Jaroslav Polach triumphs in Bratislava. Historical podium at the Best of the East
Last weekend, the Slovak club Lavos in Bratislava became the capital of European billiards. The second tournament of this year’s Dynamic Billard Best of the East cycle attracted dozens of players from various corners of the Old Continent, guaranteeing a high level of sportsmanship and excitement until the very last rack. The Slovakian Jaroslav Polach proved to be the best in this field.
The tournament featured a very strong international lineup, including the winner of the previous competition, Jeremi Nowak, as well as accomplished players such as Mariusz Skoneczny, Jaroslav Polach, Petr Urban, David Zalman, Kristian Mrva, and Balazs Koles. The hosts fielded the largest group of representatives (26 players), while the Poles (21) and the Czechs (14) also formed strong squads.
The competition from the group stage all the way to the decisive knockout matches was extremely fierce. However, fans witnessed a true display of top-level billiards in the medal zone, which brought a historic outcome – for the first time in the history of this cycle, there were no representatives from Poland on the podium. Among the white-and-reds, Mariusz Skoneczny from Fortis Bilard Kielce went the furthest, losing to Polach in the match for the medal zone.
In the semifinals, the Slovak veteran dismissed the Czech David Zalman, defeating him 7-1. Therefore, the grand finale saw a clash between the host representative Jaroslav Polach and the excellently disposed Czech Petr Urban. The deciding clash perfectly summarized the level of the entire tournament – the fate of the title had to be decided by a thriller in the final, thirteenth rack. Polach handled the war of nerves in the decider better, winning the entire match 7-6 and keeping the main trophy in Slovakia.
„I am satisfied with my play. I won the group with a good result of 15-4. The final day was also packed with high-quality matches. I faced a legend of Polish billiards, Wojciech Trajdos, and defeated Mariusz Skoneczny, who is one of the strongest players participating in this cycle. And even despite the unfavorable score in the final, I managed to endure it mentally and turn the tide of this rivalry. I am tired but very happy,” Polach summarized right after the match.
Final Standings (Podium):
- 1st place: Jaroslav Polach (Slovakia)
- 2nd place: Petr Urban (Czechia)
- 3rd place (ex aequo): Kristian Mrva (Slovakia) & David Zalman (Czechia)
The winner completed the tournament in Bratislava richer by 1,300 euros, a trophy, and a professional Cuetec cue. The silver medalist received 900 euros, as well as a high-quality Cuetec case.
The organizers express their sincere thanks to all the players, the Lavos club for their professional hospitality, and the fans for extensively following the television broadcast and live results on the Tvsports platform.
The next thrill of the Dynamic Billard Best of the East cycle is coming soon, in September in Batumi, Georgia.
The cycle is organized by the East European Billiard Council and Mak Marketing. Sponsors of the cycle: Dynamic – Billard Company, Iwan Simonis, Kamui, Aramith, Cuetec.
Links:
LIVE STREAM: https://tvsports.pl/
RESULTS: https://www.ebc-billiard.com/calendar/53468
