Thorsten Hohmann is XTM Asia 10-Ball Champion: Kawahara Wins Ladies Division

Seoul, Korea- The 5th Annual XTM Asia 10-Ball Championships has concluded with a new champion in the men's and women's division. Thorsten Hohmann of Germany has joined past champions of the event as the 5th different country to win it including 2004 Heoun Ho Kim (Charlie Williams) (KOR), 2005 Mika Immonen (FIN), 2006 Hisashi Kusano (JPN), 2007 Joven Bustamente (PHI). Chihiro Kawahara of Japan has become the 3rd Japanese woman to win joining 2004 Miyuki Sakai (JPN), 2005 Ohtani (JPN), 2006 Sung Hyun Jung (KOR), 2007 Hsiang Ling Tan (TPE).

The day started off with the first women's semi-finals with Korea's #1 seed and amateur champion Gui Young Lee against Japan's Kaori Ebe, the only player in japan sponsored by Sony Entertainment. Lee jumped out to a 2-0 lead after Ebe missed an easy 9-ball. The match was close, but Lee kept a comfortable 2 game lead the entire match to win 7-5 and put Korea into the finals of the event for the 5th consecutive year in a row.

The men's semi finals would put unknown Korean amateur Hwang Yhong against perhaps the hottest, most famous player in the world currently in Mika Immonen. Yhong facing his first career TV match seemed out of sorts and Immonen punished every mistake and missed shot. Immonen would win 8-1 leaving Yhong in an impressive 3rd place finish in his first pro event.

"It's going to take alot for Yhong to be able to come with a win against Mika. The pressure of TV for the first time and against the tour's hottest hand right now is going to be tremendous." predicted Charlie Williams before the match.

Women's semi #2 featured a re-match with Japanese roomies Junko Mitsuoka and Chihiro Kawahara. Mitsuoka defeated Kawahara earlier in the event 7-5, but this time the tide was completely turned as Kawahara dominated her friend 7-2 with little resistance.

Next came the second men's semi finals with Heoun Ho Kim (KOR Charlie Williams) versus Thorsten Hohmann. Hohmann started with a two game lead and then Kim bounced back with a break and run to make it 2-1. Hohmann missed an easy 3-Ball the 4th game and lucked it in and then ran out and then broke and ran the next to lead 4-1. The rolls seemed to get better for Hohmann and worse for Kim as Hohmann took advantage of each opportunity to steam roll to a 8-2 win. Kim would tie for 3rd place along with fellow Korean Yhong while Hohmann and Immonen would make an all European finals.

The women's finals was a two hour marathon, even with a 30 second shot clock. The very small pockets and tense nerves were huge factors on both players. Kawahara led the entire match by a two game margin and reached the hill first at 6-4. Lee showed tremendous heart and made two back to back amazing outs to tie the match at 6-6 to the Korean audience's delight and cheers. Kawahara looking nervous and feeling the pressure of losing the lead, made a tremendous effort on her final break. As the balls scattered around , somehow the 10-ball was kicked upward towards the side pocket and then kissed in by another ball as Kawahara shrieked out a triumphant and pleading yelp! Lee then got up and smiled to congratulate the new Asia 10-Ball Champion.

The men's finals was significantly shorter. Immonen seemed unstoppable the past month winning the US Open and IPT Challenge, and now entering his third finals in four weeks. Hohmann had been lackluster and titleless in 9-ball and 10-ball the past two years. Hohmann did have the advantage though record wise over Immonen with four wins and 1 loss, but Immonen having the win the last time they played 9-ball at the Florida Pro Tour Championships. Immonen looked confident on the tight equipment but even so missed several routine shots including a very easy 10-ball in game 3 while Hohmann looked sharp and hungry. Hohmann adding insult to injury also was the beneficiary of the rolls the entire match, continuing from his earlier match with Kim.

"I can't get one roll." muttered a dejected Immonen towards the middle of the match as he was trailing.

Hohmann taking advantage of every missed shot by Immonen and several key rolls, quickly thrusted himself into a 7-1 lead. Immonen had an easy out the 9th game and got perfectly straight in on a 18 inch shot on the 8-ball and missed it. That told the tale of the match as Hohmann ran down to the final 10-ball laying near deliciously perfect for the win. Hohmann despite having the win in hand, seemed cautious and asked the referee to remove a particle off the cueball. After which he re-composed himself and made the 10-ball for the win, raising his cue and hands in the air out of more a sigh of relief it seemed to get a monkey off his back.

"I don't care how I did it, I'm just glad I won!" said Hohmann minutes after the match to a few chuckles of his friends.

"A funny story is that these boots I'm wearing now,..well the last time I wore these was the European 9-Ball Championships that I won two years ago. Then someone broke the heel and I couldn't wear them anymore. I have not won a title in a rotation game since then. I got them fixed and here is the first tournament I wore them, and then I win!" explained The Hitman on the secret to his success. "I've always done poorly in Korea and not so well in Asia in general. So winning this is significant for me as it's my first win in Asia."

Hohmann will get to celebrate his $10,000 1st place while Immonen will have to console himself with $4000 that he will add onto a total of $52,000 in winnings in less than 30 days. Kawahara goes home with $3500 and her first major international title.

The XTM Asia 10-Ball Championships is produced by Dragon Promotions and played on Min Tables Professional Edition with Simonis Cloth and Aramith Balls. Official Cue is Poison Cues www.poisonbilliards.co.kr and Predator Cues www.predatorcues.co.kr . The event was also sponsored by Tony Moley Cosmetics and professional make-up and hair provided by Ra Beauty Salons. The final six matches will air on XTM and XPORTS.

