BRANDENBURG - Two points away from the gold medal, Herbert Szivacz missed in the final on the small table the chance of his life to win the European title. The Austrian had the perfect position on a score of 38-37 and could make the carom in the small area almost with his eyes closed.
He missed, however, in the tension of the final stage. Dani Sánchez scored his last points routinely with a run of three. The title was deserved, for sure, but the Spaniard needed a tough fight.
Sánchez could not show his power, after he had kickstarted the match. In his semi final, he blew Dick Jaspers off the table. The bump with the Austrian was more an uphill match with a thrilling finish.
Szivacz looked at a backlog of 17-4 after Sánchez had scored seven and eight in his first three innings. But his opponent, cheered by his supporters, fought back strongly and levelled the match in the twelfth inning with a run of nine, coming up to 28-27.
Both players then remained in balance, used some innings, but eventually, Sánchez had the strongest nerves.
The triple Spanish world champion on the match table showed himself already the best in the prelims with 2.586. Szivacz was the third in the losers schedule with 1.736.
The route to the finals brought Sánchez along Makik, Bulut and Jaspers. The Austrian defeated Tüzül, Van Camp and Nilsson.
Dani Sánchez picked up 3000 euros for the first prize, Herbert Szivacz was awarded by 2000 euros.