HEADING

#A
HEADING

#A
 CONTENTS HEADING
Publisher
Chris Haill
chris@snookered-cci.com Goodbye to a Good Man & we
07786 950350

Designer
salute The Whirlwind
Jamie Carr Welcome to the October issue of
jamie_carr91@hotmail.co.uk Snookered magazine.
Contributors
Stephen Kent In this issue we welcome AZ Bil-
www.maximumsnooker.com liards to our list of cuesport friends
with a look Stateside. We also of-
Jimmy White fer a tribute to Peter Hawley, who
www.jimmywhirlwindwhite.com
sadly passed away last month.
Michaela Tabb
www.michaelatabb.com Lastly, Jimmy White joins our Best
of the Best. Jimmy is a true legend
Photo supplied by of the game and a valued member
Monique Limbos
of the Snookered team.
mfb529518@skynet.be

George Spiteri
www.spiteriphoto.com
D&C Media Ltd
Office number 0208 8860858
Co. Reg. No. 07265503
Website :
www.snookered-cci.com
We hope you enjoy the issue. In November we have an exclusive
interview with one of the all time greats of Pool, but youll have to
wait for that next month.
Thanks
Chris Haill
Publisher

10 Alright Jim! 30 STATESIDE

A tribute to Jimmy White in our Welcome to another US partner
Best of the Best series. AZ Billiards. Mike Howerton gives
us his look at the US pool scene.

18 These boys dont 40 Chat with

need a bus pass! Michaela
A preview to the 2nd World Sen- We talk snooker in Brazil and pool
iors Championships. in the Philippines.

24 Keep on Truckin! 48 Improve with PJ

Behind the scenes with the EPBF. PJ Nolan shows us how to improve
your game.

4 #A

Here we go again
Tickets for the 2012 World Snooker Champion-
ships are now on sale.
Will John Higgins retain his title? Will The
Rocket find form or will we see a new name on
the trophy?
For more details go to http://www.worldsnook-
er.com/page/TicketHome
The United States Snooker Association (USSA), established in 1991 in Chicago,
Illinois, is the non-profit governing body for the sport of snooker in the USA
as recognized by the International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF), the
world governing body of non-professional snooker. Now headquartered in San-
ta Clara, California, the USSA is pleased to announce an expanded 2011-2012
edition of the popular USSA National Snooker Tour.
Each event is open to any individual player except for professional snooker players
competing on the World Snooker Main Tour, however players must be a member
of their respective national snooker governing body or alternatively non US-play-
ers can become an associate member of the USSA for a $25 annual membership
fee. The 2011-2012 USSA National Snooker Tour is proud to be sponsored by the
worlds leading billiard ball manufacturer and its sets of Aramith Tournament Cham-
pion Snooker Balls are supplied for each event.
NEWS
HEADING
A New Era
Following on from the news that Kevin Barton has been
elected as new Chairman of the IPA (International Pro-
fessional Pool Players Association). Snookered maga-
zine comments on the future and highlights Kevins vi-
sions for the future;
At a historic IPA EGM on Saturday 1st October, Kevin
Barton was elected as the new Chairman of the IPA. At
the EGM, the members elected a new committee, which
comprises of:
Vice Chair Moray Dolan
Treasurer Stephen Munro
Secretary Carl Morris
Committee Mick Hill
Committee Rob Chilton
Committee Andy MacDonald
There is an excellent mix of talents on the committee,
which will help the Association move forward. What is the
vision of Kevin and the IPA?
This change in organisation has bought its own set of problems. For 2012, we have been left with no venues,
no events, no dates, and no table suppliers except their greatest asset, the players!
It seems Kevin and the new committee have already decided standing still is not the way forward and there
are 3 main areas they have chosen to focus on:
Governance
Technology
Professionalism
Governance The IPA will ensure that the correct procedures are in place so that any one person can never
retain such control over the association. There will be clear transparency in all transactions, and their aim is to
rebuild the trust between the committee and its members.
Technology To utilise the website to its full capacity, improve the quality of streaming, and to use appropri-
ate communication methods in a twenty first century environment.
Professionalism To become a truly respected and valued association that the members are proud to be in-
volved with, that is also viewed positively externally, and to deliver a product that is viewed as professional,
so as to encourage growth in future membership.
They have a big job on their hands but with good communication and making sure the above is carried out.
The sport can only go one way which is forward.
Pool has a place in the sporting world and a target audience which will attract sponsors and television if man-
aged properly.
Snookered magazine for one wishes Kevin and the IPA all the best.
#A
7
 COMPETITION HEADING

Winning
THE LION MOTIF Version 1.1
October 2010
The PowerGlide lion motif is a pictorial device to enhance the

still matters
recognition of the PowerGlide brand and should be used as a
complement to the PowerGlide logo but NOT as a substitute for
it. It is to be used on product graphics, packaging design and
point of sale material only and NOT on corporate literature as it

Win a Coaching
is not a registered trademark.
When used in conjunction with eachother, the PowerGlide logo
and lion motif MUST be in the same colour.
For usage below 40mm wide overall use the simplied version
to avoid inll at reproduction.

Session with Master Lion Motif Simplied Lion Motif

THE LOGO

The PowerGlide logo is to be used in one line wherever possible,

Version 1.1
October 2010

John Parrott
but in extreme circumstances the PowerGlide name can be
split into two words but must always be shown centred and
line spaced only as shown. These two variations give the brand
exibility and allow the PowerGlide logo to have maximum
impact in all areas of the brands application.

PowerGlide Cues are offering 4 snooker fans the Master Logo Centred Logo
opportunity to attend a coaching
(PG_Lion_Master_Black.eps) session
(PG_Lion_Simplied_Black.eps)with

snooker legend John Parrott in York on Friday

9th December during the UK Open.
(PG_Master_Black.eps)

The 4 lucky winners will each receive: Coach- (PG_Centred_Black.eps)

ing by John Parrot at the Castle Snooker Club,

a lunch hosted by John Parrott and a top of the (PG_Centred_Red.eps)
(PG_Master_Red.eps)
range PowerGlide Axas snooker
(PG_Lion_Master_White.eps)
cue with an At-
(PG_Lion_Simplied_White.eps)

tache case. You must be available to attend in

York on the 9th December 2011. To enter, simply
answer the following question and complete a
simple sentence (PG_Master_White.eps)

(PG_Centred_White.eps)

Which year did John Parrott win

The Embassy World Championship? (PG_Master_Red.eps) (PG_Centred_Red.eps)

1989, 1991 or 1993 5 & 6 November 2011

To enter the competition, click on the link
below and follow the instructions The Atrium
http://www.powerglide-cues.com/competi- East of England Showground
tion/
Peterborough
Book now: worldsnooker.com/tickets
or Tel: 0871 620 7052
8 Calls cost 10p per minute from a BT landline plus network charges. Players appear circumstances permitting
#A

