2019 International 9-Ball Open Guide and Rules

kkdanamatt

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2019 INTERNATIONAL 9-BALL OPEN - DETAILS
• Tournament Dates: October 28-November 2, 2019
• Sanctioned by: World Pool Association (WPA) Tier 3 Event. Size of Field: 128 Players
• Added Money: $50,000.1st Place Prize: $30,000. 32nd Place pays $2,250. Entry Fee: $1,000
• Format: Double Elimination; Winner Breaks; Race to 11; Finals: Race to 13.
• Site: Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
• Major Sponsors: Diamond Billiard Products, Simonis Cloth, Aramith Balls
• Equipment: 9-foot Diamond Tables, Pro-Cut Pockets, Simonis 860 Tournament Blue Cloth,
Aramith Balls, Measle Cue Ball, Accu-Rack 9-Ball Racking Template
OFFICIAL RULES
It is each player’s responsibility to follow these rules.
Players are required to conduct themselves as professionals at all times.
Unsportsmanlike conduct may be subject to penalties administered by the Tournament Director.
I. Format
Double Elimination
Winner Breaks. Race to 11.
Finals: Race to 13
II. Racking
The Accu-Rack is the only authorized rack. The Official Racker will rack the 1-Ball in front, the 9-Ball on the spot, and the 2-Ball behind the 9-Ball. All other balls will be randomly placed. Players are not permitted to inspect the rack at any time.
The Accu-Rack may be removed after the break if both players agree to do so. After it’s removed, the Accu-Rack cannot be placed on the rail. Upon request, at any time during the match, the Referee may be called upon to assist in removing the Accu-Rack, but it is the Referee’s decision as to whether the Accu-Rack can or cannot be safely removed.
III. Breaking
Players must lag for the opening break.
Players must break from the designated break box, which is 9” to the left and 9” to the right of the head spot. A legal break requires a minimum combination of 3 object balls either touching the head string line or be pocketed, or pocketing 2 object balls without any balls touching the head string. To "touch the head string line" means that the edge of the object ball must reach (break) the string line.
An illegal break is not a foul. The incoming player has the option to either accept the table in
position, or require his opponent to shoot from that position. Neither player may push out after an illegal break.
Pocketing the 9-Ball on a legal break in any pocket wins the game immediately.
Pocketing the 9-Ball on an illegal break requires that the 9-Ball be re-spotted immediately.
IV. Fouls
The “all ball fouls” rule applies.
This tournament is being played with “area” Referees; each Referee may be responsible for several tables simultaneously (except on the Accu-Stats TV Arena Table).
Generally, the non-shooting player acts as the referee. However, either player may ask the area Referee to watch a shot or to clarify a rule. The Referee’s decision is final once summoned to the table, either before or after a shot has been taken.
3 consecutive fouls is an automatic loss of game. A clear audible warning of “on 2 fouls” must be given to the incoming player as he approaches the table.
V. Dress Code
Dress-type shirt (with or without a collar) or a dress-type sweater.
Dress slacks; no sweat pants, warm-up pants, jogging pants, cargo pants, or jeans.
Dark shoes or dark-colored tennis or walking-type shoes; no white or light colored soles; no sandals, slippers or open-toed shoes.
No headphones, earphones, earplugs, iPod, Bluetooth devices, hats, caps or headgear.
Hearing aids are permitted.
Note: Any dress code exception to the above requires a medical doctor’s note and must be approved by the Tournament Director prior to the Tournament.
VI. Cell phones and personal Electronic Devices
Players must turn off (use the airplane mode) cell phones and all personal electronic devices during the entire match.
Smoking and the use of E-cigarettes are not allowed anywhere in the tournament rooms.
VII. Forfeit Time
Both players must be in the tournament room at their scheduled match time, even if their scheduled match table is currently in use.
Forfeit time is 15 minutes after the scheduled match time, or when the table becomes available, whichever is later. If a player is not present at his table a few minutes after the starting time, his opponent must notify the Referee. Only the Tournament Director can declare a forfeit.
VIII.Time-Outs
Each player may take one 5-minute time-out period per match. The Referee must be notified when a time-out is being taken. A time-out may only be taken during your inning or if you are breaking. Smoking and the use of E-cigarettes is prohibited during any time-out.
IX. Slow Play
Referees will monitor the pace of play on all tables.
Referees will issue a speed-up warning after 1 hour if the pace is not satisfactory. Approximately 10 games should be completed after 1 hour. If the pace remains unsatisfactory, the Referee may implement a 40-second shot clock, with one extension per player per game.
X. Concession Penalty
Concessions are not permitted at any time. The penalty for a concession is the loss of the conceded game, and also a one game deduction from the offending player’s score.
XI. Cues and Bridges
Jump cues are allowed. The jump cue must have a minimum length of 40 inches.
Cue extenders are allowed. Players may use their own bridge, provided it is legal in all aspects.
XII. Ball Cleaning
Once a game is in progress, only the Referee, upon request, is permitted to clean any ball.
The shot clock will continue to run during ball cleanings.

Karl Kantrowitz, Tournament Director
2019 International 9-Ball Open
 

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kkdanamatt

AzB Gold Member
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2019 International 9-Ball Open

Any changes from last year, Karl?

