December 2020 Asia Pacific Billiards & Newsletter

Mark Canovan – New Zealand National Snooker

Champion

Justin Sajich - New South Snooker Champion

Neil Robertson

Champion - UK Snooker Championship

Queensland Residents Championships Stephen Burford – Billiards Champion Jessica Woods - Women’s Snooker Champion

Neil Robertson – Winner UK Snooker Championship

Neil Robertson triumphed in one of snooker’s all-time most dramatic finals, beating 10-9 to win the Betway UK Championship for the third time.

A match which lasted over seven hours and finished close to 1am came down to the last few balls, with a title and £200,000 top prize on the line.

At the end of a 66-minute deciding frame, Trump was two pots away from victory, but missed the pink to a top corner, leaving Robertson to perfectly execute a thin cut on the pink to the same corner.

Two of the sport’s all-time greats never had more than a frame between them throughout the day, and a fiercely contested battle became a test of stamina as much as skill in the concluding stages. When Australia’s Robertson eventually puts his cue away, he will surely reflect on this among his greatest moments.

Having lifted the trophy in 2013 and 2015, the 38-year-old becomes the fifth player to win the UK Championship on three or more occasions, joining Ronnie O’Sullivan (seven titles), (six), (five), (three) and (three). This is his first Triple Crown success in five years and his fifth overall having won the World Championship in 2010 and in 2012.

Robertson now stands alongside Trump on 19 career ranking titles, winning his first silverware since the World Grand Prix in February. He avoided a third consecutive final defeat against Trump having finished second best at this year’s and . He is up to second in the world rankings, albeit well behind runaway leader Trump.

Bristol’s 31-year-old Trump missed out on his second UK Championship crown and sees a four-week winning sequence covering 15 consecutive matches come to an end. Victory would have given him his third ranking title of the season and 20th overall, but instead he has to settle for the £80,000 runner-up prize.

The first frame of the evening session came down to a safety battle on the blue, Trump potting blue and pink to go ahead for the first time at 5-4. Robertson replied with a run of 94 then Trump regained the lead with 75. Frame 12 went Robertson’s way, and he sealed the next with an excellent long pot on the last red.

The 14th frame was resolved on the colours, Trump controlling the safety battle before slotting in a long brown for 7-7. The Englishman took a scrappy 15th to edge ahead at 8-7, then Robertson hit back with a superb 115, his 13th century of the tournament which set a new record for the most tons in a single UK Championship.

In frame 17, Trump made runs of 53 and 42 to go 9-8 ahead. He had a match-winning chance in the 18th but missed a tricky red to a top corner on 48. Robertson executed difficult pots on his initial red and brown and went on the clear with 72.

In the decider, breaks of 23 and 24 gave Robertson the advantage, but the winning line remained elusive, and Trump clawed his way back to take it to the colours. After trapping his opponent in a snooker on the green, Trump took the green right-handed, stunned in the brown, and potted a difficult blue to a top corner. But, trailing 43-47, he over-cut the pink, leaving Robertson to steal the glory.

Robertson, overwhelmed with relief, said: “I would have been devastated to lose, I don’t know how I would have slept for the next few nights. Judd will be gutted but he was very gracious in defeat.

“Both of us must have had ten times in the last frame where we thought we were going to win. It was a titanic struggle, we both refused to lose. It wasn’t the greatest quality, but sometimes finals are so bad they are good. We were missing pots that club players would have potted and fluking snookers out of snookers. Maybe people will be in the club tomorrow trying to replicate those shots.

“In the last few frames I was just trying to stay positive. The brown I potted at 9-8 was the bravest shot I have ever played because if I’d missed it I would have lost. That was the best clearance of my career.

“At the end, Judd potted an unbelievable green with his right hand and I expected him to clear up. When I got the chance at the pink I could have played safe but if I had then lost it would have haunted me for years. So I had to go all-out to pot it. After that I couldn’t have played another shot, I was empty.

“To beat Judd, who is the best player in the world and has been so consistent in finals over the last few years, it’s up there with anything I have achieved before.”

