Turning Stone Classic Continues

The second day of the Turning Stone Classic XII is well underway, with another round in each bracket completed. The four-day event is hosted by the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY, and boasts a $25,000-added prize fund.

Women’s pro Allison Fisher, ranked sixth on the WPBA, bested Tony “The Sniper” Crosby in the second round of the winners’ bracket matches, sending him west to face off against Steve Moore, who lost his first match to Jack Smith but defeated Dave Ascolese 9-1 in his second. Fisher’s next match will be against reigning world 9-ball champion Daryl Peach.

Sarah Rousey, also still in the winners’ bracket, survived a hill-hill bout against Randy Labonte in the second round and will face off against Matt Tetreault. In the late-night round Thursday evening, Karen Corr advanced over David Wetmore 9-0 and will next play Liz Ford, who came through a hill-hill match against Caroline Pao.

The strong European contingent also continues to thrive in the winners’ side. Player of the Year Mika Immonen bested Adam Radomski 9-2, while Thorsten Hohmann squeaked past Josh Ulrich 9-8. England’s Darren Appleton and Daryl Peach also won their matches over Tamiko Kumatori 9-2 and Holden Chin 9-4, respectively.

Up-and-comer Oscar Dominguez out of Los Angeles made it through round two unscathed, defeating Earl Herring 9-4. Shawn Putnam bested Greg Priest 9-6, Dave Grau sent Dave Fernandez west 9-8, and George “Ginky” San Souci dealt Jonathan Smith a 9-0 donut.

Foreign cue artists main draw in World 10-Ball

Organizers of the World 10-Ball Championships are banking on a host of foreign cue artists to be the main draw in the week-long tournament, which will be missing the country’s top pool players.

A total of 128 players will vie for the $400,000 purse at stake, $100,000 of which goes to the champion of the tournament slated from September 29 to October 5 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Raya Sports and Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Yen Makabenta said former Asian snooker champion Marlon Manalo and 2006 Doha Asian Games gold medalist Antonio Gabica will lead the country’s campaign against reigning World 9-Ball champion Daryl Peach of Great Britain, former titlists Ralf Souquet and Thomas Engert of Germany, Chinese-Taipei’s Wu Chia-Ching and Americans Johnny Archer and Shane Van Boening.

Jeffrey de Luna, Elvis Calasang, Elmer Kalaquian, Jerico Banares and Mario Tolentino will also carry the Philippine colors in the tournament.

The tournament will have 128 players divided into 16 groups in the winner's-break elimination format. The top four from each group will advance into the 64-man knockout stage.

A winner-take-all match for third place will be played on October 5 while the title match between the top two cue artists begins at 5pm.

Philippine Vice President Noli De Castro will be the tournament’s guest of honor during the opening ceremony on September 29 at the PICC.

Cash-rich World 10-Ball set at PICC

Its all systems go for the 2008 World 10-Ball Championships with no less than Vice President Noli de Castro as guest of honor in the inaugural opening at the Philippine International Convention Center on Sept. 29.

De Castro will grace the opening rites at 9:30 a.m. including the ceremonial breaks, which will formally usher the group stage elimination of the competition.

A total of 128 players from all over the world representing 40 countries will be vying for the total purse of $400,000 with $100,000 going to the champion.

“This is going to be the biggest international billiards tournament in the country since I believe the World 9-Ball Championship has been postponed for next year. Mabibigat ang mga darating na players dito,” said Raya Sports president Yen Makabenta.

Makabenta mentioned the likes of reigning world 9-ball champion Daryl Peach of Great Britain, former titlists Ralf Souquet and Thomas Engert of Germany, Chinese-Taipei’s Wu-Chia-Ching and Americans Johnny Archer and Shane Van Boening as among the top picks in the tourney.

The host country will be bannered by former Asian snooker champion Marlon Manalo, Doha Asian Games gold medalist Antonio Gabica, Jeffrey de Luna, Elvis Calasang, Elmer Kalaquian, Jerico Banares and Mario Tolentino.

However, organizers are still uncertain if the country’s celebrated cue artists can join the competition.

“It would be good if everybody would take part. But if they don’t we can’t do anything about it,” added Makabenta obviously referring to big guns Efren “Bata” Reyes, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Ronato Alcano and Alex Pagulayan, who comprised the breakaway group that boycotted the BSCP.

In the absence of some of the country’s bests, Makabenta said it’s just anybody’s game.

The tournament will group the players into 16, seeing action in the winner’s break elimination, with the top four from each group advancing into the 64-man knockout stage.

