Hearn's impact is a fillip for snooker
World Snooker's new chairman Barry Hearn is having the major impact that snooker needs, according to the manufacturers of Strachan billiard cloth.
"New events and new sponsors are giving the game a much-needed shot in the arm," says the company's marketing director Duncan Kettell
"We have always felt that someone with Barry Hearn's understanding of the game could unlock snooker's intrinsic appeal to fans around the world.
"Barry has the entrepreneurial flare that appeals to sponsors and has begun to introduce new formats that are attractive to players and television companies.
"In response, we are already seeing other organisations, such as the International Billiards & Snooker Federation, which manages the amateur game, launching their first ever world 6-reds championships.
"And World Snooker is hosting a 6-reds event in Bangkok which will create further financial opportunities for professionals and boost interest in the game in the Far East," said Kettell.
Strachan cloth will be specified at these and many other new events, including the newly-sponsored pokerstars.com Masters at Wembley and the totesport.com Welsh Open.
"Barry's other suggestions, such as a new order of merit on the professional circuit and an international team world cup, will add further impetus to the game," added Kettell.
Strachan will celebrate 31 years at the Crucible
Billiard cloth manufacturer Milliken reaches a significant milestone at this year's World Snooker Championships in Sheffield.
The event will mark the 31st consecutive occasion its Strachan brand has been specified by the World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association.
Since the early 1980s, the brand has become the preferred choice of most of the sport's regulators around the world for both professional ranking tournaments and many other competitions in the amateur arena.
Overseas sales into China, Europe, the Middle East, Russia and Australia now comprise a multi-million pound success story for UK based Milliken, which has also developed demand for its range of pool cloth.
Sheffield's Crucible theatre was built in 1971 and hosted its first snooker championships in 1977 when the late John Spencer beat Cliff Thorburn in the final.
Steve Davis won six world championship titles playing on Strachan in the 1980s, a feat surpassed by Stephen Hendry with seven wins in the 1990s.
And an estimated 18 million television viewers stayed up late into the night in 1985 when Dennis Taylor beat Steve Davis 18-17 to win the championship by potting the final black.
"The World Snooker Championships remain the high point of the year for everyone associated with snooker," said Milliken marketing director Duncan Kettell.
"In the 30-plus years we've been an official supplier, Strachan cloth has helped 14 players reach the pinnacle of their game by winning world titles on the world's best cloth."
Barton Mc'Gill Oldest customer, Mr. Spencer Wade
At the sprightly young age of 93 years, Spencer Wade of Takapuna had owned this fabulous Barton McGill "Traditional" billiards table for 55 years and outside a recovery some 15 years ago the table has not been moved from his specially built billiards room in all this time .
Spencer's father Hansel Metcalf Wade originally bought the table brand new from our show room in 407 Queen Street in 1920 and subsequently left the table in his will to Spencer upon his death in 1955.
So after almost 90 years in the family ,Spencer has now sold his property and because the table could not be housed in his new retirement village unit we were asked to find a new home for the table and our Managing Director on seeing the table bought it for his own home.
Peter Heald had this to say "On meeting Spencer I was impressed by his manners and presence.After
seeing the table in such an amazing condition after all the years and hearing about all the fun and good times it had given to Spencer's family and friends, I felt proud to be part our company and its quality of products.I had no choice but buy it back for my own home".
We have just returned from Vegas
Peter Heald and his daughter Kelly visited the BCA 2009 Expo in Las Vegas. The event was a great sucess, and the highlight was meeting the lovely player Ewa Mataya Laurance former World Pool Champion at the Brunswick stand. Ewa is the player ambassador for Brunswick Billiards and was signing autographs and demostrating the Brunswick quality to a large crowd of fans.
The BCA Expo:
Broomfield, Colo. June 29, 2009 The 2009 edition of the Billiard Congress of Americas (BCA) International Billiard and Home Recreation Expo came to a successful conclusion. The event, produced by the BCA, was held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, June 25-27, 2009. Buyer attendance for the three-day event was 1,120. The number of companies exhibiting at the event was 116, while the total number of booths was 412.
NZCBS
8 May 2009
A new website for NZCBS the umbrella organisation covering all Billiard sports went online today.
The Mission statement of the NZCBS is: "To unite the games of Snooker, Billiards and Pool in New Zealand through affiliation to the WCBS with the common goal of getting Billiard Sports into the Olympic Games."
go to www.nzcbs.org.nz
Milliken consolidates in Asia
24 Febuary 2009
Cue sport cloth manufacturer Milliken, which markets the Strachan brand worldwide, has renewed its contract with the Asian Confederation of Billiards Sports (ACBS).
ACBS represents 32 countries throughout Asia including Malaysia, Iraq and India and is the Olympic Council of Asia recognised Asian Sport Federation in charge of snooker, billiards, pool and carom at all Asian multi-sport events.
The deal means that Strachan is now the brand of choice throughout much of the professional and amateur game - the company having a long association with the World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association and the International Billiards & Snooker Federation.
ACBS president Sindhu Pulsirivong chose Strachan as its official cloth partner two years ago and since then the brand has been used in many countries including Bahrain, China, Jordan, Korea, the Philippines and Syria.
"Milliken shares our wish to develop cue sports throughout Asia. The Confederation believes it's important to give players at every level the best conditions to perfect their skills and has been
delighted with the support received from Milliken in the last two years," said Sindhu.
E.J.Goh, Milliken's sales manager for Asia commented: "It's our aim to make Strachan a global brand and we are pleased to continue to work with ACBS, which has made such a success of promoting cue sports across Asia.
"It's important the game's regulators create the best conditions for cuesports. The products they choose play a vital part and, as a result, we are seeing increased market share as talented young players seek to emulate their heroes in the professional game.
"The quality of play at recent UK snooker events has never been higher and, by retaining the Mosconi Cup, Europe's pool players again showed they are the best in the world." added E.J.
Davis Takes Billiard Event for Mom
Jan 4th, 2009
Jacoby Custom Cues Carolina Tour / Wilmington, NC
She d told him at the outset that since it was her birthday and only the second time she d ever seen him play, it was important to her that he win. Mike Davis delivered, offering his mom, Ingrid Davis, the birthday present she d asked for and taking top honors in the main event of the Jacoby Custom Cues Carolina Tour the weekend of January 2-4. The $1000-added main event, which drew 27 entrants to Breaktime Billiards in Wilmington, NC, was supplemented by a Friday night mini tournament, a Sunday second-chance tournament, and ladies and juniors events as well.
Davis finished the main event undefeated. From among the final four on the winners side, he sent Dennis Crist to the one-loss side with a commanding 7-1 victory and faced Jared McGee in the hot seat match. McGee had sent Sam Monday west after a hill-hill struggle and joined him when Davis gained the hot seat 7-2.
On the one-loss side, Scott Lewis was battling his way back to an eventual seat in the finals. He got by Zach Wilson in a hill-hill struggle and then Steve Ladner 7-2 for the right to face Crist. At the same time Michael Fuller got by Charlie Brinson 7-4 and shut out Larry Faulk for the right to square off against Monday. It was Lewis and Fuller advancing to the quarterfinals, where a 7-4 win put Lewis in the semifinals versus Jared McGee. Lewis dropped McGee into third place 7-5 and moved into the finals against Davis. In the final race to 9, Davis stayed in control, finishing it 9-5 and taking top honors.
Wilkie Snares Blaze Billiards Win
Blaze 9-Ball Tour / Brooklyn, Feb 2009
Marylands Shaun Get Some Wilkie put on an exhibition in heart as the up-and-coming professional player came from behind to win the Blaze 9-Ball Tours February 15 stop. Skyline Billiards hosted 43 players and drew some of the strongest players currently in the game.
After losing a tough match to Jorge Rodriguez, Wilke made an impressive run through the one-loss side of the tournament bracket, never letting more than one opponent get to the hill. Wilkies road to the finals began with defeating house pro Liz Ford, then went on to best Matt Krah, Jerry Tarantola, Mhet Vergara, Bill Gallagher, Rodriguez, Ken Rutman, Mike Fingers, and Wali Muhammad.
In the finals Wilkie met Oscar Bonilla, who recently finished as runner-up in the Predator 9-Ball Tour opener. Bonillas performance was dominant throughout the tournament as he ran through the winners bracket undefeated, where he defeated Qtown, Mhet Vergara, Scott Freeman, Rodriguez, Marc Vidal, and Muhammad.
In the double-elimination finals, Wilkie caught a gear in the first set and rolled over Bonilla 7-1. In the second set, Bonilla battled toe to toe with Wilkie but could not match his firepower, and Wilkie claimed the set and title with a 6-4 victory.
New Billiards Game Introduced
19 January 2009
Stymie a word that means to hinder or block, is now an amazing new billiard game. If you are looking for a billiard game that will increase your ball placement skills this is it. It has a fresh approach and is well worth playing.
The billiard game of Stymie, created by ScratchBall Billiards (SBB), is reminiscent of an earlier golf term where a golf ball sets directly in the putting line of another ball. The object of the billiard game is to block shots by placing balls directly in front a table pocket. The catch is that ball placement must be meticulous. It is by far one of the most precision oriented games in billiards; on par with carom.
