3-Cushion
PAIPORTA - The champion looked with a big smile to the supporters who cheered him. ,,It was a dream that came true'', Antonio Ortiz Torrent said the day after he grabbed the Spanish title. The Spanish president, Fernando Requena, looked up very proudly to the podium Sunday afternoon. ,,There were six players of eight in the quarter finals who are younger than 28 years, that gives us a lot of confidence for the future'', he said.
,,Toni Ortiz is an exceptional young man, loved by all fans'', Requena described the new champion of his country. ,,He is one of the players who prove that our young players have an international aura, that is the primary goal of our training and development. We want our limited number of players to secure a great future and growth potential.''
The Spanish championship, played in Paiporta where Antonio Ortiz and Javier Palazón grew up, had a full house throughout the week. ,,On Sunday, during the final, we had 340 spectators in the atmospheric billiardplace'', Requena explains. ,,That's why we were even forced to put chairs for the officials in the arena.''
And about the clothing of the players he says: ,,We are playing in Spain for ten years in sport shirts, because we believe that it gives our sport a younger image for sponsors and players.''
The 22-year-young Antonio Ortiz is living for two days nog in an euphoria of happiness after winning the title. ,,The man who spoke so long, on Sunday after the finals? That was my father, Antonio Martinez Ortiz, he is the chairman of the club. He was even prouder than I was after my victory.''
The player from Valencia, who won gold at the European championships for juniors in 2007, may see the Spanish championship as a highlight in his career so far. He has celebrated with his friends, especially with Javier Palazón. ,,We are from the same generation and the same place. Javier and I are like brothers. He has given me great support in the semifinals and the finals.''
Tomorrow the new Spanish champions will travel to Trabzon for the World Cup. He plays in the first session against the Dutchman Dave Christiani and a qualifying player. ,,I hope I can have a new success there, but a World cup is much heavier than a Spanish championship of course.''