Top Seeds Immonen, Morris, Williams, Hohmann Advance in Asia 10-Ball Championships

Seoul, Korea-  Day 1 of the 5th Annual Asia 10-Ball Championships is concluded with relatively few upsets. #1 seed Mika Immonen (FIN) had an easy day with a bye and then a 9-0 win over Korea's Sung Ho Seo. Thorsten Hohmann had almost as easy task with wins over Won Jae Lee (KOR) 9-2 and Au Siu Wai 9-4 (HK). Rodney Morris struggled after his first round bye against an unknown Korean amateur player 9-7 as well as Heoun Ho Kim (KOR Charlie Williams) who barley defeated Korean amateur champions Moon Suk Jang 9-7 and Su Bok Park 9-8.

"I love tight tables. You have to be able to really play well to defeat the better player." commented Immonen on the pocket toughness.

"When me and Mika arrived, I told Mika I must be really tired cause the tables from even a distance looked super tight." said Rodney Morris.

This year's event has drawn the largest contingent of amateur players for a pro event in Korea with 20 top amateur players vying in both men and women's divisions. The amateurs were well represented by the biggest upset of the day coming from Korea's Yhong Hwang's 9-6 victory over #5 seed Hayato Hijikata (JPN), who is ranked in the top 5 in Japan and a former World Junior 10-Ball Champion. Australia's Todd Hayward also fell in both of his matches to Korean amateurs. The Filipino contingent of Renemar David, Jech Limen, and #6 seed Rodrigo Geronimo all easily advanced to Day 2 unscathed. The Hong Kong contingent of four players had a rough day with defeats by the Koreans save for #7 seed Lee Chenman who had an easy two wins including a 9-0 shutout to advance.

In the women's division, #1 seed Gui Young Lee defeated Ha Na (KOR) 7-4 and #4 seed Kaori Ebe (JPN) 7-4. #5 seed Junko Mitsuoka (JPN) upsetted #2 seed Neslihan Gurel (TUR) 7-6 with both players missing the 10-ball twice in the final exciting game.

"In Korea the tables we used traditionally would be considered very forgiving. We promised the international players that in the future as the Korean players get better, we would make conditions tougher and more favorable to the better players. In the past four years, the Koreans have made dramatic improvements to their skill levels as we have grown the sport and brought the best players of the world here.  So living up to our word, I doubt anyone can argue that the tables are loose now." said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.

The XTM Asia 10-Ball Championships is produced by Dragon Promotions and played on Min Tables with Simonis Cloth and Aramith Balls. Official Cue is Poison Cues and Predator Cues. Final day will have six matches airing on XTM and XPORTS.

Eight Billiard Players Return for U.S. Open including

Only eight players are still alive at the 33rd Annual U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships, held this week in Chesapeake, VA.

Friday’s elimination rounds began with Lee Van Corteza sending 22-year-old Oscar Dominguez home 11-6, while fellow countryman Warren Kiamco ousted Tony Chohan 11-3. Also, Donnie Mills continued his winning ways, eliminating Canada’s Tyler Edey 11-8, with Corey “Cash Money” Deuel defeating Larry Nevel 11-7.

The 1 p.m. round featured winners’-bracket matches. Reigning 9-ball champion Daryl Peach went up against Johnny Archer in one of the event’s lengthiest matches, 4 hours and 40 minutes. It was close throughout, going to 9-all. Peach almost scratched on the break, but Archer cleared that table to take the hill. Archer jumped the cue ball off the table on his next break, but Peach hooked himself on the 4 ball and was forced to jump, almost making the 9. With only five balls left on the table, Archer cleared the table easily for the 11-9 win.

Rodney Morris had a tight match against Thorsten Hohmann. The score went all the way to 10-9 in Morris’ favor when he scratched on the break and screamed. Hohmann cleared to make it hill-hill and then engaged Morris in a lengthy safety battle on the 1 ball. Finally Hohmann left Morris a shot, and Morris jacked up and fired in the 1 ball to clear the remainder of the balls for the 11-10 win.

Mika Immonen grabbed an early lead in his match against Jose Parica and never relinquished it, winning 11-8. In the last winners’-side match, Francisco Bustamante never seemed to show up in his match against Ronnie Alcano. At one point he was down 9-4 but managed to take two racks before Alcano won their match 11-6.

In the 3 p.m. elimination rounds, Corey Deuel demonstrated serious prowess over Francisco Bustamante. Though Bustamante had few errors, they were important ones, while Deuel didn’t always make his position but made some excellent shots to win 11-7.

Hohmann finally ended Donnie Mills’ run at the title after defeating him 11-9, while Corteza sent fellow Filipino Parica home 11-5. Additionally, Kiamco dealt Peach an 11-3 defeat in their elimination match.

In the evening rounds, winners’-bracket matches will be Johnny Archer versus Mika Immonen, and Rodney Morris versus Ronnie Alcano. In the one-loss side, Thorsten Hohmann will play Corey Deuel, while Warren Kiamco plays Lee Van Corteza.

ACKDO Supports QC Vs The World Grand Billiards Showdown

The QC-Philippines vs the World Grand Billiards Showdown received another boost with the Association of Clubs, Karaoke and Disco Operators (ACKDO) throwing its all-out support to the much-anticipated event slated December 2 to 4 at the Trinoma Mall in Quezon City .

