Pro9 - Europe's No.1 Pool Player Resource

The 72nd World Tournament
and
Verhoeven 3-Cushion Open
Carom Cafe
30-02 Linden Place
Flushing
New York
USA
www.DragonPromotions.com
www.Worldstraightpool.com - facebook - tickets - livestream
www.caromtv.com/caromcafe
Download the Brackets from Day 1 - small .xlsx file

29 July - 3 August 2012

Efren Reyes is assured a Bronze medal in his debut at Predator 72nd World 14.1
Photography by www.charleseamesphotography.com
Semi-Finals of Predator World Tournament of 14.1

Queens, New York- The 57 year old Filipino cue master has gone undefeated thus far in 8 consecutive matches in his first ever World 14.1 competition. Though not a student of the game and having not played straight pool in decades, no one doubted that he would not perform well as the world's most creative player. Still, making it to the semi-finals is quite a feat.

"Efren likes to win new big tournaments the very first time he plays in them. That's why he has such big historical event titles if you look at his history of wins. It's amazing as much as he has done, he still finds the motivation", said Charlie Williams, fellow pro player on tour.

"He is absolutely my favorite player to watch. I just love watching him play, whatever game he is shooting", said Tim Malloy, long time pool fan and local New Yorker.

Reyes defeated USA champ Corey Deuel to reach the semi-finals. On the other side, England's World Champion Darren Appleton crushed France's Stephan Cohen to reach the semis.

Thus far, Efren has pocketed 1050 balls to stay undefeated and reach the final 4. If he wins, he will face USA fan favorite John Schmidt, a former US Open 9-Ball winner.

A new World 14.1 Champion will be crowned today.

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The Magnificent 7!

Scott Frost in action at the World Tournament
Photography by www.charleseamesphotography.com
USA Best Take on Europe at Predator World 14.1

Queens, New York- Seven Americans. Six Europeans. Two Asians. One Middle Eastern. The final stage is set for the remaining 16 players that have pushed through the round robin and survived the double elimination round. Today everyone races to 200 points.

USA : Johnny Archer, John Schmidt, Earl Strickland, Max Eberle, Shaun Wilkie, Corey Deuel, Danny Barouty.

Europe : Thorsten Hohmann, Mika Immonen, Stephan Cohen, Ralph Eckert, Huidji See, Darren Appleton.

Asia : Efren Reyes, Zion Zvi

Middle Eastern : Zaid Thweib

USA's Shaun Wilkie will take on France's Stephan Cohen today. NYC's Danny Barouty will face 2x Champion Thorsten Hohmann of Germany. And USA Champ Corey Deuel will re-match against Huidji See. Deuel gave See his first loss yesterday.

Archer and Strickland will also re-match today which the outcome will ensure a USA player in the quarter-finals as well as the Schmidt vs Eberle match will produce another American in the quarters.

If Hohmann and Schmidt win, it will set up a classic rematch from 2006 World 14.1 Championship. Both players are two of the most recognizable figures in the 14.1 world.

Efren Reyes plays a marquee match on TV Stream table today 2pm against Mika Immonen. One great champion will be going home.

The 2012 Predator World Tournament takes place July 29th - August 3rd. The event is produced by Dragon Promotions & Dr.Michael Fedak and proudly co-sponsored by Championship Cloth, Olhausen Tables, Amsterdam Billiards, Aramith Balls, Pool & Billiard Magazine, Championship Tour Edition Chalk, and straight pool aficionados Dr.Louis Pannullo of NYC, Stu Mattana of NYC, Ralph Rubin of MD, and Tom Gleich of NC. Co-contributors Dr.James Heller, Drew Thomas, and Charles Eames.

