Cover shot

I can't be too bashful now can I? 

Get your hard copy or just read the full story at www.billiardsdigest.com

Best Regards, 

Mika Immonen 

   

   "ICEMAN"

Hall of Fame 2014

3x World Champion 

Two Time "Player Of The Year"

Back To Back US OPEN 9 Ball Champion

Mosconi Cup "MVP"

Billiards Digest- "Player of the Decade" 

www.mikaimmonen.com

www.mezzusa.com

www.miki-mezz.com

FYI

Ok so it's been a while. I know. Too long. I guess you can call it a sabbatical or perhaps I could flatter myself and call it a "writers block" 

Really, I was just waiting for a real nice opportunity to share some delicious good news. 

Some of you may already know this but anyway, I had to do the blog splash so here we go: 

I have been inducted to the HALL OF FAME. To me it's an incredible honor. Something I dreamed of. I've seen a lot of people get inducted including: Buddy Hall, Earl Strickland, Ewa Mataya, Allison Fisher, Allen Hopkins, Ralf Souquet, Johnny Archer etc etc. 

I had aspirations, dreams, goals, deadlines, falls, victories that had to be crossed en route. It has indeed been an incredible journey. 

Actually, when I first found out, I was really beside myself. I got the goosebumps. I even had to sit down and let it sink in. What an honor. 

Anyway, I have quite a few people to thank. The list goes so deep it would totally occupy the rest if the day. I'll get into that some other time.  

For now I just have to thank my friends and family, my sponsors, my fellow competitors and last but not least, my fans. Every component has shaped me to be the person I am today and I wouldn't trade a minute. 

I would also like to congratulate Jose Parica for getting inducted from the veterans vote. His contribution to the sport has been unquestionable. The man still plays a mean game. 

The official induction ceremony and dinner will be held in conjunction with the USOpen, October 17th. 

Best Regards, 

Mika Immonen 

   

   "ICEMAN"

Hall of Fame inductee 2014

3x World Champion 

Two Time "Player Of The Year"

Back To Back US OPEN 9 Ball Champion

Mosconi Cup "MVP"

Billiards Digest- "Player of the Decade" 

www.mikaimmonen.com

www.mezzusa.com

www.miki-mezz.com

Marathon Moments

Running buddies 2xPeter & me. Couldn't have done it without you guys. Thanks for the good times 

Mom. She was integral part of preparation and inspiration. I dedicated my marathon for her. Love you mom. 

My landlady Pat. So proud of us. Love you too.

One more look from ferry heading to Staten Island. Manhattan diminishing in background. 

Best Regards, 

Mika Immonen 

   

   "ICEMAN"

3x World Champion 

Two Time "Player Of The Year"

Back To Back US OPEN 9 Ball Champion

Mosconi Cup "MVP"

Billiards Digest- "Player of the Decade" 

www.mikaimmonen.com

www.mezzusa.com

Marathon pics

Verrazano bridge...

Manhattan sooooo far away...

Queens about 12 miles done....

I can clearly now....

Best Regards, 

Mika Immonen 

   

   "ICEMAN"

3x World Champion 

Two Time "Player Of The Year"

Back To Back US OPEN 9 Ball Champion

Mosconi Cup "MVP"

Billiards Digest- "Player of the Decade" 

www.mikaimmonen.com

www.mezzusa.com

Added pictures post marathon.

It pays dividends...

Best Regards, 

Mika Immonen 

   

   "ICEMAN"

3x World Champion 

Two Time "Player Of The Year"

Back To Back US OPEN 9 Ball Champion

Mosconi Cup "MVP"

Billiards Digest- "Player of the Decade" 

www.mikaimmonen.com

www.mezzusa.com

Marathon notes...

Marathon notes...

It is Sunday, 3rd if November. We have the pleasure of enjoying a homemade bowl of oatmeal prepared by my mom. It's topped with some fresh berries infused with honey. As it's already 7am I decide agains taking Subway and tell the guys (Peter Nielsen and Peter Taub) that we are going to take a cab to South Ferry terminal. Keep it simple. From 30th street and 1st Ave it's easy to go down FDR and reach the south tip of manhattan. In spite of the manic feeling that something could go wrong: Done.

We get there well in time to stock with some water and Gatorade. Big herds of people just cramming their self against each other as they huddle on the boat.

