A meeting was held on Sunday, July 31st to go over the details for the planned expat challenge match between Bangkok and Jakarta.  This post will be the primary source of information on this event.  As new details come in, I will post them here.  As the event approaches, there are apt to be some subtle changes.  The date, however, is firm.  Please keep checking this thread for updates.  For those that did not attend the meeting:

EVENT SPONSORSHIP:  The primary event sponsor (so far) is STEEL BLUE.  Their logo now appears as a sponsor of the Bangkok Pool League.  They have made an up-front committment of $20,000.00 for a 2-year event.  The event will be held in Jakarta this year, and Bangkok next year.  The winning side will receive $7,000.00 and the losing side will receive $3,000 at both events.  This year Bangkok and Jakarta will be the only cities competing, but it is expected that at least 1 additional city will be on board next year, with the ultimate goal of having an Asia-wide expat tournament.  Team Jakarta and Team Bangkok are each on their own to find team sponsors. 

TEAM BANGKOK SPONSORSHIP:  We are off to a great start regarding sponsorship, but are still looking for more.  260,000 Baht has been received so far from JERSEY PUB (Sukhumvit, soi 4), BILLBOARD and ANGELWITCH (Nana Plaza) and The HOLIDAY INN Vancouver Airport (Canada).  All monies collected, in both sponsorship and prize money will be applied to the costs (airfare and hotel) of those opting to join.  Any overage will be applied to next year.

DATE/VENUE/FORMAT:  The date for the event will be Saturday, October 29th.  The venue will likely be the Grand Ballroom of The Grand Kemang Hotel in South Jakarta, but it is not yet certain.  The match will be played on 2 9-foot tables, and each team will also have their own practice table.  It will be a 1 day event, beginning at 1:00 PM and expected to end at 9:00 PM.  The trophy and prize money presentation will immediately follow.  On friday, the 28th, Team Bangkok will have 2 venues (CROSSROADS and FEZ) for free practice and play for the day, and friendlies have been arranged at each from 5:00 PM to7:30 PM.  The sponsor will be hosting a meet & greet party arranged for the members of both sides at The EVEREST Bar on Blok M from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

COMPETITION RULES:   It will be an 8-Ball event, and a team race to 35.  Both sides will open with 20 players reperesenting each side.  The event is scheduled for 8 hours, and there will be a break in the middle followed by the presentation at the end. Both sides currently play by the same Ball In Hand rules that we play in our league, so no adjustment will be neccessary.  The trophy will remain with the winning team until the match is repeated next year.

TEAM SELECTION:  Team Bangkok can not be determined until we are in Jakarta.  A comittee composed of long-time league players will convene to determine who should represent us from amongst those that have made the trip.  We are limited to 20 for the actual event, but those that are not playing will be playing in the 2 friendlies on friday. All who go must be certified by me as being a genuine expat who does indeed live here, a non-professional(this is an Ameteur event), and have a connection to the Bangkok Pool League.

The GOALS:

1.  To make this as inclusive as possible for those that have been playing in the Bangkok Pool League, and to subsidize everyone as much as possible with whatever sponsorship money, contributions, and prize money that can be applied.  Help on this would indeed be welcome.

2.  For all who opt to go to return to Bangkok richer for the experience.  It will indeed get competitive, but the primary focus of this event is to have a good time and promote friendship.  It is not often people get the opportunity to travel to another country and have the expat population there expecting them and and willing to receive them in style.  Those on Team Jakarta will be coming here next year.

3.  To see 100+ Expats walking around Bangkok next year, from Jakarta and another Asian city, enjoying Bangkok and the event because we put legs to a good idea, and to see this event grow. 

4.  To bring the First Expat Challenge Event Trophy back to Bangkok.

Anyone interested in participating, sponsoring, helping, or contributing to help make this event a special one should E-mail me through this website or call me at 081-625-7657.

Registered Players For Team Bangkok   Names will be added as people register with me

Jack M - Hideaway

John L - Hideaway

Mark D - Moonshine

Paul D - Moonshine

David J - Moonshine

Neil P - Sport 20-2

Keith H - Sport 20-2

Paul H - Sports Academy

Joe V - Sportsman

Tom G - Sportsman