2008–09 IRB Sevens World Series normal 16 teams) was spread out over a three-day period. The series' tournaments are identical to 2007–2008 and span the globe: The 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens was not a part of the 2008-09 series. Unlike the 2005 edition held in Hong Kong, the 2009 edition did not replace one of the 2008-09 series events. The World Cup was held in Dubai from March 5–7, 2009 and won by Wales. Prior to the season, the IRB announced the 12 "core teams" that would receive guaranteed berths in each event in the 2008–09 series: The one new core team was the
2009 China Open (snooker) £2,050 Last 64: £1,400 Stage one highest break: £500 Stage two highest break: £2,000 Stage one maximum break: £1,000 Stage two maximum break: £20,000 These matches were played in Beijing on March 30. These matches took place between 21 and 24 January 2009 at the Pontin's Centre, Prestatyn, Wales. 2009 China Open (snooker) The 2009 Bank of Beijing China Open was a professional ranking snooker tournament that took place between 30 March and 5 April 2009 at the Beijing University Students' Gymnasium in Beijing, China. The event was sponsored by Bank of Beijing and Hyundai. The defending champion was Stephen