THE INDIVIDUAL MEDAL events concluded this afternoon at 2026 Predator European Pool Championships and there were titles for Poland, Germany and Spain. In the men’s event, Daniel Maciol added to his 10-ball gold as he defeated Jonas Souto (ESP) by 9-4 while Ina Kaplan also became a double gold medal winner as she beat countrywoman Joanna Indlekofer 7-1. In the Under-23 final, 19-year-old Spaniard Alvaro Lama-Pereira won a hard-fought match 9-6 as he put paid to Dennis Laszkowski’s hopes of defending in crown.
Maciol had travelled to the event direct from Las Vegas, enduring an 11-hour time difference but he managed his energy superbly throughout the week. He always held Souto at arms-length before pulling away in the home stretch for the win.
Commented Maciol, “It was really difficult, we were both struggling I think, but I had a lead. Jonas couldn’t get many points so I was feeling quite OK with my lead and step-by- step, I was getting closer and closer. The last rack was really a nice layout after my break and I managed to finish it.
“I’m feeling great, I’m over the moon to be honest I can’t imagine I managed to win two disciplines here in Turkey, especially when I was only playing in three, so two out three. I’m so proud of myself.
It’s an additional reward for me. Now I have in my career two gold medals and it happened here in Turkey so I will never forget this place.
“The first days weren’t easy but day-by-day I was feeling better and I was trying to push myself to the limit and I did so I’m grateful for that.”
Bronze medals went to Tobias Bongers (GER) and Ronald Regli (SUI).
Ina Kaplan was another double champion as she added 9-ball to her straight pool gold medal, enjoying a comfortable victory over Johanna Indlekofer. With the match lasting a little over 35 minutes, Kaplan ceded nothing as she cantered to the finishing line. Earlier, Indlekofer enjoyed a career-highlight win as she beat Jasmin Ouschan 7-5 in her semi-final.
Commented Kaplan, “I’m so happy that I won my second gold medal here. I played quite well all tournament and I’m really happy I did it in the final too. I’m just over the moon! After last year I got two finals in the singles and one in the team and I didn’t get a gold so this year I’m just happy that I played my game and it worked out.
“She won against Jasmin Ouschan and it’s really hard to play against her and to win so I know the feeling and I know that afterwards it’s hard to play your A game again. I feel for Johanna and I’m still happy for her that she got into the final and it’s a really great effort from here. I hoped for one gold and it’s really tough here, you have so many matches and you have to feel good and confident all the time and that’s really hard and I’m really happy!” she added.
Jasmin Ouschan (AUT) and Sandra Baumgartner completed the podium.
Finally, the Under 23’s title went to 19-year Alvaro Lama-Pereira who battled through to deny Dennis Laszkowski a successful title defence. The youngster was well-supported by the Spanish contingent and it was a big moment when he got it over the line. The final rack saw multiple attempts on the 9-ball before Lama-Pereira steadied himself to convert for the biggest moment in his young pool career.
Afterwards, he was somewhat lost for words, “I feel so good and this is unbelievable, I don’t know how to speak. When I was 5-1 up, he asked the ref for his time out and then he put 6-4 to me and I failed on two breaks and he is a very good player. But I managed it and this team here is the best one, so viva Espana!”
Beaten semi-finalists were Kristian Mrva (SVK) and Juho Teittinen (FIN).
Tables 1, 2 and 3 at the Predator European Championships will be streamed throughout on YouTube, via the Pro Billiard TV channel - https://www.youtube.com/@ProBilliardTV
For all results, live scoring and draw, visit www.epbf.com/tournaments/european-championships/
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