‘The Pearl’ crowned World Pool champ

CARDIFF, Wales – Earl "The Pearl" Strickland broke the hearts of millions of Filipinos when he won the 2002 World Pool Championship after beating Francisco "Django" Bustamante, 17-15, in Sunday’s final at the Cardiff International Arena.

The match was a thriller with neither player being more than three racks ahead at any time but it was Strickland who came on strong down the home stretch to take the title, his third after winning it in 1990 and 1991.

"When he had me 11-8 I was starting to get worried but I was always thinking that if I can get a roll, then I can get in it," Strickland revealed. "I also knew that if he hit me with a three or four rack package, it would be all over."

Bustamante, who had suffered severe personal tragedy earlier this week with the death of his baby daughter Mariel, led for most of the match but Strickland gamely stuck with him as neither man could get sufficient momentum to run racks at a time.

"I didn’t watch when Bustamante was at the table, I just covered my eyes and tried to stay composed. When I was watching I was trying to wish him to make a mistake but when you watch it never works," said the 41-year-old from Greensboro, North Carolina.

Strickland added that it was a match in which you could not lose your nerve at any stage.

"Every game I won when I was behind was critical and I played very well in tough situations. And every time I got back to the table for a shot I got out, but I really believe that the key to victory was that he didn’t hit me with something large. That was the key."

The balls so often ran awkwardly after the break and there were an incredible four scratches and one jump off the table during the match.

The CIA was packed to the rafters for the eagerly anticipated clash between the tourney’s two in-form cuemen, but instead of an explosive rack-stringing fest, it turned out to be a cagey tactical battle.

Strickland’s safety play throughout was exemplary and he escaped from Bustamante’s safeties with some quality kick-shots. However, every time Strickland seized the initiative his ensuing break shot failed to deliver the goods.

Strickland grabbed the initiative when 15-13 down and looking in danger, as Bustamante scratched on the break as the pool gods frowned on him.

That gave "The Pearl" the chance he had been praying for and Bustamante never won another rack. In the next Bustamante got back to the table but Earl had too much in the safety department for him.

The final two racks of the match saw Strickland complete very difficult run-outs and when the final 9-ball dropped Earl jumped onto the match table and started pumping his fists. He then shook hands with Bustamante.

"At 41 I may not get that many chances at big tournaments like this because this is the greatest title you can win in the billiard world. To come here and win the World Championship is some achievement and I am very proud of myself as an American," Strickland said.