A veritable armada of pool’s biggest stars pushed their way through to the Final 64 knockout stage at the Al Arabi Sports Club in Doha today, as the business end of proceedings quickly started to take shape at the 2018 World 9-ball Championship.
It was a very busy day which saw 32 players qualify for the money rounds, and another 32 players see their dreams of glory come to a screeching halt.
Of course it was quite expected when the tournament began on Friday that over half the original field of 128 players from over 40 countries had no chance at actually winning the event. But the outcomes today were somewhat surprising in that we saw few of the upsets fans have come to expect in the group stages over the years. The only big name to fall by the wayside and get a pink slip was 2001 World 9-ball Champion and Hall of Famer Mika Immonen, who lost his second straight match in as many days.
Otherwise the day’s action saw one superstar and rising star after the next take their place in the final 64. When the field is filled at the end of the day’s play on Sunday, fans around the world can expect one of the finest runs to the gold in many years.
World number one Klenti Kaci hasn’t looked his sharpest so far. But the 19 year old Albanian did what he had to do in a steady 9-6 win over Kuwaiti Meshaal Al Murdhi.
Defending champion Carlo Biado of the Philippines seemed to be on cruise control in his 9-5 win over Russia’s Sergey Lutsker. Despite being the reigning 9-ball king, the Filipino great benefits from being so humble and so low key that he plays almost unnoticed.
The biggest winners Saturday in terms of countries was Taiwan, which saw a whopping seven of its players qualify for the round of 64. 2015 World 9-ball champion Ko Pin Yi looked the goods today as he handily beat Czech Republic’s Roman Hybler, 9-4. 2017 semi-finalist Lin Wu Kun grinded out a solid 9 – 7 victory over former champion Yukio Akagariyama of Japan. Ko’s younger brother Ko Ping Chung took a 9 – 6 win over Greece’s Nikolas Malai. Hsieh Chia Chen beat Russian strongman Ruslan Chinhov 9-8 to make it through.vLui Ri Ten beat American Billy Thorpe 9-7 to make it through.
Taiwan’s biggest monster right now—and that is saying something– is surely Chang Jung Lin who is currently ranked number 2 in the world. Chang did win his second straight match to qualify today, but he once again had to go to the limit to get there. Chang blew an 8-5 lead to Greece’s Damianos Giallourakis and had to eke out victory with a nervy clear in the very last rack for a second straight 9-8 win.
The USA’s Shane Van Boening, who is one of the heavy favorites this week in Doha, didn’t have as easy a time today as he did on day one. But he was never in real trouble against Venezuelan veteran Jalal Al Sarisi, winning 9-7. SVB’s Mosconi Cup teammate Corey Duel played steady 9-ball and easily defeated Finland’s Petri Makkonen 9-4 to make the knockout stage.
World number six and 2014 champion Niels Feijen had another solid day, defeating Spain’s Francisco Diaz-Pizarro, 9-7. The Dutchman’s Mosconi teammate Albin Ouschan didn’t fare as well as he took a thumping from Poland’s Konrad Juszczyszyn, 9-4. Juszczyszyn may not be a household name to pool fans but it should be noted that he is the current European 9-ball champion. Another Pole who scored a very big victory was Mateusz Sniegocki who took down a very tough Filipino, Jeffrey Ignacio, 9-5. Tomasz Kaplan made it three for Poland today with a win over South Africa’s Jason Theron.
It was good day for the Germans as both Ralf Souquet and Joshua Filler won their second straight matches to qualify for the final 64. 18 year old Russian Fedor Gorst continued to impress as he qualified with a handy 9-1 win over Jeong Young Hwa of Korea.
It was a very big day for the Japanese side as three players made it through with impressive wins. Takano Tomoo took down former world champion Wu Jiaqing 9-8. Naoyuki Oi was a 9 – 4 winner over Finland’s Casper Matikainen. And Tomoya Iima took a 9 – 7 win over Hoang Guong Quoc of Vietnam.
Other winners who qualified for the knockout rounds included the Philippines Jeffrey De Luna, Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp, Canada’s Alex Pagulayan, Myanmar’s talented Phone Myint Kyaw, Spain’s Fracisco Sanchez Ruiz, Greece’s Alex Kazakis, China’s Wang Can and Russia’s Konstantin Stepanov.
Chris Melling, the lone Brit in the field, again looked the goods as he easily beat South Africa’s Richard Halliday, 9-3. Qatar’s Waleed Majid also won his second straight to make it through, beating China’s Xu Xiacong, 9-6.
Play continues on Sunday in Doha at the Al Arabi with the action beginning at 12pm local time(GMT +3.) All matches on Sunday will be do or die, losers side matches with the winners advancing to the knockout round and the losers going out of the event.
