The 2022 Ultimate Pool Professional Series features 48 of the world’s elite 8-ball pool players vying for a total prize fund of £144,000.

Consisting of eight knockout events played between March & December, stars competing on the circuit include current six-time world champion Michael Hill, four-time World Champion Gareth Potts, and two-time World Champion MVP Chris Melling. 2022 also sees the introduction of two-time World Champion Tom Cousins, and Pro Cup Winner, Jordan Shepherd, plus many more.

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9th December 2022: Main Table 

The 2022 Ultimate Pool Professional Series features 48 of the world’s elite 8-ball pool players vying for a total prize fund of £144,000.

Consisting of eight knockout events played between March & December, stars competing on the circuit include current six-time world champion Michael Hill, four-time World Champion Gareth Potts, and two-time World Champion MVP Chris Melling. 2022 also sees the introduction of two-time World Champion Tom Cousins, and Pro Cup Winner, Jordan Shepherd, plus many more..

9th December 2022: Table 2

9th December 2022: Table 3

10th December 2022: Main Table 

10th December 2022: Table 2

10th December 2022: Table 3

Schedule now changed to start at 12:00 GMT.

Matches are being held until new start time. We apologise for the change of schedule.

11th December 2022: Main Table 

11th December 2022: Table 2

11th December 2022: Table 3

**The final Ultimate Pool Series weekend of 2022 is upon us as over 400 players representing several different nations congregate at the Grand Hotel in Blackpool.** 

Taking place between Friday 9th to Sunday 11th December, ultimatepool.tv and the Ultimate Pool App will cover live action from the Pro, Challenger and Women’s Series across three arena tables with commentary. [You can subscribe here](https://www.ultimatepoolgroup.com/product/premium---ultimate-vip).  

[Information on account/livestream issues can be read here](https://www.ultimatepoolgroup.com/tournaments/livestream-frequently-asked-questions). 

As well as six Ultimate Pool titles on offer on the Lancashire coast, there are several other interesting stories that are set to unfold...

## The Michael Hill Grand Slam 

Having not won an Ultimate Pool title during the organisation’s inaugural season, six-time world champion Michael Hill has gone on a blistering run of form during this year’s Pro Series. 

Event wins in March (Blackpool), April (Birmingham) and June (Blackpool) see him go into this weekend on the cusp of creating history by claiming a title at each of the four weekends this year. 

If he were to complete that incredible feat, he would also surpass current number one Shane Thompson’s three-title haul from 2021. 

On another note, no Pro Series title winner from 2021 has won one in 2022, so far – Thompson, Declan Brennan, Jake McCartney, Shaun Storry, Gareth Potts and Dom Cooney will be looking to change that this weekend, though... 

![Hill raising hand (1).jpg](https://cdn.ultimatepool.cloud.insysvt.com/Hill_raising_hand_1_00e22fa10e.jpg)

## The Number One Spot 

Unsurprisingly, Hill sits at the top of the provisional 2023 rankings with a very healthy lead over the chasing pack, although finishing the season as the circuit’s number one ranked player is still not guaranteed. 

Currently on 24,750 points, Hill is very likely to be numero uno at the close of play on Sunday night, but mathematically several could still overtake him with 12,000 points on offer (6,000 for an event win). One of those would have been provisional number two Stevie Dempsey, but the Irishman will not be in Blackpool. 

Potts – who is seventh on 13,750 – is the lowest ranked player on the list that could mathematically come top, although it would require him winning both events and Hill not scoring more than 1,000 points.

Third-placed Chris Melling – the Event 2 Winner – is Hill’s closest threat, but even he is 7,750 points adrift of him going into the weekend. 

## Champion of Champions Shootout Qualification 

The invitational 16-player end-of-season extravaganza takes place on Saturday 17th December with afternoon and evening sessions. 

The tournament features event winners from this season’s Pro and Challenger Series. Those qualified so far are: Hill, Melling, Jack Whelan, Karl Sutton, Neil Brittain, Josh Corkett, Cameron Tolley, Callum Singleton, Richie Oliver and Jez Graham. 

