when Tony Drago, thinking that the Germans had made no contact with the object ball, picked the cue ball up and positioned it.

However, there was no such foul committed, and the ball in hand went to the Germans who converted the rack. From there, they didn’t miss as they took the next five for the victory.

Commented Souquet, “The score was 4-1 to them and we were hoping for mistake as we just couldn’t get going. They had some nice easy outs so we had to hope for something but didn’t expect that!

“We’re going to relax and try and stay focused as our next match won’t be any easier. We will work on our game, mainly on our breaks but when it comes to shooting we are ready,” he added.

Play continues this evening with three more first round matches:

Holland v Scotland

England B v Portugal

Philippines v Croatia

For live streaming of the 888.com World Cup of Pool go to http://www.pool.livesport.tv/home

The 2013 World Cup of Pool runs from 17 – 22 September and takes place at the York Hall, London. For those wanting to watch the action in person, all tickets are available from www.seetickets.com (Search ‘World Cup of Pool’)

The 2013 World Cup of Pool  is delighted to work with our valued suppliers – Official Table  -  Diamond; Official Cloth: Iwan Simonis; Official Balls: Super Aramith; Official Cue: Predator.

via press release

2013 World Cup of Pool: Philippines up for the job

WITH THE 2013 World Cup of Pool set to take place in London from 17-22 September, it’s no surprise that leading UK bookmaking firm William Hill have installed the super-talented Filipino pairing of Dennis Orcollo and Lee Vann Corteza as joint favourites at 8/1 along with the USA.

The deadly duo from Manila, currently world ranked #2 and #3 respectively, are certainly one of the in-form pairs competing for the $60,000 top prize when 32 two-player teams from all over the world convene at the York Hall for the six day event.

Although the Philippines have won this event on two occasions in its seven year history, both times it was the pairing of Pinoy pool legends Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante who claimed the glory.

The nearest Orcollo has come was a runners-up spot in 2010 when he and Roberto Gomez were well beaten by China, while Corteza will be making his second appearance in the competition after partnering Orcollo in Manila in 2012.

Last September, with the weight of expectation on their shoulders, they flopped, going down 8-7 to a giant-killers Switzerland in the first round.

“I am very honoured to be given another chance to represent the Philippines in the World Cup of Pool,” said Corteza.

“To be honest, last year was like a blur and it was over before we knew it. The pressure from our home crowd was a little too much to handle but hopefully this time we can perform better.”

There will certainly be plenty of Filipinos in the crowd when Corteza and Orcollo break off against Croatia on the opening night but it will be nothing to compare to the stifling pressure of 3,000 countrymen willing every ball into the pockets.

Orcollo added, “We feel a bit more confident away from home but it would be great if there were some of our countrymen cheering us on.

“Playing in the World Cup is always a thrill and this is my fifth consecutive year with four different partners. My dream is to finally raise the Cup this year together with Lee Vann. We are more mature, a little more confident and we are very hungry to win this one.”

“It’s certainly one of the best tournaments on the calendar and when you’re playing for your country it always means a little bit more.”


The 2013 World Cup of Pool runs from 17 – 22 September and takes place at the York Hall, London. All tickets are available from www.seetickets.com (Search ‘World Cup of Pool’)

The 2013 World Cup of Pool  is delighted to work with our valued suppliers – Official Table  -  Diamond; Official Cloth: Iwan Simonis; Official Balls: Super Aramith; Official Cue: Predator.

via press release