Immonen, 50, won the world championship gold in 2001 and the 10-ball title in 2009. He will receive treatments in his hometown of New York.
Two-time world champion of pool billiards Mika Immonen, 50, has to leave the racing fields, at least for the time being, due to his cancer diagnosis. The Finnish Billiards Association says in its press release that Immonen, who has lived in New York for almost 20 years, developed serious symptoms two weeks ago at the All Japan Open tournament, where he reached the quarterfinals.
Immonen has been actively competing at the top this year, and his world ranking at the end of the year is 24th. According to the union, Immonen is currently in Costa Rica, where he is awaiting transfer to a cancer clinic in New York.
– This has of course been a shock and the most challenging situation of my life. After realizing how serious the situation is, it was important to get treatment started immediately. Even though the cancer had progressed, I believe that we can turn the situation around to win, says Immonen.
– I have the best possible doctors and support groups. As soon as it is possible, I will move to New York. However, New York is home for me, and I get to spend most of my treatment time at home.
Immonen won the world championship in 2001 and 10-ball gold in 2009. In 2014, he was named to the international hall of honor of pool billiards.