With Hill having won multiple titles, though, (and with the Pro and Challenger Series getting eight allocations each) at least two of the Pro spots will come from the rankings. 

As it stands, Dempsey – who can’t improve on his total – and fifth placed Storry are in possession of those spots, although a lot can change across the weekend. 

Six different winners have claimed titles from six events on this year’s Challenger Series, but again, if someone ‘doubles up’, the highest non-title winner from the rankings will be invited. 

With so many permutations, the picture is likely to change a lot throughout the events.

## Race for the Top 28 and 2023 Seeding 

[As previously mentioned here](https://www.ultimatepoolgroup.com/article/2023-ultimate-pool-professional-circuit-and-events-update), the top 28 ranked players at the end of this season will all be seeded for the 2023 Series and avoid the preliminary round. 

Dylan Leary currently holds on to 28th position but is just 50 points ahead of Liam White in 29th. 

Everyone is still well in contention to climb up into those top 28 positions, with a few results here and a good run there likely to change everything. 

![Callum Singleton.jpg](https://cdn.ultimatepool.cloud.insysvt.com/Callum_Singleton_236b785f80.jpg)

## Challenger Series – Race for Number One and Promotion 

The top 16 players at the end of this season’s Challenger Series will all earn promotion to the 2023 professional ranks. 

With over 280 players set to be in action across two events, the permutations are monumental, but will become a lot clearer as the weekend progresses. What we do know, is that every single competitor in Blackpool can make their way into the promotion slots. 

Over 350 players are on this season’s ranking list, so whoever ends the campaign in first can be extremely proud of their achievement. Singleton currently occupies top spot by 2,300 points following a fantastic season so far that has seen him win an event and reach a semi-final and a quarter-final (all of these were in separate weekends). 

![Harriet Haynes 1.jpg](https://cdn.ultimatepool.cloud.insysvt.com/Harriet_Haynes_1_434815221b.jpg)

## Women’s Series – Race for Number One and Promotion 

The inaugural Women’s Series has already been a massive success for the women’s game with over 100 players having taken part so far and dedicated livestream coverage of the latter rounds in the main arenas. 

Harriet Haynes has enjoyed a memorable season, claiming titles at Events 1 and 3, and the Kent cueist will aim for a Blackpool hat-trick this weekend. 

The number one player at the end of this weekend will earn promotion to the 2023 pro ranks and join Emma Cunningham on the sport’s top tier – a commitment that Ultimate Pool made to the women’s game, creating opportunities that weren’t there before. 

Haynes currently tops the rankings on 13,500 points and will sew up that number one accolade and promotion if she collects more than 500 points. 

The only player that can usurp her is Event 2 Winner Amy Beauchamp, who is on 8,000 points. However, Beauchamp needs to win Event 4 and hope Haynes doesn’t claim more than 500 points.  

**Please note, if players are tied on the same number of ranking points at the end of the season, you can see how they would be separated by visiting the relevant rankings page under the [Tournaments tab of the website](https://www.ultimatepoolgroup.com/tournaments).** 

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Judgement Weekend – Big Stories to Follow

The 2022 Ultimate Pool Professional Series features 48 of the world’s elite 8-ball pool players vying for a total prize fund of £144,000.

Consisting of eight knockout events played between March & December, stars competing on the circuit include current six-time world champion Michael Hill, four-time World Champion Gareth Potts, and two-time World Champion MVP Chris Melling. 2022 also sees the introduction of two-time World Champion Tom Cousins, and Pro Cup Winner Jordan Shepherd, plus many more.

Pool fans across the globe can watch live action of the Series via an exclusive livestream platform on ultimatepoolgroup.com which will cover three tables.

We also have action from the 288 strong Challenger Series field, and the inaugural Ultimate Pool Women’s Series.

