9-BALL FINALS: Mika IMMONEN vs Corey DEUEL - 2001 26th U.S. OPEN 9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

9-BALL - It was during the Finals of the 2001 U. S. Open 9-Ball Championships that USA’s Corey DEUEL was pitted against Finland’s Mika IMMONEN. Deuel played in his first U.S. Open when he was only 17 years old, yet he was only 23 during this match. Earlier in 2001, he won the BCA Open and the Reno Open, so we knew he was ready. Immonen, 28, had already accumulated titles in his young career including the 2001 World 9-Ball Championships. Due to the creative imagination and genius of Deuel, this match became the one that changed the rules of 9-Ball forever! Don’t miss it.
Grady Mathews and Danny DiLiberto witnessed it all.
• 9-BALL FINALS: Mika IM...
- - - - - - - - - -
You can watch over 400 Accu-Stats Arena matches from the 2018 and 2019 INTL 9-BALL OPEN and 2016-2020 Derby City Classic, 2015-2017 US Open 9-Ball, as well as other Accu-Stats Invitationals on Accu-Stats Vimeo Subscription service: vimeo.com/ondemand/asvod/
Website: www.accu-stats.com
Facebook: / accustats
Twitter: / accustatspool
Instagram: / accu_stats_pool
Vimeo: vimeo.com/ondemand/asvod/
International Open Website: www.international9ballopen.com
©2020 Accu-Stats Video Productions
#accustats #billiards

[@TNskinny]

I am bumfuzzled by all the "noobs" that criticize Danny and Grady's commentary. They are two of the greats and have probably forgot more about pool than most will ever know. Thanks Pat for another great upload.

[@donmiller6839]

Corey was running racks within his first 2 months playing pool. he has unbelievable talent.

[@edwinbuelatv9147]

Soft break is a work of genius, they don't have to change the rules because some player has lack of skills in bank shot. They should learn everything, I think Efren and other pool player who loves bank shots will have no problem with this style, I'm glad Corey shared something in the world of pool, shame they denied his contribution.

[@kvn1936]

The game is not supposted to be played like that. Its smart but there should be no place in big tournaments for this.

[@jwkoreaguy]

​@@kvn1936said mika

[@bluedoggum8373]

@@kvn1936 silly

[@anthonyrock4337]

Show us on the doll where the soft break hurt you​@@kvn1936

[@jaybanthony]

Mika had a few opportunities and wasn't able to take advantage. Can't fault Corey for breaking soft, it was perfectly legal then.

[@frederiquerijsdijk]

I still think it's bullocks they made rules against this. Apart from finding soft breaks where balls fall, a safety break should always be an option.

[@2colossery]

​@frederiquerijsdijk I agree. In my opinion, this just exposed the problem with magic racks and similar template kind of racking. When the rack is the same everytime, the break gets very repeatable. If they want to prevent this, the better aproach would be to go to triangle racking, and have referee racking. If no ref, the players are allowed to check the racks so there can be no foul play with manipulating gaps etc.

[@williamcopley3861]

look at micas face when hes shaking coreys hand after match HOT HOT HOT BOILING

[@blueak3339]

This is amazing. Crazy that it changed the game. Thanks for the post.

[@tonyajones1644]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting this video!! I have been searching for it for years and could never find it!

[@AccuStats]

You're very welcome!

[@mclaymc10]

I ordered this match in 2002! Corey was my favorite player at the time. In fact, i play with a 5280 rt now..i know this match like the back of my hand...thanks Pat, Billy, and all the commentators, every1 at Accu Stats! All great play and players! Learned so much.

[@AccuStats]

Really appreciate it. Thank you.

[@mclaymc10]

Mika went on to win a lot after this as well..glad this didn't affect him in such a way too much..🤔🤷so many great players! Such an incredible game we love and play!!!!!!!!🤦🤦🤦

[@rockyj2008]

I still have my 5280

[@patsyelias8732]

I remember Corey & Dee Adkins coming to the Sleepless is Sandusky tournaments. They were only like 15 yrs old & was taking everyone's money..

[@stevefriesen937]

Thanks, been wanting to see this for some time, I subed, again thanks

[@riddler2468oasis]

4:35 What a shot lol

[@bradstephan7886]

Very enjoyable watch. I don't believe I've ever seen a soft break before. I have seen a lot of ball-less power breaks.

[@PostUp_Time]

ASIANS DO SOFT BREAKS AND VERY SUCCESSFUL. EARL BEING ADAPTABLE, 1/2 WAY THRU MATCH HE CHANGED TO A SOFT BREAK, PLAYING AN ASIAN. AND IT WORKED FOR HIM. ONE BALL GOES TO SIDE POCKET. THATS THE SCIENCE WHEN IT WORKS.