The ferry takes off at 7.50....It's a chilly Marathon morning as we are watching Manhattan disappear behind us. We approach Staten Island on the ferry. We are getting one step closer to a mountain of a work-out spread along the 5 boroughs of the great City of New York. The tension on the ferry is palpable but there is also a feeling of unity, we are literally all "in the same boat". Everybody seems to have a slightly different way of getting in the zone but for sure it's an excited rather the nervous tension. I'm sure some of us, including myself are asking ourselves "what exactly did you get yourself into?" I brush the thoughts aside and focus on positives and preparations like hydration for instance. Oh, and the toilet breaks. After all, gotta make sure there is no need for 'number two' on the run. 

We disembark on Staten Island and are taken aback by the chilly winds it welcomes us with. My friend Peter Taub is clearly underdressed and hiding from the wind behind the crowds as we make our way to the next form of transportation. The busses. They will take us to the last security checks near Verrazano Bridge. They pack the busses so full we are left with the standing positions on the isle. There is a big pack of Argentinian runners that are sitting on both sides of the isles. They are prepared, wearing big white overalls and nutrition belts etc. luckily the bus ride is not long...we get off to get screened by NYPD. 

We then whisk ourselves towards starting corrals and and once again line up for toilets to make sure... We then do the final fist pumps and head towards our individual starting waves. 

I'm in the Green Wave number 2. Slated to start at 10.05 am 

I made it just in time to the corrall. It was within a chicken wire fence that was prepared for our batch. I start doing some warm-ups and final stretches. We are about 15 min away... It's still a bit nippy and windy. In anticipation for the bridge I make sure I'm warmed up. I had prepared with a hoodie and windbreaker pants that are shortly to be thrown into the piles of other clothing to be recycled. I put on my arm sleeves and write my name on them with a marker I found on the ground. We hear the first bang. It's the official start. Our group is next. Everyone starts cheering at people up on the bridge and they cheer back. 

Our turn, the starting area is cleared for our wave. Bang! The gun goes off againI hear the voice of Frank Sinatra, they are playing "New York, New York! " Everyone is singing along.... One of the things remains from the song as a message "If you can make it here you make make it anywhere" 

I step over the starting line and enable timekeeping for my gps enabled heart-rate monitor/stopwatch. It's on!

The atmosphere on the bridge is crowded but steady. It's so strange to run on the Verrazano bridge and look at Manhattan in the distance... I snap a picture, one the few I took along the way. 

I noticed the pace guy named David who is carrying the 4.00 hour sign. I catch up to the pack following this guy as if he had the answer to our absolution. He has created a steady following. For now, he is the alpha male. 

We get off the bridge and approach the first cheering neighborhoods of Brooklyn. More music follows us en route and it's all very uplifting. My feet feel light and it's getting sunny the windy chills from Verrrazano bridge are a distant memory

The first water break is at 3 miles but I decide I'm still good. 

 

We are now about 5+ miles into the race and I think to myself "just four more of these" ...does it work?

"-Forget it, I'll make it work", I tell myself. 

I also literally feel about the best I've felt in a while. I guess my training and preparation wasn't that bad after all. I did a 18 mile run around Manhattan two weeks ago and tapered off since. Good, I think. I stay with "Dave" the 4hour pace guy. We hurry along more BK and I feel great. The pace is fast but manageable. Around 8 miles I start swinging by the water stations for replenishments. About 10 miles in it I am actually surprised how good I feel. The crowds on the streets and the adrenaline has done a favorable job for this sensation. I warn myself to just stick to the game plan. I vision the 4hour sign aka "Balloon" as my umbilical cord and there is no way I was letting the cord snap until I was due. I was the mother and a child as the RUNNER within myself. I was in charge. I was responsible. 

We reach the half way mark around the area on a bridge where Brooklyn turns into Queens. Dave and the pack are on pace. Dave yells: is everyone ok? We nod and grunt and some say yes or just scream wooooo to acknowledge. 