With promoting Quezon City as the country’s sports tourism capital, ACKDO did not think twice in backing the project when approached by its chief proponent, City Council Majority Floor Leader Ariel Inton.

“We are very happy to be part of this big event. Entertainment is one of the premier tourist attractions here in Quezon City, so we in the industry are giving our all-out support to this project, which in more than one way will also benefit us,” said ACKDO secretary-general Amil Yap.

ACKDO has been supporting a number of sports events, including the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP)'s Search for the New Billiards Idol series.

Also known as the “City of Stars ”, Quezon City boasts of having the biggest and liveliest entertainment spots in the country.

Already home to major television broadcasting networks, including giants ABS-CBN and GMA-7, Quezon City also houses dozens of restaurants, bars, night clubs, massage parlors, KTVs and the likes.

Pool icon Efren “Bata” Reyes banners the eight-man Team Q.C.-Philippines, which will pit prowess against a selection of topnotch cue artists from other countries in this three-day competition supported by the Quezon City Government led by Mayor Sonny Belmonte, QC Tourism Council headed by chairman Raffy Chico, and BMPAP with Solar Sports, RPN and the Philippine Star as media partners.

Besides Reyes, the other members of the Team QC Philippines are fellow former world champions Alex Pagulayan and Ronnie Alcano, reigning world no.1 Dennis Orcollo, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, 2007 World Pool runner-up Roberto Gomez, Lee Van Corteza and Warren Kiamco.

They will go up against a foreign team also led by three former world titlists in Chia-Ching Wu of Chinese-Taipei, Mika Immonen of Finland and Thorsten Hohmann of Germany. The other players of Team World are 2006 Asian Games gold medalist Satoshi Kawabata of Japan , Ching-Shun Yang of Chinese-Taipei, and Charlie William and Rodney Morris of the United States and another top European player.

They will compete for the $40,000 winner purse.

Hohmann at Accu-Stats 14.1 Invitational

The double-round-robin event, broadcast live via Internet pay-per-view, wraps up on Sunday with four hourly matches starting at 3 p.m., EST. Thorsten Hohmann of Germany holds an almost insurmountable lead on the field, so far undefeated at 6-0.

The event’s unique format pits five players — Schmidt, Archer, Thorsten Hohmann, Ralf Souquet and Jose Parica — in race-to-60 straight-pool sets. However, winners are allowed to continue their runs in hopes of scoring bonuses and player-spotlight videos produced by event host Accu-Stats Video Productions.

Schmidt lost his first several matches of the event, which began on Thursday, Sept. 4, at Comet Billiards in Parsippany, N.J. But he kept practicing on side tables and finally broke out against Archer on Saturday. He ran 60-and-out and then continued his run in a rhythm that commentator Danny Diliberto compared to free-stroking “Machine Gun” Lou Butera. At 169, he understroked a key ball, ending his streak.

Parica, holding a 4-2 record, is the only player with a shot at matching Hohmann, in which case there will be a 9 p.m. playoff.

Hohmann Rules Accu-Stats 14.1 Straight Pool Invitational

Comet Billiards, Home of the Accu-Stats Arena, Parsippany, N.J.. It's Official. Not even Hurricane Hannah could contain Thorsten Hohmann as he cruised, unscathed, through a minefield chock-full of straight pool powerhouses.

Johnny Archer, Jose Parica, John Schmidt, and Ralf Souquet all felt the frustration as Hohmann hosted a clinic. Accu-Stats' commentators Incardona and DiLiberto were so impressed by Thorsten's performance that they considered him to be the best player they'd ever seen. Never, in recent memory, has there been a round robin event where a player went undefeated. Even Efren, in the 2001 Accu-Stats 8-Ball Invitational, had to compete in a play-off to secure his win.

The Accu-Stats Video Production, Double Round Robin, event, also broadcast over the internet, allowed each competitor to play each other twice with both matches immortalized on DVD. All century plus runs are given a “Player Review” where the aspirant narrates his own DVD.

John "Mr. 400" Schmiidt had highest run honors as he blasted a lightening fast 169. Off to a slow start, and zero for 5 in his opening matches, John redeemed himself by winning his last 3 over Souquet, Archer, and Parica.

Ralf, too, was on shaky ground. He had 3 wins; one over Schmidt and two over Archer.

Johnny garnered wins over Schmidt and a 60-and-out over Parica where he continued to complete a high run of 99.

Parica, with 4 and 4, secured $2,000 in prize money by defeating Archer, Schmidt, and Souquet, twice,

Players earned $500 for each win with a possible $1,000 in bonus money per match.  Once a player hit 60, he could continue pocketing balls in the hope of running to 100 and win an additional $500 or, $1,000 for 150.

Hohmann grossed $5,000 for his 8 wins and his century plus runs of 112 and 149. One more point on the 149 and he would have made an extra $500. Johnny felt the sting too. His 99 was so close yet, so far.

Accu-Stats' Pat Fleming would like to thank Bill Hailey and his crew at Comet Billiards for their superior service, and all who attended the inaugural event there. That means you net surfers too.

In the interest of keeping the production values at peak performance, Pat asked the players for suggestions on how to improve the event. The consensus was, "Don't change a thing."

Final results:

1. Thorsten Hohmann 8-0
2. Jose Parica 4-4
3. John Schmidt 3-5
4. Ralf Souquet 3-5
5. Johnny Archer 2-6

High Runs:
1. John Schmidt 169 _ $1,000
2. Thorsten Hohmann 149 _ $500
3. Thorsten Hohmann 112 _ $500

Hohmann Unscathed at Comet Billiards

It’s Official. Not even Hurricane Hannah could contain Thorsten Hohmann as he cruised, unscathed, through a minefield chock-full of straight pool powerhouses  in the Accu-Stats 14.1 Straight Pool Invitational at Comet Billiards, in Parsippany, N.J. Johnny Archer, Jose Parica, John Schmidt, and Ralf Souquet all felt the frustration as Hohmann hosted a clinic. Accu-Stats’ commentators Incardona and DiLiberto were so impressed by Thorsten performance that they considered him to be the best player they’d ever seen.

Never, in recent memory, has there been a round robin event where a player went undefeated. Even Efren, in the 2001 Accu-Stats 8-Ball Invitational, had to compete in a play-off to secure his win. The Accu-Stats Video Production, Double Round Robin, event, also broadcast over the internet, allowed each competitor to play each other twice with both matches immortalized on DVD. All century plus runs are given a “Player Review” where the aspirant narrates his own DVD.

John “Mr. 400″ Schmiidt had highest run honors as he blasted a lightening fast 169. Off to a slow start, and zero for 5 in his opening matches, John redeemed himself by winning his last 3 over Souquet, Archer, and Parica. Ralf, too, was on shaky ground. He had 3 wins; one over Schmidt and two over Archer. Johnny garnered wins over Schmidt and a 60-and-out over Parica where he continued to complete a high run of 99. Parica, with 4 and 4, secured $2,000 in prize money by defeating Archer, Schmidt, and Souquet, twice,

Players earned $500 for each win with a possible $1,000 in bonus money per match.  Once a player hit 60, he could continue pocketing balls in the hope of running to 100 and win an additional $500 or, $1,000 for 150. Hohmann grossed $5,000 for his 8 wins and his century plus runs of 112 and 149. One more point on the 149 and he would have made an extra $500. Johnny felt the sting too. His 99 was so close yet, so far.

Accu-Stats’ Pat Fleming would like to thank Bill Hailey and his crew at Comet Billiards for their superior service, and all who attended the inaugural event there. That means you net surfers too. In the interest of keeping the production values at peak performance, Pat asked the players for suggestions on how to improve the event. The consensus was, “Don’t change a thing.”

Final results:
1. Thorsten Hohmann 8-0
2. Jose Parica 4-4
3. John Schmidt 3-5
4. Ralf Souquet 3-5
5. Johnny Archer 2-6
High Runs
1. John Schmidt 169 _ $1,000
2. Thorsten Hohmann 149 _ $500
3. Thorsten Hohmann 112 _ $500

Hohmann at 6 and 0 in while Schmidt Finds his Mojo with a 169 at Accu-Stats 14.1 Straight Pool Invitational

Thorsten Hohmann continued his domination over the field with 60 point wins over Archer who got 3 and Schmidt, 2. It was about then that Schmidt had had enough. Zero for 4 will do that to you. He'd been running high in practice, now all he had to do was bring it to the cameras.

Late Saturday afternoon he met Souquet and things changed. Ralf hadn't performed up to par either. He was 2 and 2, with one of the wins over Schmidt. Neither player was at the peak of their confidence when John broke loose and allowed Ralf only 20.

Now,  he faced Hohmann, John got 2. Hohmann, so far, was invincible. Only Parica had really challenged him and that seemed weeks ago. At 10pm, Parica added another loss to Souquet's score, and to close out the evening it was Schmidt versus Archer Part 2. Johnny had got in stroke too, At 7pm,, he pulled a 60-and-out over Parica and rallied to reach 99--one short of the $500 bonus money.

The Double Round Robin event allows each competitor to play each other twice and each Accu-Stats DVD will include both matches. No one wants to be immortalized with 2 losses. And, Johnny had already beaten John. Schmidt had capitalized on every free moment of practice time possible. Those of you watching the live internet stream saw him run ball after ball between matches.

It sure paid off.  He got to the match free stroking. And all Archer could do was watch. Schmidt quickly ran the 60 and out. In the interest of the high-run bonuses or, more probably, to get another instructional DVD if he gets to 100, he kept swinging. At 100, Commentator Danny D was comparing him to "Machine Gun" Lou Butera. There was no stopping him. At 150, Billy and Danny were making side bets that he'd reach 200. Alas, at 169 he understroked the key ball and fell short of a perfect break shot. John laughed all the way to the bank. He'd beaten Thorsten's 149 and earned an extra grand.

Hohmann Holds onto Perfect Record

Hohmann remains unblemished as day 3 of the Accu-Stats 14.1 Round Robin continues
The Accu-Stats 14.1 Straight Pool Invitational.

Although off to a rocky start in the opening rack, in day 2, Thorsten Hohmann’s recovery skills and consummate cue ball control garnered his second high run of the event at 112. Thorsten’s consistency, pattern play, and ability to overcome potential disaster had Accu-commentators Incardona and DiLiberto considering whether Thorsten was the best player, not only playing today, but ever. That’s high praise from men who’ve seen them all.

For other constestants, the Accu-Stats Invitational has held some disappointments. John “Mr 400″ Schmidt has hardly lived up to his monicker as he has managed only 24 balls in 4 matches. The 60 point matches put players in a now-or-never mind set. And, that causes panic. On the upside, this is just sort of come-from-behind motivation that John may need to get rolling.

Archer, with a high run of 150-and-out in a previous Accu-Stats tournament, has only managed one win, interestingly enough, against Schmidt.

