New for this year was the opportunity for all team players to enter the singles events, with the men’s attracting 220 entries. The new Blackball rules were used. Despite this, and a smaller number of referees, the rules worked well and won general approval.

“The SAM Atlantic tables, Hainsworth match cloth and Aramith balls provided the best possible environment for skillful players. The players responded with a high standard of sportsmanship and play.

“I received a number of positive comments from those attending, about the performance of the tables, cloth and balls, the standard of accommodation and catering at Pontins and the return to Blackpool for BAPTO,” said SAM Leisure’s Liam Barrett.

The Horseshoes from Birmingham finally prevailed over The Ram from Derby to win 3-0. Mark Priest from the Star Q in Bracknell won the Men’s singles and Sarah Trudgett from Barking Pool Club triumphed in the Ladies’ singles. Some had attended BAPTO before but none had won, so new champions were made.

Cash prizes were paid to the last 16 in the men’s singles and the team event, with prizes paid to the last 8 in the ladies’ singles.

Rob Pearce, Managing Director from UK Pub Pool stated: “This is the first year that BAPTO and Pub Pool have worked together on the competition and we have hailed this year a great success when considering the odds against us, especially after the late launch in June.

“We have made many changes to the tournament – playing to the new Blackball rules, which has seen a positive response from players as the game is now far more attacking. We changed location, taking the competition back to its roots in Blackpool.

“We have scrapped the threeplayer and seven-player team events and replaced them with a five-player team event. Our goal as Pub Pool is to help grow this tournament and we are already planning the 2007 competition, which we believe will be far bigger.

“After listening to players’ feedback, we have identified some areas for improvement for next year’s event, primarily to give players more frames of pool. Finally, I would just like to thank everyone who helped with the tournament and also the players that attended. Without their dedication and support there would be no tournament.”

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