The winner of the 2018 World 9-ball Championship will receive $40,000. The runner up will receive $20,000. The total prize fund is $200,000.
*The 2018 WPA World 9-ball Championship takes place at the Al Arabi Sports Club Sports Club in Doha, Qatar from December 10-20, 2018. The event is hosted by The Qatar Billiard and Snooker Federation(QBSF), and is sanctioned by The World Pool Billiard Association, the governing body of the sport of pool.
Fans around the world will be able to view many of the matches via the QBSF’s free live streaming platform. Multiple tables will be available to view online at no charge to the public. Please visit the WPA Facebook Page for more information.
The WPA is also on Twitter; @poolwpa
Visit the official website of the WPA at www.wpapool.com
The players will compete on Wiraka DYNASTY Tables with Simonis 860 Cloth, Electric Blue Color and using Aramith Tournament Pro cup TV Pool Balls featuring the new Duramith Technology.
Media coverage of the 2018 World 9-ball Championship is being supported by the American Poolplayers Association(APA). Join the world’s largest pool league today. Please visit join.poolplayers.com
Shane Van Boening has never won a World 9-ball Championship. He did, of course, come ever so close, finishing runner up in 2015, and 2016. After skipping last year’s championship, however, there is a palpable sense in Doha that the American star is absolutely destined to finally grab the world crown in 2018.
Interestingly there are eight former World 9-ball Champions in this year’s field, all of them still highly capable of pulling off the impossible feat yet again. But nobody is yet talking about them. It’s the moniker ‘SVB’ who is on everyone’s lips.
Van Boening has admitted that he is playing his best pool perhaps ever. After a grueling six month training regime, he led Team USA to a thrilling victory in the Mosconi Cup last week. He showed up in Doha saying he intends to win, and that he is playing with zero pressure on his shoulders.
Fans in Doha, and the pro pool community itself seem to agree something is afoot. While most players played in the relative obscure quiet of the cavernous Al Arabi Sports Club on day 1 of this year’s championship, Van Boening’s time in the arena today actually drew a fair amount of watchers. Everyone and anyone who likes pro pool around here seems to feel something special is afoot.
The American didn’t disappoint in his first outing, as he crushed Poland’s Marek Kudlik 9-1. Good breaking, solid potting, deft safeties all showed up in Van Boening’s arsenal today. Combined with his quiet confidence, SVB laid down an early marker stating that nothing short of victory in Doha will suffice.
As all 128 players saw action on the first day of the 2018 World 9-ball Championship, it’s clear, though, that Van Boening will have plenty of serious contenders just as eager and capable of taking the crown on December 20. This year’s field is positively stacked with ferocious talent, both young and not so young. With the Wiraka tables breaking fairly easily—wing ball down, 1 in or near the side pocket—it’s all going to come down to who can handle the almost impossible pressure. Pool fans are in for a real treat over the next six days.
In the group stages it’s all about just winning two matches, to make it through to the final 64, where the tournament becomes single knockout all the way to the final. Defending champion Carlo Biado of the Philippines had an easy time of it today, easily taking down Argentina’s Llanos Jorge, 9-3. The man who lost in last year’s final to Biado, fellow Filipino Roland Garcia, came into Doha one of the hottest players in Asia and with high expectations. Garcia, though, stumbled out of the blocks to Taiwan’s Hsu Jui An, 9-8. Garcia will move over to the one loss side of his group where he needs two wins to advance.
World number one Klenti Kaci came out looking tired against the always tough Chilean Alejandro Carvajal. The Albanian teen was down four racks early but battled back to clip Carvajal at the wire, 9-7.
Pool’s young guns get more numerous and more dangerous year after year. 21 year old German sensation Joshua Filler played his usual brand of solid, care free pool in a 9-6 win over Bulgaria’s Ruslanov Stanimir. 17 year old Russian Fedor Gorst handled the always tough Kuwaiti Omar Al Shaheen, winning 9-6. 17 year old Pole Wiktor Zielinski came in with some expectations on his shoulders but he fell to Japan’s Tomoya Iima, 9-7.
It was a good day for the USA Mosconi Cup team as both Billy Thorpe and Corey Duel notched victories, and moved with one win of making the final 64. Canada’s Alex Pagulayan, a winner in 2004, barely scraped by Lebanon’s Mohammad Berjaoui, 9 – 8. Fellow Canadian John Morra has an easier time of it today, blanking the Philippines Roberto Brillantes, 9-0.
Taiwan’s Chang Jung Lin is considered one of the tournament favorites but he struggled mightily against Korea’s Kwon Hojun. Chang was actually down 6-2 at one point but stormed back and won at the wire, 9-8.
