Pool
What a thriller at the Dynamic Billiards European Championships for seniors and ladies. Team Belgium wrestled team Sweden down with a 2:1 victory.
The final day started with a lot of excitement. Belgium and Sweden met in the winner's qualification round in order to see who makes the way straight through to the semi-final. The script for the match could not have been more exciting. Jan Lundell took the first point for Sweden quite easily when he defeated Pascal Budo with 7:3 in 10-ball. Steve Lambrechts had not many more problems in his 9-ball match with Mikael Andersson. The Belgian won clearly with 9:5. At that time, Johny Vanrijkel and Peter Eriksson were neck to neck in their 8-ball match. They both knew that their 8-ball would decide the team match. Eriksson had the advantage over Vanrijkel that he went on the hill first. Leading 6:5, he looked like the sure winner with only two balls and the 8-ball on the table. But amazingly, he missed and easy shot and even scratched with the cue ball. Was that his nerves playing a trick on him? Vanrijkel came in and ended the rack, tying the match at 6:6. In the 13th rack, Eriksson again went ahead and played well. But he fell out of position for his final remaining coloured ball and snookered himself. He was forced to play a jump-shot. Unfortunately for him, he committed a foul during the attempt. Vanrijkel kept his nerves together and ran the table, pocketing the winning 8-ball for a 7:6 victory over Eriksson.
In the other winner's bracket match, team Portugal defeated Team Germany 2:1. In the loser's qualification round, Germany will now have to deal with Switzerland whereas Sweden takes on Team Finland.