Nataliya Seroshtan (RUS) Foto: EPBF/DK
Sunday, 29 July 2012: After some early problems, Nataliya Seroshtan (RUS) defeated Marion Winkler (AUT) clearly with 5:3.
Seroshtan was the runner-up in last year's 10-ball competition. She definitely was the favourite player, but she got off to a nightmare start into this year's competition. She lost her first round match against Kamila Khodjaeva (BEL) and made her way through the loser's round to play in this qualification match now. Winkler had the better start. She took the first two racks off Seroshtan. Winkler could have even gotten a 3:0 lead over Seroshtan if she would not have missed the 9-ball in the 3rd rack. However, Seroshtan opened her account and turned the scoreboard to 1:2. Then she took a time-out. She came back to the match and played better, gaining a 3:2 advantage over Winkler. The Austrian girl obviously needed a time-out herself now which she took. But the success was not as good as it was with Seroshtan who won another rack, making the score 4:2. In the 7th rack, Seroshtan should have closed the book on that match but she missed the 10-ball twice. Winkler used her second chance and closed the gap a bit, trailing 3:4. But the next rack saw the end of that match. Seroshtan played better and won deservedly 5:3. She will now be drawn into the single elimination field of the final eight players. Marion Winkler will have to settle for 5th place
Another interesting match in the girl's division was the encounter between Ana Gradisnik (SLO) and Nathalie Seichter (NED). Gradisnik also came through the complete loser's round while Seichter lost in the winner's qualification round. However, a few unlucky rolls and good potting from Gradisnik seemed to get Seichter off her rhythm. Trailing 1:2, Seichter had the chance to tie the match at 2:2 but she could not pocket the 10-ball. That was the key situation in that match. Gradisnik did not play very well regarding the positional play but she pocketed even the tough shots. Seichter had no opposition to offer to Gradisnik anymore. The Slovenian girl won the match with 5:1.
Other notable results include Finn Eschment (GER), newly crowned straight pool champion, losing his first round match to Marcel Fortunski (POL) with 5:7. Kamila Khodjaeva (BEL) was defeated by Pia Blaeser (GER) with 5:3. Berk Mehmetcik (TNC) remained the upper hand over Vitaly Pavlukhin (RUS) with 7:5.
The event is hosted by the European Governing Body for Pool, the European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) and organized by International Billiard Promotion (IBP). For further information and reference please go to the federation website www.epconline.eu , follow us on twitter @EPBF_News or contact our press office.
