The '64-player draw' will be made up of the seven players who have already qualified from the WSOB tour this year and up to 41 other players, who can either buy into the round of 64 for $7,500 or buy into the round of 32 for $15,000 per seat; otherwise, players can make the grade during a series of online qualifiers running on the WSOB backgammon platform, starting in January 2010.

“Some of the game’s biggest names, including World Number One Matvey "Falafel" Natanzon, Sander Lylloff (Gus Hansen’s pick as World Number One) and World Champion Masayuki "Mochy" Mochizuki will all be there,” commented Will Cockerell, WSOB Championship Tournament Director. “We are expecting the cream of the crop to qualify and buy in to this event, which offers the biggest prize pool in today’s game.”

Players who have already qualified for the shoot-out hold seats worth $15,000 as they will enter the action in round 2 in a 64 draw event. All other qualifiers will take the hot seat in Round One to stand a chance of finishing in the last eight, all of which will win a share of the prize pool. The prize pool is underwritten by Will Cockerell’s own company, WVLC Productions*.

“We’re expecting strong interest from local clubs around the world who might be interested in running satellites for their members to win a seat at this prestigious event,” said Andy Bell, WSOB founder and originator. “Our aim is to make this a shootout to remember and to provide a high quality, high impact finale to the season 3 tour.”

Event Details:

The shootout will take place on 6th and 7th of February 2010, at the Adam Street private members’ club, just off The Strand in Central London (see full details on this event further down in this article).

The event will include live online video streaming of some of the key matches, supported by expert commentary.

Players interested in securing a seat at this exclusive event or clubs wanting to run satellites should email:

Andy Bell at ab@worldseriesofbackgammon.com

or Will Cockerell at willcockerell@googlemail.com

Ends

Notes to Editors:

*WVLC Productions is Will Cockerell’s company and has been commissioned to manage the WSOB Championship and underwrites the $480,000 prize pool.

World Series of Backgammon launched in 2006 and is the biggest money backgammon tour in the world with events across Europe televised on Eurosport and Poker Channel Europe and webcast worldwide.

For more information please contact:

Andy Bell on +44(0)7980 122344 ab@worldseriesofbackgammon.com or Will Cockerell on +44 (0)7970 672782 willcockerell@googlemail.com

Read Will Cockerell's latest blog about this news at this link.

All you need to know about the WSOB Championship

**Every effort will be made to keep the information as stated below. Should changes occur we will advertise them in the News section of the WSOB website.**

When is the shoot-out being held?

Over the weekend of 6-7th February, 2010.

Where is the shoot-out being held?

It is being held at the Adam Street Club in central London. This is a private members club, so please wear appropriate dress, and behave like James Bond on a good day.
The address is 9 Adam Street, London WC2N 6AA. Nearest rail: Charing Cross, nearest tube Charing Cross or Embankment.

For more info visit www.adamstreet.co.uk

Who can play?

The event is open to all. However, please note that Adam Street is a distinguished private club, and we shall make every effort to ensure that persons of a disreputable nature are denied entry.

What are the entry fees?

You may buy-in at one of three stages. The buy-in and registration fees are as follows:

Round of 64: $7,500 + 600 registration
Round of 32: $15,000 + 900 registration
Round of 16: $30,000 + 1,250 registration

What’s the Prize structure?

Quarter-finalists: $30,000
Semi-finalists: $60,000
Runner-up: $90,000
Winner: $150,000 (defending champion, Frederic Andrieu, France)

How can I register?

Simply send an email to the tournament organizer Will Cockerell
willcockerell@googlemail.com

Can I pre-pay to save me travelling with a lot of cash?

Certainly, this is preferable. A WSOB Championship Trust account is being set up to take the entries. All registrants will be required to place a minimum $1,000 deposit.

Is there an entry Deadline?

Yes, it is midnight on Friday 29th January, 2010.

Will it be easy to find somewhere to stay?

Of course. London boasts a huge range of accommodation options – many in walking distance of the event.

What are the Match lengths?

First four rounds: 3-point sets, best-of-three sets.
Semi-finals, and Final: 5-point sets, best-of-three sets.

Are matches on the clock?

Yes, 1’ 30” minutes per point, 15-seconds per play. i.e. your clock is set to 4’ 30”-minutes for a 3-point set, and 7’ 30” -minutes for a 5-point set.

What are the Shoot-Out’s Hours of Operation and Playing Schedule?

Saturday 6th February, 2010:

1800 hrs: Doors open
1900 hrs: Welcome cocktail and speeches
1945 hrs: Draw
2000 hrs: Round of 64 begins
2130 hrs Dinner break
2230 hrs: Round of 32 begins
0000 hrs: Play closes for day one
0300 hrs: Establishment closes

Sunday 7th February, 2010:

1200 hrs: Doors open
1200 – 1300 Lunch
1300 hrs: Round of 16 begins
1500 hrs: Quarter-finals begin
1700 hrs: Semi-finals (to take place separately, one following the next)
2030 hrs: WSOB Championship, the Final
2230 hrs: Prize-giving.
2300 hrs: Event ends.

Every effort will be made to keep matches to schedule. One ten-minute break allowed at 1 set-all in 3 point matches. Ten minute break allowed between each set for Semi-finals and Final.

Payments of prize money will be made by bank transfer or by special arrangement with the Organiser.

Will I be able to qualify?

Yes, stay tuned for news of qualification via satellites on the internet. Also, live qualifiers are being established at backgammon clubs all over the world. Contact your local federation to see if they’re running one.

Can I bring my partners, friends, travelling support?

Of course, please do. Adam Street is a superb facility and there will be enough room for everyone.

Will Cockerell, WSOB Championship organizer, 15th November, 2009

Visit the World Series of Backgammon website at www.worldseriesofbackgammon.com