Tobias Bongers (GER)
Sarajevo, Bosnia & Hercegovina: In an exciting and thrilling encounter, Tobias Bongers (GER) came from behind and vanquished Tian Zhang (SWE) with 100:95.
In short: Zhang was the better player over a long period in the match. He committed less mistakes than Bongers and played rock solid while Bongers missed some important and easy shots. But his nerves might have played a trick on him. Being in the lead with 95:72, Zhang found himself with the balls spread open on the table after a break shot but no easy shot in front of him. He carefully examined the layout and went for a tough shot - and missed it. That brought Bongers back to the table. He was about to put a spoke in Zhang's wheel. At that point in time, one would not have thought that Bongers would be able to keep himself together and run the needed balls. But Bongers surprised the crowd. He rose to the occasion and made no more mistake, eliminating Zhang with 100:95 from the straight pool competition.
Other notable results in the junior's single elimination include Sven Hagen (GER) defeating Andrey Seroshtan (RUS) surprisingly clear with 100:53. Hagen then went on and also eliminated Bosnia's biggest hope Alen Muratovic with 100:61. "The dark horse" Berk Mehmetcik (TNC) is also still on track, beating Daniel Schneider (SUI) with 100:62.
In the pupil's division, Maksim Dudanets (RUS) extinguished all hopes of defending Champion Raphael Wahl (GER) with 75:44.
The Dynamic Billard EPBF European Championships Youth will commence tomorrow morning at 09:00 CET with the 10-ball competition. The straight pool quarter-finals will be played at 16:30 CET with the semis and finals to follow right after.
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.