Chang was one of eight Taiwanese notching victory today, including 2015 champion Ko Pin Yi, Ko’s younger brother Ko Ping Chun, Hsieh Chia Chen and Lin Wu Kun. The Ko’s actually have an even younger brother in the event, Ko Ping Han, but he lost to Japan’s Hayato Hijikata.
The four European Mosconi Cup players on hand all won today. Besides Kaci, Austria’s Albin Ouschan continued to look rock solid with a 9-4 win over the USA’s Thomas Tokoph. The Netherlands’ Niels Feijen waltzed to victory with a neat 9-5 win over the always stingy Taiwanese Chang Yu Lung. Greece’s Alexander Kazakis barely got by Slovakia’s Jakub Koniar, 9-8.
England’s Chris Melling is someone people seem to be talking about as a possible champion, and the lone British representative on hand didn’t disappoint, winning easily over the Netherlands Marc Bijsterboch, 9-2.
Former world champion Wu Jiaqing of China cruised with a 9-1 win over the Netherlands’ Jimmy Worung. China went 5 out of six today with wins also by Dang Jinhu, Liu Haitao, Wan Can and Xu Xiacong.
Former world champion and hall of famer Ralf Souquet found victory today with a 9-3 win over the Maldives’ Mohammed Hassan. But former world champion and fellow hall of famer Mika Immonen fell to Russia’s Ruslan Chinahov, 9-5.
Qatar’s favorite player made a splash today. Waleed Majid, who made it to the quarterfinals here in 2014, showed that he has clawed his way back into championship form with a 9-5 win over former US Open champion, Yu Hsuan “Kevin” Cheng.
Play continues on Saturday in Doha at the Al Arabi with the action beginning at 10am local time(GMT +3.) After the four sessions on Saturday, 32 players will be out and 32 players will be through to the final 64.
The winner of the 2018 World 9-ball Championship will receive $40,000. The runner up will receive $20,000. The total prize fund is $200,000.
*The 2018 WPA World 9-ball Championship takes place at the Al Arabi Sports Club Sports Club in Doha, Qatar from December 10-20, 2018. The event is hosted by The Qatar Billiard and Snooker Federation(QBSF), and is sanctioned by The World Pool Billiard Association, the governing body of the sport of pool.
Fans around the world will be able to view many of the matches via the QBSF’s free live streaming platform. Multiple tables will be available to view online at no charge to the public. Please visit the WPA Facebook Page for more information.
The WPA is also on Twitter; @poolwpa
Visit the official website of the WPA at www.wpapool.com
The players will compete on Wiraka DYNASTY Tables with Simonis 860 Cloth, Electric Blue Color and using Aramith Tournament Pro cup TV Pool Balls featuring the new Duramith Technology.
Media coverage of the 2018 World 9-ball Championship is being supported by the American Poolplayers Association(APA). Join the world’s largest pool league today. Please visit join.poolplayers.com
The medals for the 9-ball individuals, the final event of the amazing Dynamic Billard European Pool Championships in NH Conference Centre Koningshof, Veldhoven, The Netherlands, have been awarded. Nine new titleholders from nine different nations were crowned today.
In the men’s division, Konrad Juszczyszyn (POL) took the title after an intense match against dark horse Stanimir Ruslanov (BUL). Both players had a heartbreaker to make it to the final. Juszczyszyn defeated Joshua Filler (GER) 9:8 while Ruslanov just made it over Francisco Diaz-Pizarro (ESP) with 9:8. The final match went back and forth with both players being in full swing, but Juszczyszyn had the better end on his side, winning the first men’s gold medal in the 9-ball European Championships ever. „This is a historic moment, not only for me, but also for my country“, said Juszczyszyn after the final match. „I am so happy I can to describe in words how I feel.“
Top 4 Men
1. Konrad Juszczyszyn POL
2. Stanimir Ruslanov BUL
3. Joshua Filler GER
Francisco Diaz-Pizarro ESP
In the women’s final match, Kelly Fisher (GBR) took down Jasmin Ouschan (AUT) with 7:4 and defended her title form last year. The US-based Brit just came to the European Championships for the 9-ball division and defended her title in an impressive way.
In the senior’s division, Jimmy Worung (NED) won this first gold medal ever on a European level, winning the final match with 8:6 over Reiner Wirsbitzki (GER). Worung has won several Bronze Medals in the past but never managed to make it to the final. „When I realised I had a chance to win the match, my arm felt like jelly,“ Worung stated after the match. „I got goosebumps when the match was announced and all my Dutch teammates, friends and family were routing for me. That was an amazing feeling,“ added Worung.