[@jeffflewelling1703]

I had drove all the way there (Chesapeake, Virginia) from Toronto, Ontario, Canada to see my very first U.S. Open. Then on the second day of the tournament, 9/11 occurred and everyone was worried that this tournament was going to be cancelled. Someone gave me a VIP seat to watch this final match and what a letdown it was. However, I don’t hold any grudge against Corey for using the soft break. P.S. I don’t recall if it was mentioned in the video, but Mika had won the World 9-ball Tournament earlier that year.

[@Mattyk624]

1:09:28 Coreys interview after the match is so cute ☺️. You can tell he was pretty shy but he handled the moment like the champion he is. What a performance 💪

[@rackyballboa5744]

I like the soft break concept. It's controlled and the layout is somewhat predictable, you don't really need a break cue, most of the balls are close by, hardly any long shots, and the soft break favors a good straight pool player. Thanks Pat for this upload.

[@5000rgb]

I love it when someone does something so obvious that nobody really developed before. That's what's great about Corey's game, he's always looking for these untapped potential advantages to exploit.

[@sonco3938]

What a match we need remember

[@billyshupe5239]

Dat was a whopping man damn 😳 it happens!!! Great job Corey 👌💯

[@ruskyhrahsel7723]

Great match

[@scotttavernier720]

A young Corey deuel was very dangerous

[@jwkoreaguy]

Dude was smart smart

[@tylertkelley6779]

Often wondered why this was so hard to find; began thinking someone at a choke-point shelved it and rendered it 'not good for the game'. It is iconic beyond the obvious, in that it occurred a week after '%$#' and so many factors come into play. Specifically, the first use of a Diamond Table in an Open Final and the use of a press system rack(Sardo). The Deuel break which is so remarkable because all shots following it are virtually the same tempo stroke which points-up the inherent consistency in muscle memory. And, although Mika had his chances, perhaps the most notable dynamic of the match was that Corey's object balls almost never touched a rail; the intriguing question is most certainly: 'would he have won even w/out the break'? Remembered that first rack, thanks for the re-visit!

[@sacramentoskip]

Loved the commercials

[@harold7792]

It wasn't an easy run-out every break. For many racks, the cue ball would end up by the left side pocket and the 2-ball was on the right rail in between the side pocket and corner pocket, with a ball or two blocking the 2-ball's path to the corner pocket.

[@TristanColgate]

Corey some good rolls early but didn't put a foot wrong in the last half. Crazy game.

[@paulsmc7041]

I watched this because I wanted to see Corey's soft break but this just turned out to be sad. Mika had such an off day and Cory playing great but also having the rolls consistently

[@CAL7A]

How nice of Corey to give Mika a donut

[@JohnS-il1dr]

Lol that sardo rack went out of business. Still better than those gasket racks

[@JohnDoe-nw3mn]

What don’t you like about the templates? Saardo was heavy and cumbersome.

[@kilppa]

@@JohnDoe-nw3mn Also it required tapping the table. It was just a gimmick. The templates are awesome. Break and remove.

[@hunterfisherpokerpoolguy7502]

The templates definitely speed up the racking and make the rack tight, but I have seen them interfere with the balls on the break so many times.

[@Rick-ro8bf]

You can buy them on ebay now for $35. It's the shipping of the lead sled that will get you. haha

[@swamiward5625]

Have you ever used a sardo? They're awkward, heavier than any other rack and I personally never got a good rack trying to use one. In a pool hall with older felt, it pretty much never froze the balls. At least the accu rack works. Now, I dont like the magic rack but I do like outsville.

[@riddler2468oasis]

I remember I used to watch a match on youtube where SVB played Corey Deuel maybe in super billiard expo? Shane was desperate facing Corey's soft break but shane managed to get out from it hahaha couldn't search the video somehow it seems it's not on youtube any more

[@kerrmoney]

I remember that match... You're correct

[@riddler2468oasis]

@@kerrmoney That match is now on Billiard Network commentary by Earl Strickland!

[@kerrmoney]

@@riddler2468oasis awesome!!! I love Earl!!!!

[@riddler2468oasis]

@@kerrmoney I love Earl too! He will be playing in the mosconi cup this year, really looking forward to it!

[@kerrmoney]

@@riddler2468oasis same here, Im so excited I can hardly stand it! Lol

[@clintonehrhardtsr122]

talk about being on a roll, wow, Corey is The Prince Of Pool

[@gtzaskar6353]

Corey's presentation check for winning the US Open is hanging in a pool hall in Columbus, Ohio.