Developed as a complement to ScratchBall, Stymie is touted as a dynamic tool for learning billiard techniques. SBB's game of ScratchBall intensely utilizes English. Stymie, on the other hand, is all about shooting softly to precisely position the ball in front of a pocket. Between the two games, billiard instructors have two powerful tools for teaching the sport. Regular drills will always have their place but these games make learning pool fun.
The masterminds behind the games are three Fenske brothers out of Portland, OR. Billiards is one of their great pastimes. Inventors of many products, with a distinguished reputation in their own right, they developed ScratchBall Billiards Association as a hub where players can unite and find products relating to the games.
One of the most striking features of the game is the color for the set of balls. Solid black with a touch of red against a vibrant tablecloth generates an elegant palette inferring the balanced between competition and comradely.
The evolution of billiards is fascinating study. It all started as a lawn game in Europe over 400 years ago and went through many changes. With infusion of this type of creative thinking, I for one would love to see how these new games affect the future of billiards. Time will tell but meanwhile we can sit back and enjoy the games.
About SBB - ScratchBall Billiards
Van Boening Back in Music City to Defend Open title
19 January 2009
Music City 9-Ball Open / Nashville, TN
The 22nd Annual Music City 9-Ball Open is underway in Nashville, TN, with a list of usual suspects on hand to participate. Among the 113 entrants signed on for the $6,000-added open portion of the weekend events is defending champion Shane Van Boening, who last year came back from the one-loss side to defeat Tom D Alfonso in the double-elimination finals.
D Alfonso will not be among those challenging Van Boening for the 2009 title, nor will Alex Pagulayan who was dropped into fourth place during Van Boening march to the finals last year.
Among those who will challenge him are Johnny Archer and Gabe Owen (who won in 2007). Also on hand are Ronnie Wiseman (who was shut out by Van Boening in last year semifinal match), Chad Vilmont, and Steve Moore.
Archer, in addition to his efforts in the open event, will be looking to avenge a defeat handed to him by Van Boening in the finals of the Midnight Madness event last year. Limited to eight players, the winner-takes-all Midnight Madness event is scheduled to commence at midnight on Saturday.
With sign-ups and attendant business, the opening rounds of play didn't get started until after 1 a.m. Friday morning and featured a few key match-ups, including Archer versus Karen Corr. Corr will likely be among the participants in the ladies event, scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m. Friday night. Limited to 32 players, the $1,000-added ladies event will, with a full field, offer a $2,600 total prize fund.
Dene O'Kane does it again!
18 December 2008
Dene O Kane retained his World Masters Snooker title yesterday in Austria, beaing Indias Gee Seetee 5/1. Good on you Dene:)
Don't compromise on quality says pool chief
November 14 2008
The English Pool Association (EPA), which has signed a agreement with cloth manufacturer Milliken, is recommending its members do not compromise on cloth quality as business expenditure tightens.
EPA chairman Geoff Wilson said that the cloth is a key component in the Association's drive to produce top players, such as Mark Selby. "Though the economic climate is tough, it would be a false economy to choose a low cost, poor-quality cloth.
"We are seeing standards improve all the time, partly due to the pool products now on the market, so it's in everyones interest to go for the best table/cloth combination
"English pool players get more competitive each year and I have no doubt this improvement is linked to the products we play on week in week out," added Geoff
His comments are echoed by Milliken European sales manager Stuart Gardiner, who confirmed the EPA had done much to improve standards in pool.
"We have had a long relationship with EPA and are delighted to see the success being achieved by UK players on the wider stage and in clubs up and down the country.
"In the English game, where the EPA recommends Strachan 6811, there are around 60,000 tables in the UK, with another 9,000 tables used for American pool.
"Internationally, where American pool is the dominant game, Milliken Superpro is being increasingly specified," added Stuart. "Superpro is a top-performing worsted cloth used on the professional circuit and in high-end pool clubs, where we are now achieving greater market share."
ends
The 2009 World Championships will mark a 17 year link between the EPA and Milliken. Venue will again be Blackpool's Imperial Hotel.
New Zealand 9 Ball Championships 2008
(Pictured: Top, Peter Heald and Chris Bowman winner of 2008 men's 9 Ball. bottom, Peter Heald and Denise Wilkinson winner of the 2008 women's 9 Ball Championships)
Peter Heald, Managering Director of Barton McGill presents the winner's of the New Zealand 9 Ball Championships of 2008. The sponsor's of the Championships were Barton McGill and Milliken, the makers of the Superpro pool cloth. The Suprapro cloth was widely aclaimed by the players for it's speed and control of the white ball. Barton McGill are the NZ distrubutors of the Suprapro championship cloth.
The new cloth supply agreement
Milliken's World Snooker extends cloth supply agreement
Latest in October 2008
World Snooker Ltd has signed a new agreement with Milliken that will see the company supplying its top grade Strachan cloth for all World Snooker tournaments including the World Championships.
It marks one of the longest associations between a manufacturer and a sport regulator - Milliken and World Snooker first joining forces in 1980 when Canada's Cliff Thorburn took the world title.
Since then, Strachan has featured in 28 consecutive World Championships, which have produced 14 professional World Snooker champions including three-times winner Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Miles Pearce, commercial director with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, said: "Strachan cloth is a key part of our ambition to provide the best possible playing conditions at all World Snooker tournaments and we are happy to retain our relationship with Milliken."
Milliken marketing director Duncan Kettell said he was delighted to extend the company's association as the official cloth supplier to World Snooker.
"Milliken produces the best quality snooker cloth available anywhere in the world and World Snooker events are the pinnacle of the professional game. We are very pleased World Snooker recognises this and has again chosen Milliken as its cloth partner."
Ends
Pictured: (L to R) Roewe Shanghai Masters semi-finalist Mark Selby, Duncan Kettell of Milliken, World Snooker's Miles Pearce and Marco Fu who, this month, started his defence of the Royal London Watches Grand Prix.
Issued on behalf of Milliken by Tony Haynes
Eastwood Public Relations 01242 253707.
Another great year at the Auckland Home Show
Auckland Home Show 2008
We had another great time at the Auckland Home Show this year. With lots of products on display including our new Poker table.
Pictured, Kelly Nicole Heald, Laura Thavat and Peter Heald
Kelly Nicole Heald (the bosses daughter) new to our Barton McGill team
Latest News in October 2007
We are pleased to welcome Kelly Heald on to our team (yes the bosses daughter)
Kelly is a graduate in Interior Design and Graphics Design and will be working here in our Auckland office. Giving our customers her expertise in designing their billiard rooms to be one of a kind.
Billiard cloth manufacturer Milliken reaches a significant milestone at this year's World Snooker Championships in Sheffield.
The event will mark the 31st consecutive occasion its Strachan brand has been specified by the World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association.
Since the early 1980s, the brand has become the preferred choice of most of the sport's regulators around the world for both professional ranking tournaments and many other competitions in the amateur arena. Overseas sales into China, Europe, the Middle East, Russia and Australia now comprise a multi-million pound success story for UK based Milliken, which has also developed demand for its range of pool cloth.
Sheffield's Crucible theatre was built in 1971 and hosted its first snooker championships in 1977 when the late John Spencer beat Cliff Thorburn in the final. Steve Davis won six world championship titles playing on Strachan in the 1980s, a feat surpassed by Stephen Hendry with seven wins in the 1990s. And an estimated 18 million television viewers stayed up late into the night in 1985 when Dennis Taylor beat Steve Davis 18-17 to win the championship by potting the final black.
"The World Snooker Championships remain the high point of the year for everyone associated with snooker," said Milliken marketing director Duncan Kettell. "In the 30-plus years we've been an official supplier, Strachan cloth has helped 14 players reach the pinnacle of their game by winning world titles on the world's best cloth."
Barton Mc'Gill Oldest customer, Mr. Spencer Wade
At the sprightly young age of 93 years, Spencer Wade of Takapuna had owned this fabulous Barton McGill "Traditional" billiards table for 55 years and outside a recovery some 15 years ago the table has not been moved from his specially built billiards room in all this time .
Spencer's father Hansel Metcalf Wade originally bought the table brand new from our show room in 407 Queen Street in 1920 and subsequently left the table in his will to Spencer upon his death in 1955.
So after almost 90 years in the family ,Spencer has now sold his property and because the table could not be housed in his new retirement village unit we were asked to find a new home for the table and our Managing Director on seeing the table bought it for his own home.
Peter Heald had this to say "On meeting Spencer I was impressed by his manners and presence.After
seeing the table in such an amazing condition after all the years and hearing about all the fun and good times it had given to Spencer's family and friends, I felt proud to be part our company and its quality of products.I had no choice but buy it back for my own home".
We have just returned from Vegas
Peter Heald and his daughter Kelly visited the BCA 2009 Expo in Las Vegas. The event was a great sucess, and the highlight was meeting the lovely player Ewa Mataya Laurance former World Pool Champion at the Brunswick stand. Ewa is the player ambassador for Brunswick Billiards and was signing autographs and demostrating the Brunswick quality to a large crowd of fans.
The BCA Expo:
Broomfield, Colo. June 29, 2009 The 2009 edition of the Billiard Congress of Americas (BCA) International Billiard and Home Recreation Expo came to a successful conclusion. The event, produced by the BCA, was held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, June 25-27, 2009. Buyer attendance for the three-day event was 1,120. The number of companies exhibiting at the event was 116, while the total number of booths was 412.