In the Under 19’s division, Sanjin Pehlivanovic managed to come up with an impressive victory over his final opponent Christian Froehlich (GER). Pehlivanovic dominated the division pretty much and won the final match as clear as 8:2 over the German.
In the Under 17’s division, Dennis Laszkowski (GER) secured his first title in 9-ball and won the final match over Kristian Mrva (SVK) with 7:6. That secured the german team position as #1 on the overall medal table.
Top 4 U17
1. Dennis Laszkowski GER
2. Kristian Mrva SVK
3. Dominik Jastrzab POL
Ole-Kristian Rudshavn NOR
In the girls’ division, the final match ended with a very dramatic shot. My Nguyen (SWE) took the title against Valeriia Trushevskaia (RUS) who left the 9-ball hanging over the pocket at 5:5.
Top 4 Girls
1. My Nguyen SWE
2. Valeria Trushevskaia RUS
3. Palina Chernik BLR
Alina Brummer GER
In the ladies’ division, Cristina Moscetti (ITA) dethroned defending Champion Ine Helvik (NOR) with a 6:2 victory in the final match.
Top 4 Ladies
1. Cristina Moscetti ITA
2. Ine Helvik NOR
3. Ortenzia Haflinger SUI
Annika Nilsson SWE
In the wheelchair division, all-time favoured Jouni Tahti (FIN) won the match and his 24th title with a convincing performance over Fred Dinsmore (IRL) with 7:0.
Germany has pretty clearly won the team competition at this year’s overall European Championships.
That concludes the coverage of the Dynamic Billard European Pool Championships 2018, the 4th anniversary event of the EPBF. On Thursday, the Dynamic Billard Veldhoven Open Euro-Tour tournament will commence.
The Euro-Tour will be played on up to 60 tables which are all streamed LIVE throughout the whole event. In order to be able to follow all the action LIVE, premium membership can be obtained at www.kozoom.com. Once a premium membership is held, all events for the respective period of time can be viewed LIVE. Additionally, a huge video gallery is contained in the website.
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.eurotouronline.com or visit us on Facebook for regular news clips or contact our press office press@epbf.com.
Konstantin Stepanov discussing with EPBF referee Johny Vanrijkel
At the Dynamic Billard European Pool Championships 2018 in NH Conference Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands, Konstantin Stepanov (RUS) defeated Christian Sparrenloev-Fischer (SWE) in 8-ball with the closest of all score 8:7.
The match was close from start to finish. The largest gap between the two contestants was an interim 5:3 lead for Stepanov. Apart from that, both players always took racks in turn and did not allow the opponent to get a comfortable advantage. The match consequently went to a 7:7 hill-hill situation with Sparrenloev-Fischer being on the hill first. He executed the break in rack 15. He had a ball down and an open table in front of him. All lights were green for the victory for Sparrenloev-Fischer. He examined the situation very carefully and decided to go for the stripes. When pocketing the 3rd ball of his group, he turned out to be in an awkward position with the cue ball which forced him to play a very difficult shot. Consequently, he missed the shot and allowed Stepanov back into the table. Stepanov, who was already with one foot in the grave, thankfully accepted the unexpected chance and cleared the table to take the match with 8:7 and advance into the single elimination stage of the 8-ball individuals.
Other remarkable results in the men’s division include Alexander Kazakis (GRE) winning his first two matches in the 8-ball competition. He overpowered Huseyin Borankan (TNC) 8:5 and then wiped the floor with David Zalman (CZE) 8:1. He is now in the round of the final 64 players single elimination which will be played tomorrow at 14:30 CET. In the same round is David Alcaide (ESP). He took consecutively took down Saki Kanatlar (TUR) 8:4 and Andreas Madsen 8:5.
In the senior’s division, long-time Dutch team member Jimmy Worung (NED) lost a heartbreaker in the first round with 6:7 against Joakim Gunnarsson (SWE). He then went up against Christian Messerli (SUI) on the loser’s side and quickly found himself trailing with 2:4 after six racks. But then Worung got himself together and played much better and more solid than in the beginning of the match. He did not allow Messerli to win one more rack and won the encounter with 7:4, eliminating Messerli from the 8-ball individuals.
