Kim Jones at Women's World 10-Ball Championship!
Women’s World 10 Ball Championship Update:Kim Jones is practicing hard and packing her bags for a trip to Asia to make history. On June 2, 2009, she will become the first black woman and African American female to compete in billiards for a world title! And I kid you not!
Kim Jones is just one of seven USA women qualified to enter in the prestigious Women's World 10-Ball Championship. The event is sponsored by JBETpoker.net and is produced by Dragon Promotions. It will be broadcast to more countries and viewers than any other women's event in the history of billiards.
ABS-CBN and ESPN Star Sports will combine 20 hours of live coverage and 20 hours of taped matches. The event takes place in Manila, Philippines at the SM Mall North Edsa on June 2-6, 2009. Forty-eight top women pros from around the world will vie for gold to become the Women's World 10-Ball Champion. The historic event is supported by JBETpoker.net, ABS-CBN, SM Mall North Edsa, Magic 89.9, Predator Cues, Min Billiard Cloth, Puyat Sports, Philippines Star, Bugsy Promotions and recognized by the BMPAP and BSCP.
Kim Jones has only been competing part-time on the women's pro tour for 5 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 was ranked in the top 50 in the world according to the 2008 WPBA rankings.
"I've seen what I can do with just partial time invested into my game. I can only imagine if I can put all of myself dedicated to billiards!",said a confident Jones.
Jones is excited at the prospect of being the first black woman playing in the World Championship. But is it an extra burden or pressure?
“Oh no. 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.” explained Jones on her significant role and invitation.
Kim Jones has a Business Management degree from Howard University and worked 10 years for IBM. In between she managed time to have a top 17th place finish at an ESPN event and finished 2nd in rankings as the USA top semi-pro player.
"My goal is to be a top player. Of course I need finances, too. My dream is to be able to compete but also work on the business side of the billiards industry. Let me know if anyone is interested!" laughs Jones.
Jones has a website with her bio to help attract sponsors and even just normal people who want to contribute and donate to her cause. Visit www.kimjonespool.com
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. Forty eight women from around the globe will attend the event vying for $20,000 1st place prize out of the $75,000 (3.75M) purse available. SM Mall North Edsa, Magic 89.9, Philippines Star, Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila, Predator Cues, and JBETPOKER.net are some of the primary sponsors of the event.
