In Moscow they make money by rolling balls

The winner of the Russian Cup in "nine" will receive $5 thousand. Today, at the peak of the billiard boom in the country, when almost everyone has rolled balls at least once in some bar over a glass of beer, the Billiard Sports Federation and the association that is developing the most popular type of game - pool, invite you to visit and even participate in the third stage of the Russian Open Cup Olympic Russian Cup Open and the Moscow Cup. It will be held from June 30 to July 1 at the billiard club "Nine"
Pool and its variation called “nine” (this is what will be played at the cup) in Russia became truly famous relatively recently, but has already gained great popularity. Various tournaments, both amateur and professional, are held every month. And their organization, according to billiard connoisseurs, is now at a completely European level. Visiting athletes are helped to settle in the capital with all possible comfort.
The geography of the pool is also expanding. 78 athletes from different parts of the country took part in the five previous stages of the 2001 Russian Open Cup. The current one is receiving applications from Vitebsk, Vladivostok, Minsk, Volgograd and other cities.
The number of billiard clubs (there are more than 600 of them in Moscow and St. Petersburg alone, not counting the numerous cafes with a mandatory pair of tables) is growing by leaps and bounds. At the same time, more and more people want to engage in pool. This is probably due to the nature of the game. The table is much smaller, but the pockets are larger than in Russian billiards, and getting into them is much easier. And it’s very possible to make money with the help of a pool; it’s no coincidence that for many Russians billiards has already become almost a profession. By becoming the winner of the tournament, you can get $5 thousand, despite the fact that players pay only $50 for participation. What if a person plays, say, five tournaments in a year?
The most substantial amount will go to one of the 32 masters with the highest rating. They will meet in the super final at the end of the year. $10 thousand is at stake.

ANDREY SPITSYN

Russian Open Cup in pool "nine". Third stage / from June 30 to July 1 (11.00).
Billiard club "Nine", Khoroshevskoye Shosse, 33, 1950074, 1746855. Participation fee - $50. the entrance is free

Magazine “Kommersant Weekend” No. 112 dated June 29, 2001, p. 20

Cheer – Weekend – Kommersant