James Warren White, or Jimmy
White, MBE, there is so much
about Jimmy that makes the six
times World Championship runner
up; affectionately called the Peo-
ples Champion. Jimmy was the
youngest ever winner of the UK
Amateur Championship, in 1980
at the age of 18, in that year he
also became professional.
Before all that, Jimmy was born in
Tooting, London in 1962. His dad
Tom was part of a social club near
where he lived and this is where he
started his career. At the age of 14
Alex Higgins came to the club to
play an exhibition match, and every
minute a young Jimmy spent watch-
ing Higgins he fell more in love with
snooker.
Com on Jimmy!
Jimmy White the Peoples Champion, has won the hearts of
the old and young the world over.
His fast and entertaining game play was considered to be
before its time in the sport. Bringing fun, passion and
serious skill to the table was what created a buzz around
Jimmy; not to mention his cheeky chappy attitude, which
made him a star.
Jimmy was not very academic so he
skipped school on regular occasions
to play snooker at his local club, Ted
Zanicelli. It was at this time White
met Tony Meo, the pair would take
part in money matches at various
locations. It was these matches that
led to a very successful amateur ca-
reer and one that lead to the enter-
taining snooker player he has been
for the past 31 years.
Since those early days Jimmy has
secured himself 23 professional
titles and 10 ranking titles, along
with the hearts of every snooker fan
across the world. Although the one
title Jimmy has wanted for many
years has remained out of his grasp.
The World Championships has been
the theatre of all of Whites snooker
disappointments; the Crucible has
not so much been the theatre of
dreams for Jimmy, more the thea-
tre of nightmares. In 1982 he led
Alex Higgins 15-14 in the semi final
and was 59-0 up in the penultimate
frame, he was as close to the final as
just one red and a colour. He missed
the red using the rest and then had
to watch Higgins; complete a frame
winning 69 meaning his chance in
the final would have to wait another
year.
HEADING
BEST OF THE BEST
Jimmy is a true legend of sport
and a peoples champion if ever
there was one. His love of the game
shines through and his enthusiasm
for snooker is as strong as when
he turned pro 31 years ago. Barry
Hearn said on the subject of Jimmy.
In 1984 after winning the Masters
Jimmy found himself in his first
World Championship final, he met
Steve Davis in the final and was trail-
ing by 4-12, after two sessions but
found second life and reduced the
deficit to 15-16. After an aggressive
break of 65 he took the score to 16-
17, but once again he was unable
to come back from Davis 40 point
lead and ended up losing 16-18. He
did however win the World Doubles
with Alex Higgins later that year.
The Whirlwinds immense talent
has withstood the test of time. He
accepts winning and losing with the
same attitude, a true pro. Steve Da-
vis added to thoughts of his friend.
Jimmy has always been a great
support to me, from day one of my
career. He is a lovely guy and great
snooker player, really the nicest per-
son you could ever meet, I love him
to bits. Michaela Tabb said fondly
of Jimmy
#A
11

It wasnt until 1990 that Jimmy
got his revenge on Steve Davis,
with a 14-16 victory in the semi
finals but this did not lead him to
the winning post. He was beat-
en in the final 12-18 by Stephen
Hendry. He did however man-
age to gain victory over Hendry,
as White defended his title in the
World Matchplay title in the same
year and later in the classic which
saw a win of 10-4 in 1991. He
was the most exciting player of
the 80s and a true friend. He has
a great heart and everyone could
see that, and still can. Kirk Ste-
vens added.
The 1992 World Championships
saw White drawn again against
Tony Drago, after a 8-4 opening
lead, Jimmy made history by be-
ing the second person to make
a maximum 147 break in the
World Championships, he won
100,000; after the maximum he
looked strong throughout the
rest of the tournament, beating
Alain Robiduex, Jim Wych and
Alan McManus to make the fi-
nals again, again he met Stephen
Hendry in the final.
Once again his win was robbed
from him as Hendry lifted the tro-
phy with an 18-14 victory.
Snooker has always been Jimmys
first love but he also has a pas-
sion for pool and poker. Jimmy
played in and won the Mosconi
Cup in 1996 and beat Steve Da-
vis at a Poker Millions event in
2003, if you enjoy playing poker
you can book Jimmy to come and
play along, but make sure youre
good as Jimmy has a talent for
this as well!
In 2009 Jimmy took part in the
television show Im a Celebrity
get me out of here!
There was a lot of backlash from
the show as Jimmy fans called
foul on how unfairly edited the
show was. Other contestants in
the show regularly commented
how sweet and funny he was, but
show produces never appeared
to show that on TV.
HEADING
BEST OF THE BEST
Although Jimmy was a firm fa-
vourite to win the show, his lack
of TV time meant the Italian
chef and ladies favourite Gino
DAcampo eventually won.
Now at an older age Jimmy is
World Seniors Champion a World
title has finally been placed upon
White and it really doesnt matter
that its the seniors version.
Jimmy is also a business man as
well as a snooker player; he is
director of Trump Technologies
with Jamie Trump (Judds uncle).
Jimmy endorses the low energy
automatic doors which stands
the name Whirlwind Sprint, a
new era in the company and for
Jimmy.
Jamie said; Jimmy has always
been a hero of mine. I just loved
his passion and honesty; he was
different from the rest. I am hon-
oured now to be in business with
Jimmy and to actually say, he is a
good friend, is an awesome feel-
ing.
Jimmy is all that his friends have said and possibly even more. He is a family man,
fantastic snooker player, business man; a huge support to those in need and a man
who has an amazing collection of the most amazing shoes you have ever laid eyes
on.
Chris Haill, owner of Snookered magazine said; Jimmy has been my hero since the
80s. He never moans, loves the game, enjoys life and has helped with the develop-
ment of Snookered magazine. I just wish he won just one World title!
He has done so much for snooker and continues to do so; he firmly believes that
snooker should be given a place in the Olympics games as it has one in the Asian
games. Outlining that Snooker is a game of mental and physical ability. This fact
has sadly been over looked by London 2012 organisers, but Jimmy will continue to
spread the love of the sport.
How best could you finish up a story on the Whirlwind? But by a quote from Kevin
J Kelly, who has been a good friend of Jimmys for over 25years.
When you get a call at 7am to go and practise that sums it
up for me!
#A
13
 BAPTO
The Normans Conquer!
The BAPTO National Team Trophy
kicked off its 35th annual Pool
Championship weekend on Friday
9th Sep with 81 registered teams
and over 550 players.
BAPTO is the UKs longest stand-
ing pool championship having first
started in 1977 and is firmly aimed
at the grass roots players that com-
pete and enjoy their pool to Black-
ball Rules in pubs and clubs across
the UK.
The competition uses 32 SAM At-
lantic pool tables covered in Hains-
worth Match cloth to give the best
possible tournament playing condi-
tions. This year saw the introduc-
tion of the new Aramith Super Pro
tournament balls, which were well
received by the players and added
to their enjoyment.
Most competitors arrive at Lyons
Robin Hood Holiday Park in Rhyl on
the Thursday afternoon, with much
pool played before the official com-
petition starts.
14
Sunday hosted the finals matches
for all events, with a presentation
and prize ceremony in the after-
noon.
The Normans from Bury, repre-
senting Leisuretime Automatics
were crowned team champions af-
ter fighting their way to the top and
beating Cherry Automatics spon-
sored team Fingers & 4 Thumbs
from Wisbech 6 4 in an exciting
finale match.
Tablesports Team Europe from
Leicester claimed the team plate
after hammering Sceptre Leisures
Pot-o-holics from Powys 6 3 in
their finals match.
Mens champion is Blackball new-
comer Recafs Shane Thompson
(Bristol) who stormed to victory,
beating Bar Billiards Sammy Don-
aldson (Oxfordshire) 4 1. Shane
showed a superb performance
throughout the Mens tournament
and promises to come back in 2012
to retain his title.
HEADING
Cherry Automatics Shona Lucas
(Wisbech) confidently retained her
title as BAPTO Ladies Champion
for a second year in a row after
defeating the 2007 Ladies Champi-
on, Amanda Watson (Basingstoke)
3 0. Shona Lucas also went on
the win the mixed doubles charity
trophy with husband Andy Lucas in
a much closer match that narrowly
beat David Atherley & Kerry Grif-
fiths 3 -2.
Each year since BAPTO moved to
Rhyl, Lyons Robin Hood have im-
proved the camp facilities and this
year a newly built sports bar with
nightly entertainment has proved
popular with the players. New for
the event has been a 14:1 competi-
tion with funds raised donated to
this years chosen charity, Help for
Heroes; combined with a tombola
and the mixed doubles charity
event, BAPTO players raised a gen-
erous and commendable 1189 for
our countrys patriotic cause!
For more information on BAPTO
go to http://www.bapto.org.uk/
#A

