World’s best face off

Former world champion Mika Immonen of Finland is brimming with confidence as he tries to annex the title of the four-day nine-ball billiards championship among the best pool pros from the Philippines, Europe and the United States beginning today at the ‘Sillion’ Hall of the Robinson’s Galleria.

The event, dubbed "On Cue II on Studio 23" will start at 2 p.m. and offer $38,000 (approximately P2.11 million) with the winner receiving $20,000.

"I have won here before, I can win again," said Immonen, referring to his victories against European champion Ralf Souquet of Germany in the final of "On Cue I" this year and against Francisco "Django" Bustamante in the L.G. Flatron championship last year.

Skeptics, however, say Immonen’s prediction is easier said than done as he has to contend with the best pool pros of the world in the tournament jointly promoted by Puyat Sports and ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. which will televise the matches.

For instance there is reigning world champion Thorsten Hohmann of Germany who e-mailed a note he was coming with his Filipino aunt.

The top-heavy card also includes Earl Strickland and veteran Johnny Archer of the United States and the Philippines’ Efren "Bata" Reyes, Fracisco "Django" Bustamante, Canada-based Alex Pagulayan and Venancio Tanio.

Englishwoman Michaela Tabb has been brought in by the promoters to referee main events of the tournaments.

ABS-CBN has put up the cash prizes. Aside from the winner’s $20,000, a purse of $10,000 will go to the runner-up, $5,000 to the third placer and $3,000 to the fourth placer.