We hurry along LIC and get closer to another famous obstacle: The Queensboro Bridge. I get excited. I've crossed it numerous times by car or bike but not running. Yet. I'm good on hills anyway. All the stair training and hills... I don't let it intimidate me. I just look forward to the coasting as we would soon reach the tipping point to down towards Manhattan and it's millions of people cheering for us. I think we pass 16mile mark on bridge near exit to streets... Turn to 59th street then shortly make a left to 1st Ave. the long climb towards Bronx starts. At 18miles we are handed a special Gatorade Endurance Formula. It's pretty sweet I don't have the time to look what flavor it was. I trust the technology and research behind it and pray that it doesn't upset my tummy. I down it. Someone next to me says -"yuck!" 

 We take Willis Ave Bridge into Bronx. We approach the critical 20-mile mark which is famous for people hitting "The Wall" all the hard training and discipline culminates to this moment. 

I'm with Dave, steadily. I speed up to the water-stop on the way and fill my little Poland Spring bottle. It enables me to take little sips of water at a time. At the Gatorade stops I just open my mouth wide and try to take as much as I can and then slowly swallow it. 

The volunteers pass us small pieces of bananas which are also very welcome.

I am silently praying for us to get back into Manhattan soon. 

I run along, my knees are a little tender but nothing too alarming. My Asics shoes have done a great job with shock absorption on the way. My energy is good, my body temperature is close to ideal considering. I've managed to keep my heart rate between 146 and 162 the while race depending on hill or flat. I'm fully aware now that I think I can reach my goal which is the sub-4hour and possible break my PR 3'59'13 from 15 years ago on Dublin Marathon. But I stay humble. And with Dave in sight.

We finally cross back into Manhattan I think around 21miles or 22. The music for the loudspeakers play James Brown "I feel good" and I am filled with positive emotions and feel the goosebumps on my skin. It comforts me...

We then hit 5th Ave for the final long straight and approach Central Park. The dream is within grasp. The child within me is about to be re-awaken. We reach the park. Coming from uptown it'll be more downhill now which is nice. 

I check myself for energy and think: "It's time to say goodbye to Dave" I thank him for his services and pick up the pace...

The last three miles I must have passed a 1000 people. I was booking it. Still had juice but it was close enough I didn't feel threatened to just give it some extra push... The sensation of being close to finish line overwhelmed the pain.

I get out of the park at 59th street and run along it. I hear someone saying -"that guy is in the zone!"   I grin internally and feel like the eyes to my soul are smiling. I'm flying. 

26miles, Two hundred yards to go... I am raising my hands in the air.  As I approach the finish line I'm Screaming "under 4 baby! Yeah!"

Within the finish line it hits me. I bend over and grab my knees from collapsing. I'm huddled over and I feel the stream of tears running down my face. More so up my face cos I'm bent over. My whole8 body shakes in joy and tears. I get up and put my hands in the air one more time. 

I'm over the moon...

3'56 ... nuff said.

-ICEMAN-

Best Regards, 

Mika Immonen 

   

   "ICEMAN"

3x World Champion 

Two Time "Player Of The Year"

Back To Back US OPEN 9 Ball Champion

Mosconi Cup "MVP"

Billiards Digest- "Player of the Decade" 

www.mikaimmonen.com

www.mezzusa.com

The thought process

It is a thin line between playing great and just playing good. I think there is an irony in the feeling. The thing is, when I feel like I'm playing my best I focus on really respecting every moment at the table. 

Usually the pitfall of "great" into just "good" is when you get overconfident. Watch out. All of a sudden you might take an easy shot for granted. We all know how that feels. 

So instead, really focus on visualizing everything beforehand, go through the step by step pre-shot routine and aim. Really get your stroke going. Nice long strokes. Feel your breath. Experience a flash of the positive affirmation that "this is it". Pull trigger. 

Process should be the same on every shot.  There is no rush. Time loses it's significance. You are in the zone. --Don't ever get too comfortable. Kind of like a suspension rope walk. No matter how good you did, one wrong step could lead to disaster. In pool that would be called unforced error. 

Respect all, fear none. That goes for shots too. Just love the challenge it presents. 

So go forth, enjoy... But hold those reigns tight. always. Don't let yourself run empty until the last shot.  

Remember...Courage is not the absence of fear...It is the conquest of it. 

-ICEMAN

www.mikaimmonen.com

I'm back!

Did someone say Ultimate 10-ball champion? ... Its gotta nice ring to it, I have to admit.

My dear friend Al Green said: "Success is getting what you go after. Happiness is loving what you got." So what does that mean? My take on it: Aspire, yet be content. 

