World Ten Ball organizer hits squid tactics
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 09/23/2008 10:22 PM
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The organizer of the forthcoming World Ten Ball Championship (WTBC) in Manila issued a statement Tuesday against what it said was the "desperate attempt" of some quarters who are calling attention to themselves in refusing to join the September 29-October 5 tournament.
"To the shock of the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP), the WTBC is unfolding in Manila with the enthusiastic support of players and associations from all over the world," said JP Fenix, sports and media director of WTBC organizer Raya Sports.
Fenix assured billiards fans that the players are coming, including reinging men's and women's division champions.
Fenix's statement was in reaction to reports that the BMPAP and its members were voicing their opinion against the WTBC.
He added that no single group is bigger than any sport, in this case, billiards.
"The spirit of sports and the joy of competition have always been and will always be stronger than the delusions of players and the schemes of managers. No one is bigger than any sport," he said.
Fenix cited that fact that BMPAP has failed to fulfill its promise of staging the World 9-Ball in Manila this November due to lack of sponsorship.
"BMPAP had to cancel its own much-ballyhooed world championship event in November which it had announced with much fanfare some months back. As a result, it has lost credibility before the world’s and the nation’s pool communities," he said.
Fenix said that instead of apologizing for its failure, the BMPAP "has been doing everything to disrupt and derail a genuine world championship event that is taking place in our country – the WTBC."
"The inaugural World Ten Ball Championship will take place with the best players in the world competing and fans all over the country and the world watching. And we will make history together in Manila," he said.
The WTBC unfolds Monday next week at the Philippine International Convention Center.
Qualifiers started Tuesday at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City.
