FORMER World Pool Champion winner Mika Immonen got a personal invitation from the boxing star himself to join the star-studded 1st Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open on Oct. 24 to 27 at the Hobbies of Asia Bldg. in Pasay City.
Immonen, the 2002 World Champion who is here in Cebu, visited Pacquiao during his training at the Rex ?Wakee? Salud International gym yesterday and got his special invitation from the boxing hero who is also an avid billiard player.
?I am honored to be part of the tournament because it?s going to be big. Most of the big-time players will be there to play and use it as a warm up tournament going to the World Pool Championship,? Immonen told reporters.
Filipino billiard masters, led by Efren ?Bata? Reyes, Francisco ?Django? Bustamante, Ronato ?Volcano? Alcano, Dennis ?Robocop? Orcullo, Cebuano Warren Kiamco and Lee Vann ?The Slayer? Corteza, will join a few international players in vying for the P2 million total cash prize.
The champion will earn half of the total payout.
?It?s going to be a good tune-up because aside from the strong field of Filipino players, international players from Taiwan, Europe and the US will be there to play. It?s going to be fun,? he added.
According to Immonen, the WPC held here last year was an eye opener as the Philippines showed it has a lot of talents who are well-motivated and have a big chance to be known internationally.
For his part, Immonen, a regular Cebu visitor is emulating Pacquiao?train in Cebu for a crucial match.
?I?m basically here to visit some friends but admittedly I did some training to keep myself in top shape. I?ll be in Holland next week to play for the world doubles championship and I need to be in top shape,? Immonen said.
