«The white nights of Petersburg» (№1 (21) from October, 22nd, 2009)

Participants of the Open cup of Russia have gathered in a fantastic, bewitching time of the white nights to Petersburg already in the eighth time of "Longoni" on «the Dynamical pyramid». This time them was 112 – record figure that speaks about finding by this game all new and new adherents. Its geography – over 30 regions of Russia. On tournament there have arrived also billiard-players from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine and the Wales.

If to speak about a sports component of the second tournament among participants there were 4 masters of sports of the international class, 16 masters of sports and 28 candidates for the master. Certainly, it is a pity that experts of billiard sports J.Pashchinsky, P.Mehovov, A.Palamar, Е could not participate in it, Stalev, K.Sagyndykov, K.Sagynbaev – at them, probably, were others поланы. Nevertheless tournament «the White nights of Petersburg» has not lost the appeal and struggle for prize-winning places had basic character.

The youth full-scale offensive, and youth from Zauralye and Siberia became a tournament distinctive feature. So, in quarterfinals participated more than half of sportsmen from these regions, and in semi-finals – only уральцы and Siberians. Here is how have passed четвертьфинальные meetings: A.Shiljaev (Primorski Territory) – V.Bagirov (Ekaterinburg) 3:5; D.Baev (Tomsk) – S.Mansurov (Ioshkar Ola) 5:4; A.Ermakov (Petrozavodsk) – A.Frejze (Kemerovo) 3:5; N.Halafov (Azerbaijan) – G.Apresjan (Orenburg) 2:5.

And V.Bagirov has won D.Baeva semi-finals 5:3 and A.Frejze has won against G.Apresjana 5:0. Thus, in a solving duel for a cup of Russia "Longoni" have met V.Bagirov and A.Frejze. The ending has passed with a clear advantage кемеровчанина, Andrey Frejze has won with the account 7:3.

Andrey Frejze was very glad to the victory though hid emotions behind the usual coolness. In послематчевом interview he admitted that to Petersburg went with the big hope to win first place. Confused only that from the beginning of this year, participating in five tournaments, it has never risen above the ninth place though last year has spent very successfully. The failure strip, according to Andrey, is connected, most likely, with some changes brought in the program of its trainings, in a preparation mode. But now it, eventually, has yielded good result.

In tournament Andrey considers as the most difficult meeting a match with strong Belarus sportsman Evgenie Kurtoj. On a course of a meeting Andrey lost 3:4, but in контровой the victory has got to it – 5:4. The success on a cup of "Longoni", according to Andrey, has installed in it confidence of the forces on the future.

All praise достоен екатеринбуржец Vagif Bagirov. It adequately battled and has reached the ending, but in a solving duel it simply did not have forces, and tournament experience – some annoying errors have led to its defeat.

The third places have won Dmitry Baev from Tomsk and Hamlet Apresjan from Orenburg.

As to female tournament, that, unlike last year, «the Dynamical pyramid» has been included in its program, and "Free" not. On this decision the author and the popular writer of "the Dynamical pyramid» vice-president ЕКП and ФБС Petersburg Alexander Puhlenko Here is how has commented: «We have considered малорадостный experience of last year when many duels of billiard-players were tightened on time, and the ending proceeded in general four and a half an hour. Our women, alas, have not learnt to play dynamically yet« Dynamics »and consequently we have not risked to include it in the program of our tournament. In the future, probably, also we will include».

Well, "Free" so "Free". Has pleased strong structure of female tournament. It is enough to tell that two of three prize-winners of last World championship have taken part in it – Elena Bunos, champion (Баларусь) and Evgenie Zheldina, the bronze prize-winner (Russia). Except them Olga Muhortova (Novosibirsk), Olga Milovanova and Oksana Privalova (Petersburg) were applicants for the highest places in a cup of "Longoni" the master of sports of the international class Tatyana Maksimova (Voronezh) and masters of sports. They also became the main characters of tournament.

The lot has reduced in E.Bunos and E.Zheldinu's semi-final. To honour петербуржской billiard-players it is necessary to tell that she was confused with magic of a title of the competitor. Highly experienced Zheldina has spent a duel with inspiration – 5:3, and became the finalist where it was expected already by young Novosibirsk sportswoman Olga Muhortova. The way of Oli to the ending has begun, alas, from fiasco – the first meeting it has conceded N.Konobeevoj from Moscow Region. However further to the ending of Olja any more did not know defeats.

Olga Muhortova has extremely successfully begun the ending with Evgeniej Zheldinoj and has moved with the account 3:0. But after a break of the competitor as if have exchanged in places: Желдина not only has made even the account, but also has come forward. Olga as if has regained consciousness from a dream and took one more party. But контровую, and together with it and all match, has won Evgenie. The cup of "Longoni" remained in Petersburg!

Upset, with tears in the face of, Olga Muhortova long could not come to the senses. «I am guilty, itself have relaxed after the third party, itself have given a victory» - she repeated. The first vice-president ФБСР standing nearby Vladimir Nikiforov tried to console it: «the Most important thing, Olja, is necessary to take lessons from this loss, to analyse all errors and to try not to admit them in the future».

The third places in tournament have got to Elena Bunos and Oksana Privalovoj.

Boris Kamensky («Drive a sphere!»)
Specially for «БМ»