Big Day

Dear all,

I know you are probably expecting a picture with the trophies and all the hoopla from the 

York Hall right after the victory was secured, but I decided to start with something that

gives you an idea of our morning of the final day. This, like all the other mornings that week

was a casual gathering of a group of individuals with a lot of heart -- getting ready for battle. 

I am amazed yet again how Johan was able to bring us together in this precious event that

has become a career-must for any serious pool player. He is practical, sensible, a good listener.

But he also has strong conviction in the things that he believes in. It is easy to follow

him. Everybody has tremendous respect for him for his charismatic leadership. Again, thank

you so much for bringing down the house!

In the spirit of the knights we started the Journey as a team in our beloved Italian restaurant, 

La Forchetta, by the Bethnal Green road just a few steps away from York Hall. Fittingly,  it was

a round table gathering. 

I had just arrived slightly late because the highway M4 had decided to become a parking lot for 2 1/2

hours. Good thing I had a great book with me that I was able to finish while waiting. Johan made us all

commit to an agreement which we all signed. He had a European flag made for us which also carried 

our country flags. A version of Code of Arms, if you will. Our first goal was to win the first game, the 

team play 5 on 5. Europe had never won it since the intro of the format 4 or 5 years ago. Done. 

Another goal in our search for the Holy Grail was pursuit of perfection. To get better every day. Done

To stay committed and united in the ups and downs of it all. Done

We all played strong as a team. Even the matches we lost we pretty much went hill-hill most of the time. 

We had to make sure they had to work hard for the points. Done

To win the damn thing. Done

Nick showed all of us the spirit of a real team player. He came with some amazing shots all week. Karl showed the Americans he was ready in spite of being a rookie. Darren played amazing, deserved the MVP, no doubt about it. He got us on the hill by sheer heart and will in the face of so many tough shots. Then Ralf did his usual thing: Sealed the deal.

I am so proud to have been working with you guys on this endeavor, what an honour.

I couldn't have asked for a better way to go on a holiday. Seasons Greetings to all and may all your dreams

come true. Don't stop believing!

Sincerely Yours,

-ICEMAN-

Goals

I had big plans of writing this great story after winning the 3rd
straight US Open. Actually it was something that was on my agenda for
a year. I simply could not avoid the subject. It became like a mantra
to me. Everybody kept encouraging me and asking questions like: "Are
you going to do it?". As if I could just decide. Well I gave it all I
had. 256 players and I was one of 3 left. It pains me to think about
how close I came to actually pulling it off. Right now I don't even
know how to feel about it. It's always just one or two shots that
alters the run of the match and the momentum. Speaking of which, the
hot seat match against Appleton was huge. Despite the delays with
referee having trouble racking I made a great come-back and was on my
way of running a really tough rack when I missed a cut on a 7-ball. It
changed everything. I Gift-wrapped Darren the match. Otherwise it
would have been 10-10 with me breaking.

After so much trouble making a proper rack they put a new spot on the
table which made things only worse. Now I had to fade gaps everywhere
which made the break very inconsistent and unpredictable. So the semi
against Corey Deuel was a joke. To his credit he did play great, but
the break was so random he had to get a few rolls to get shape so many
times on it. I was pretty much part of the audience there watching him
run out one rack after the other.

I am not sure why they can't have the same standard all the way
through the tournament. It went from "rack your own" to referees doing
it in final four. It's just frustrating to play a great tournament
only to see it slip away because of things out of your control.

I know it was a great run, but I'm still sick when I think about it.

I guess it's time to look at the positive aspects. All in all,
including last year's 14 and this year I did win 22 consecutive games
in a row in the toughest field of the sport. It's going to be very
hard to duplicate. I did also start the month by winning the Challenge
of Champions(repeat) followed by a 2nd place finish at the world 14.1
Championships.(repeat)
I'm into repeats, I guess. LOL

Another positive thing is that they just confirmed me for the
Mosconi-Cup so I have something exciting to look forward to. It is my
14th appearance which ties the record with Johnny Archer and Ralf
Souquet. I'm in good company.

Yours Truly,

-ICEMAN-

150 and out

How sweet it is. I was on a mission to avenge a controversial loss to Mike Sigel earlier on. He had beat me in the earlier stage of the tournament with a questionable hit mid-way during the 102 and out he ran on me. I asked him: "how do you not call a foul on yourself?" ...to which he replied: "oh, that debate has been going on for a 100 years."
After the match I was thinking: "Please let me play him again."
My wish was granted. I played Sigel to advance in the top 16.

I broke, he missed a long shot from the backrail and I ran a 150 and out.

Revenge is a dish best served cold.

Poetic justice. I rest my case.