Amir Ibraimov (15) shows his high class with magnificent victory

DESIO - The first major victory for young German Amir Ibraimov gave his career a great highlight this Sunday afternoon. The only 15-year-old German student from Duisburg, who turns 16 this week, won the European tournament for players under 21, organized by CEB and Longoni. In the final against Turk Denizcan Akkoca, young boy Ibraimov was the best with 35-26 in 29/28 innings. The start of that final was fantastic: the German led 24-2 in 10 innings and remained attentive until the finish. ’’I’m so happy for my father, who is here as a supporter, and for myself,'' Amir showed his emotions after the final. ’’I had said to myself, I lost the World championship final, it won't happen to me again. And I succeeded, that gives me a fantastic feeling.''

The young German was also last year's runner-up at the last World Junior championship behind Korean Myeong Gyu Oh. Amir's mental strength proved to be a strong weapon again. Even at the World Junior Championship, he stayed ahead of the big Turkish favorites and he only had to bow to Korean Oh in Ankara. Back then, that also happened in a fascinating fight: 35-33 for the Korean in 37/36.

Amir Ibraimov, from a family with a billiard-playing father (Bajram) and elder brother (Ali), fully lived up to his reputation in the Italian city. At 15, he is now definitely among the world's big talents. In the CEB and Longoni event, Amir had a moderate start with a win of 25 in 30 and a draw with 25 in 36 innings. He even lost to Burak Hashas 25-10 in 16 in the preliminary rounds, but grew to his best form in the knock-outs.

In the quarter-finals, Ibraimov won in a difficult match against Spaniard Toni Garcia 35-30 in 35. In the semi-finals, Ibraimov was at his best against Dutchman Joris van 't Zelfden 35-16 in 22, then in the final against big favorite Denizcan Akkoca, whom he beat 35-26 in 39/38. That match had a sensational start. Amir Ibraimov took a huge lead 24-2. ''I then said to my father: it is not won yet, I will keep fighting for every carom, because Akkoca is always dangerous.'' Indeed, the Turk crept even closer, but in the end Amir grabbed victory.

His father Bajram was in tears. ''I was so happy for my son that he could beat this big champion. The two Turks won international titles, now Amir was able to beat them. What a great achievement.'' In the semi-final, Akkoca beat his compatriot Burak Hashas 35-22 in 26 innings. Hashas, the ex-world junior champion, played a superb preliminary round but suffered an unexpected setback in the final stage.

Amir Ibraimov made a big breakthrough in billiards at 15. He is a reserve for the German team at the World championship for nations in Viersen, but there is a good chance he is the substitute for Martin Horn, who is still recovering from a foot fracture. Amir Ibraimov will also make a move to the top German Bundesliga team Weywiesen with Torbjörn Blomdahl and Roland Forthomme next season.

Denizcan Akkoca is the number two on the podium in Desio, with bronze going to Joris van 't Zelfden and Burak Hashas. The Dutchman won the semi-final against Spaniard Daniel Sainz-Pardo with two series of 6 and 5 in the last two innings: 35-23 in 24 innings (1.458). This made him the second best winner in the quarter-finals. Curiously, the Zeeuw also played Sainz-Pardo in the preliminary rounds, the Spaniard twice leading 10-0, but Joris fought back strongly each time to win.

Burak Hashas, 17 and former junior world champion, had a tough match in those quarter-finals against Goncalo Santos from Portugal, but still won 35-32 in 36 after a big deficit (16-7, 22-13). Denizcan Akkoca was the best winner against Marcos Morales with 35-11 in 21. Amir Ibraimov beat Toni Garcia with 35-30 in 35.

Finals, ranking:

1. Amir Ibraimov (Germany) 11-1,021-10
2. Denizcan Akkoca (Turkey) 10-1.385-10
3. Burak Hashas (Turkey) 10-1,353-8
4. Joris van 't Zelfden (Netherlands) 10-1,078-6
5. Daniel Sainz-Pardo (Spain) 4-1.046-10
6. Goncalo Santos (Portugal) 8-0.788-7
7. Toni Garcia (Spain) 8-1,040-6
8. Marcos Morales (Spain) 10-0.906-5

The final match between Amir Ibraimov (left) and Denizcan Akkoca

Amir Ibraimov, still only 15, has a fantastic season.