Johnny has had opportunity. In his 7:00 pm, Friday night match, he scored 45 against Jose Parica’s 60. Johnny missed a ball he would have made in the case came of any 9 Ball championship. That seems to be the challenge of 14.1. When a ball gets just outside one’s comfort zone, as the consequences are much more dire, errors happen.

8:00pm had John Schmidt (-1) got no sympathy from Thorsten Hohmann with a 60 & Out concluding with a High Run of 112. 10:00pm - Ralf Souquet (60) gave Johnny Archer (15) his 3rd defeat. 11:00pm - Thorsten Hohmann (60) and Jose Parica (54). This was without a doubt the most tightly contested match. Parica needed six when Hohmann was allowed to the table. Thorsten stalled at 58 and a safety battle ensued.

So the tallies so far are, Hohman 4 and 0 losses. Parica 3 and 1, Souquet is 2 and 2,  Johnny is 1 and 3, and Schmidt 0 and 4. For his two, century plus runs, Hohmann has generated an additional $1,000 in bonus money.

Hohmann remains unblemished as day 3 of the Accu-Stats 14.1 Round Robin continues

Although off to a rocky start in the opening rack, in day 2, Thorsten Hohmann's recovery skills and consummate cue ball control garnered his second high run of the event at 112. Thorsten's consistency, pattern play, and ability to overcome potential disaster had Accu-commentators Incardona and DiLiberto considering whether Thorsten was the best player, not only playing today, but ever. That's high praise from men who've seen them all.

For other constestants, the Accu-Stats Invitational has held some disappointments. John "Mr 400" Schmidt has hardly lived up to his monicker as he has managed only 24 balls in 4 matches. The 60 point matches put players in a now-or-never mind set. And, that causes panic. On the upside, this is just sort of come-from-behind motivation that John may need to get rolling.

Archer, with a high run of 150-and-out in a previous Accu-Stats tournament, has only managed one win, interestingly enough, against Schmidt.

Johnny has had opportunity. In his 7:00 pm, Friday night match, he scored 45 against Jose Parica's 60. Johnny missed a ball he would have made in the case came of any 9 Ball championship. That seems to be the challenge of 14.1. When a ball gets just outside one's comfort zone, as the consequences are much more dire, errors happen.

8:00pm had John Schmidt (-1) got no sympathy from Thorsten Hohmann with a 60 & Out concluding with a High Run of 112.
10:00pm - Ralf Souquet (60) gave Johnny Archer (15) his 3rd defeat.
11:00pm - Thorsten Hohmann (60) and Jose Parica (54). This was without a doubt the most tightly contested match. Parica needed six when Hohmann was allowed to the table. Thorsten stalled at 58 and a safety battle ensued.

So the tallies so far are, Hohman 4 and 0 losses. Parica 3 and 1, Souquet is 2 and 2,  Johnny is 1 and 3, and Schmidt 0 and 4. For his two, century plus runs, Hohmann has generated an additional $1,000 in bonus money.

Saturday afternoon's session continued with the aforementioned Archer defeating Schmidt 60 to minus 2, and Pareica over Souquet, 60-4.

Hohmann runs 149 in Accu-Stats 14.1 Straight Pool Invitational

Thorsten Hohmann is the man to watch as he cruised undefeated in the first night action of the 20 match, Double Round Robin format event. Late last night, Thorsten ran 60 and out against Ralf Souquet's hard fought 34. Thorsten then continued his charge in search of high run bonus monies but came to a screeching halt at 149 as, on the break shot, his cue ball got buried in the rack.

One more point and he would have made a $1,000. With many "Century" plus runs in his history, the odds are, he will before the weekend is out. The new, 60 points with a twist, straight pool formula developed by Accu-Stats' Pat Fleming had audiences, both in the Arena and on the internet, on the edge of their seats.

Every shot counted, Once a player gets to the table he's capable of a runout. At 60, he wins the match. Then, he has the opportunity to run to a 100--and secure a $500 bonus prize. Or, $1,000 if he gets to 150. This makes for very aggressive play. Safeties aren't in the mix as combatants have their eyes on the big run and the possible bonus money.

Johnny Archer, Ralf Souquet, John Schmidt, Jose Parica, and Thorsten Hohmann, will play each other twice though, all are motivated by the high run as they will contribute to a "Player Review" where they narrate their own DVD, in addition to the 10 DVD set the series will generate.

7:00pm., The Thursday Sept. 4 opening match had Ralf Souquet run 60 and out to give John Schmidt (15) his first loss. Ralf, actually, had a high run of 69 but was left short in his attempt to get to the additional bonus money.

• 8:00pm: Thorsten Hohmann's first win was over Johnny Archer, 60-51.
• 10:00pm: Jose Parica amassed 60 against John Schmidt who mustered only 12.
• 11pm Thorsten Hohmann defeated fellow countryman Rald Souquet 60-34.

Friday, Sept. 5. Day two continues with Hohmann the only man undefeated.

• 7:00pm - Johnny Archer vs. Jose Parica
• 8:00pm - John Schmidt vs. Thorsten Hohmann
• 10:00pm - Ralf Souquet vs. Johnny Archer11:00pm - Thorsten Hohmann vs. Jose Parica

Thorsten Hohmann Upset at IPT World Open

Day one is complete at the the IPT World Open 8-Ball Championship and the biggest news of the day was the elimination of North American 8-Ball Champion Thorsten Hohmann. Hohmann started out the day with an 8-2 win over Jim Raney, but it all went downhill from there. An 8-3 loss to Warren Kiamco left Hohmann at 1-1 and then an 8-4 loss to Loree Jon Jones left Hohmann needing a win in his last match against Steve Moore. That win didn't happen, as Moore scored an 8-4 win to send Hohmann to the bleachers early.

