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

2013 PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup: Souquet named as first European player

RALF SOUQUET will break yet another record this December when he dons the blue European shirt to do battle in the 20th annual PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

It will be the German’s 16th time as a member of Team Europe and cements his existing record for the leading number of appearances by a European player in pool’s No.1 event.

And when the tournament gets underway on Monday 2nd December, Souquet will be looking to improve upon two other Mosconi records he currently holds – all-time number of wins (45), and more matches played by any European player (75).

“The Mosconi Cup is by far the best event out there in the world of billiards and there are hardly any words to explain how big and important this tournament is,” said a delighted Souquet.

“I don't know my team mates yet but no matter who will join our team, captain Johan Ruijsink will make us work hard and fight for our lives to keep the Cup in Europe, and win this prestigious event for the 4th time in a row.”

In total, Souquet has been on the winning side five times in his 15 Mosconi Cup outings and it will be his fifth visit to Las Vegas to represent his continent.

“Playing in the Mirage in Las Vegas will be special as well because that's the place where I won the Challenge of Champions back in 1996. It won't be an easy task though because the American team will fight their hearts out as well, especially on home soil.

“Having played already 15 times for team Europe, it brings back a lot of memories. Some are better than others but when I sealed the deal for our team in Las Vegas in 2007, it was definitely one of the best moments.

“I was only scared for a moment when team mate Tony Drago stormed into the arena and wrestled me to the floor to celebrate the victory!” he added.

Souquet will be in action at his old stomping ground of the York Hall in London from 17-22 September when along with Dominic Jentsch, he competes for Germany in the World Cup of Pool.  The scotch doubles format will prove ideal as they attempt to regain the trophy they last won in 2011.

The PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup takes place at the Mirage Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas from Monday 2nd to Thursday 5th December and features two five-man teams representing the USA and Europe.

The Europeans are the defending champions, having won 11-9 in London last December, their fifth win in six years.

 Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.com (Search ‘Mosconi Cup’) or directly from the Mirage on (+1) 702 792 7777 or 1-800-963-9634.

*This is the third of 11 announcements naming the two 2013 PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup teams.

The 2013 Mosconi Cup is delighted to work with our valued suppliers –Diamond – Official Table; Iwan Simonis: Official Cloth; Aramith: Official Balls and Predator: Official Cue.

Formula One Silly Season- Who's Going Where?

It's summer break once again and while the F1 paddock is calm and quiet on the outside, a lot of chaos is brewing under the surface. Sure, teams are busy working on improvements to their cars for the second half of the season but the biggest buzz is around the transfer negotiations.

The driver changes for next season got stirred up by Mark Webber's announcement that he is set to leave Red Bull Racing and Formula One altogether at the end of the season. This leaves the seat open for the future team mate of reigning World Champion and current championship leader Sebastian Vettel. It's one of the most sought-after seats on the grid because of the Redbull's recent success however, rumored favoritism in the team which allegedly hurt the team's relationship with Webber is a big factor to consider in choosing a team mate. Where's Rubens Barrichello when you need him?

Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen is one of the top contenders for the Red Bull seat due to his stellar performance this year so far. He currently sits in second place in the World Championship race 38 points behind Vettel. However, because of the same success, Lotus is keen on keeping him in the team. Obviously Red Bull can afford a more lucrative package for Kimi but he's been known to make odd decisions in his career. Rumors also exploded after the Hungarian GP that Ferrari have offered Kimi his seat back in the team where he won his lone world title. The logical explanation would be becaus ethey finally woke up and realized that Massa is a dead weight right? But no, the seat to be vacated in Ferrari is allegedly that of Fernando Alonso due to recent tensions brought about by the car's lack of performance.

This brings forward the status of Lotus' lineup for next season. With Raikkonen potentially leaving, this leaves a spot open. It's also well known that Romain Grosjean is in danger of losing his job after his never ending series of mishaps and penalties.


