The World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) is ready with their
partners to stage the final two championships for this year, the
World 9-Ball Championship for women, and the World Ten Ball
Championship for men.
The women’s championship is being played in Shenyang, China and
qualifying rounds commence on Monday 16 November. There are eight
slots available for those trying to qualify, with the tournament
proper commencing on Thursday 19th. The final will be played on
Sunday 22nd.
The field this year is for 64 players, representing 23 countries,
and features all of the world’s leading players including defending
champion Lin Yuan-Chun of Chinese Taipei. Other players include
Karen Corr, Kelly Fisher, Jasmin Ouschan, Kim Ga Young, China’s top
player and 2007 world champion, Pan Xiaoting, and World Games gold
medallist, Allison Fisher.
The following week will find the best male players from all over the
globe descending on Manila to compete for the title of World Ten
Ball Champion. England’s Darren Appleton will be back in Manila to
defend the title that he won last year. Appleton will face strong
opposition with all the top men players competing and anxious to win
this prestigious championship. Players from more than 40 countries
will compete, including world number one, Ralf Souquet of Germany,
Mika Immonen of Finland, home-town favourites like Ronnie Alcano,
Lee Van Corteza, and Dennis Orculo and recent Hall of Fame inductee
Johnny Archer. In sum, 128 players will be in competition at the
World Trade Centre in Manila, 25 – 30 November.
Many of the local Filipino players who missed out last year will be
participating this year following a resolution between various
groups representing players. The WPA are very pleased that the
differences have been sorted out and congratulate all concerned
parties for their efforts.