Thorsten Hohmann Defeats Marlon Manalo for $350,000
The most historic event in pool history concluded Sunday, July 30 with Thorsten Hohmann winning $350,000 for his double-hill victory over "Marvelous Marlon" Manalo.
Complete with Michael Buffer announcing his trademark phrase, modified for the occasion to "Let's get ready to rack 'em!" the IPT's first major event was an unqualified success. Two of the best players in the world performed in front of a wall-to-wall crowd, and the set was classy and striking. Manalo had chosen Jose Parica as his corner man, while Charlie Williams was in Hohmann's corner.
With the match tied at 7-7 in the final race to 8, Hohmann showed no anxiety, just determination as he approached the table for the last time. He broke and made the nine ball. With an easy layout, he had no trouble as he swiftly cleared the table, winning the final match 8-7. In doing so, he won the biggest prize in pool history, $350,000. Manalo earned $99,000 for his 2nd place finish.
Trudeau Present's Pool's Biggest Prize
Tour founder Kevin Trudeau presented Hohmann with the over 1/3 Million Dollar prize in a silver briefcase along with an enormous silver trophy. Calmly, Hohmann made a short speech, thanking Trudeau first and then praising the audience, his friends, his corner man (Charlie Williams), and his sponsors.
Three Million Dollar Purse in September
The IPT's next major event will be held September 2-10 at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in Reno, NV. First place in that event will be awarded a stunning $500,000, with a total prize fund of $3,000,000. Be sure to be there!
Meanwhile, look for complete photo coverage (by P&B Tournament Editor, Jerry Forsyth) of the North American Open in Pool & Billiard Magazine's upcoming September, 2006 issue.
Visit International Pool Tour for statistics and results.
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