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2000 World Pool Masters is Announced

MATCHROOM SPORT, the world's biggest promoter of televised 9-Ball pool, are delighted to announce that the World Pool Masters will be taking place at Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock, Essex from Friday 18th August to Sunday 20th August 2000.

Following on from the success of the Victor Chandler World Pool Championship, which was seen live in over 70 countries, the Masters will be broadcast as 15 one hour programmes on Sky Sports in the UK as well as Wizja TV (Poland), CTV in Canada, Fox TV in Australia, J-Sports (Japan) and Supersport in South Africa.

Assembled at Lakeside will be an immensely talented field of the world's best 9-ballers, culled from all four corners of the globe. They include from across the Atlantic, World Championship runner, Ismael 'Morro' Paez and 22 year-old Corey Deuel, surely one of the games brightest prospects.

Australia are represented by World Championship last eighter Johl Younger of Melbourne and the Far Eastern representation is two former World Champions, Efren Reyes (Philippines) and Japan's Kunihiko Takahashi.

Holland's Alex Lely, the Plague from the Hague, will be back to defend his title and former winner of this event, Ralf Souquet is also in the field.

The English contingent is spearheaded by Steve Davis, the man who blitzed three former champions at the recent World Championship in Cardiff. He will be joined by Jimmy White, UK No.1 Steve Knight and Tommy Donlon, finalist at Lakeside in 1997.

The prize-money for 2000 is up 20% on last year with the winner receiving £10,000.

Once again, Lakeside Shopping Centre, one of the largest malls in the UK, plays host to the Masters, and packed crowds are guaranteed as a combination of shoppers, curiosity seekers and pool fans converge on the 400 seat arena for the three days of the tournament.

Commented Matchroom Sport Chairman, Barry Hearn, " We have got an absolutely cracking line-up of players, probably the strongest ever seen at this event. The only absentee is World Champion Fong Pang Chao but he was already contracted to playing an event in Taiwan.

" As in previous years, I'm sure that the players will enjoy the unique atmosphere of Lakeside. There is always a big crowd and plenty of noise so it will be a real test of concentration for them.

" Looking at the matches I would say that that at least half of the field are easily capable of winning this title. The pressure will be on Alex Lely, who had a shocker in Cardiff, to produce the goods, what with Mosconi Cup looming.

" Still, the big bonus of Lakeside is that whether you get knocked out early, or battle through to the later stages, you'll have plenty of time to spend all your prize-money in this mecca of shopping!"

For further details contact Luke Riches on 01708 782212, 0385 395688 or:
luke.riches@matchroom.com

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