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
