His People's Champ

Akagariyama grabbed his first international title in Dubai.

YUKIO AKAGARIYAMA wasn't anywhere near harm's way when, on March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake struck, killing thousands, then unleashing a monstrous tsunami that killed tens of thousands more and wrought indescribable destruction upon parts of northeastern Japan.

But the 36-year-old from Nagano felt the pain as if it was his own. As Japan's top-ranked player, he had traveled to the now-flattened region countless times to play challenge matches against amateurs. He had made many friends on those pool sorties, and made some decent money too, and felt compelled to give something back. So three weeks after disaster struck, Akagariyama made an unbelievably generous gesture.

"Following the [March earthquake], I have decided to donate all of the prize money I may win this season to the Japan Red Cross for their relief efforts," he wrote in an April 4 release. "As I have traveled all around Japan, including the disaster stricken areas, to take part in challenge matches with amateur players, I have received much support from the billiards community in the Tohoku and Kanto regions, so the problems they are facing were never something I could just dismiss.

"I feel deeply sorry for all those who died, remain missing or still languish in public shelters like refugees in their own country. ... This year, whenever I play pool, I hope to alleviate the burden of those in the disaster stricken areas. I shall do my utmost to live up to their expectations and play my best for them in all my matches."

Interestingly it was shortly after releasing his statement that Akagariyama started to play the best pool of his life. Although ranked No. 1 in Japan, he had never won a major tournament at home or abroad. Still, in May he made it all the way to the semifinals of the World 10-Ball Championship and finished fifth at the China Open three weeks later. Then on July 1, he reached the pinnacle of the sport, winning the World 9-Ball Championship in Doha, Qatar, with a scintillating ride through the stacked field and a 13-11 championship win over Ronnie Alcano.

Because few people outside of Japan knew anything about Akagariyama, his statement about donating his winnings to the earthquake victims didn't come to light until days after he captured the crown. Now, looking back, it's obvious that since that terrible day in March, Akagariyama was backed up by more than just a cool demeanor and a red-hot stroke. He was motivated by more than just personal glory. He was focused on doing his part to help save his people and his nation.

No wonder then at the World 9-Ball Championship, held June 26-July 1, Akagariyama seemed to have a guiding hand helping him glide all the way to the winner's circle. Yes, he played brilliantly throughout the eight-day event. But he also barely escaped from two pressure-packed sudden-death deciders in the quarter and semifinals. Even in the final against Alcano, the outcome was in doubt until the very last ball.

The feel-good story behind Akagariyama's finish capped what was easily one of the most entertaining and thrilling weeks in professional pool in the last few years. Right from the first searing day along the Arabian Gulf, it was clear this was shaping up to be a wonderful championship.

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