Recent success in the Mercedes team means that they will likely retain both drivers for next year. The team has already won three races this year and with his win in Hungary, Lewis Hamilton in now only 9 points behind the struggling Fernando Alonso in the standings. It's starting to look very good for Lewis Hamilton who decided this season to ditch McLaren whose top driver Jenson Button is languishing in 9th place and the other, Sergio Perez is falling off the cliff way down at 12th.

In the lower half of the grid, it's a trial and error circus with names just changing around each season just as each team changes names and livery based on which sponsor is trying to keep in afloat. Once in a while a new star stands out and is lucky enough to be noticed by one of the midfield teams. The bigger teams also use the smaller teams to test out their drivers which are under development. When the dust clears after this years' shake up, who do you want to find in which seat?

Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix Results

Lewis Hamilton finally converts a pole position, his fourth this season into a race victory. It was an easy win for Hamilton who led most of the race only giving up the top spot during the pit stop shake ups.

Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel fought for second in the closing laps of the race. Raikkonen's tires were obviously struggling for performance near the end but was able to hold on and keep the championship leader behind him. This allows Raikkonen to leapfrog Alonso for second in the Drivers' Championship race where he now sits only 38 points behind Vettel.

Raikkonen's teammate Romain Grosjean had an eventful race as usual where he was docked a drive-through penalty after an overtaking move on Felipe Massa. He also figured in a mild collision with Jenson Button where the two cars banged wheels but thankfully no real damage came as a result and both cars were able to continue racing.

The Ferraris had a disastrous race for their standards with Alonso and Massa finishing at 5th and 8th respectively. The team also received a 15,000 euro fine for Alonso's illegal use of the DRS system. No other sanctions were given to the driver which thankfully does not affect his championship run.

The formula one championship series will take a month long summer break before the action resumes in Belgium on Aug 23-25. At this point in the season, everything looks to still be up for grabs in the Championship race. Although Redbull is running away with a large lead in the Constructors' Chamionship, the Drivers' Championship is still up in the air. See the standings below:

2013 Formula One
Constructors' Championship

Formula 1 Mid-season Driver's Standings

After completing 9 rounds out of 19 ahead of this weekend's Hungarian GP, Sebastian Vettel leads the Formula One Driver's World Championship by 34 points. 

This is by no means a large lead since only one retirement can easily bring his closest rival, Fernando Alonso to within 9 points with a potential 25 points going to him should he win a race. 

This was the fate suffered by Alonso last season when he was enjoying a lead mid way through the season only to have Romain Grosjean smash into him in the first lap of the Belgian GP.

Kimi Raikkonen sits in third place after a promising start of the season where he won the inaugural race in Australia. His stellar performance in the Lotus has other teams sniffing around and rumors of a big move to Red Bull next season have started after Mark Webber announced his retirement. 

Lewis Hamilton is still looking for vindication for his decision to leave McLaren in favor of Mercedes but things are not looking so great for him as he sits in 4th place and his team mate Nico Rosberg sits in 6th sandwiching Redbull's Mark Webber in 5th. I suppose he can have some satisfaction in seeing the McLaren's languishing mid table in 10th (Button) and 12th (Perez) in what would have to be the worst showing of the team in the past 15 years. 

Despite finding his second wind in the later half of the season last year effectively securing his job for this year, Felipe Massa is once again dropping off the grid and drifting further away from his team mate. Alonso sits in second place while Massa is watching from five places away on 7th place.

Another team which is having a disappointing season is Williams with drivers at 16th and 17th, way below the competitive form that the team used to show. 

With still half the season left to race, a lot of things can happen. Vettel looks poised to take yet another World driver's title but Alonso is hot on his heels. At this point, only the top four drivers can realistically take the title albeit not necessarily mathematically. It looks like Vettel is keen on challenging Michael Schumacher's legacy, let's see if anyone can stop him.

Ga Young Kim to Captain Team Asia in Queens Cup!

South Korea’s Ga Young Kim has been selected as the Captain of Team Asia at the inaugural Queens Cup. The East vs West team showdown between the world’s greatest lady professional billiards players will take place November 5th-7th,2013. The event is produced by Dragon Promotions which has signed on OB Cues as the Official Cue of the Queens Cup.

