«A Manilsky thriller": passions of the World championship on a pool (№6 (18) from January, 20th, 2009)

Features of a format: from difficult to the difficult

If to compare the present championship with last year's, it is possible to find both similarities, and essential divergences. We take a prize fund: it has again made 400 000 dollars the quarter from which was due to the winner. In the light of latest developments with liquidation IPT this sum is the extremely impressive and does the World championship to the present by a tidbit for each sportsman who even not has been not burdened by ideological reasons of protection of honour of the country.

Besides, stably high there was a television covering. Direct transmissions about the places of events which were carried out by the Asian channel «ESPN Star Sports» and British «Sky Sports», lasted more than 60 hours. And it is quite enough of it, that in some days at televiewers зарябило from a pool in eyes. Чемпионат-2007 has transferred the base in a place under the name «Araneta Coliseum». Here in 1975 boxers-heavyweights Joe Frezier and Mohammed Ali fought. The arena is known also for that is often used as a concert platform for visiting stars of a platform. There is no saying, whether wise there was this choice: billiard sorevnova - нию so huge hall obviously was not necessary. Yes only scope with which the championship have presented to public, has unequivocally made upon it indelible impression.

However the most considerable changes in this year were undergone by a format of games. The organizer of competitions the company «Matchroom Sport» has decided to return to "champion" robbery that has caused weight of censures both from outside players, and from outside spectators. It is more rigid, is more uncompromising and does not suffer errors. Last year's "alternative", that is serial robbery gave more chances to outsiders. In a case with "champion" robbery the probability of is great that, with - вершив unsuccessful blow, the player will not return to a table till the end of a match. Undoubtedly, both formats have the pluses and minuses. And to extol one of them it is not meaningful. The main thing that the present format has not spoilt the championship, at all has not deprived of its staginess, and in places even has added intrigues. Hence, it has the right to be. And, besides, not robbery has appeared the most rigid innovation.

Much more victims the system of a selection circle of competitions has brought. This time 128 participants from 46 countries have been divided into 16 groups, on 8 persons in everyone. Having decided not to complicate itself a life, organizers have refused a principle «all play with all». Instead each sportsman should hold in the group a maximum three meetings. Two victories granted the right to an exit in the following circle, and two defeats meant an early start from struggle. By means of this system half of players has been very quickly eliminated exactly, and among them there were unexpected enough characters. So, the former world champion Dzhonni Archer has not stood test for durability. To general surprise, behind a board there were also Torsten Homann and Rodni Morris. Last, has by the way, won the starting elimination match with the account 9:0, but further at it something has not developed. The following circle of competitions was spent already by habitual principles олимпийки. But also here it is unexpected - ности have not ended … More likely, they really only and have begun.

About the public relations, the broken hopes and unpredictable events

«Like good wine, in due course billiards only becomes better», – has been written in the championship press release. It is meant it that the pool grows, develops and becomes complicated. And, as in any high-grade kind of sports, the important role the public relations here start to play. Therefore today everyone tries itself(himself) in an especial way a tax – the further, the more actively.

How the billiard public relations work, was accurately traced on an example «Brave кия» by Peta Holtsa. Recognised as sight of last championship, this time Holts was not limited to kilt carrying. Besides the well-known skirt, he has put on a T-shirt with an inscription «Scotland». The companion Holts has dressed up in firm топик with an inscription of "Pet Holts". In general, the public relations were present continually. And let «Brave кий» has merged selection games, in the championship to it it was not necessary to miss. Last year's travesti-show has translated it in the category of highly esteemed sportsmen, and channel "ESPN" has invited Holtsa to join group of television commentators in quality of "the playing expert». «I like my new work, I am happy», having sparkled a smile, he has declared later in private conversation.