A winner-take-all match for third place will be played during the final day, preceding the championship game that begins at 5 p.m.

World 9-Ball tourney won't happen in Manila in November

Matchroom Sport has told world pool officials that it will not stage the World 9-Ball Pool Championship (WPC) in Manila this November since it failed to get sponsors for the event, information reaching abs-cbnNEWS.com said Wednesday.

"The Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) claim that the WPC would be held in Manila was just talk," the text message said.

According to Matchroom, it hopes to revive the WPC early next year. A check on the Matchroom Web site (http://matchroomsport.com) provided a November 1-9 date for the WPC. However, it said that the venue was "to be confirmed."

In a related development, Manila-based sports analyst Ronnie Nathanielsz was able get a reaction from Matchroom media director Luke Riches regarding the event's postponement. “The WPC is not dead yet. But most likely it will be early 2009 [when it will be staged again]," Nathanielsz quoted Riches as saying.

Reached for comment, Perry Mariano, one of the founders of the BMPAP, said that he has yet to be informed of Riches' statement. He clarified that as of last report, the WPC merely lost its venue after Senate President Manuel Villar backed out as one of the event's main sponsors. "We got 50 percent but the other 50 percent, was supposed to come from Senator Villar. So nawala ang 50 percent," Mariano told abs-cbnNEWS.com.

Mariano, however, clarified that they are doing everything they can to follow-up the pledges from potential sponsors so that the WPC will take place as scheduled.

Despite Villar's withdrawal of support, Mariano said nothing is final yet. "We're still trying to convince the senator pero siyempre hindi na kamukha noon," he said, adding that politics may have been the main reason behind Villar's withdrawal. At any rate, Mariano said, "it's still Villar's money." "Pera niya 'yon. Wala pa siyang pinipirmahan. Hanggang walang dokumentong pirmado, everything is in limbo," Mariano said.

The WPC held in Manila last year saw England's Daryl Peach beating hometown hero Roberto Gomez, 17-15, in the finals.

Previous Filipino winners of the WPC were Efren “Bata” Reyes (1994), Alex “The Lion” Pagulayan (2005) and Ronnie "The Volcano" Alcano (2006).

Peach on International Challenge of Champions Kicks off August 13

Pocket billiards champions from around the world will go head-to-head in the Eighteenth Annual International Challenge of Champions. The winner-takes-all, $50,000 event will be held August 13-14 at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT.

The Challenge of Champions is widely considered the toughest tournament to win in professional billiards. Once each year eight international champions are brought together in a sudden-death shootout with a pressure-cooker format of winner-take-all for $50,000. The purse is one of the highest paydays in the world, and the winner claims one of the most coveted titles in pool: Champion of Champions.

The 2008 field includes top stars in the sport. Niels Feijen, 2007 winner of the International Challenge of Champions, will defend his crown. Daryl Peach, 2008 WPA World 9-Ball champion, will represent England. Shane Van Boening, 2007 U.S. Open 9-Ball Championc will represent America. Jain Bo Fu, the 2007 World Cup of Pool champion, will represent China.

Dennis Orcollo, winner of the 2007 Enjoy Pool.com Championship, will represent the Philippines. Jung Lin Chang, the 2008 Asia Tour champion, will represent Chinese Taipei. Satoshi Kawabata, 2007 All Japan Open champion, will represent Japan. Seung Woo Ryu, 2008 Grand Prix champion, will represent Korea.

Mohegan Sun Casino, the host site, will make the 2008 event admission free to pool fans from around the USA and the world. The event drew such large crowds last year at Mohegan Sun that it was standing-room-only attendance. There will be four playing sessions in the two-day international tournament. On Wednesday, August 13, the quarterfinal rounds will be played at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., with two matches in each session. On Thursday, August 14, the two semifinals will be played at 3 p.m., and the final championship match will be played at 6 p.m. The semifinals and the final match will be taped for airing on ESPN in September.

The International Challenge of Champions is regarded as the supreme test of skill in professional billiards. The eight players are so evenly matched that any one player could beat the other seven on a given day. In addition, the tournament format is the most demanding test of 9-ball skill in the sport. The matches are two sets, race to five games each set, with a one-game sudden-death tie-breaker in the event of tied sets. The 9-ball does not count on the break, and to win a game, the 9-ball is call shot. The caliber of competition is so intense that a single mistake invariably eliminates a player from any chance at the winner-takes-all purse of $50,000.