"I really envied the guys because they have their own yearly team event, so I was really happy to hear about the Queens Cup.  I'm very excited for all the women because we have our own annual rivalry now. I think this a really important event for women's billiards to help encourage more players and grow pool further", said Ga Young Kim, the current reigning Yalin Women's World 10-Ball Champion. She adds, "Now we have a lot of young people in Asia that are coming out now to play. There's more skill in the game, and that's why I'm happy we are playing 10-Ball in Queens Cup. There is less luck especially on the break, so everyone will have to play good to win. This will help determine who's better in the East or West."

The Queens Cup creator and producer Charlie Williams of Dragon Promotions explains the captain selection. “When it came to select the Captain of Team Asia, there really wasn't much question on who the pick would be. Ga Young Kim is the most decorated Asian women’s player in history. She is one of the very few Asian women who has won major championships on both sides of the pond. A 2x US Open champion and 3x World Champion with being the only Asian woman to hold the World Championship in both 9-Ball and 10-Ball. So it’s a statistical fact she is the absolute best Asian women’s player by far in the history of pool. And she’s only 30!”

The Queens Cup will showcase the rivalry between the Asians and their western counterparts in Europe and USA, much similar to the Ryder Cup in golf or Davis Cup in tennis. The absolute best ladies from their respective countries and continents will be selected for the teams. The event will last 3 days in a 10-Ball format that will race to the first team reaching 10 matches for the win. Style of play will include singles, doubles, triples, and 4-on-4. Captains will be put to the test to best strategize partnerships and chemistry of match-ups. 

American cue manufacturer OB Cues has announced its support for the event and has been named the official cue of the tournament. Visit obcues.com for more information

Gerardo Martino Named As New Barcelona Manager

Argentine Gerardo Martino will be the fourth Argentine to take the helm for the first team in Barcelona's history. Born in Rosario, Argentina in November 20, 1962, Martino, better known by his nickname "Tata" has a long history in South American Football. Before coming to the Liga BBVA in Spain, he capped his latest stint with Newell's Old Boys by winning the 2013 Torneo Final.

Tata will be taking the place of Tito Villanova who replaced Pep Guardiola in April 2012.  Villanova has been battling cancer and anounced in July 2013 after only a year of service that he will be resigning from his post as first team manager.

The new manager's contract will last for two years and the club is currently finalizing the contract signing and presentation ceremony. 

2013 World Cup of Pool- England B is Peach and Melling

WITH THE home nation allowed two teams in the forthcoming World Cup of Pool, the second England side will comprise 2007 World Pool Champion Daryl Peach and Chris Melling, last year’s Mosconi Cup MVP.

They will be joining England A - Darren Appleton and Karl Boyes – in the 32 team draw for the $250,000 team event which is now entering its eighth year. Taking place for the first time in England, the World Cup will be staged at the York Hall in London, where the Mosconi Cup has taken place on eight raucous occasions.

Commented Daryl Peach, “It's great to be back where I belong, in the World Cup of Pool, especially being alongside Chris Melling.”

Peach, who played in the inaugural World Cup with Steve Davis in 2006, came close in 2008 with Mark Gray when they finished runners-up to the USA in Rotterdam.

“Both Chris and I have our eyes firmly set on going one step further this year. There are lots of other great teams with great partnerships too, but being on home soil, at the legendary York Hall will separate the men from the boys! Let’s get it on!”

Melling, who competed in the last two World Cups in the Philippines, said; “I'm really pleased to be invited once again to the World Cup, and like Daryl I think we have a great chance of winning this event.

“To have the World Cup in our own country is brilliant for UK fans and I'm sure with their help, both teams have a real chance of going all the way.”

With a host of world superstars descending on London for the event, more announcements will be made over shortly.

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 Cloth: Iwan Simonis; Official Balls: Super Aramith; Official Cue: Predator.