Other top players who failed to advance out of the first round included Danny Basavich, Marcus Chamat, Allen Hopkins, Jeremy Jones and Rafael Martinez.

Another story from day one was the dominating play of the Filipino players. Warren Kiamco, Marlon Manalo, Dennis Orcollo, Efren Reyes, Ronnie Alcano, Francisco Bustamante and Alex Pagulayan were all undefeated. Other players to end the day undefeated were Ralf Souquet, Evgeny Stalev, John Schmidt, Darren Appleton, Gerry Watson, Gabe Owen, Chia-Ching Wu and Larry Nevel.

The second half of the first round will take place on Monday with another 60 players advancing and another 40 players being sent to the stands.

Accu-Stats Makes PPV Broadcast Debut

Long the number one resource for archived footage of some of the greatest matches in the history of pool, Accu-Stats is trying its hand at live pay-per-view Internet broadcasts.

The Accu-Stats Invitational 14.1 Tournament will begin Thursday evening at Comet Billiards in Parsippany, N.J. A five-player field of Johnny Archer, John Schmidt, Ralf Souquet, Jose Parica and Thorsten Hohmann will play a full double round robin. Each match will be a race-to-60, with the winner having a shot at running 100-plus balls for bonus money.

The tournament will begin tonight at 7 p.m. (EST). There will be one evening session on Friday, an afternoon and evening session on Saturday, and a final Sunday session at 3 p.m. Billy Incardona and Danny DiLiberto will be the Accu-Stats commentators.

World Straight Pool Final Sixteen

Phase two is complete at the Predator World Straight Pool Championship and the field has now been narrowed to just sixteen players.

The rest of the event is single elimination and all prior losses have been forgiven.

At the time of this writing, Oliver Ortmann had already defeated Thomas Engert 200-42 and was comfortably awaiting the winner between Mika Immonen and Jasmin Ouschan.

Other matches for today are Huidji See vs Corey Deuel, Danny Harriman vs Francisco Bustamante, Ignacio Chavez vs Niels Feijen, John Schmidt vs Mike Dechaine, Ralf Souquet vs Thorsten Hohmann and Nick Van Den Berg vs Dominic Jentsch.

World Straight Pool Stage 2; Immonen, Hohmann and Deuel advance

We reported that the top four players from each group advanced into a single elimination thirty two player board. The correct progression is for the top four from each group to advance into a double elimination thirty two player board and the final sixteen players from that group will advance into a sixteen player single elimination board.

The thirty two player board will be complete by Thursday evening and Mika Immonen, Thorsten Hohmann and Corey Deuel have already advanced into the final sixteen. Marquee matches underway on the winners side at the time of this report included Dominic Jentsch vs Thomas Engert, Danny Harriman vs Francisco Bustamante and Oliver Ortmann vs Mike Dechaine.

Top players with their hopes still alive on the one loss side include Jasmin Ouschan, Danny Barouty, Mike Sigel, Ralf Souquet, Allen Hopkins and John Schmidt.

World 14.1 Enters Knock-Out Phase

Finishing off round-robin play in dominating fashion, Mika Immonen earned the top seed in the knock-out stage of the Predator World 14.1 Championship — held through Saturday at the Hilton Hotel in East Brunswick, N.J.

Going 7-0 in the group stage, Immonen ended with a combined score of 700-210 — averaging an astounding 70-point margin of victory.

Three other players also went unbeaten through the first three days of play. Nick Van den Berg of the Netherlands secured the second seed in the 32-player bracket, while countryman Niels Feijen took the No. 3 spot. Johnny Archer finished fourth overall among the 64 players by going undefeated in his group.

Straight-pool legend Mike Sigel survived what turned out to be the "group of death." Five players tied with 5-2 records in Group 2, including Thorsten Hohmann and Charlie Williams. Jonathan Fulcher was the unlucky man out, eliminated by virtue of a tiebreaker based on total points.

The World Championship will now be single-elimination until a winner is crowned on Saturday evening.

Interesting matchups in the round of 32 include Mika Immonen against Jasmin Ouschan, who advanced despite struggling to a 3-4 record in group play; rising star Mike Dechaine facing Bobby Hunter, the last American to win the world title in 1990; and Hohmann taking on Williams, who has had a number of top finishes in recent months.

2008 Predator World 14.1 Championship Group Pairings

East Brunswick, New Jersey-  Dragon Promotions announces the official group pairings for the 2008 Predator World Straight Pool Championship. The round robin stage will be held Aug 25-27, with the field narrowed to 32 in the double elimination stage races to 150 on Aug 28, and the last sixteen playing race to 200 points on Aug 29-30.

There may be last minute changes and substitutions in the schedule and the event if a player is not able to attend.
Official Group Pairings of the 2008 Predator World 14.1 Championship. Round Robin Races to 100 Points.