On the final night, one of the players will claim the Champion of Champions crown and a check for $50,000. The trophy and the check will be presented by Mohegan Sun. The tournament is also sponsored by PoolDawg.com, Aramith Pro Billiards Balls, Simonis Cloth, L.E.A.N.I. Slate, AcCue Shot Training Device, Executive Billiards.com, and Silver Cup Chalk.

The 2008 tournament will be the eighteenth annual event and has been produced by Billiards International, Ltd. for ESPN in each of the last eighteen years. Those attending should arrive early for each tournament session and must be 21 years of age or more. Make plans today to attend the 2008 International Challenge pf Champions. For information call the Mohegan Sun toll free at 1-888-226-7711, ext. 7163.

International Challenge Of Champions - Winner-Take-All For $50,000

Niels Feijen will attempt to defend his crown International Challenge Of Champions - Winner-Take-All For $50,000 August 13-14, 2008

Billiards champions from around the world will go head-to-head in the Eighteenth Annual INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE OF CHAMPIONS. The winner-take-all $50,000 event will be held August 13-14 at the Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT.
The Challenge of Champions is widely considered the toughest tournament to win in professional billiards. Once each year eight international champions are brought together in a sudden-death shootout with a pressure-cooker format of winner-take-all for $50,000. The purse is one of the highest paydays in the world, and the winner claims one of the most coveted titles in pool – Champion of Champions.

The 2008 field includes top stars in the sport.  Niels Feijen, 2007 winner of the INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE OF CHAMPIONS, will defend his crown. Daryl Peach 2008 WPA World 9-Ball Champion, will represent England. Shane Van Boening, 2007 U.S. Open 9-Ball Champion, will represent America. Jain Bo Fu, the 2007 World Cup of Pool Champion, will represent China.

Dennis Orcollo, winner of the 2007 EnjoyPool.com Championship, will represent the Philippines. Jung Lin Chang, the 2008 Asia Tour Champion, will represent Chinese Taipei. Satoshi Kawabata, 2007 All Japan Open Champion, will represent Japan. Seung Woo Ryu, 2008 Grand Prix Champion, will represent Korea.

Mohegan Sun Casino, the host site, will make the 2008 event ADMISSION FREE to pool fans from around the USA and the world. The event drew such large crowds last year at Mohegan Sun that it was standing-room-only attendance. There will be four playing sessions in the two-day international tournament. On Wednesday, August 13, the quarterfinal rounds will be played at 3 PM and 6 PM, with two matches in each session. On Thursday, August 14, the two semifinals will be played at 3 PM and the final Championship match will be played at 6 PM. The semifinals and the final match will be taped for airing on ESPN in September.

The INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE OF CHAMPIONS is regarded as the supreme test of skill in professional billiards. The eight players are so evenly matched that any one player could beat the other seven on a given day. In addition, the tournament format is the most demanding test of 9-Ball skill in the sport. The matches are two sets, race to five games each set, with a 1-game sudden death tie-breaker in the event of tied sets. The 9-ball does not count on the break, and to win a game, the 9-ball is call shot. The caliber of competition is so intense that a single mistake invariably eliminates a player from any chance at the winner-take-all purse of $50,000.

On the final night, one of the players will claim the Champion of Champions crown and a check for $50,000. The trophy and the check will be presented by  Mohegan Sun. The tournament is also sponsored by PoolDawg.com, Aramith Pro Billiards Balls, Simonis Cloth, L.E.A.N.I. Slate, AcCue Shot Training Device, Executive Billiards.com, and Silver Cup Chalk.

The 2008 tournament will be the Eighteenth Annual event, and has been produced by Billiards International, Ltd. for ESPN in each of the last eighteen years. Those attending should arrive early for each tournament session and must be 21 years of age or more. Make plans today to attend the 2008 INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE OF CHAMPIONS. For information call the Mohegan Sun toll free at 1-888-226-7711, Ext. 7163.

8-ball, 9-ball champs secure spots in world 10-ball affair

Two reigning world champions lead a stellar cast of cue artists in the World 10-ball Championships scheduled in September.

Daryl Peach of England, the current world 9-ball king, and Ralf Souquet of Germany, the world 8-ball titlist, are expected to participate in the tournament that will be held in Manila.

Joining Peach and Souquet are previous qualifiers Wu Chia-Ching of Chinese-Taipei and Antonio Gabica of the Philippines.

Wu and Gabica won the WTBC qualifying events through the Philippine Pool Tour.

Wu, a double world champion in 8-ball and 9-ball in 2005, won the Puerto Princesa Mayor’s Cup of the PPT last June in Puerto Princesa City.