However, the correct presentation yet does not guarantee success. So, press conference preceding the championship showed the public of the main favourites. Among them were intending to repeat the last year's achievement of Ronato Alkano, "eternally live" Efren Flight and the winner of tournament «US Open» American Shejn Van Bojning. How their local press extolled, forced to believe that at least one of this Trinity will reach the ending. But not at all: favourites about - brought down the championship in all respects. Failures of Flight and Alkano especially discourage that both were supported by the rich sponsor and native crowd behind shoulders. However if in a case with ex-champion Alkano it is possible to tell has not carried, at business Flight are much worse. Bath though remains a nation idol, obviously has problems. He has hardly endured a group stage, having lost the first match to little-known Japanese Kenichi Uchigaki and with a scratch having won two subsequent "throughput" victories. Certainly, pleases that at a stage 1/32 Konstantin Stepanov has eliminated Flight from the further struggle. But, in all honesty, that also did not look as the applicant for a champion's title. So the start of Baty was faster a matter of time. Differently, Flight practically canonised, though thus all understand that it any more what was earlier. In one of the Philippine newspapers and have written: «Growing old Bath hands over positions, but we all the same love it». Whether long will love still? Probably, yes. Flight has reached that level when image works on it. The lifelong participant of the World championship has enough to leave now on arena – and the crowd will be happy. And it also is successful public relations.

The traditional brawler and showman Erl Striklend this time, on the contrary, has done without показушничества. Certainly, dissatisfied mutter and gestures on public from its party nevertheless were present. But in general Erl has refrained from scandals. He behaved rather decently, having concentrated on game. Probably, it also has helped it to make the best камбек competitions, thereby having allocated against the American national team. Whether losing to the Chinese of Hevenu with the account 5:0, Erl has managed easily and to take easy nine parties and to finish a match to own advantage. And let it has not promoted further 1/32 – all the same it can be brought in number of successful Americans. After all many representatives of the USA were not honoured even to leave group! Mentioned Alkano, Flight and Van Bojning were not unique sportsmen who have shattered hopes of the admirers. The command of Tajpeja has extremely badly proved. Usually at least semifinalists, now they have shown the extremely modest results. More or less successful тайпейцем there was only Kuo Pocheng, but also its tournament way pre - was torn to quarterfinal stages. Such grandees of the European pool, as Ralf the Bough, Markus Shamat, Thomas Engert, Nils Fajen and Alex Leli quickly capitulated. «The former champions» Alex Pagulajan and Vu Cha-chin Not especially shone last years. And Kori Duel was the lonely representative of the team of the USA, honoured to reach to 1/8 endings – but not further. Thus, all favourites of bookmaker offices were to some extent dishonoured. And places in a final circle of competitions were occupied with the most unexpected players: Filipino Roberto Gomez and Englishman Darel Pich.

Superiority of dark horses

As the commentator of channel "ESPN" has told: «If you in the championship beginning have assumed that the ending will make a duet of Picha and Gomeza, I would answer you that you have gone balmy». And it is right. Hardly probable to somebody could come to mind to allocate these two players. As to Picha – it well-known the Old World in territory and appears in the all-European rating at the second number. In this season of Pich has won one of Eurorounds and not bad acted at the "native", English competitions. But loud international titles it never won and to the finalist of the World championship, appear, does not hold out by definition.

Гомез – that and in general was a classical dark horse. It is enough to mention that among participants of the championship it has literally pulled out the place teeth at the last minute. For this purpose it had to be declared on a series of the qualifying tournaments which were passing in Kvezon of City. Fairly намучившись, it has appeared among ten lucky beggars who have received the admission on the basic competition. However on a course of the championship of Gomez has proved very fine. At it the amazing statistics: in three duels he has lost only 3 parties (also 1/8 endings when Gomez has into smithereens crushed Nilsa Fajena with shameful for this purpose the account 11:0 here concern). There was a suspicion, as if it and not "fool" at all, and the real фол. Fans of Busty have protested. Someone has begun to shout that Englishmen - матчрумовцы favour Pichu. Nee валлиец, Rice these statements, naturally, has ignored.