JIMMYWHIRLWINDWHITEM.B.E.
The most popular player in the game, who took over Alex
Higgins' mantle as the peoples champion. And how his
supporters would love to see him capture another major
title. Notably the World Championship. He's been runner
up six times at the Crucible but firmly believes he is capable
of holding the cup aloft.
Jimmy may be one of the games elder statesmen, but
showed with his recent victory at the Samsung 6 Red
tournament in Bangkok in 2009, that he is still one of the
sports leading players and personalities.
His many celebrity fans include Rolling Stones guitarist
Ronnie Wood, John Terry, Gino D'Campo, George Hamilton
& Dave 'Devilfish' Ulliot. Jimmy also reached the final of "Im
A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here in 2009.
Championship winner and snooker legend
Jimmy "Whirlwind" White, is available for:
Personal Appearances Pro/Celebrity Golf
Exhibitions Opening Events
Product Endorsement Pool Events etc
Poker Nights/Events Q&A Dinners
For further information, contact Jimmy's Personal Assistant:
John Callaghan: john@jimmywhirlwindwhite.com
Tel: 07957 147 147 or 07801 147 147
jimmywhirlwindwhite.com
EXCLUSIVE
HEADING
THE FUTURE IN CUESPORTS
Marcel Eckardt might not be a name you are familiar with, in snooker. 21
year old Marcel is part of the new breed of referees.
This interview is the first I have done; I am a little bit excited. At 21 Mar-
cel describes himself as organised, helpful and friendly all good qualities
needed to be a referee.
How did the German born ref get into snooker?
I was 13 I think, I watched it on telly and found it interesting. I never got
the chance to play snooker growing up as there were no tables near where I
lived. Snooker and Pool arent popular in my region but I want to do my best
Jimmy White to change that.
Nickname: The Whirlwind
I love to play but you cant be a player and a referee, so I decided to play
DOB: May 2nd 1962 pool. I started at 19, far too late to reach the top level, but Im not too bad
at it. It helps me to improve my skills as a referee.
Lives: Surrey
Snooker is seeing a change, with new players and recently a large intake
Ranking Victories: 10 of young referees, what interests young people in the game?
Ranking Finals: 23
I think snooker is the perfect alternative for young people. Not everyone
Non Ranking Victories: 19 follows the crowd and favours team sports. Skills like concentration, tactics
and mental strength are important for snooker.
Highest Break: 147
Refereeing the final on PHC was exciting but, I had spent the day before
feeling really ill, I felt confident and very proud to be given the opportunity. I would next like to referee the World
Championship final, thats the dream.
facebook.com/jimmywhite147
Referees in all sports face a lot of stick from fans, but it seems snooker fans are more respectful.
twitter.com/jimmywhite147
Snooker referees are doing a good job. You dont see a lot of mistakes being made. In my opinion thats the dif-
ference. On the other side I wouldnt expect respect for doing a bad job.
We look forward to following Marcels career.
#A
17
 This time the whole event will be SENIORS
HEADING
broadcasted live on Sky Sports
and will feature a field of 16
players, with 12 invited snooker
legends and four more to come
through a qualifying event at the
South West Snooker Academy.

Some of the former professional

players hoping to qualify for the
main event include former UK
Champion Doug Mountjoy, former
Hong Kong Open champion and
EuroSport commentator Mike Hal-
lett and even the Silver Fox, David
Taylor.

Changes to this years event in-

clude; all players will be aged over
45 which is a change from last years
event which was for over 40s. All
matches will be the best of three
frames with a 30-second shot clock
to keep the players on their toes.

The last 16 will take place on Sat-

urday November 5th and the quar-
ter-finals, semi-finals and the final
on Sunday November 6th, with
the winner to take the top prize of
18,000 which is part of total prize
money of 53,000. Not bad for
winning 12 frames of Snooker!
The random draw for the first round
took place a few weeks ago and it
brought about a few intriguing ties,
these include;
The defending champion Jimmy
White taking on former world no.2
Arguably the most intriguing clash
of the first round has to be between
two of the best Canadians to grace
the modern game; Cliff Thorburn
and Alain Robidoux(INSERT). Cliff
has been keeping his game going
recently by playing in the Snooker
Legends tour but Alain hasnt been
seen much in the past few years. Will
the 1980 world champion sweep
him under the rug in Peterborough?
The top tie of the first round pits two
current professionals against each
other, the six-time world champion As the event is a random draw from

THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN!

and ladies favourite Tony Knowles
who recently attempted to get back
on the main tour through Q School
but failed to make the grade. Sure-
ly he must fancy his chances against
the Whirlwind in this best of 3 for-
and the oldest player on the tour
Steve Davis and the fastest player
on the circuit, the Tornado; Tony
Drago. Both players might not be
contesting the big events any more
but they are still ranked amongst
the quarter-finals onwards it is hard
to predict a winner as all the pros
could be drawn together early on
and in best of 3 matches, any one of
the players has a chance to take the
title. But you would have to favour

After the success of last years event in Bradford

won by crowd favourite Jimmy White who beat
Steve Davis 4-1 in the final, the World Seniors
Championship is making a return this year at the
East of England Showground in Peterborough.
mat.
The 1991 world champion John
Parrott takes on Joe Johnson who
helped bring about the event in his
home town of Bradford last year.
Both players have been busy re-
cently with John taking a starring
role in the Snooker Legends tour
and Joe is a regular commentator
for EuroSport and a Twitter favour-
ite.
the top 64 players in the world and
recently Steve Davis reached the
semi-finals of the sixth Players Tour
Championship event so it will be a
tough one to call.
The other first round ties are; New
Zealands top pro Dene OKane v
former world no 3 and BBC pundit
Neal Foulds and the Sky Shoot-out
champion Nigel Bond takes on the
1985 world champion Dennis Taylor.
Jimmy White, Steve Davis or Tony
Drago to come through as they are
all still match sharp from being on
the professional tour.
Tickets for the World Seniors
Championship are on sale now.
See http://www.worldsnooker.
com/tickets or call 0871 620 7052
for a chance to see some of the
legends of the game up close in
Peterborough.

