Semih Sayginer, a new big champion in PBA

GYEONGJU - 59-year-old Turkish billiard player Semih Sayginer captured the hearts of many Koreans in his first-ever appearance for the PBA. With a dream start in this season's first PBA event, the debutant on the Korean professional circuit won the top prize right away. The winner was honored with glory and glitter, received the big cup and the grand prize of 100 million Korean won (71,500 euros). The Turkish star player shared the joy with his wife Senay, sponsors and supporters and said in his closing remarks: ’’The PBA is the future of professional billiards. I personally hope to play at this level for another five years and wish the young generation a lot of success in this wonderful professional organization.'' Semih Sayginer crowned his brilliant victory in a one-sided final, which he won against Korean Sang-dae Lee 4-0 in sets and by the scores 15-5, 15-0, 15-12 and 15-5 (averages 1.714 and 0.667). Semih demonstrated his versatile qualities in that match for the top prize, his Korean opponent, never on the podium before, went down with tension and nerves.

The magnificent champion went through the tournament like a whirlwind in his first encounter after he, like Dani Sánchez, Sung-won Choi and Murat Naci Coklu, among others, bid farewell to the world UMB federation in the summer. The new adventure beckoned to the Turk, who is famous for his magical caroms and fantastic exhibitions of technique, art strikes and imitations. He is undeniably an asset to the PBA circuit where he has made a miracle start amid Koreans, Europeans and Asians. The Turk survived all seven rounds and stood on the top podium at the end.

Semih Sayginer, born in Adapazari, fifth child of six siblings, whose parents died in an accident when he was 14, had been a world champion once in his billiards career so far (2003) and before that European champion once (1999). He turned his back on billiards for some time due to dissatisfaction with the Turkish federation board, but returned with big ambitions. The move to the PBA, among other after successes with his country, is a new challenge. Semih told the PBA arena in his winner's speech: ’’I feel so happy, it's a new start to my career. I have a philosophy about living and dying that consists of three: 1st: a person dies physically and in silence, 2nd: a person dies without being called by his name, and 3rd: passing away without legacy. This victory feels like a legacy for the younger generation, I don't want to die without a legacy. I feel very happy in the PBA and I’m lucky to be a part of this organization.''

Late night in Korea, Semih gave an extended interview. ''I'm not going to sleep yet because I have to answer many, many messages. Looking back, I want to give a lot of credit to my wife, who supported me all the time. In the first three days, I had to play around 11 o'clock in the evening, I was in the practice hall all day and my wife was always with me. It was also hard and difficult for her. And in all the tension, she almost had a heart attack in the semi-final.'' Sayginer further thanked his new sponsor Huons and the tournament sponsor Blue One resorts. On his transition from UMB to PBA, he did not elaborate. ''I found a very logical way to make this move.'' And on the trajectory for his first PBA win: ''My second match was very touch: it was 2-2, we went into the shoot-out, he made 1 and left a bankshot for me, which I was able to make and win the match. The semi-final was also very close: we got to 3-3 in a hard fight, but I finally managed to win. The final was an easy win. My opponent is a much better player than he could show.''

Sayginer's victory march started a week ago with wins against Hyun min Seo (3-0, 1,500), Keon-hwi Cho (2-2, penalties, 1,250), Nam-soo Kim (3-0, 2,500), Sang Pil Eom (3-1, 2. 765), Spaniard Juan David Zapata in the quarter finals (3-1, 1,897) and finally on the last day, first In-su Park in a match with changing odds 4-3 (1,452/1,419) and in the final with a superior Sayginer. 

Sang-dae Lee eliminated three well known names: Lütfi Cenet (3-1, 2,269), Dong Koong Kang (3-1, 1,395) and Javier Palazón (3-0, 2,368) and was one of the revelations of this PBA event.

Semih Sayginer in his last match on the way to the title

Semih met de eerste PBA cup van dit seizoen

Semih during his match for the semi final

Semih Sayginer's opponent in the final match, Sang-dae Lee

Semih Sayginer and the ladies winner Min-a Kim

Semih's vrouw Senay supporting him in the finals