In the women’s division, Sara Rocha (POR) got off to a good start. She played her first 8-ball match against Helen Nyberg (SWE). The match was expected to be quite close but Rocha completely dominated the encounter and in the end, 6:1 was displayed on the scoreboard in favour of Rocha. In the next round, the Portuguese faced favoured Ina Kaplan (GER). Kaplan soon had a 5:2 lead over Rocha and things looked quite promising for her. But then Rocha struck back and found momentum. She pulled back rack after rack from Kaplan and even managed to tie the score at 5:5, hill-hill. Kaplan broke the final rack but no ball went in. She left an open table for Rocha. The Portuguese selected the high numbered balls and started clearing the table. She finished her group and left a long and tough shot on the 8-ball to win the game and the match. Rocha focussed on the ball, took her time and pocketed the 8-ball in the center of the corner pocket, snatching the match with 6:5 from Kaplan. Oliwia Czuprynska (POL) remained victorious against yesterday’s 10-ball Champion Yana Shut (BLR). After having trailed 0:3 already, Czuprynska launched a great comeback. She played stronger and that obviously confused Shut a lot. The athlete from Belarus started committing mistakes which seemed to be quite unusual for her, having her strong performance from yesterday still in mind. Czuprynska got on a roll and used her chances and took 6 racks in a row from Shut, winning the match 6:3 to advance to the single elimination stage.
In the girls’ division, #1 seeded player Darya Siranchuk (UKR) is right on track. She became 3rd last year but since last year’s Champion Kristina Tkach (RUS) grew out of the girls’ division and nowadays plays in the women’s division, and last year’s runner-up Weronika Karwik (POL) has not been nominated for this year, Siranchuk got the #1 seed. And she justified that seed already, having a walk-over in round one and then taking down Milena Murha (BLR) 5:1. The same seeding situation was given in the Under 17’s division where last year’s bronze medallist Szymon Kural (POL) was seeded #1 for the competition. Unlike Siranchuk, Kural lost his opening match quite clearly with 3:6 to unheralded Alexandar Georgiev (BUL).
No seeded players are attending the 8-ball individuals in the Under 19’s category. The „big guns“ from last year have advanced to the men’s division. On the other hand, the medalists from last year’s Under 17’s are now probably the favourites in this division. Sanjin Pehlivanovic (BIH), Wiktor Zielinski (POL), Mustafa Alnar (TNC) and Dmitrii Shkudov (RUS) all won their first matches and booked their seat in the single elimination already. Any Champion in the Under 19’s would probably be a surprise.
In the new Under 23’s division, the reigning Champion Joshua Filler (GER) is playing in the men’s division and therefore cannot defend his title this year. However, with Pijus Labutis (LIT), Aleksa Pecelj (SRB), Vitaliy Patsura (UKR) and Casper Matikainen (FIN), there are still some high profile name in the field. All of the ones mentioned won their matches on the winner’s side so far and are now playing for a seat in the quarter-finals.
In the wheelchair division, two of the strongest players met in the first round match. Kurt Deklerck (BEL) faced Fred Dinsmore (IRL). Both of them have titles under their belt. Today, Dinsmore was the luckier player in the end, winning the match 5:4 over Deklerck. In the upper half of the draw, defending Champion Jouni Tahti (FIN) will play his all-time rival Henrik Larsson (SWE) tomorrow for a spot in the quarter-finals.
In the ladies’ division, defending Champion Susanne Wessel (GER) got smashed by newly crowned 10-ball Champion Ine Helvik (NOR) with 2:5. Wessel will get another chance over the loser’s side but needs to win three consecutive matches now. Last year’s runner-up Karin Michl (GER) showed no weakness and won her match with 5:3 over Gum Zwijnenburg (NED).
The Dynamic Billard European Pool Championships 2018 will commence tomorrow morning at 09:00 CET with matches from the 8-ball competition.
The Jubilee Championships are played on 60 tables which are all streamed LIVE throughout the whole event. In order to be able to follow all the action LIVE, premium membership can be obtained at www.kozoom.com. Once a premium membership is held, all events for the respective period of time can be viewed LIVE. Additionally, a huge video gallery is contained in the website.
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 or visit us on Facebook for regular news clips or contact our press office press@epbf.com.
Left to right: Correia, Worung, Habo, Keller and Wessel
In the seniors 8-ball competition at the Dynamic Billard European Championships for Seniors and Ladies at the Golden Tulip Jagershorst Hotel in Leende, The Netherlands, most favourites are on their way and advanced into the single elimination stage of the last 32 players.
Henrique Correia (POR) ist definitely one of those players. Having seven titles in his portfolio already, the likeable Portuguese is seriously striving for another one here in Leende. Surprisingly, he did not win any title last year in Tirana. He has already own medals in straight pool, 10-ball and 9-ball but never in 8-ball so far. This year he is here to change that. Today, he started his quest and took down Ronnie Oldervik (NOR) 7:2 and Janik Navne (DEN) even 7:1. He is now in the single elimination stage, awaiting for his opponent.
Just like Correia, Jimmy Worung (NED) is hungry for a title. The Dutch is waiting for his first title, having won 4 bronze medals so far. Today, Worung found victims in Vyacheslav Derbilov (RUS) 7:3 and Alf Toffer (SWE) 7:4.