Trump said: “It was an epic battle, it’s tough to take. I bottled it at the end, simple as that. I had an easy brown to screw back, I tried to stun it as I was under pressure, but I messed it up. The pressure got to me. It would have made for good viewing, but I am devastated. Neil is an amazing player and thoroughly deserved the win. Hopefully, I can learn from that.”

Article by

CONGRATULATIONS NEIL

FROM ALL OF US IN AUSTRALIA AND THROUGHOUT OUR REGION!

Congratulations Mark Canovan 2020 NZ National Snooker Champion for the 4th time.

Mark defeated Bayden Jackson 6/3 in the final.

Thank you to the Papakura Club for their premises and hospitality for the last 4 days.

Thank you STR8AIM Vincent Tate for your kind sponsorship.

Also, to Barton McGill and Paul Bason and the NZBSA for their kind sponsorship.

Congratulations goes to Stephen Burford for winning the 2020 QLD Residents Billiards Championship in a 722-453 victory over Chee Yap. The high break for the tournament was 77 by Stephen Burford. A big thank you goes to the Redlands Snooker Club for hosting the event, and to all the players, officials, and spectators for making the event a huge success. Well done to Belinda Dinga for organising the event under the challenging COVID conditions.

Vince Tate defeated stalwart of NZ Snooker Dale Kwok 4/3 in the final of the NZ Seniors Championship.

It was a one-sided affair with Dale racing out to a 3/0 nil lead at the break before Vince clawed his way back to level the match up at 3 all and heading into the final and deciding frame it was any of the players match to who was going to hold their nerve to win.

In the end it was Vince Tate that became victorious and to be crowned for the first time NZ Seniors Champion for 2020.

MARCO FU – 147 Maximum

From Wayne Griffiths - First up is a break building masterclass from as he delivers a maximum 147 in under 6 minutes 30 seconds.

We think it may be one of the fastest 147s recorded after Ronnie's amazing effort of just over 5 minutes. Perhaps someone will let us know what are the quickest 147s on record (and this one is practice, not competition of course).

Enjoy Marco in full flow and please feel free to ask any questions and share the video

https://www.facebook.com/TerryWayneGriffiths/videos/199863134926637

The Tribute to NZ Heroes Association Sponsored by CASSELS Brewing Co Proudly Present the inaugural AUSTRALIA v NEW ZEALAND TRIBUTE TO ANZAC VC’s Snooker Tournament

Supporting Mental Health in Australasia ANZAC Weekend 2021 Advertiser Application - $200

Advertisers are invited to participate in this inaugural event proudly sponsored by Cassels Brewing Co supporting Mental Health in Australasia. In appreciation of your support you will receive a mystery gift from Cassels Brewing Co.

This event will be live streamed on You Tube for approximately 8 hours of play over 3 days beginning Saturday 24th April 2021. Play begins at 9.00 a.m. each day.

Gain Worldwide attention during the live feed as your company logo scrolls continuously during the live streaming

To secure your place please download the below icon and download the form and return by email together with your company logo to: Email: [email protected] or call Lester on 022 198 6816 for further information

Name ______Company Name______Address ______Email ______Phone______Cell/Mobile______

Double click icon to Download and print Full Advertiser Application Form Opens in Acrobat CasselsNZ.pdf

Congratulations to Bayden Jackson from HBCBSA picking up his 6th Waikato Open Snooker title. Bayden defeated Lawrence Millington from CCBSA 3/2 in the final. This is the last NZBSA event for the year and given the year we have had NZBSA Snooker events have been on the rise of players entering events. The NZBSA would like to wish for this to continue into 2021.

With a 2021 calendar due out shortly, players would be able to book arrangements early to enter events. To find what is on and where in 2021 go the google calendar on the NZBSA website. Just a reminder that all NZBSA sanctioned events will be the online entry only as we have trialled the new system and its working, just a matter of getting the message out there to you all. If you unable to enter online for whatever reason, there is your local association personal that can assist you with this. For the regional open events, bank account numbers will be displayed on the event posters. For NZ Major Championship events payment made online after entry form completed. Look forward to seeing you next year and have a safe and happy holiday ahead. Dave Judd Secretary NZBSA

Justin Sajich has taken out the 2020 NSW State Snooker Championship defeating David Liu 4-1. Justin only lost 1 frame all tournament and was the class of the field. Timothy Ng had the highest break of 72.

