An American Will Make the Finals: Ortmann Ousted by Williams

New Brunswick, New Jersey-  The USA will make the finals of the World Tournament of 14.1. Guaranteed. For the first time in over twenty years, an American will have a shot at the title that has been dominated by Europeans in modern times. And on the other side of the coin, a foreign player will also be guaranteed in the finals. Philippines, Germany, and the USA.
 
Johnny Archer came back on Mika Immonen to keep the Finn at a 9th place finish. Archer won the match 200-156. Steve Lipsky earlier defeated former World 14.1 winner Stephan Cohen of France and then defeated fellow New Yorker Tony Robles 200-110.
 
The big story of the day was the elimination of defending World Champion Oliver Ortmann. Ortmann has been the most decorated 14.1 player in the new millenium and the favorite to win this year. He eliminated Japanese champ Kunihiko Takahashi with a 120 ball run. But against Williams he could not get any runs going. Williams didn't play spectacular, but played steady. In the end, Williams capitalized on Ortmann's final mistake and won 200-151.  Williams also handed Ortmann his only loss last year in the double elimination stage, but Ortmann still won the event.
 
"I had mixed emotions before the match. The promoter part of me wants Oliver to advance because the fans want to watch him. Including me!" explained Williams. "But I'm also a professional and have to do my very best."
 
Max Eberle eliminated Ray Martin in a one sided affair. But Martin got a round of applause as fans said goodbye to their former World Champion in perhaps his final 14.1 event.
 
Alex Pagulayan and Rodney Morris played a lackluster quarter finals as both players suffered from fatigue. They had both pocketed 400 balls that day. After many innings, Alex closed the door and won to advance to the semi-finals. This is the third time a Filipino has made it this far. Orcullo and Bustamante also made it to the final four before.
 
Thorsten Hohmann seemed to be the only players not worn out. He defeated Danny Mastermaker including a 134 ball high run. Then he defeated Dennis Hatch. And next he ran another 127 balls on Lipsky, before finally winning to advance to the semi-finals against Pagulayan tomorrow.
 
Mike Davis got passed Earl Herring (who eliminated Hopkins) by  a big leap score. Then he defeated Mike Sigel by a 100 point margin.
 
One quarter final match remains with Archer vs Williams. The winner will play Davis which assures USA a finals berth !(finally)

Photo by Charles Eames.

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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.