Queens, New York- Earl Strickland has become one of the last minute entrants into this year's Predator World Tournament of 14.1 ! An unexpected spot opened, and now the Pearl gets his chance. He will join an exciting new cast of players this year who are all competing in their very first World 14.1.
The 2012 Predator World Tournament takes place July 29th - August 3rd. The event is produced by Dragon Promotions & Dr.Michael Fedak and proudly co-sponsored by Championship Cloth, Olhausen Tables, Amsterdam Billiards, Aramith Balls, Pool & Billiard Magazine, Championship Tour Edition Chalk, and straight pool aficionados Dr.Louis Pannullo of NYC, Stu Mattana of NYC, Ralph Rubin of MD, and Tom Gleich of NC. Co-contributors Dr.James Heller, Drew Thomas, and Charles Eames.
"It's really exciting having Earl in the World Tournament. Just like any other fan attending, I'm enthralled to be able to watch Strickland play straight pool. I mean, Earl Strickland playing straight pool! It's pretty darn cool", said Charlie Williams, the visionary behind the revival of the World 14.1. Coincidentally, Williams will have an up close peek at Earl's 14.1 game as he faces him in the round robin stage on Day 2 at 6pm.
"I'm really ecstatic to watch Earl play in the World Tournament. He just recently moved to Queens and has a huge following here. He has always been one of my absolute favorites to watch. I grew up here watching and learning 14.1 from legendary Gene Nagy, and Earl has an exciting style like Gene", said Jerry Tarantola of www.NYCGrind.com. Tarantola is also participating in this annual competition.
Earl will be one more great bullet from the talented USA field this year. John Schmidt, Johnny Archer, Mike Davis, Charlie Williams, Max Eberle, Corey Deuel will also be top American names to watch. They will have their hands full with European heavy hitters Stephan Cohen (2009 World 14.1 Champion), Mika Immonen (2 time Silver Medal at World 14.1), Huidji See (Silver and Bronze World 14.1), World 9 & 10-Ball Champ Darren Appleton and reigning champion Thorsten Hohmann, 2006 and 2011 World Tournament Champion. And of course, don't discount Efren Reyes!
"I'm more prepared than ever for this tournament. I've been practicing daily and I feel my mind set is really good. I'm looking forward to playing the World Tournament more than ever before!", said John Schmidt. Schmidt is a 400+ ball runner twice, and considered by many as America's best 14.1 player. His best finish was 5th back in 2008.
Schmidt is the American fan favorite to make high runs and snap off the Big One! (Photo by Warren Kahle)
Collectors can purchase the main TV table where the finals and all streamed matches will be played on. The beautiful new Olhausen Grand Champion Pro II is valued at $6500 but will have an incredible $5000 price tag which includes souvenir Aramith Balls used in the event, Championship Tour Edition Cloth, and free installation! The table will also be signed by the champion along with an autographed poster of all the World Tournament players. For more information on buying the table, 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.
Full event info is now at www.Worldstraightpool.com and more info on www.dragonpromotions.com
The 2nd Annual Straight Pool Hall of Fame Dinner will be inducting Danny Diliberto and Jack Colavita. Fans can buy tickets in advance by going to http://worldstraightpool.com/tickets.html
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Reserve your tickets for the main events and the exhibitions at: caromcafe.qrickets.com
Pay per view streaming available (14.1 and 3c): www.worldstraightpool.com
