Margola ousted Karlsson
Sarajevo, Bosnia & Hercegovina: With 75:58 points, Giorgio Margola (ITA) eliminated former Champion Kent Karlsson (SWE) from the straight pool individuals.
Karlsson as well as Margola are experienced straight pool players. Way back in 2002, Karlsson held the title in senior's straight pool. Too bad for them to meet so early in the round of the last 32 players. After 16 players have been eliminated, the system changed from double to single knock-out. Margola ran off like a sprinter. He took a 24:1 lead in the first inning. In doing so he set down the yardstick for the match. Karlsson, who is also capable to run high innings, seemed to be impressed by Margola's good start. But he fought his way back in the match and played a run of 21 points to take a 37:26 lead himself. In the very next inning, Margola answered that with a run of 32 balls, now leading 58:37. That was the second shock that Karlsson received in that match. He could not really recover from it. Margola was always on top of the action and finally took Karlsson out with 75:58.
Other notable results include Tom Storm (SWE) finishing Sascha Manojlovic (SUI) with 75:30. Reiner Wirsbitzki (GER) won his match with 75:47 over Luis Torres (POR). Last year's runner-up, Gijs Van Helmond (NED), who had to make his way to the single elimination stage through the loser's bracket, had to deal with Stefano Bazzana (ITA), straight pool Champion from 2011. After four innings, Bazzana was leading comfortably with 61:35. He only needed one more rack to book his seat in the next round. But van Helmond seemed to have a strong objection against it. He emphasized that by not letting Bazzana to the table anymore, running the remaining 39 balls he needed for the victory.
The event will be streamed LIVE on up to 20 tables at www.kozoom.com/en/pool-billiard/
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 and reference please go to the federation website www.billiardapps.com or contact our press office.
