Tony Robles’ Predator 9-Ball Tour Launches into 2009 with Big Name Sponsors

After a hugely successful inaugural year, the Predator 9-Ball Tour is ready to start the 2009 season with the addition of some big name sponsors and exciting new events.

We would like to thank The Predator Group for supporting this tour and making it possible to help the sport grow.

“The 2008 Predator 9-Ball Tour established a new standard in billiards tournament series,” said Karim Belhaj, CEO of The Predator Group. “We look forward to growing the tour even more in 2009, through our collaboration with Tony Robles, by bringing together billiards' top pros and generating a new level of excitement in the United States.”

The tour welcomes Blatt Billiards as one of its title sponsors for 2009.  Blatt Billiards is one of the most prestigious names in pool and billiards equipment, supplying the largest collection of antique, contemporary and custom pool tables in the country. Blatt is also the largest Predator Cue dealer in the world so uniting with the Predator 9-Ball Tour was a natural choice.  Blatt celebrated its 85th anniversary last year and is excited to partner their prominent name with the class and sophistication of Tony Robles and his Predator 9-ball Tour.  

"Blatt Billiards, is proud to be the presenting sponsor in this important 9-Ball Tour.  Tony Robles and Predator Cues make a great partnership, and they know how to do things right."…Ron Blatt.

The tour is also very proud to announce their partnership with the Seminole Tribe of Florida & the Seminole Pro Tour.  The Predator 9-Ball Tour held the first ever Empire State Championship last year and crowned Marc Vidal its champion.  This year, the Seminole Tribe of Florida is sponsoring this special event which will count as points toward both the Seminole Pro Tour and the Predator 9-Ball Tour, the first time ever two regional tours have worked together to host an event to Pro-Am players.  

In a statement released by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Seminole Pro Tour Director Kevin Pickard states:

“The Seminole Tribe of Florida and The Seminole Pro Tour are happy to partner with Tony Robles and the Predator 9 Ball Tour for this upcoming event at Raxx Pool Room, Sports Bar & Grill.  We have worked with Tony in the past and are confident that this event will be of the highest quality. 

We look forward to continuing our great relationship with the billiard industry as we venture around the United States supporting and promoting events.  For more information on the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Seminole Pro Tour, please visit www.semtribe.com or www.seminolesportsmanagement.com.”

The Seminole Tribe of Florida Empire State Championship, hosted by the Predator 9-Ball Tour, will take place on September 12-13, 2009 at Raxx Pool Room, Sports Bar & Grill in West Hempstead, Long Island NY. This will be a $6,500 added event!

The tour is also happy to have Tiger Products, Webb custom cues as well as Phil Capelle (Billiards Press) come on board this year.  Tiger Products & Webb custom cues are both top names in cue craftsmanship and development and the tour is thrilled to have them join the Predator 9-Ball Tour family.  Phil Capelle, a close friend of Tony Robles, did not hesitate to sponsor the tour after witnessing the Empire State Championship last year.  

"I had the pleasure of watching the Empire State Championship and was extremely impressed with the quality of play, the enthusiasm of the crowd, the sportsmanship of the players, and the way Tony and his team conducted the proceedings. It was a first class event from start to finish."

All stops are 2-day Pro-Am events and this year the tour will also host amateur B-C-D events on day 2 (Sunday.)   “We want to give the players as much opportunity to play as possible.  We must continue to do everything we can to keep the sport alive,” Tony Robles, founder of the Predator 9-Ball Tour.

The tour would also like to thank its many supporters and most importantly the players and room owners for their continued dedication to the sport and the game of pool.  “I got so much joy out of seeing a room full of avid lovers of the game competing in the sport I love so dearly and look forward to the year ahead,” Tony Robles.

Information on the tour's full 2009 schedule can be found on their website at www.predator9balltour.com.