[@masonryman8183]

Use to be in Sportsman's before it closed down. Who knows where it wound up after Jerry died.

[@gtzaskar6353]

@@masonryman8183 It's at Players.

[@whetedge]

9 ball being the wild west of pool, I'd prefer no 3 ball rule on the break, and no push out. Break and shoot.

[@pbbelk4136]

this man whistles when he talks i can’t not hear it now

[@tgtg7182]

If you don't make a ball on the soft break it'll be harder to run out because most of the time all the balls will be at the same end of the table causing clusters or blocking balls , if your cue ball control is not good it'll be extremely hard to get out especially in 8 ball , I use this break when I play a very good player and can't make a ball on the break , it keeps them from running out almost every game , beats them every time.

[@robkitchen5344]

That better player you are preventing from running out.....isn't locking up the table with lock when turning over the table to you....if they shot the lights out...they weren't shooting safe at same level. ...letting you have good looks or easy kick safe or you don't state you4 escape abilities @ elite capabilities because if you safety brake... good anti safety break strategy is to tie up balls instead of g making em if no run outs forseen However ....if they consistently run 150 in straight pool ... soft breaks won't work well...find better strategy. ...if you can't make the 6 or whatever ball because its tied up or blocked because it's tied up with the 7 and 8 for example due to your safety break....then in no way you pocket the other balls if you can't run out..qnd obviously you need to free them with break outs or gqining pin point position on those.balls.... though the whole rack...... Myself...im good up till the 7...blow my shape on tbe 8 leaving none on the 9 giving my opponents ball in hand on it.....i hate 9 ball ...not big fan of break...... but 1st hint i won't have focus...cue ball control....or feeling it when it comes to 9 ball.....im playing safety..even with haggers if feasible....there little chance im going to...but only willing to sell out or foolishly go after hard shots to make great positions ... terrible decision .... too easy to beak yourself instead of making them do it ..and this is only exception is my opponent is so unskilled or can't luck a ball in if they set-up the shots themselves .... but even that's bad cuz they sooner or later will gain their stroke back if on off night.....I'm sure Mika was dead on afterwards without the pressure on him

[@ericjamesphotography]

I love how proud of themselves these old announcers are. Every time they make a simple prediction on what will happen on the table and it does play out they will make a point to let people know! 😂

[@steve-km3oo]

grady mathews has more pool knowledge, character and friends than you could ever imagine, God rest his soul.

[@Angelo-ix9to]

Its not Corey Deuel its a young Jason Bourne

[@jwkoreaguy]

Dude was a killer

[@heginschristianstrong7707]

Nothing more satisfying than watching Mika pout

[@shayne.7770]

Is corey using a viking cue??? I'm using a Valhalla cue and love it

[@elh3fe88]

This is a year late but yes, that's a viking. He was sponsored by them at the time. Back then, the Valhalla line didn't exist.

[@JohnDoe-nw3mn]

This match specifically is why we now also have a 3 point rule on top of 9-on-the-spot.

[@chriscripplercruz1833]

He's the reason that a lot new rules about the break are common

[@kilppa]

Heh, yeah. Just couple of days ago somebody asked me why the kitchen rule is used. This is why.

[@shortydancer]

That pool table of beautiful.

[@marcmalmberg7029]

I don't understand why the soft break was banned. Any other time at the table you're trying to control the cue and object balls, you're never just blasting away. I don't get why the break should be considered different from breaking any other cluster.

[@shabouga]

I’m glad they changed the break rules

[@steve-km3oo]

grady matthews is knowledgable and a gentleman, never took offense to danny dileberto being a know it all pompous a$$ throughout the entire match.

[@shortymack340]

So why change the rules cause Mickey got his ass kicked 🤣 🤣 🤣

[@GT-1902]

Mika might be upset about this one? lol

[@BanditJustice]

@Accu-Stats Video Productions Why didn't you just call this match The Corey Deuel Show

[@johnholmstrom4212]

This is why we have the 3 ball rule lol

[@JKinLVN]

I hardly see Corey Dual play these days. Did he semi retire?

[@gordonfarina938]

What a Match thanks god for the founder of kitchen rule.

[@Dweller777]

I don't understand the thumbnail. People make it sound like, "Oh, Corey used the soft break and ran out every game!!" Did they watch this match? Sure, he used the soft-break, but it really didn't help him. Mika had plenty of chances. I really wish they would stop changing the rules because someone figured out how to win. It's silly and pointless. And it drives away spectators. There's a reason ESPN broadcasts dog shows, but not pool.

