Black cue artist chases history

MANILA, Philippines - Kim Jones hopes to become the first black player and African-American female to claim the Women’s World 10-ball crown next week at the SM City North Edsa in Quezon City.

Jones, one of seven USA women qualified to enter the tournament, has only been competing part-time on the women’s pro tour for five years.

She balanced playing professional pool with working full-time for IBM as a project manager. Recently she was laid off from her job due to the economic crisis in the US, and has since re-dedicated herself to billiards.

She is in the top 50 in the WPBA world ranking in 2008.

Jones said she is excited at the prospect of being the first black woman playing in the World Championship.

“I am truly excited. Ever since being on tour, fans, of all color, have always come to me with words of support. I’m really happy to be making history, and I think it’s quite an honor. I really hope I can encourage other black players worldwide to try to compete more,” she said.

The historic event is considered to be the biggest women’s sporting event of the year for the Philippines, and one of the biggest in Asia as it draws massive media attention with 40 hours of match coverage going to over 40 countries with 20 hours live on ESPN and equally in its local partner ABS-CBN, the leading TV channel of the Philippines.

A total of 48 top lady cue artists from around the world will gather to vie for the prestigious crown and the $20,000 top purse at stake in this tournament produced by Dragon Promotions supported by JBETpoker.net, ABS-CBN, SM Mall North Edsa, Magic 89.9, Predator Cues, Min Billiard Cloth, Puyat Sports, The Philippines Star, Bugsy Promotions and recognized by the BMPAP and BSCP.

A total of $75,000 cash prize will be up for grabs in this event, which will run under the theme “billiards, the sport of the Philippines, the sport of the people” and sanctioned by the World Pool and Billiard Association.

Open qualifiers for the event will be held May 31 and June 1 at Paeng’s Skybowl on 4th Floor at Robinsons Galleria Mall connected to the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Manila.

There will be three qualifiers over the two days with six winners entered into the main 48 women field. For more info email [email protected]