Well, I'm happy with what I got now. It just takes a little while to sink in. But I'm enjoying the process. I have to say that one of the most gratifying things is when your peers say "ICEMAN is back!"

It didn't come easy. I had a dry spell for a while. I did a lot of work to get back. A lot of pieces have to fall into place. I'm not talking just playing pool. I'm mostly talking about lifestyle. 

For example, I recently signed up for NYC marathon which takes place in November. It is something I procrastinated for a while. But as soon as I signed up, I felt a sense of peace from within.   Commitment. Perseverance. That's what it is going to boil down to. And that's life as it should be. Never settling. Taking the necessary steps to get there. Optimizing your condition. It takes a strong mind to win a tournament, but it's easier to achieve if you have a strong physique. (Duh)

Nuff said, I'll just blog stories as they come up. I'm just gonna go enjoy now the awesomeness of this feeling. 

Until next one sinks in....

"ICEMAN"

www.mikaimmonen.com

Backstroke and follow-through

I just realized how far back I pull my cue on power-strokes. Cool. Then the follow-through. You get an idea how much distance the shaft travels for big stroke. Photos were taken at recent event courtesy of Allison Fischer for nycgrind.com

New Age- still on track

I had probably a record-long break from blogging. In the meantime, I turned 40... Big number. But it is just a number isn't it? I believe aging is all relative. I think I was trying to feel what it was but I failed. I still think I'm around my mid-thirties. At least I think my metabolism is still good. Hehehe. Oh well.

You know, Its funny I've been hibernating for a couple months and then some folks think I retired. Well, on the contrary.
I've just done a bit of spring cleaning. Got rid of some clothes that I haven't used in a couple years, organized my flat to make it more functional with less clutter. (With a little help ;-) )
Hey, I even went to the handyman mode and grabbed the drill. That's right. Cos I'm into it.

Ok. Professionally speaking... I've grown a keen appreciation for teaching. Observing others and guiding them has actually been a way of solidifying my own game. I just have to analyze everything from grass-root level..

So part of Spring cleaning is getting a grip of the winning attitude. Getting rid of negative thoughts and excuses. I'm back at the gym too. Working the holiday fat off. Lol (had to add)

So, just like the pre-shot routine in pool, you need a solid foundation before you can excel.

So here are a few things that can help you win:

Make the shots you dread your favorites ever. (By this you ideally have to really work on the weaknesses of your game...tricking your subconscious mind can only get you so far although sometimes it can work.) therefore :

Attack every challenge with eagerness and curiosity. Feel that you are bound to succeed as long as you take the necessary steps to review and complete the task at hand.

Become "friends" with the conditions. Such as:

Table -banks, kicks, speed of the felt, rail speed (study it, own it)

Air quality (sudden rain, crowds building up etc)

Distractions ( sharking, construction, bad or just annoying music etc) - certain things you just have to accept. Most of them are out of our control.

One more thing that amazes me: a lot of people who want to learn fail to
give themselves a chance to watch professional pool. So go out there, study from the masters. Watch their routine, the follow-through, grip, stance... List goes on... If you can help it, at least play guys a tad better than yourself. Step by step, if you are hungry enough- you'll win.

PS. No more excuses, get your butt to the gym.


-ICEMAN-



Sent from my iPhone

Dark horses & World Champions

To Petri, my team mate, World Cup of Pool Co-Champion:

Thank you brother. A shared privilege is twice the privilege. I cannot even fathom what it means to you right now. I can only say that during my time of winning my first world title I could not really believe it for a week, maybe two. I literally woke up and yelled at the ceiling, World Champion! And then pinched myself to check I'm there.

Well, it's kinda happening all over again. This title is beginning to mean more to me than I would have imagined. I guess I had dreams of winning but it seemed a long shot still.

By the way: Keith, thanks for everything that week. From fixing the final look on the shirts, breakfasts, humoring us and actually showing up to watch and cheer for us- your input was priceless.

Petri, the week that you were here, all those hours we put in on the table. Your great attitude in which you never really questioned certain situations where you had to just trust my decision. And oh dear, your ability to perform when it mattered most. You sure pulled of some stunts. I was smiling inside but trying to play it cool.

