FALL 2011 SEASON

I am currently in the process of putting together the next season of the Bangkok Pool League.  It requires my getting a firm committment from 40+ venues regarding how many teams they want to field in 8-Ball and 9-Ball, so will take a week or 2.  I have or will soon contact all of the venues from last season, and meet with about 10 new prospects.  I hope to be ready for a start in early to mid September.  If anyone knows of a venue that might want to opt in, please let me know.

BANGKOK/JAKARTA CHALLENGE

As the event continues to gain momentum, there have been some changes. I will update here as they occur.

VENUE:  The venue for the event has been changed to the grand ballroom of the Arion SwissBel Kemang Hotel in South Jakarta. The seating capacity is roughly 275.

FORMAT:  The revised format will be a team race to 61.  The event will now be played on 4 seperate tables.  In round one, 5 players from each side will square off on each of the 4 tables, with each player playing twice.  Round two will be a repeat of round one, but the players will rotate tables to play against different opponents.  Each player will be guaranteed at least 4 frames.  After round two (80 frames), assuming the match has not yet been decided, both sides will reduce to 10 players for the balance of the match.  Depending on the score, round three will be played on 1 or 2 tables.

The Guiness World 10-Ball Championship was recently held in Jakarta.  The tables from that event have been appropriated for our event.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:  I was able to get a good, discounted room-rate from the Arion SwissBel Kemang Hotel, the host venue for the event.  It is rated a 4-Star hotel.  The normal rate is just under $100.00, depending on what source you use.  I was able to pre-book 25 rooms at a rate of $75.00 per night, with an additional rebate of $10.00 per room per night for Thurs, Fri and Sat (Oct 27th, 28th & 29th).  The price of $65.00 per night (complete) for that 3-day period also includes a buffet breakfast for 2 people. The hotel is close to many restaurants, nightlife, and shopping in a busy area of Jakarta frequented by expats.  Considering the traffic in Jakarta, it is a good option. Anyone interested should let me know, so I can forward their names to the hotel inder this program.

THE MATH:  This is an estimate, as it cannot be certain until until all the numbers are in, but: The Airfare to Jakarta should run around 10,500 Baht, and 3 nights at The Arion SwissBel should be another 6,000 Baht.  That totals 16,500 Baht. Under plan B, based on an estimate of 30 people, each member of team Bangkok will get a subsidy of 11,660 Baht if we lose and 15,600 Baht if we win.  Whatever the resullt, well over half the trip is already covered.  As a reminder, people going under plan B will get an equal share of all sponsorship and prize money applied to their expenses.  A 3,000 Baht deposit gets you in.  Under plan A, people can go on their own, cover their own expenses as a way of contributing to the event, and do not have to give me a deposit. Those opting to join under plan A do need to let me know they are coming so that I can include them on the team roster, and can also stay at the Arion SwissBel under our group rate.

NOTE:  The cut-off date for participation under plan B is September 29th, 1 month before the event.  No Exceptions!  I am doing this so that everyone will know up-front what their out-of-pocket expenses will be.  Anyone opting in after this date will be welcome to do so under Plan A.