SOME IMPROVEMENTS FROM LAST YEAR:
• The event will be six days long instead of seven. It saves everybody money.
• $250 entry fee deposits will be accepted. Last year, players had to pay once in full.
• The Mosconi points will be the first event for 2020. Everyone starts at zero.
• $40,000 more prize money is spread between 3rd thru 23rd place. More money for twenty-one players.
• Sixteen qualifying tournaments around the world. More chances to win entry.
• With a full field, $178,000 prize fund versus $162,000 last year.

Prize Money Distribution (based on a full field):
1st $30,000
2nd $22,000
3rd $15,000
4th $11,000
5-6th $8,000
7-8th $6,000
9-12th $4,500
13-16th $3,500
17-24th $2,750
25-32nd $2,250


RULE CHANGES FROM LAST YEAR
1. Players will not be permitted to inspect the rack.
2. The shot clock will continue to run while the referee, upon request, cleans the balls.
3. Pocketing 2 object balls on the break will constitute a legal break, whether or not a 3rd object ball touches the headstring.
4. When only the 9-Ball remains on the table and is illegally pocketed, the 9-Ball is spotted and the incoming player has ball in hand.

There may be other procedures that we will implement to improve the International experience for both players and spectators, but the rules as published above will
remain in effect.
 
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garczar

AzB Silver Member
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SOME IMPROVEMENTS FROM LAST YEAR:
• The event will be six days long instead of seven. It saves everybody money.
• $250 entry fee deposits will be accepted. Last year, players had to pay once in full.
• The Mosconi points will be the first event for 2020. Everyone starts at zero.
• $40,000 more prize money is spread between 3rd thru 23rd place. More money for twenty-one players.
• Sixteen qualifying tournaments around the world. More chances to win entry.
• With a full field, $178,000 prize fund versus $162,000 last year.

Prize Money Distribution (based on a full field):
1st $30,000
2nd $22,000
3rd $15,000
4th $11,000
5-6th $8,000
7-8th $6,000
9-12th $4,500
13-16th $3,500
17-24th $2,750
25-32nd $2,250


RULE CHANGES FROM LAST YEAR
1. Players will not be permitted to inspect the rack.
2. The shot clock will continue to run while the referee, upon request, cleans the balls.
3. Pocketing 2 object balls on the break will constitute a legal break, whether or not a 3rd object ball touches the headstring.
4. When only the 9-Ball remains on the table and is illegally pocketed, the 9-Ball is spotted and the incoming player has ball in hand.

There may be other procedures that we will implement to improve the International experience for both players and spectators, but the rules as published above will
remain in effect.
When will qualifier dates/sites be posted? Thanks The changes look great,btw.
 

kkdanamatt

AzB Gold Member
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Silver Member
When will qualifier dates/sites be posted? Thanks The changes look great,btw.

Thanks for the feedback.
There are presently 2 qualifiers scheduled.
Check this website for updates on all International 9-Ball details:

http://www.international9ballopen.com/

I will also post news about the International here, on AZBilliards.
 

garczar

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Thanks for the feedback.
There are presently 2 qualifiers scheduled.
Check this website for updates on all International 9-Ball details:

http://www.international9ballopen.com/

I will also post news about the International here, on AZBilliards.
Need to link that address.
 

Bob Jewett

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For those who can do an extended trip, the American Straight Pool Championships will be the week before in Virginia Beach at Q-Master Billiards. The estimated prize fund is $42,000 and the dates are October 22-26 (Tuesday-Saturday). See: http://www.americanstraightpool.com
 

kkdanamatt

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Silver Member
Thanks, Bob, for mentioning the American 14.1 Tournament.
Q-Masters Billiards, the host of the American 14.1, is just a few minutes from the Sheraton Waterside Hotel, the host hotel for the International.
We have a special rate of $109 + taxes, which the Sheraton Waterside Hotel will honor from October 21 through November 6.

I'm hoping that many straight pool players and fans will come to Norfolk and stick around for the International 9-Ball, and vice-versa. There are quite a few 9-Ball players who can run hundreds of balls in 14.1. I'm thinking, Filler, Appleton, Feijen, Shaw, Hohmann, Immonen, Orcollo, Kaci, Melling, etc.....and of course, Schmidt.
 
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BeiberLvr

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
2. The shot clock will continue to run while the referee, upon request, cleans the balls.

I'm all for anything that speeds up the game, but not sure I agree with this rule.

It leaves the player at the mercy of how quickly the the ref moves, and mistakes could be made if they are feeling rushed.

In my opinion, it would be better to stop the shot clock when a player requests a cleaning, but limit each player to 2 cleanings per match.


Everything else looks great and I'm excited to watch!
 

kkdanamatt

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I'm all for anything that speeds up the game, but not sure I agree with this rule.

It leaves the player at the mercy of how quickly the the ref moves, and mistakes could be made if they are feeling rushed.

In my opinion, it would be better to stop the shot clock when a player requests a cleaning, but limit each player to 2 cleanings per match.


Everything else looks great and I'm excited to watch!


We are trying to eliminate the requests to clean a ball when actually the ball doesn't require a cleaning.
A few players have been using the ball cleaning as a method to get free time extensions.
The Referee always cleans the cue ball before every break, anyway.
Thanks for your input.
I'll consider your suggestion for the future.
 
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