Sanne Azar (SWE) took down Sandor Tot (HUN) 75:22 in the winner’s qualification round of the straight pool competition at the Dynamic Billard European Championships for seniors and ladies.
Today is day one of the Dynamic Billard European Championships for Seniors and Ladies in Tirana, Albania. Having completed four events already, this morning saw the start of the „old boys“ event with the straight pool discipline. One of the favored players in Sanne Azar. He took the Gold Medal in 8-ball and the Silver Medal in 9-ball at last year’s event. His opponent in the winner’s qualification round was Sandor Tot, former European Champion. The writing was on the wall that this match could turn into a heated-up encounter between two equal performers. But Tot could not match the expectations that were laid upon him. Azar dominated the table and did not allow Tot to find his game. On top of that, when Tot got to the table he committed mistakes that were avoidable. Leading 8:-1, Tot actually had the chance to direct the match his way but he missed and easy shot in the side pocket. Azar answered that negligence in pocketing 34 balls, taking a 33:8 lead now. When Tot got back to the table, he made 9 balls and again committed an avoidable mistake. He ran out of position and had to play a combination shot to the side pocket which he missed. Again, Azar punished him for it and the score was 52:17 before Tot got back to the table. Whatever the Hungarian tried he did not seem to be focussed enough. In the end, Azar rightfully took the match 75:22 and proceeded to the single elimination stage of the last 32 players while Tot needs to seek his fortune making it through the loser’s side of the draw.
Other remarkable results from today include defending Champion Reiner Wirsbitzki (GER) winning his first two matches 75:65 over Henri Kaksonen (FIN) and 75:4 over Tom Bjerke (NOR). At his first appearance it the senior’s, Italy’s Fabio Petroni won 75:46 over Martin Schwab (GER) and 75:30 over Dino Cerimagic (BIH). Vegas Kristiansen (NOR) also played solid and made his way to the single elimination stage with two straight victories on the winner’s side. He swept Glenn Andersson (SWE) 75:18 and then Gianluca Boni (ITA) 75:2. For that match, Kristiansen needed two innings only. The other remaining favorite is probably Henrique Coreia (POR). He was sent to the loser’s side by strong Dutch contestant Jimmy Worung with 75:49.
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