Sarajevo Open...

Official Press Release from the Event

THE HITMAN ENDS THE SARAJEVO OPEN AS RUNNER UP AGAINST RALF SOUQUET

Raj “The Hitman” Hundal was one of the world class players who were invited to the annual Avas Sarajevo 10 Ball Open. The last day of the event was a busy one for the players as they played from the Last 32 round up until the final. Hundal was dominant in all of his matches throughout the tournament and made it to the final in style, where he met "The Kaiser" Ralf Souquet. Unfortunately for Raj, it was The Kaiser who, with good fortune achieved a 10- 4 victory. Raj threw in the towel as a fun and entertaining gesture as Ralf reached the winning ball.  When asked in an interview how he felt, with a grin on his face, Raj response was “I hate Ralf”, and appreciating his humorous personality, the commentators, audience and Ralf himself fell in a fit of laughter, Raj then continued to thank fans, sponsors and promoters for their hard work and gave praise and congratulations to his opponent.

"Firstly I would like to thank all sponsors and promoters for making me feel so welcomed at this event, I had lots of fun even when I wasn't playing pool. The locals took me around to see the sights and really treated me like a proper VIP. The food was also great in Sarajevo and everyone made me feel at home so thank you all for your kindness and great hospitality.

As for the tournament I had a good result and finished runner up to the legend Ralf Souquet who played great on me. I really got unlucky of the break shot as I never had a shot from 5-4 down until it was 9-4 which by then was too late as it was alternate break format.

The arena and supporters were electric and had created an atmosphere not seen in Europe before and it was clear even though I didn't win the event I had won the hearts of the fans, which to me is sometimes worth more than trophies, as its heart that I respect the most and when people show me love I am in debt to them.

I am already looking forward to going back to Sarajevo for the next Open and hoping I can do one better and finish 1^st. Hopefully I will draw Ralf in the final and get my revenge. Ralf is a class act and I would like to congratulate him on his victory. Its players like him who inspire me still and bring the best out of me in match play, but I feel my best is still to come, so watch out. I feel I’m in good shape for upcoming US Open Championship starting on the 17^th October."

For full press release including pictures follow this link

http://rajhundal.com/press/Oct2010/PressRelease14102010.pdf

Raj Hundal

World Pool Masters Champion

www.Rajhundal.com  

      

From Miami,South Beach to Sarajevo...

So I needed a holiday/vacation plus my 29th birthday was on its way so i needed to celebrate in true Hitman style which you already know is VIP, dressed to impress and expect nothing but the best. So South Beach was booked with all the trimmings for me to leave on the 27th September, 3 days before my birthday. Anyway i hear there's a GB9 event in Daventry on the weekend before going Miami so i think why not show up and pick up some tipping dollars as im always guaranteed a top 3 place finish...lol. Anyway i finished 2nd in the Pro Cup which Phil Burford won, he played well and was due his first win on me in all fairness specially with the rules we play these days. Then i had a 3rd place finish in the Open where Jimran got me, in all fairness it was late and i was more excited about my early morning flight and then surprisingly the table starts pinging and boinging so i just conceded at 7-3 down and walked out, the cheddar was chopped up anyway so i again made the most cheese over the weekend but didn't get the dust collector this time but had made $2k extra spending money for my trip. I just hope one day  we can play proper rules again as we all know in the bottom of hearts if we ain't smashing them head on and playing winner breaks then we just playing a game and not a sport, and that's why more people come to watch me practice then show up to some events. Truthfully the highlight or most enjoyable part of the event for me was listening to a new album i got before driving down, you should have a listen its called "Distant Relatives" featuring the son of Bob Marley, Mr. Damian Marley and the legendary MC Nas. I simply had amazing talent keeping me company as i hand one hand on the wheel switching lanes, my favourite track on this album is called "Patience" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhcPPfJKs8I  ...have a listen and BUY the album as all the proceeds help the less fortunate in Africa.

Ok its Monday morning, i am tired which is cool as i get to sleep on the flight and kick my feet up for 7 hours. I land in Miami and catch a taxi to my hotel which is located on South Beach with its own Beach section... its heaven on earth and I'm definitely built for the Miami lifestyle to say the least. Anyway i partied every night in the best hot spots and ate the best food at the plush restaurants and enjoyed my birthday to the maximum. Here's a coincidental happening for you all, i meet Nas the legend MC/rapper  who was also celebrating his birthday a little late at the night club Play and we hung out for a bit, hes a really cool dude, down to earth and a fly guy for sure like me. We spoke about this and that and the bottom line between us was always keeping it real no matter what, i also like him always speak my mind and try not to offend anyway but sometimes it takes a rebel to talk about the mess so someone will clean it up. The Hitman is on a mission to make this game a sport, because i do love pool much and i know it loves me too but more importantly needs me. After a great holiday and well needed break my pool schedule got me travelling again, i land home for one day and then its off to Bosnia and Herzegovina for my Sarajevo Open debut.

Check out the next post... Peace.


Raj Hundal
World Pool Masters Champion
www.Rajhundal.com