NZCBS
8 May 2009
A new website for NZCBS the umbrella organisation covering all Billiard sports went online today.
The Mission statement of the NZCBS is: "To unite the games of Snooker, Billiards and Pool in New Zealand through affiliation to the WCBS with the common goal of getting Billiard Sports into the Olympic Games."
go to www.nzcbs.org.nz
Milliken consolidates in Asia
24 Febuary 2009
Cue sport cloth manufacturer Milliken, which markets the Strachan brand worldwide, has renewed its contract with the Asian Confederation of Billiards Sports (ACBS).
ACBS represents 32 countries throughout Asia including Malaysia, Iraq and India and is the Olympic Council of Asia recognised Asian Sport Federation in charge of snooker, billiards, pool and carom at all Asian multi-sport events.
The deal means that Strachan is now the brand of choice throughout much of the professional and amateur game - the company having a long association with the World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association and the International Billiards & Snooker Federation.
ACBS president Sindhu Pulsirivong chose Strachan as its official cloth partner two years ago and since then the brand has been used in many countries including Bahrain, China, Jordan, Korea, the Philippines and Syria.
"Milliken shares our wish to develop cue sports throughout Asia. The Confederation believes it's important to give players at every level the best conditions to perfect their skills and has been
delighted with the support received from Milliken in the last two years," said Sindhu.
E.J.Goh, Milliken's sales manager for Asia commented: "It's our aim to make Strachan a global brand and we are pleased to continue to work with ACBS, which has made such a success of promoting cue sports across Asia.
"It's important the game's regulators create the best conditions for cuesports. The products they choose play a vital part and, as a result, we are seeing increased market share as talented young players seek to emulate their heroes in the professional game.
"The quality of play at recent UK snooker events has never been higher and, by retaining the Mosconi Cup, Europe's pool players again showed they are the best in the world." added E.J.
Davis Takes Billiard Event for Mom
Jan 4th, 2009
Jacoby Custom Cues Carolina Tour / Wilmington, NC
She d told him at the outset that since it was her birthday and only the second time she d ever seen him play, it was important to her that he win. Mike Davis delivered, offering his mom, Ingrid Davis, the birthday present she d asked for and taking top honors in the main event of the Jacoby Custom Cues Carolina Tour the weekend of January 2-4. The $1000-added main event, which drew 27 entrants to Breaktime Billiards in Wilmington, NC, was supplemented by a Friday night mini tournament, a Sunday second-chance tournament, and ladies and juniors events as well.
Davis finished the main event undefeated. From among the final four on the winners side, he sent Dennis Crist to the one-loss side with a commanding 7-1 victory and faced Jared McGee in the hot seat match. McGee had sent Sam Monday west after a hill-hill struggle and joined him when Davis gained the hot seat 7-2.
On the one-loss side, Scott Lewis was battling his way back to an eventual seat in the finals. He got by Zach Wilson in a hill-hill struggle and then Steve Ladner 7-2 for the right to face Crist. At the same time Michael Fuller got by Charlie Brinson 7-4 and shut out Larry Faulk for the right to square off against Monday. It was Lewis and Fuller advancing to the quarterfinals, where a 7-4 win put Lewis in the semifinals versus Jared McGee. Lewis dropped McGee into third place 7-5 and moved into the finals against Davis. In the final race to 9, Davis stayed in control, finishing it 9-5 and taking top honors.
Wilkie Snares Blaze Billiards Win
Blaze 9-Ball Tour / Brooklyn, Feb 2009
Marylands Shaun Get Some Wilkie put on an exhibition in heart as the up-and-coming professional player came from behind to win the Blaze 9-Ball Tours February 15 stop. Skyline Billiards hosted 43 players and drew some of the strongest players currently in the game.
After losing a tough match to Jorge Rodriguez, Wilke made an impressive run through the one-loss side of the tournament bracket, never letting more than one opponent get to the hill. Wilkies road to the finals began with defeating house pro Liz Ford, then went on to best Matt Krah, Jerry Tarantola, Mhet Vergara, Bill Gallagher, Rodriguez, Ken Rutman, Mike Fingers, and Wali Muhammad.
In the finals Wilkie met Oscar Bonilla, who recently finished as runner-up in the Predator 9-Ball Tour opener. Bonillas performance was dominant throughout the tournament as he ran through the winners bracket undefeated, where he defeated Qtown, Mhet Vergara, Scott Freeman, Rodriguez, Marc Vidal, and Muhammad.
In the double-elimination finals, Wilkie caught a gear in the first set and rolled over Bonilla 7-1. In the second set, Bonilla battled toe to toe with Wilkie but could not match his firepower, and Wilkie claimed the set and title with a 6-4 victory.
New Billiards Game Introduced
19 January 2009
Stymie a word that means to hinder or block, is now an amazing new billiard game. If you are looking for a billiard game that will increase your ball placement skills this is it. It has a fresh approach and is well worth playing.
The billiard game of Stymie, created by ScratchBall Billiards (SBB), is reminiscent of an earlier golf term where a golf ball sets directly in the putting line of another ball. The object of the billiard game is to block shots by placing balls directly in front a table pocket. The catch is that ball placement must be meticulous. It is by far one of the most precision oriented games in billiards; on par with carom.
Developed as a complement to ScratchBall, Stymie is touted as a dynamic tool for learning billiard techniques. SBB's game of ScratchBall intensely utilizes English. Stymie, on the other hand, is all about shooting softly to precisely position the ball in front of a pocket. Between the two games, billiard instructors have two powerful tools for teaching the sport. Regular drills will always have their place but these games make learning pool fun.
The masterminds behind the games are three Fenske brothers out of Portland, OR. Billiards is one of their great pastimes. Inventors of many products, with a distinguished reputation in their own right, they developed ScratchBall Billiards Association as a hub where players can unite and find products relating to the games.
One of the most striking features of the game is the color for the set of balls. Solid black with a touch of red against a vibrant tablecloth generates an elegant palette inferring the balanced between competition and comradely.
The evolution of billiards is fascinating study. It all started as a lawn game in Europe over 400 years ago and went through many changes. With infusion of this type of creative thinking, I for one would love to see how these new games affect the future of billiards. Time will tell but meanwhile we can sit back and enjoy the games.
About SBB - ScratchBall Billiards
Van Boening Back in Music City to Defend Open title
19 January 2009
Music City 9-Ball Open / Nashville, TN
The 22nd Annual Music City 9-Ball Open is underway in Nashville, TN, with a list of usual suspects on hand to participate. Among the 113 entrants signed on for the $6,000-added open portion of the weekend events is defending champion Shane Van Boening, who last year came back from the one-loss side to defeat Tom D Alfonso in the double-elimination finals.
D Alfonso will not be among those challenging Van Boening for the 2009 title, nor will Alex Pagulayan who was dropped into fourth place during Van Boening march to the finals last year.
Among those who will challenge him are Johnny Archer and Gabe Owen (who won in 2007). Also on hand are Ronnie Wiseman (who was shut out by Van Boening in last year semifinal match), Chad Vilmont, and Steve Moore.
Archer, in addition to his efforts in the open event, will be looking to avenge a defeat handed to him by Van Boening in the finals of the Midnight Madness event last year. Limited to eight players, the winner-takes-all Midnight Madness event is scheduled to commence at midnight on Saturday.
With sign-ups and attendant business, the opening rounds of play didn't get started until after 1 a.m. Friday morning and featured a few key match-ups, including Archer versus Karen Corr. Corr will likely be among the participants in the ladies event, scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m. Friday night. Limited to 32 players, the $1,000-added ladies event will, with a full field, offer a $2,600 total prize fund.
Dene O'Kane does it again!
18 December 2008
Dene O Kane retained his World Masters Snooker title yesterday in Austria, beaing Indias Gee Seetee 5/1. Good on you Dene:)
Don't compromise on quality says pool chief
November 14 2008
The English Pool Association (EPA), which has signed a agreement with cloth manufacturer Milliken, is recommending its members do not compromise on cloth quality as business expenditure tightens.
EPA chairman Geoff Wilson said that the cloth is a key component in the Association's drive to produce top players, such as Mark Selby. "Though the economic climate is tough, it would be a false economy to choose a low cost, poor-quality cloth.
"We are seeing standards improve all the time, partly due to the pool products now on the market, so it's in everyones interest to go for the best table/cloth combination
"English pool players get more competitive each year and I have no doubt this improvement is linked to the products we play on week in week out," added Geoff
His comments are echoed by Milliken European sales manager Stuart Gardiner, who confirmed the EPA had done much to improve standards in pool.
"We have had a long relationship with EPA and are delighted to see the success being achieved by UK players on the wider stage and in clubs up and down the country.
"In the English game, where the EPA recommends Strachan 6811, there are around 60,000 tables in the UK, with another 9,000 tables used for American pool.
"Internationally, where American pool is the dominant game, Milliken Superpro is being increasingly specified," added Stuart. "Superpro is a top-performing worsted cloth used on the professional circuit and in high-end pool clubs, where we are now achieving greater market share."
ends
The 2009 World Championships will mark a 17 year link between the EPA and Milliken. Venue will again be Blackpool's Imperial Hotel.
