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Chinese 8 Ball - 2017 Joy Billiards World Masters / Canadian and South American Qualification

HOLEM & LLANOS BOOK PLACES IN THE MAIN DRAW

The final few overseas qualifying spots for the 2017 Joy Billiards World Chinese 8 Ball Masters have been decided over the last couple of weeks.

Stephen Holem (top left) won through the Canadian Qualifier which was held at Top 147 Snooker & Billiards in Richmond, British Columbia on the 3rd & 4th December.

After a weekend of busy action, the final would see Holem face Paul Potier - one of Canada's most respected cue athletes having represented his country in many big international events. 

Holem began strongly in taking a 7-2 lead, and although his experienced opponent did apply some pressure back, it was the younger of the two who would cross the line first with an 8-4 victory.

Delighted with getting through, Stephen told The Cue View...

"It was really difficult and quite the test of the mind. I'm honoured to represent Canada and I look forward to playing Chinese 8 Ball a lot more!"

Holem grew up playing 9 Ball before starting out on snooker when he became a teenager. It is only in the last two years that he has played the Chinese 8 Ball discipline. Earlier this year he travelled to China to play in an event, so will go to Qinhuangdao City in January with some knowledge of the conditions in store.

Argentina's Jorge Llanos (top right) will make a return to the Joy World Masters after he came through South American qualifying in his home country.

After weeks of competition which led to a Grand Final in Rosario, Llanos defeated Lucas Alarcon to book a second consecutive appearance at the main stages in China.

Llanos is no stranger to competing in major pool tournaments. As well as claiming a number of continental titles in the past, he is the current PanAmerican 9 Ball Champion.

Written and published by Michael Day on the 12th December 2016​​​​​