Brackets can be found at www.worldstraightpool.com or www.azbilliards.com/miscbrackets/2012world141.php

Collectors can purchase the main TV table where the finals and all streamed matches will be played on. The beautiful new Olhausen Grand Champion Pro II is valued at $6500 but will have an incredible $5000 price tag which includes souvenir Aramith Balls used in the event, Championship Tour Edition Cloth, and free installation! The table will also be signed by the champion along with an autographed poster of all the World Tournament players. For more information on buying the table, 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 schedule and event info is now at www.Worldstraightpool.com and more info on www.dragonpromotions.com

August 2nd Day 4 remaining TV stream schedule will feature players remaining such as Efren Reyes, Johnny Archer, Earl Strickland, John Schmidt, Mika Immonen, and reigning champion Thorsten Hohmann! : www.worldstraightpool.com/livestream.html

Get the latest news by following www.facebook.com/Worldstraightpool and www.twitter.com/Dragonpromoter - Reserve your tickets for the main events and the exhibitions at: caromcafe.qrickets.com
Pay per view streaming available (14.1 and 3c): www.worldstraightpool.com

Hohmann Runs 141 on Mika

The steely Hohmann is carrying his invincibility from last year
to this year's 72nd World 14.1
Photography by www.charleseamesphotography.com
Thorsten Retains #1 Seed for Final Stage

Queens, New York- Finland's Mika Immonen had a rough day on Day 3 of the Predator World Tournament of 14.1. After he ran 40+ balls, he missed and the game was over. Defending champion Thorsten Hohmann of Germany pounced on the Ice Man with a 141 ball run that ended the match. The 141 is the highest run of the event so far.

"I missed a shot that I thought I should've made", Mika then sighs turning his hands upwards in a what can you do gesture. "And then it was over."

Immonen came back strong after finishing 2nd in his round robin group which meant he had a first round match that he won handily 150-65 against surprise qualifier Dennis Spears. After getting creamed by Thorsten, he bounced back with a resounding 150 to 27 win over Steve Lipsky.

"Guess it's better to start off slow and get stronger than the other way around", commented Immonen.

The 2012 Predator World Tournament takes place July 29th - August 3rd. The event is produced by Dragon Promotions & Dr.Michael Fedak and proudly co-sponsored by Championship Cloth, Olhausen Tables, Amsterdam Billiards, Aramith Balls, Pool & Billiard Magazine, Championship Tour Edition Chalk, and straight pool aficionados Dr.Louis Pannullo of NYC, Stu Mattana of NYC, Ralph Rubin of MD, and Tom Gleich of NC. Co-contributors Dr.James Heller, Drew Thomas, and Charles Eames.

Hohmann comes into the final stage of the event and will be seeded #1 of the 16 remaining players. Mika will come in at #15 seed.

14.1 Judgement Day

Huidji See in action at the World Tournament
Photography by www.charleseamesphotography.com
Huidji See made one of the greatest comebacks ever at the World Tournament!

Queens, New York- Some new straight pool heroes are forming in New York. One of the top favorites Johnny Archer, a former Bronze medalist, faced against World 10-ball Champ Huidji See in another USA vs Europe TV stream match. Archer looked to have it in the bag when he ran a 98 and barely missed a tricky finesse shot.

But See came back and put together a 100 ball run to defeat Archer and win his group earning the top group seed bye for the next round.

"This is by far the most incredible comeback I've seen in the round robin at the World 14.1 in the past 7 years", said John Leyman, the tournament director for the World Tournament.

Not to be outdone, the next TV match delivered another inspirational race. 2x Silver Medalist Mika Immonen came out strong with an 80 ball run. Straight pool newbie Mike Dechaine had a mighty mountain to climb. But he climbed it well. 100 balls and out once again. Straight pool fans paradise.

"I can't remember two better comebacks than these tonight during any round robin I've ever seen", said promoter Charlie Williams.

In other matches top names were eliminated such as Mike Davis, Charlie Williams, and Pam Cimarelli almost qualified but lost in the 3 match tie breaker to Gary O'Callaghan of Ireland who needed only 20 balls against Thorsten Hohmann to beat her. He did way better than that as he had the reigning champion on the ropes 80 to 20, but Hohmann mounted a comeback to squeak by 100-91.

"It's incredible being here playing with the world's best 14.1 players. I'm glad to have given the world champ a run for his money", said O'Callaghan after the match.

14.1 Judgement Day

The heat is on during the final day of the round robin at the 72nd Predator World Tournament of 14.1. Dr.James Heller & Max Eberle shown here - photo by www.professorqball.com
Davis,Eberle,Shuff,Williams Do or Die on Predator World Tournament Day 3

Queens, New York- The pressure is high and palms sweaty as the final day brings forth several players on the bubble to decide if they make it to tomorrow's double elimination stage or go home.

