Oliver Ortmann  continues his reign of terror in New Jersey, again with another 100 ball run, today 124. This is his fourth consecutive 100+ ball run for the event. But he will face his toughest challenge yet, the formidable Mika Immonen. Immonen, a former European 14.1 Champ, has been on a hot streak including a recent 2nd place at The Mezz Classic 14.1 which included a win over Hohmann in Orlando a few weeks ago. This win may have given him additional psychological edge as he handed Hohmann a second consecutive defeat by his hands, eliminating this year’s hope of Hohmann regaining the coveted World 14.1 crown.

Immonen had faltered last year in the final 16, but this year had earlier predicted he would try much harder and bear down in the later stages. He seems to be holding true to his word. Many fans were hoping for a Oliver versus Thorsten showdown, but Mika seems to be the better man in 14.1 as of late. If Immonen wins, this would mark his second World title since his iconic win in Cardiff at the World 9-Ball back in 2001.

“This is an  important title for me. To be the World Straight Pool Champion will prove to the world I am not a one trick pony”,said Immonen.

On the other side of the charts, Charlie Williams continued his run with a 200-40 crushing of Jim Gottier. After Johnny Archer dispatched Corey Deuel for the second time, Archer and Williams faced each other for the right to represent the USA in the semi-finals. Williams struck first blood with a 57 ball run off Archer’s break, but later Archer cameback and eventually came with a 109 ball run to reach 191-80. Williams made a short rally to 126, but missed the breakball and gave Archer the chance for the win.

Tony Robles also lost a tough 200-149 match against France’s Stefan Cohen. Robles finished 5th, his best ever finish at the World 14.1 and first ever top 16 appearance. Cohen and Archer will face off tomorrow in the other semi-finals. If Archer wins, he will be the first American to ever reach the finals of the World 14.1 since its revival four years ago. The winner will get Ortmann or Immonen, neither being a very appetizing prospect.

On the lighter side, The Pro Am World 14.1 event featured sponsors Harold Siegel, Stu Mattana, Bill Haley, Cindy Lee, and VIP guest Joel Schapiro alongwith pros Max Eberle, Earl Herring, Jonni Fulcher, Tony Robles, and Zaid Thweib. Cindy Lee/Max Eberle defeated Schapior/Herring 25-2 in their 14.1 scotch doubles race and then won 25-24 against Haley/Thweib. But Mattana/Fulcher were unstoppable and easily won 25-5 in the finals.

The Mosconi High Run Award will pay $500 to the players with overall high run of the event plus $100 to the highest run each day.

The high run prizes are sponsored by Jay Helfert of Los Angeles CA, and Louis Pannullo of Queens, NY. Mattana and Siegel are adding additional $1000 to any player that breaks the world record of 174.

Sponsors
The 2009 Predator World Straight Pool Championship is proudly sponsored by Predator Cues, Comet Billiards, Brunswick Billiards, Simonis Cloth, Ozone Billiards, Laser Rack, Master Chalk and patron sponsors Stu Mattana and Harold Siegel of Excelsior Graphics.

Photo Credit – Jerry Tarantola, NYCGrind.com

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