ANKARA - The European three cushion championships are nearing the finals after a wonderful week. The championships for teams (winner Germany) and individuals have put the Turkish organization in Ankara in the spotlights for a week. Diane Wild, the European president, arrived this weekend, celebrated her birthday right in the tournament centre and enjoyed the final day of the tournament in the stands.
The president enjoyed looking back with Kozoom on the double European tournament and the new masterpiece of the Turkish organization.
Kozoom/Frits Bakker: For the European federation, this championship is a publicity highlight on the calendar every year? How is your look back at the European Championships in Ankara?
Diane Wild: Obviously, this combined championship is a very important highlight in the CEB calendar. It is the first time these two tournaments have been held together and we are very happy with the results. Unfortunately, I couldn't be here at the start, so I am only here for the last three days. I didn't want to miss this event. A few improvements will be made for the next season, but I can already confirm that the European Championships will be held in Ankara again. Many thanks to the Turkish federation.
Kozoom/FB: How important is the Turkish organization to the CEB, with its routine, the great atmosphere, the knowledge that every organization is perfectly good? And is Turkey also the biggest federation within the CEB in terms of members?
Diane Wild: TBF is without doubt the biggest federation in the CEB in terms of the three-cushion discipline, which of course is very popular in this country. They are used to organize such big events, they have the necessary expertise and I can say that the organization is very efficient. In terms of personnel, they are very strong. To give an idea, there were about 40 referees working on this event, of which 11 were women, plus other people who took on secondary tasks and even more people working in the administrative and planning sectors. I think the venue is something every federation would like to have. It is unique in the billiards world. We have worked hard together to organize this event and the cooperation with TBF has always been pleasant. Don't forget that together we have organized even bigger events than this European Championship. TBF is also one of the most active and dedicated federations when it comes to organizing international events; of course, all federations want and need to contribute to the organization of the many CEB events, each according to its specific capacity.
Kozoom/FB: In short, the Turkish federation is hugely active in organizing and very important for the CEB. Are you in favor of more diversification, with many countries involved in big events?
Diane Wild: Yes, TBF is a very active federation, an example. Of course, as CEB, we want to organize events in different countries. These events are also an opportunity for a federation to promote our sport in their country. Fortunately, some other federations also organize CEB competitions. Some others need convincing
Thanks Ms Diane Wild for the interview, enjoy the finals in Ankara.
Ms Diane Wild, the president, celebrating her birthday in the tournament hall
Ms Diane Wild: thanks to the Turkish federation