European champs report

Posted at 8:47 PM, 17 August 2008 to Online pool

Well iam back home from Germany. Together with my wife, our little son Sky and Vanessa’s parents we stayed in Willingen for the last 10 days. Starting with 14.1 I didn’t have the easiest draw for a first round. Thorsten Hohmann and Martin Kempter. I won them both and also beat Aki Heiskanen from Finland to qualify for the last 32. That’s where I had to play Thorsten again ????? I won again and guess who I played next? Martin Kempter ????? Yes same draw as at the start of the tournament. I missed 2 very difficult shots and got behind 118-16. I was able to fight back to 116-100 but I lost after a stupid mistake. 9^th place in this tournament where I had very high expectations. But next week I will be playing the World championships 14.1 in New Jersey and feeling very confident about it. Next discipline was 8-ball. I played very well to reach the last 16 with me missing in the final day only 3 balls in 3 matches. For a place in the quarter finals I played Yannick Beasufils from France. I didn’t do much wrong but nothing went my way and I lost 8-4. 9^th place again. 9-ball Last chamce for a medal and the A status from the NOC. I reached the quarter finals. So only needed one more win for this all important medal. I was nervous and pumped up to win the match. But I coldnt get a hold of the table, the rails were bouncing like crazy. It was unbelievable to see a match table of a European championship being in so bad condition.Anywa Imran my opponent als was having trouble with the table and at 7-7 I got a chance at the 9ball. I twitched and the story was over for me. I learned so much from this last game I will get stronger out of it. Well next tournament coming up are the world 14.1 championships. Where a quarter final spot will be enough for the A-status. But off course going for gold. Nick