The International Pool Tour announces Hall of Fame pool player Buddy Hall has withdrawn from the 'IPT North American 8-Ball Open Championship' at The Venetian-Las Vegas, citing personal reasons. Mr. Hall regrets that he will not play at the tournament, but is eager to participate in future IPT tournaments stating, "At this time, I will not physically be able to play the length of time needed to be competitive at the Venetian. I am getting better everyday, and I am very thankful for the IPT, and looking forward to my return at the next tournament!" Buddy Hall anticipates returning to compete at the 'IPT World 8-Ball Open Championship' at the Reno, Hilton from September 2nd-10th, 2006 in Reno, Nevada. The full IPT schedule can be viewed at www.internationalpooltour.com.
Hungarian, Vilmos Foldes was chosen to fill Mr. Hall's opening due to his two 3rd place finishes in the '2006 IPT Tour Card' qualifying tournaments. Mr. Foldes is looking forward to this chance to compete in the 'IPT North American 8-Ball Championship' at the Venetian, Las Vegas. Vilmos Foldes will have the opportunity to earn points toward attaining a 2007 IPT Tour Card. Foldes told IPT staff that "I have dreamed of this day for pool and for me. I am very happy to be invited by Kevin [Trudeau] and Deno [Andrews]. I now will tell my father the good news."
The International Pool Tour is the largest pool tour in the history of billiards, and represents the best players from 27 countries. The IPT has six major professional pool tournaments in 2006 with qualification tournaments throughout the world for aspiring pool players. In 2006, the IPT will give away more than $8 million in prize money. The IPT "North American Open 8-Ball Championship" is the first major tournament of the year and boasts an unprecedented $2 million prize fund and an historic first prize of $350,000. There has never been a tour in the history of billiards to offer such large prize funds and first place prize money. The North American Open will consist of 200 players: 150 IPT Members and 50 players who qualify through 25 qualification events throughout North America and abroad. Qualification Tournament details for open tournaments, including dates and locations are listed on www.internationalpooltour.com.
