As early as in 1931 the Austrian Billiards Sports Association came up with a great commitment in popular as well as professional sports. A long list of international achievements is evidence of the sportspersons’ and the officials’ extraordinary dedication to this highly demanding sport. This year at the end of September the 80th anniversary of the Austrian Billiards Sports Association is celebrated in the course of this year’s biggest billiards event worldwide: the World Cup Grand Prix. This World Cup tournament to take place in Vienna is

a special honor not only for the association but also for Austria, and it offers an opportunity to acquaint guests and sportspersons from all parts of the world with Austria’s cultural diversity. Therefore my special congratulations on its 80th anniversary go to the Austrian Billiards Sports Association. I am convinced that great achievements will continue to be attained in the future and I hope the commitment in organising the World Cup event will be rewarded with as big an audience as possible. To competitors I extend my best wishes for sportive success, and to international guests for a pleasant stay and permanent impressions of Austria’s capital.

With sportive regards
Norbert Darabos, M.A.

Billiards is a game closely connected with Vienna’s history and its great coffeehouse tradition. Numerous artists and writers – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Nikolaus Lenau, or Johann Strauss, among many others – indulged in French style billiards that since the days of Empress Maria Theresa enjoyed ever increasing popularity. In the course of the 20th century the pleasure of billiards was extended by a sportive component. In Vienna as well there is a growing number of those who combine their passion for billiards with tough training in order to subsequently challenge each other in competition.

As Mayor of the City of Vienna I take a special pleasure in the Austrian Billiards Sports Association’s bringing the World Cup Grand Prix to Vienna on the occasion of the association’s 80th anniversary this year. At this point sincere gratitude is extended to the promoters of this World Cup event. I wish all of the billiards enthusiasts exciting hours, the promoters a smooth run and the competitors the desired success. Above all, however, I wish all the guests to spend a couple of beautiful and varied days in our city.

Michael Häupl, Ph.D.
Mayor of the City of Vienna

the World Cup tournaments have become an important part of the international activities. They are responsible for a development, which 20 years ago nobody would have expected. The Austrian Billiards Federation celebrates its 80th anniversary by organizing the 3rd World Cup Tournament of the year. Vienna is one of the cultural centres of Europe, and all its sports activities are part of it. I am convinced that this tournament will be a great success, in any aspect. My best wishes to the organizers!

Jean-Claude Dupont
Präsident der Union Mondiale de Billard

following the tradition the Austrian Federation celebrates its 80th anniversary not with a big party, but with the organisation of a high ranking tournament. This edition of the World Cup, the 3rd of this year, is such an outstanding event. We will see the best players of the presence in the famous “Wiener Stadthalle”. I want to express my gratitude to the organizing federation and its protagonists. An international audience will witness great performances, for the sake of a successful development of our sports.

Wolfgang Rittmann
Präsident der Confédération Européenne de Billard

on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of our association, we wanted to provide for the friends of our sport something special and celebrate our anniversary with the best in the world. A three-cushion World Cup Grand Prix, the premier class in carom, with participants from around the world seemed perfectly suited Applications for this event has been adopted by the World and European Association with great joy. Thanks to the support of the Ministry of Sport, the City of Vienna, our sponsors and the cooperation with the firm of music promotions,  the organizer,     we     were    instrumental   in    creating

thenecessary infrastructure for this event. The Billiard Sports Association Austria hopes the athletes stay in Vienna to make it an unforgettable experience, and they reward us for it with excellence.

In this sense, " Welcome to Vienna "

Franz Stenzel
Chairman of the Austrian billard federation