The 2012 Predator World Tournament takes place July 29th - August 3rd. The event is produced by Dragon Promotions & Dr.Michael Fedak and proudly co-sponsored by Championship Cloth, Olhausen Tables, Amsterdam Billiards, Aramith Balls, Pool & Billiard Magazine, Championship Tour Edition Chalk, and straight pool aficionados Dr.Louis Pannullo of NYC, Stu Mattana of NYC, Ralph Rubin of MD, and Tom Gleich of NC. Co-contributors Dr.James Heller, Drew Thomas, and Charles Eames.

Young gun Brandon Shuff has his hands full with a final match with Max Eberle, a former Bronze Medalist here at the World 14.1, to qualify. Shuff took early losses to Appleton and local NYC player Tom Walters. Max will also need to win either against Shuff or Walters. All tough to call matches.

Host promoter Charlie Williams, who previously has won his groups past 3 years in a row, is fighting to survive this year's. Williams took losses to Strickland and Spears but won a solid 100-6 against Mohl. He will face Danny Barouty who is also on the bubble. The outcome of the final match will determine who goes on between the two.

Last year's finalist Mike Davis is in big trouble. Davis was the first American in the finals of the World 14.1 in over 20 years, but this time he has dropped matches to Tom Karabotsos and Chris Lynch, and barely escaped Holden Chin 100-89. He has a must win match against tough Israel player Zion Zvi and also needs Karabotsos to defeat Chin and then lose to Eckert. So a lot of things has to go right for Mr.Davis.

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Another notable match is the sole woman in the field Pam Cimarelli. She has a must win in her final match against Tom Gleich. If she wins, she will advance to tomorrow and be only the third woman to ever come out of the group stages at the World Tournament. Previously, only Jeanette Lee and Jasmin Ouschan have been able to do so with players such as Gerda Hofstatter, Megan Smith, Yu Ram Cha, Bo Ram Cha, Tamiko Kumatore, and Liz Ford failing to get through in past years.

Brackets can be found at www.worldstraightpool.com or www.azbilliards.com/miscbrackets/2012world141.php

July 31st Day 3 remaining TV stream schedule is: www.worldstraightpool.com/livestream.html

430pm Johnny Archer USA vs Huidji See NED
6pm John Schmidt USA vs Cleiton Rocha BRZ
730pm Mika Immonen FIN vs Mike Dechaine USA

Earl Loves 14.1

Strickland is loving his first World Tournament of 14.1 experience!
Click the image to view the larger photograph (use "back" to return here).
Reyes Weaves Straight Pool Magic

Queens, New York- The first timers in the Predator World Tournament of 14.1 are making the most of their initiation. Efren Reyes, Earl Strickland, and Darren Appleton have yet to taste defeat in the round robin stage of the event. All three players have won their matches soundly and look like the favorites to win their respective groups.

Earl Strickland won his first three matches with landslide victories. He finished each match in an impressive 2 innings, taking down Danny Barouty 100 to 18, Jeff Molh 100 to 11, and last year World 14.1 Bronze Medalist Charlie Williams 100 to 38 in a 3 inning match.

"This is a great game. This is how all tournaments should be played. I love the equipment and just like to see longer races. Straight pool is the way to go and I'd love to see more events like this", said Strickland. "Honestly, even if I lose, I won't take back what I said. We need to play more straight pool."

On the TV stream table, Reyes and Deuel played a see saw match which saw Reyes lead, Deuel lead, and Reyes lead and with a final comeback charge from Deuel. Deuel put together a 50 ball run but gave the table up to Efren, who in turn came back and took the lead needing only 11 balls, but came on a tough breakout shot and played safe. Corey gave a safety back and a defensive battle ensured. Corey would win the defensive battle against Reyes when he opted for a 4 ball combination in the stack. Deuel judged it right and went onto catch up to Reyes 89-79 before missing and giving Efren the win.

Defending champion Thorsten Hohmann looks smooth sailing with 3 wins so far. Huidji See of NED also is coasting undefeated.
But notable names that are in danger of not qualifying include last year's finalist Mike Davis who is now win-less in three matches. Bronze medalist and host Charlie Williams is 1 win and 2 losses and is facing do or die matches tomorrow.

