9-Ball
Kevin Becker (GER) took care of one of the biggest surprises of the first day of the Dynamic Billard Treviso Open in the BHR Hotel in Treviso, Italy. After winning 9:6 over Michele Bianchini (ITA), Becker stepped on in the first winner’s round to meet #11 ranked Euro-Tour player Mateusz Sniegocki (POL). The match went along in favor of the German. Becker took a quick 5:3 lead over Sniegocki who did not seem to be able to come up with a suitable solution for the match. To the contrary, Becker grew even stronger and finally defeated Sniegocki completely deserved with 9:5.
While Nick van den Berg (NED) and Mark Gray (GBR) won their matches of today, Ralf Souquet (GER) had to accept an 8:9 defeat from Damianos Giallourakis (GRE) in his opening match. That was a shock for the BCA Hall of Famer. He now has to take the long way through the loser’s side. His first victim there was Andrei Rusu (ROM) who received a 3:9 bashing from Souquet. Then he went on and played Jonni Fulcher (GBR). He showed no mercy to the Brit and won also that encounter quite impressive with 9:5.
A remarkable performance was also presented by one of the few female participants in the Euro-Tour, Barbara Bolfelli (ITA). She won her opening match over Alex Montpellier (FRA) with 9:7. The next round brought her to the table with Mark Gray (GBR). Gray was simply on another level and handed her a clear 9:3 defeat. However, Bolfelli went to the loser’s side and won another encounter with her fellow countryman Michele Riolfatti (ITA) 9:5.
Former World Champion Oliver Ortmann (GER) had to deal with Shaun Storry (GBR). That match turned out to be a hill-hill thriller. At 8:8, luck became a factor in the match. Storry had some lucky shots at first but then Ortmann took revenge and also benefitted from a lucky fluke which brought him the victory in that match.
Another former World Champion with problems today was Daryl Peach (GBR). He managed to win his first match in winner’s round 1 over Andreas Gerwen (SWE) with 9:7. Then he met Jani Siekkinen (FIN). After 16 racks, the match was tied at 8:8. It was Siekkinen who had the better nerves, sending Peach to the loser’s side of the event.
The tournament continues on Friday morning at 09:00 CET. Up to eight tables will be in the live stream and can be viewed at www.kozoom.com. All results and info about the event can be found at www.eurotouronline.com
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 please contact the EPBF press at press@epbf.com.