Friday, April 15, 2011: In a match between two very interesting characters, Fabio Petroni (ITA) won 9:5 over Stephan Cohen (FRA), the reigning European 10-ball Champion. Petroni was always ahead in the match and seemed to play with a new found self-confidence. "I used to be arrogant. But I have had some six to seven months without any competition now and I changed my attitude", said Petroni after the match. "I respect the game and my opponent much more than I did before. That helps me focusing on my game only". At the score of 7:5 for Petroni, Cohen broke but could not pocket the 1-ball. Petroni started with a combination shot and convincingly cleared the table, gaining a comfortable 8:5 lead. With his own break to come, Petroni fired 3 balls in and ran the table to win the match 9:5. Again, he looked very concentrated and made no errors at all.
"Though I never played good in events in Italy in the past, I love to play here with my fellow countrymen giving me the support I need", says the likeable Italian. He will now have to deal with Oliver Ortmann from Germany to find out who will make his way into the last 32 players through the winner's side and who has to walk to the loser's bracket.
Other notable results this morning include Chris Melling (GBR) defeating David Pascasi (ITA) 9:3, Tony Drago (MLT) bowling over Radoslaw Babica (POL) 9:5 and Marcus Chamat (SWE) winning against Damian Overton (GBR) 9:5. These results are all from the winner'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 event website www.eurotouronline.eu or contact our press office.
