VALENCIA – The founder of the renowned Paiporta Billiards School and former Spanish billiards president Antonio Ortiz passed away today. The 75 year old Spaniard was a well-known and beloved figure in Spanish billiards world, holding many positions and attending international competitions.

The Spanish federation paid him a final tribute in an article. "Antonio started his career in 1992 when he joined the Paiporta Billiards Club as sports director. A few years later, he joined the Valencian Billiards Federation, where he headed the sports department until 2002. In 2003, Antonio was appointed vice-president of the Spanish Billiards Federation, a position he held until 2012. Ortiz was first elected acting president in 2018, and two years later, he also won the presidential election. Just before the elections, he was forced to play billiards himself due to health problems.

Yet, he was able to resume his functions later. Antonio Ortiz officiated, among other things, more than 100 Spanish championships, a European Championship and a World Under-21 Championship, the 2006 World Games in Seville with 100 billiard tables, and a total of 50 billiard championships in the Valencia region across all disciplines. In 1997, Ortiz was also appointed referee.

The Spanish federation writes: "He was a striking personality. His energetic character, which left no one untouched, was remarkable. He had a huge heart and a great charm. That is why he was so loved and appreciated, both within and outside the billiards world." His passing leaves a huge void. As long as billiards exists, he will always be with us.

Antonio Ortiz was also the father of the now 36-year-old Antonio Ortiz, who broke Dani Sánchez's hegemony in 2011 and claimed the Spanish title in Paiporta. He also won the European junior title. Antonio Ortiz Sr. will be buried tomorrow, Friday.