The Iceman is one of the best ever in the world of pool.
Mika Immonen is a familiar name to Filipino billiard fans. After all, he was once one of the fiercest—and most talented—rivals of the Philippines’ very own Efren Reyes and Django Bustamante back in the 2000s.
Lately, he has taken a liking to the Philippines, all while continuing an already storied career in pool.
Unfortunately for the cue artist known as “The Iceman,” he will have to push pause on that career because of a recently diagnosed medical condition that will have him “fighting the greatest match” of his life.
Immonen made the shocking announcement on his social media accounts, where he shared his battle with cancer while vowing to return as soon as he can.
“With much shock to even myself, I am withdrawing from any foreseeable tournaments as I will be fighting the greatest match of my life,” The Iceman wrote.
And it all stared with some excruciating pain.
“I was experiencing excruciating pain and therefore sleep deprivation while playing and still placing in the quarterfinals in the all Japan championships this past November,” Immonen continued. “I was helped by Naoyuki Oi to the ER (emergency room) to get some answers. Thank you bro. It was (the) start of a long road of tests… Finally, in Costa Rica, the biopsy and imaging revealed a stage IV cancer diagnosis.”
The many-time billiard champ did not specify the cancer he was diagnosed with, though that seems irrelevant at this point. The story here is that Immonen, one of the nicest guys in the sport, is suffering from stage IV cancer, and yet he remains cheerful and positive.
“My oncologists have informed me that this type of cancer, while very serious, responds well to treatment and although I have an arduous wellness journey before me, I hope to be back in action as soon as practically possible,” he further said.
The 50-year-old Immonen is a two-time world champion and a Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame member.
Read his full message here: