New Brunswick, New Jersey - Jose Parica, Oliver Ortmann, Alex Pagulayan, Niels Feijen, Kunihiko Takahashi, Stephan Cohen. Asia and Europe will be well represented by some of the their top talents on the stage of the biggest straight pool tournament in the world. The World Tournament of 14.1 by Dragon Promotions & Dr.Michael Fedak takes place on August 28- September 2, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The most recognised and artistic 14.1 masters alive will air online with Mika Immonen, Johnny Archer, Thorsten Hohmann, Allen Hopkins, and Ray "Cool Cat" Martin taking it to the felt.
Several new comers will experience their first World Tournament of 14.1 include the Asian talent of Jose Parica, Alex Pagulayan, and Kunihiko Takahashi. Parica's last World 14.1 was in 1977 and 1978 where he had top 10 finishes. Takahashi, famed for his 1998 World 9-Ball Championship win, is the current reigning national Japan 14.1 Champion. Of the three, Pagulayan is the only one lacking in major straight pool experience.
Takahashi & Pagulayan
"I really don't know what to expect of myself. I can't give any predictions. Seriously! But all I know is that I'm very excited because it's my first big straight pool tournament!", answered Pagulayan when asked how he thought he would do in the event.
"In 1979 I won the International 14.1 Championship in Japan and beat Takeshi Okumura in the finals (Okumura was a formwer World 9Ball Champion). I also won three 14.1 events in Cali ", said Jose when asked about his 14.1 backround.
"I think its great Jose is playing. All the filipinos have always played well. Me and Jose tangled with each other in nineball and one pocket back in the day, but I never played him straight pool. I dont know much about his 14.1 skills, but im going to assume they are good", said Ray Martin.
Jose Parica and Ray Martin will both be in the same group so this one will be once in a lifetime chance to see these two legends play!
On the other hand, everyone knows what to expect from perhaps the world's greatest 14.1 player, Oliver Ortmann. The German World Champion has won this event two times in four years. And while he will hands down be the overall first pick, it's going to be closely followed by fellow World Champions Niels Feijen (Netherlands), Stephan Cohen (France), and the other German terror, Thorsten Hohmann. Cohen has been practicing hard for the event. He just ran a career 431 in France. And don't forget the runner-up in the last two World Tournaments, Mika Immonen of Finland.
"Well, I just took a nice long vacation away from pool. It was really nice to get back to my base in life. So now I feel hungry and upto the challenge. In fact, it's the ten year anniversary of when I won the World 9-Ball Championship. I took a long vacation right before that event ,too. So this could be the one...", said Mika Immonen about his preparation for the event.
For more exclusive interviews with the top pros in the event goto www.WorldStraightPool.com . The site has the full list of players, schedule, and stories on the event.
Fans are encouraged to watch the event live in this never to be forgotten straight pool experience. But if you cannot, don't fret as Inside Pool will have extensive coverage with brackets, updated match scores, and LIVE STREAMING ! Starting August 30th fans can view marquee matches online at http://www.insidepoolmag.com/live-streaming-billiards
For the sixth straight year, Dragon Promotions will produce the 71st Annual World Tournament of Straight Pool . 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.
Week passes to the World Tournament include one banquet ticket. Get the event special 40% discounted room at the Hyatt Regency by calling 732-873-1234 ask for "US Pool Players" Group and receive the tournament rate of $105 per night. Online purchases for the dinner and also tickets can be purchased at www.DragonPromotions.com .
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.
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