MANILA – The Philippines will again host the World Ten Ball Championship for the second consecutive year at the World Trade Center on November 25-30.

In an announcement posted on AZBilliards.com, the World Pool-Billiard Association and tournament organizer Raya Sports said they expect some 300 players from all over the globe to duke it out for the champion’s prize of $75,000.

The qualifying tournament, composed of 10 events, will be held on November 19-23 at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City.

“Although the prize fund is smaller on account of the global recession, we expect this year’s championship to be bigger and more competitive in every other way,” said JP Fenix, Raya executive director.

“Ten Ball has taken off all over the world, and top players from every region will be eager to contest the top prize and trophy,” he added.

The main tournament consists of 128 players, who earn their spots through rankings or selection by the WPA and continental federations, or through the various qualifiers conducted by Raya.

Assured of spots are the top 10 players in the WPA world-ranking system and the reigning world champions in all disciplines.

The prestigious event will be televised worldwide, with ESPN Star Sports broadcasting it live to some 33 countries, and ABS-CBN’s Studio 23 handling the free TV Philippine broadcast.