Thorsten Hohmann
Clifton, New Jersey- Thorsten Hohmann of Germany withstood a late night comeback from USA's Charlie Williams to win 200 to 195 in a nailbiter match. Hohmann is two matches away from a third World Championship which would set a record for Europeans. The Predator World Tournament of 14.1 is produced by Dragon Promotions. This is the 70th edition of the event, making it the world's oldest tournament.
The World Tournament is being played on beautiful Brunswick Gold Crown tables and using Simonis Cloth. The event started play on October 6,2010 and ends on Columbus Day October 11th. The greatest straight pool players from around the world have arrived on USA's east coast again to New Jersey, and vying in this prestigious event to win the coveted title of World Straight Pool Champion. The event is co-sponsored by Amsterdam Billiard Club, Master Chalk, Aramith Balls, www.Ultimate10ball.com, and Accu-Stats.
Hohmann trailed Williams early on 60 to 22, but then came back with a 130 ball run to take the lead. Williams then came back with a 50 ball run, and then another 70 ball run to take back the lead before an easy miss left him needing 17 balls to win the match. The score was 183 in favor of Williams with Hohmann at 149. Hohmann then crusied his way to the final rack needing only 5 balls, but he hit the breakshot too hard and left himself a long shot on the 12ball. He missed and gave Williams one more chance. Williams ran a difficult table and the score stood 196 to 196. Williams had a tough breakshot, he made the ball but scratched. Hohmann had no shot so played an intentional foul, Williams made a great thin cut for a re-safe. Hohmann studied the table, and opted for a possible carom shot on the 6ball. He fired it in and got rewarded with an easy 3 balls to get to the semi-finals tomorrow.
"I blew it. I had chances to put him away at the end and I let him go", said Williams after the match. "But I can't complain. I never play straight pool and I just show up to a 14.1 event and start playing it. So it's more than I expected." Williams finishes 5th in the World Tournament in back to back years.
Johnny Archer was the only other USA player still in. He faced the great Oliver Ortmann. Both players missed many opportunities and the pressure seemed to weight heavy on both men. Archer had run four 100+ runs in the event thus far including a 174 high for the event. In the end, Ortmann missed a little less than Archer and won the match 200 to 151.
Mika Immonen continues his red hot run as he ran 100+ in both his matches today. Mika looks like the man to beat as he is in a very high straight pool gear. He won 200 to 58 over Li Lo Wen and 200 to 36 over Dave Daya.
Huidji See, former silver medalist, ended France's Stephan Cohen's reign as the defending champion. See will be entering his 2nd semi-finals at the World Tournament with his 200-110 victory.
Tomorrow Oliver Ortmann of Germany will face See of Netherlands and a classic match between Thorsten Hohmann vs Mika Immonen. Once again, no USA player will win the coveted title taken by the Europeans.
Brackets will be hosted by www.azbilliards.com and live streaming of the event at www.accu-stats.com
Additional coverage at www.DragonPromotions.com Info contact worldstraightpoolchampionships@gmail.com
The 2010 Predator World Tournament is proudly sponsored by straight pool aficionados Dr.Louis Pannullo of NYC, Bill Austin of UT, Harold Siegel of NYC, Stu Mattana of NYC, and Badi Nazhat of Curacao. Other significant patrons include Dr.Michael Frank, and Ralph Rubin. Co-Contributors we like to recognize include Dennis Walsh, Bill Marapolus, Peter Burrows, Richard Klein, James Heller, and Jeff Mohl. For more information on player registration, sponsorship, or if you would like to submit a comment, please email worldstraightpoolchampionships@gmail.com or contact Dragon Promotions at 1-407-782-4978.
Full event info is at www.dragonpromotions.com