New Zealand 9 Ball Championships 2008
(Pictured: Top, Peter Heald and Chris Bowman winner of 2008 men's 9 Ball. bottom, Peter Heald and Denise Wilkinson winner of the 2008 women's 9 Ball Championships)
Peter Heald, Managering Director of Barton McGill presents the winner's of the New Zealand 9 Ball Championships of 2008. The sponsor's of the Championships were Barton McGill and Milliken, the makers of the Superpro pool cloth. The Suprapro cloth was widely aclaimed by the players for it's speed and control of the white ball. Barton McGill are the NZ distrubutors of the Suprapro championship cloth.
The new cloth supply agreement
Milliken's World Snooker extends cloth supply agreement
Latest in October 2008
World Snooker Ltd has signed a new agreement with Milliken that will see the company supplying its top grade Strachan cloth for all World Snooker tournaments including the World Championships.
It marks one of the longest associations between a manufacturer and a sport regulator - Milliken and World Snooker first joining forces in 1980 when Canada's Cliff Thorburn took the world title.
Since then, Strachan has featured in 28 consecutive World Championships, which have produced 14 professional World Snooker champions including three-times winner Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Miles Pearce, commercial director with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, said: "Strachan cloth is a key part of our ambition to provide the best possible playing conditions at all World Snooker tournaments and we are happy to retain our relationship with Milliken."
Milliken marketing director Duncan Kettell said he was delighted to extend the company's association as the official cloth supplier to World Snooker.
"Milliken produces the best quality snooker cloth available anywhere in the world and World Snooker events are the pinnacle of the professional game. We are very pleased World Snooker recognises this and has again chosen Milliken as its cloth partner."
Ends
Pictured: (L to R) Roewe Shanghai Masters semi-finalist Mark Selby, Duncan Kettell of Milliken, World Snooker's Miles Pearce and Marco Fu who, this month, started his defence of the Royal London Watches Grand Prix.
Issued on behalf of Milliken by Tony Haynes
Eastwood Public Relations 01242 253707.
Another great year at the Auckland Home Show
Auckland Home Show 2008
We had another great time at the Auckland Home Show this year. With lots of products on display including our new Poker table.
Pictured, Kelly Nicole Heald, Laura Thavat and Peter Heald
Kelly Nicole Heald (the bosses daughter) new to our Barton McGill team
Latest News in October 2007
We are pleased to welcome Kelly Heald on to our team (yes the bosses daughter)
Kelly is a graduate in Interior Design and Graphics Design and will be working here in our Auckland office. Giving our customers her expertise in designing their billiard rooms to be one of a kind.
Peter Heald and his daughter Kelly visited the BCA 2009 Expo in Las Vegas. The event was a great sucess, and the highlight was meeting the lovely player Ewa Mataya Laurance former World Pool Champion at the Brunswick stand. Ewa is the player ambassador for Brunswick Billiards and was signing autographs and demostrating the Brunswick quality to a large crowd of fans.
The BCA Expo:
Broomfield, Colo. June 29, 2009 The 2009 edition of the Billiard Congress of Americas (BCA) International Billiard and Home Recreation Expo came to a successful conclusion. The event, produced by the BCA, was held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, June 25-27, 2009. Buyer attendance for the three-day event was 1,120. The number of companies exhibiting at the event was 116, while the total number of booths was 412.
NZCBS
8 May 2009
A new website for NZCBS the umbrella organisation covering all Billiard sports went online today.
The Mission statement of the NZCBS is: "To unite the games of Snooker, Billiards and Pool in New Zealand through affiliation to the WCBS with the common goal of getting Billiard Sports into the Olympic Games."
go to www.nzcbs.org.nz
Milliken consolidates in Asia
24 Febuary 2009
Cue sport cloth manufacturer Milliken, which markets the Strachan brand worldwide, has renewed its contract with the Asian Confederation of Billiards Sports (ACBS).
ACBS represents 32 countries throughout Asia including Malaysia, Iraq and India and is the Olympic Council of Asia recognised Asian Sport Federation in charge of snooker, billiards, pool and carom at all Asian multi-sport events.
The deal means that Strachan is now the brand of choice throughout much of the professional and amateur game - the company having a long association with the World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association and the International Billiards & Snooker Federation.
ACBS president Sindhu Pulsirivong chose Strachan as its official cloth partner two years ago and since then the brand has been used in many countries including Bahrain, China, Jordan, Korea, the Philippines and Syria.
"Milliken shares our wish to develop cue sports throughout Asia. The Confederation believes it's important to give players at every level the best conditions to perfect their skills and has been
delighted with the support received from Milliken in the last two years," said Sindhu.
E.J.Goh, Milliken's sales manager for Asia commented: "It's our aim to make Strachan a global brand and we are pleased to continue to work with ACBS, which has made such a success of promoting cue sports across Asia.
"It's important the game's regulators create the best conditions for cuesports. The products they choose play a vital part and, as a result, we are seeing increased market share as talented young players seek to emulate their heroes in the professional game.
"The quality of play at recent UK snooker events has never been higher and, by retaining the Mosconi Cup, Europe's pool players again showed they are the best in the world." added E.J.
Davis Takes Billiard Event for Mom
Jan 4th, 2009
Jacoby Custom Cues Carolina Tour / Wilmington, NC
She d told him at the outset that since it was her birthday and only the second time she d ever seen him play, it was important to her that he win. Mike Davis delivered, offering his mom, Ingrid Davis, the birthday present she d asked for and taking top honors in the main event of the Jacoby Custom Cues Carolina Tour the weekend of January 2-4. The $1000-added main event, which drew 27 entrants to Breaktime Billiards in Wilmington, NC, was supplemented by a Friday night mini tournament, a Sunday second-chance tournament, and ladies and juniors events as well.
Davis finished the main event undefeated. From among the final four on the winners side, he sent Dennis Crist to the one-loss side with a commanding 7-1 victory and faced Jared McGee in the hot seat match. McGee had sent Sam Monday west after a hill-hill struggle and joined him when Davis gained the hot seat 7-2.
On the one-loss side, Scott Lewis was battling his way back to an eventual seat in the finals. He got by Zach Wilson in a hill-hill struggle and then Steve Ladner 7-2 for the right to face Crist. At the same time Michael Fuller got by Charlie Brinson 7-4 and shut out Larry Faulk for the right to square off against Monday. It was Lewis and Fuller advancing to the quarterfinals, where a 7-4 win put Lewis in the semifinals versus Jared McGee. Lewis dropped McGee into third place 7-5 and moved into the finals against Davis. In the final race to 9, Davis stayed in control, finishing it 9-5 and taking top honors.
Wilkie Snares Blaze Billiards Win
Blaze 9-Ball Tour / Brooklyn, Feb 2009
Marylands Shaun Get Some Wilkie put on an exhibition in heart as the up-and-coming professional player came from behind to win the Blaze 9-Ball Tours February 15 stop. Skyline Billiards hosted 43 players and drew some of the strongest players currently in the game.
After losing a tough match to Jorge Rodriguez, Wilke made an impressive run through the one-loss side of the tournament bracket, never letting more than one opponent get to the hill. Wilkies road to the finals began with defeating house pro Liz Ford, then went on to best Matt Krah, Jerry Tarantola, Mhet Vergara, Bill Gallagher, Rodriguez, Ken Rutman, Mike Fingers, and Wali Muhammad.
In the finals Wilkie met Oscar Bonilla, who recently finished as runner-up in the Predator 9-Ball Tour opener. Bonillas performance was dominant throughout the tournament as he ran through the winners bracket undefeated, where he defeated Qtown, Mhet Vergara, Scott Freeman, Rodriguez, Marc Vidal, and Muhammad.
In the double-elimination finals, Wilkie caught a gear in the first set and rolled over Bonilla 7-1. In the second set, Bonilla battled toe to toe with Wilkie but could not match his firepower, and Wilkie claimed the set and title with a 6-4 victory.
New Billiards Game Introduced
19 January 2009
Stymie a word that means to hinder or block, is now an amazing new billiard game. If you are looking for a billiard game that will increase your ball placement skills this is it. It has a fresh approach and is well worth playing.
The billiard game of Stymie, created by ScratchBall Billiards (SBB), is reminiscent of an earlier golf term where a golf ball sets directly in the putting line of another ball. The object of the billiard game is to block shots by placing balls directly in front a table pocket. The catch is that ball placement must be meticulous. It is by far one of the most precision oriented games in billiards; on par with carom.
Developed as a complement to ScratchBall, Stymie is touted as a dynamic tool for learning billiard techniques. SBB's game of ScratchBall intensely utilizes English. Stymie, on the other hand, is all about shooting softly to precisely position the ball in front of a pocket. Between the two games, billiard instructors have two powerful tools for teaching the sport. Regular drills will always have their place but these games make learning pool fun.
The masterminds behind the games are three Fenske brothers out of Portland, OR. Billiards is one of their great pastimes. Inventors of many products, with a distinguished reputation in their own right, they developed ScratchBall Billiards Association as a hub where players can unite and find products relating to the games.
One of the most striking features of the game is the color for the set of balls. Solid black with a touch of red against a vibrant tablecloth generates an elegant palette inferring the balanced between competition and comradely.