#A
19
 WORLD
HEADING
SNOOKER

Star Of India
Begins To
Shine

27R-E29 J A N UA R Y WER As Indias sole representative on the World

BLACKPOOL TO
CIRCUS A NA, THE Snooker Tour, Aditya Mehta has done his
20 SECONDS
64 PLAYERS, 1 FRAME, 10
MINUTES,
country proud with some excellent results
CK IS TICKING...
THE CLO this season, and hopes to make it a pro-
AS YOU KNOW IT! longed stay on the main circuit.
SNOOKER, BUT NOT
AL L 0871 62 0 7 0 52
TO BOOK C DSNOOKER.COM/TICKETS
VISIT WWW.WORL
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 22)

Players appear circumstances permitting

Calls cost 10p per minute from a BT landline plus network charges.
#A
21
WORLD SNOOKER HEADING
to keep my place, though Im not

1G can make
thinking that far ahead.

Mehta was first introduced to

snooker at the age of 12, when his
father, a keen player, took him to a
local club. He quickly showed a nat-
ural flair for the game, and when he
won a junior tournament at the age

all the difference

of 15 his father decided to send
him to the UK to improve his game.

He first qualified for the pro tour

The 25-year-old may be nearly
5,000 miles away from his home
in Mumbai, but he has become fa-
miliar with the surroundings of his
Sheffield base and is enjoying life
in the snooker city.
Ive lived in England for a few
years now and it doesnt bother me
being far away from India, said the
likeable Mehta in impeccable Eng-
lish. I lived in London last year and
now Im back in Sheffield, which
is a great city. I was supposed to
share a flat with Lucky Vatnani but
hes had some visa issues so Im
on my own. But Im always playing
snooker and learning from the guys
I practise with.
Mehta is based at the Star Acad-
emy where his sparring partners
include Ding Junhui, Tian Pengfei,
James Wattana, Passakorn Suwan-
nwat and Dechewat Poomjaeng.
Inevitably his game has improved,
and that is reflected in his perfor-
mances so far this term.
In the Shanghai Masters qualifiers
he knocked out Stuart Carrington
(5-0), Rod Lawler (5-4) and Jamie
Jones (5-4) to reach the last 48 of
a ranking event for the first time,
though he was denied a trip to Chi-
na by a 5-2 defeat to Ryan Day.
Mehta then beat Day 4-1 in the
Paul Hunter Classic, and saw off Si-
mon Bedford 4-0 before losing 4-3
in 2008/09, but only won a hand-
ful of matches during the season.
Over the next two years he com-
peted on the PIOS tour and in PTC
events, then reached the final of
the Asian Championship last May,
to Joe Jogia in the last 32.Perhaps and though he lost 6-2 to Passa-
his best result was a 4-0 whitewash korn, he was nominated for a re-
of Ali Carter in the first round of turn to the main circuit.
PTC5, and he came close to anoth-
er top-eight scalp but lost 4-3 to My first year on the tour in
Neil Robertson. 2008/09 was more of a learning ex-
perience and I feel I am much bet-
Ali was not at his best, but I still ter prepared for it now, said Me- sets, they are in fact drastically different and
had to win the frames and he is the hta. Ive learned a lot from being
highest ranked player Ive beaten, here for a few years and seeing the
said Mehta. I actually played bet- work ethic of some of the players
ter against Neil and had chances to at the Academy.
beat him. I came from 3-1 down to
3-3 and had the first chance in the Mehta, who partnered Pankaj Ad-
decider but missed a tricky blue vani at the World Cup in Thailand
to the middle on around 20. May- last summer, believes that the pop-
be I got a bit over-excited, which ularity of snooker is growing in In-
is down to a lack of experience of dia. It has definitely picked up in
beating the top players. recent years, and if we could have
a ranking event there it would be
I didnt make a great start to the a huge boost, he said. There is
season, but since then I have turned passion for snooker in India and
it around. I was really pleased with people know what a beautiful
my run in the Shanghai qualifiers, game it is, plus it is shown more on
especially as I won a couple of TV now. I would like to see more
games from 3-1 or 4-2 down. That players coming to the UK but it is
gave me the confidence to make difficult from a financial perspec-
comebacks because Id not made tive. You need support and backing
many in my career before. Ive lost but thats hard to find until you get
a few close matches and if I had higher up the rankings.
won those I could have been a lot
higher. If things dont work out for Mehta
on the green baize, he has a sound
Hes currently ranked 83rd and education to fall back on. He is in
hopes to win enough matches to the middle of a business adminis-
keep his place on the tour. Ive tration degree and takes exams
got a decent chance, though the whenever he goes back to India.
competition among the bottom But for now, its his snooker test
32 players on the tour is fierce, which he intends to pass with flying
said Mehta. It would be amazing colours.
ARAMITH TOURNAMENT CHAMPION SUPER PRO 1G
Aramith supplies specific snooker ball sets to
the World Snooker professional players Asso-
ciation (W.S.A.) for more than 40 years.
These sets are quite special: while their packag-
ing and design make them look pretty like the
regular Aramith Tournament Champion snooker
allow the W.S.A. professional players to reach
the highest scores during the W.S.A. competi-
tions.
The main characteristic of this set is the maxi-
mum weight tolerance allowed : while the maxi-
mum weight difference between balls in a regu-
lar Aramith Tournament Champion snooker set
(or a Super Cr ystalate snooker set) is 3 grams
(official specifications), the maximum weight
tolerance of our special W.S.A. set is only 1
gram .
This set is now also supplied to the I.B.S.F.
(International Billiard and Snooker Federation)
representing the amateur players worldwide
and is the official set for all I.B.S.F. tourna-
ments. During the last World Cup organised in
Damascus in December 2010, Rodney Goggins
made a score of 147 with it.
Now this specific and exclusive set is available
to the general public under the name Aramith
Tournament Champion Super Pro 1G. It is sup-
plied in an elegant and sturdy Aluminum ball
case with the W.S.A. and I.B.S.F. logos.

