The World championship on "Eight": a revenge of Ralfa the Bough (№1 (21) from October, 22nd, 2009)

When in 2006 Ronato Alkano has won in the World championship on "Nine", the Bough cried. However has passed time, and in the end of April 2009 destiny has reduced again old contenders. This time they could sort out relations in struggle for a title of the world champion on "Eight". And now Ralf the Bough has not blundered any more.

As independent competition, the World championship on "Eight" has arisen in 2004. Ever since it has strongly settled in Arab Emirates. However, the initiative of its carrying out belonged to the local sheikh, the big billiard enthusiast. Passes event with the big pomp and ceremonies. And here to receive a little decent press-sreliz from organizers difficult enough. I have somehow asked them to send a couple of photos – and neither the answer, nor greetings. Later the people co-operating with organising committee, have explained that Arabs with women of affairs do not conduct. A pier, it not in their rules. Similar belief at times lead up to the ridiculous: once, when the European judge Miha Vovko has written an e-mail to organising committee, it have ignored – too the name on female brushed away. Probably, the reason of not enough effective work of the local press centre also is not connected with religious habits. But the fact that the information from "that" party moves extremely hardly.

The championship scheme on "Eight" is simple enough: at first players divide into 8 groups which in the following circle leave only 32 strongest. And further already begins олимпийка before the first defeat. In general, this system is similar to that which is used in the World championship on "Nine", what it is quite natural – to invent one more bicycle what for?

Present competition bore a name of the "Damask" World championship on "Eight". It was spent, by tradition, in Fudzhejre. The general prize fund was great enough and made 200 000 dollars. The quantity of participants here was limited 64-mja, and each of them, without dependence from the reached result, empty-handed has not left – even the players who have lost on start have received on 500 dollars.

Because of a geographical accessory of the championship the preliminary stage was directly captivated by sportsmen from the Emirates. However time has put all on the places, and олимпийки have reached really the best – Europeans, Asians, two Arabs and Shejn Van Bojning. Honour of Russia in the championship was protected by Ruslan Chinahov and Konstantin Stepanov which have reached to 1/16 endings, but could not make the way further. Stepans were conceded to the Dane to Casper by Kristoffersenu with the account 6:10, and Chinahov – to Italian Bruno Muratore (4:10).

At a stage of semi-finals the structure of "survived" has taken the usual form: Europeans and Filipinos, on two everyone. The grid has appeared is severe. European Ralfu the Bough had to battle to the European Markusom Shamatom, and Filipinos of Ronni Alkano and Dennis Orkollo sorted out relations among themselves. As a result behind a board Shamat and Orkollo have come to be, and their opponents have made the way in the ending to continue dispute which they have begun in the World championship on "Nine" of 2006.

As a result the champion's title was won by Ralf the Bough. Not that that its mission has stood out easy – Alkano has shown зубки, having finished the account till 9:13. However the Bough for which the revenge was a point of honour, has proved the real fighter. And the check for 60 000 dollars became pleasant addition to its victory.

Julia Petrov
Photo «Matchroom Sport»
And J. P. Parme ntier