AS THE PREDATOR European Pool Championships approach their final day, the fields of the men’s, women’s and Under 23’s 9-ball tournaments are down to the final four. There was plenty of drama in a long-day’s play and they return tomorrow afternoon to determine the destination of the medals.
In the men’s tournament, Casper Matikainen of Finland won his way through to the podium in a last rack thriller against European 10-Ball Champion Konrad Juszczyszyn after trailing 5-3 and then 7-5. After drawing level at 7-7, the Finn edged a superb victory to stay on track for gold.
He said, “It was a tough match. Konrad plays really good pool and he plays so fast you just try to keep on going and I just got a little more lucky to get the hill-hill win. I mean it feels so good; I’m shaking and over the moon right now but now it’s time to go and rest and try to get the title.
“I’m really proud and 9-ball is the last chance and I think it’s the toughest because everyone is so hungry to get the last medals,” he added.
Matikainen can look forward to Roman Hybler who defeated Max Lechner (AUT) in the final match of the evening. It was another gripping final rack decider that saw both players miss on the 9-ball, before Lechner conceded to gift the match to the Czech.
Commented Roman, “The final rack was unbelievable. I had a bad angle on the 8 but still, I missed the 9-ball and then I get another chance to win. It’s crazy. In the middle of the set, we both played good but there were little mistakes. If you miss the 9-ball on 8-8, normally you don’t get another chance. I thought that I won’t sleep if I lose this match.
“I’m really happy about my medal as I don’t think I have a medal in 9-ball. Happy to be in the semi- finals and I think I have a good chance to get to the final and win the competition.”
The other semi-final is between Tobias Bongers (GER), the straight pool gold medallist and Poland’s Daniel Maciol.
In the women’s event, Ina Kaplan (GER) was the first player through to the last four as she defeated countrywoman Johanna Indlekofer 7-1 in just 45 minutes as her quest for gold continues. Kaplan had earlier claimed silver in straight pool and then bronze in 10-ball as she looks to complete the set.
Commented Ina, “I was just in the flow. In the beginning I made just one mistake I think and I had a dry break but that was it and I think I just ran out all the time. It was really hard for my team mate.
After my silver and bronze medals, I hoped to get more so we will see. I’m hoping get my focus ready again tomorrow so that I have good chances.”
Germany will claim three of the four medals in the women’s 9-ball as Kaplan faces Tina Vogelmann in the last four, whilst the other semi-final sees defending champion Pia Filler up against Norway’s Nina Torvund.
20-year-old Slovakian Kristian Mrva is enjoying some great success in Tallinn as he bagged his third medal of the Predator European Championships, beating Luca Montanari (Italy) 9-6 to reach the Under 23 semi-finals. He now faces Yuma Dorner (Germany) while the other semi is contested by Dennis Laszkowski (GER) and Silvan Starkermann (SUI).
Commented Mrva, “It’s a lot of hard work and a lot of tough matches but I’ve been practising a lot this past year so I’m happy that it’s paid out. One of my medals was in the men’s division in 10-ball where I finished in third place and in the 8-ball in the Under 23 category I also finished in third place. Two lost semi-finals so I’m looking for the gold tomorrow. I’m very satisfied with my performances this week.”
Tuesday is the final day of the Predator European Championship and there are six sets of medals to play for. In the 9-ball individual tournaments, all semi-finals are at 15.30 with the finals at 17.30. The two team competitions also conclude tomorrow with the semi-finals at 11.00 and the gold medal deciders at 13.00.
This year sees a new streaming platform for the Predator European Championship events. Tables 1 and 2 will be streamed throughout on YouTube, via the Pro Billiard TV channel – https://www.youtube.com/@ProBilliardTV
In addition, competing players are permitted to stream their own matches on outside tables to their public social media accounts.
For all results, live scoring and draw, visit www.epbf.com/tournaments/european-championships/