A HUGE thank you to Jeff Farrugia and 147 Society at Play on 5 for the use of your AMAZING venue these past few weeks.

Congratulations goes to Jessica Woods for winning the 2020 Queensland Women’s Residents Snooker Championship in a 3-1 victory over Bean Hung. A big thank you goes to the Matchroom Snooker Centre hosting the event, and to all the players, officials, and spectators for making the event a huge success. Well done to Chee Yap and Alice Wu for organising the event under the challenging COVID conditions.ds for winning the 2020 QLD Women’s Residents Snooker Championship in a 3-1 victory over Bean Hung.

A big thank you goes to the Matchroom Snooker Centre hosting the event, and to all the players, officials, and spectators for making the event a huge success. Well done to Chee Yap and Alice Wu for organising the event under the challenging COVID conditions.

ANZAC WEEKEND 2021 " A Tribute to the Anzacs VC The 2021 Charles Upham International "

The Tribute to NZ Heroes Association has been extremely busy this year organising a snooker event between Australia & New Zealand to honour our great Anzacs who fought courageously for our countries. For our freedom. The main purpose of this snooker event is to raise awareness of mental health of our Veterans and to bring back the enjoyment of being entertained by cue sports which was a favourite past time of service men and women around the world. Each year the tournament will rotate between Australia & New Zealand with mention in later years that may join this elite event.

2021 will be in honour of Charles Hazlitt Upham (NZ), a New Zealand soldier who was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) twice during the Second World War; in Crete in May 1941, and at Ruweisat Ridge, Egypt, in July 1942.

Proceeds of the Tournament to benefit the Mental Health Services on both sides of the Tasman

The Australian Team Please support our team to go Men’s team over to Christchurch New James Mifsud - Cale Barrett- Zealand. Women’s team Jessica Woods - Jennifer Budd - Carlie Tait All moneys raised will go Junior team towards our team airfares. Jayden Dinga - Xavier Daw - Marc Fridman

Our players need your financial support to attend this great cause - Please help us by donating to:

gofundme.com/f/australian-snooker-team-for-the-anzacs-vc

The Queensland Billiards & Snooker Association would like to recognise Terry Stewart’s retirement from cue sports. On 26 November 2020, the day marking 50 years of involvement in cue sports, Terry Stewart announced on his Facebook page that he would be retiring from all forms of cue sports. The QBSA would like to thank Terry for all of his contributions to snooker and billiards, both on and off the felt over the past 50 years. Terry is a Life Member of the QBSA due to the significant contributions he has made over the years. Terry is one of the few Members who has been engaged in snooker and billiards in all roles – playing, refereeing, and coaching. Terry has also been a past President, Secretary and Registrar on the QBSA Management Committee and in more recent years, dedicated much of his time to working as a historian, writing an extensive history of snooker and billiards in Queensland which can be read here, https://history.qldbilliardsandsnooker.asn.au. The QBSA would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your efforts, Terry. Though we won’t see you playing, refereeing and coaching, we hope to see you as a spectator at some of our events in the future! - Enjoy your well-deserved retirement

VALE TERRY COLLINS

It is with profound sadness that we advise all our players and friends of the passing of a true gentleman Terry "TC" Collins.

Terry will be sadly missed by everyone. Terry passed away peacefully in the morning of the 26th November.

Condolences to his family. R.I.P. Terry Collins.

Vale Margot Taylor The Board and all members of the VBSA, along with the broader Cuesports community, extend their deepest sympathies to George Taylor on the passing of his beloved wife and partner in business, Margot, on Saturday 21st November.

Our thoughts are with George, Michael, Kate, Alexandra and their extended families.

George and Margot simply WERE Alcocks, a major sponsor and supporter of all things Cuesports in Victoria and Australia over many decades.