22 #A
 12 tons on 14 wheels on
their way through Europe
Anamaria Matesic David Morris
A look behind the curtains of the Euro-Tour
We are only talking about a billiard tournament
here, right? Whenever a participant arrives at
the venue of a Euro-Tour, a European Champion-
ship or several other international events in Eu-
rope that is organised by the EPBF, he can see
the same arena: a truss system, up to 12x8m
wide, 3,5 m high with a lot of equipment hang-
ing on and standing around it, being surrounded
by a digital panel system.
Several people can be seen buzzing around the
arena, giving the showground its final finish. Screws
are tightened, bolts are fixed, cameras and micro-
phones are checked and adjusted. A small crew of
highly qualified team members operates like clock-
work in order to make ends meet. Only a few peo-
ple know the logistic masterpiece that is behind
this setup.
Normally, the truck with the equipment and the
first crew members arrives on a Sunday if the event
starts on a Thursday. Two to three days are needed
to set the arena up. 12 tons of equipment is travel-
ling about 28.000 km annually through Europe in a
huge lorry with 14 wheels.
The total value of the equipment is around
140,000(). And that does not include the pool ta-
bles. They are brought to the different tournament
sites by the sponsor or the local organiser.
When the lorry is unloaded, normally all the equip-
ment is put into the venue first and things start to
get built up according the plan. The truss system is
Miha Vovko
EXCLUSIVE
HEADING
one of the first items to be installed since it can be
seen as the spine of the arena.
The inside playing showground is surrounded by
18 LCD TVs that make up the digital panel where
the sponsors logos are displayed in a professional
fashion. Three additional flat screen TVs are added
to the truss bars as scoreboards for the spectators
convenience.
Since the events are streamed live on the internet,
four HD cameras and one pocket cam are installed
in the arena to achieve the best coverage possible.
A commentators box with a professional mixer and
cutting unit is set up next to the arena.Depending
on how many tables are used for the tournament, a
total of 40 laptops are utilized for the IT-database
that the tournament is run with.
Whenever a player presses a button on a laptop
in the tournament venue in order to make the lap-
top display the correct result, this information goes
into the database system on the EPBF website and
is at the same time displayed on the internet.
Rankings, player information and tournament info
is processed in the wink of an eye. This data system
has been researched and developed over about 15
years now and is constantly improved.
Many hours of programming as well as the expe-
rience of several hundreds of tournaments have
flown into the tournament program, making it
unique in the World of pool/billiard.
#A
25
 HEADING
EXCLUSIVE

Gre Leenders Ted Meijer

Thomas Overbeck
The logistics for the IT-support is almost invisible but nevertheless
considerably extensive. Up to 10 km of internet cables, 25 km of pow-
er cables, 10 internet routers with 15 internet switches and hubs as
well as 5 km of VGA-cables are serving in order to achieve the goal:
the best promotion and presentation of a pool billiard event possible.
During one year, 20,000 tie wraps are used to fix all the cables and the
130 national and federation flags to the arena. Six theatre spotlights
and 20 Par16-spots are used in order to present the tournament in
the proper light.

The other tables in the event venue are also partly live streamed on
the internet by up to 20 DVD camcorders. Results and scoring infor-
mation on site is displayed via four beamers on different screens in
the lobby. This information is directly connected to the IT-data system
and updated every five seconds. The gallery where pictures of the
participants are displayed is equipped with a selection of the best of
about 15,000 pictures that are taken annually during the events.
Marco Takis

Once the event has started, the team members assume their various
tournament tasks. The tournament desk is always manned with up
to two tournament leaders; one IT-technician is either on site or at his
computer at home, supervising the program; an event photographer
is taking pictures of everything that is happening on and next to the
tables.

A commentator is accompanying the matches while the technician

helps with all the electric and equipment; referees are watching the
tables and are always there to support and help the players with any
questions there might arise. A press officer is doing his best in order
to make all this known to as many people around the planet as pos-
sible.

Yes, we are only talking about a pool/billiard tournament here!

#A
27
By Rick Schoenlank
www.cuesportfever.com
South African Blackballs selec-
tion process for the National
team is somewhat different to
other countries in that it is au-
tomated rather than selected.
In whatever category you play
in, every player starts off with an
equal opportunity by playing in
the standard Blackball Interna-
tional 5 person format, where
each player plays the other play-
er 1 frame for the tournament,
which is basicallya round-robin
play off setup in a team format.
Quite simply, once the team event
is finished, the top 5 players in the
individual rankings are selected for
National team to represent our na-
tion at the Worlds.
This has bode well in the past, and
while our mens team is yet to win
the team event, they always have
seeds in the top 10, as I believe
they are used to the pressure in
the format they know so well.
The selection process I briefly cov-
ered is emulated at all levels in our
country, from district level, which is
your local league level, up to pro-
vincial level which is also known as
counties in other countries, up to
the National as described before.
The big positive about this is that
South Africas
you play yourself into teams at
each level, and dont have to de-
pend on any selection committee,
Automated Selection which at times can be debated as
to whether or not the correct play-
ers are being selected anyways.
Process
My article this month is a short one
as I asked our National Blackball
President, Mr Saths Reddy to sub-
In just a couple weeks our national tournament that I mit a tribute to Peter Hawley, who
described in the last issue will begin. unexpectedly passed away earlier
this month.
Every second year the players know that they need to Those of you who knew him can
up their game more than the previous, due to World attribute to what a dedicated per-
Blackball-Pool Championships taking place the follow- son Peter was to both the cuesport
world, not to mention the human
ing year. race.
Tribute to Peter Hawley
Peter William Hawley, a vision-
ary who conducted all his affairs
with such passion. He was one of
the most diligent sports admin-
istrators I have had the pleasure
of working with. Peter was thor-
oughly committed to making a
difference in the world amidst
his busy schedule. His dedication
and untiring efforts to improve
the lives of those around him is
most admirable indeed. He cer-
tainly was the kind of personality
that anyone would be proud to
emulate.
Peter Hawley was the President
of the South African Pool Union
(SAPU). His visionary approach had
enabled South African pool players
to become legitimate participants
in the International Cue Sport are-
na. After a thorough investigation,
he had realised that the only way
South Africa could be correctly
affiliated to the World Pool struc-
tures was through a Continental
Pool Body.
Hence he became a founder mem-
ber and President of the All Africa
Pool Association (AAPA). He then
went on to become the President
of the recently formed African Con-
federation of Cue Sport (ACCS).
It was largely through his dedica-
tion and untiring efforts that pool
players in South Africa are now
able to obtain their National Col-
ours and represent their country
legitimately at Continental and In-
ternational Championships.
Peter Hawleys contribution to-
wards the development and pro-
motion of the sport of pool, and
Blackball in particular, is immeasur-
able. However, his dedication and
commitment to the sport of pool
in South Africa and Africa did not
go unnoticed.
Little wonder in 2010 he was elect-
ed to the position of Vice Presi-
dent of the World Pool Association
(WPA), the controlling body of all
disciplines of pool at world level.
He then went on to become an
Executive Member of the World
Confederation of Billiard Sports
(WCBS).
Apart from his duties as a business-
man and a sports administrator,
Peter was very passionate about
the recent sport/community/en-
vironment project that he was in-
OUT
HEADING
OF AFRICA
volved in.
He was the founder member and
manager of the Let the River
Flow project which involved clean-
ing of the contaminated Wilge Riv-
er to provide clean water for the
residents of Mafube (Frankfort)) in
the Free State.
Being the prudent man he was, he
even cut up the logs which he had
removed from the river so that res-
idents from the surrounding town-
ship could transport the firewood
easily.
As a result of this project, Peter
had earned the 2010 pmr.africa
Diamond Arrow Award for Leaders
and Achievers and an area over-
looking the Wilge River has named
Peter Hawley Water Park.
Peter Hawleys death is a loss not
only to the sporting world, but
also to humanity in general. He
will always be remembered for his
contribution in trying to make the
world a better place to live in.
May his soul rest in peace.
#A
29

