WORLD NINEBALL TOUR ANNOUNCES THREE RANKING EVENTS TO CONCLUDE 2024
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 26 Nov 2024
The World Nineball Tour is delighted to announce three thrilling WNT Ranking events to bring the curtain down on an extraordinary 2024 season. Taking place in vibrant locations across Asia this December, these tournaments will unite the world’s finest pool players as they compete for substantial prize funds and crucial ranking points ahead of the 2025 season.
WNT Ranking Events
Marboys Open:
Dates: 10–14 December 2024
Prize fund: $50,000
3rd Universal Chinese Taipei Open:
Dates: 16–18 December 2024
Prize fund: $82,000
2nd Zen & Yuan8 Open:
Dates: 18–23 December 2024
Prize fund: $47,700
The 3rd Universal Chinese Taipei Open will be streamed on Matchroom Pool’s YouTube channel, while the Marboys Open and 2nd Zen & Yuan8 Open will be featured across Matchroom Pool’s official social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Kicking off the December schedule, the Marboys Open will debut from 10–14 December 2024 in Parañaque City, Philippines. Named after the iconic Filipino pool players’ group The Marboys, this inaugural event celebrates the Philippines' rich pool heritage. With a guaranteed prize fund of $50,000, the 128-player tournament will transform Parañaque City into the centre of the pool world for five days, featuring both international and local talents in thrilling competition.
John Velasco, Tournament Director of the Marboys Open commented: “We are thrilled to host the first ever WNT ranking event in Marboys Billiards. This is a good opportunity to showcase to the world the kind of talent we have in the Philippines and in Asia. We are very grateful to Matchroom especially to Emily Frazer for giving us the opportunity to host the fastest growing sport in Asia if not the world. The beauty of nineball is you will never going to know who is going to win it. So we are all very excited to host the inaugural Marboys 9 Ball Open.”
The 3rd Universal Chinese Taipei Open will take place from 16–18 December 2024 in Taipei City, drawing a star-studded 128-player field. Among the participants are Hanoi Open champion Johann Chua, Reyes Cup MVP Aloysius Yapp, UK Open champion Robbie Capito, European Open champion Mickey Krause, and former World Champions Francisco Sanchez Ruiz and Carlo Biado. They will be joined by Chinese Taipei’s own elite stars Ko Ping Chung and Ko Pin Yi.
With an increased prize fund of $82,000, including $20,000 for the winner, this is an unmissable event for fans. To ensure global access, the tournament will be livestreamed in its entirety on Matchroom Pool’s YouTube channel.
Jackie Ku, Tournament Director of Chinese Taipei Open commented: “We are delighted and honoured to be a joint promoter of the World Nineball Tour. Working alongside Matchroom and a fantastic group of sponsors who share our vision for growing nineball in Asia has been a privilege. Our tournament has made remarkable progress, expanding from an initial 64-player field with a $5,000 winner’s prize to a 128-player competition offering $20,000 to the champion in our upcoming third event. Our ultimate goal is to integrate nineball into everyday life, inspiring more people to fall in love with and enjoy this sport.”
From 18–23 December 2024, Shanghai will host the 2nd Zen & Yuan8 Open, where players will compete for a prize fund of $47,700. Building on the success of its inaugural edition earlier this year, where Johann Chua claimed victory, this event is set to deliver high-octane action in one of China’s most dynamic cities. Shanghai’s hosting of the tournament further cements its status as a major fixture on the WNT calendar.
Allen Han, Tournament Director of Zen & Yuan8 Open said: “Our aim is to create a professional environment in Shanghai equipped with top-tier equipment to elevate the tournament experience and encourage greater participation and attention towards our events. I would like to extend my gratitude to Matchroom for their invaluable support and collaboration. In the September tournament, six of the top 16 WNT players competed, and many renowned players praised the quality of the event. For December, we aim to attract an even stronger field of competitors.”
Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom Multi Sports added: “These three ranking events mark a thrilling conclusion to what has been an incredible 2024 season for the World Nineball Tour. Not only do they provide vital opportunities for players to secure crucial ranking points, but they also showcase the immense talent and depth in our sport globally. The World Nineball Tour continues to thrive, particularly in Asia, where the passion for the game and the calibre of players are truly inspiring. These events highlight the tour’s remarkable growth and set the stage for an exciting 2025 season ahead.”
These three marquee events will round off 2024 in spectacular fashion, showcasing the very best of nine-ball pool while highlighting the sport’s growing influence across Asia. Fans can follow the action live and stay updated through Matchroom Pool’s official platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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