Even that Friday, thank God we didn't have to play that day because I had food poisoning. (a secret I didn't want to let out before Saturday after we had take care or Reyes-Bustamante duo) yes, even that Friday you put in 7-8 hours at the table while I was bed-ridden. Only about 9pm I was "strong" enough to hold the cue. I just wanted to shoot a couple racks with you to reassure that Saturday I'll be back in form.

Even first match, we were down 0-4 against Korea. But we never lost faith. We had moments of agony of course. Yet stayed ON COURSE. Then went on to beat Three former WCOP-Champions and finally an Very-Much-In-Form Polish team. Hats of to them as well. Battle of the dark horses indeed.

I truly value this one just as I valued my first world championship.

Looking forward to more future battles...

Yours Sincerely,

Mika

Pool School

Private pool school:
Me and Charlie Williams -(top pro coach and captain of team USA) are this sat - sun at Trickshots Billiards Orlando in Waterford lakes. Beautiful Shanelle Loraine guest starring. Guaranteed to improve any players game by levels. Limited to 10 students and 5 spots open currently. In evening there will be free show 8pm and free entry tournaments! $100 cash prize and sponsor prizes. Special Sale on Predator cues! Text back or email propoolschool1@gmail.com

Transit times

I've landed in New York once more. The funny part about flying around the world is that soon you'll be off and running again. In my case at least. I did kick back for a couple of days before I set my course for Finland. Granted going to my home country never stressed me out. On the contrary. Specially in the summer time. I'm looking forward to the countryside with siblings, see old and new friends in Helsinki. Even squeeze in a little tournament up north before I head back to New York.- for the World 14.1 tourney in Queens.

I had a good month, I've been to Dubai, Qatar and Indonesia. Clocked in some decent results not great. But I feel like I'm knocking on the door for something bigger. Or better yet just getting ready to kick that door in.
The Indonesian "leg" offered a new challenge: Speed Pool. I didn't think I was going to like it as much as I did. It was a breath of fresh air for the sport. Not to replace anything but perhaps it is a very nice change of pace. Literally.


Other than that, I'm just focusing on being stress-free and happy. Living in the moment, at best.
I'll just add here some reflection I had not too long ago:

" Just relax and enjoy life. Don't think about the past or future. Now is what matters and that moment just passed. We all have a need to be right that's our thoughts (our ego) telling us what to do. Just learn to let go. You can't change the way anyone is but you can encourage them to free themselves from their thoughts and insecurities. One can only change oneself.

-Live by example, Love Unconditionally...

And stay in the present."


I originally wrote that piece to a friend that was going through a rough patch in their life. I then realized I could relate to it and why not most of us. So I posted it on Facebook. Sharing is caring, right?


Lastly, I do want to thank you all for your patience. I was kinda lost of words for a while but I'm back. Promise.


-ICEMAN-







Mika Immonen

2 X World Champion
2 X USOPEN Champion

www.mikaimmonen.com

Phone US: +1-917-4343324

I think, therefore I am.

"I entirely abandoned the study of letters. Resolving to seek no knowledge other than that of which could be found in myself or else in the great book of the world, I spent the rest of my youth traveling, visiting courts and armies, mixing with people of diverse temperaments and ranks, gathering various experiences, testing myself in the situations which fortune offered me, and at all times reflecting upon whatever came my way so as to derive some profit from it." - Descartes (Discourse of the method,1637)

It's amazing how much I can relate to those words. It is the hunger of knowledge and the aspiration to utilize it that drives me. Some of the things we learn can be sub-conscious. I wanna bring more of it to the conscious level. But it takes time. The time that I have done traveling, soul-searching and getting back in shape. Both physically and mentally. That is the obvious groundwork that one has to lay before the talent himself can reach it's full potential. It'll pay dividends soon. It's within reach, but I still want to emphasize that even when I'd think I had arrived, I probably didn't. Therefore, stay cautious and curious. And keep working.

I'd like to think of myself as an artist, scientist and a sportsman at the same time. Pool has all these elements and more. Descartes was a great philosopher and the craved for complete knowledge and answers. Things, whatever they were, had to be defined. He was another great man ahead of his time. I think there is a great deal we can learn from philosophy. I want to use this great example of his to be able to challenge myself more and more.

off we go, searching answers....

Mika Immonen

2 X World Champion
2 X USOPEN Champion

www.mikaimmonen.com

News flash: I won a tournament!