Repeated telerepetitions have shown that the combination "nine/three" has been made in such order, rather the reverse. And, hence, биток has made a penal contact. Players have returned to a table, and Pich has received chance which any more has not missed. It is necessary to give to it due: in the most complicated situation when Philippine 19/20 of hall were ready to despise it and «забукать», the Englishman took two parties with ice calmness. The total account – 11:10 in its advantage. Бустаманте leaves arena more gloomy gloomy, and spectators share opinions concerning the happened. Actually, opinions was two: the judge of the rights and the judge is not right. Arguments too two: the judge should declare фол right after "nine" contacts, and «фол – it and in Africa фол». That is doubts that the contact nevertheless has occurred at anybody did not arise. We will leave si - the Player by a nickname the Superman, on arena it quite corresponded to the nickname: Neither doubts, nor fear, only mad laying and the infinite luck, multiplied by good technics. Therefore, when the championship was left by its more eminent compatriots, it became clear, what exactly Gomezu it is possible to defend honour of the nation.

By the way, Pich was main "offender" of the Philippine people. It it has at first eliminated Ronni Alkano, and then has sent after Frantsisko Bustamante. In a match the greatest discomfiture of the championship, by the way, has happened to the last. At the account 10:9 Busta has hammered in improbable "fool" (and they here are set off) and has begun to accept congratulations from tribunes. However referee Nigel Ris did not hasten to declare a victory of the Filipino. It has gone to television monitors to look blow repetition as there was a suspicion, as if it and not "fool" at all, and the real фол. Fans of Busty have protested. Someone has begun to shout that Englishmen - матчрумовцы favour Pichu. Nee валлиец, Rice these statements, naturally, has ignored.

Repeated telerepetitions have shown that the combination "nine/three" has been made in such order, rather the reverse. And, hence, биток has made a penal contact. Players have returned to a table, and Pich has received chance which any more has not missed. It is necessary to give to it due: in the most complicated si-tuatsii when Philippine 19/20 of hall were ready to despise it and «забукать», the Englishman took two parties with ice calmness. The total account – 11:10 in its advantage. Бустаманте leaves arena more gloomy gloomy, and spectators share opinions concerning the happened. Actually, opinions was two: the judge of the rights and the judge is not right. Arguments too two: the judge should declare фол right after "nine" contacts, and «фол – it and in Africa фол». That is doubts that the contact nevertheless has occurred at anybody did not arise. We will leave a situation without the further comments. Let's add only that in this match Nigel Ris has played a role of "the third participant», and justice remains really impartial.

It is simple to present, what tooth on Picha was available for Filipinos to fi - to a cash. Гомез, on the contrary, has become the demigod. Him esteemed with hardly probable not sacred trembling. And more pragmatic handbook men accepted rates from calculation 1/2 on the Superman and 6/4 on the British newcomer. There has come day of the ending. "Crowd" from three fans with an English flag in hands against профилиппинских shouting tribunes looked more than it is a pity. Therefore Englishmen kept mum more and on persons it was visible, prayed.

The solving duel has stood out really unique. The impression as if the madam Good luck rushes about from one sportsman to another was made, without knowing, whom to prefer. Each blow kept in suspense, and the account continually became pogra - ничным. After thirty parties of anything it has not been solved yet – 15:15, both do not have not enough two points to a victory. And then the event culmination has followed. Players serially were mistaken in 31st party on "nine". On that, however they have made inexcusable blows, it was visible that nerves at both on a limit. It was not so so much war of skill, how many war of characters. Having given in to emotions, Gomez has begun to choke with tears … And here here Pich has made fatal jerk. From - правив in a billiard pocket ill-starred "nine" and taking with кия the following party, it обессиленно has fallen on a table. It nevertheless managed to win the most esteemed billiard title!