Alex Habo (HUN), last year’s bronze medallist in 8-ball, has also set sail for a higher goal. He had two opponents from the far North today. Both players had two things in common: They were both from Finland and they both had to give in to Habo. 7:0 against Antti Rantanen (FIN) and 7:3 over Arto Taavila (FIN) sealed the deal for Habo today, providing him a spot in the last 32 player’s round.
More work needed to be done by Jan Keller (DEN), last year’s 9-ball winner. He overpowered Kervin Chellen (FRA) 7:2 and then had to go all the distance against Radoslaw Misiewicz (POL) to win it by a whisker 7:6.
In the ladies division, last year’s runner-up Susanne Wessel (GER) was seeded #1 since the winner did not attend this year. Standing true to that role, Wessel took down her teammate Karin Michael (GER) 5:4 and the Ilona Zalmanova (CZE) 5:1. That secured her a seat in the quarter-final match.
Tomorrow, the Dynamic Billard European Championships for Seniors and Ladies at the Golden Tulip Jagershorst Hotel in Leende, The Netherlands will continue at 09:00 CET with loser’s qualification round matches of the 8-ball individuals.
Every day, one match from the events will be shown LIVE on the Facebook page of the EPBF. All Facebook users may check out the high standard of quality which is provided for all the events and see what the Kozoom members receive all the time. You can see all the matches live via www.kozoom.com who stream the whole event on 23 tables on the internet LIVE. The FB live matches are announced on the EPBF Facebook page around noon every day. Results and schedules can be found at www.europeanpoolchampionships.eu so why not come and check out all the LIVE action of the Dynamic Billard European Championships for Youth.
The event is hosted by the European Governing Body for Pool, the European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) and organised by International Billiard Promotion (IBP). For further information and reference please go to the federation website www.europeanpoolchampionships.eu, visit us on Facebook or check out our youtube channel for regular news clips or contact our press office press@epbf.com.
Susanne Wessel (GER) and Sandor Tot (HUN) have just won the Gold Medals in the 10-ball individuals at the Dynamic Billard European Championships for Seniors and Ladies in Tirana, Albania.
Sandor Tot stormed off like a hurricane in the senior’s final. He took a quick 3:0 lead over Azar, being like at times. When he fell out of position, he came up with good safeties and he did not allow Azar to get in his game at all. So the Swedish had to somehow force himself into the match. He achieved that in the 4th rack which he broke and ran at high speed. Tot gave him the right answer and did the same in the next rack, pocketing a difficult 10-ball to make the score 4:1. Rack six saw Azar making two misses in a row but coming out lucky since he never left a shot for Tot. The Hungarian attempted a safety shot and completely missed the 1-ball. So Azar got to the table with ball in hand. To everyone’s surprise, Azar already missed the second shot again. He seemed to be completely demoralized. But also Tot showed nerves. He snookered himself on the 5-ball. So he tried to leave a tough shot for his opponent but Sanne Azar made that shot and stole that rack back from Tot. After that rack, Azar took a time-out and tried to compose himself and let Tot stew in the arena, thinking about his mistake. But it did not work as Azar had hoped. Tot snatched the next rack and made the score 5:2. Only two more racks to reach out for glory for Tot. But Azar took the next rack and at 5:3, Tot came up dry with his break shot. However, Azar could not benefit form it. Obviously he was struggling with the pace that Tot put to the match. Tot got on the hill with 6:3. In the 10th rack, Tot as well as Azar missed shots but Tot was the luckier player. He got the knuckles of the pockets when he needed them and finally snatched the rack and the match from Azar, winning the title with 7:3.
The final match in the ladies division was a one-person-show by German Susanne Wessel. She simply overran Cristina Moscetti (ITA) 5:1. Moscetti never had a real chance and was only able to open her account when Wessel was already on the hill. Being 0:4 down in a final race to 5, it is almost impossible to come back. Wessel allowed Moscetti to prevent the whitewash from happening and gave her one rack before she closed the book on the final match and won the Gold Medal 5:1.
The Dynamic Billard European Championships for Seniors and Ladies will continue tomorrowmorning at 09:00 CET with matches of the 8-ball individuals seniors winner’s qualification round.
The Championships are played on 24 tables which are all streamed LIVE throughout the whole event. In order to be able to follow all the action LIVE, premium membership can be purchased at www.kozoom.com. Once a premium membership is held, all events for the respective period of time can be viewed LIVE. Additionally, a huge video gallery is contained in the website.
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, visit us on Facebook or check out our youtube channel for regular news clips or contact our press officepress@epbf.com.
