The WPA World 9-ball Championships has not taken place since Daryl Peach lifted the title back in 2007. The event had undergone problems with venues and sponsorship during the peak of the financial collapse.

However, 2010 see’s its return. The tournament has taken over from the former Qatar Open and will be held in Doha, Qatar from 29th June to 5th July.

Over 247 players have tried to qualify for the event in Qatar over the weekend from 46 different nations. These qualifiers will join the automatic picks (based on WPA rankings) in the final 128 starting Tuesday.

As mentioned above, Daryl Peach was the last man to win this event and he will be making the trip to Qatar looking to defend the title he won 3 years ago.

Britain will be sending one of the strongest selections with reigning World 8-ball Champion, Karl Boyes, former World 10-ball Champion, Darren Appleton and IMran Majid all taking part.

Whichever way we look at it, the event is going to be huge and it is great that it is back on the calendar after such a long absence. Ralf Souquet, Niels Feijen, Oliver Ortmann, Shane van Boening and Roberto Gomez will also be amongst the favourites to take the winners cheque and the title.

The prize pool has been guaranteed at $250,000 for 2010 and 2011 with the pool rising to $300,000 for 2012 and 2013 respectively.

As far as Cuesportnews.com is aware it is only being broadcast live in Qatar with host broadcaster Alkass, also this may reach into other parts of Asia.

More news to follow over the coming days.

Photo Credit: Daryl Peach, taken by Andy Warden Belleza Photography.

Be Sociable, Share!

•