Niels Feijen Brings First World Championship Crown to Netherlands

The Predator World 14.1 Championship crown is retained by Europe once more, but not by Germany as many predicted. This time, Dutchman Niels Feijen fought for the crown against a field of 63 other players and emerged undefeated.

The day began with Feijen versus fellow countryman Nick Vandenberg. Nick was the highest seed and player with the best record which gave him the option to go first or second in the semi-finals. He chose first. The match went back and forth with neither player being able to take advantages of the mistakes of the other. The match would go on a shot clock and still it lasted nearly 4 hours before Feijen would win 200-157.

Ouschan and Bustamante was a more anticipated matchup with eyes on Jasmin being the first woman hopeful to make it to the finals of a major men's championship. Jasmin commanded a lead early on and at one time was winning 84-41 while Bustamante struggled with his game. At 122 to 81 in favor of Ouschan, Bustamante woke up and ran nearly a hundred balls to take the lead for the first time. Ouschan would soon succumb to the mighty Filipino 200-148.

"I'm happy with my results. Just two days ago I didn't think I was going to make it out of my group, so I wasn't even thinking about having this kind of finish," said Ouschan on her historic run at the World 14.1. Ouschan now holds the record for highest placing woman in a men's pro championship ever in pool's 130 year history of championship play. She also holds the top two high run records set by a woman with a 90 and 84.

The finals would be Philippines versus Netherlands. Feijen on paper seemed the obvious favorite with four European 14.1 titles to his name while Bustamante has had over 30 major titles, but none of them in straight pool. The paper favorite seemed to be right on the money. Bustmante erred early on and let Feijen take a forty ball lead, and then Bustamante missed in his first open shot, a seemingly easy ball. Later as Niels missed leading 80-0, and Bustamante took a break. "Niels is playing good, but don't worry I will come back and run 200," Bustamante said, smiling.

On his return, Bustamante had an easier shot and easier table but carelessly misjudged the shot and missed again. Niels then extended his lead to 189 balls before missing an easy shot. Bustamante made his first shot to the cheers and laughter of the audience and went on to make a great three-way combo. But soon after he missed another easy shot and conceded the match to Feijen 200-11, who then raised his hands in victory overjoyed with genuine emotion. Feijen had gone undefeated in 13 straight matches for the win and pocketed over 1600 balls.

In an emotional speech, Niels said, "I want to dedicate my win here to a good friend of mine who passed away, Joe Kerr." Feijen fought back tears as he continued. "Joe was my first contact in the US, and without knowing him I would not be a professional player today."

Feijen not only has won his first World Championship title, but also brought Netherlands their first pocket billiards World Championship. Feijen's name will be inscribed in the World 14.1 Championship cup alongside names such as De Oro, Greenleaf, Mosconi, Caras, Lassiter, Sigel, Mizerak, Hohmann among others.

Thorsten Hohmann won the High Run Award for the second time with his 150 & out against Ralf Souquet. He wins an additional $1000 from Dr. Louis Pannullo, the sponsor of the award.

The 2008 Predator World Straight Pool Championship is proudly sponsored by Dr.Michael Fedak of NYC, Joel Schapiro of NYC, The Predator Group, Diamond Billiard Products, Aramith Balls, and Simonis Cloth. 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. For more details on the World 14.1 Championship go to www.dragonpromotions.com