Filipinos Seek Glory Against A Formidable Line Up Of The World’s Best Cue-Masters

After a grueling qualification process in 13 cities within Indonesia, the 2010 Guinness World Series of Pool – 10Ball Challenge has finally entered the Grand Finals stage, where 10 of the country’s best cue-artists led by current World No. 2 Lee Vann Corteza take on 54 of the best professional pool masters in the world at the Mall Taman Anggrek Jakarta from July 29- August 01, 2010.

The road to glory will not be easy featuring top names of the sport aiming to clinch the title the first ever GWSOP champion. Organized by ESPN STAR Sports, Jakarta will welcome a stellar list of pool talents from across the globe such as current World No. 1 Mika Immonen (FIN), current World No. 3 Ralf Souquet (GER), Thorsten ‘The Hitman’ Hohmann (GER), 2004 WPA Champion Alex ‘The Lion’ Pagulayan (PHI), 2007 US Open 9Ball Champion Shane Van Boening (USA), Stevie Moore (USA), and current World No. 5 Darren Appleton (GBR) to its shores.

In addition, the recent qualifiers saw contenders from the Philippines and Taiwan, two countries with a strong reputation of producing some of the sharpest billiard players in the world, excelled in the elimination field to qualify for 12 Grand Final slots. However, with hometown pride and USD$95,000 in prize money at stake, pool fans can expect nothing less but greatness from the local challengers.

Following through in its promise and commitment towards supporting the development of pool, Guinness has partnered with ESPN STAR Sports to present the region’s best talents and provides a golden opportunity for aspiring Indonesian billiard artists to showcase their abilities against battle hardened professional players in Indonesia’s very first international 10 Ball tournament .

Other Filipino in the main draw that includes Dennis Orcullo, Ronato Alcano, Antonio Lining, Jundel Mazon, and Victor Arpilleda.

Said John Galvin, Marketing Manager, Guinness: “The 2010 Guinness World Series of Pool – 10Ball Challenge demonstrates Guinness’ commitment towards development in pool in Indonesia to hone local talents and showcase it against the world’s best professional pool masters. Hence, it is a proud moment for us to stage this series of landmark pool events, culminating in the Grand finals in Jakarta”.

Said Harvey Davis, Vice President, ESPN STAR Sports Event Management Group: “We are delighted to partner with Guinness again for this event and we’re committed to offer our expertise to showcase the best cuesport action and ensure that the event will be held at the highest international standards for the competitors and spectators. With over 15 hours of exhilarating pool action broadcast live over STAR Sports, we will be able to provide fans across the region a spectacular billiard event. This is also a great avenue for us to work hand in hand with Guinness with their thrust of promoting the growth of the sport not just in Indonesia but across Asia as well.”

Telecast of the 2010 Guinness World Series of Pool – 10Ball challenge will be carried LIVE on STAR Sports with fifteen hours of exhilarating competition from July 30 to August 01, 2010. Broadcast times are as follows:

Fri, July 30, 2010 from 17.00-21.30 (HKT) Preliminaries

Sat, July 31, 2010 from 12.00-18.00 (HKT) Quarterfinals

Sun, August 01, 2010 from 12.00-17.00 (HKT) Semifinals & Finals

BY: Marlon Bernardino

The 2010 Guinness World Series of Pool – 10Ball Challenge 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. The local sanctioning body is the All Indonesian Billiards Association (POBSI). Iwan Simonis and Aramith supply the official tablecloth and official balls respectively. Murray provides the official pool table while Predator is the official cue. STAR Sports is the official broadcaster.