ST. LOUIS, MO: The Gateway Amateur 9-Ball Tour has been formed to bring Billiards back to St. Louis. The Tour is strictly for the amateur players. Professional, Touring Pros and A rated players and above are restricted from participation in the Tour. We hope the Gateway Amateur 9-Ball Tour entices the beginner and intermediate players to increase their level of play. Our Tour is a step above league play and a step below the Regional Tours that consist of many A rated players and higher. It will give the average players another form of competitive play, at their level.
The Gateway Amateur 9-Ball Tour will run for twelve months with one Tour Stop each month. Each Tour Stop will rotate between four Host Pool Rooms; each will host three Tour Stops during the Tour. The first Tour Stop will be held at Teachers Billiards in Fairview Heights, Illinois on October 8, 2005 and the Final Tour Stop will be held at Teachers Billiards in St. Peters, Missouri on September 9-10, 2006. The other two locations are Riverbend Billiards in Alton, Illinois and Chesterfield Billiards in Chesterfield, Missouri. Each Tour Stop will be $300 Added, payout to top finishing female and junior (under 17) and have a calcutta, break pot, merchandise raffle, merchandise for sale and on the spot cue repairs. Players will be awarded points based on how they finish. The players will have to qualify to participate in the Final Tour Stop by 1) finishing in the top 32 in points or 2) compete in 10 of 11 Tour Stops. All out of area players planning on attending one of our Tour Stops, be sure to bring proof of level of play (example: APA and VNEA handicap roster). The Tournament Director has the right to refuse any player not eligible.
Aside from normal tournament play, each Tour Stop will have "Challenge the Champ" or "Beat the Pro" matches available. The first Tour Stop will feature "Beat the Pro", Professional player, instructor and commentator Mark Wilson, the "St. Louis Shooter". Players competing in the tournament will have the opportunity to play Mark Wilson a game for a small donation. Other Champions/Professionals will be on exhibition at other Tour Stops.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors:
AZBilliards
Billiards Press
Billiard Sanctuary Academy of the Cueing Arts
On The Hill Q Sales
Slip Stic
Zim's Rack Billiard Promotions
CAM Custom Cues
Webb Custom Cues
Zimmerman Custom Cues
For more information on the Gateway Amateur 9-Ball Tour or if you would like to become a sponsor, visit Zim's Rack Billiard Promotions at www.zimsrack.com.
