Venue: Stars 'n' Stripes, Brislington Hill, Brislington, Bristol

Dates: Saturday 6 July - Thursday 11 July 2002

With the World Pool Championship Qualifying Tournament commencing on Saturday 6 July, the entry lists are now closed. That means an incredible 166 players from 29 countries will be fighting it out over six days for a place in the starting line-up at the Cardiff International Arena.

All the action takes place at the Stars ‘n’ Stripes Pool Club, Brislington Hill, Bristol and there are eleven spots on offer for the CIA. Countries as far flung as Iran, India, Indonesia and New Zealand will all have representatives as well as most European countries, plus the USA and Canada.

Among the notable names taking part are 2000 Quarter Finalist Rodolfo Luat (Philippines) and fellow countryman Ramil Gallego. Representing the USA is pool legend Grady Mathews and from Canada comes UPA No.16 ranked Ronnie Wiseman.

On the home front Chris ‘the Mercenary’ Melling, who went all the way last year before falling to Alain Martel in the last 16, is back. Joining him is local lad Gary Ponting, the snooker pro who had a great run in Cardiff in 2001.

Saturday’s event starts at 11.00 and then there are competitions at 9.30 and 14.00 each day culminating in Thursday night’s legendary ‘One Rack Shoot-Out’ (18.00) for those left standing.

Schedule:

Competitor Information:

Matches are provisionally Race to 7 Racks. Single elimination format. Winner breaks (lag for opening break). There are 15 Tables.

All winners gain entry into the 128 player main event that runs at the Cardiff International Arena from 13 - 21 July.

For more details email pro9wc@yahoo.co.uk or call Doug Gordon on +44 (0)7984 028136.
For details of accommodation deals email pro9bs@hotmail.com.