WCBS Multi-discipline Championships, Ankara, July 2023

Bob Jewett

Bob Jewett

AZB Osmium Member
Staff member
Gold Member
Silver Member
The WCBS -- World Confederation of Billiard Sports -- is holding the first-ever combined championship. Four disciplines are in it, pool, carom, snooker and heyball.

1688657116087.png


The WCBS is the world governing organization that is recognized by the IOC. It is an umbrella organization that includes the other governing bodies such as the WPA and the UMB. Heyball is a recent addition. I'm a little surprised that blackball (AKA English 8-ball) is not participating.
 
I love the idea here. Those who attended the World Games last summer in Alabama know how electric the atmosphere can be when multiple cue sports are contested together.

Bob, will the top snooker players participate? As you will recall, they did not participate at the World Games last summer.
 
sjm said:
... Bob, will the top snooker players participate? As you will recall, they did not participate at the World Games last summer.
Click to expand...
I hope it happens but I think the two snooker camps are still having their war of dominance.
 
would be cool if the participants play in all disciplines, but i guess that's not the meaning of combined championship?

regarding war of dominance, the choice of 10-ball isn't a coincidence.
 
  • Like
Reactions: sjm
skogstokig said:
regarding war of dominance, the choice of 10-ball isn't a coincidence.
Click to expand...
No, nor is it logical, but WPA thinks it can lower the profile of 9ball by propping up 10ball, which is not the game most of the world knows or plays. While one can never say for sure, this may prove the greatest miscalculation since Romeo poisoned himself.

if WPA prevails in this mini-war with Matchroom, it will be the biggest upset since David beat Goliath.
 
skogstokig said:
would be cool if the participants play in all disciplines, but i guess that's not the meaning of combined championship?

regarding war of dominance, the choice of 10-ball isn't a coincidence.
Click to expand...
I hate call shot ten ball….but they got me on billiards.
 
Hopefully much of it will be streamed. If I recall there was limited content available for the World Games.
 
kling&allen said:
Hopefully much of it will be streamed. If I recall there was limited content available for the World Games.
Click to expand...
I hope so, too. There are several billiard streamers that can do multiple tables. I'm guessing four or eight tables. Here is the press release:

www.azbilliards.com

First-ever WCBS Championship Announced - News - AZBILLIARDS.COM

The World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS) is hosting its own championship for the first time in its history, taking place in Ankara, Türkiye from 20 – 23 of July 2023. This world-class event will be held with the support of the Turkish Billiards Federation (TBF) and will unite athletes f
www.azbilliards.com www.azbilliards.com
 
Any chance they give awards by age group?
In marathon running an award is always given for oldest and youngest competitor.

I am pushing for more awards for any players that show up and represent their region or pool club or country.
 
Current FargoRates for the 6 men's pool entrants:
808 He​
788 Juszczyszyn​
783 Soufi​
775 Alawadhi​
737 Clark​
734 Lombardo​
 
sjm said:
No, nor is it logical, but WPA thinks it can lower the profile of 9ball by propping up 10ball, which is not the game most of the world knows or plays. While one can never say for sure, this may prove the greatest miscalculation since Romeo poisoned himself.

if WPA prevails in this mini-war with Matchroom, it will be the biggest upset since David beat Goliath.
Click to expand...
Is Heyball the most logical inclusion? I don't see the rules on WPA's site.
 
Someone might have difficulty pronouncing Eighth Ball, hence Hey Ball. If it's Eight Ball then just call it Eight ball.
 
parvus1202 said:
Someone might have difficulty pronouncing Eighth Ball, hence Hey Ball. If it's Eight Ball then just call it Eight ball.
Click to expand...

It’s not 8 ball as it’s played on a different table. Joy and the other promoters apparently came up with “heyball” as Chinese 8 ball was confusing. I don’t know what heyball is called in Mandarin (or spelled in pin ying).
 
sjm said:
Tough to say, but I think WCBS just woke up one day and said "let's have an event with every game we can think of other than 9ball."
Click to expand...

Although I’m the first to criticize the WCBS for anything, this decision makes sense based on future demographics, the number of current players, and online viewership. China will be the epicenter of billiards in 20 years (if it’s not already).
 
Bob Jewett said:
This is the player list from the WCBS website. Quite a wide range of countries and an equal number of men and women.

View attachment 707150
View attachment 707151
Click to expand...

As usual these associations go the politically correct route- go for diverse geographical representation than the top players. Don't know about carom , but pool, heyball, snooker (both men and women) don't feature the really big names, cream of cream. Most cannot get into last 16 of a major. Kaci is top 10/ top 5 now in pool but he is playing heyball :LOL:
Playing 10 ball is silly (but I suppose WPA doesn't have much choice even MR now dominate 9 ball ) - that will attract viewers/spectators in form of players (like Predator Pro series events) rather than mainstream non-players:D
 
Cultural exchange programs like sports are a benefit to everyone.

Its nice to read about partnerships and collaboration.

Matchroom and Predator have been the biggest industry players.

WCBS appears to be keeping in line with the standard for new productivity.

It shows who leads innovation and the pressures a global sports federation faces.

Pool players from other countries visiting the US are excellent ambassadors from their home nations.

The reaction from the existing billiard industry will likely be: "How much does it cost to upgrade facilities?"

WCBS has a strategy to increase pool traffic for the future. This elite event is a great way to put the best of all countries together.
 
Last edited:
kling&allen said:
Although I’m the first to criticize the WCBS for anything, this decision makes sense based on future demographics, the number of current players, and online viewership. China will be the epicenter of billiards in 20 years (if it’s not already).
Click to expand...
I am good with the inclusion of Heyball. Makes perfect sense to choose heyball over black ball because of the size of the market.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top