ANKARA - The honour of the Spanish nation is more important to Dani Sánchez and Ruben Legazpi than a solid preparation for the World Cup. Both events, the European nation championship and the World Cup, will take place this weekend (Thursday to Saturday) and the week after in Ankara, Turkey. Four players of the world top ten, Dick Jaspers, Marco Zanetti, Jérémy Bury and Martin Horn, decided to skip the European Championship, because they want to fully focus on the World Cup, where ranking points are at stake. Dani Sánchez (and Ruben Legazpi) did not hesitate to participate at the European Championship: ''We surely want to perform everywhere and always for our country and win prizes.''
The Spanish team won the last European team championship two years ago in Antalya in the final against the Turks. Dani Sánchez defeated Semih Sayginer, Murat Naci Coklu equalised by beating Ruben Legazpi. The Scotch Double as a barrage was won by Spain, 15-3.
Kozoom spoke with the reigning champions on the eve of the European Championship in a short interview.
Kozoom/Frits Bakker: The European Championship is the wonderful, new start of this billiard year. You, Dani and Ruben, are the defending champions. How ambitious are you to win the title again? And also: how important is this title for Spain?
Dani and Ruben: We are the defending champions, but we will play with the same ambition as always. And of course, it is very important for Spain and for us to get a medal at this team championship.
Kozoom/FB: The rhythm is slowly coming back for Spanish billiards with the Spanish championship, the team league, although Dani had to come back from a short stop by COVID. But the first results in the Spanish championship and the league are impressive. The form and the shape are good, for both of you?
Dani and Ruben: It is not a guarantee, but indeed, the form seems to be good. Still you never know what it will be like when we are on the European podium.
Kozoom/FB: How does it come that you are so strong and solid as a team: silver at the second last European Championship, gold two years ago. Does it feel like a bery close team of friends at the table?
Dani and Ruben: We had some very good results in this composition for some years now and we always feel very comfortable together. On top of that, we have been good friends for a long time and we enjoy the game.
Kozoom/FB: Do you have a certain tactic to prepare for such a nation tournament?
Dani and Ruben: No, no special tactics for this tournament, just do our best.
Kozoom/FB: The system is a kind of knock-out with three teams in a group of which in principle only the winner advances to the best eight: so, losing in the first round means almost certain elimination. You have to be sharp from the start. Who are your main competitors?
Dani/Ruben: There are many favorites in this strong field. It is difficult to say who is the main competitor, because many factors play a role.
Kozoom/FB: Can you imagine that there are top players who focus specifically on the World Cup and for that reason cancel this European Championship?
Dani/Ruben: I don't understand it..., not defending your country because there is a World Cup one week later. (Dani: two years ago I played both tournaments and won them both. I felt like a lucky guy). So sure, it is quite possible to be in good shape at the European Championships and at the World Cup.
Kozoom/FB: The ambition and the focus are optimal: it is very important for you to shine for Spain?
Dani/Ruben: Yes, very important to represent Spain in every tournament and at every moment.
Thank you Dani and Ruben, good luck in both events.