Oliver Ortmann (GER)
Portoroz, Slovenia: In a high class straight pool match, Oliver Ortmann (GER) overpowered Artem Koshovyi (UKR) with 100:55.
Ortmann began the match and started his account by scoring 42 points. Then Koshovyi had the chance of making some points but he did not really make use of it. After 9 points, Ortmann got back to the table. Knowing Ortmann's history and record, he must be considered to be a favorite in any straight pool competition in the World. The former World Champion and US Open winner got back to the table and performed rock solid. However, when leading 89:9, Ortmann missed another shot. That brought Koshovyi back into the table. And the young star from the Ukraine certified that he also wanted to win that match. His will to send his legendary opponent to the loser's side was unbroken. Koshovyi ran 29 balls and allowed Ortmann to disturb his performance for one ball. At 55:90, Koshovyi got unlucky since the cue ball froze to an object ball. He tried to bank an object ball in the side pocket but he failed. He left a tough shot for Ortmann, but the German knows how to handle these situations. With high precision he pocketed the remaining balls and took the victory with 100:55.
In another exciting match, Nick van den Berg (NED) defeated Jim Chawki (SWE) with 100:66. The match contained all factors of excitement that straight pool can provide. Chawki dominated in the beginning and when a frozen ball situation occurred on the table, Chawki was already leading 67:5 over van den Berg. Since the situation was so complicated, van den Berg chose to play a deliberate foul. That was also done by Chawki. After three turns, van den Berg committed the third consecutive foul and got 15 points deducted. He also had to do a new opening shot, according to the rules of the game. He then played a safety break and left a long and tough shot for Chawki. The Swede went for it and missed. Van den Berg showed all his class, trailing -10 to 66 and ran out with a series of 110 balls.
Other notable results from the first straight pool rounds include Bence Deak (HUN) winning with 100:94 over Vitaly Pavlukhin (RUS). In the women's division, Caroline Roos (SWE) just made it over Marika Poikkijoki (FIN) with 75:67 after a tough fight.
The event is 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 federation website www.epconline.eu , follow us on twitter @EPBF_News or contact our press office.
