Orlando, Florida- The mighty Mika Immonen is on a roll. Mika went on an undefeated run in the 10-Ball division of the Mezz Classic, making this his 4th finals appearance in 4 weeks and 3rd win including the recent Qatar Championship. The Mezz Classic featured both 10-Ball and 14.1 titles. Pros and amateurs from around the country and the world came to Orlando August 5-9,2009 for all the events taking place at Corner Pocket Billiards including the Ozone Billiards US Amateur Open. The Dragon Promotions productions were presented by sponsors Ozone Billiards, Mezz Cues, Brunswick Billiards, Simonis Cloth, Aramith Balls, Master Chalk, Laser Rack, Gambler, On the Snap Cue Repair, and House of Billiards.
Deuel, Putnam, Hohmann, Archer, Davis, Moore, Cha, Immonen, Van Boening, Morris, Williams, Tsudi, Chau, Pinegar, Calderon, Barretta. These top champions littered the Mezz Classic field.
"I've really had good fortune at Dragon Promotions events, and winning here at the event my company Mezz USA sponsored is even more fitting," said Immonen in his finals speech. "I have so many custom trophy plates from DP that I could host a dinner party using them now!" Immonen has won a total of 9 Dragon Promotions events including the US Pro Tour Championship, Korea International Championship, Peninsula Open, Predator International Championship, and back to back Atlanta Opens.
Immonen's undefeated run in the maxed out 48 man field included highlight wins over Shawn Putnam 8-4, Thorsten Hohmann 8-4, before being tested by Shane Van Boening 8-7. Shane and Mika's last meeting ended with Van Boening winning 10-9 in Valley Forge a year ago.
Rodney Morris was playing on top of his game whizzing through his opponents like Wayne Catledge 8-1, Marco Tsudi 8-6, Charlie Williams 8-2 before succumbing to Van Boening. He bounced right back though with a 8-6 win over Johnny Archer, 8-7 thriller over Hohmann, and then avenged himself against Shane 8-2 to take a shot at the Iceman MIka in the finals.
"It's much easier to play your game on good tables. I love playing on Brunswicks. All the players are able to play our game without worrying about funny rails and pockets. The equipment here at Corner Pockets has been outstanding," said Morris on his stellar play.
The final match went back and forth with Morris in the early lead 3-1. Immonen came back and took a 6-3 lead before Morris came back to tie at 6-6. The table was extremely tight at 4.2 inch pockets and challenged both top pros. At 9-7 with Immonen on the hill, Rodney missed a routine shot on the 10-ball hanging it up for an easy win for Mika. Mika was crowned champion of the Mezz Classic 10-Ball at 10-7.
"The table was really tight, and when you run out it really makes you feel that you deserve the win" commented Immonen.
"Mika was dominant as the player of the year in 2008, and he hasn't slowed down in 2009. This is his 5th or 6th tournament win this year and he beat a super field this event. I think there's no doubt he's the best player in the world still" said Charlie Williams, the event promoter along with Dragon Promotions CEO Cindy Lee. "He joked that he needed to win both Mezz Classic events here to recoup his sponsorship. Guess he wasn't kidding as he nearly won both!" Immonen finished 2nd in the 14.1 and 1st in the 10-Ball. He was also the runner-up at last year's 14.1 division.
The Mezz Classic is sponsored by Mezz Cues Japan and Mezz Cues USA. World Champion and current #1 Mika Immonen uses Mezz in all his matches and his exclusive Mika Mezz Line of cues can be purchased only at www.ozonebilliards.com
Ozone Billiards has been providing pool players with top quality billiard products for more than eight years. Its commitment to customer service has helped Ozone Billiards grow to be one of the largest retailers of billiard supplies in the United States. For more information about Ozone Billiards and its product lines, visit www.ozonebilliards.com
Miki Co., Ltd. has been making pool, snooker and carom cues since 1960 from their very own factory in Japan. The final product today is the testament of 50 years in the art of cue making. It's no surprise that Mezz Cues is the #1 brand in Asia. Mezz is happy to be able to offer the Mezz line of products in the US, Europe, and Asia. Mezz translates into "something that is loved and treasured", and that is exactly what every person that owns a Mezz feels. Mezz Cues are used by a variety of international professionals such as World Champion Mika Immonen of Finland, World Champion Kunihiko Takahashi of Japan, World Champion Alex Pagulayan, European Champion Marcus Chamat of Sweden, and American pros Jennifer Barretta, Hunter Lombardo, Sarah Rousey, and Caroline Pao. For the latest news and information of Mezz products and players, visit www.miki-mezz.com and www.mezzusa.com
