Jonathan Mathers - In The Chair
 At the midway point in Season Three, arguably the most important season in the history of American Pool in Great Britain, talk amongst the players is already centring on the pitfalls, the possibilities, the perils and the promise regarding their beloved sport and where it''s headed. There''s no doubt whatsoever that the current incarnation that boasts the title of ''National Tour'', the GB 9 Ball Tour, has taken the task of getting 9 Ball to the masses by the scruff of its collar in boldly moving houses but the question now is, are we on the right track to lavishly furnishing this new house in order to make it a home?
The man with that answer is of course 39 year old Jonathan Mathers; researcher for Birmingham University by day, American Pool fanatic by night and during whatever time in between, the Chairperson of the GB 9 Ball Tour. "I''m not the boss of GB9 or the committee", Jonathan is keen to point out as we sit down over a coffee, making me wonder if I''d sat down at the wrong table, until quickly following up that statement with the self-deprecating if slightly ominous, "I just keep a strategic eye on things".
9/1/2010 7:03:00 PM
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Selby Hopes To Be Five Alive
Mark Selby is confident that the quickfire best-of-five matches at snooker's World Open in Glasgow will suit his temperament.
The tournament runs from September 18 to 26 at the SECC and features an innovative format, including a random draw and short matches up until the best-of-nine final.
"There is added pressure when you are playing best of fives," said Selby, who proved his ability to thrive under tough conditions by winning the Pokerstars.com Masters final 10-9 against Ronnie O'Sullivan last season. "I don't tend to feel nervous when a match goes close, because I'm able to draw on the experience of winning tight matches in the past, and I've won more final-frame deciders than most players. On the other hand, I can be a slow starter in matches so it could be over for me very quickly!
9/1/2010 6:55:50 PM
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The Flying Scotsman Takes No Passengers
THE LEGENDS TOUR - 147 CLUB LEICESTER - AUGUST 2010
May I firstly take the opportunity to thank all the staff at the magnificent 147 Club for showing their fabulous hospitality to the Legends Tour. 147's manager Ram was an exceptional host and provided us all with the best the club had to offer including, free tables, late licence, magnificent in house Indian food which we all tried and loved, plus for us smokers, the best puffing area we have all seen since the ban was introduced. On behalf of us all from The Legends, thank you.
8/20/2010 5:46:00 PM
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World Open Qualifiers Line-up Complete
The qualifying rounds of the World Open take place at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield from Saturday to Tuesday (August 21 to 24).
The unique format gives the chance for 32 amateurs to enter the event, alongside the 96 professionals. The line-up of amateurs is now complete and is listed below.
Please note that eight matches have already been held over to the final stages at the SECC in Glasgow from September 18 to 26 (click here for details of those matches), and ANOTHER THREE MATCHES will be selected to be held over AFTER THE END OF PLAY AT THE QUALIFIERS ON MONDAY, AUGUST 23.
Full draw available: http://www.worldsnooker.com/world_open_qual_draw.htm?tid=167
8/20/2010 9:19:00 AM
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Storm Over Hurricane!
 AFTER all the eulogies about the late Alex Higgins comes a more measured verdict on snooker's wayward genius.
Apparently in latter times in Belfast, he was known by the nickname 'Bombscare' and not Hurricane. His behaviour had become so erratic that when he showed up at a venue the place emptied.
On the Gerry Anderson Show — BBC Radio Ulster, weekdays from 10.30am - the two presenters, Gerry and Sean Coyle, were reminiscing about their many meetings with the Hurricane.
8/19/2010 12:14:00 PM
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