There are moments when the whimsical sports Fate will suddenly spoil game and, apparently, the obvious victory can turn back loss. It hardly does not happen in one of the most intense duels of the first day of tournament between operating world champion Yaroslav Vinokurom from Ukraine and the master of sports from Belarus Sergey Borikom. In a match to five victories the Ukrainian went with the account 4:1 – it seemed, game approaches end. But unexpectedly Sergey was mobilised and has won two parties successively though eventually Yaroslav nevertheless has not missed the victory. Never it is known, than tournament for the sportsman – here ranks will end and titles are not a victory guarantee. So, next day the world champion, the billiard-player with solid enough experience Yaroslav Vinokur has suddenly conceded to young Petersburg master Vladimir Petushkovu with the account 6:1, and two parties Vinokur has lost dry - 0:8.

 

Edward Galijants, one of the strongest sportsmen, has again shown good game, having overcome in четвертьфинальном a duel казахстанца Kanybeka Sagyndykova who, on opinion of experts, had every chance to become the winner of tournament. Галиянц at once has grasped leadership (game went to six victories) - 4:1. After that Sagyndykov has almost overtaken for the contender - 4:3, but that was pulled out again forward and has gained a total victory - 6:4. Perhaps, it was one of the most interesting and unpredictable matches. The outcome of several parties solved last sphere. Sagyndykova had a possibility to hammer in a simple sphere, but it has missed the chance.

 

And in 15 minutes after end of a heavy quarterfinal Edward Galijantsu had to rise again to a table – semifinal game with Vladimir Petushkovym was coming. And again the match has appeared very serious. Struggle followed each sphere. Only in the end of a long match of Galijants began to hand over, having lost as a result with the account 7:5. Long seven-hour pressure has affected.

Further the solving duel with Cyril Anishchenko who as a result became the central figure of tournament was coming Vladimir Petushkovu, having won the ending. In a quarterfinal it managed to bypass Evgenie Sozykina. Difficult there was a semifinal match of inhabitant of Sochi Cyril Anishchenko with Muscovite Jury Pashchinskim. Cyril has recouped again, conceding on a course of a match two points.

Before a final duel to tables there were stars Leonid Yarmolnik, Boris Hmelnitsky, Sergey Nikonenko and the head of Federal agency on physical training, sports and tourism Vyacheslav Fetisov, having given to attention of spectators the minitournament. In spite of the fact that for spectators it was faster than show, players were in earnest about it, carefully verified each blow. The destiny of a title «Winner of VIP-tournament» dared in a duel between Sergey Nikonenko and Boris Hmelnitskim. The owner of the main prize during hard struggle became Khmelnitskiy. So the actor favourite by all – a star not only the screen, but also billiard sports.

 

In a final duel behind a game table have met Cyril Anishchenko and Vladimir Petushkov – young billiard-players, both having a title of the champion of Europe. Cyril from the very beginning has confidently left forward - the account 4:0. However, after that Vladimir could win back some parties, but, eventually, Anishchenko has appeared more strongly, played confidently and has deservedly won with the account 9:4. The destiny of tournament has dared.

Such are results of the First open tournament on Russian billiards on a prize of "the Russian newspaper». The structure of players was strong, the best have taken part, all sportsmen differed good preparation so it was difficult to foresee a tournament outcome. But already again Cyril Anishchenko – the absolute leader, the winner of competitions. Hard struggle between contenders, the VIP-tournament, staginess of game, unpredictability – all it has not left indifferent fans. The Russian sportsmen already have again proved the skill and force. We will wait for their successes in following competitions.

Alena Nartsissova