Events 7 & 8 | The Grand Hotel, Blackpool

9-11th December 2022

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## TOURNAMENT INFORMATION

[For Professional Series draws, scores and results, please visit our Live Scoring page here.](https://www.ultimatepoolgroup.com/live-scoring)

**Number of Players:** There are 48 players on the 2022 Ultimate Pool Professional Series.

**Format:** The Professional Series consists of eight events throughout the season. All events are straight knockout and ranked. For the 2022 season, those ranked outside of the top 16 will contest a preliminary round – the winners from this round will then meet the top 16 ranked players in round one (last 32).

Races in all Professional Series events are the first to seven frames (unless a timed match).

The Golden Break and Golden Duck are not in operation on the Professional Series.

**Dates/Venues:** There are four Professional Series ‘weekends’ throughout the 2022 season. At each ‘weekend’ there are two events.

- **Events 1 & 2** | Friday 4th - Sunday 6th March, 2022: The Grand Hotel, Blackpool
- **Events 3 & 4** | Friday 15th - Monday 18th April, 2022: The Hilton Metropole, Birmingham
- **Events 5 & 6** | Friday 24th - Sunday 26th June, 2022: The Grand Hotel, Blackpool
- **Events 7 & 8** | Friday 9th - Sunday 11th December, 2022: The Grand Hotel, Blackpool

**Prize Money:** The 2022 Ultimate Pool Professional Series has a total prize fund of £144,000. The prize money breakdown is as follows:

<u>Events 1, 3, 5 and 7</u>
- Winner: £10,000
- Runner-Up: £4,000
- Semi-Finalists: £2,000 each
- Quarter-Finalists: £1,000 each
- Last 16 Losers: £500 each

<u>Events 2, 4, 6 and 8</u>
- Winner: £4,000
- Runner-Up: £2,000
- Semi-Finalists: £1,000 each
- Quarter-Finalists: £500 each

**Coverage:** Extensive live television coverage on FreeSports and ultimatepool.tv.

**Rankings:** The Professional Series forms part of the overall Ultimate Pool professional ranking event circuit. [You can find full information about the ranking points structure and the 2021 end-of-season rankings here.](https://www.ultimatepoolgroup.com/tournaments/professional-rankings-2022)

## TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR PLAYERS

It is mandatory for all players competing on the 2022 Ultimate Pool Professional Series to stay at least two nights (Friday & Saturday) at the hotel venue that the events are being played in.

You must book and pay for your accommodation in full at least three weeks prior to a Series weekend. Failure to do so will mean you will not be included in the draw, you could be replaced in the event(s) and you won't be eligible for any refund of entry fees.

For all accommodation enquiries, please contact Neil Toms (Head of Tournament Operations) on 07811 111855.

The draw and a comprehensive match schedule will be published on ultimatepool.tv under the 'Live Scoring' tab at least two weeks prior to an event starting.

All matches will have a start time - please register with the 'Top Table' at least 15 minutes beforehand.

Match races are subject to change throughout the events.

**Deposits & Payments:** All Series entry fees for the season must be paid in FULL before the first event. Deposits and all entry fees are non-refundable. The organisers reserve the right to remove and replace any entrant who fails to make the payment deadline. All players must pay all of the entry fees, even if they do not attend all of the events.

By paying your deposit/entry fee it is deemed that you have read and agree to abide by the rules set out by the organisers of the Ultimate Pool Professional Series, and accept they are subject to change and that decisions made by the Tournament Director(s) are final.

**The Ultimate Pool Group's full Standard Conditions of Competition Entry are soon to be released. Before these are published, anything that is not covered will be at the discretion of the Ultimate Pool Group.**

### All-Time Roll of Honour (number of Professional Series event wins)
- Shane Thompson (England) – 3
- Michael Hill (England) - 2
- Declan Brennan (Northern Ireland) – 1
- Shaun Storry (England) – 1
- Gareth Potts (England) - 1
- Jake McCartney (Australia) - 1
- Dom Cooney (England) - 1
- Chris Melling (England) - 1
- Jack Whelan (England) - 1

![Shane Thompson.jpg](https://cdn.ultimatepool.cloud.insysvt.com/Shane_Thompson_6115c02124.jpg)


9-11th December 2022

MATCHES - LIVE & VOD