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

2013 World Cup of Pool Appleton and Boyes are England A

WITH THE World Cup of Pool taking place in England for the first time in the eight year history of the event, established international stars Darren Appleton and Karl Boyes will be making up the England A team for their assault on the most prestigious title in team pool.

World No.1 Appleton, who represented England in the World Cup in 2009, ‘11 and ’12, is the reigning World 9 Ball champion as well as back-to-back winner of the 2010 and ’11 US Open.

“I’m delighted to finally be playing with Karl and the main reasons are that we have a great record playing doubles and winning money matches in Philippines”, said Appleton.

“We also played great when we won World Team Championships and we’ve also played some doubles in English 8 ball.

“We gel together which is very important, and he listens to his captain! To be in the York Hall will be awesome and myself and Karl have got some great memories from the 2010 Mosconi Cup when we both played well and won our doubles.

“It's going to be carnage and England A or B are going to be tough to beat and I for one can't wait. I’m convinced this is the year England finally triumphs.”

Blackpool-based Boyes will be making his second appearance in the event having partnered Daryl Peach in 2010 when the England side were ignominiously dumped out of the competition by France.

“I am very happy to have been invited me back to play in the World Cup of Pool,” said the 2010 World 8 Ball Champion.

“In my eyes Matchroom sports events are the pinnacle of our sport and when I don't play in them I find it hard to concentrate all year round. So to be back with an opportunity and with my long time friend Darren has given me the boost I needed.

“I feel myself and Darren could well be the first English team to pick up the title. When you have the best two players from England playing with each other, it's a dangerous combo and the other teams will know this,” he added.

England B will be announced next week as well as other stars from the world of pool who will be competing in the event.

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 Cloth: Iwan Simonis; Official Balls: Super Aramith; Official Cue: Predator.
Luke Riches, Matchroom Sport: luke.riches@matchroom.com

Notes: Matchroom Sport are one of the world’s leading producers of televised sport and are responsible for over 1,000 hours of original programming across a range of sports. Based in the UK and chaired by charismatic founder Barry Hearn, World Cup of Pool is one of a stable of pool events that include the World Pool Masters and the Mosconi Cup.

2013 World Cup of Pool- Teams Named for London Showdown

THE WORLD CUP OF POOL will be making its long-awaited debut in London as pocket billiards’ premier international team event goes to the York Hall from 17-22 September for its thrilling eighth edition.

There are a total of 32 teams competing with 31 nations represented – host nation England has two sides in the event. The defending champions are Finland as Mika Immonen and Petri Makkonen and they will be looking to become the first team ever to retain the title.

Once again the total prize fund is US$250,000 with $60,000 going to the eventual champions. Tickets for the six day extravaganza are available from www.seetickets.com (search ‘World Cup of Pool’).

Played over six days, there are two sessions a day – afternoon and evening -  and the format is straight knock-out single elimination.

The Teams

Europe (17)
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, England A, England B, Finland, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Qualifier 1, Qualifier 2

Rest of World (4)
Australia, Canada, Kuwait, USA

Asia (11)
China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand

All players will be named over the coming two weeks.


The 2013 World Cup of Pool has its cloth supplied by Iwan Simonis and the Official Balls are Super Aramith. Official Cue is Predator.

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

Notes: Matchroom Sport are one of the world’s leading producers of televised sport and are responsible for over 1,000 hours of original programming across a range of sports. Based in the UK and chaired by charismatic founder Barry Hearn, the World Cup of Pool is one of a stable of pool events that include the World Pool Masters and the Mosconi Cup.

