BRANDENBURG - He crouched over the billiard table with his hands covering his face, celebrating the most glorious and emotional moment in his career. Raul Cuenca, 37, from Sueca near Valencia, won the final of the 71/2, beating Dave Christiani in a magnificent match that lasted just one inning: 200-8. His catharsis was endearing, the Spanish player let his tears run freely for a few minutes. His compadre Esteve Mata was the first to congratulate him in the chair. ,,My brother in billiards'', he later called him. ,,We have been through so much together, I have learned so many beautiful things from him. I share part of this title with him.''
His first European title and major international success was the obvious highlight of the tournament for Cuenca. He also crowned himself as medal king of this European mega-event. The Spaniard was previously on the podium of the 1-cushion and the 47/2, winning bronze ,,My first medal, in the 1-cushion, was unexpected. Then came a second one, but this one is the best I have ever experienced in my career. It is like a dream, to make the perfect 200 in the final. What a great moment, what a great day.''
Dave Christiani, who had started the match with 8 points and then had to watch the Spanish exhibition from his chair, was full of admiration for his opponent. ,,He played just about the best balkline I have ever seen. A few times I thought I might get a second chance, but he kept solving every problem. It was a wonderful run to look at, as much as I would have liked to have won myself.'' The Dutchman won his second silver medal, after having lost the final to Raymund Swertz two years ago.
In the semifinal, Dave Christiani - also a player in 3-cushion and 5-pins this week - had beaten Arnim Kahofer, 200-163 and a high run of 189. Raul Cuenca had beaten his rival and friend Esteve Mata 200-36 in 8 innings. The Spanish winner is married, has a three year old son and works as a nurse in a hospital some distance away from his home in Sueca. ,,I have a busy life with the commute, the work, my family and as much practice as I can get'', he said, with the tears still visible on his face. Until now, he was not that well-known with the larger billiard audience. But after this edition of "Brandenburg", his name has been made.
Final ranking of the 71/2 (average and high run):
1 Raul Cuenca (Spanje) 47.36-200
2 Dave Christiani (Ned) 27.23-189
3 Arnim Kahofer (Oos) 44.20-142
3 Esteve Mata (Sp) 26.80-150
5 Michel van Silfhout (Ned) 12.50-62
6 Bernard Villiers (Fr) 28.58-109
7 Xavier Grétillat (Zw) 36.36-113
8 Jean-Francois Florent (Fr) 17.55-82
9 Raymund Swertz (Ned) 33.33-77
10 Marek Faus (Tsj) 65.50-112
11 Johann Petit (Fr) 41.50-112
12 Patrick Niessen (Bel( 37.50-135.
The joy at the podium with Raul Cuenca, Dave Chritiani, Esteve Mata and Arnim Kahofer
The champion in full concentration
Raul Cuenca and Esteve Mata, brothers in billiards, fall into each others arms after the golden final
Raul Cuenca with his golden medal