When you think
of pool... do you
think of talented,
intelligent, sexy
women?
An extraordinary gathering of
amazing talent, extreme beauty,
and incredible intelligence is re-
sulting in a revolutionary trans-
formation in the billiard world.
The women of Rack Starz are the
hottest thing to happen to pool
since...well, nothing
The Rack Starz are a group of
12 brilliant and beautiful women
poised to reinvent the game of
pool, bring it into the mainstream
and create a sensation that will
captivate the country and the
world. The Rack Starz are not only
athletes, but they are also moms,
models, actresses, nutritionists,
CEOs, and marketing analysts,
with many holding advanced de-
grees. Among these women, more
than 15 languages are spoken rep-
resenting a multitude of cultures
making the Rack Starz true ambas-
sadors to the billiards world.
Jackie Gleason got your atten-
tion; Paul Newman and Tom Cruise
made pool cool, but the Rack Starz
are ready to make pool bigger
than the WWF and larger than life.
Lying ahead is a once in-a-life-time
phenomenon so incredible and
dynamic, you wont want to miss
it. explains co-founder Robert
Moore. The Licensing, Reality Tel-
evision, and International Market-
ing potential will make this a brand
recognized around the world.
There is nothing hotter than a sexy
woman bending over a pool table
to take a shot, but the women of
Rack Starz can crank up the tem-
perature to a steady boil. contin-
ues Moore.
BCAPL Moves National
Championships to the
Rio Las Vegas
Mark Griffin and CueSports In-
ternational (CSI) announce two
major changes for the BCAPL Na-
tional Championships. In 2013,
the Greatest Pool Tournament
in the World will move from
May to July and will walk the
welcome mat at the Rio All-Suite
Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
The BCAPL National Champion-
ships have outgrown the space
at the Riviera Hotel & Casino.
The 2012 (36th) BCAPL National
Championships, scheduled May
9-20, 2012, will be the last year the
event will be held at the Riviera.
CSI thanks the Riviera for hosting
the championships for the past 18
years.
The relocation to the Rio All-Suite
Hotel & Casino is scheduled for
July 17-27, 2013. The move will al-
low the BCAPL to expand both the
The Rack Starz popularity and fan The founders of Rack Starz amateur nationals and the CSI pro-
base have helped make womens have developed a project called fessional tournaments. The date
billiards more popular than mens Animals Behind the Eight-Ball, and venue changes will provide
thus creating a surge of interest inworking closely with numerous more accommodations and more
pool for girls and young women foundations and organizations pool tables, so that more players,
who are taking up the sport in re- around the country that support families, and friends can enjoy an
cord numbers. animal protection. A portion of even richer experience at the new
the proceeds from all Rack Starz venue.
These athletes are already being merchandise will be dedicated to
sought out for television and per- helping this well-deserved cause. CSI thanks the 1,400 BCAPL mem-
sonal appearances, and are quickly bers who responded to our player
becoming a household name. The Be a part of Rack Starz survey at the 2011 nationals for
Rack Starz have created an insa- their help in making decisions for
tiable desire for more with their If you are interested in receiving the future of the championships.
Shoot to Thrill, Play to Kill ap- further information on Rack Starz
proach. or would like to be involved, we The July dates are generally bet-
would love to hear from you. ter for all: participants, families
Animals Behind the Eight-Ball and employers, local leagues, host
Reality Television Pitch locations, and League Operators.
The women of Rack Starz came Ideas Starting in 2013, local BCA Pool
together because of their love of Live & Phoner Interviews Leagues can play longer spring
pool. They are major players in Available sessions all the way to the end
the competitive pool arena, but On-Air, Online & Print Pub- of May. BCAPL players and teams
they are also major players when it licity will be able to play in more state
comes to raising money to a cause Charity Events & Personal and regional tournaments dur-
close to their hearts. Appearances ing the spring, and still be able to
travel to nationals.
A longer spring session allows
more time for players to qualify
for nationals. It also gives play-
ers, teams, League Operators, and
BCAPL more time to enter and
certify national entries. And lastly,
many of our survey respondents
said that July is much better than
May for time away from work and
home, especially for those who
have school age children. This
move is long overdue, and we
again thank the players who par-
ticipated in our survey.
The Rio is part of the Caesars En-
tertainment Corporation the
worlds largest casino entertain-
ment group. With its state-of-
the-art conference center of over
160,000 square feet, the atmos-
phere is elegant, modern and hi-
tech a players dream! For player
comfort and convenience, the Rio
is a 4-star all-suite hotel and casino
offering extensive amenities and
entertainment options. Providing
spectacular views of Las Vegas,
the hotel boasts over 2,500 suites
with more than 600 square feet of
spacious luxury.
When it comes to dining, the Rio
is unparalleled. According to USA
Today Travel 2011 report, the Rios
Carnival World Buffet and the fa-
mous 5 star Village Seafood Buffet
are ranked #2 and #3 in the top 5
buffets in Las Vegas. Additionally,
the Rio offers 12 more dining op-
tions from the casual to the opu-
lent.
You name it the 24-hour $45
Buffet of Buffets pass to 7 of the
best buffets available anywhere; a
48-hour All-Stage Pass to about
20 shows at Caesars properties;
the industry leading Total Re-
wards player program by Caesars
Entertainment; the free Rio/Paris/
Harrahs shuttle service to two key
HEADING
STATESIDE
spots on the strip; VooDoo Beach
with real sand beaches, cascading
waterfalls, four swimming pools
and five Jacuzzi-style spas; Voo-
Doo Rooftop Nightclub, an in-
door/outdoor double-decker club
known to have the best view of
the Las Vegas strip You name it,
the Rio has it all. For complete in-
formation on the BCAPL National
Championships at the Rio on July
17-27, 2013 www.playbca.com
To visit the official web site for the
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino
www.riolasvegas.com Since 2004,
Mark Griffin and his team at Cue-
Sports International (CSI) have dili-
gently pursued More Choices for
All Players. During that time, CSI
has directly paid out approximate-
ly Seven Million Dollars to pool
players.
CSI is the parent company of the
BCA Pool League and the USA
Pool League. CSI also produces in-
dependent events such as the US
Bar Table Championships, the Jay
Swanson Memorial, the US Open
One Pocket Championship and
the US Open 10-Ball Champion-
ship. Visit www.playcsipool.com,
www.playbca.com and www.playu-
sapool.com for more information
about CSI and its divisions.
#A
31

