Lausanne, April 24th 2023.
Earlier this year an agreement was signed between UMB/ Five&Six Co. Ltd. and Innocean Co., one of the leading marketing companies in Korea. The first and immediate outcome of this agreement is the organization of nine international invitation tournaments, three per year over the next three years. Following on from this, the UMB’s latest connection with the CBSA, Chinese Billiards Sports Association, will see an exhibition match sometime in September 2023 in China. Four top players will take part, with a clinic for young Chinese players going on simultaneously, with a view to introducing and promoting Carom inside of China. Our goal as the governing body of 3-Cushion Billiards throughout the world is to keep improving the sport, look after players, from the seeded to the qualifiers and encourage organizations, federations, young players and even loyal audiences to join in and grow with the sport.
With this always in mind, the UMB, as an organization fully geared towards positivity and growth, must endure negative articles by international media companies, in the most recent case coinciding with PBA player announcements. It is certainly true that everyone has their own opinion when writing articles, but the truth is “recollections may differ”!
The UMB’s position will always be one of constant support for the players and the game. When one half of our former media partner (KOZOOM international) announces that they refuse to invest anything further in the International media company and also refuses to respect their payment obligations, the UMB took a position which will protect the game and subsequently the players. That leads to our contract with FIVE&SIX, which is the renamed remaining half of KOZOOM international, who stepped up to the plate and took on the entire debt in order to maintain its obligations towards the players, organizers and events. Putting our “eggs in one basket” does work when the basket is financially reliable, choices are offered and the best interests of all aspects of the sport is a priority.
Five&Six Co. Ltd., the current media partner to the UMB, have respected their payments and have continuously shown reliability and support for the organizations, the game, and its players. A commendable position to take that has allowed for a fruitful partnership that will continue to see mutual support for innovation and growth of 3-Cushion Billiards, especially with the new partnership between AfreecaTV and Five&Six (AfreecaTV press release attached below).
Dani Sanchez, a seeded player, has now joined the PBA circuit, we wish him the best but also take the time to recognize and appreciate our group of top seeded players who are happy to grow with the UMB and help take 3-Cushion to new levels. Those players that have returned home from the PBA are also in line to continue improving and benefiting from upcoming events.
Last week Mr. Hee Jin Lee (PBA) contacted Mr. Barki with a request to open the door for a possible future cooperation between the UMB and PBA, the UMB’s door has been, and always will be open. Mr. Barki and Mr. Lee have agreed to plan a meeting during the Ho Chi Minh City World Cup in May 2023, that will take place between UMB/KBF/ Five&Six Co. Ltd. and PBA.
Looking to the future is a priority for the UMB. The nine upcoming invitation events sponsored by Innocean will create new heights in prize money and will also include improved conditions for seeded players. The opportunity to begin a new chapter in China opens up a whole new frontier for our sport.
Negativity has little space for growth, a positive and bright future is definitely on the table.
UMB.