Gabica, the reigning Philippine Open and Asian Games champion, won the Mandaluyong Mayor’s Cup of the PPT last May in Mandaluyong City.

Europe’s no.1 lady player Jasmin Ouschan of Austria will also see action in the top-tier event.

Europeans picked to rule World Ten Ball tilt

Backstopped by three world champions, Europe will try to add the Ten Ball plum to its list of championship collections as it will send a strong 44-man contingent in the inaugural staging of the World Ten Ball Championship from Sept.29 to Oct.5 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila.

Ralf Souquet of Germany, winner of this year’s 8-Ball title; Daryl Peach, the reigning World 9-Ball title holder; and Neils Feijen, the recent champion of the World Straight Pool, head the European invaders in the WTBC—sanctioned and run by the World Pool Association, the world’s governing body in billiards.

The event is being organized by Raya Sports.

Gre Leenders, secretary-general of the European Pocket Billiards Federation, submitted its roster this Tuesday following the completion of qualifiers in Europe during the weekend.

The 41 other European players selected by EPBU for the WTBC are Thomas Engert, Oliver Ortmann, Christian Reimering, Sascha Tege, Christian Weigoni and Daniel Merbitz of Germany; Mark Gray, Imran Majid, Darren Appleton, Jonni Fulcher and Karl Boyes of Great Britain; Bruno Muratore, Fabio Petroni and Patrick Menillo of Italy; David Alcaide and Carlos Cabello of Spain; Nick van den Berg and Huidji See of The Netherlands; Radoslaw Babica, Tomasz Kaplan and Mateusz Sniegocki of Poland; Marco Tschudi and Dimitri Jungo of Switzerland; Zoran Zvillar and Sandor Tot of Serbia; Martin Kempter and Albin Ouschan of Austria; Marcus Juva of Finland; Marcus Chamat of Sweden; Vilmos Foldes of Hungary; Tony Drago of Malta; Martin Larsen of Denmark; Murat Ayas of Turkey; Stephan Cohen and Vincent Facquet of France; Konstantin Stepanov and Ruslan Chinahov of Russia; Roman Hybler of Czech Republic; Ivica Putnik of Croatia; Matjaz Erculj of Slovenia; and Farhad Shaverdi of Iran.

Confident Mika Dents Peach Hopes

Mika Immonen, the 2001 World Pool Champion, enjoyed a comfortable 8-2 win over Daryl Peach to progress at the 2008 PartyPoker.net World Pool Masters.

Peach, who himself won the World Championship last year in Manila, was never really in the match as he made too many unforced errors for a player of Immonen’s caliber.

The Finn, who spends most of his time living and playing in the United States, has featured in the Masters many times over the years but has never made it to the business end of the tournament but on this form he will be one of the favourites for Sunday’s final.

“I think I made just one error in the match while Daryl made a lot,” said Immonen.

“He seemed confused out there and I gained confidence from his confusion. I was able to outsmart him and I felt really composed.

“My next match against Corey will be exciting – we’ve played each other many times and it’s always a good game.”

He now meets America ’s Corey Deuel , who earlier beat Christian Reimering, in Sunday afternoon’s quarter-finals.

2008 World Pool Masters Site Starts Today

Matchroom Sport is delighted to announce that www.worldpoolmasters.com , the Official Online Home of the PartyPoker.net World Pool Masters, is now live.

With the tournament being held for the first time ever in Las Vegas, the site will be your first port of call for news, player profiles, results, stories and pictures of what promises to be a hugely exciting event featuring some of the world’s top players.

Four World 9-ball Champions – Daryl Peach, Mika Immonen, Ralf Souquet, Alex Pagulayan – will be taking part in the event as well as some of the biggest names in the game, including Shane Van Boening, Francisco Bustamante, Niels Feijen and Corey Deuel.

All will be vying for the $20,000 top prize.

The World Pool Masters will be taking place at the Riviera Hotel and Casino from Thursday 9th to Sunday 11th May with afternoon and evening sessions daily, concluding with the final scheduled to commence around 9.15pm on Sunday evening.

www.worldpoolmasters.com will feature exclusive interviews with the stars who make up the field as well as comments and predictions from the big names of world pool.

Bookmark www.worldpoolmasters.com today for full details and information about the 16th annual running of one of pool’s most prestigious events.

Final Names added to 2008 World Pool Masters Line-up

The final names have been added to the players’ roster for the forthcoming 2008 PartyPoker.net World Pool Masters which takes place at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas from May 9 to May 11.

