Hall of Famer through to next round
Ralf Souquet (GER) won his first match over Jani Siekkinen (FIN) by a hair's breadth with 9:8.
Hall of famer Souquet was the mile high favourite to win this match. But sometimes, things just don't happen your way. Souquet missed an easy shot in his first rack and had to watch Siekkinen drawing first blood. Then, the balls just did not roll Souquet's way. Siekkinen scored point after point and after six racks he had an unbelievable 6:0 lead over Souquet. But knowing Souquet, one thing is for sure: he never gives up! So it happened this time. Souquet suddenly seemed to get momentum and forced the tide to turn in his favour. He scored point after point and managed to tie the match hill-hill at 8:8. What a drama! In the final rack, Souquet proved to be the player with the better nerves and ran the rack, seizing the match with 9:8 off Siekkinen.
Other notable results include Mehmet Bakici (TUR) winning with 9:6 over Thomas Poeschl (GER). Imran Majid (GBR) sent Pascal Budo (BEL) to the loser's side with an impressive 9:3 victory. Helmut Heck (GER) delivered one of the surprises for today. In an intense match he defeated Mario He (AUT) with 9:5.