Canadian Hopefuls Gearing up for World Championships

Jun 13, 2014

On June 21 stage 2 of the World 9 Ball Championships will begin at the Al Saad Sports Club in Doha, Qatar. Canada will be represented this year by our current Canadian Champions John Morra (8ball), Jason Klatt (9ball) and Erik Hjorleifson (10ball), as well as Mario Morra.
John Morra
John "Mr. Smooth" Morra has already proven to be in top form, with a successful final 16 finish at the recent China Open. Because of it's large prize pool and red carpet treatment of the players, the China Open has become a prestigious event that everyone would like to have on their resume. With its qualifiers and group stages, which lead to a final 32 single elimination knock out format, it is also one of the most difficult tournaments in the world to win.
Morra, who impressively worked his way into the final 32, met up with one of the top players in Asia, Ko Pin Yi. Not phased by playing one of the tournament favourites, Morra was solid and went on to win 11-7. His next match was an 11-8 loss to Jeffery Ignacio, who played his way into the final where he lost to Chang Yu Lung.
Jason Klatt
Klatt also made the trip to China where unfortunately he was not as successful. However after the completion of the China Open Klatt traveled to "Huslters," a pool room in Bangkok, Thailand. There he met up with Shane Van Boening, Corey Duel and Darren Appleton who were all invited to take part in a series of challenge matches against some local talent. Klatt teamed up with Appleton to play a $1000 scotch doubles match which they easily won.
Erik Hjorleifson
Hjorleifson has stayed in the G.T.A (Greater Toronto Area) to finish up the 404 K tour and to continue on with his instructional clinics. He plans to practice as much as possible these next few days before he and Mario Morra head to Doha to meet up with Klatt and John Morra. Make sure to stay tuned during the entire World Championships as Hjorleifson will be sending updates the entire time.
To see the match between Ko Pin Yi and Mr. Smooth click HERE