The best of the best pool players from the United States will be competing in the upcoming 2008 Predator World Straight Pool Championship, trying to win back the title and possibly begin a new long record of consecutive wins. The event will be 14.1 and since 1878, the United States has been dominate in the game and never lost, until 2006, when Germany broke their long record of wins. Germany won again in 2007, keeping the United States from the title.

The event will take place August 25th through the 30th at the Hilton East Brunswick in New Jersey. Last year’s Gold winner Oliver Ortmann, will at the event to try and hold on to the title. However, the United States will sending a new batch of players that hopefully will win the title, John Schmidt, Danny Harriman, Tony Robles, Dennis Hatch, George SanSouci, Charlie Williams and Mike Davis will lead the United States team against the other competitors.

The biggest competition for the European teams will be Schmidt and Harriman. Schmidt finished fifth, back to back, while Harriman finished 5th in 2006 and then third in 2007. Schmidt told Inside Pool Magazine that the Europeans have an advantage over the American in almost every aspect. This is because the Europeans have more competitive experience, but Schmidt also believes that the American will have an advantage because the event will be on home soil.

Players and fans can stay at the Hilton East Brunswick where the event is being held and possibly get a chance to meet their favorite players and be the first down for all the action of the tournament.


- 2008-08-20