The World Pool Association (WPA) has provided $10,000 in funding this week for the GAP event being held this week at Star Billiards in Manila that may be viewed at: www.ustream.tv/channel/starbilliards-tv

This event came about when the WPA realized that with only a week between the Beijing Open and the World Ten Ball Championship, there would be no proper time for players to return home. $10,000 was then provided to Ralf Souquet (who graciously volunteered his time and efforts to run the event) so that the players could have an informal "fun" event during that gap period.

This is a casual tournament, run by the players and for the players in order that they might have some relaxing time together to play and socialize with the opportunity to win some money to help defray their travel costs to play in these WPA events.

Should the players report that this was something they enjoyed then the WPA looks forward to doing this same sort of event in the future.  And it is the hope of the WPA that this event is fun for all who have the opportunity to participate. Way to go, WPA!

The American Poolplayers Association (APA) has made a $5,000 donation to the Red Cross to aid in relief efforts following the earthquake in Japan in early March.
 
APA has been conducting leagues in Japan since 2007 as the Japanese Poolplayers Association (JPA).  There are nearly 1,300 players currently participating in the JPA...

[Read more →]

Two finalists are now in the running to become the winner of Predator Cue’s MyKon Cue-Design Contest! The contest, held Nov. 8 through Dec. 31, 2010, gave fans the opportunity to contribute to the design of Predator’s next generation of Ikon cues.
 
Michael Zingale of Tallahassee, FL, and Mike Ipjian of Glenview, IL, were selected as the top two contest finalists by Predator based on their design submissions. A black, white and gray cue with pronged accents, Zingale’s entry balances traditional cue design with modern elements and materials. Ipjian’s entry – an ebony wood and micarta cue with turquoise accents – represents a bolder, sleeker version of the current Ikon 7 cue, inspired by elements of Predator’s original Blak Series.
 
“We were impressed by the creativity and level of detail exhibited by the many entries we received,” explained Karim Belhaj, president of Predator Cues. “We offer our special thanks to Michael and Mike for capturing the essence of the Ikon series in their designs.”...

[Read more →]

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF), a 501c3 corporation that raises funds for scholarships, the annual Junior Nationals, and pool in school programs, has a new poster!

The poster is being mailed to hundreds of BCA members as part of their BCA membership packet to display in rooms and retail outlets. But, if you want one of your own (it's a 24" x 30" beauty), we'd suggest making a $25 donation to the BEF (visit their homepage at billiardeducation.org and type in your amount on the left hand side under where it says Donate to Help Kids) OR call executive director Laura Smith at  303.926.1039 OR email Laura at laurasmith@billiardeducation.org. Your donation is fully tax deductible AND is an investment in the future of our sport.

The Billiard Education Foundation is the gateway to the next generation of pool players and is committed to promoting education and  the development of life skills through youth billiard programs. The BEF supports youth by funding academic scholarships, produces the Junior National 9-Ball Championships and sponsors billiard athletes to attend the WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships.

The BEF encourages youth to stay in school and further their education while building and maintaining a lifelong love of billiards through the “Pool In School” program, which promotes billiard clubs, teams and billiards as part of the physical education “Lifetime Sports” class.

It's a great organization doing great things in our sport, and one worth promoting and investing in. Go on, get involved, and tell 'em P&B sent you!

The number 2 ranked WPBA USA player Vivian Villarreal “The Texas Tornado” (at right) and number 5 WPBA USA ranked player Melissa Little “The Viper” (at left) will be performing a pool exhibition at “The Rack” located at 28410 Joy Road, in Livonia, MI this Monday, January 3rd, 2011 starting at 7:00 PM.

Vivian and Melissa will play a single set of 9-ball, race to seven. After the competitive set, the two pros will perform challenge the pro matches, conduct Q & A with fans, and then an autograph session. VIP tickets are being sold for $20 at “The Rack” and the first 20 seats sold will receive a special signed poster of Vivian and Melissa.

 To purchase tickets please contact Luke at 734-422-POOL.

Vivian and Melissa will be performing these special performances throughout the year and if you have interested in a show near your hometown then please contact VIP Sports Agent Steven Thomas at 720-255-6893. For more info on the pros visit www.melissalittle.com, www.vivianvillarreal.com, and www.wpba.com

Little and Villarreal are in town for the upcoming Women’s Professional Billiard Association's “2011 WPBA Masters” event taking place January 5-9 at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant, MI. For information on tickets and schedules please visit www.soaringeaglecasino.com.

2011 Tour Season Kick Off to Feature World's Top 48 Women Pool Players including top ranked Jasmin Ouschan, shown here!

MT. PLEASANT, MI - The Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort will host the best female billiard players in the world January 5-9, 2011 when the Women's Professional Billiard Association WPBA Masters kicks off the 2011 Women's Pro Billiard Tour season.

[Read more →]

Legendary pool player Wade Crane was killed in a car accident in Knoxville, Tennessee on Christmas Day. Wade, aka Billy Johnson and nicknamed "Boom Boom" was a former 8 and 9-Ball champion, voted by his peers to have the best 9-Ball break in history...

[Read more →]

The Black Widow, Jeanette Lee, may be coming to an area near you in 2011, courtesy of the American Poolplayers Association (APA).  The APA Black Widow Tour will open with two shows on January 12 & 13 in Chicago, Illinois.  Other tour stops include:

[Read more →]

During December, Brunswick Billiards Facebook fans can register to win an exclusive piece of memorabilia – the limited edition Exposition Novelty cue, which was designed to commemorate the company’s 165th anniversary. To win the cue – a retail value of $999 – contestants must be a Brunswick Billiards Facebook fan and enter the sweepstakes by Dec. 31, 2010 at noon CST. The winner will be chosen at random...

[Read more →]

Watch your blog posts for a few fun holiday offers, beginning with our own! From now until December 31st, readers can select a one or two year subscription as a gift for a friend, and get a second subscription for themselves at no charge!

A one year subscription is just $34.95, and the second subscription is free. CLICK HERE to order your gifts right away!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Pool & Billiard Magazine, and best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year!