Brought to you from our reporter in Shanghai.

Today it was announced that the famous Shanghai Shooters, will sever their 4 year relationship with Longbar, and move to rivals, Malone’s American Cafe. This is a major coup for the Malone’s organisation. It is estimated that the Shooters will spend US$100,000 a year in alcohol consumption(half of which is contributed by the co-owners, Jofre and Brierley!!)
Jofre was reported saying “Hey, a deal that includes Manila, cheaper drink, and more women, it was a no brainer!!” It is rumoured that the deal will include free beer at the field, and air tickets for the annual debauchery in Manila. It is also thought that Jofre’s hatred of arch rivals Lions, contributed to this move. When the Shooters were formed back in 1998, they stole the Longbar sponsorship from the Lions. Last season, Lions were using Malone’s as their after game coffee and tea drinking den. Now Jofre has again moved in on Lions territory and kicked them out. Shooters 2 Lions 0!!!

This is probably the biggest story in Shanghai just now, and CNN was there first to bring it to you.

The photograph show’s that Ian Rush, the Liverpool legend, is a Shanghai Shooter. Ian Rush was quoted as saying “This is the proudest day of my career to wear this shirt” Yes, Ian you are a lucky man, but sorry, we do not do elocution lessons!!!

Recently, during the China Open Snooker tournament, the world’s top stars visited the home of the Shooters. Each night, stars, such as, John Higgins, Ken Docherty, Steve Davis, Alan McManus, Tony Drago, and John Parrot, came to our ‘gaff’ to meet the world famous Shanghai Shooters. We, of course, welcomed them with open arms, and took their money in the infamous “Pick the last goalscorer” competition.
In the above picture, Parrot, McManus and Campbell are entertained by Jofre and Bell.

Mr. Jofre was in fine form this weekend, both on and off the field in Bangkok, and helped the HK Squadron take the 21st 11-a-side Bangkok Easter Tournament.

1-1 v. Blue Diamond(KL)
1-0 v. British Club Bangkok
1-0 v. Manila Nomads.

Then in the Quarters, HK Squadron faced Bayon Wanderers from Cambodia. With 2 females in the Bayon line up, it could have been embarassing, but Squadron came through as easy 2-0 victors.

In the semi’s, HK Squadron faced a rematch with French Singapore. The match finished 0-0. Then came penalties, and with the score at 3-3, and just one penalty to go, Jofre stepped up and scored the winning penalty, and a fine penalty it was too!!

In the final, Squadron met tournament favourites, Taipei Dragon’s(formerly Inter United who put the Shooters out in Manila 2 years ago). At half time, the score stood at 0-0, thanks to a fine goal line clearance from, yes, you guessed it, Mr. Jofre!! Taipei then took the lead early in the second half. With 5 minutes remaining, Jofre pushed himself forward. This caused all sorts of problems to the Taipei defence, and with the last kick of the ball, Jofre pulled 2 defenders with him to created enough space for Pete Hymns to power in behind, to head the equaliser. Then came golden goal, but after 10 mins, no one could get the winner, although Jofre had a powerful 12 yard header that just scrapped the post with 2 minutes to go. In the penalty shoot out, both teams had scored 3 out of 4. Jofre stepped up, his bottle went, and the keeper made a fine save. Luckily(ala Shooters/Azzurri League Cup final) Taipei missed. Barry Wilson scored with the next kick, and Taipei missed. HK Squadron had won the title, which at 10.30 am on Saturday morning did not look likely. Anyway, the celebrations went onto the wee small hours at Nana Plaza, and a few of the Ho’s will be able to take a couple of weeks holiday for a well earned rest!!!!