Tweet
UPC Press Release
UPC Nine-ball Championships 2011-12
The weekend of the 25-27 November 2011 sees 46 teams and around 150 university nine-ball players arrive in Liverpool to battle it out for the UPC Nine-ball Team and Individual Championships. This event has grown dramatically in the last eight years since its inception and will be played across two fantastic Riley’s venues – Grand Central and Wavertree. With participation levels broadly the same as last year, the event continues to boast the title of the biggest annual nine-ball event in the UK.
The team event will continue to use the Championship/Trophy format with the bonus of a ‘second chance’ that double elimination offers. The Individual event will feature a random redraw from each round from the last 32 to intensify the drama as the competition draws to conclusion.
University of Manchester, who were worthy champions in 2010/11, return to defend their silverware with a much changed line-up with Nick Clayton the only returnee from the triumphant side. Although it is anticipated their commendable team spirit will spur them on, there are a number of teams who are fully intending to be making their mark this season when the event climaxes in the final day’s play on Sunday.
Of the expected challengers, last year’s finalists York, featuring University pool veterans and top 2 seeds Mike Walsh and Luke Fleet, will make the short trip to Liverpool with high hopes of re-establishing their prowess in this discipline. Eyes will also be on how Warwick, who consistently do well in this event, compete in this year’s tournament. Essex, Bristol, Cardiff and Leeds send teams hopeful of being in contention with local interest resting with Edge Hill who have entered three teams.
As Bernd Gentner (Manchester) is not returning to defend his crown, it is a near impossible task to pick a favourite for the Individual Championship with such a wide field. Will Jerram (Edge Hill), current BUCS-UPC Eight-ball Individual Champion, will be hoping to secure his second title with the likes of Walsh and Fleet from the aforementioned York side hoping to improve on previously strong performances in this competition. Possible dark horses include Matthew Bradley (Warwick) and Lee Mager (LSE) based on pedigree in University (and wider) events in this discipline. The entry of several new and restructured teams means that there could well be a few unknown quantities in the draw.
The action gets underway with the Individual Championship at 10h15 on Friday 25th November. The Team Championship/Trophy begins at 15h30 on the same day with the Individual Championship Semi-finals and Final from 20h00 on Saturday 26th November.
The Team Championship resumes at 9h30 on Sunday 27th November. Both the Championship and Trophy will culminate in the afternoon with the Championship Semis and Final and Trophy Final from around 13h45.
18 November 2011
For further information:
Oliver Dark
Oliver.dark@upc-pool.org.uk
UPC Website
UPC on Facebook
UPC on Twitter
Notes to editors:
The Universities Pool Council (UPC) is the governing body for pool at higher education level in the United Kingdom. It is recognised by the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS), Scottish University Sport (SUS) and the English Pool Association (EPA).
The UPC organises national nine-ball, eight-ball and women’s eight-ball championships for teams and individuals. The UPC also organises the Student Home Internationals representative event.
Comment