10-Ball
Treviso, Italy: The Best Western Premier BHR Treviso Hotel is probably the busiest place in Quinto di Treviso today.
Taking a look around the place, the first impression comes with the check-in desk. Having been there quite often during today, I have not seen the staff having a quiet minute so far. Pool-Billiard players from all over Europe keep on pouring in, having travelled thousands of miles by airplane, car or train. Of course, that is not too much of a surprise since the contestant's rows for the Dynamic Billiards Italian Open has always attracted many players. However, it is always amazing to see so many talented cue artists in one place, look at them and think: "Who will be taking the trophy home this time?" The range of players who have signed up for the event is long. It ranges from young and new faces such as 18-year old Tobias Bongers (GER) to mature and experienced players like Aristeidis Damoulakis (GRE). Regulars like Nick v.d. Berg (NED) could be spotted as well as Evgenyi Stalev (RUS), a player who was last seen in the European billiard circuit about ten years ago. Even former World Champion Stephan Cohen (FRA) will start the battle in tomorrow's first round after being absent for quite some tournaments now. As a highlight, even three female players complete the variety of the field.
After passing the check-in desk and the restaurant, I arrive at a conference room where 12 Dynamic III match-tables have been assembled. Each table is busy with players who are practicing their skills. The difference can easily be told. Nobody is wearing the tournament dress code yet. That adds some color to the scene.
Continuing the walk, one goes upstairs and sees the „heart" of the venue: The TV arena setup. Seven tables on the side and one TV table in the middle of an audience and TV setup. Many people are still working on it, providing all the little bits and pieces that are needed to make the whole event the success it is. Cameras are being fixed, lights are adjusted, cables are drawn from one end to another, iron work is tightened with screws and bolts, banners are suspended on the truss system, ... everything is done to provide the fans with up to 10 tables of Live Streaming, starting tomorrow.
The event will be 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.eurotouronline.eu , follow us on twitter @EPBF_News or contact our press office.