It's not really a laughing matter or maybe it is? It wasn't anything major but nevertheless, even the small victories count sometimes when you look back.

I think I can honestly say that some of my recent form is contributed to me starting to give some lessons again. It's ironic that I was kinda forced to do it in the lack of recent success. I It has simply made me re-evaluate my own form or at least just subconsciously go through the correct pre-shot, the shot itself and post-shot routine. awareness is a good thing. When it comes to analyzing a situation, there is no way we could give ourselves too much information about the shot. The brain does have an amazing capacity to process information. I think the post-shot routine, for example, is often overlooked. This is a really bad mistake.

Also, demanding the very best of yourself is important. I don't mean to say you wouldn't try your best at all times, it's just that a lot of players think they a play position into an area. Wrong. You must pinpoint your position exactly. Like a needle, if you will. This allows for so many things. I will get into that later, but first pre-shot:

You look at the situation: The questions you ask yourself: What is the right shot? What is the easiest most effortless way I can play position? (Best yet, can I play it with center of the vertical line of the cue ball?-this being always the most accurate way of delivering the shot). Visualize the different outcomes. Sometimes you do have to take a tougher shot to earn an overall easier run-out. Then it would have to be the right shot. Once decided, visualize again and PINPOINT(PP) your position(including where the the cue ball bounces of the rail(s), if any.). Of course at this point some of you may be thinking " I can't do that???". Well, It's normal. but if you don't do it, you have a very cloudy perception of the aftermath.

Benefits of PP when doing the post-shot routine:
1. How was my speed? 2.How well did I analyze the speed of the rails? 3. Did I make the ball in the center of the pocket? -because if not, it will result in a different position than intended, assuming that we generally aim for the center of the pocket A.K.A "the heart of the pocket". 4. How well am I adapting to the friction of the cloth?

The difference between good players and great players sometimes simply the ability to quickly read the table and adapt to the situation. But doing these routines will get you towards greatness quicker than the other way. Regardless of what goals you set for yourself.

It's important to understand: The cue ball does not lie. Use the information given. PP.

Quick addition: Cue ball doesn't lie=Cue ball will give you very accurate information about everything that happened. Read the cue ball feedback! Be the cue ball!


By the way, wish me luck at the ALL JAPAN CHAMPIONSHIPS!


From Osaka sincerely yours,


-ICEMAN-

Coming to life

It's been a while. Way too long, in fact. I guess you could say I got tired of giving excuses why I wasn't winning or what I needed to do in order to start winning again. On the other hand part of it was just venting out. I don't really ever plan what I am going to write, I just have to sit my butt down in front of the computer and start typing away. My thoughts can be a bit scattered at first and therefore I might have to swap the order of chapters but that's pretty much it. Just wing it, right?

Good news is that I feel like I am playing good again. But it wasn't easy to get back into it. It was a lot of anxious moments and in the end just pure sweat. By this I mean just getting back on the road and the treadmill. How silly of me. My original breakthrough was really a combination of physical & mental strength combined with lots of hours on the pool table as well. This time I ran every day for two weeks straight. Lost my spare tire in the process.

Ok, I didn't win. I lost to Orcollo in the finals of the Predator International in Manila 10-8. But I had him. 5-2, then a bad position resulting to a missed ball turned the tide and he was able to come back in the match. But I am still happy I put myself in the position to win. Normally I do play better in the finals, but let's say I haven't been in the finals in a while. Well, since March when I won the Masters 10-Ball in Virginia VS Ralf Souquet.

I also want to take this moment to thank my family and friends who always believed in me and continue to do so. Without the love from them life is meaningless anyway. That sounds a bit dramatic maybe but after dominating for two years a 5-month drought can be a little much. hehehe. 

Talk to you soon(er)


--
Mika Immonen
World Champion x 2
US.Open Champion x 2
+1 917 434 3324
+358 40 5882268

Brunswick ICEMAN Open

The tournament in question was held Jyväskylä- it's a small quaint town about three hours north of Helsinki by car.

I had been invited to go there by Joonas Ohtonen. A Finnish 9-ball champion in his own right and one of the partners of Players- Pool Hall.

Players features 8 Tournament Edition Brunswick Metro tables and a nice bar area. It's right downtown Jyväskylä.

