Mika Immonen, a billiards of cancer, was still seen in August in the Great Tournament.
Mika Immonen competed five weeks ago at the US Open. Markku Ulander / Magazine
On Sunday, a billiard legend died of cancer Mika Immonen52, played the sport he loved until the end of his life, even though the illness tried to brake.
Five weeks ago, Immonen made a great return to the US Open after a three -year break. He won in the opening match of the Great Tournament Marc Bijsterboschin.
– This feels awesome. Bijsterbosch is one of the toughest players on the tour, and I have taken a break for my health atmosphere, Immonen rejoiced after the game.
In his second match Immonen lost Austria For Albin Ouschan (World Ranking 31) I read 5-9, so he did not reach the top 64 in the tournament.
Immonen won the US Open twice, in 2008 and 2009.
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“Did not discourage”
In December 2023, Immonen was diagnosed with thick and rectal cancer, fourth degree adenocarcinoma. It was treated with treatments in the spring of 2024, but as early as July 2024 the cancer was renewed.
– When the doctors said it was back, I thought it wasn’t damn. We didn’t go back to the starting screen, but the back pack came, Immonen told Iltalehti in August 2024.
The man did not give up. He wanted to continue playing, even though he gave a lot of leveling to his rivals due to illness.
– I keep my morality so that I still try to do things that are normal for me. In this way, I tell the cancer that it hasn’t discouraged me, Immonen said in August 2024.
In addition to major tournaments in his career, Immonen won, among other things, the world championships of both the ball and the tenth ball. He was awarded the Golden Badge of Merit in 2006.
Two years ago, Immonen was elected a member of the Hall of Fame of Finnish Billiards.
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