The global billiards community eagerly anticipates the second stop of the Predator Pro Billiard Series season, set to take place in the picturesque city of Hamilton, New Zealand, from September 2nd to 8th, 2024.
This thrilling series of events will showcase the finest talent in the world of pool across three tournaments. The highlight will be the Massé WPA Women’s World 9-Ball Championship, featuring a prestigious 48-player field competing for the gold medal and a remarkable $175,000 Prize Fund. Reigning champion and world number 1, Chieh Yu Chou, will defend her title against a formidable lineup of contenders.
Young competitors will also battle in New Zealand in the Predator WPA Junior World Championships, featuring three divisions: Girls, Boys under 17, and Boys under 19. The upcoming generation of talents will compete in 10-Ball.
In addition to the WPA world championships, there will be the inaugural Predator New Zealand Men’s Open, with a 64-player men field vying for a $75,000 Prize Fund. Registrations for the Men’s Open will open on May 15th. All three events will be played in the award-winning venue of Claudelands Events Centre, in Hamilton.
“We are thrilled to bring the Predator Pro Billiard Series to New Zealand, offering fans an unforgettable week of world-class pool action,” said PBS Event Manager Vincent Rochefort. “With 3 tournaments and a stellar roster of players, the stage is set for a truly spectacular week of pool. We look forward to welcoming players, fans, and enthusiasts to Hamilton for what promises to be an exhilarating event.”
Bernie Endres, general manager of Massé said: “Over the past 30 years Massé has worked to grow the sport, and a big part of this has been developing the game among women and junior players. Partnering with the Predator Pro Billiard Series to bring world-class pool to Hamilton, New Zealand, in the form of these World Championship events aligns perfectly with our commitment and goals and will help take the sport to new heights in this country”.
Ishaun Singh, president of the World Pool Association said: “Embracing the rich tapestry of talent from around the globe, the World Pool Association eagerly anticipates the forthcoming Women World 9-Ball Championship and the World Junior Championship set to unfold in the picturesque setting of New Zealand this September. These prestigious events not only showcase the pinnacle of skill and dedication within our sport but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring players of all ages and backgrounds. We extend our warmest wishes to all participants and eagerly await the exhilarating displays of athleticism and sportsmanship that will undoubtedly captivate audiences worldwide.”
Billiards enthusiasts worldwide can watch all the action live for Free on the Pro Billiard TV YouTube channel and Billiard TV. Fans can also come and watch the action live for free at the Claudelands Events Centre, in Hamilton. For more information and updates, visit probilliardseries.com and follow @ProBilliardSeries on social media.
位於紐西蘭北島北部的 Hamilton 將於 9/02~08 迎來美洲豹職撞系列賽的一系列賽事，其分別有 Massé WPA 女子9號球世錦賽、WPA 青少年10號球世錦賽與紐西蘭男子公開賽，三項賽事都將於 Claudelands 活動中心舉行。
Massé WPA 女子9號球世錦賽總獎金達 $175,000 美元，屆時將有48名來自世界各地的選手共同競逐冠軍。而作為衛冕冠軍的 “大眼妹” 周婕妤也將在強大的參賽陣容中尋求衛冕。另外，年輕選手們則將共同齊聚紐西蘭參加 WPA 青少年10號球世錦賽，賽事分為三個組別: 女子組、男子U17 與男子U19 。
除了兩項世錦賽之外，同時還將舉辦首屆美洲豹紐西蘭男子公開賽，64名選手共同角逐 $75,000美元的總獎金。男子公開賽於 5/15 開放報名。
職撞系列賽賽事總監 Vincent Rochefort 表示: “我們很高興將美洲豹職撞系列賽帶到紐西蘭，為球迷們帶來世界級的賽事。三大賽與出色的參賽陣容，將帶給大家為期一周精彩且難忘的比賽。我們歡迎並期待著選手、球迷與撞球愛好者們一同來到漢密爾頓。”
Massé 總經理 Bernie Endres 說道 “Massé 致力於發展這項運動超過30年，其中大部分在於女性與青少年選手領域的發展。與美洲豹職撞系列賽合作將世界級賽事帶到紐西蘭，而這些賽事以世錦賽的形式呈現完全符合我們的承諾與目標，並將有助於將這項運動在紐西蘭推向新高度。“
世界撞球協會會長 Ishaun Singh 說道: “WPA期待著將於今年9月在紐西蘭舉行的女子9號球世錦賽與青少年10號球世錦賽。這些享負盛名的賽事不僅展現了我們這項運動的頂峰技術和奉獻精神，更成為所有年齡段懷抱著夢想與抱負球員們的指路明燈。我們向所有參賽選手致上最誠摯的祝福，並熱切期待令人興奮體育精神的展示。這無疑將吸引全世界觀眾的目光。”