The evolution of billiards is fascinating study. It all started as a lawn game in Europe over 400 years ago and went through many changes. With infusion of this type of creative thinking, I for one would love to see how these new games affect the future of billiards. Time will tell but meanwhile we can sit back and enjoy the games.
About SBB - ScratchBall Billiards
Van Boening Back in Music City to Defend Open title
19 January 2009
Music City 9-Ball Open / Nashville, TN
The 22nd Annual Music City 9-Ball Open is underway in Nashville, TN, with a list of usual suspects on hand to participate. Among the 113 entrants signed on for the $6,000-added open portion of the weekend events is defending champion Shane Van Boening, who last year came back from the one-loss side to defeat Tom D Alfonso in the double-elimination finals.
D Alfonso will not be among those challenging Van Boening for the 2009 title, nor will Alex Pagulayan who was dropped into fourth place during Van Boening march to the finals last year.
Among those who will challenge him are Johnny Archer and Gabe Owen (who won in 2007). Also on hand are Ronnie Wiseman (who was shut out by Van Boening in last year semifinal match), Chad Vilmont, and Steve Moore.
Archer, in addition to his efforts in the open event, will be looking to avenge a defeat handed to him by Van Boening in the finals of the Midnight Madness event last year. Limited to eight players, the winner-takes-all Midnight Madness event is scheduled to commence at midnight on Saturday.
With sign-ups and attendant business, the opening rounds of play didn't get started until after 1 a.m. Friday morning and featured a few key match-ups, including Archer versus Karen Corr. Corr will likely be among the participants in the ladies event, scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m. Friday night. Limited to 32 players, the $1,000-added ladies event will, with a full field, offer a $2,600 total prize fund.
Dene O'Kane does it again!
18 December 2008
Dene O Kane retained his World Masters Snooker title yesterday in Austria, beaing Indias Gee Seetee 5/1. Good on you Dene:)
Don't compromise on quality says pool chief
November 14 2008
The English Pool Association (EPA), which has signed a agreement with cloth manufacturer Milliken, is recommending its members do not compromise on cloth quality as business expenditure tightens.
EPA chairman Geoff Wilson said that the cloth is a key component in the Association's drive to produce top players, such as Mark Selby. "Though the economic climate is tough, it would be a false economy to choose a low cost, poor-quality cloth.
"We are seeing standards improve all the time, partly due to the pool products now on the market, so it's in everyones interest to go for the best table/cloth combination
"English pool players get more competitive each year and I have no doubt this improvement is linked to the products we play on week in week out," added Geoff
His comments are echoed by Milliken European sales manager Stuart Gardiner, who confirmed the EPA had done much to improve standards in pool.
"We have had a long relationship with EPA and are delighted to see the success being achieved by UK players on the wider stage and in clubs up and down the country.
"In the English game, where the EPA recommends Strachan 6811, there are around 60,000 tables in the UK, with another 9,000 tables used for American pool.
"Internationally, where American pool is the dominant game, Milliken Superpro is being increasingly specified," added Stuart. "Superpro is a top-performing worsted cloth used on the professional circuit and in high-end pool clubs, where we are now achieving greater market share."
ends
The 2009 World Championships will mark a 17 year link between the EPA and Milliken. Venue will again be Blackpool's Imperial Hotel.
New Zealand 9 Ball Championships 2008
(Pictured: Top, Peter Heald and Chris Bowman winner of 2008 men's 9 Ball. bottom, Peter Heald and Denise Wilkinson winner of the 2008 women's 9 Ball Championships)
Peter Heald, Managering Director of Barton McGill presents the winner's of the New Zealand 9 Ball Championships of 2008. The sponsor's of the Championships were Barton McGill and Milliken, the makers of the Superpro pool cloth. The Suprapro cloth was widely aclaimed by the players for it's speed and control of the white ball. Barton McGill are the NZ distrubutors of the Suprapro championship cloth.
The new cloth supply agreement
Milliken's World Snooker extends cloth supply agreement
Latest in October 2008
World Snooker Ltd has signed a new agreement with Milliken that will see the company supplying its top grade Strachan cloth for all World Snooker tournaments including the World Championships.
It marks one of the longest associations between a manufacturer and a sport regulator - Milliken and World Snooker first joining forces in 1980 when Canada's Cliff Thorburn took the world title.
Since then, Strachan has featured in 28 consecutive World Championships, which have produced 14 professional World Snooker champions including three-times winner Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Miles Pearce, commercial director with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, said: "Strachan cloth is a key part of our ambition to provide the best possible playing conditions at all World Snooker tournaments and we are happy to retain our relationship with Milliken."
Milliken marketing director Duncan Kettell said he was delighted to extend the company's association as the official cloth supplier to World Snooker.
"Milliken produces the best quality snooker cloth available anywhere in the world and World Snooker events are the pinnacle of the professional game. We are very pleased World Snooker recognises this and has again chosen Milliken as its cloth partner."
Ends
Pictured: (L to R) Roewe Shanghai Masters semi-finalist Mark Selby, Duncan Kettell of Milliken, World Snooker's Miles Pearce and Marco Fu who, this month, started his defence of the Royal London Watches Grand Prix.
Issued on behalf of Milliken by Tony Haynes
Eastwood Public Relations 01242 253707.
Another great year at the Auckland Home Show
Auckland Home Show 2008
We had another great time at the Auckland Home Show this year. With lots of products on display including our new Poker table.
Pictured, Kelly Nicole Heald, Laura Thavat and Peter Heald
Kelly Nicole Heald (the bosses daughter) new to our Barton McGill team
Latest News in October 2007
We are pleased to welcome Kelly Heald on to our team (yes the bosses daughter)
Kelly is a graduate in Interior Design and Graphics Design and will be working here in our Auckland office. Giving our customers her expertise in designing their billiard rooms to be one of a kind.
24 Febuary 2009
Cue sport cloth manufacturer Milliken, which markets the Strachan brand worldwide, has renewed its contract with the Asian Confederation of Billiards Sports (ACBS).
ACBS represents 32 countries throughout Asia including Malaysia, Iraq and India and is the Olympic Council of Asia recognised Asian Sport Federation in charge of snooker, billiards, pool and carom at all Asian multi-sport events.
The deal means that Strachan is now the brand of choice throughout much of the professional and amateur game - the company having a long association with the World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association and the International Billiards & Snooker Federation.
ACBS president Sindhu Pulsirivong chose Strachan as its official cloth partner two years ago and since then the brand has been used in many countries including Bahrain, China, Jordan, Korea, the Philippines and Syria.
"Milliken shares our wish to develop cue sports throughout Asia. The Confederation believes it's important to give players at every level the best conditions to perfect their skills and has been delighted with the support received from Milliken in the last two years," said Sindhu.
E.J.Goh, Milliken's sales manager for Asia commented: "It's our aim to make Strachan a global brand and we are pleased to continue to work with ACBS, which has made such a success of promoting cue sports across Asia.
"It's important the game's regulators create the best conditions for cuesports. The products they choose play a vital part and, as a result, we are seeing increased market share as talented young players seek to emulate their heroes in the professional game.
"The quality of play at recent UK snooker events has never been higher and, by retaining the Mosconi Cup, Europe's pool players again showed they are the best in the world." added E.J.
Davis Takes Billiard Event for Mom
Jan 4th, 2009
Jacoby Custom Cues Carolina Tour / Wilmington, NC
She d told him at the outset that since it was her birthday and only the second time she d ever seen him play, it was important to her that he win. Mike Davis delivered, offering his mom, Ingrid Davis, the birthday present she d asked for and taking top honors in the main event of the Jacoby Custom Cues Carolina Tour the weekend of January 2-4. The $1000-added main event, which drew 27 entrants to Breaktime Billiards in Wilmington, NC, was supplemented by a Friday night mini tournament, a Sunday second-chance tournament, and ladies and juniors events as well.
Davis finished the main event undefeated. From among the final four on the winners side, he sent Dennis Crist to the one-loss side with a commanding 7-1 victory and faced Jared McGee in the hot seat match. McGee had sent Sam Monday west after a hill-hill struggle and joined him when Davis gained the hot seat 7-2.
On the one-loss side, Scott Lewis was battling his way back to an eventual seat in the finals. He got by Zach Wilson in a hill-hill struggle and then Steve Ladner 7-2 for the right to face Crist. At the same time Michael Fuller got by Charlie Brinson 7-4 and shut out Larry Faulk for the right to square off against Monday. It was Lewis and Fuller advancing to the quarterfinals, where a 7-4 win put Lewis in the semifinals versus Jared McGee. Lewis dropped McGee into third place 7-5 and moved into the finals against Davis. In the final race to 9, Davis stayed in control, finishing it 9-5 and taking top honors.
Wilkie Snares Blaze Billiards Win
Blaze 9-Ball Tour / Brooklyn, Feb 2009
Marylands Shaun Get Some Wilkie put on an exhibition in heart as the up-and-coming professional player came from behind to win the Blaze 9-Ball Tours February 15 stop. Skyline Billiards hosted 43 players and drew some of the strongest players currently in the game.
