SAM Leisure

The new double round robin format was well received at BAPTO 2018, keeping teams playing Friday and Saturday, with 6 matches of pool before any chance of being knocked out. Every team that attended was guaranteed 48 frames of pool, with 64 teams going through to the Sunday knockout stages and sharing in a massive £16,000 prize fund. Prizes were paid down to the last 64 in the Men’s singles, giving many more players a share of the prize fund. Visit the BAPTO Facebook group for the weekend pics, videos and banter.

Only another 6 months before registration opens for BAPTO 2019 and just under 7 months until the Novice weekend of the Golden 8 Ball festivities!

A close finals match saw Wales’s Phil Hoskins come out on top against Dean Shields in a deciding frame in the Men’s singles final, to win 4-3.

Phil said of the event; “Over the moon to win the BAPTO Men’s Singles title at my very first attempt.

Thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, fantastic venue and location in Blackpool. Great to meet new people but also catch up with some old faces.

Fantastic party atmosphere and we’re all still trying to work out who (heck) Alice is, ha ha.

Will definitely be back to defend my title in 2019”.

BAPTO FInals 2018

In the Team event, the plate final saw BAPTO veterans, The Bears from Wisbech, take on the Oracle T-Totals, who found themselves unfortunately 2 players short prior to the event.  Fortunately, thanks to the foresight of Rob Pearce and Sharon Griffiths who have a random drawn ‘reserve player’ list, they were able to pick up two capable players to help them go all the way to the Final, but unfortunately for them, it was one ask too many as they fell short to the strength of The Bears, who lifted the trophy, losing 3-6.

The second week in November may not be a peak time to visit the seaside town of Blackpool, but the Norbreck Castle Hotel was absolutely bouncing last weekend with an unprecedented buzzing atmosphere, as it welcomed pool players from the UK and France to the 42nd BAPTO Tournament!

Over 700 players and spectators graced the Norcalympia arena for an extended weekend of singles, mixed doubles and of course, the 5-player team event which started on the Friday morning.

Seasoned BAPTO Referee, Donna Coatsworth said of the event; “It was without a doubt, THE best BAPTO event to date.  This is a prestigious and traditional competition, but the inclusion of music during the matches was inspired.

It showed the comp was prepared to move with the times and provide an amazing atmosphere throughout the whole weekend.

Listening to 700+ people really enjoying themselves and singing along and dancing to ‘Sweet Caroline’ was what every event should be about!”

The 42^nd annual BAPTO amateur pool weekend will be held the second weekend in November. The iconic pool tournament has grown tremendously in popularity, selling out two months prior to the weekend, with 128 teams attending and many more on the wanting to enter. The event has been located at the Norbreck Castle Hotel in Blackpool, for the last few years which has proved a popular location with the players.  It provides a superb playing arena that holds 42 tables, with full lighting and PA facilities.

Played to Blackball rules, BAPTO provides the ultimate playing experience for those attending, with 42 SAM Atlantic tables all covered in the fast playing Hainsworth Precision tournament cloth and graced with Super Aramith Pro balls. With live internet streaming, key sponsors such as Specsavers (official referee sponsors), Powerglide and Jonny 8 Ball, have been keen to get involved.