Spanish La Liga 2013/14 Season Preview

The football season is about to kick off once again and as usual, there were several interesting developments that took place during the off season. The Spanish League which claims to be the best football league in the world had some noteworthy events:

1. Jose Mourinho left Real Madrid- "The Special One" has decided to prematurely leave the Bernabeu in favor of a return to his previous club Chelsea despite a previous falling out with team owner Roman Abramovich. A very optimistic start to the Mourinho-Madrid partnership ended in a very mediocre 3-year spell where the team failed to win the Champions League and won only one major competition per year (2010-Copa del Rey, 2011-La Liga, 2012-Super Cup). Rumors are circulating that Real Madrid Captain Iker Casillas who was injured for most of the 2012-2013 season had a hand in Mourinho's departure. He will be replaced by Carlo Ancelottiwho has won the Champions League with AC Milan twice and will hopefully be able to bring in "la decima".

2. Barcelona signs Brazilian superstar Neymar- With all the major European teams scrambling for his services, Neymar decided to go with FC Barcelona with the intention of backing up Lionel Messi, or at least that's what he's been saying in interviews. Neymar showed his prowess in the 3-0 annihilation of the Spanish national team by Brazil in the Confederations Cup finals but it remains to be seen how much of an impact he will make in a team already full of superstars.

3. Relegated teams: 1. Mallorca, 2. Deportivo La Coruna, 3. Real Zaragoza

4. Promoted teams: 1. Elche, 2. Villareal, 3. Almeria

5. Cristiano Ronaldo stays at Real Madrid- All season long rumors about Ronaldo's "unhappiness" has been fueling speculations that he will opt for a transfer at the end of the season. In the end, He decided to stay with the dramatic declaration of wanting to retire at Madrid.

6. David Villa signs with Atletico Madrid- You win some, you lose some. Neymar signs with Barcelona but they lose one of the prominent names in their roster to Atletico Madrid. It was known that other teams such as Tottenham were interested in Villa but in the end, an agreement has been reached for him to move to the capital and join Atletico Madrid.

I know all the news is about Real Madrid and Barcelona, but frankly, nothing juicy hardly happens with everyone else hehe.

Here's the list of the first round match-ups which will be played on August 17-19:




View the entire season calendar here:
http://www.ligabbva.com/3175_calendario/index.html

Queens Cup Brings the Greatest Rivalry of Women's Pool

Chicago, IL - The wait is over. In November of this year, the world's greatest women players will be showcased like never before in an event that Dragon Promotions has been working on for nearly 2 years. It will be East versus West as Dragon Promotions is thrilled to announce its newest event creation, The Queens Cup!

The Queens Cup will be the very first time that the best women in the West will take on the best women in Asia in a dramatic format that will take 3 days to determine the outcome. Four women will be selected from Europe and the USA while another four women will be selected to represent Asia. The format will be versatile including 4-on-4s , Triples, Doubles, and Singles matches. Each team will have to play every which way possible and strategy will be crucial. The first team to reach 10 match wins will be victorious. All matches will be 10-Ball.

Renowned writer and publisher of Billiards Digest and Bowler's Journal, Mike Panozzo says, "The women's game really emerged when European players joined the U.S. Players on the WPBA Tour. Now the game is dominated by the talented Asian stars. Will a combination of American and European players be enough to topple the powerful Asians? Not sure, but it should be a lot of fun watching them pull together as a team to try."



"This is a pool fan's dream come true. To get all the best women together and settle which side has the best players has been an argument for the past few years", said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions. "Producing the Women's World 10-Ball the past four years we have seen two Asian World Champions and two western World Champions. Four different players from four different countries. This event will help settle which side is stronger once and for all. At least for a year!"

"We wanted this to be the ultimate test for the women. So we created the best format we could invent using 10-Ball in a versatile format. The rules cater to the top professionals including a forced hard break rule.  There won't be any room for excuses or fluff, just plain, hardnosed pool action. Every woman in the Queens Cup will have to bring their A+ game", explains Charlie Williams.

Most of the players have already been contracted and will be announced soon. But the one player that will be announced now is the selection of the Captain of the West Team. And that is , of course, the world #1, Ms.Kelly Fisher of England.

"I was absolutely thrilled when I first heard this event was going to take place! This is something very different and unique. The dynamics are really great and could really draw big media attention to women's pool. I feel the Queens Cup could really, really grow into a huge event," says Kelly Fisher. Kelly is a Two-Times World Champion and is considered to be the most dominant women's player in the world currently. 

