The verdicts are in, and six new additions will meet the 52 invited players from around the world at the 2007 Predator World Straight Pool Championship on July 9-14 at the Hilton East Brunswick New Jersey.
In Chicago, newly opened On Cue Billiards owned by Tom Karabotsos hosted the only midwest qualifier. Karabotsos hosted a qualifier last year and won the event and decided to encore his performance and won this year's as well. Mark Snodgrass won the loser's side and will be joining Karabotsos in his premiere at the World 14.1 Championship.
In Philadelphia, Drexeline Billiards hosted its 2nd Qualifier in two years, but owner Bob Maidhof received an invite this year giving his patrons a breather in the competition. Shaun Wilkie , multi-winner on the Planet Pool Tour, won the spot and Ed Deska won the 2nd position into the main tournament. Deska played last year and also refereed the final match.
Finally in New York City, the action was stiff in the city where 14.1 thrives in the US. New comer to the event Joey Kong won the event with long time 14.1 advocate Stu Mattana finishing 2nd. Mattana, who is sparring partner/coach to Jennifer Barretta, outlasted his opponents till 5am.
Congratulations to Tom Karabotsos, Joey Kong, Shaun Wilkie, Mark Snodgrass, Ed Deska, and Stu Mattana. They will be part of 14.1 history when they join the ranks of Hopkins, Hohmann, Schmidt, Engert, Souquet, Ortmann and many more at the Predator World Straight Pool Championship!
Online ticket sales ends on 9pm Sunday July 8. Spectators may then purchase tickets at the door. Tickets can be bought online at www.dragonpromotions.com Hotel reservations at 1-800-HILTONS "WPA" is group code