[@uriahotten3895]

Major League Baseball changes the rules almost every season and they don't have any problems finding baseball fans. Quit complaining because you can't adapt with the changing rules. True pool fans will love the game regardless of how hard people are breaking.

[@mighthookya3826]

It’s a shame pool isn’t on espn anymore

[@uriahotten3895]

@@mighthookya3826 would rather watch pool on ESPN moreso than freaking cornhole! This world is all messed up.

[@LJSprague]

Soft break makes for a boring game.

[@uriahotten3895]

@@LJSprague so the entertainment level of the game is set by the velocity in which the balls are broken?? You should be watching football sir.

[@lynzon1911]

Lv that the kid corey cracked the code.just like play baseball and hv only 3 people.oh yeah the toilet paper rules!

[@jeffmauldin2841]

Man, Corey took a club and beat Mika to death, that was brutal to watch but fun as well. I don't see the big problem with his break, it's effective and definitely not a safe break. He is just controlling the cue ball, something I'm sure all those who cried and botched about losing to him always preach, you know, "squat the rock", "control whitey" and all of the popular pool sayings. That's what he did, controlled the cue ball, so making a rule against what he did is ridiculous and childish, like saying "we can't beat you at your game so we will just make your game against the rules", and then years later he is still a dominant player with those rules.

[@swamiward5625]

This soft break might be effective making the wing ball but it's not a soft break that bothers me. Now the soft break from around 2015ish when they were using magic racks and playing on bar tables.... that was brutal and hard to watch even tho there were very few errors. I honestly would rather watch when they have to push out or have clusters etc and use strategy. Instead of perfectly controlling the balls from the break and getting out. I like watching 650-750 fargo rated players more than 2 800 guys when the balls are breaking well.

[@chriscripplercruz1833]

Damn Corey almost got arrested for aggravated assault for this beating I know how it feels to be in Mika shows lol it isn't fun or a good thing for your confidence

[@jorgeregan3820]

If mika didnt cry at that night maybe the rule is surely completely fine until now

[@user-bt2jd7uv3t]

Soft breaks were legal. However, it was a very unsatisfactory game with the same arrangement in every rack and the safety was monotonous.

[@PostUp_Time]

THIS WAS THE PROBLEM WHEN WINNER KEEPS BREAKING. ONCE ON CAN KEEP BREAK AND RUN AND OPPONENT LITERALLY DOESNT-CANT SHOOT

[@paulsmc7041]

Mika shot in most of the games!

[@rafaelvillamor9702]

Mika wasnt really on his normal self on this game.

[@gordonfarina938]

Oh year i hope corey was very proud oder thus us open title worh a kid break,boring final ever seen,but now we play with kitchen ruhe,thanks god for this Rule change.

[@johndavis9926]

I like both these guys but Mika is the better player. I'll bet on Mika heads up against Corey any time any place. Today March 2023. Again nothing against Corey, might like Corey more as a person but Mika is definitely the better player for my money. 100%

[@heribertonieves6406]

I don't know why I don't like Mika immonen. 😂

[@beachlife4704]

Well he was just diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Hopefully you could send him some well wishes.

[@chriscripplercruz1833]

Before I watched it I knew Corey would have some kind of break shenanigans

[@mattfarus1]

You wouldn't call it that of you seen how many hours Corey practiced that.

[@mattfarus1]

I had blisters on the edges of both index fingers after racking for him one night.

[@nguyencuthanh1995]

Soft break 😡😡😡

[@mrmars6059]

Its going to be a fast frist round i tell you that.

[@Aerosolist]

So annoying with this soft break. Good that it's forbidden nowadays!

[@FariborzKoh777]

11-0 😂😂

[@robkitchen5344]

Didn't Asian championship or something go one further in their tournament by requiring 4 balls to enter the kitchen...regardless of any pocketed balls for it to a legal break with failure resulting in ball in hand? Losing control of cueball sland scratching must have been frequent as trying to control the cue ball lbut failing to drive 4 balls down table

[@rayjohndemillo5431]

even before you have a bad attitude mika the ice candy😂😂😂 now your attitude getting worst😂😂😂

[@gordonfarina938]

Two top Player and a soft break so boring.

[@techproxy2961]

immonen the cry baby

[@pablomenjivar2475]

UGH that soft break thing....

[@patsyelias8732]

Danny needs to stop commentating..

[@Nin-NinYT]

This is THE worst commentary I've ever heard from a pool match. As an American, I want to apologize to all the European players/ fans and now throw up from all the BS I heard from these two. Completely unacceptable.