FINNISH cue artist Mika Immonen has passed away after a year-long battle with cancer.
He was 52.
"The Iceman" was a frequent visitor in the country, having numerous duels with pool legends Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante, and several other top Pinoy bets over the years.
Some of Immonen's greatest moments happened in our shores, among them the 2003 Philippine 9-Ball Open win over Reyes; the 2009 WPA World 10-Ball Championship against Lee Vann Corteza; and the 2012 World Cup of Pool for Finland with compatriot Petri Makkonen.
READ Bata, Django lose to Finland pair
He is a member of the Billiards Congress of America Hall of Fame who also emerged triumphant in the 2001 World Pool Championship against Ralf Souquet of Germany. He was also a two-time US Open winner in 2008 and 2009.
Tributes poured in from the pool community following the news.
Reigning world 9-ball champion Carlo Biado wrote, "Your legacy lives. No more pain. Another sad news in the pool industry. May you rest in peace."
Johann Chua also posted photos of him together with Immonen, saying, "Thank you for everything champ. Sobrang nakakalungkot."
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