Nathan Duriez (21) takes first big victory in career

BRESCIA - Young Frenchman Nathan Duriez (21) won the second Grand Prix Longoni Next Gen tournament, organized by the CEB for players under 21. The final match was this Sunday afternoon. In the final, the eldest of two brothers beat a well known opponent, Turkish junior world champion Burak Hashas 35-32 in 37 innings. 18-year-old Tangui Duriez finished fifth in the final standings. Nine European players took part in the tournament in Brecia, Italy.

Nathan Duriez was a runner-up four years ago at a European under-21 championship in Ronchin behind the champion Maxime Panaia. The European tournament victory in Brescia was his first major win. ''I am happy with this success in the final against Burak Hashas, who is already a big international player at his young age.'' In the qualifiers of the tournament, Duriez lost to Hashas 25-19 in 16 innings. ’’In the final, I was in the lead throughout the match, but had to fight hard to maintain that lead.''

In developing his billiard career, Nathan Duriez combines billiards with studies and work. ’’I am doing a study for mechanical engineer, for which I go to school every week and I work the other week in a company. Training for three-cushion I do at the St Quentin club five minutes' drive from home. And we also train at home, as our parents have a match table.''

Studies and work make playing World Cups almost impossible. Nathan Duriez has so far received occasional practical lessons from well-known players such as Johan Loncelle, Pierre Soumagne and this year Richard Bitalis. With his team from Saint Quentin, Duriez became French team champion this year. The team also included Robinson Morales, Johan Loncelle and Mathieu Franck.

Nathan Duriez won in the semi-finals first against another top Turkish talent, Seymen Ozbas 35-25 in 31. Burak Hashas beat German youngster Amir Ibraimov 35-20 in 40 in the other semi-final.

The victory allows Nathan Duriez to compete at the European Under-21 Championship in Ankara and the European Senior three cushion Championship next season.

Burak Hashas finished number two in the rankings ahead of Seymen Ozbas and Amir Ibraimov.

Nathan Duriez and Burak Hashas before the match with the referees in the final.

The final ranking in the Grand Prix: 

1. Nathan Duriez 10-1.000-9
2. Burak Hashas 10-1.128-7
3. Seymen Ozbas 6-1.000-12
4. Amir Iraimov 3-0.758-5
5. Tangui Duriez 2-0.826-5
6. Daniel Kristiansen 4-0.781-8
7. Joris van ’t Zelfden 1-0.754-5
8. Luca Philipoom 2-0.560-4
9. Turia Paolo 0-0.363-3.