Ronnie O’Sullivan has said he is ‘devastated’ by the death of pool legend Mika Immonen at the age of 52.
Immonen has been diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer back in December 2023.
The Finnish star was crowned world nineball champion in 2001 and won back-to-back US Open Pool Championship titles in 2008 and 2009.
Immonen, who was known as The Iceman, also helped Finland to win the World Cup in 2012 alongside Petri Makkonen.
He also helped Europe to win the Mosconi Cup – pool’s version of the Ryder Cup – on four occasions.
His achievements in the sport earned him legendary status, with Immonen named as the sport’s Player of the Decade from 2000-2010.
Pool legend Mika Immonen has died at the age of 52 following a battle with cancer
Former world champion Immonen, left, helped Europe win the Mosconi Cup on four occasions
Ronnie O’Sullivan said he was ‘devastated’ following the news of Immonen’s passing
In an interview with Billiards Digest in July, Immonen had opened up about his diagnosis and expressed his desire to continue playing despite his cancer battle.
Immonen last month played at the US Open Pool Championship in New Jersey, earning one win at the tournament.
Snooker legend O’Sullivan was among those to pay tribute to Immonen following news of his death.
‘So sad to hear of the passing of my friend Mika, someone I did not see enough of but thought a great deal of,’ O’Sullivan wrote on social media.
‘Stayed at my house on times in UK and enjoyed our runs in the forest, one of the greatest pool players of the generation, an honour to share a pool table with him but also the personal times together I will never forget.
‘Sadly missed, devastated today.’
Matchroom Pool joined the tributes and expressed condolences to the star’s family and friends.
‘Matchroom and the World Nineball Tour are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mika Immonen,’ a Matchroom statement read.
The Finnish star was named pool’s ‘Player of the Decade’ between 2000 and 2010
‘Immonen, known as The Iceman, was widely considered by fans, peers, and pundits to be one of the greatest to ever play the game whilst in his prime. His fearless playing style and incredible shot making won the adoration of fans all over the world.
‘Immonen’s dominating years came between 2000 and 2010, which saw the Finnish star win back-to-back US Open Pool Championship titles (2008, 2009), and a World Pool Championship (2001) – a title which still sees him as the only Finnish World Pool Champion.
‘He was a regular on Europe’s Mosconi Cup team, representing his continent 15 times, the second most of any European, winning in four editions – as well as an MVP title in 2008.
‘He won ‘Player of the Decade’ for his accomplishments across this time, and would then go on to lift the World Cup of Pool alongside Petri Makkonen for Finland in 2012.
‘A fierce and passionate competitor on the table, his biggest battle came off the table when diagnosed with cancer in 2023.
‘Our thoughts are with Mika’s family, friends, and many fans during this incredibly sad time. Rest in Peace, Iceman.’