The Asia Pacific Snooker & Billiards Federation (APSBF) have provisionally nominated late February/early March 2021 to stage the Asia Pacific Snooker and Billiards Championships at Albury, New South Wales, Australia.

The Championships will be open to all financial country members of the APSBF and will include: • APSBF Open Snooker Championship • APBSF Women’s Championship • APBSF Under 21 Championship • APBSF 6 Red Championship • APBSF Billiards Championship

Subject to WST final confirmation and the coronavirus restrictions allowing the championships to go ahead at the planned dates or be postponed to a later date: • The APBSF Open Snooker Champion will be awarded a two-year Main Tour spot for the World Snooker Tour Professional Tour • The APBSF 6 Red Champion will be awarded a place in the 2021 Sangsom World 6 Red Championship

Membership to the APBSF is open to all Oceania, Pacific and South East Asian countries, with three levels of membership – Full Membership, Associate Membership and Corporate Membership

Full APSBF membership details can be obtained from the APBSF President Mr. Frank Dewens email: [email protected] or by mobile +61 (0) 412 055 057

In addition, and for Australian players only, from the above championships 4 x Under 21 and 4 x Women Snooker players will be selected on merit to form the Australian team for the upcoming Australia – New Zealand Test Match

Updated Information on the new event New Zealand/Australia Anzac Day Test Match

This will be an annual event in honour of a Victoria Cross recipient

First event will be Christchurch NZ on the weekend of 25th April 2021

PRESENTS A Tribute to the Anzac VC recipients The 2021 Charles Upham International

There will be a team of 9 players - 3 juniors, 3 women and 3 men

The team arrives on Friday 23rd April and attend an opening ceremony that evening

Matches to be played on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday

Matches consist of 2 singles and a doubles in each category

The sponsor, Cassels Brewing Co, will provide complimentary lunch and dinner for players and adjudicators included on the Sat 24 – Mon 26 competition days.

A Players sponsored accommodation to be announced

Players will only be responsible for their own travel expenses and drinks costs

Proceeds of the Tournament to benefit the Mental Health Services on both sides of the Tasman

Tribute to NZ Heroes Association

World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association

The WPBSA is responsible for the governance of Billiards and Snooker worldwide. As the World Governing Body for Billiards and Snooker, the WPBSA recognises that in addition to supporting the professional players on the World Snooker Tour, it also has a key role to play in the development of both Snooker and Billiards at all levels

Contact Details

World Billiards Ltd Managing Director: Jason Colebrook email:

[email protected] Mobile: 0413 336 649

Support our Sport and Support all Sponsors of our Sport

Bank South Pacific Major Sponsor Papua New Guinea Billiards & Snooker Association

Websites and Social Media

Asia Pacific Billiards & Snooker Federation https://apsbf.com/default.aspx

Billiards Australia https://www.billiardsaustralia.com/

World Billiards http://world-billiards.com/

World Billiards & Snooker Association https://www.wpbsa.com/

World Snooker Association http://www.worldsnooker.com/

Oceania Billiards & Snooker Federation https://www.obsf.info/

New Zealand Billiards & Snooker Association https://www.nzbsa.org.nz/ Australian Billiards & Snooker Council https://www.absc.com.au/

World Ladies Billiards & Snooker https://www.womenssnooker.com/

World Seniors Snooker Tour https://seniorsnooker.com/

Queensland Billiards & Snooker Association https://qldbilliardsandsnooker.asn.au/

Billiards & Snooker Association of WA https://www.snookerwa.org.au/

Victorian Billiards & Snooker Association https://www.vbsa.org.au/

Snooker & Billiards NSW https://www.snookernsw.com/

Snooker & Billiards Association South Australia https://snookersa.com.au/

Tasmanian Billiards & Snooker Association http://www.tbsa.org.au

WSF https://www.facebook.com/World-Snooker-Federation-258325214703290/

WSF https://www.worldsnookerfederation.org/

World Snooker: https://twitter.com/WorldSnookerFed

Oceania Cue Sports: https://www.facebook.com/OceaniaCueSports/