Battle of the baize at the Rand Show’s pool showdown of 2017

Battle of the baize at the Rand Show’s pool showdown of 2017

April 12, 2017 • News

It’s the annual Rand Show Pool Championships, arguably the most epic pool title any player can win in South Africa, and it’s live and exclusive to the Rand Show 2017.

Co-ordinated by Blitz Action Pool and sponsored by Union Billiards, this battle of the baize takes place at the Rand Show on the closing weekend (22-23 April 2017) in Link 5/6.

Sixty-four hopefuls from pool venues in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and surrounds will be chalking their cues as they set their sights on this coveted singles title, which will also see them become the new owner of a home pool table valued at R10 000 from Union Billiards.

They’ll go head to head in a straight knockout, with the final match scheduled for 5 p.m. on Sunday, 23 April. Each round is a race to two games, so it will be fast and furious.

Of the 64 contenders, Blitz Action Pool promoter Juanaine Nicholas believes that Keegan Pillay is going to be a hard man to beat. “A multiple Protea player and prolific tournament winner, he recently qualified from Timeout Sports Bar in Kyalami, Johannesburg,” says Nicholas. “Pillay says he’s made space in his home for the Pool Table trophy, sponsored by Union Billiards!”

Another serious contender is Fourways English teacher, Michelle Mason. In the past year, she’s made pool history by coming first in Gauteng across two different pool disciplines, and ending third in the recent SA Pool Championships held at Carnival City.

What’s even more outstanding about this achievement is that she was in last position the previous year, in both the Gauteng and SA rankings. “Mason is a methodical, disciplined hard worker who could shock her male counterparts and most definitely snatch this title from them,” says Nicholas.

He singles out two more players he thinks Rand Show visitors should keep their eye on. One is Banks Solomons, a well-known DJ in Jozi, who is an up-and-coming young player with an exciting game and personality. He has recently won four tournaments in succession at Ballbreakers Cresta, and has his sights set on his first major title. Banks lost his dad (a former pool champion) and mentor, at a tender age, and will be looking to make him proud.

And finally there’s Shannon Moodley, the current Rand Show Pool Champion. This youngster from Durban, who now resides in Jozi, will be a tough man to beat as he defends his well-deserved 2016 title.

These are Nicholas’ picks for the upcoming showdown, but as for who’ll end up sinking that final black ball and walking away with the booty and title? You’ll simply have to come along to the Rand Show 2017 to find out …

Play starts at 10 am on the weekend of 22-23 April, with the prizegiving at 6 pm on the 23rd.

POOL CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHEDULE

(Programme is subject to change without notice. Please consult www.randshow.co.za for scheduling changes.)

Saturday, 22 April 2017

10 am: Knock-out event – last 64 (top half)
1 pm: Knock-out event – last 64 (bottom half)
4 pm: Hardest Break Challenge and Speed Pool Challenge

Sunday 23 April 2017

10 am: Knock-out event: last 32
1 pm: Knock-out event: last 16
3 pm: Quarter-finals
4 pm: Semi-finals
5 pm: Finals
6 pm: Prize-giving

For more information, visit facebook.com/saclubchamps/, or contact Juanaine Nicholas on 074-699-2017, or Rick Schoenlank on 083-788-9971

The Rand Show Pool Championships 2017 is part of a lineup of top-class entertainment at this year’s Rand Show. South Africa’s biggest consumer expo is the only show to offer attractions covering everything from motoring, military, and science and technology, to design, animals, gardening, health and beauty, and variety shows … there’s an entire day out for the whole family packed into each Rand Show ticket.

Visit www.randshow.co.za to find out about what’s on this year at the Rand Show.

WHEN, WHERE, HOW MUCH?

The Rand Show runs from Friday, 14 April to Sunday, 23 April 2017, from 9 am to 7 pm (last entry at 6 pm), at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec (GPS – S26°14.484’ E27°58.510). There is ample secure paid parking at the venue, with visible policing.

Rand Show tickets at the gate cost R150 for adults, R50 for pensioners, R50 for 13-16 years, R20 for 6-12 years, and under six enter free. Midweek specials for Tuesday 18, Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 April only are R75 for adults, and R20 for 13-16 year olds. Open-air parking is R20 per car. Tickets are available at the gate or through Computicket. Tickets give access to a wide variety of entertainment attractions but exclude rides on the helicopter and monorail, drifting, bag jumping, the fun fair, and refreshments and food.

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Rand Show’s pool showdown of 2017