Group 1

Oliver Ortmann  GER
Allen Hopkins USA
Yu Ram Cha KOR
Mike Dechaine USA
Bernie Pettipiece USA
Bob Chamberlain USA
Bill Maropolous USA
Peter Burrows USA

Group 2

Thorsten Hohmann  GER
Mike Sigel USA
Jonathan Fulcher  SCO 
Charlie Williams USA
Stevie Moore USA
Jim Gottier USA
Devon Cataldi USA
Allan Cornia USA

Group 3

Huidji See NED
John Schmidt USA 
Dominic Jentsch GER
Shaun Wilkie USA
Mark Vidal SPN
Jimmy Mendoza  USA
Dan Heidrich USA USA
David Daya USA

Group 4

Danny Harriman USA
Niels Feijen  NED
Danny Barouty USA
Gerda Hofstatter AUT
Bob Maidhof USA
Chris Lynch USA
Mark Snodgrass USA
Stefan Cohen FRA

Group 5

Martin Kempter AUT
Ralf Souquet GER
Tony Robles USA
Francisco Bustamante PHI
Vincent Facquet FRA
Dan Wallace USA
Dennis Hatch USA
Jonathan Smith USA

Group 6

Thomas Engert GER
Raj Hundal  IND
Corey Deuel USA
Nick Van Denberg NED
Sebastian Staab GER
Liz Ford USA
Tom Parisian USA
Shin Young Park KOR

Group 7

Mika Immonen FIN
Bobby Hunter USA
Konstantin Stepanov RUS
Mike Davis USA
Ed Deska USA
Mark Ritter USA
Michael Yednak USA
Bob M. Cozzolino USA

Group 8

Johnny Archer USA
Jasmin Ouschan AUT
Radoslaw Babica POL
Tony Rodriguez  USA 
Calvin Coker USA
Mohammed Hakim NED 
Steve Lipsky USA
Steve Lillis USA

Fans and players can still reserve rooms at Hilton East Brunswick at 1-732-828-2000. The room code for the event is "POL"    There are still limited amount of rooms available. Tickets can be purchased in advanced at www.dragonpromotions.com or in person at the event, or at Amsterdam Billiards in NYC or Comet Billiards in NJ.

The 2008 Predator World Straight Pool Championship is proudly sponsored by Dr.Michael Fedak of NYC, Joel Schapiro of NYC, The Predator Group, Diamond Billiard Products, Aramith Balls, and Simonis Cloth. 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.

European Champions Emerging

The European Championships is now in mid-stride and some of the disciplines have had their champions recognized.  The Men’s 8-Ball division was won by Marcus Chamat. Chamat gave the fans a family moment when he hung his gold medal around the neck of his young son. Chamat claimed the gold by defeating Serbian Zoran Svilar 8-3.  Thorsten Hohmann was the bronze medalist in this division. It appears that the schedule of play may be somewhat tiring from the remarks of Ralf Souquet who, after his loss to Darren Appleton earlier in the day, said: “I did not even have the power anymore to be nervous; I was just finished."

The ladies 8-Ball Champion for 2008 is Sylvia Buschhueter. Ms. Buschhueter defeated Brigitte Ganze 5-2 to own her gold after a very tough final road that found her having to get past a determined Pla Vahasoyrinki which she did 5-3 to gain her berth in the finals. Her opponent there, Brigitte Ganze, had to force Birgit Reimann to settle for Bronze (5-2) in order to earn the honor of the final match.

The new Senior 8-Ball Champion is Holger Gries.  This popular German bested Manuel Pereira of Portugal 7-3 to find his gold.  Finally, Jasmin Ouschan has continued her fine play by taking, almost as expected, the gold medal in the Women’s 8-Ball division. She dusted Line Kjorsvik 7-2 in the final. We must admit to some confusion here. The European Championships has 8-Ball divisions tiled “Girls”, “Ladies”, and “Women”. What is the difference between a lady and a woman? We are not sure but for now will venture the guess that ladies are amateurs and women are pros. We will clue you in as soon as we know for sure.

Hohmann's Big Run Lands Lucasi Hybrid 14.1 Title

Thorsten "Hitman" Hohmann went undefeated through a field of all-star players at the inaugural Lucasi Hybrid Invitational Classic 14.1 Championship on Friday at Bankshot Billiards in Jacksonville, Fla.

Hohmann handily defeated his last four opponents, including Steve Moore, 150-85; then 14.1 hotshot John “Mr. 400” Schmidt, 150-51; and then dark horse Dave Grossman, 150-26.

Straight-pool devotee Mika Immonen was blazing his own trail to the final with a 99-and-out run against Charlie Williams, 150-42. He then manhandled Johnny Archer, 150-63, and destroyed Dennis Orcollo, 150-49.

The final with Hohmann was a barnburner with Immonen coming out with a 100-plus run to lead 112-3. Then Hohmann turned up the heat with an amazing 169-ball run to turn the tide, 172-112. Then both players showed some nerves under the intense pressure with a few misses. Suddenly, it was anyone's ballgame with only a few racks required for victory.

Immonen, who already had posted three runs in the event over 100, only needed 44 balls and took a swing at a dead ball in the stack. It missed. Hohmann needed only 8 balls for the win, and he sank the octet for the 200-156 final score.

Hohmann Crowned Lucasi Hybrid Straight Pool Champion

It was a European finale. Two “Men” advanced to the finals. #2 seed, Mika “The Iceman” Immonen defeated Dennis Orcollo 150 to 49, while #1 seed, Thorsten “The Hitman” Hohmann took down Jacksonville’s own Dave Grossman 150 to 26, including a high run of 123 balls. While the first round of the 10-Ball event was kicked off around them, the two athletes would now play a single set race to 200 balls for the glory.

Hohmann lost the lag and broke the opening rack. 52 balls later, Hohmann was at the table again. Attempting to hold the cue ball for the break shot, his object ball came short of the pocket after a brief run of only 3. Immonen ran 60 more balls to make it 112 to 3.

