Yet again, Taiwan has proven itself a powerhouse contender in the global billiards scene with rising star Pin-Yi Ko delivering a flawless display of pool against renowned 2007 US Open 9-Ball Champion, Shane Van Boening in their race to 10 finals encounter to claim the prestigious 2010 Guinness World Series of Pool Championship crown here at Mal Taman Anggrek Jakarta Indonesia, 10 – 4.
Ko's textbook form in a stunning 8 – 6 upset of tournament top-seed and World No. 1 Dennis Orcollo in their semi-finals clash actually gave an early indication that Van Boening, who earlier trumped Indonesian Irsal Nasution 8 – 4, was in for a tough match-up.
Taking no chances, the American brought out his A-game early and wasted no time in building a 2 – 0 cushion. Fortunately for Ko he was immediately able to bounce back with a break and run out in the 3rd rack and able to capitalize on a foul on the 1ball attempt by Van Boening in the 4th to tie the ball game 2 racks each.
Unfortunately for Van Boening, his young opponent was just starting to heat up. Beginning in the 5th frame Ko turned the contest into a lopsided affair breaking and running out three straight times while at the same time taking advantage of two straight dry-breaks from the American to completely dominate by the 8th rack, 6 – 2.
In the 9th a missed cut on the 1ball corner pocket attempt from Ko came as a welcome reprieve for Van Boening who turned the error into a rack conversion to stop the bleeding 3 – 6. At this point however, things were looking bleak for the South Dakota native as his game, which faithfully brought him up to the pinnacle of the tournament was almost non-existent.
Sensing the championship was within his grasp Ko, never looked back - Turning his opponent into a mere spectator with his immaculate breaking and supreme counter safeties. He allowed Van Boening to score just one more before cruising all the way to the championship 10 – 4 and bag the USD41,000.00 top prize. For his admirable efforts Van Boening earns USD11,000.00.
Ecstatic about the win, Ko managed to comment: 'I prepared really hard for this tournament. Through all that training, I think that helped me keep my emotions in check whenever I felt pressure in my matches. And that proved to be the difference in my game this year. I'm very excited to tell my friends and my parents back home about my win."
The 2011 Guinness World Series of Pool – 10Ball Challenge is sanctioned by the Asian Pocket Billiard Union (APBU) and organized by ESPN STAR Sports' Event Management Group (EMG). Guinness is the title sponsor for the Event. The local sanctioning body is the All Indonesian Billiards Association (POBSI). Iwan Simonis and Aramith supply the official tablecloth and official balls respectively. Murray provides the official pool table while Predator is the official cue. Team Sports Marketing Sdn Bhd is the official apparel sponsor. STAR Sports is the official broadcaster.
Please visit www.guinnessworldpool.com and www.facebook.com/guinnessindonesia for more information
