Queens, New York- Europe's dominance of straight pool has ended. John Schmidt of Hesperia, California put USA back on top again in the 100th anniversary tournament of the game. A fitting end for the oldest pool tournament in the world. To do so, Schmidt had to defeat a field of international superstars whom most put well ahead of Schmidt as favorites. Undeterred by critics, Schmidt proved to the world America still has game.
The 2012 Predator World Tournament took place July 29th - August 3rd in New York City. The event was produced by Dragon Promotions & Dr.Michael Fedak.
Some major roadblocks en route to his victory included facing France's Stephan Cohen the 2009 World 14.1 winner; Ralph Eckert of Germany, a former European Champion; and Germany's Thorsten Hohmann, the reigning World Tournament of 14.1 Champion who was Gold in 2006 and 2011. In the finale, Filipino master Efren Reyes waited in the wings. Reyes is a multiple World Champion in 9-Ball, 8-Ball, and One Pocket.
"John has done more than any other American player the past few years in drawing attention to the game. With his videos and 14.1 records in his high run competitions . Of the Americans, he has the most passion for straight pool. On being the world 14.1 champion, all I can say is, welcome to the club," grinned Hohmann. Thorsten could console himself with the overall high run of the event, 141, coincidentally the digits of straight pool.
The final day, Schmidt faced another German in Ralph Eckert, who the day before defeated USA Champion Johnny Archer. Schmidt came on fire running 98 balls in the first half of the match. Eckert mounted a short comeback, but John was too much to handle as he flew around the table running racks in minutes.
Meanwhile, in the other bracket, Efren Reyes was terrorizing his opponents with his pinpoint cueball control and defense. The Filipino star went undefeated in 9 consecutive matches and pocketing 1250 balls to reach the finals.
USA vs Philippines. For the first time in nearly a decade, no European in the finals. "We really couldn't ask for much more in terms of a huge match-up. An American versus the greatest player of all time. It's a fabulous combo", said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.
The finals was spectacular. Schmidt came out guns blazing with a lightning fast 107 ball run in 36 minutes. Then unbelievably, Reyes came back with a 112 ball run. Something extremely rare in 14.1 to have two century runs in the same match, let alone the finals. Schmidt came back with a short 20 ball run, and Reyes returned to finish the job. The match had gone back and forth with both players taking over the lead at different points in the 3 hour match. With Efren at the table needing 31 balls, Schmidt would hope for one more chance. And he got it. Efren missed letting Schmidt back needing 37 balls. Schmidt came with a tough off angle combination shot into a pocket partially covered. He slow rolled it in.
Needing 9 balls only, Schmidt faced the biggest breakshot of his life.
Schmidt fired the final break shot with authority and upon success of it, he slammed the table rail with his hand in partial relief and celebration. He had exercised his demons and overcome the pressure.
As he made the final ball, Schmidt let out a yell and fist bump as the emotions could no longer be contained. He came over to event promoter Charlie Williams and gave him a big hug as he picked him up off the ground in joy.
In the closing ceremony speech, Efren commented ,"I really thought I was going to win when I ran the 112 balls. I needed some luck. But John played too good! "
John Schmidt's name will be inscribed on the World 14.1 Trophy as the 72nd winner alongside names such as Hohmann, Mizerak, Mosconi, Martin, Greenleaf, Ortmann and the past legends of the game.
The USA has finally gotten to shine back in the limelight of billiards.
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