World Pool Masters Draw and Schedule Announced

WITH THE PartyPoker.net World Pool Masters taking place at the SM City North EDSA Mall in Metro Manila, Philippines from Saturday 3rd to Monday 5th September, Matchroom Sport can announce the matches and schedule for when the action gets underway.

There are a total of 16 world-class players contesting one of pool's longest standing invitational events which carries a first prize of $20,000 from the total prize fund of $66,000.

It's fair to say that there are no easy matches at the Masters and defending champion Dennis Orcullo will opening his defence with a tough game against 2003 champion Tony Drago.

Other marquee match-ups include US Open Champion Darren Appleton against Efren Reyes and a clash of the European titans as Ralf Souquet takes on Mika Immonen.

Dennis Orcullo (Phi) v Tony Drago (Mlt) 12.00 noon Saturday 3rd
Chang Jung-lin (Tpe) v Shane Van Boening (USA) 13.00 Saturday 3rd

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Chris Melling (Eng) v Fu Jianbo (Chn) 15.00 Saturday 3rd
Francisco Bustamante (Phi) v Jason Klatt (Can) 16.00 Saturday 3rd

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Huidji See (Ned) v Lee Van Corteza (Phi) 19.00 Saturday 3rd
Ralf Souquet (Ger) v Mika Immonen (Fin) 12.00 noon Sunday 4th

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Darren Appleton (Eng) v Efren Reyes (Phi) 13.00 Sunday 4th
Yukio Akagariyama (Jpn) v Raj Hundal (Ind) 18.00 Saturday 3rd


The quarter-finals follow on Sunday afternoon and evening at 15.00 and 18.00 while the semi-finals take place at 15.00 on Monday afternoon and the final is at 19.00 on Monday evening.

The format is race-to-8, winner breaks, and all matches will be televised live throughout on Solar Sports in the Philippines. Matchroom Sport TV will subsequently produce 15 x 1 hour highlight shows for global distribution.

Commented Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn, “I think it's fair to say that this is one of the strongest fields ever assembled for the Masters. There will be no easy matches and every player here is a champion.

“With only 16 players we have tried to assemble the toughest field possible given the geographical spread required.

“It will be hard to back against the Filipino players in front of what will be huge crowds in Manila, but with the strength in depth of the line-up, they all have a chance.

The 2011 World Pool Masters is sponsored by PartyPoker.net, the world's leading online poker school. Cloth is supplied by Iwan Simonis, Super Aramith balls by Saluc, tables by Star Xing Pai and the Official Cue is Predator.