Thursday, March 24, 2011: The first matches of the straight pool discipline are played. The defending champion, David Alcaide from Spain drew first blood against his Norwegian opponent Malvin Bjelland. “I really like the setup and the atmosphere that we are playing in here” says Alcaide. “I am not too happy with my performance but I am also not disappointed. I can play a bit better but my opponent did not make use of his chances.” When asked about his practice habits, Alcaide replies with a smile: “I never practice straight pool. I only play it at the EC. My favourite game is 8-ball though. That is what I play in Spain during the year. On the Euro-Tour I play 9-ball and 10-ball, of course”. It will be interesting to follow whether Alcaide will be able to defend his title this year, knowing that many tough players are hungry for the title.
The event will be 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 event website www.epconline.eu or contact our press office.
