World Championship Pool 2004 publisher to sponsor the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship this month

Buffalo, New York (September 10, 2003)— Jaleco Entertainment, publisher of WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POOL 2004, is the official video game sponsor of the 28th Annual U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship.

The U.S Open 9-Ball Championship is the longest running, most prestigious and most successful pro-pool tournament in the United States. The event is held annually in Chesapeake, Virginia. This year’s event is scheduled for September 15-21 and will be featured on pay-per-view TV throughout October and November.

More than 250 of the world's best professional pool players will compete for the sport's most prestigious title. Some of the players who are expected to participate are five-time U.S. Open champion Earl "The Pearl" Strickland (USA), "The Magician" Efren Reyes (PHL), and defending U.S. Open champion Ralf Souquet (GER). Approximately 10,000 pool enthusiasts are expected over this 6-day event.

“This is a great fit for the event and the sport,” said Rob Sykora, president of Billiard Club Network, the company responsible for the TV production and distribution of programs on pay-per-view. “The sport needs to extend its reach into other markets and WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POOL 2004 will help promote pro pool to the gaming marketplace with a realistic display of the talents of the top players in the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship.”

No matter the skill level, anyone can play WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POOL 2004. The game is the most authentic pool simulation video game coming to market. WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POOL 2004 promises to deliver challenging game play in polished, realistic environments. Assume the role of the sport’s best players, adopting their unique style and specific shooting preferences, or compete against these true-to-life legends. WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POOL 2004 gives gamers the tools to improve their skills with the precise aiming aid, shot strength meter and personal coaching mode.

Experience the thrill and action of real pool, complete with sports-television-style coverage and commentary. WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POOL 2004 will be available for personal computers and next-generation consoles starting in November. The game is developed by Blade Interactive Studios of Manchester, England.

The pay-per-view event premiers on Dish Network pay-per-view October 12 with the first two-hour match of a four-match package, that includes the semi-final and final championship match. iNDemand pay-per-view will showcase the semi-final and final match premiering October 26 and November 2, respectively. An edited version of the contest will air on local sports networks in the United States and Europe next year.

For information on the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships visit www.q-masters.com or call 1-757-499-8900.

Pay-per-view schedule and information is available at www.billiardclub.net and by calling 1-866-774-8770.