Filipino superstars Francisco Bustamante and Alex Pagulayan have confirmed their attendance as well as top-rated Europeans Ralf Souquet (Germany) and Niels Feijen of Holland.

With 16 players in the field competing for a $62,000 prize fund, event promoters Matchroom Sport believe they have assembled the strongest line-up yet in the 16 year history of the event.

“With four World 9 Ball Champions, six US Open Champions and a host of other title-holders in the field, I believe that this will be the toughest ever World Pool Masters,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn.

“With winner breaks, race to eight matches on the toughest equipment it will take a series of fantastic performances over the three days to lift this prestigious trophy,” he added.

Other recent confirmations include 2001 US Open Champion Corey Deuel and a quartet of stars recently qualified from the Euro Tour.

They are the latest English 9 Ball sensation Mark Gray, Germany’s dangerous Christian Reimering, up-and-coming Italian player Bruno Muratore and 2006 Mosconi Cup player Imran Majid (England).

World Junior Champion, the 18 year-old Ko Pin-Yi of Taiwan cemented his credentials to a Masters spot at the weekend by coming from 14-4 down to beat Dennis Orcollo 15-14 and lift the Brunswick Thailand 9 Ball Open.

Elsewhere, 2003 Masters Champion Tony Drago won the Paris Open at the weekend, his first Euro Tour title, after three losing finals.

2008 World Pool Masters Field:

Daryl Peach (England)
Thomas Engert (Germany)
Mika Immonen (Finland)
Tony Drago (Malta)
Shane Van Boening (USA)
Rodney Morris (USA)
Francisco Bustamante (Philippine)
Alex Pagulayan (Philippines)
Ko Pin-ye (Chinese Taipei)
Niels Feijen (Netherlands)
Ralf Souquet (Germany)
Corey Deuel (USA)
Mark Gray (England)
Christian Reimering (Germany)
Bruno Moratore (Italy)
Imran Majid (England)

2008 Partypoker.net World Pool Masters Announced

The 2008 PartyPoker.net World Pool Masters will be heading to Las Vegas for the first time. A total of 16 of the finest players from around the world will be competing in the event, which will be staged at The Riviera Hotel and Casino from May 9 to May 11.

2007 champion Thomas Engert from Germany will be back to defend his title and will be joined by a host of big names from the sport. Other players confirmed include 2007 World Pool Champion Daryl Peach (England), 2001 World Champion Mika Immonen (Finland), 2007 Mosconi Cup players Tony Drago (Malta), Shane Van Boening and Rodney Morris (both USA) and 2007 World Junior Champion Ko Pin-yi (Chinese Taipei).

Francisco Bustamante and Alex Pagulayan (both Philippines) have also been invited while the leading four players on the Euro Tour rankings after the Paris Open later this month will also qualify with the other players to be announced shortly.

The PartyPoker.net World Pool Masters is now in its 16th year and has grown into one of the biggest and most prestigious Pool competitions in the sport's calendar. This year it will be hosted by the BCA National 8-Ball Championships with the opening matches on Friday, May 9 with the final on Sunday, May 11.

Matchroom Sport spokesman said: "It's fantastic that the event is coming to the USA for the first time. "I'm sure there will be big crowds, lots of excitement and drama and will be a great competition.

"The invite list is taking shape and, through our agreement with the WPA, we take the top four ranked players on the Euro Tour after their next event which finishes on the 24th of this month."

As always, the World Pool Masters will be televised throughout the world in 15 one-hour highlights programmes. There will be a $62,000 prize fund with the winner collecting $20,000.

Tickets will be made available in March on the Playbca.com website, and if any are left, at the Championships. The BCAPL, in conjunction with the Riviera, is working on a seating plan that will accommodate a few hundred spectators.

BCAPL's Mark Griffin added: "Our players love professional action. This is the first time the Masters has been held on U.S. soil and we are honored Matchroom has chosen us.

"It's been a tradition to entertain the thousands of BCA Pool League members who travel the globe to compete in our National 8-Ball Championships. This year will be no different."

Daryl Peach, World Champion!

Daryl Peach has become the first Brit to become the 9 ball pool world champion. The final match was an epic battle that went almost all the way, with Daryl remaining composed while his opponent, Roberto Gomez of the Philippines, wilted under the pressure in the final few racks. The match was played in Quezon City, with just about the entire crowd rooting for their man rather than Peach.

