Thomas Engert remains victorious in hill-hill battle
Thursday, 25 August 2011: In a thriller that lasted over two hours, Thomas Engert (GER) won against Fabio Petroni (ITA) by the skin of his teeth with 8:7.
Both players have been around in the international pool billiard circuit for many years now. They know and respect each other's game. No wonder, the start of the match was characterised by defensive play and several errors from both players. Petroni was able to take a 2:0 lead over Engert. He seemed to get a better start but at a score of 2:1 for him, he missed an unbelievably easy 8-ball, giving Engert the chance to tie the match at 2:2. In the 5th rack, Petroni again missed a makeable 8-ball. Instead of leading 4:1, the Italian was now down to Engert with 2:3. But he kept on fighting, and so did Engert. Petroni was again able to gain a 2 game advantage over his German opponent when Engert tied the match again at 6:6. Then the inevitable final of the match was reached. Both players met at 7:7, being on the hill. With Engert to break, the final rack of the match started. Engert pocketed two balls on the break shot but had no good position for the 1-ball. He started a safety battle which Petroni accepted. After some safety shots were exchanged, it was Engert to start pocketing balls. He had a tough rack to go and he made no more errors. 8:7 was the final result in favour of Engert who will play in the 2nd winner's round tonight. Petroni is sent to the loser's bracket where he will try to make it to the final 32 players single elimination stage.
Other notable results include Kevin Becker (GER) defeating 10-ball World Champion Huidji See (NED) with 8:7. Martin Steinlage (GER) sent the winner of the last Euro-Tour, Richard Jones (GBR) to the loser's side with the same result. Another 8:7 winner was Marcus Chamat (SWE) sending Mariusz Sniegocki (POL) to the loser's bracket.
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.
