Friday, April 11, 2008

RP POOL TOUR KICKS OFF WITH MANDALUYONG CUP

The Billiards & Snooker Congress of the Philippines announced today (April 10) the launching of the Philippine Pool Tour (PPT) with the inaugural tournament in Mandaluyong City on May 6 to 11.

Dubbed the Mandaluyong Mayor's Cup, the tournament is a Ten Ball event whose winner will get an automatic slot in the WPA World Ten Ball Championship in Manila in September. It is one of six tournaments under the RP Pool Tour organized by BSCP in partnership with Raya Sports, Star Billiards and the Philippine Billiards Foundation,

Prize money for the Cup is $20,000, with $10,000 going to the winner. Prizes will be given up to 32nd place in the tournament.

The Mandaluyong Cup is open to Filipino and foreign players of both sexes. In keeping with the Olympic tradition since 1992, it will not distinguish between professional and amateur players. Foreign players from Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan and Europe have already expressed their intent to join the PPT.

Mayor Ben-hur Abalos of Mandaluyong City is giving his full support to the event, in keeping with his city's longstanding program of encouraging sports events and sports development. The city was host of the recent and highly successful Philippine Open leg of the Asian Golf Tour at the Wack-Wack golf course.

As venue for the tournament, Mandaluyong will lend both its City Hall Atrium and Kaban ng Hiyas Auditiorium.

June Diokno, spokesman of the Billiards & Snooker Congress of the Philippines, said that other stops of the PPT will be in Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Davao, Olongapo and Pasay City. City mayors and city governments will become hosts of the tournaments under a program developed by BSCP with the League of City Mayors of the Philippines.

"There will be at least one PPT tournament per month until the World Ten Ball Championship," Diokno said. "We expect many foreign players and fans to pour into Manila this year."

Star Billiards will provide world-class equipment for the Mandaluyong Cup. This includes Brunswick tables, Simonis cloth and Aramith balls.

Entry in the Mandaluyong Cup is $50 or P2000. Members of the PBT get a 50% discount on their entry fees. Registration is now being accepted by BSCP and Raya Sports. Contact Ms. Ahyie Torres, Tel. 8952021 and email: raya@prismphil.com.

contributed by MARLON BERNARDINO, edited by jovie sison

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