After losing a tough match to Jorge Rodriguez, Wilke made an impressive run through the one-loss side of the tournament bracket, never letting more than one opponent get to the hill. Wilkies road to the finals began with defeating house pro Liz Ford, then went on to best Matt Krah, Jerry Tarantola, Mhet Vergara, Bill Gallagher, Rodriguez, Ken Rutman, Mike Fingers, and Wali Muhammad.
In the finals Wilkie met Oscar Bonilla, who recently finished as runner-up in the Predator 9-Ball Tour opener. Bonillas performance was dominant throughout the tournament as he ran through the winners bracket undefeated, where he defeated Qtown, Mhet Vergara, Scott Freeman, Rodriguez, Marc Vidal, and Muhammad.
In the double-elimination finals, Wilkie caught a gear in the first set and rolled over Bonilla 7-1. In the second set, Bonilla battled toe to toe with Wilkie but could not match his firepower, and Wilkie claimed the set and title with a 6-4 victory.
New Billiards Game Introduced
19 January 2009
Stymie a word that means to hinder or block, is now an amazing new billiard game. If you are looking for a billiard game that will increase your ball placement skills this is it. It has a fresh approach and is well worth playing.
The billiard game of Stymie, created by ScratchBall Billiards (SBB), is reminiscent of an earlier golf term where a golf ball sets directly in the putting line of another ball. The object of the billiard game is to block shots by placing balls directly in front a table pocket. The catch is that ball placement must be meticulous. It is by far one of the most precision oriented games in billiards; on par with carom.
Developed as a complement to ScratchBall, Stymie is touted as a dynamic tool for learning billiard techniques. SBB's game of ScratchBall intensely utilizes English. Stymie, on the other hand, is all about shooting softly to precisely position the ball in front of a pocket. Between the two games, billiard instructors have two powerful tools for teaching the sport. Regular drills will always have their place but these games make learning pool fun.
The masterminds behind the games are three Fenske brothers out of Portland, OR. Billiards is one of their great pastimes. Inventors of many products, with a distinguished reputation in their own right, they developed ScratchBall Billiards Association as a hub where players can unite and find products relating to the games.
One of the most striking features of the game is the color for the set of balls. Solid black with a touch of red against a vibrant tablecloth generates an elegant palette inferring the balanced between competition and comradely.
The evolution of billiards is fascinating study. It all started as a lawn game in Europe over 400 years ago and went through many changes. With infusion of this type of creative thinking, I for one would love to see how these new games affect the future of billiards. Time will tell but meanwhile we can sit back and enjoy the games.
About SBB - ScratchBall Billiards
Van Boening Back in Music City to Defend Open title
19 January 2009
Music City 9-Ball Open / Nashville, TN
The 22nd Annual Music City 9-Ball Open is underway in Nashville, TN, with a list of usual suspects on hand to participate. Among the 113 entrants signed on for the $6,000-added open portion of the weekend events is defending champion Shane Van Boening, who last year came back from the one-loss side to defeat Tom D Alfonso in the double-elimination finals.
D Alfonso will not be among those challenging Van Boening for the 2009 title, nor will Alex Pagulayan who was dropped into fourth place during Van Boening march to the finals last year.
Among those who will challenge him are Johnny Archer and Gabe Owen (who won in 2007). Also on hand are Ronnie Wiseman (who was shut out by Van Boening in last year semifinal match), Chad Vilmont, and Steve Moore.
Archer, in addition to his efforts in the open event, will be looking to avenge a defeat handed to him by Van Boening in the finals of the Midnight Madness event last year. Limited to eight players, the winner-takes-all Midnight Madness event is scheduled to commence at midnight on Saturday.
With sign-ups and attendant business, the opening rounds of play didn't get started until after 1 a.m. Friday morning and featured a few key match-ups, including Archer versus Karen Corr. Corr will likely be among the participants in the ladies event, scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m. Friday night. Limited to 32 players, the $1,000-added ladies event will, with a full field, offer a $2,600 total prize fund.
Dene O'Kane does it again!
18 December 2008
Dene O Kane retained his World Masters Snooker title yesterday in Austria, beaing Indias Gee Seetee 5/1. Good on you Dene:)
Don't compromise on quality says pool chief
November 14 2008
The English Pool Association (EPA), which has signed a agreement with cloth manufacturer Milliken, is recommending its members do not compromise on cloth quality as business expenditure tightens.
EPA chairman Geoff Wilson said that the cloth is a key component in the Association's drive to produce top players, such as Mark Selby. "Though the economic climate is tough, it would be a false economy to choose a low cost, poor-quality cloth.
"We are seeing standards improve all the time, partly due to the pool products now on the market, so it's in everyones interest to go for the best table/cloth combination
"English pool players get more competitive each year and I have no doubt this improvement is linked to the products we play on week in week out," added Geoff
His comments are echoed by Milliken European sales manager Stuart Gardiner, who confirmed the EPA had done much to improve standards in pool.
"We have had a long relationship with EPA and are delighted to see the success being achieved by UK players on the wider stage and in clubs up and down the country.
"In the English game, where the EPA recommends Strachan 6811, there are around 60,000 tables in the UK, with another 9,000 tables used for American pool.
"Internationally, where American pool is the dominant game, Milliken Superpro is being increasingly specified," added Stuart. "Superpro is a top-performing worsted cloth used on the professional circuit and in high-end pool clubs, where we are now achieving greater market share."
ends
The 2009 World Championships will mark a 17 year link between the EPA and Milliken. Venue will again be Blackpool's Imperial Hotel.
New Zealand 9 Ball Championships 2008
(Pictured: Top, Peter Heald and Chris Bowman winner of 2008 men's 9 Ball. bottom, Peter Heald and Denise Wilkinson winner of the 2008 women's 9 Ball Championships)
Peter Heald, Managering Director of Barton McGill presents the winner's of the New Zealand 9 Ball Championships of 2008. The sponsor's of the Championships were Barton McGill and Milliken, the makers of the Superpro pool cloth. The Suprapro cloth was widely aclaimed by the players for it's speed and control of the white ball. Barton McGill are the NZ distrubutors of the Suprapro championship cloth.
The new cloth supply agreement
Milliken's World Snooker extends cloth supply agreement
Latest in October 2008
World Snooker Ltd has signed a new agreement with Milliken that will see the company supplying its top grade Strachan cloth for all World Snooker tournaments including the World Championships.
It marks one of the longest associations between a manufacturer and a sport regulator - Milliken and World Snooker first joining forces in 1980 when Canada's Cliff Thorburn took the world title.
Since then, Strachan has featured in 28 consecutive World Championships, which have produced 14 professional World Snooker champions including three-times winner Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Miles Pearce, commercial director with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, said: "Strachan cloth is a key part of our ambition to provide the best possible playing conditions at all World Snooker tournaments and we are happy to retain our relationship with Milliken."
Milliken marketing director Duncan Kettell said he was delighted to extend the company's association as the official cloth supplier to World Snooker.
"Milliken produces the best quality snooker cloth available anywhere in the world and World Snooker events are the pinnacle of the professional game. We are very pleased World Snooker recognises this and has again chosen Milliken as its cloth partner."
Ends
Pictured: (L to R) Roewe Shanghai Masters semi-finalist Mark Selby, Duncan Kettell of Milliken, World Snooker's Miles Pearce and Marco Fu who, this month, started his defence of the Royal London Watches Grand Prix.
Issued on behalf of Milliken by Tony Haynes
Eastwood Public Relations 01242 253707.
Another great year at the Auckland Home Show
Auckland Home Show 2008
We had another great time at the Auckland Home Show this year. With lots of products on display including our new Poker table.
Pictured, Kelly Nicole Heald, Laura Thavat and Peter Heald
Kelly Nicole Heald (the bosses daughter) new to our Barton McGill team
Latest News in October 2007
We are pleased to welcome Kelly Heald on to our team (yes the bosses daughter)
Kelly is a graduate in Interior Design and Graphics Design and will be working here in our Auckland office. Giving our customers her expertise in designing their billiard rooms to be one of a kind.
Blaze 9-Ball Tour / Brooklyn, Feb 2009
Marylands Shaun Get Some Wilkie put on an exhibition in heart as the up-and-coming professional player came from behind to win the Blaze 9-Ball Tours February 15 stop. Skyline Billiards hosted 43 players and drew some of the strongest players currently in the game.
After losing a tough match to Jorge Rodriguez, Wilke made an impressive run through the one-loss side of the tournament bracket, never letting more than one opponent get to the hill. Wilkies road to the finals began with defeating house pro Liz Ford, then went on to best Matt Krah, Jerry Tarantola, Mhet Vergara, Bill Gallagher, Rodriguez, Ken Rutman, Mike Fingers, and Wali Muhammad.
In the finals Wilkie met Oscar Bonilla, who recently finished as runner-up in the Predator 9-Ball Tour opener. Bonillas performance was dominant throughout the tournament as he ran through the winners bracket undefeated, where he defeated Qtown, Mhet Vergara, Scott Freeman, Rodriguez, Marc Vidal, and Muhammad.
In the double-elimination finals, Wilkie caught a gear in the first set and rolled over Bonilla 7-1. In the second set, Bonilla battled toe to toe with Wilkie but could not match his firepower, and Wilkie claimed the set and title with a 6-4 victory.
