DUISBURG, Germany, July 20 — The billiard portion of the 2005 World Games kicks off today with men competing in three disciplines (carom, snooker and 9-ball) and women in 9-ball only. Rodney Morris and Charlie Williams will represent the U.S. in 9-ball on the men’s side, and Vivian Villarreal will cue up for the American women.

The finals in all four groups will be played on Sunday, July 24. Billiards Digest staff will have regular updates here on Headstring News from the competition.

From July 14-24 at the World Games, Duisburg and partner cities Bottrop, Oberhausen and Mülheim an der Ruhr are expected to welcome 500,000 spectators in 27 venues, plus host the over 3,500 athletes from 100 nations who will compete in 40 sports and 177 disciplines.