by Ben Hudd • August 5, 2023
Emily Frazer labelled the inception of the World Professional Nineball Pool Corporation (WPNPC) as ‘a landmark day for nineball pool’ during Friday’s launch.
The WPNPC follows in the footsteps of the World Snooker Tour (WST) and Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and is a limited company headed by Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn.
They will provide an incredible opportunity for amateur players to turn their dreams into reality and become a professional under the WPNPC banner, with a prize money increase guaranteed over a sustained period of time.
In addition, they will lay the foundations for consistency in tournament rules, provide independent drug testing and an integrity unit and continued coverage and television exposure internationally.
World Nineball Tour boss Emily Frazer said: “This is a landmark day for nineball pool. With 37 nationalities represented within our top 128-ranked players, we will deliver the game to the masses in new territories through the formation of the WPNPC.
“We will continue to work closely with those within the sport who choose to support our cause as we aim to enhance nineball to greater heights, including potential tour cards.
“Our sole aim is to create the biggest and best opportunities for the players and we believe this will not only inspire the next generation to participate but it will also ignite the flame for fierce competition amongst the game’s leading stars and new contenders, providing unmissable entertainment on a huge global platform.
“With the European Open Pool Championship to look forward to next week, this really is the bright, new beginning that nineball needs.”
Frazer, who was recently elected onto the Matchroom Sport board of directors, will front the WPNPC board alongside Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn, WST chairman Steve Dawson and PDC chief executive Matthew Porter.
Hearn added: “The formation of the World Professional Nineball Pool Corporation heralds a progressive new era for the sport. Matchroom is proud to have pioneered an incredible mainstream shift in boxing, snooker and darts – now it is time for our dynamic team to level up the world of nineball.
“The WPNPC will deliver first-class entertainment for fans and exciting opportunities for the game’s elite players with more events, more locations and greater prize money than ever before.
“Innovation is at the heart of everything we do here at Matchroom and this monumental move will lay the foundations for a fantastic future ahead.”