At the Dynamic Billard European Championships for Seniors and Ladies in Tirana, Albania, Henrique Correia (POR) won his first two matches in 10-ball and advanced to the round of the final 16 players single elimination.
In his first match today in the single elimination round of the last 64 players, Correia dealt with Murat-Can Bedir (TUR). Correia was clearly dominating the match and ousted the Turkish clearly with 7:2. Then, Correia went on to take down Gabor Erdelyi (HUN). Though the Hungarian provided a bit more of a challenge for the defending Champion, Correia again wasted no time and eliminated Erdelyi 7:4. He will now face Jesper Schmidt (DEN) in his next match at 16:30 local time. That match could become a challenge for Correia since Schmidt has also won quite convincingly over two tough opponents today. The first one was Antonio Neves (POR) 7:5. Then he defeated Kostas Konnaris (CYP), yesterday’s Bronze Medallist, by a whisker with 7:6.
Other remarkable results from today include Jimmy Worung (NED) winning 7:3 over Marcel Schaerer (SUI), the 7:2 over Giorgio Margola (ITA). If Worung wins his next match with Stefan Ericsson (SWE) he will have to deal with the winner of the match between Correia and Schmidt. Jim Teller (NED) is also still a hot candidate in the race for the senior’s 10-ball title. He is facing Sanne Azar (SWE) in the round of the final 16 players.
In the ladies division, defending Champion Cristina Moscetti (ITA) is through to the semi-final. She pipped Ann-Sofie Löfgren (SWE) barely with 5:4, then took on Monika Jarecki (GER) with 5:3. The second player who made her way through the winner’s side is Sweden’s Ulrika Andersson. She overpowered Patrizia Ingest (ITA) 5:3, the whitewashed Hildegard Kasper (GER) 5:0 and proceeded to cream Karin Michl (GER), last year’s runner-up with 5:2. On the loser’s side, Susanne Wessel (GER) will play Jarecki for a seat in the semis while Barbara Bolfelli (ITA) will play for the same spot against Karin Michl.
The Championships are played on 24 tables which are all streamed LIVE throughout the whole event. In order to be able to follow all the action LIVE, premium membership can be purchased at www.kozoom.com. Once a premium membership is held, all events for the respective period of time can be viewed LIVE. Additionally, a huge video gallery is contained in the website.
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, visit us on Facebook or check out our youtube channel for regular news clips or contact our press officepress@epbf.com.
Sanne Azar (SWE) took down Sandor Tot (HUN) 75:22 in the winner’s qualification round of the straight pool competition at the Dynamic Billard European Championships for seniors and ladies.
Today is day one of the Dynamic Billard European Championships for Seniors and Ladies in Tirana, Albania. Having completed four events already, this morning saw the start of the „old boys“ event with the straight pool discipline. One of the favored players in Sanne Azar. He took the Gold Medal in 8-ball and the Silver Medal in 9-ball at last year’s event. His opponent in the winner’s qualification round was Sandor Tot, former European Champion. The writing was on the wall that this match could turn into a heated-up encounter between two equal performers. But Tot could not match the expectations that were laid upon him. Azar dominated the table and did not allow Tot to find his game. On top of that, when Tot got to the table he committed mistakes that were avoidable. Leading 8:-1, Tot actually had the chance to direct the match his way but he missed and easy shot in the side pocket. Azar answered that negligence in pocketing 34 balls, taking a 33:8 lead now. When Tot got back to the table, he made 9 balls and again committed an avoidable mistake. He ran out of position and had to play a combination shot to the side pocket which he missed. Again, Azar punished him for it and the score was 52:17 before Tot got back to the table. Whatever the Hungarian tried he did not seem to be focussed enough. In the end, Azar rightfully took the match 75:22 and proceeded to the single elimination stage of the last 32 players while Tot needs to seek his fortune making it through the loser’s side of the draw.
Other remarkable results from today include defending Champion Reiner Wirsbitzki (GER) winning his first two matches 75:65 over Henri Kaksonen (FIN) and 75:4 over Tom Bjerke (NOR). At his first appearance it the senior’s, Italy’s Fabio Petroni won 75:46 over Martin Schwab (GER) and 75:30 over Dino Cerimagic (BIH). Vegas Kristiansen (NOR) also played solid and made his way to the single elimination stage with two straight victories on the winner’s side. He swept Glenn Andersson (SWE) 75:18 and then Gianluca Boni (ITA) 75:2. For that match, Kristiansen needed two innings only. The other remaining favorite is probably Henrique Coreia (POR). He was sent to the loser’s side by strong Dutch contestant Jimmy Worung with 75:49.
