AFTER a magnificent year in 2008, Mika Immonen made this year’s campaign simply spectacular.
The Finnish ace completed his string of victories all year long by capturing the only world pool championship for men this year—the second World Ten Ball Championship at the World Trade Center Monday night.
Immonen defeated Lee Van Corteza of the Philippines, 11-6.
Immonen pocketed the top prize of $60,000 along with the championship trophy.
By winning the World Ten Ball crown, Immonen also became the first player to win both the world championship and the US Open on the same year.
“It’s really nice to play here in the Philippines and I was looking forward to win this tournament,” said Immonen, who recalled his 13-12 triumph in the Philippine Open in 2003 over Efren “Bata” Reyes as his most memorable championship here.
“I’ve been on a roll. After my 2008 US Open title conquest, the floodgates were open for more titles overseas. I thought last year was a good year for me, but I believe this year is even better and I’m glad I finished the year winning the World Ten Ball,” added Immonen.
Corteza and Immonen arranged a titular showdown at the World Trade Center Monday after overcoming grueling semifinals matches.
Corteza repulsed giant-slayer David Alcaide of Spain, 9-7, in the semifinal round.
The Filipino went ahead, 5-2, but Alcaide kept on coming back and even grabbed the lead, 7-6. The Spaniard was teetering on the brink of making it to the final round, but missed an important ball in the 14th rack—the green ball no. 6 on the corner—that enabled the pride of Davao City to regain his composure.
Corteza then cleaned up the table then ran out racks 15th and 16th to wrap up the match.
Like Corteza, Immonen got his second wind down the stretch to turn back Antonio Lining of the Philippines, 9-7, to secure the first finals seat.
