The Story So Far
World Billiards Limited (WBL) is the organisation responsible for organising and promoting all English Billiards ranking events around the world.
World Billiards was originally born as the English-Billiards Open Series (EBOS). Formed in 2004, it provided an open circuit for players of all abilities and nationalities to compete against each other in meaningful competition. In 2011, EBOS transformed into World Billiards Limited, building on a reputation of running well organised tournaments, rewarding excellence and encouraging players to improve and enjoy the game of English Billiards.
With the support of its parent company, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, it has developed a thriving World Billiards tour which now features around 20 world ranking events, visiting some of the best venues across Europe, Asia, Oceania and North America. World Billiards, alongside WPBSA, has also launched a dedicated Billiards coaching course to create a network of World Billiards coaches around the world.
Over this time, the mission statement has remained the same; to foster the development and participation in the game of English Billiards by way of open entry, thus providing a platform for all players.
World Billiards Limited is registered in England and Wales as a Private Limited Company limited by shares, company number 07865373.
President
Roxton Chapman
Roxton ‘Rocky’ Chapman is a former professional Billiards player and one of the founding members of the original EBOS tour. Rocky reached a World Ranking of #4 in the mid 90’s and won the UK Professional Championship in 1999. The ultimate professional on and off the table, Rocky retired from the circuit in 2007 in order to concentrate on family life. Maintaining his love of the game, Rocky makes occasional appearances in competitive play on the WBL circuit, delighting the Billiards fraternity with his attractive style of play by which he is known. He won the UK Championship for a second time in 2015.
The Board Of Directors
Paul Lloyd (Chairman)
Paul was appointed Chairman in July 2026 after joining the Board in April 2025. He is the owner of Landywood Snooker Club in Great Wyrley, one of the UK’s most prominent billiards and snooker venues. Widely respected within the cue sports community, Paul brings extensive experience in player management, equipment sales and distribution, sponsorship, and developing partnerships across the sport. Alongside his involvement in cue sports, he also brings significant commercial and business experience, providing a strong foundation to lead the continued development of World Billiards.
Chris Coumbe (Director & Company Secretary)
Chris joined the Board in July 2019 and has served as Company Secretary since 2022. A qualified Class 1 Referee, he officiated the World Championship Final in 2016 and subsequently became a referee examiner. Chris brings extensive experience in the administration of snooker and billiards at local, regional, national and international level, including previously serving as Billiards Director of the English Partnership for Snooker and Billiards (EPSB). He remains an active competitor on the World Billiards circuit, regularly participating in events across the UK and internationally.
Darren Clark (Director)
A successful competitor on the World Billiards circuit, Darren won the inaugural Jersey Open in 2022. He joined the Board in July 2019 and has since played an important role in the organisation’s continued progress. Professionally, Darren is the founder of Boston Spa Digital, a creative, digital and design agency. He continues to lead WBL’s web presence and digital development, while helping to improve the organisation’s systems, processes and overall efficiency. As an active player, he also brings a valuable competitor’s perspective, helping to ensure that the needs of players remain central to the future direction of World Billiards.
Aonghus McAnally (Director)
Bringing more than 40 years’ experience in radio and television broadcasting, Aonghus joined the Board in November 2022. A qualified Class 1 Referee, he combines his knowledge of the sport with extensive media expertise, helping to enhance the professionalism of WBL events both in person and through video production and presentation. A former Board member of Snooker & Billiards Ireland, Aonghus regularly serves as Tournament Controller at World Billiards events, making a significant contribution to the organisation and smooth running of the international tour.
Paul Collier (Director)
Paul joined the Board in August 2020, bringing a wealth of experience in cue sports event management and refereeing. A professional referee on the World Snooker Tour from 1992 until his retirement in 2024, Paul officiated finals at each of snooker’s Triple Crown events. He continues to serve as a Referees’ Assessor and Tournament Director for the World Snooker Tour, and has extensive refereeing experience in both English billiards and 9-ball pool, making him one of the most respected officials in cue sports. Based in Newport, Wales, Paul continues to play an active role in the development and delivery of cue sports at the highest level.