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 Londonfrom 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.
