Sights, debutants and heroes “World Pool Masters-2007” (№4 (16) from September, 11th, 2007)

Traditionally company “Matchroom Sport” holds tournament «16 best» under the name “World Pool Masters”. Was not an exception and this year. Taken place in the Dutch small town Egmond Aan Zi (Egmond Aan Zee) competition has caused a stir under the full program. The innovative structure, unexpected result and a couple of sensations have given it smack of exclusiveness.

Participation Zhasmin Oushan became the first and main sensation. The matter is that “World Pool Masters” was and remains man's tournament. Matches are broadcast on TV, and the main requirement which is shown to them by organizers, is смотрибельность. So any girl, dared to "filter" on “World Pool Masters”, should play in a boyish way confidently, quickly and with "spark". Probably, the selection committee has seen all these qualities in the Jasmin as it has appeared the third woman in the history of tournament. And that Oushan has conceded in the first circle to "owner" of competitions of Niku Van ден to Berg – not too important. Here, as they say, the main participation.
Besides, all list of the invited sportsmen has cardinally exchanged. Habitual Americans among them it has not been noticed, no less than ubiquitous Steve Devisa. Alex Leli who after disappointment in IPT declared career end has disappeared from standings. And neither Shamata, nor Immonena, … the Philippine representation have given this time Radzha Hundala not to Pagulajanu or Flight, and the operating world champion on "Eight" and "Nine" of Ronni Alkano. Whether Besides it among beginners-debutants also there was a Chinese of Hi-veins, Spaniard David Alkajde, Scot Pet Holts (unlike the World championship, already not in a skirt), Canadian Tyler Edi and Japanese Naojuki Oi. Probably, charges in conservatism and закостенелости have so tired functionaries from “Matchroom” that they have decided to update absolutely structure of sportsmen, having left only most-most. And, as has shown result, have correctly made – it has considerably freshened tournament.
Among other participants Tonis Drago, Thomas Engert tested with time, Nils Fajen, Vu Cha-Chin, Nik Van ден Berg, Ralf the Bough, Oliver Ortmann and Fabio Petroni appeared. Tournament consisted of four stages: preliminary games, quarterfinals, semi-finals and a finishing duel. Interesting meetings was much – however so always happens when the elite battles to the elite. Beginners have proved to be differently. For example, Alkano has frankly disappointed the admirers, at an initial stage having conceded Fabio Petroni with account 6-8. But very much even Alkajde and Holts, both reached to 1\2 the ending where they had to battle among themselves have not bad proved. The Spaniard – 8-5 was stronger.
And the victory was won by Thomas Engert. Once the podium “World Pool Masters” has already obeyed it, however the sportsman has concerned present triumph with special trembling. «My victory in 2004 – another story altogether. Then I had a successful year, I have won« Challenge of Champions »and was not afraid of new tests. And this time to me obviously did not get confidence. In such condition it is very difficult to remain at height».
Prize of Engerta especially героичен if to consider that he could struggle not only with the contenders, but also with cold. "I suffered from a fever, the throat was ill me and flew from a nose. But than billiards, so it what even chilled you make chances of success is good. To runners and swimmers it is much more difficult. When they fall ill, it already shines nothing. And in billiards you still can be in a system. It is necessary only to concentrate and try to give all the best on all hundred that I and have made».
Well, the trophy and a prize in $20,000 have left to Germany, Alkajde has received the share of glory for the second place. And organizers have once again received a praise of participants. «Matchroom Sport» always amaze with quality of the done work. I would not refuse to participate in such tournaments though every week! », - Engert at parting has told.

Julia Petrov