USA vs Finland: Strickland vs Immonen for World 14.1 Title
Sep 11, 2016
Report courtesy of Phil Capelle.
76th World 14.1 September 5-11, 2016 New York City, Steinway Billiards.
Photos by EDionisio.com
New York City- The last two men standing at the end of 6 days of 14.1 playing are Finland's Mika Immonen and USA's Earl Strickland. Both have had rocky, challenging journeys to the finals at the AndyClothUSA.com World Tournament of 14.1. Both men have a unquenchable thirst to see their name etched in history as World 14.1 Champion.
Strickland played amazing to defeat John Schmidt 200-18 and led at the start of his semi-finals with Shaw. Shaw came back to take the lead in the later stage, but scratched on a run and needing only 13 balls. Earl came back from behind to win the match despite a controversial shot where Earl played an obvious shot but mistakingly called the wrong number in the final rack in his 200-187 victory. Strickland at 55 years old may become one of the oldest players to ever win the World 14.1. He also impressively holds the event high run of 135
Immonen makes his 3rd World 14.1 finals and this time looks to finish the job and get his first World 14.1 winIn a smoother match, it was Mika Immonen defeating Lo Li Wen of Taiwan 200-114 in a stamina battle. Lo looked fatigued with his earlier battle with Thorsten Hohmann, while Mika seemed on point making much fewer errors than his match the day before.
"This title is very important to have. And having Pete Margo commentating the finals is a huge honor. Third time's a charm!" said Immonen.
Scotland's Jayson Shaw defeated former World 14.1 champ Darren Appleton and then narrowly lost in the semi-finals in a match that will be talked about for years to come.
"Straight pool is the greatest game in the world. I hae a tremendous amount of respect for the players who have won this title because this game demands so much of you", said Strickland.
Two World 9-Ball champions that crave the title of World 14.1 champion today. Don't miss it.
The finals will be live streamed at 1:00pm EST today 9/11 . Goto WorldStraightPool.com and click Day 7.
$15 and will be a race to 300 points.
The AZBTV livestream TV table will be on Rasson Billiards uniquely designed Victory Table premiering in New York City for the first time. Event elite partners include Mr.Tom Gleich, Dr. Gregory Diehl, Mr. Greg Hunt of Amsterdam Billiards, and Mr. Harold Siegel of Excelsior Graphics. The World Tournament Official Equipment will feature all matches played on Andy Cloth with Aramith Balls. Patron sponsors include Dr. James Heller, Walsh & Townsend Attorneys, Maropulos Motors, Charles Eames Photography, North County Restorations Pool Mechanics, Frank's Billard Cafe, and Eli Ceballos of Cryfoto Photography.
PAY PER VIEW on sale NOW** Goto WorldStraightPool.com *Day 7 Don't miss any historic moments! Streamed by AZBtv.