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 16th 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.