The 2012 Predator World Tournament takes place July 29th - August 3rd. The event is produced by Dragon Promotions & Dr.Michael Fedak and proudly co-sponsored by Championship Cloth, Olhausen Tables, Amsterdam Billiards, Aramith Balls, Pool & Billiard Magazine, Championship Tour Edition Chalk, and straight pool aficionados Dr.Louis Pannullo of NYC, Stu Mattana of NYC, Ralph Rubin of MD, and Tom Gleich of NC. Co-contributors Dr.James Heller, Drew Thomas, and Charles Eames.

July 31st Day 3 TV stream schedule is: www.worldstraightpool.com/livestream.html

1030am Ralph Eckert GER vs Chris Lynch USA
12:00pm Efren Reyes PHL vs Joey Kong KOR
130pm Thorsten Hohmann GER vs Peter Burrows USA

430pm Johnny Archer USA vs Huidji See NED
6pm John Schmidt USA vs Cleiton Rocha BRZ
730pm Mika Immonen FIN vs Mike Dechaine USA

Appleton 99 & Out !

The 72nd Predator World Tournament - 100 year anniversary of straight pool!
Photography by www.charleseamesphotography.com
Click the image to view the larger photograph (use "back" to return here).
Qualifier Makes an Upset

Queens, New York- The anticipation is over. Day 1 of the Predator World Tournament of 14.1 kicked off with a jam packed full house of straight pool fans trying to catch the action with the world class international field. And they weren't disappointed. Some big runs and surprising upsets in round 1.

Dr.Louis Pannullo put up in extra $500 bonus for the highest run of the 5pm round. Brazil's Cleiton Rocha had it for a moment with a 59 ball run. Then he was overshadowed by Efren Reyes 60+ ball run over Dr.Pannullo. But Efren was hard luck when Thorsten Hohmann ran 74 and out on Zaid Thweib of Jordan on the TV Stream table. But it was Max Eberle who had the last laugh with a 79 ball run against Dr.James Heller.

The 2012 Predator World Tournament takes place July 29th - August 3rd. The event is produced by Dragon Promotions & Dr.Michael Fedak and proudly co-sponsored by Championship Cloth, Olhausen Tables, Amsterdam Billiards, Aramith Balls, Pool & Billiard Magazine, Championship Tour Edition Chalk, and straight pool aficionados Dr.Louis Pannullo of NYC, Stu Mattana of NYC, Ralph Rubin of MD, and Tom Gleich of NC. Co-contributors Dr.James Heller, Drew Thomas, and Charles Eames.

Some dramatic moments came as well with Chicago's World 14.1 Qualifier winner Tom Karabotsos surprising last year's World Tournament finalist Mike Davis running 50& out when Davis only needed a rack. NJ qualifier Dennis Spears destroyed NYC 14.1 pro Danny Barouty 100-26. Charlie Williams dodged a bullet when he won 100-89 against Chicago's Bob Cozzolino when Bob missed a ball in the final rack.

Two other big runs came from Corey Deuel and Darren Appleton. Deuel ran 80+ to win 100 - 1 against Joey Kong of Korea. World 9-Ball Champion Appleton delivered a near flawless 99&out against Jerry Tarantola.

"The atmosphere is exciting and perfect for the World Tournament. This is the first time I've been to Carom Cafe, and it is a really great fit for this event", said Ed Liddawi, owner of Sandcastle Billiards which hosted the NJ Qualifier for the World 14.1 where Spears and Kong qualified.

"The crowd was awesome for Day 1. It wasn't just a handful of polite claps. People were roaring and clapping for great shots and well placed break balls. It is an extremely knowledgeable and large crowd", said Charlie Williams, pro player in the event.

Tomorrow's TV stream schedule is:

10:30am Huidji See NED (World 14.1 Silver Medalist) vs Bob Madenjian USA (NYC Qualifier Winner)

12:00pm Mike Davis USA (World 14.1 Silver Medalist) vs Chris Lynch USA (NYC)

1:30pm Earl Strickland USA (World & US Open Champion) vs Danny Barouty USA (Former Quarter Finalist World 14.1)

4:30pm Darren Appleton ENG (World 9-Ball, 10-Ball, and 2x US Open Champ) vs Max Eberle USA (World 14.1 Bronze Medalist)

6:00pm Efren Reyes PHL (World 9-Ball, 8-Ball, 1-Pocket Champ) vs Corey Deuel USA (US Open 9-Ball Champ)

