source: gmanews.tvA virtually unknown player who came all the way from the loser’s bracket ended up winning this year’s World Ten Ball crown.
Huidji See, a Chinese player-born in Holland, outlasted Fu Jianbo of China, 11-8, in the Finals of the World Ten Ball Championship on Sunday at the World Trade Center.
See started his Cinderella Run in the tournament when he stunned double world champion Ralf Souquet of Germany in the double elimination group stage match.
“From there, I was able to gain confidence. I tried not to think about anything because every time you think about how you play well, then you’ll start not playing well," said See, who was inspired by Filipino pool legend Efren “Bata" Reyes of playing while having fun.
The former chess-player turned snooker artist ended up copping the biggest prize in pool for men this year of $60,000 on top of capturing the crown and joining the world’s best.
“This is a dream come true," said See. “I felt like it was only a dream and I have to pinch myself several times to see if it’s real and it’s real indeed."
This is the third straight time a player from Europe won the World Ten Ball crown. The odds were not in favor of this pool powerhouse continent as three Asian players -- Carlo Biado of the Philippines, Yukio Akakariyama of Japan and Fu -- were able to make it to the Final Four.
But See was unperturbed and went business as usual in ruling the event.
Given the moniker “The Genius", See outlasted Fu in a tense encounter.
A missed corner shot at No.3 in the 19th rack allowed See to wrap up the match.
Unaware of the moniker given to him, See, who also won the US 10-Ball Open in 2007, was happy to hear it when the event barker introduced their names right before the start of the match.
“I like it," said See, referring to the moniker “Genius."
But See attributed his success to his girlfriend, Anna, who played a key part in winning the championship.
“Once in awhile, I visit him in Beijing," said See. “I’m planning to visit him again tomorrow (Monday)." - Rey Joble, GMA News
source: gmanews.tv
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