ANKARA - David Gonzalez was one of the four Mexicans to start the world artistic championships in Ankara amid the top European players. The Mexican was an unknown outsider, but shone as the star of this championship, winning the world title for Mexico. He was joined on the podium by Frenchman Kevin Tran, Turk Baris Cin and German Thomas Ahrens.
The climax of the World championship was sensational when Gonzalez held his own amidst the top favorites. First, the Mexican beat two Dutchmen in the knock-outs, Jop de Jong 154-116, René Dericks 174-130. From then on, Gonzalez was among the major contenders for the first world gold in artistic for many years.
He faced German Thomas Ahrens, who also played an outstanding tournament, in the semi-finals and won 161-156 after a nice final sprint. Frenchman Kevin Tran eliminated the last Turkish player in that semi-final, Baris Cin was beaten 200-180 (76.34 and 71.43 average).
The final match was another thrilling match, in which the Mexican, who lives in Mexico City, eventually took control, beating his French rival 199-165.
David Gonzalez actually was a complete unknown at this World championship. Sander Jonen, the two-time world champion, later said: ’’Nobody knew him at all, only from a few videos and trick shots on facebook.'' Mexican artistic billiards was known until now only from Roberto Rojas, the master of exhibitions, who became world champion in 2002.
Rene Dericks, the other Dutchman, who lost to Gonzalez in the knock-outs: ''He plays so easily and well that it was even nice to watch.''
David Gonzalez finished second behind Manfred Hekerle from Austria in his group for the preliminary rounds. The group winners further included Kevin Tran, René Dericks, Michael Hammen, Erik Vervliet, Eric Daelman, Jop de Jong and Haci Arap Yaman.
Rene Dericks lost to David Gonzalez 174-130 (75.32/56.28) in the quarter-finals. Thomas Ahrens beat Erik Vervliet 139-104, Kevin Tran by his compatriot Michael Hammen 166-155 and Baris Cin by the highest percentage vs Haci Arap Yaman (198-177, 83.19/72.84).