WITH the PartyPoker.net World Pool Masters qualifying period now underway, Matchroom Sport can announce two further qualifying events in Asia that will offer five spots in total.

The 2010 Masters sees the field increase from 16 players up to 64, with approximately half the field being invited and the other half winning their places via qualifying tournaments.

The first event in Asia takes place on Thursday, March 18 at the International Pool Club in Taipei, Taiwan and offers one spot to the eventual winner. Produced by the Chinese Taipei Billiards Association, all interested players are advised to contact Sophie Chen (bact.tw@msa.hinet.net or fax to +886-2-27261130).

The Golden Break Pool Club in Selangor, Malaysia is the venue for a larger regional qualifying tournament that will see four Masters spots up for grabs. This is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, April 13 to Friday, April 16 and will be operated by XZ Sports (www.xzsports.com).

Sanctioned by the Malaysian Snooker & Billiards Federation, all enquiries should be directed to David Ong - david@xzbilliards.com or +6012 209 2609.

Working with an array of respected partners around the world, the qualifying events take place in France, England, Scotland, Holland, Belgium, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Russia, Spain, Canada, USA, Australia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Japan. This will give every pool player in the world the opportunity to win a trip to Las Vegas and mix it with the world's elite in the Masters.

Each qualifying event will carry an entry fee and have, in most cases, a maximum field of 32 players. The winner of each event wins a trip to Vegas, to include flight and accommodation, to compete in the Masters and there are cash prizes for high finishers depending on entries.

After 17 years as a 16-player invitational competition, the Masters, one of the longest established tournaments in pool, has moved to 64 players and will run from Wednesday, May 12 to Sunday, May 16, will take place at the Riviera Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Working in conjunction with Cuesports International, the Masters takes place during the annual BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships, which sees thousands of players and fans flock to the Riviera for a lengthy festival of pool.

The first two days of the main event in May feature double elimination play on a multi-table set-up as the field reduces from 64 down to 32.

The event then goes to single elimination and the last 16 is played out in a single table arena setting in front of the TV cameras, culminating in the final on the evening of Sunday, May 16.
Television is produced by Matchroom Sport and will be seen as 15 x one hour programmes in 14 countries around the world with more to be added to the list.

The prize fund is set at a guaranteed $100,000 with $20,000 going to the eventual champion.