World class pool returns to Telford as the 2013 GB9 British Grand Prix takes place forming the first part of the inaugural GB 9 Ball Tour Festival of Pool.
In a first of its kind for 9-ball pool in Great Britain, three top quality tournaments will be taking place back-to-back at the magnificent Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in Telford, home of this year’s Midlands Classic and Paul Medati Trophy competitions. The sixth GB9 British Grand Prix, the first ever GB9 UK Open and the annual Universities Pool Council Nine-Ball Championship will all take place at the Shropshire venue over the course of 10 action packed days with some of the world’s finest professional and amateur players will lock horns with over £30,000 up for grabs over the course of the festival.
BRITISH GRAND PRIX
The British Grand Prix has become known as the curtain closer on GB9′s recent seasons, and importantly the final chance of the year to accrue and defend ranking points to take with them into their official season end ranking. Starting last season it is also the event where we find out the two players chosen to represent Great Britain at the European Championship who finished in the top two spots in the official GB9 rankings. With any player in the top 20 still mathematically in with a realistic chance at making the top 2, there will be all to play for as the final GB9 ranking tournament of the season commences. Imran Majid will require a near miracle but will still be looking to defend his British Grand Prix crown when the tournament begins on Friday 29th November.
UK 9-BALL OPEN
The UK 9-Ball Open is GB9′s newest and biggest event yet and this inaugural edition promises to be an unforgettable event. With a £20,000 prize fund including £4,000 added (subject to a full field of 128 competitors), the event has drawn interest from all corners of Europe with players hungry to grab a slice of the action. For the very first time, both the British Grand Prix and the UK Open events have been sanctioned by the European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) and the British Pool Federation (BPF) giving both events recognition as major tournaments in this season’s European calendar. Our thanks go to our friends at the EPBF for their support of these events. Speaking of his excitement of back to back major GB9 events, Chairperson Andy Warden had this to say: “I am genuinely really excited about the upcoming Festival of Pool events, the interest from all over Europe has been amazing and we have players flying in from as far afield as Russia, Croatia, Poland and Greece as well as GB9 regulars from Italy, Spain and Denmark.” Entries are still being accepted so get your entry form in now.
UPC NINE-BALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Universities Pool Council first held its annual championship back in 2004. Now in its 10th season, they themselves have made the leap away from holding their tournaments in clubs and partnering with the GB 9 Ball Tour to host their events in a hotel set up for the very first time. Oliver Dark, Executive Chair of the UPC, is eager for the event to get going. “It really does feel special to be a part of the inaugural Festival of Pool, held at the truly excellent Park Inn by Radisson Telford” said Dark. “I know our students certainly can’t wait for the action to start! This is yet another major milestone in the development of the sport in this country and the GB9 continue to be the driving force behind this; much credit should go to them for making this happen.”
All three events will be taking place at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in Telford and all three events will be free to watch for spectators. With so much at stake and so much pool being played, there’s really never been a better time to get yourself along and witness for yourself the quality and passion that is the GB 9 Ball Tour.
Entry to spectators is free all weekend and live-streaming will be available throughout to compliment the unique rack-by-rack live-scoring service.
If you want to get involved it's not too late to enter - fill in the entry forms using the links above before Monday 25th November.
Don’t forget you can also follow GB9 on both Facebook and Twitter.
In 2013 GB9 is proudly sponsored by Carlson Rezidor Hotels, Simonis Cloth, Aramith Billiard Balls, OB Cues and Kamui Tips making the perfect combination of the very best equipment in the most outstanding venues.