New Billiards Game Introduced
19 January 2009
Stymie a word that means to hinder or block, is now an amazing new billiard game. If you are looking for a billiard game that will increase your ball placement skills this is it. It has a fresh approach and is well worth playing.
The billiard game of Stymie, created by ScratchBall Billiards (SBB), is reminiscent of an earlier golf term where a golf ball sets directly in the putting line of another ball. The object of the billiard game is to block shots by placing balls directly in front a table pocket. The catch is that ball placement must be meticulous. It is by far one of the most precision oriented games in billiards; on par with carom.
Developed as a complement to ScratchBall, Stymie is touted as a dynamic tool for learning billiard techniques. SBB's game of ScratchBall intensely utilizes English. Stymie, on the other hand, is all about shooting softly to precisely position the ball in front of a pocket. Between the two games, billiard instructors have two powerful tools for teaching the sport. Regular drills will always have their place but these games make learning pool fun.
The masterminds behind the games are three Fenske brothers out of Portland, OR. Billiards is one of their great pastimes. Inventors of many products, with a distinguished reputation in their own right, they developed ScratchBall Billiards Association as a hub where players can unite and find products relating to the games.
One of the most striking features of the game is the color for the set of balls. Solid black with a touch of red against a vibrant tablecloth generates an elegant palette inferring the balanced between competition and comradely.
The evolution of billiards is fascinating study. It all started as a lawn game in Europe over 400 years ago and went through many changes. With infusion of this type of creative thinking, I for one would love to see how these new games affect the future of billiards. Time will tell but meanwhile we can sit back and enjoy the games.
About SBB - ScratchBall Billiards
Van Boening Back in Music City to Defend Open title
19 January 2009
Music City 9-Ball Open / Nashville, TN
The 22nd Annual Music City 9-Ball Open is underway in Nashville, TN, with a list of usual suspects on hand to participate. Among the 113 entrants signed on for the $6,000-added open portion of the weekend events is defending champion Shane Van Boening, who last year came back from the one-loss side to defeat Tom D Alfonso in the double-elimination finals.
D Alfonso will not be among those challenging Van Boening for the 2009 title, nor will Alex Pagulayan who was dropped into fourth place during Van Boening march to the finals last year.
Among those who will challenge him are Johnny Archer and Gabe Owen (who won in 2007). Also on hand are Ronnie Wiseman (who was shut out by Van Boening in last year semifinal match), Chad Vilmont, and Steve Moore.
Archer, in addition to his efforts in the open event, will be looking to avenge a defeat handed to him by Van Boening in the finals of the Midnight Madness event last year. Limited to eight players, the winner-takes-all Midnight Madness event is scheduled to commence at midnight on Saturday.
With sign-ups and attendant business, the opening rounds of play didn't get started until after 1 a.m. Friday morning and featured a few key match-ups, including Archer versus Karen Corr. Corr will likely be among the participants in the ladies event, scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m. Friday night. Limited to 32 players, the $1,000-added ladies event will, with a full field, offer a $2,600 total prize fund.
Dene O'Kane does it again!
18 December 2008
Dene O Kane retained his World Masters Snooker title yesterday in Austria, beaing Indias Gee Seetee 5/1. Good on you Dene:)
Don't compromise on quality says pool chief
November 14 2008
The English Pool Association (EPA), which has signed a agreement with cloth manufacturer Milliken, is recommending its members do not compromise on cloth quality as business expenditure tightens.
EPA chairman Geoff Wilson said that the cloth is a key component in the Association's drive to produce top players, such as Mark Selby. "Though the economic climate is tough, it would be a false economy to choose a low cost, poor-quality cloth.
"We are seeing standards improve all the time, partly due to the pool products now on the market, so it's in everyones interest to go for the best table/cloth combination
"English pool players get more competitive each year and I have no doubt this improvement is linked to the products we play on week in week out," added Geoff
His comments are echoed by Milliken European sales manager Stuart Gardiner, who confirmed the EPA had done much to improve standards in pool.
"We have had a long relationship with EPA and are delighted to see the success being achieved by UK players on the wider stage and in clubs up and down the country.
"In the English game, where the EPA recommends Strachan 6811, there are around 60,000 tables in the UK, with another 9,000 tables used for American pool.
"Internationally, where American pool is the dominant game, Milliken Superpro is being increasingly specified," added Stuart. "Superpro is a top-performing worsted cloth used on the professional circuit and in high-end pool clubs, where we are now achieving greater market share."
ends
The 2009 World Championships will mark a 17 year link between the EPA and Milliken. Venue will again be Blackpool's Imperial Hotel.
New Zealand 9 Ball Championships 2008
(Pictured: Top, Peter Heald and Chris Bowman winner of 2008 men's 9 Ball. bottom, Peter Heald and Denise Wilkinson winner of the 2008 women's 9 Ball Championships)
Peter Heald, Managering Director of Barton McGill presents the winner's of the New Zealand 9 Ball Championships of 2008. The sponsor's of the Championships were Barton McGill and Milliken, the makers of the Superpro pool cloth. The Suprapro cloth was widely aclaimed by the players for it's speed and control of the white ball. Barton McGill are the NZ distrubutors of the Suprapro championship cloth.
The new cloth supply agreement
Milliken's World Snooker extends cloth supply agreement
Latest in October 2008
World Snooker Ltd has signed a new agreement with Milliken that will see the company supplying its top grade Strachan cloth for all World Snooker tournaments including the World Championships.
It marks one of the longest associations between a manufacturer and a sport regulator - Milliken and World Snooker first joining forces in 1980 when Canada's Cliff Thorburn took the world title.
Since then, Strachan has featured in 28 consecutive World Championships, which have produced 14 professional World Snooker champions including three-times winner Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Miles Pearce, commercial director with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, said: "Strachan cloth is a key part of our ambition to provide the best possible playing conditions at all World Snooker tournaments and we are happy to retain our relationship with Milliken."
Milliken marketing director Duncan Kettell said he was delighted to extend the company's association as the official cloth supplier to World Snooker.
"Milliken produces the best quality snooker cloth available anywhere in the world and World Snooker events are the pinnacle of the professional game. We are very pleased World Snooker recognises this and has again chosen Milliken as its cloth partner."
Ends
Pictured: (L to R) Roewe Shanghai Masters semi-finalist Mark Selby, Duncan Kettell of Milliken, World Snooker's Miles Pearce and Marco Fu who, this month, started his defence of the Royal London Watches Grand Prix.
Issued on behalf of Milliken by Tony Haynes
Eastwood Public Relations 01242 253707.
Another great year at the Auckland Home Show
Auckland Home Show 2008
We had another great time at the Auckland Home Show this year. With lots of products on display including our new Poker table.
Pictured, Kelly Nicole Heald, Laura Thavat and Peter Heald
Kelly Nicole Heald (the bosses daughter) new to our Barton McGill team
Latest News in October 2007
We are pleased to welcome Kelly Heald on to our team (yes the bosses daughter)
Kelly is a graduate in Interior Design and Graphics Design and will be working here in our Auckland office. Giving our customers her expertise in designing their billiard rooms to be one of a kind.
19 January 2009
Music City 9-Ball Open / Nashville, TNThe 22nd Annual Music City 9-Ball Open is underway in Nashville, TN, with a list of usual suspects on hand to participate. Among the 113 entrants signed on for the $6,000-added open portion of the weekend events is defending champion Shane Van Boening, who last year came back from the one-loss side to defeat Tom D Alfonso in the double-elimination finals.
D Alfonso will not be among those challenging Van Boening for the 2009 title, nor will Alex Pagulayan who was dropped into fourth place during Van Boening march to the finals last year. Among those who will challenge him are Johnny Archer and Gabe Owen (who won in 2007). Also on hand are Ronnie Wiseman (who was shut out by Van Boening in last year semifinal match), Chad Vilmont, and Steve Moore.
Archer, in addition to his efforts in the open event, will be looking to avenge a defeat handed to him by Van Boening in the finals of the Midnight Madness event last year. Limited to eight players, the winner-takes-all Midnight Madness event is scheduled to commence at midnight on Saturday. With sign-ups and attendant business, the opening rounds of play didn't get started until after 1 a.m. Friday morning and featured a few key match-ups, including Archer versus Karen Corr. Corr will likely be among the participants in the ladies event, scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m. Friday night. Limited to 32 players, the $1,000-added ladies event will, with a full field, offer a $2,600 total prize fund.
Dene O'Kane does it again!
18 December 2008
Dene O Kane retained his World Masters Snooker title yesterday in Austria, beaing Indias Gee Seetee 5/1. Good on you Dene:)
Don't compromise on quality says pool chief
November 14 2008
The English Pool Association (EPA), which has signed a agreement with cloth manufacturer Milliken, is recommending its members do not compromise on cloth quality as business expenditure tightens.
EPA chairman Geoff Wilson said that the cloth is a key component in the Association's drive to produce top players, such as Mark Selby. "Though the economic climate is tough, it would be a false economy to choose a low cost, poor-quality cloth.
"We are seeing standards improve all the time, partly due to the pool products now on the market, so it's in everyones interest to go for the best table/cloth combination
"English pool players get more competitive each year and I have no doubt this improvement is linked to the products we play on week in week out," added Geoff
His comments are echoed by Milliken European sales manager Stuart Gardiner, who confirmed the EPA had done much to improve standards in pool.
