Day Two Concludes at Predator World Open Straight Pool
Other players looking good to qualify include defending champ Oliver Ortmann GER who came back from a 75 to -1 deficit on USA's Mike Dechaine. Ortmann dropped an opening round against Allen Hopkins, but has since won three matches. Legendary Mike Sigel USA showed 14.1 prince Thorsten Hohmann some old school magic, only to be defeated by Charlie Williams USA. Williams was down 74 to 11, but made a great comeback to 74-72, and then won a safety exchange which costed Sigel to take 3 fouls and left Williams an opening in which he took advantage and ran out 100-75. Sigel likely needs one win, where two will guarantee him tomorrow and he will be a big favorite in those matches. Mike Davis USA also needs two wins and will be playing two statistically weak players tomorrow.
Raj Hundal IND looked in danger today but he managed to win two matches including a win over Cory Deuel USA. He also earlier defeated Earl Herring USA, but suffered a loss to Nick Van DenBerg NED. Hundal must win his two matches tomorrow to qualify.
The women are all struggling, with the big surprise Jasmin Ouschan who has not been performing well posting losses and low scores of 36 and 34. Today she lost to Puerto Rico's Alan Rolon and tomorrow she faces elimination if she loses any of her two matches. Liz Ford has little chance of qualifying with four losses already. Gerda Hofstatter also has a tough road after dropping back to back matches against Harriman and Maidhof. Yu Ram Cha is in optimitistic position with two wins and two losses, and she has already played her tougher opponents.
Sunday 31,2008
Niels Feijen Brings First World Championship Crown to Netherlands
The day began with Feijen versus fellow countryman Nick Vandenberg. Nick was the highest seed and player with the best record which gave him the option to go first or second in the semi-finals. He chose first. The match went back and forth with neither player being able to take advantages of the mistakes of the other. The match would go on a shot clock and still it lasted nearly 4 hours before Feijen would win 200-157.
Ouschan and Bustamante was a more anticipated matchup with eyes on Jasmin being the first woman hopeful to make it to the finals of a major men's championship. Jasmin commanded a lead early on and at one time was winning 84-41 while Bustamante struggled with his game. At 122 to 81 in favor of Ouschan, Bustamante woke up and ran nearly a hundred balls to take the lead for the first time. Ouschan would soon succumb to the mighty Filipino 200-148.
"I'm happy with my results. Just two days ago I didn't think I was going to make it out of my group, so I wasn't even thinking about having this kind of finish," said Ouschan on her historic run at the World 14.1. Ouschan now holds the record for highest placing woman in a men's pro championship ever in pool's 130 year history of championship play. She also holds the top two high run records set by a woman with a 90 and 84.
The finals would be Philippines versus Netherlands. Feijen on paper seemed the obvious favorite with four European 14.1 titles to his name while Bustamante has had over 30 major titles, but none of them in straight pool. The paper favorite seemed to be right on the money. Bustmante erred early on and let Feijen take a forty ball lead, and then Bustamante missed in his first open shot, a seemingly easy ball. Later as Niels missed leading 80-0, and Bustamante took a break. "Niels is playing good, but don't worry I will come back and run 200," Bustamante said, smiling.
On his return, Bustamante had an easier shot and easier table but carelessly misjudged the shot and missed again. Niels then extended his lead to 189 balls before missing an easy shot. Bustamante made his first shot to the cheers and laughter of the audience and went on to make a great three-way combo. But soon after he missed another easy shot and conceded the match to Feijen 200-11, who then raised his hands in victory overjoyed with genuine emotion. Feijen had gone undefeated in 13 straight matches for the win and pocketed over 1600 balls.
In an emotional speech, Niels said, "I want to dedicate my win here to a good friend of mine who passed away, Joe Kerr." Feijen fought back tears as he continued. "Joe was my first contact in the US, and without knowing him I would not be a professional player today."
Feijen not only has won his first World Championship title, but also brought Netherlands their first pocket billiards World Championship. Feijen's name will be inscribed in the World 14.1 Championship cup alongside names such as De Oro, Greenleaf, Mosconi, Caras, Lassiter, Sigel, Mizerak, Hohmann among others.
Thorsten Hohmann won the High Run Award for the second time with his 150 & out against Ralf Souquet. He wins an additional $1000 from Dr. Louis Pannullo, the sponsor of the award.
SEPTEMBER 2,2008
NIAGARA COUNTY POOL PLAYERS MEETING
DATE: SUNDAY 9/28/08
TIME: 6:OO PM
PLACE POT O GOLD
NEW TEAMS INVITED. PLEASE HAVE TEAM CAPTAINS, BAR OWNERS PRESENT AT THE MEETING. BAR OWNERS PLEASE CONTACT YOUR TEAM CAPTAIN TO INFORM HIM OR HER OF THE MEETING. (ALL PLAYERS ARE WELCOME TO COME THE MEETING.)
MEETING WILL CONSIST OF ELECTION OF OFFICERS, LEAGUE RULES, SPONSOR FEES, BY LAWS, STARTING DATE AND ANY OTHER INFORMATION NEEDED TO GET THE LEAGUE STARTED.
ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT LEAGUE PRESIDENT BUTCH LAUGHLIN AT (716-989-7312)