Could this be the turning point for British pool? After years of not being in the running, despite the huge amount of cue sports talent in this country, we finally have a champion. Even more remarkable, prior to the event this year no Brit had made it to the last 8 since Steve Davis in 2000, but the semi-finals this year featured two Englishman, Peach and fellow Blackpool cueist Karl Boyes. This year's astonishing run for the UK can only be good for the sport.

So congratulations Daryl, on a deserved victory, and well done both Daryl and Karl Boyes for flying the flag and doing Britain proud.

Daryl Peach

Personal Background

• Name: Daryl Peach
• Known as: "Razzledazzle" or "The Dazzler"
• Sex: Male
• Age: 35 years old
• Date of Birth: March 08, 1972
• Place of Birth: Blackpool, England
• Country: England
• Nationality: English
• Hobbies: Golf, Music, Darts, Eating out
• Spouse: na
• Sports: Billiard

Achievements:

• 95/96 World Masters Champion
• 95/96 Mosconi Cup Winner with Europe
• Over 50 UK titles won
• 6 UK ranking event wins in 2006
• 2006 EPT London Open Champion
• 3rd 1998 World Masters
• 3rd 1998 World trick shot Championships
• 5th twice in Challenge of Champions
• 5th 2006 World 8ball Championships
• 5th 2003 Dubai Gold Challenge
• 2nd 2005 Eurotour German Open
• 3rd 2005 Eurotour Austrian Open
• 3rd 2006 Eurotour Austrian Open
• 5th 2005 Eurotour Spanish Open
• 5th 2006 Eurotour Spanish Open
• IPT 2006 Tour Card winner
• 7th 2006 IPT American Open
• Winner 2007 Eurotour German Open

Trivia:

• He defeated Roberto Gomez to become the first English player to win the World Nine-ball Championship 2007.
• His favorite world player billiard is Earl Strickland
• He started playing 9-Ball because he got bored of snooker
• He's biggest money match is $4,000 in Florida against John Detoro

Daryl Peach is the New World Pool Champion

Englishman Daryl Peach beat Filipino Roberto Gomez in a race to 17 finals last night with a 17-15 victory at the Big Dome. He also took home the $100,000 cash prize. Gomez on the other hand, took home $40,000.

Peach lost to Matias Ercul of Slovakia (1-9) but eliminate Rodolfo Luat of the Philippines (9-3) and Lily (9-5) in the group stage matches . Then he eliminate last year’s champion Ronato Alcano of the Philippines (10-6) in the last 64, Lee Kun Fang of Taiwan (10-7) in the last 32, Harold Stolka of Germany (11-5), Francisco “Django” Bustamante (11-10) in the last 8 and Vilmos Voldes of Hungrary (11-2) in the last 4.

Before going to the finals Gomez had impressive wins against Neils Feijen of the Netherlands (9-6) and Dharminder Sing Lilly of India (9-4) in their group stage matches, then beat Alex Lely of the Netherlands (10-1) in the last 64, Chao Fong-pao of Taiwan (11-4) in the last 32, rematch Feijen in the last 8, Kuo Po-cheng of Taiwan in the last 16 and Karl Boyes of England (11-4) in the last.

The critical point in the match came in the 31^st rack with the score of 15 all when Gomez missed the easy ball no. 5. There was yet another further twist as Peach lost position going from the 8-ball to the 9-ball. That left a tougher shot than anticipated and he then missed a table-length bank on the 9-ball. But again Gomez failed to sink a crucial 9ball that would have kept his hope alive. Peach sunk the 9-ball to move to the hill, and won the next rack to become the 2007 World Pool Champion.

Peach's Hairline Win Over Bustamante's Heartbreak Loss

Daryl Peach felt the pressure of the unbelieving local crowd as he stared down at the last 9-ball and finally sinking it to edge Francisco Bustamante in their race-to-11 quarterfinals at the 2007 World Pool Championships. Only a few hands were heard clumsily applauding the Englishman's win.

Bustamante shook his hand, his head turned away.

The unnerving atmosphere in what should be a jovial occasion at the 9-ball tourney, was rooted at the previous rack which held up the match for the good part of 10-minutes. The issue - an alleged foul ball against Bustamante on what was a miraculous combination shot on the 3rd and 9th ball that would have given the Filipino cue player the shot at the semis.

Earlier in the match, Peach commanded over Bustamante as the latter committed costly errors at the pool table. Bustamante however regained his composure and with a valiant uphill climb, later takes the lead 9 to 10 over the obviously worried Peach. With just a score away from the quarterfinals win, a good soft break allowed Bustamante to proceed. A slight miscalculation after sinking the 2-ball stopped the white main ball at an angle short of a clear shot at the target 3-ball behind the striped 9.

