Gold Medals for Ouschan, Tahti and Alcaide

The 10-ball competition at the Dynamic Billard European Championships in St. Johann i.Pg., Austria, have been decided. The Gold Medals and titles were taken by Jasmin Ouschan (AUT), Jouni Tahti (FIN) and David Alcaide (ESP).

The women’s division showed Jasmin Ouschan winning her second title this week. After taking the crown in straight pool, today she won the 10-ball title as well with a never endangered 6:2 victory over Line Kjoersvik (NOR). The final match was more or less a one woman show. It must be stated though that Kjoersvik also seemed to be a bit unfortunate at times. She could not really benefit from her breakshot until Ouschan was already 4:0 up. That was simply too much to comeback for. „I played quite well in 10-ball“ stated Ouschan after the match, „though I do struggle with my shoulder. The tournament seems to be going my way“ added Ouschan with a smile. Ouschan ousted Oliwia Czuprynska (POL) 6:3 in the semifinal while Kjoersvik defeated Marika Poikkijoki (FIN) with 6:2.

In the wheelchair division, Jouni Tahti managed to defend his title from last year. Though he had to take the detour over the loser’s side, he came back strong and clearly defeated Kurt Deklerck (BEL) with 6:2 in the final match. That eliminated Daniel Lee (GBR) in the semis while Deklerck ended David Himpe’s (BEL) hopes for an appearance in the final match.

In the men’s division, the final match was a heartbreaker packed with drama and action. David Alcaide was trailing 2:4 after six racks to his strong opponent Petri Makkonen (FIN). Then he overtook Makkonen with 6:4 and 7:5. Both players seemed to be nervous and committed unusual mistakes during the match. The pressure was definitely on. As in every good drama, it came to a hill-hill situation at 7:7. There Alcaide broke the balls and had a layout where the 6-ball was blocked by the 10-ball. He pocketed all balls until the 6-ball was on and then came up with a magnificent safety shot. But Makkonen hit that shot over two rails and left a tough bank shot for Alcaide. The Spaniard went for it, made it and ran the rack to win the match and the title with 8:7. „We both were pretty nervous“ admitted Alcaide after the match, „that’s why we made these mistakes. In the last rack, I thought my safety was perfect but Petri made a real good shot. He forced me to go for the bank shot. It was a do or die situation for me. I’m glad I won this title,“ added Alcaide.

Medal table after 2 of 5 events: