updated 2/28/09
Other players confirmed include World 10 Ball Champion, England's Darren Appleton; Mosconi Cup star Tony Drago (Malta) and former World No. 1 Dennis Orcollo of the Philippines. Representing United States hopes will be the top two American ranked players on the BCA Men's Point List, Shane Van Boening and Johnny Archer. Montreal's Dancing Bear, Alain Martel, will be flying the flag for Canada.
The European vanguard of five-times Masters champion Ralf Souquet (Germany) and Holland's multi-titled Niels Feijen will both be in attendance. They will be joined by top ranked European stars Nick van den Berg of Holland, England's Imran Majid, who KO'd Van Boening in this event last year, and teenage Russian sensation Ruslan Chinakhov who will be making his Masters debut. Challenge of Champions winner and '07 World Cup winner Fu Jianbo will arrive from China and 2005 World Pool Masters victor Raj Hundal, now representing India, will return to the fray at the Riviera.
There is one female in the 2009 Masters line-up and that honor this year goes to the rising star of the women's game, 21 year-old Korean Yu Ram Cha.
Once again, the Masters will be promoted in partnership with Mark Griffin's BCA Pool Leagues and the opening first round matches take place on the evening of Friday, May 8, culminating in the championship match on Sunday, May 10. Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn said: "The event was a big success for us last year at the Riviera and we're looking to build on that in May. The crowds at the Masters were good and with the outstanding line-up we have assembled this year, I am sure that we will have bumper crowds."
There will be a $66,000 prize fund, with the winner collecting $20,000. Tickets will be made available in March on the Playbca.com website.
BCAPL's Mark Griffin added, "BCA Pool League players love professional action. They are excited the World Pool Masters will return to the Riviera for 2009, and they hope that Matchroom will continue to honor our tournament with their participation for years to come."
February 16, 2009
To all BCAPL Players, League Operators, Referees, Administrators and Tournament Directors:
The following changes to the 2008-2009 edition of The Official Rules of the BCA Pool League are effective immediately, and will be in effect for all regional and national events through May 31, 2009. Please give them the widest dissemination possible throughout your organizations. I also recommend that you place them into effect at all upcoming state and local events leading up to the 2009 BCA Pool League 8-Ball National Championships.
Change to: Rule 1.3, Use of Equipment
Rule 1.4, Cue Stick Requirements
Rule 1.8, No Practice During Match
Rule 1.15, Deflecting the Cue Ball When Breaking
Rule 1.39, Illegal Marking
The mandatory warnings and increased penalties for subsequent offenses are eliminated. The penalty for first and subsequent offenses is a foul. However, as with any rule, a pattern of violations of these rules may still be penalized as unsportsmanlike conduct.
Change to: Rule 1.40, Deliberate Foul
The penalty of loss of match for a third offense is eliminated. The penalty for third and subsequent violations is loss of game.
As we approach the BCAPL Nationals, I also suggest that you review with your organizations the penalties for catching the 8-ball as it is falling into a pocket on the break. That is a violation of Rule 1.40(d). The first violation is a foul; second and subsequent violations during a match result in loss of game.
The official text of the changes is enclosed or attached. Flyers suitable for posting or distribution in league packets or at tournaments are enclosed or attached. Please let me know if you need assistance in acquiring copies for distribution. The BCAPL National Office will offer any assistance possible. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Bill Stock
BCAPL Rules Administrator
February 16, 2009
From: BCA Pool League
To: All BCAPL Players, League Operators, Referees, Administrators, Event Officials and
Tournament Directors
The following changes in the text of The Official Rules of the BCA Pool League are effective immediately:
Rule 1.3 - Use of Equipment:
Change paragraph 3 to read: "Violation of this rule is a foul."
Rule 1.4 - Cue Stick Requirements:
Paragraph 2: delete the second sentence.
Rule 1.8 - No Practice Allowed During Match:
Delete paragraph 2 and Paragraphs 3, 3(a) and 3(b). Add new sentence to the end of paragraph 1: "In team play, practice fouls committed by team members who are not actually playing in a game at the time of the foul will be enforced on all match tables.
Rule 1.15 - Deflecting the Cue Ball When Breaking:
Delete second and third sentences.
Rule 1.39 - Illegal Marking:
Delete the second paragraph.
Rule 1.40 - Deliberate Foul:
Change the first and second sentences of the final paragraph: "In addition to any penalties required by the General Rules and specific game rules, a mandatory warning must be issued that further violations during the match will result in loss of game. Each subsequent deliberate foul during a match results in loss of game.
Rule 2.10(e) – Loss of Game:
Change first sentence to read: "you pocket the 8-ball on a bank shot or kick shot that you do not call."
Bill Stock
BCAPL Rules Administrator
SUMMARY OF CHANGES TO THE 2008-2009 EDITION OF THE BCAPL RULE BOOK
Effective February 16, 2009
Change to: Rule 1.3, Use of Equipment
Rule 1.4, Cue Stick Requirements
Rule 1.8, No Practice During Match
Rule 1.15, Deflecting the Cue Ball When Breaking
Rule 1.39, Illegal Marking
The mandatory warnings and increased penalties for subsequent offenses are eliminated. The penalty for first and subsequent offenses is a foul. However, as with any rule, a pattern of violations of these rules may still be penalized as unsportsmanlike conduct.
Change to: Rule 1.40, Deliberate Foul
The penalty of loss of match for a third offense is eliminated. The penalty for third and subsequent violations is loss of game.
Change to: Rule 2.10(e) Loss of Game
Kick shot added.