The Championships are played on 24 tables which are all streamed LIVE throughout the whole event. In order to be able to follow all the action LIVE, premium membership can be purchased at www.kozoom.com. Once a premium membership is held, all events for the respective period of time can be viewed LIVE. Additionally, a huge video gallery is contained in the website.
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, visit us on Facebook or check out our youtube channel for regular news clips or contact our press officepress@epbf.com.
In the all-German clash in the straight pool division at the Dynamic Billard European Championships for Seniors and Ladies, defending Champion Reiner Wirsbitzki creamed teammate Thomas Damm 75:17 and advanced into the round of the last 16 players.
The defending Champion actually needed three innings to finish his teammate Damm not counting the safety shot exchange in the beginning of the match. While Wirsbitzki was in command of the table at all times, Damm seemed to be a bit lost and could not get going at all. Damm missed an easy 8-ball when trailing 8:13. Then Wirsbitzki got to 50:8 before he allowed Damm to get to the table again. Whether the time that Damm had to spend in his chair was too long can only be guessed here. However, when he got back trailing 8:50, he pocketed 9 balls and the missed again another easy 1-ball. That was too many missed in one match against Wirsbitzki who is a powerhouse in European senior’s straight pool. 75:17 was the final result in for of Wirsbitzki who advances to the round of the final 16 players where he will face another guy with a history in the game, Sandor Tot (HUN). Tot just eliminated Steffen Gross (GER) 75:6 in 30 minutes.
Other remarkable results include Fabio Petroni (ITA) defeating Zdenko Lisik (SVK) 75:23. Also another strong player joined the round of the last 16 players. Jimmy Worung (NED) smashed Jan Keller (DEN) 75:4. With exactly the same result, Vegar Kristiansen (NOR) ended the hopes of his teammate Tom Bjerke (NOR) in the straight pool competition.
The Dynamic Billard European Championships for Seniors and Ladies will continue tomorrowmorning at 09:00 CET with matches of the 10-ball individuals in both, seniors and ladies division.
The Championships are played on 24 tables which are all streamed LIVE throughout the whole event. In order to be able to follow all the action LIVE, premium membership can be purchased at www.kozoom.com. Once a premium membership is held, all events for the respective period of time can be viewed LIVE. Additionally, a huge video gallery is contained in the website.
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, visit us on Facebook or check out our youtube channel for regular news clips or contact our press officepress@epbf.com.
The 10-ball individuals have started at the Dynamic Billard European Championships for Seniors and Ladies in Tirana, Albania, today.
In the ladies division, the defending Champion Cristina Moscetti (ITA) had a walk-over and will play Ann-Sofie Löfgren (SWE) in the next round. Löfgren defeated Monika Oeschger (SUI) 5:2 in her first match. Also Nathalie Rohmer (FRA) won her first encounter over Tuuliina Panula (FIN). She whitewashed the Finish with 5:0. Hildegard Kasper (GER) will face Ulrika Andersson (SWE) in the winner’s qualification round tomorrow. Kasper squeaked past Anne Nieminen (FIN) 5:4 while Andersson took care of Patrizia Ingest (ITA) 5:3. The other match in that round will be played between Susanne Wessel (GER) and last year’s runner-up Karin Michl (GER).
In the seniors division, defending Champion Henrique Correia (POR) had a masterful appearance inches first match. He took down Davy Piergiovanni (ITA) 7:5 and is now already in the round of the final 32 players single elimination. Piergiovanni then met Jim Telfer (NED) on the loser’s side and got knocked out 7:1. Jimmy Worung (NED) got the better of Marco Devruscian (ITA) 7:5. Multiple European Champion Reiner Wirsbitzki (GER) who surprisingly lost last night in the single elimination round of the last 16 players straight pool to Sandor Tot (HUN) has also made his homework today and clobbered Jouni Nykanen (FIN) 7:2. Sanne Azar (SWE) event handed a doughnut to Rienus Gennissen (NED) 7:0. Sandor Tot (HUN), Vegar Kristiansen (NOR), Dino Cerimagic (BIH), just to name a few of the „hot“ favorites for the title have all won their first matches and proceeded to the single elimination of the last 32 players. That round will be played tomorrow at 12:45 CET.
Today at 15:00 local time, the quarter-final matches of the straight pool discipline will be played with the semi-finals and final to follow straight after.
The Championships are played on 24 tables which are all streamed LIVE throughout the whole event. In order to be able to follow all the action LIVE, premium membership can be purchased at www.kozoom.com. Once a premium membership is held, all events for the respective period of time can be viewed LIVE. Additionally, a huge video gallery is contained in the website.
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, visit us on Facebook or check out our youtube channel for regular news clips or contact our press officepress@epbf.com.
