Joshua Filler in action in the final
The opening discipline of the 2022 Dynamic Billard European Pool Championships saw gold medals for Germany’s Joshua Filler and Spain’s Amalia Matas in the men’s and women’s straight pool events respectively. Following two days of play – double then single elimination – it came down to the final four in Lasko on Thursday night, and it was Germany and Spain who prevailed.
Filler always had the upper hand against his veteran Czech opponent Roman Hybler. An initial visit of 68 gave the German a cushion but at this level, any player can make match-winning visits. Hybler got to 18 points before losing position and missing, before Filler reached 94 then missed himself.
Hybler, though, failed to make an impact before a succession of fouls saw a re-rack with the scores set at 101-6. A scratch from Filler while on 113 saw Hybler back into the fray, and with his opponent nearing the finish line, he realistically needed to win the match in this visit.
He got to 50 but lost the cue ball down table and couldn’t manage anything with a speculative power shot. That left the stage to Filler who closed the match out for a 125-50 victory.
The German star has the ability to make the game look easy but explained, “What nobody sees is the hard work I’m putting in with my coaches. That final means a lot to me as six years ago straight pool was my favourite game. Actually, in my heart it is my favourite game as it’s what I started with. I wasn’t good at the beginning but I kept learning and learning and then I played ECs as a youth then won a couple of European Championships in straight pool.
“This was the first time I’ve ever played straight pool in the senior men’s division, and the fact I’ve won the first time is just unbelievable. My goal was actually to get to the quarters because I know how good the standard is and everyone can make 100 balls.
“I felt good though. I’d lost three finals in a row this year but it’s my fifth event and fifth final so I feel just amazing. I’m playing in all the other events here but I’ll always give 110% but it’s going to be a crazy week!” he added.
Final
Joshua Filler (GER) 125 – 50 Roman Hybler (CZE)
Semi Finals
Joshua Filler (GER) 125 – 100 Niels Feijen (NED)
Roman Hybler (CZE) 125 – 83 Mario He (AUT)
Amalia Matas celebrates her win
In the women’s final, Filler’s wife Pia, playing in her first European Championship straight pool, gave it her all but came up short against outstanding Spanish talent Amalia Matas, who had earlier won the women’s Euro Tour event at this same venue.
“I have a lot of confidence winning two successive tournaments and I can’t wait for the next one tomorrow. I’m very dedicated and put in lot of practice in this sport. This means a lot when I think of my family and friends and it gives me a lot of pride to know that I’m representing my country,” commented Matas.
She now competes in the ladies 10 ball division and will be highly-fancied to go deep, given her rich vein of form.
Final
Amalia Matas (ESP) 75 – 44 Pia Filler (GER)
Semi Finals
Pia Filler 75 – 43 Tina Vogelmann (GER)
Amalia Matas (ESP) 75 – 53 Line Kjorsvik (NOR)
There are 15 separate events across four disciplines – 8, 9 and 10 ball as well as straight pool – plus the men’s and women’s team competitions. In total there are four divisions; men, women, under 23 men and wheelchair users.
All matches can be viewed live at www.kozoom.com
Results, live scoring and draw are available at
www.epbf.com/tournaments/europ
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