"We have had a long relationship with EPA and are delighted to see the success being achieved by UK players on the wider stage and in clubs up and down the country.
"In the English game, where the EPA recommends Strachan 6811, there are around 60,000 tables in the UK, with another 9,000 tables used for American pool.
"Internationally, where American pool is the dominant game, Milliken Superpro is being increasingly specified," added Stuart. "Superpro is a top-performing worsted cloth used on the professional circuit and in high-end pool clubs, where we are now achieving greater market share."
ends
The 2009 World Championships will mark a 17 year link between the EPA and Milliken. Venue will again be Blackpool's Imperial Hotel.
New Zealand 9 Ball Championships 2008
(Pictured: Top, Peter Heald and Chris Bowman winner of 2008 men's 9 Ball. bottom, Peter Heald and Denise Wilkinson winner of the 2008 women's 9 Ball Championships)
Peter Heald, Managering Director of Barton McGill presents the winner's of the New Zealand 9 Ball Championships of 2008. The sponsor's of the Championships were Barton McGill and Milliken, the makers of the Superpro pool cloth. The Suprapro cloth was widely aclaimed by the players for it's speed and control of the white ball. Barton McGill are the NZ distrubutors of the Suprapro championship cloth.
The new cloth supply agreement
Milliken's World Snooker extends cloth supply agreement
Latest in October 2008
World Snooker Ltd has signed a new agreement with Milliken that will see the company supplying its top grade Strachan cloth for all World Snooker tournaments including the World Championships.
It marks one of the longest associations between a manufacturer and a sport regulator - Milliken and World Snooker first joining forces in 1980 when Canada's Cliff Thorburn took the world title.
Since then, Strachan has featured in 28 consecutive World Championships, which have produced 14 professional World Snooker champions including three-times winner Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Miles Pearce, commercial director with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, said: "Strachan cloth is a key part of our ambition to provide the best possible playing conditions at all World Snooker tournaments and we are happy to retain our relationship with Milliken."
Milliken marketing director Duncan Kettell said he was delighted to extend the company's association as the official cloth supplier to World Snooker.
"Milliken produces the best quality snooker cloth available anywhere in the world and World Snooker events are the pinnacle of the professional game. We are very pleased World Snooker recognises this and has again chosen Milliken as its cloth partner."
Ends
Pictured: (L to R) Roewe Shanghai Masters semi-finalist Mark Selby, Duncan Kettell of Milliken, World Snooker's Miles Pearce and Marco Fu who, this month, started his defence of the Royal London Watches Grand Prix.
Issued on behalf of Milliken by Tony Haynes
Eastwood Public Relations 01242 253707.
Another great year at the Auckland Home Show
Auckland Home Show 2008
We had another great time at the Auckland Home Show this year. With lots of products on display including our new Poker table.
Pictured, Kelly Nicole Heald, Laura Thavat and Peter Heald
Kelly Nicole Heald (the bosses daughter) new to our Barton McGill team
Latest News in October 2007
We are pleased to welcome Kelly Heald on to our team (yes the bosses daughter)
Kelly is a graduate in Interior Design and Graphics Design and will be working here in our Auckland office. Giving our customers her expertise in designing their billiard rooms to be one of a kind.
November 14 2008
The English Pool Association (EPA), which has signed a agreement with cloth manufacturer Milliken, is recommending its members do not compromise on cloth quality as business expenditure tightens.
EPA chairman Geoff Wilson said that the cloth is a key component in the Association's drive to produce top players, such as Mark Selby. "Though the economic climate is tough, it would be a false economy to choose a low cost, poor-quality cloth.
"We are seeing standards improve all the time, partly due to the pool products now on the market, so it's in everyones interest to go for the best table/cloth combination
"English pool players get more competitive each year and I have no doubt this improvement is linked to the products we play on week in week out," added Geoff
His comments are echoed by Milliken European sales manager Stuart Gardiner, who confirmed the EPA had done much to improve standards in pool.
"We have had a long relationship with EPA and are delighted to see the success being achieved by UK players on the wider stage and in clubs up and down the country.
"In the English game, where the EPA recommends Strachan 6811, there are around 60,000 tables in the UK, with another 9,000 tables used for American pool.
"Internationally, where American pool is the dominant game, Milliken Superpro is being increasingly specified," added Stuart. "Superpro is a top-performing worsted cloth used on the professional circuit and in high-end pool clubs, where we are now achieving greater market share."
ends
The 2009 World Championships will mark a 17 year link between the EPA and Milliken. Venue will again be Blackpool's Imperial Hotel.
New Zealand 9 Ball Championships 2008
(Pictured: Top, Peter Heald and Chris Bowman winner of 2008 men's 9 Ball. bottom, Peter Heald and Denise Wilkinson winner of the 2008 women's 9 Ball Championships)
Peter Heald, Managering Director of Barton McGill presents the winner's of the New Zealand 9 Ball Championships of 2008. The sponsor's of the Championships were Barton McGill and Milliken, the makers of the Superpro pool cloth. The Suprapro cloth was widely aclaimed by the players for it's speed and control of the white ball. Barton McGill are the NZ distrubutors of the Suprapro championship cloth.
The new cloth supply agreement
Milliken's World Snooker extends cloth supply agreement
Latest in October 2008
World Snooker Ltd has signed a new agreement with Milliken that will see the company supplying its top grade Strachan cloth for all World Snooker tournaments including the World Championships.
It marks one of the longest associations between a manufacturer and a sport regulator - Milliken and World Snooker first joining forces in 1980 when Canada's Cliff Thorburn took the world title.
Since then, Strachan has featured in 28 consecutive World Championships, which have produced 14 professional World Snooker champions including three-times winner Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Miles Pearce, commercial director with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, said: "Strachan cloth is a key part of our ambition to provide the best possible playing conditions at all World Snooker tournaments and we are happy to retain our relationship with Milliken."
Milliken marketing director Duncan Kettell said he was delighted to extend the company's association as the official cloth supplier to World Snooker.
"Milliken produces the best quality snooker cloth available anywhere in the world and World Snooker events are the pinnacle of the professional game. We are very pleased World Snooker recognises this and has again chosen Milliken as its cloth partner."
Ends
Pictured: (L to R) Roewe Shanghai Masters semi-finalist Mark Selby, Duncan Kettell of Milliken, World Snooker's Miles Pearce and Marco Fu who, this month, started his defence of the Royal London Watches Grand Prix.
Issued on behalf of Milliken by Tony Haynes
Eastwood Public Relations 01242 253707.
Another great year at the Auckland Home Show
Auckland Home Show 2008
We had another great time at the Auckland Home Show this year. With lots of products on display including our new Poker table.
Pictured, Kelly Nicole Heald, Laura Thavat and Peter Heald
Kelly Nicole Heald (the bosses daughter) new to our Barton McGill team
Latest News in October 2007
We are pleased to welcome Kelly Heald on to our team (yes the bosses daughter)
Kelly is a graduate in Interior Design and Graphics Design and will be working here in our Auckland office. Giving our customers her expertise in designing their billiard rooms to be one of a kind.
Milliken's World Snooker extends cloth supply agreement Latest in October 2008
World Snooker Ltd has signed a new agreement with Milliken that will see the company supplying its top grade Strachan cloth for all World Snooker tournaments including the World Championships.
It marks one of the longest associations between a manufacturer and a sport regulator - Milliken and World Snooker first joining forces in 1980 when Canada's Cliff Thorburn took the world title.
Since then, Strachan has featured in 28 consecutive World Championships, which have produced 14 professional World Snooker champions including three-times winner Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Miles Pearce, commercial director with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, said: "Strachan cloth is a key part of our ambition to provide the best possible playing conditions at all World Snooker tournaments and we are happy to retain our relationship with Milliken."
Milliken marketing director Duncan Kettell said he was delighted to extend the company's association as the official cloth supplier to World Snooker.
"Milliken produces the best quality snooker cloth available anywhere in the world and World Snooker events are the pinnacle of the professional game. We are very pleased World Snooker recognises this and has again chosen Milliken as its cloth partner."
Ends
Pictured: (L to R) Roewe Shanghai Masters semi-finalist Mark Selby, Duncan Kettell of Milliken, World Snooker's Miles Pearce and Marco Fu who, this month, started his defence of the Royal London Watches Grand Prix.
Issued on behalf of Milliken by Tony Haynes Eastwood Public Relations 01242 253707.
Another great year at the Auckland Home Show
Auckland Home Show 2008
We had another great time at the Auckland Home Show this year. With lots of products on display including our new Poker table.
Pictured, Kelly Nicole Heald, Laura Thavat and Peter Heald
Kelly Nicole Heald (the bosses daughter) new to our Barton McGill team
Latest News in October 2007
We are pleased to welcome Kelly Heald on to our team (yes the bosses daughter)
Kelly is a graduate in Interior Design and Graphics Design and will be working here in our Auckland office. Giving our customers her expertise in designing their billiard rooms to be one of a kind.
Latest News in October 2007We are pleased to welcome Kelly Heald on to our team (yes the bosses daughter)
Kelly is a graduate in Interior Design and Graphics Design and will be working here in our Auckland office. Giving our customers her expertise in designing their billiard rooms to be one of a kind.
