The Origin of Billiards
There are two main theories about the origin of billiards:
First, it originated in the UK. Some people believe that billiards originated in the UK in the 14th century. It is said that it was invented for entertainment by the owner of a pawnshop named billsyard in London, and the English name of billiards comes from this. During the Victorian era in England, billiards was highly regarded by people. At that time, some wealthy families not only had luxurious billiard rooms but also strict etiquette for the activities. By the end of the 18th century, it became a popular game among the British people, and in the early 19th century, the world’s first public billiard room was opened in London.
Second, it originated in France. In 1904, the American Dawson stated in his work that billiards existed during the reign of King Charles VII of France. Some people believe that the billiard game appeared during the reign of King Louis XI of France (1461-1483). Its predecessor was a game played with balls and rods on outdoor grasslands, and later it moved indoors and was played on a table covered with a green tablecloth. The etymology of the English word “billiards” comes from the French word “bille”, which means “ball”.
Introduction to Internationally Renowned Tournaments
Snooker Tournaments
The World Snooker Championship: The oldest and most prestigious event in the sport of snooker, it began in 1927. It is held annually at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, UK. The tournament system is complex, ranging from a best-of-19 frames (10 wins required) in the first round to a best-of-35 frames (18 wins required) in the final.
The UK Snooker Championship: An important ranking tournament, it started in 1977. Initially, it was only open to home players, and it became an international ranking tournament in 1984. It is usually held at the Barbican Centre in York, England, and is scheduled for the autumn and winter seasons each year.
The Snooker Masters: It began in 1975 and is an invitational tournament. Only the top 16 players in the world rankings are eligible to participate, and the results of this tournament do not count towards the ranking points system. With a large prize pool and high prestige, it is a top event in the snooker world.
American Billiards Tournaments
The World 9-Ball Championship: It started in 1990 and is the most prestigious event in the field of American 9-ball. It is organized by the World Pool-Billiard Association and sponsored and organized by Matchroom Multi Sport. Many top American billiards players participate in this event.
The Mosconi Cup: It began in 1994 and is a team competition between top 9-ball players from Europe and America. It is often compared to the Weber Cup in bowling and the Ryder Cup in golf and has a high level of popularity and influence.
The US Open 9-Ball Championship: One of the most prestigious American 9-ball events in the United States, it is held annually and attracts excellent players from all over the world. The competition level is high and the competition is fierce.
Chinese Billiards Tournaments
The Chinese Billiards International Masters: It was launched in 2006 based on the “Qiao’s Cup” 8-ball ranking tournament and was upgraded to the Chinese 8-Ball International Masters in 2012. The tournament has a wide coverage, with players from more than 30 countries across six continents participating. It is known as a model of “a world-class event created in China”.
Introduction to Star Players
Ding Junhui
A Chinese professional snooker player. He came into contact with billiards at the age of 8. In May 2002, he became the youngest Asian champion. In August, he won China’s first billiards world championship, and in October, he won China’s first gold medal in the billiards event at the Asian Games. He turned professional in 2003, won his first major ranking tournament championship in 2005, topped the world rankings in 2014, and was inducted into the first World Billiards Hall of Fame in 2024.
Ronnie O’Sullivan
A world-famous snooker player. He won the World Junior Championship at the age of 15 and the UK Championship at the age of 18, becoming the youngest world ranking tournament champion in the world. During his career, he has won championships in many important events such as the World Championship, UK Championship, and Masters, and is a legendary figure in the field of snooker.
The cue swings on the billiard table, like a pen painting a dream. Every shot is an interrogation of oneself. May you keep honing your skills in this green domain, embrace the glorious moment. Spike, the original manufacturer, offers direct sales with surprises. We keep launching new products, bringing you more choices and surprises.https://www.tiktok.com/@spk.billiard?_t=8qRRRnXP4N8&_r=1