Germany and Holland most successful countries.
Germany proved that its players are the best Europe has to offer. No less than three German players reached the semi-finals in the 9-ball tournament, consisting of 94 players from 26 countries.
It was talented Dutchman Nick van den Berg being the odd man out in the semi's. He played Thomas Engert of Germany, who started off with a 4-0 lead in less than 15 minutes. Nick pulled back to 4-3, running three racks, but his run ended with a scratch on the break, which Engert used to expand his lead to 8-3. Nick wasn't about to give up and made an impressive comeback to 8- 7, but again, an almost perfect break (3 balls in) put a stop to his efforts, since the white ball was one of the three balls... Engert took the chance and clinched the match.
The other semi featured two "old-timers". Ralf Souquet and Oliver Ortmann took each other on, in a match that never evolved to be a true match, as Ralf made it clear who is Der Kaiser. The Machine never had a real chance and lost 2-9.
The final was more exciting as the score went up and down, but it was Thomas Engert who pulled if off, with a 9-7 victory over his countryman Souquet.
Germany and Holland, both favorites for the team-title (the team-event will end on Saturday), took home the gold and silver medals in all disciplines.
Straight Pool:
1. Niels Feijen (Holland)
2. Thomas Engert (Germany)
3. Roman Hybler (Czech Republic)
3. Rico Diks (Holland)
Eight Ball:
1. Thorsten Hohmann (Germany)
2. Niels Feijen (Holland)
3. Kasper Thygesen (Denmark)
3. Tom Storm (Sweden)
Nine-ball
1. Thomas Engert (Germany)
2. Ralf Souquet (Germany)
3. Nick van den Berg (Holland)
3. Oliver Ortmann (Germany)
Teams: Quarter final stages (final on Saturday)
Next year's European Championships will be held in Holland, the EPBF confirmed today.