Mosconi Points
Race on High
Heat!
THE 2011 USA MOSCONI CUP
POINTS RACE FOR TOP SPOT
DECIDED AS SHANE VAN BOEN-
ING WINS THE SEMINOLE STEVE
MIZERAK CHAMPIONSHIP IN
FLORIDA 8 - 11 SEPTEMBER 2011
By the end of the Steve Mizerak
Seminole event in Florida, not only
did Shane Van Boening(PIC RIGHT)
win the title, but the South Dakota
Kid also secured his spot on this
years USA Mosconi Cup Team with
a points total of 627.5.
Looking to have the No 2 spot
locked up is Mike Dechainewith
541.5 points. This will be Mikes first
time making an appearance on the
Mosconi Cup being held this year
at the MGM Grande in Las Vegas in
December 2011.
In third spot with 455.5 points is
Johnny Archer, who has clawed
his way up the rankings and has
put himself in a position to repre-
sent the USA Team for a 15thcon-
secutive year. If Mika Immonen (Fin)
makes the European side this year
he will also be making his 15th ap-
pearance.
In 4th and 5th places are Shawn
Putnam and Rodney Morriswith
435.5 and 427.5 points respectively.
Then we have, breathing down their
necks, Corey Deuel and Dennis
Hatch(MVP in his first appearance in
2009 on home soil) with 406.5 and
365 points.
In 8th place in the points is Hunter
Lombardo with 354.5 points, who
like good wine, is maturing with
age and has made giant steps in the
points race over the last few rank-
ing events.
Now with only one event left in the
race to secure a spot on the five
man USA Mosconi Cup Team, all
eyes will be on the US Open to be
held in Chesapeake, VA 16 - 22 Oc-
tober 2011.
Other than Van Boening and De-
chaine, who look to have their plac-
es on the team in the bag, all of the
other front runners are vying to win
this prestigious event.
As no one in the top ten in the
points can rest on their laurels, es-
pecially as the top three in the rank-
ings are secure, but the last two
spots will be Matchroom Sports
wild card picks in conjunction with
ranking positions.
Be assured that quite a few play-
ers will be awaiting the final team
announcement with baited breath,
and there will be some surprises
as well I am sure. Will fan favorites
Rodney Morris and Dennis Hatch
make the team again this year? Be
assured they will be battling as if
their lives depended on it!
This is going to be one of the most
exciting US Opens for a long time,
especially as the European contin-
gent are in exactly the same boat,
and are coming over to the US Open
in droves, all after those tempting
Mosconi Cup points.
STATESIDE
HEADING
Last year the winner of the US Open
(whether from the USA or Europe)
received an automatic spot on the
Mosconi Cup team.
This year the winner receives rank-
ing points only. As you will recall,
Darren Appletonalmost had a heart
attack when he beat Corey Deuel in
the final last year.
Believe me this year it is going to a
very memorable final as well, and as
usual it will all come to down to the
last ranking event of the year. Un-
fortunately the outcome will make
and break the hearts of many a
player in the hunt for their Mosconi
Cup Dream.
USA TEAM RANKINGS
1. Shane Van Boening 627.5
2. Mike Dechaine 541.5
3. Johnny Archer 455.5
4. Shawn Putnam 435.5
5. Rodney Morris 427.5
6. Corey Deuel 406.5
7. Dennis Hatch 365
8. Hunter Lombardo 354.5
9. Mike Davis 344.5
10. Charlie Williams 333.5
11. Earl Strickland 321.5
12. Stevie Moore 315.5
13. Jeremy Sossei 250.5
14. Oscar Dominguez 232.5
15. Brandon Shuff 226.5
#A
33
 ADVERTORIAL
HEADING
D

36
#A
35
POKER
HEADING

#A
37
 EUROSPORTS
HEADING
Visit our website for
further details and
PTC Ireland on British Eurosport
booking facilities.
Fri 21 Oct
1400-2130 LIVE on British Eurosport 2
1400-1700 LIVE on Eurosport HD
1800-2130 LIVE on Eurosport HD

Sat 22 Oct
1430-2130 LIVE on Eurosport HD
1800-2130 LIVE on British Eurosport 2

Sun 23 Oct
Open Singles
Dates will be from 1130-1500 LIVE on British Eurosport 2
entry fees (Residents) 30 (ladies 20)
entry fees (Non Residents) 60 (ladies 40) Mon 17th - Fri 21st Oct 1700-1800 LIVE on British Eurosport 2
Prize Money Guaranteed 7.000 1245-1500 LIVE on Eurosport HD
We have secured a great deal 1600-1800 LIVE on Eurosport HD
Ladies Singles with the 2 nearest hotels to the 2000-2200 LIVE on British Eurosport &
entry fees (Residents) 20 venue. Eurosport HD
entry fees (Non Residents) 40
Prize Money Guaranteed 1.600
Anyone staying in these hotels PTC Ireland on Eurosport
3 person team will pay 50% less on all entry International (times in CET)
entry fees (Residents) 30 (10 each) fees into the main events.
entry fees (Non Residents) 60 (20 each) Fri 21 Oct
Prize Money Guaranteed 2.400 Other comps may be added 0930-1500 LIVE on Eurosport 2
"Im really
looking forward (100 Euro per person). There 1800-1900 LIVE on Eurosport 2
Seniors (over 45) will be flyers run everyday. 1500-1800 LIVE on Eurosport & Eurosport
to coming to entry fees (Residents) 20
Catalonia this HD
entry fees (Non Residents) 40 1900-2230 LIVE on Eurosport & Eurosport British Eurosport is on Sky
year, missed it Prize Money Guaranteed 1.600 The Cabbages competition is
last year because the last event and exclusive HD 410 & Virgin Media 521.
of work but have only to players who have not
pushed every-
Under 23s
Sat 22 Oct
British Eurosport 2 is on
entry fees (Residents) 20 received any prize money in the
thing else aside 1030-1245 LIVE on Eurosport 2 Sky 411 & Virgin Media
as my husband
entry fees (Non Residents) 40 main events.
Prize Money Guaranteed 400 1330-1530 LIVE on Eurosport 2 525.
informed me 1530-2230 LIVE on Eurosport & Eurosport
how great this Hurry, Book Now! Eurosport HD is on Sky 412
Mixed doubles HD
week is, cant entry fees (Residents) 20 (10 each) & Virgin Media 522.
wait to see my entry fees (Non Residents) 40 (20 each)
friends from the Sun 23 Oct
Prize Money Guaranteed 1.000
Pool world." 1100-1345 LIVE on Eurosport 2 Additional live multi-table
1345-1600 LIVE on Eurosport & Eurosport
Cabbages
HD
coverage and video on
Michaela Tabb entry fees (Residents) free*
1700-1900 LIVE on Eurosport & Eurosport demand available online via
entry fees (Non Residents) not allowed
Prize Money Guaranteed 1.000 HD the Eurosport Player:
2100-2300 LIVE on Eurosport & Eurosport www.eurosportplayer.co.uk
HD

Additional live coverage and VOD Please note that as a live

available online via Eurosport Player: sports broadcaster our
www.eurosportplayer.com
schedules are subject to
change.