This forced Bustamante to bank the cue ball on the rail which hit both the 3 and the 9-ball. With a good amount of velocity the 9 made its way to the corner at the far end and dropped in. The audience burst in jubilance. Peach however unconvinced called for a review. The television replay seemed to show the white ball hitting the 3 and the 9 with the 9-ball apparently moving prior to and faster than the object ball. Thus the foul was called by the officiating referee Nigel Rees and was upheld even after a second review called by Bustamante.

Peach proceeded to win that controversial rack for a tie at 10-10. At the next rack, Bustamante didn't even have to stand up. Peach won it 11-10.

But not without a homecourt crowd in eerie disbelief sharing in the heartbreak loss of their local hero.

Peach pairs up with Majid

Blackpool's Daryl Peach is hoping his combination with Imran Majid will help England pocket the World Cup of Pool.

Peach - who lost out in the Last 16 with partner Steve Davis in last year's event - is playing with London's Majid in Rotterdam, Holland.

Peach and Majid open their World Cup bid on Thursday 27 September against Poland's Radoslaw Babica and Mateusz Sniegocki.

They follow Hungary v Switzerland then Qatar v Finland which kicks off at 1500 CET.

Current holders Philippines survived an opening round scare with Scotland duo Pat Holtz and Michael Valentine. Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante lead the Scots 6-1 but they fought back before losing out 8-6.

The event - now in its second year - is promoted by Matchroom between 25-30 September.

Boyes and Peach book Last 64 spot

Blackpool's Karl Boyes and Daryl Peach have made it through to the knock out stages of the World 9 Ball Championship in the Philippines.

In his debut in the World Pool Championship, Boyes disposed of 2004 runner up Chang Pei-wei 9-6 then beat Serbia's Goran Mladenovic 9-4.

Qualifying was the perfect birthday present for Boyes - who was celebrating his 25th birthday - as his pre-tournament aim was to make the Last 64 cut.

Peach lost his first game 9-1 to Matjaz Erculj but then kicked in with a 9-3 win over last year's quarter finalist Rodolfo Luat and 9-5 victory over India's Dharminder Singh Lilly to qualify, too.

Peach is now up against the holder - Ronnie Alcano - on the main table while Boyes faces Sandor Tot.

World 9 Ball Pool Championships - promoted by Matchroom - 3-11 November.

Daryl Peach On the Spot

We put Blackpool hot-shot Daryl Peach - 2007 World 9 Ball Champion - under the cosh...

Facts

• Peach started off his career as a snooker professional
• He won the 1995 European Masters and was part of Europe's 1995 Mosconi Cup team that beat USA.

The pockets on an American Pool table are huge - is the game easy?

Pockets are larger than snooker tables for example, but in a way this makes the game more difficult than easier because how do you keep your opponent from the table? It's easy to pot balls and run the table when all the balls are there to be potted, it's when you can't make a pot or are hooked (snookered) for example that is the hardest part of the game to master. If it was so easy then why don't you see ANY snooker players playing and winning the big world events? Because its a myth about it been an easy game - that's why!

It's usually obvious when a snooker player plays American Pool. However, you look like a fully fledged shooter! How did you adapt from snooker to 9 ball?

Believe it or not I have reverted back to my old snooker approach a little because I have tried all sorts of things and at the end of the day you really should stick to what you know.

In American Pool - there are so many different disciplines. What cuesport game are you best at?

I think I am quite decent at most pool disciplines, I have finished 5th in World 8 Ball Championship and 7th in IPT 8ball event.

I have won numerous events at 9ball and I finished 3rd in the European Straight Pool Championships at my first and only attempt!

However, my real love is 9 Ball.

"I don't worry about other players - I concentrate on my own game! "

Daryl Peach

You won your first Eurotour event this year - the German Open. Did you ever lose belief in winning a Eurotour event?

I never lost belief in winning a Eurotour because at the end of the day I have only been playing on the tour for 3 and ³/₄ years.

You came through a tough field to earn a coveted tour card in 2006 for the International Pool Tour (IPT) which sadly has been a financial disaster. Financial problems aside - what did you think about the format of the tour?

I thought IPT format was superb...the best players always came through. If I had a choice I would make it 10 Ball though!

If a sponsor offered you a $1m to stage a tournament - what kind of cuesport event tell us what tournament you would run?

