PRAGUE - Radek Novák is the Czech Republic's new champion in three-cushion. 46-year-old Czech from the capital Prague beat his last rival Martin Bohac 40-33 in 37 innings in the final. For Radek Novák, it was his fourth title in his country.
With the championship, Novák completed a triptych: he won the national championship with his team and was number one in the Grand Prix cycle. Last year Radovan Hajék won the title, two years ago Radek Novák was the champion.
The Czech championship started with four groups of four players, with the best eight qualifying for the knockout system. In the semi-finals, Novák won his match against Gazdos 40-23 in 27 and Bohác against Dirn 40-33 in 43 innings. The organisation was in the hands of BC Havirov.
Novák barely had time to celebrate the title. He travelled to the European Championships in Ankara one day later, where he plays for the nation team together with Radovan Hajek. That team meets in the preliminary rounds today, Tuesday, Greece 1, the defending champion with Nikos Polychronopoulos and Kostas Kokoris and France 2, playing with Maxime Panaia and Adrien Tachoire.
In the individual tournament, Novák plays in a group with Emilio Sciacca and Adrien Tachoire.
Radek Novák in joy after his winning point
Radek with the trophy and the gold medal