Stay tuned for more exciting news and follow the event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thequeenscup  

2013 World Cup of Pool Event set for London debut

AFTER FOUR years in Manila and two in Rotterdam, the eighth annual World Cup of Pool will be making a welcome return to UK shores when it takes place at the historic York Hall, Bethnal Green in London from 17th to 22nd September.

Following on from last year’s victory in the Philippines, the Finnish pair of Mika Immonen and Petri Makkonen will back to defend their title at a venue that has gained a place in pool folklore following a 16 year association with the Mosconi Cup.

With 32 two-player teams representing 31 countries chasing the lion’s share of the $250,000 prize fund, there will be plenty of teams in with a shout. That will include two from the home country who will sure to be well supported in the East London pocket billiards mecca.

The event will be played to a single elimination format over six days with two sessions a day. In addition to the home nation and defending champions, all of the strongest countries in world pool will be sending teams and that includes the Philippines, Holland, Germany, China, the USA and Taiwan.

 Promoters Matchroom Sport will be building the exact same arena as that used at the Mosconi Cup and will be looking to generate a similar atmosphere as the tournament progresses.

Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn said, “After six years on the road, we thought the time was right to bring the World Cup back to the UK and with its Mosconi Cup connotations, the York Hall seemed the perfect choice for a venue.

“Being in London, it will give teams as well as fans the opportunity to sample this wonderful city and we will be hoping for massive crowds throughout the week.

“Aside from all the big guns, the World Cup has had its fair share of lesser nations go all out for glory – Poland last year, and Thailand in 2011 almost managed to pull off famous victories.

“All in all this will be a feast of top class pool that no European cue sports fan can afford to miss!” he added.

Tickets will be on sale shortly via www.seetickets.com


The World Cup of Pool will carry a $250,000 prize fund including $60,000 for the champions. The event will be produced by Matchroom Sport Television who will be making 31 x 1 hour programmes of the tournament for international syndication.

The 2013 World Cup of Pool has its cloth supplied by Iwan Simonis and the Official Balls are Super Aramith.

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

Notes: Matchroom Sport are one of the world’s leading producers of televised sport and are responsible for over 1,000 hours of original programming across a range of sports. Based in the UK and chaired by charismatic founder Barry Hearn, the World Cup of Pool is one of a stable of pool events that include the World Pool Masters and the Mosconi Cup.

Olhausen Announces Title Sponsorship of the 2013 World 14.1 Tournament

New York City, NY - American billiard table giant Olhausen has announced it has taken over the title position of the now Olhausen World Tournament of 14.1.

Championship Cloth Tour Edition 3030 has been selected as the Official Cloth of the championship for the second year in a row and Olhausen the Official Table for the third year. Dragon Promotions and Dr. Michael Fedak will bring another star studded field at this year's 73rd Olhausen World Tournament hosted by Steinway Billiards in New York on August 19th-24th,2013.  Through additional support from such sponsors such as Aramith Balls, Amsterdam Billiards, Pool & Billiard Magazine and Master Chalk, the absolute best pool players from around the world will arrive on the birth country of 14.1 once more to attend this prestigious event, and vie for the coveted title of greatest straight pool player in the world.

“Olhausen is pleased to take on the role of the title sponsor of the oldest pool tournament in the world. This is our third year of supporting the World Tournament and we enjoy seeing its success and growth. Olhausen values its relationship with Dragon Promotions and their committed support of professional pool",  said Donny Olhausen, Founder and owner of Olhausen Tables.

All Olhausen Tables are built in Portland, Tennesssee and have been American made since our beginning in 1973. Olhausen knows a little something about pool tables and pool players and The World Tournament brings the best of both together."

"We are extremely pleased to see Olhausen step up as the title sponsor of the World Tournament. And having Championship Cloth on board again gives the event the top two American brands. Pro players and fans, we welcome everyone to the Olhausen World Tournament! ," said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.