New York, July 17 - The 3rd annual World Summit of Pool will be held at two of the hottest venues in New York. The early round will be played at the trendy Chelsea lounge, Slate/Plus; followed by the Semifinals and Championship match to be held at ESPN Zone in Times Square. Players from the United States and around the world will be competing for the most prestigious championship title on the UPA Tour as well as $50,000 in prize money.
Matches begin at Slate/Plus on Tuesday, September 13th through September 15th, culminating with the televised rounds on Friday, September 16th from ESPN Zone.
"We are thrilled to have the pros and fans from all over the world come to Plus/Slate to compete in the World Summit of Pool - We often cater to some of the best billiards players in the world, but its an honor to have them all here at one time." Telly Hatzigeorgiou, owner of Slate/Plus.
"We welcome the fans, players and the United Poolplayers Association to ESPN Zone, the ultimate sports destination in New York City. We look forward to the excitement the semi-final and championship matches will bring to our guests." Susan Abramson, Regional Marketing Manager
The double-elimination, 9-ball billiards tournament will feature defending champion Santos Sambajon and 2003 champion and current number one ranked Johnny Archer, former world champion Mika Immonen, current US Open Champion Gabe Owens, number two ranked Charlie Williams and New York City's own Tony Robles. Overall, 64 of the top professionals from around the world will be competing in the 2005 World Summit of Pool.
"Admission is free to all fans!" noted Robert Lipson, president of the UPA. "Both Slate/Plus and ESPN Zone serve excellent food and drinks. We encourage all our fans to come hungry, thirsty, and ready to watch the best players from around the world compete. Given New York's historic ties to the sport, we expect a fantastic week of high drama and great enthusiasm."
"I am delighted to welcome the 2005 World Summit of Pool to New York City," said New York City Sports Commissioner Kenneth J. Podziba. "Billiards has spread throughout New York for almost two centuries and has developed a rich history. I would like to thank Slate/Plus and ESPNZone for their commitment to furthering this great sport and for enabling New Yorkers to witness the world's finest pool playing."
Research has shown that there are nine million Americans who play pool 25 or more times a year, which by that definition, makes it the most frequent participation sport in the nation. The sport has been immortalized by the romance of the game, and in movies like "The Color of Money," and "The Hustler."
The World Summit of Pool is produced by the United Poolplayers Association in conjunction with Blatt Billiards. For sponsorship opportunities and public relations questions: Contact: James Goll, Berk Communications
Slate/Plus Billiards Bar & Restaurant
54 West 21st Street
New York, NY
ESPNZone Broadway & 42nd Street
Times Square, NYC
(212) 921-3776
PRESS INQUIRIES
Berk Communications
James Goll
(212) 889-0440 x11