38 39
#A
 POOL
We had two events out there this
month so that was quite tricky as we
usually only have one. We had the
singles event to start with which is
always a lovely and then we had the
World Cup of Pool, which is a dou-
bles event and harder to work and
we didnt have a break between the
two events so it was tough but it was
very rewarding as the crowds in the
Philippines are always enthusiastic.
The events were held in Manila
which is the capital city and around
16 million people live there, the traf-
fic is mental most of the day. You are
constantly in a battle with taxis and
getting places, its probably simi-
lar to living in London but because
I am from a small town in Scotland
it can get quite frustrating spending
an hour a day minimum in taxis. It
was made worse by the fact it was
their rainy season as obviously when
there are thunderstorms and the like
everyone is travelling in their cars.
T
E
ME HAELA
The crowds there are the best in
the world. They are so enthusias-
tic about pool and their own teams
when they are playing. But they are
I C
so loud and excitable and it seri-
M
ously is one of the best places in
the world to have a pool event, no
doubt about that.
I dont think a Snooker event would
work out there as Im not sure if
there is any interest there. You have
to bear in mind that 9-ball pool is
This month Michaela talks about like their second most popular sport
in the whole country and thats why
her trips abroad, to Brazil and the
regardless there is always a huge
crowd at these events.
Philippines and she also discusses BRAZIL
her forthcoming app Brazil was a very tiring trip for me.
When I came home from the Philip-
pines it was a 17 hour journey and I
ended up with only 4 hours back in
Read on... my house from 12.30am to 4.30am.
So I had only 2 hours sleep and then
I had to catch the flight to Brazil and
when I got there I was very tired so
Weve added new products to the website the day off I should have had I slept Brazilian Igor Figueiredo the crowd
please check out www.michaelatabb.com all day and I think I had slept for 15
hours throughout the day and night!
The resort where the event was held
was lovely. If we were there in the
summer it would have been abso-
lutely amazing but we were there
during their late winter/early spring
season so when the sun wasnt out it
was quite cool.
I didnt expect that as when you
think of Brazil you think of beaches
and getting a sun tan so that was
quite a shock to the system!
They did a really good job for the
arena where the matches were
played and they had spent a lot of
money on the marquee which had
air conditioning or heating when re-
quired which was perfect with the
rapid changing of temperatures out-
side.
Playing conditions were tough be-
cause of that, the team did the best
job with the tables as we could and
it was the same with the two players
on it.
But for the first time for us being out
there as a country that is not used
to putting on that kind of event they
did really well and the players thor-
oughly enjoyed their time there and
you cant ask for much more than
that.
The crowds when they were there
were actually very responsive. With
the setup it was a shame as because
all the VIP seats were around the
table but because they hadnt sold
those tickets on the first couple of
days it looked as if there was no one
there even though the blocks at the
back were full.
It is fine having VIP seats but if you
cant sell them you should encour-
age people at the back to fill them
up so it looks better on television.
When we had the local wildcards
playing the crowds really got behind
then and one example was when
Graeme Dott missed a shot playing
amazing.
actually shouted in cheers.
Afterwards Graeme said to me
Did you hear that cheer when
I missed? It was like the whole
place had woken up!
I was lucky enough to be chosen
to referee the final and the atmos-
phere was great. In the earlier
matches the referees didnt get
introduced as there wasnt that
many people there so they didnt
think there was much point in it.
But for the final when I walked
out they all started clapping
and cheering and I was so ap-
preciative of that because they
appreciate what you are doing.
It was a shame that Graeme Dott
didnt get going in the final and
put up more of a battle but you
cant take it away from Shaun
Murphy, he was a machine.
He got the tournament high
break in the final frame and it
was a shame for Igor as he had
set the high break earlier in the
event, but it was a superb clear-
ance from Shaun and you cant
take anything away from him.
I also got the chance to meet Bra-
zils legendary player; Rui Cha-
peau. They played a montage of
him playing Steve Davis and Ste-
phen Hendry many years ago and
to get a chance to meet him was
HEADING
MICHAELA
NEXT FEW MONTHS
Things will be quiet for me in the
next few months as there arent
many events going on so I have de-
cided to try and focus on myself for
and get fit and get back in to shape.
Its hard trying to watch your weight
when you away and eating hotel
food and other stuff so I am back at
the gym again and my goal is to lose
a stone before Christmas!
My 10th year anniversary with being
with World Snooker is the first week
of October so I am quite looking for-
ward to that as well.
MICHAELAS APP
I also have an App coming out soon
which will be out in the next month
or so. Its primary use is as a scoring
app. I spent some time in a studio
doing all the voice recording of all
the scores and the different an-
nouncements I make so I can be
your personal scorer at your table
wherever you are.
It will also be able to keep all your
match stats, so if you are playing in
a league or with a friend so 4 weeks
down the road you can look back to
see who won, who made the highest
break and other useful stats.
SEE YOU NEXT MONTH
#A
41
 WHATS
HEADINGTHE ODDS

Every month Snookered tipster David

Wild teams up with betting exchange
www.Betdaq.com to take a look at the
best bets in snooker and other sport. In a
quiet month for top class sport he analyses the chances of the four English repre-
sentatives in their Champions League fixtures...
Manchester City have the pick of the games and
home advantage in the Champions Leagues
Matchday three, contested on the 18th and 19th
October. Villareal visit the Etihad Stadium, hop-
ing to snatch three points from the Champions
League newbies, but they will undoubtedly strug-
gle. City continue to look sharp in the Prem, and
have too much class suffer defeat at home to La
Liga mid-tablers. Back the hosts at around 2/5 on
Betdaq.

Neighbours Manchester United are also in action

on Tuesday, but travel to far flung Romania to take
on SC Otelul Galati. I wish I could tell you anything
about the side but all you need to know is con-
tained in their previous results: two losses from
two, including a 1-0 loss to Benfica at the National
Arena, Bucharest last time. At 1/5, theres not much to be made by backing United, but a Manchester
City/United double pays around 4/6.

Chelsea host Genk and Arsenal visit Marseille on Wednesday 19th October and while the Blues should
easily overcome the Belgians at Stamford Bridge, they cant be backed at 1/10. A 2-0 correct score,
available at around 11/2 on Betdaq, is worth a shot. The side are yet to score in their two group match-
es.

Given their struggles domestically, Arsenal

undoubtedly have the toughest task of the
four home hopes on matchday three. As a
club Marseille have plenty of experience at
Europes top table, and the 60,000 capac-
ity Stade Velodrome is never an easy place
to go. Didier Deschamps has already led
the side to a domestic league title and he
will be confident of sending a weak Arse-
nal packing without a point. Marseille to
win this one at 7/5.

GOOD LUCK AND SEE YOU NEXT

MONTH.

#A
43
DARTS
HEADING

#A
45
 FASHION
HEADING

Snookereds trawl through the picture archives has proved one of Les Indiana Jones Pearce
the magazines most popular features. (right) presenting BW with
the Holy Grail. Les made 3
Some images are easier to identify than others. But we are always films with Steven Spielberg
happy to receive comments about the photos that may jog your
to find this.
memories.

This month Snookered magazine looks back at the fashion

archives. We would like to thank Billy Whicher and Mary Kenniston
for these Blasts from the past

Ronnie & Allison, 2 of the great- Pat The Chat OKane

est players ever discussing (near left)
what? moonlighting as a
ventriloquist dummy
We think its a first date at the or did he moonlight
local snooker club! as a Pool player!

I didnt know Alan Dugdale Look into my eyes, look into my

(THE TALL ONE)could spell!
AD is a favourite of the
Fashion pages in Snookered
and here he is, with Chris K,
Tommy D and friends win-
ning the Under -16 spelling
contest.
eyes.....
Johnny Archer (near left) doing
his best to stare down the pho-
tographer or doing a very good
David Copperfield impression
(the magician!)

#A
47
 COACHING
HEADING
PJ Nolan Irish National
Snooker Coach & EBSA
Senior Snooker Coach

This month PJ Nolan features three specific training

routines to help you improve your training Sessions
and an Academy booklet with mind sets of improving
your focus.

You can watch Professional player Fergal OBrien train-

ing on each academy routine and can
download each master-class series
from www.147academy.com

This Academy booklet

gives you the crucial mind For more information on The PJ Nolan
sets for training and com- Coaching Academy, contact PJ at
petition to help you into pjcoach147@hotmail.com
the winning circle

#A
49
HEADING

#A