7:30pm John Schmidt USA (US Open Champ, 5th World 14.1) vs Stephan Cohen nothing (2009 World 14.1 Champ)

Collectors can purchase the main TV table where the finals and all streamed matches will be played on. The beautiful new Olhausen Grand Champion Pro II is valued at $6500 but will have an incredible $5000 price tag which includes souvenir Aramith Balls used in the event, Championship Tour Edition Cloth, and free installation! The table will also be signed by the champion along with an autographed poster of all the World Tournament players. For more information on buying the table, 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 schedule and event info is now at www.Worldstraightpool.com and more info on www.dragonpromotions.com

Earl Strickland Joins World 14.1 !

Fiery Strickland is the wild card factor at the Predator World Tournament of 14.1
Schmidt Ready to Lead Strong USA Charge

Queens, New York- Earl Strickland has become one of the last minute entrants into this year's Predator World Tournament of 14.1 ! An unexpected spot opened, and now the Pearl gets his chance. He will join an exciting new cast of players this year who are all competing in their very first World 14.1.

The 2012 Predator World Tournament takes place July 29th - August 3rd. The event is produced by Dragon Promotions & Dr.Michael Fedak and proudly co-sponsored by Championship Cloth, Olhausen Tables, Amsterdam Billiards, Aramith Balls, Pool & Billiard Magazine, Championship Tour Edition Chalk, and straight pool aficionados Dr.Louis Pannullo of NYC, Stu Mattana of NYC, Ralph Rubin of MD, and Tom Gleich of NC. Co-contributors Dr.James Heller, Drew Thomas, and Charles Eames.

"It's really exciting having Earl in the World Tournament. Just like any other fan attending, I'm enthralled to be able to watch Strickland play straight pool. I mean, Earl Strickland playing straight pool! It's pretty darn cool", said Charlie Williams, the visionary behind the revival of the World 14.1. Coincidentally, Williams will have an up close peek at Earl's 14.1 game as he faces him in the round robin stage on Day 2 at 6pm.

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"I'm really ecstatic to watch Earl play in the World Tournament. He just recently moved to Queens and has a huge following here. He has always been one of my absolute favorites to watch. I grew up here watching and learning 14.1 from legendary Gene Nagy, and Earl has an exciting style like Gene", said Jerry Tarantola of www.NYCGrind.com. Tarantola is also participating in this annual competition.

Earl will be one more great bullet from the talented USA field this year. John Schmidt, Johnny Archer, Mike Davis, Charlie Williams, Max Eberle, Corey Deuel will also be top American names to watch. They will have their hands full with European heavy hitters Stephan Cohen (2009 World 14.1 Champion), Mika Immonen (2 time Silver Medal at World 14.1), Huidji See (Silver and Bronze World 14.1), World 9 & 10-Ball Champ Darren Appleton and reigning champion Thorsten Hohmann, 2006 and 2011 World Tournament Champion. And of course, don't discount Efren Reyes!

"I'm more prepared than ever for this tournament. I've been practicing daily and I feel my mind set is really good. I'm looking forward to playing the World Tournament more than ever before!", said John Schmidt. Schmidt is a 400+ ball runner twice, and considered by many as America's best 14.1 player. His best finish was 5th back in 2008.

Schmidt is the American fan favorite to make high runs and snap off the Big One!
Photograph by Warren Kahle
Collectors can purchase the main TV table where the finals and all streamed matches will be played on. The beautiful new Olhausen Grand Champion Pro II is valued at $6500 but will have an incredible $5000 price tag which includes souvenir Aramith Balls used in the event, Championship Tour Edition Cloth, and free installation! The table will also be signed by the champion along with an autographed poster of all the World Tournament players. For more information on buying the table, 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 now at www.Worldstraightpool.com and more info on www.dragonpromotions.com

The 2nd Annual Straight Pool Hall of Fame Dinner will be inducting Danny Diliberto and Jack Colavita. Fans can buy tickets in advance by going to www.worldstraightpool.com/tickets.html

Get the latest news by following www.facebook.com/Worldstraightpool and www.twitter.com/Dragonpromoter Reserve your tickets for the main events and the exhibitions at: caromcafe.qrickets.com Pay per view streaming available (14.1 and 3c): www.worldstraightpool.com

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