Hohmann rips Gabica in final

THORSTEN Hohmann of Germany capped a scintillating campaign with a 13-7 drubbing of Filipino Antonio Gabica Friday night to rule the World 9-Ball Championship at Al Arabi Sports Center in Doha, Qatar.

The German ace flashed ruthless form after trailing 4-6 early to capture his second world 9-ball title since winning the event in 2003 in Cardiff, Wales.

It was an impressive run for Hohmann as he claimed one big scalp after another to reach the finals, before breaking Filipino hearts again with his brilliance.

Gabica was left to rue what should have been a routine straight shot on the orange-5 in the 11th rack that allowed Hohmann to cut the deficit, 5-6 and turn the match around.

“I didn’t feel any pressure on the shot but I got careless,” said Gabica.

Still, it was the best finish by the Qatar-based Gabica in a major tournament. The 41-year-old Filipino, now an assistant coach of the Qatar national team, bested England’s Karl Boyes, 11-6, in the semifinals, assuring himself of $18,000 for making the finals.

With his victory, Hohmann will also claim the No. 1 spot in the world rankings.  Cedelf P. Tupas