I have to admit it was the first time I played in a tournament named after my nickname "ICEMAN". so it was an extra incentive to win.

The feature table had live streaming the entire tournament as well as one-on-one interviews from players between matches.

I managed to play up to par and racked up an impressive winning ratio. About 40 won racks to 10 racks scored against me.

My toughest match was the first match on Saturday it went hill-hill. Well, also the semi was tough because I had to play my twin brother Kari. Its not easy to form killer instinct against your "own blood". Other than that I thought I played a dominant game. The Finalist, Salomaa showed some nervousness in the beginning of the match and I retaliated mercilessly every time. Score 7-3 and trophy goes home.

Thanks to Players again for a great tournament I'll be sure to come back.

Thanks to all the fans as well.

( Olishan sen voinut ehkä suomeksikin kirjoittaa, mutta on liikaa kansainvälistä porukkaa jotka lukee tätä blogia. Jep jep. Palataan. )

Thank you = Kiitos

;-)

-ICEMAN-

Through the rubble of the struggle

- I have decided to share an image from which I will draw inpriration:


I know the slump will end sooner or later. I am dedicated to work hard at it. I really have to commit. I know is that I really have to go back to my foundation, my roots. The grassroot level of playing. Maybe even watch some old videos of myself running out. You know, like back to the times where there was no doubt.


I never thought of losing, but now that it' s happened, the only thing is to do it right. That's my obligation to all the people who believe in me. We all have to take defeats in life.
-Muhammad Ali

That was probably Ali's most humble moment. You cannot learn humility without actually losing. Then there is the other Ali: "If you even dream of beating me you'd better wake up and apologize."

As far as he thought, humble people never get very far in life. I personally think that you have to have certain amount of it to keep yourself in check, keep working at the different elements of the game. Same applies to any other sport or life in general.

But we all have our "Ali" moments, That's something we can reach for. I would be lying if I said I didn't want to be the greatest.

Reflections of the moment

Reflections.

I'm tired of losing. It stinks. While I'm at it, I might as well share my thoughts with you. Ok, so what? Nobody cares? Good. The change has to come from within yourself. Like sometimes you think you have to actually perform a circus act to turn the tide. I do feel that way...but when that does happen, don't let go. Just control it. If any of you ever saw he movie "The Hustler", you'll know what I'm talking about. No, it's not about hustling, it's about passion. Fast Eddie Felson, right? RIP Paul Newman. If you knew Goerge San Souci you might have an idea too. RIP "Ginky".

Hey, it's not like I am in a slump but basically, as one of my life mantras, I tend to go back to the grassroots and ask myself: "What got you here? When were you the most happiest?". -- Then stick with it. Whether it is your job, your friends, your unique skills. Don't ever take them for granted. Specially the loved ones closest to you.

Anything you love to do, you'll eventually make it. I love pool. Like the simplicity of billiards balls colliding into each other, trying to judge their speed thereafter and guessing where they all land. OK maybe it's not always simple, but I aim to learn something everyday. If it's not about pool, it's about my own actions and how they affect people around me. I aim to live a good life, yet- win without hindering other peoples chances to do the same.

Respect all, fear none.

Like I said, I'm just rambling, but some times you can look back to something and say: "Hey, that makes sense!"

Let's all commit to ourselves in being the best that we can be. Don't ever let go of the reins.


-ICEMAN-

Happy Easter

Oh, the Islands of the islands of Philippines. Read: sigh


I just back from a Beautiful one. Namely Bohol. (passed by Cebu too on the way which is great too) On Monday I had lunch on a river raft, then went to see the "Chocolate Hills". After that I saw the  tiny fist-size(small fist) Tarsier monkeys. Sooo cute. I then had a great dinner fresh seafood by the beach.

Tuesday I was at an organic food lunch at a beefarm. I just stuffed my face with edible flowers of which you have a sample above- Easter colors in your face, If you will?

I am back in Manila for the rest of the public holiday. The absence of the masses of people here is Eerie. Most Filipinos plan to go their provinces specially for the Holy Week. I, on the other hand, have to get back to the drawing board so I can crank out more money in the upcoming tournament and maintain this ridiculous lifestyle. Practice, practice. And...practice. I'm not sure if I am trying to convince you or myself? Hehehe



Yours truly,


-ICEMAN-