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Powering up for challenge
From the Kidderminster Shuttle, first published Monday 8th Oct 2007.
SHOPPERS will have a chance to win up to £15,000, with the first UK Powerball Championship launching at Maplin in Kidderminster this week.
The electronics retailer is holding a tournament qualifier at its Kidderminster store in Crossley Retail Park. It is free to enter to anyone aged over 16 hoping to win the top prize or even beat the Powerball world record.
Powerball is a powerful hand-held gyroscope, with players able to generate speeds of more than 16,000 revolutions per minute - rpm - by spinning the device. It is designed to strengthen lower arms and wrists for playing musical instruments and sports such as golf and tennis and is played by simply rotating the device in the palm of the hand.
With the eventual winner receiving a top prize of £5,000 and the title of Maplin UK Powerball Champion 2007, entrants can take part by registering their score at their local Maplin store before Sunday, November 4.
Competitors can also attempt the Powerball world record at this year's final and win an extra £10,000, if they manage to beat it.
The current world record stands at 16,317 rpm and is held by Akis Kritsinelis, of Greece.
The competition will see participants from across the UK and Ireland taking part in regional heats at Maplin stores, with the nine players who record the highest rpm score going through to the final, at snooker's Maplin UK Championship in Telford in December.
