Souquet gets a second life
Friday, 19 October 2012: Completely unexpected, Omran Abdulla (UAE) exits Manuel Gama (POR) out of the Dynamic Billiards North Cyprus Open with 9:4.
So far, not too many upsets struck the Euro-Tour here in Kyrenia, North Cyprus. But Omran Abdulla from the United Arab Emirates definitely delivered a big surprise. He was up in the loser’s qualification round against Euro-Tour regular Manuel Gama. If Gama underestimated his opponent or just could not find his own pace cannot be answered here. However, Abdulla played good pool and claimed rack after rack. In the early stage of the match,
Gama was able to put up some resistance. Abdulla was leading 3:1 and 4:2 when Gama tried to get momentum and even managed to tie the match at 4:4. At that point in time, the spectators thought that Gama would now shift into overdrive and destroy his Arab opponent. But the opposite happened. Abdulla played better and did not allow Gama to add one more point to his account. Winning five racks in a row, Abdulla sent Gama home with 9:4 and will now be drawn into the round of the final 32 players.
In another thrilling match, Ralf Souquet (GER) just made it with 9:8 over Jyri Halttu (SWE). At a score of 8:8, Halttu looked like the sure winner. He only had two straight shots left on the table. But he played the 8-ball too carelessly. It hung over the pocket but did not go in. Souquet only pocketed two more balls and won the match with a lot of luck 9:8.
Further notable results include Jasmin Ouschan (AUT) making it to the single elimination stage, defeating Ali Alsuwaidi (UAE) with 9:5. Grandmaster Oliver Ortmann (GER) thrashed Ruslan Chinakhov (RUS) 9:3 while Mark Gray (GBR) achieved the same result over Saki Kanatlar (TUR).
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.eurotouronline.eu , follow us on twitter @EPBF_News or contact our press office.