Then, Immonen over-stroked a break shot and found himself staring at table-length cut on the 14 ball. This would be his first miss. He didn’t realize how many balls it would cost him. Hohmann strung together textbook racks after racks. At 81 balls, we saw the first display of emotion from Hohmann. After bumping a ball out, he was faced with safety or a cross-side bank on the 6 ball. He took a few laps around the table and fired in the 6 and continued his run. At 113 to 112, he would find himself ahead in the match for the first time.

Topping the high run for the tournament with 167 balls, while shooting number 168, Hohmann force followed the 9 ball and tragically, the cue ball also forced through the rack and straight into the corner pocket. Immonen ran another 23 balls and both players were beginning to look a little fatigued. After some routine safety play from both players and back and forth intentional fouls, Immonen would let Hohmann return to the table one last time to pocket the 8 final balls to victory. Final score 200 to 156.

Hohmann wins Lucasi 14.1 Event

Thorsten Hohmann has won the Lucasi Hybrid Invitational Classic 14.1 event.

Hohmann was relatively untested in the early stages of the event and cleared his first three matches with a bye followed by dominating wins over David Broxson and Tommy Najar. Those three wins earned him his spot in the final sixteen redraw.

A 150-85 win over Stevie Moore was followed by a 150-51 win over John Schmidt. David Grossman was next to fall to Hohmann, by the score of 150-26.

Hohmann's opponent in the finals, was a man not unfamilar with the game of straight pool, Mika Immonen.

The final race to 200 match saw Immonen come out of the gate strong and put together two 50 ball runs on his way to an early 112-3 lead. But 14.1 is all about long runs, and Hohmann took control with a 167 ball run of his own.

Both players tightened up a little as they neared the finish line, but in the end it was Hohmann with a 200-156 win and first place in the event.

Hohmann earned $2500 for first place, while Immonen settled for $1250. Dennis Orcollo and David Grossman tied for 3rd and pocketed $800 each.

32 players take center stage in Puerto Princesa Cup

PUERTO PRINCESA – Thirty-two tough competitors, including several double world champions, world and national youth titlists, and other veteran campaigners will take center stage today, Friday, in the opening of the Puerto Princesa Mayor's Cup, the second leg of the Philippine Pool Tour.

This bustling resort city, nicknamed "The City In The Forest" because of its lush vegetation, will host the three-day event to be held at the Puerto Princesa City Coliseum with all eyes focusing on the big guns and rising stars from Germany, Taiwan and the Philippines.

Two-time world champions Ralf Souquet and Thorsten Hohmann of Germany, Chia-Ching Wu and Jung-Lin Chang of Taiwan, and reigning world junior champion Ko Pin-Yi banner the field of invaders.

But they will be tested by the formidable field of Filipino players led by Antonio Gabica, winner of the first PPT leg last month, Marlon Manalo, and Jericho Banares, 2008 Philippine junior champion and a standout in the Mandaluyong Mayor's Cup.

Souquet, currently the biggest money earner among billiard players this year with $106,786, has his eyes set on the $10,000 top prize in this event organized by the Billiards and Snookers Congress of the Philippines and supported by San Miguel Beer and Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn.

Hohmann, the 2003 World Pool titlist and winner of the IPT North American Open Championship, is also one of the favorites, along with Wu, the 2005 World 9- Ball and 8-Ball champion.

Thirteen pool players qualified for the Puerto Princesa leg Tuesday at the end of the elimination round. They were led by Ko Pin-Yi, power breaker Jeff de Luna and two-time national youth finalist Jordan Legaspi. The other players who advanced were Oliver Villafuerte, Wang Ming, Arturo Palma, Richard Alinsub, Jorge Dacer, Boots Augusto, Rocky Tullao, Edgar Acaba, Romeo Silvano and Raymund Faraon.

They join the 17 seeded players who earlier qualified for the main tournament by virtue of their performance in the Mandaluyong Cup and their standings in world pool rankings. They are: Souquet, Hohmann, Wu, Antonio Gabica, Marlon Manalo, Leonardo Andam, Jericho Bañares, Mario Tolentino, Leonardo Didal, Chien-Te Chung, Gerry Watson, Kenji Taguchi, Allan Soliman, Luis Saberdo, Junbert Ogang, Courtney Symons and Jung-Lin Chang.

Puerto Princesa will field two local bets – Jade Samson and Jonathan Corpuz – in the tournament. They won their spots by topping the qualifiers held in the Palawan capital.   

Ko, a Physical Education student in Taipei, who started playing competitive billiards at the age of 12, beat Roland Garcia, 9-7, for his third victory in the eliminations.

De Luna, who was relegated to the loser's bracket Tuesday following his loss to Jin Hu-Dang, 6-9, vented his ire on Resty Labastida, 9-1, to make the cut.

Legaspi crushed Dang, 9-6; Wang scuttled Rocky Tullao, 9-5; Dacer whipped Labastida, 9-4; Augusto nipped Romeo Silvano, 9-7; Alinsub edged Elvis Calasang, 9-8; Villafuerte outlasted Fu Jin-Bo, 9-7; and Palma squeaked past Chu Hung-Ming, 9-8.

In the loser's bracket, Tullao tripped Rollo, 9-8; Acaba defeated Silverio Tulabing, 9-7; and Silvano ripped Raymund Faraon, 9-4.

Faraon earned the last ticket to the Puerto Cup after defeating Tulabing in the playoff finals, 9-3.