After the ending termination England has blown up happiness. After all, frankly speaking, anybody seriously did not believe that Pich will win a champion's title. In послематчевой conferences he and itself recognised the surprise. «It is difficult to present that you are capable to win the World championship. I could dream of it only earlier. But, when I had a real possibility, I have seized it both hands», – he has told. Гомез, on the contrary, was a depression embodiment. And – who could think – he has accused tribunes of an excessive vociferousness. «From the very beginning I felt uneasy. I know that spectators supported me, but it put unnecessary pressure. It was more difficult to me to gather», – has declared Gomez. «Yes, fans influenced both of us, – Darel Pich has agreed. – Filipinos, certainly, were on party Gomeza, and it strongly unsettled. But I always knew that I possess strong will. And I managed to prove it to myself and associates!»

However a champion's title of Darela Picha – only a part of the improbable scenario on which the present championship developed. And to consider this event follows where more widely.

Europeans – forward!

And Asians, accordingly, back. Looking back, it is possible to summarise: and it has turned out in the world-2007 championship. Last year it was difficult to believe that leaders of international scene Asians will give in. However times vary, and authorities vary.

The statistics confirms that Europeans really dominated in the championship in all respects. In the prize-winning four three representatives of the Old World and only one "owner" – the Filipino have made the way. Fellow countryman Picha Charles Boyes became the present revelation of competitions. This young and it is indisputable perspek - тивный the Englishman has reached a semi-final. Its way at all was not выстлан roses for Boyes could battle to many inconvenient contenders – including Goran Mla- деновича, Sandora Tota, Konstantin Stepanova and Jovena Bustamante which have "shot" in the championship (contrary to ordinary opinion, it not relative Frantsisko). And, if Boyes was honoured to eliminate Gomeza, the ending in general could turn out purely English. But he is a debutant of the championship, to it it is pardonable. And "bronze" on its breast looks more than deservedly.

 Hungarian Vilmos Foldes – too малоожидаемый the prize-winner became second "third". Too the European. Whether it will enter into system? Whether the success of Europe will repeat next time? The future will show …

And in the meantime on the Russian front …

This year Russia in the championship was represented by one player, Konstantin Stepanov. Undoubtedly worthy to assist it Ruslan Chinahov yet has not passed under requirements to participation – the age is insignificant also a track record is small. But, as the Lion Yaroslavtsev, maybe, already in a following World championship has told it will turn out to expose «a shock Russian tandem». For this purpose Chinahovu will need to work properly on coming the European championship and Eurorounds.

Group matches of Kostja has won back very confidently. First of all it has overcome Chilean Karvajala with the account 9:4, and then has sent in a knockout of Korean Rju – 9:2. It has allowed it to head the group, and as the leader, in 1/32 it left on Efrena of Flight. The star status of Baty did not leave doubts that public will inspire it in every possible way. However and Stepans it was not lonely. To support it to Manila there has arrived the impressive delegation consisting of friends, trainers and journalists. Knowing that the Philippine fans will press the quantity, Russians have laid up it a small surprise. Those who looks football, know, how an applause-crackers can harmoniously sound. They were added also to the arsenal by group of support of Stepanova. On Philippines football not especially welcome. Therefore local billiard fans long could not understand that occurs, when after each successful blow of the Bone over a hall the rhythmical applause coded for them was carried by.

But it is final, not it has provided a victory over Flight. Easier Stepans perfectly played. Bath often was mistaken and in general looked flimsy. The meeting has come to the end with result 10:5. Then Kostja has beautifully won other Filipino, Jeff De Lunoj – 10:4. It has provided to it a position in top-16 and has allowed automatically kvalifi - цироваться on the future World championship. Russia exulted …

And further there was a discouraging defeat by hand Charles Boyes – 4:11. Also it is impossible to tell that the Englishman very much расстарался as that evening both players have appeared are far from an ideal. Yes only Stepans of the contender not дожал – it is insulting, annoyingly and somehow strange. One year ago Kostja finished on the same position that now. And here again!. Such impression as if a certain ill fate does not start up it in a quarterfinal. But on the other hand, the occasion to pleasure at Russia too is. Let's be optimists: annual Kostin stability – an excellent indicator. After all to win a place among 16 strongest oh as it is difficult! And self-improvement will come. It is necessary to trust only!

Julia Petrov