Jeanette Lee attempts a trick shot
July 12, 2012 Indonesia: Fresh from a stunning win over China's Li He-Wen to bag the 2012 WPA World 9Ball Championship last month, reigning world number one, Darren Appleton sets his eyes on winning the coveted Guinness World Series of Pool crown taking place at the Ciputra World mall in Indonesia's capital of East Java, Surabaya. However, with the tournament shifting its format to Speed Pool, all bets are off as the brand new discipline promises to test even the hardiest of champions.
Add to the welcome arrival of female competitors and a stellar list of top international cue masters such as 2010 WPA 8ball Champion Karl Boyes (GBR), GWSOP defending champion Ko Pin-Yi (TPE), 2011 WPA 8Ball Champion Dennis Orcollo (PHI), the “Black Widow” Jeanette Lee (USA) and 2011 WPA 9Ball champion Yukio Akagariyama (JPN) all vying for the same prize, the 10Ball tournament is set to another tantalizing event for sports fans.
The Indonesian contingent is competently represented as well and are poised to make an impact with a healthy number of local entries. Twenty competitors from the regional qualifiers in Manado, Jakarta, Medan, Makassar and Surabaya, two from the Indonesian Billiards Association (POBSI) and an organizer invite to local hero and 2010 GWSOP runner-up Irsal Nasution makes for a robust competitive field this year.
The first round sees the 40 players battling the clock as they play two sessions of five racks each with the top 32 times advancing to the next round. From there it will be a single knockout format all the way to the semifinals with each match having the players face-off in five racks, whoever has the total best-time wins. The finals will be a 7- rack shootout to determine the championship.
Darren Appleton commented: “The Guinness World Series of Pool: Speed Pool challenge is a great development for players and fans alike. It makes the competition thrilling and very unpredictable which makes for great pool. It's not all about speed though. You have to be smart in how you play as well. Strategy plays a big part in winning. After the rigors of the world nine ball tournament, the Guinness World Series of pool is a welcome change of environment. It is still very competitive and yet at the same time, we can have fun!”
John Galvin, the Guinness representative in Indonesia remarked: “The Guinness World Series of Pool tournament has created several opportunities for Indonesian pool enthusiasts to develop and showcase their talents, especially through the chance to compete with international pool players. This Grand Finals will definitely see a bolder and more challenging level of Speed Pool competition. Guinness is proud to have pioneered this new Speed Pool format in Indonesia and will continue to be a strong supporter of the development of pool sport in the country.”
“Year after year, we have been treated to an immaculate showcase of pool and I'm delighted to announce that the new developments for this year's event have elevated the GWSOP to the next level. As Asia's biggest sports content provider, we are committed to bring you the latest developments in broadcast technology and this year, we are proud to share that the 2012 GWSOP will feature head-to-head table action which will be showcased live across our footprint, reaching millions of viewers across Asia on ESPN STAR Sports' networks. I'm happy to share that, in addition to our television coverage, fans can also enjoy catching the event LIVE online on ESPN Player and Mobile ESPN, where available. With all these new developments, I'm sure you'll agree that this year's event is shaping up to be the best yet.” Says Harvey Davis, Vice President, ESPN STAR Sports Event Management Group.
The broadcast of the 2012 Guinness World Series of Pool – SpeedBall challenge will be LIVE on STAR Sports, with fifteen hours of exhilarating competition from July 13 - 15, 2012. Broadcast times are as follows:
Fri, July 13, 2012 from 16.00 – 20.30 (HKT) Round 1
Sat, July 14, 2012 from 12.00 – 17.00 (HKT) Top 32
Sun, July 15, 2012 from 12.00 – 16.00 (HKT) Top 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals & Finals
(Competition on Friday will start at 15.00 (HKT); TV Schedules subject to change without prior notice)
The 2012 Guinness World Series of Pool – Speed Pool Tournament is sanctioned by the Asian Pocket Billiard Union (APBU) and organized by ESPN STAR Sports' Event Management Group (EMG). Guinness is the title sponsor for the Event. Fisherman's Friend is the official sponsor. The local sanctioning body is the All Indonesian Billiards Association (POBSI). Iwan Simonis and Aramith supply the official tablecloth and official pool balls respectively. Murrey provides the official pool table while Predator is the official cue. ESPN is the official broadcaster.
Please visit www.facebook.com/guinnessindonesia for more information.
