President’s Cup to lure crack cue masters

International Billiards Council expects to lure a bumper crop of local pool players in action when it holds the first President’s Cup-International 9-Ball World Tour Nov. 1-3 at the PICC Reception Hall.

IBC said its concept of holding a world-class pool championship in local front is more than enough to get the attention of pool fans nationwide.

"Aside from taking billiards into the grassroots level by organizing local qualifying tournaments in certain cities, we also want to organize a tournament that allows us to see the world’s best players battle our own pool greats and give unheralded players a chance to compete on the same level," said Edwin Reyes, IBC’s Philippine representative.

Just like in any IBC World Tour leg, the President’s Cup will be giving at least $80,000 in total prize money and at least $1,000 per player for his participation. Players also get to receive IBC Tour points after the completion of the tournament.

Tournament format for the President’s Cup calls for the 64 players to compete in several race-to-six games for the first two days of the event. The semifinals will pit the four survivors playing race-to-six games for three sets.

The finals will have the two contenders playing race-to-six games for five sets.

An organization which is sanctioned by the World Pool-Biliiards Association, IBC will hold local qualifying tournaments in Baguio City, Angeles City, Batangas, Legaspi, Cebu, Davao and in the National Capital Region next month which will lead up to the President’s Cup.