With $1m for an event it would have to be a world team cup with 5 players per team. Thirty two teams on Diamond tables held in Blackpool - the Vegas of the UK!

You've been top of the UK rankings for much of your 9 ball career. How have you kept motivated?

The reason I have been at the top of the UK rankings for ever is because I have kept my game improving by travelling to overseas events, and watching and learning from the best players!

What do you think makes a good coach?

Over the past few years I have done a little bit of coaching, and for pool I truly believe that knowledge of the game is 70% of what is needed to succeed. And I now have plenty of that along with a few more laughter lines!

If you could afford to have a coach travel with you everywhere to be on hand and help you with your game who would it be?

I think my best coach would be my dad because usually for top players the problems start in your head and my dad knows me as good as anyone.

Do you use the diamond system?

I do use some diamond systems but to be honest it's not just one system - there are around 100 systems. Some work for some players and others work for other players.

A lot of players are driven by rivalry whether it be friendly or competitive. Are there any UK players that have helped you play better?

I don't worry about other players - I concentrate on my own game!

American Pool is popular all over the globe - and much bigger than snooker worldwide. Do you think 9 Ball will take off in the UK?

All the time the game is getting much bigger in the UK and I even hear that there maybe a Eurotour event in the UK next year!

How do you cope with the lows of being a pool player?

I cope with the lows by thinking about my baby - looking at pictures of her always brings a smile to my face!

How will you feel if your daughter wants to play on the pool circuit?

My daughter will be what she wants to be...and both me and Lesley will be behind her 200%!

What do you blow money on?

I blow money on my family - boring I know but that's me! I like a sherbert or two as well!

Players spend fortunes on cues and accessories. Tell us about your must haves in your bag…

To be honest I think players get carried away with cues and tips, etc. I can play with a broom handle if the money is right! A natural!

Describe your best pool moment - and your pool nightmare?

The highlight of my career has to be winning the 2007 World Pool Championships and my biggest nightmare was not being picked for the team since - despite been at the top of UK pool for as long as it's existed!

I will be playing again this year though after the Worlds!

If you stop the tournament trail - what do you think you will do?

I have been getting into the property game for a while now and when, not if, I stop the pool game that is what I will be involved in.

Daryl Peach: 2007 World Pool Champion

Daryl Peach (England) won the 2007 World Pool Championship after he defeated Roberto Gomez (Philippines) in a race to 17 finals game held in the Philippines. It was the first pool title in England's history.

Date of birth: 08/03/72
Born: Castleford
Lives: Blackpool. He moved to Lancashire at the age of 14.
aka:Razzle Dazzle
Career Highlight: Playing in and winning the 1995 Mosconi Cup and winning his IPT tour card in Wert 2006.
Major Titles:1995 European Masters Champion Member of the Mosconi winning Cup team 1995

Introduction to 9 Ball:
A snooker pro but became disillusioned by it. Ranked just outside the top 200 in the world he found it hard to make a living. His friend Joe Walsh talked him into going to a 9 Ball tournament - and he won it. He quit snooker shortly after to take up 9 Ball.

Cues:
Custom made Viking butt and Predator shaft

Idols:
Snooker - Jimmy White
9 Ball - Efren Reyes

Coach:
Visited Derek 'Del Boy' Hill - Ronnie O'Sullivan's coach to sort his cueing.Razzle said:"He sorted out problems I was having with my action on his snooker table. It's the same principles as 9 Ball. He really helped me."

Club:
Rileys, Blackpool

Practice Partner:
He prefers to practice on his own. His practice is in tournaments.

Ambitions:
Win the World 9 Ball Championship

By far, Daryl Peach's greatest achievement in his 9 ball pool playing career to date is winning the 2007 World 9 ball Pool Championships in the Philippines.

Other Pool Achievements including 9 ball:
95/96 World Masters Champion
95/96 Mosconi Cup Winner with Team Europe
Over 50 UK titles won

3rd 1998 World Masters
3rd 1998 World trick shot Championships
5th twice in Challenge of Champions
5th 2006 World 8 ball Championships
5th 2003 Dubai Gold Challenge
2nd 2005 Eurotour German Open
3rd 2005 Eurotour Austrian Open
3rd 2006 Eurotour Austrian Open
5th 2005 Eurotour Spanish Open
5th 2006 Eurotour Spanish Open
IPT 2006 Tour Card winner
7th 2006 IPT American Open
6 UK ranking event wins in 2006
2006 EPT London Open Champion
Winner 2007 Eurotour German Open
2007 9 Ball Pool World Championships - World Champion