Rodney Morris is getting the hang of straight pool
(photos by Charles Eames)
New Brunswick, New Jersey- Rodney Morris the greatest Hawaiian 14.1 player ever in history?? Pool historians may need to start researching about that since Morris is making a statement at The World Tournament of 14.1. Morris is one of only 4 players to go undefeated in 7 straight matches in the round robin and win their groups. The event's first stage is now concluded and goes into the single elimination race to 200 with half the field eliminated.
Morris had notable wins over New York 14.1 local legend Danny Barouty and played a near flawless match on the TV table against Brandon Shuff. He defeated Shuff 100-19 in 2 innings.
"I'm starting to like this game", started Morris. " I just kept telling myself throughout my matches that if Charlie Williams could do it, it must be easy! (laughs)
Schmidt will have to pull his pants up and get ready for war against Immonen tomorrow
Two players tomorrow who didn't have a perfect record are USA hopeful John Schmidt and Finland's Mika Immonen. Just days ago Immonen picked Schmidt as America's best chance to win the World Tournament. Now only one of these two 14.1 giants will make it past the match. It's a mega marquee match that will be streamed on www.insidepoolmag.com at 10:00am EST.
Other notable matches include defending 14.1 champion Oliver Ortmann versus Japan national champion Kunihiko Takahashi and the 12:00pm live stream match between Ray Martin vs Max Eberle.
Checkout www.worldstraightpool.com for full group results and other 14.1 news from the event
The 2011 World Tournament is proudly co-sponsored by Predator Cues, Olhausen Tables, Amsterdam Billiards, Andy Cloth, Aramith Balls, Kamui, Pool & Billiard Magazine, Sandcastle Billiards and straight pool aficionados Bill Austin of UT, Dr.Louis Pannullo, Ralph Rubin of MD. Co-contributors Dennis Walsh, Dr.James Heller, Charles Eames, Mark Snodgrass, and Bill Marapolous. For more information on player registration, sponsorship, or if you would like to submit a comment, please email worldstraightpoolchampionships@gmail.com or contact Dragon Promotions at 1-407-782-4978.
For the sixth straight year, Dragon Promotions will produce the 71st Annual World Tournament of Straight Pool August 28- September 2 . In partnership with the support of Dr.Michael Fedak, this year's event will have the biggest payout in straight pool history with $20,000 going to the champion. The event is $35,000 added , boasting a total $70,000 in the prize fund. Predator Cues will also be sponsoring the event for the sixth straight year at the luxurious Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick, NJ. Once again the greatest straight pool players from around the world will arrive on USA's east coast again to attend this prestigious event. Their common goal will be to play for the coveted World Tournament of 14.1 title and be recognized as the #1 Straight Pool Player on Earth. The World Tournament is the oldest tournament in history that still exists today. Invented by Jerome Keough and shortly after recognized as the official game of billiards. The first World 14.1 Tournament was held in 1911 and won by Alfredo DeOro. In its history due to war and economics, the World Championships had 29 tournaments that did not take place including a 15 year gap between 1990-2005 until Dragon Promotions revived the game and the World Tournament in 2006.
