Ronnie O’Sullivan honors the late Mika Immonen, a renowned pool player who recently passed away at the age of 52 following a prolonged battle with cancer.
Immonen, a former world nineball pool champion, was highly respected in the sport and shared a close friendship with snooker icon O’Sullivan, who expressed deep sorrow over his passing.
In a heartfelt message, O’Sullivan expressed his sadness at the loss of his friend Mika, praising his exceptional skills on the pool table and cherishing the memorable moments they shared together. Immonen made history as the first Finnish player to clinch the World Nineball Championship in 2001 and further solidified his status as a legend by securing consecutive US Open Pool Championship titles in 2008 and 2009.
Known as “The Iceman,” Immonen was a key player in the Mosconi Cup for Team Europe, contributing to four victories in the competition and earning the title of player of the decade for the 2000s. His career reached a pinnacle in 2012 when he triumphed at the World Cup alongside Petri Makkonen before being diagnosed with cancer in 2023.
Matchroom Pool expressed deep sorrow over Immonen’s passing, highlighting his exceptional talent and fearless playing style that won him global admiration. Despite his on-table prowess, Immonen’s toughest battle came off the table with his cancer diagnosis, garnering sympathy from fans, colleagues, and pundits worldwide.
Tributes poured in from fans, recalling Immonen as a fierce competitor on the table and a gentleman off it. Social media posts from two years ago revealed Immonen’s shocking diagnosis and his determination to fight the illness with optimism and the support of his loved ones and the pool community.
Immonen’s legacy as a remarkable player and a beloved figure in the sport will be cherished by many, and his memory will endure in the hearts of those who admired him.
