Stepanov takes his chance

Dynamic Sarajevo Open down to 32 players
Konstantin Stepanov (RUS) has defeated “Napoleon” Marcus Chamat (SWE) with 9:7 at the main table #24.
Both players have many things in common: They are around for a long time, are experienced and already have some titles under their belt. So it was no surprise that it was a very tight match between the two. As the encounter unfolded, both players took their chances and never allowed the other one to gain an advantage. It was either Stepanov or Chamat leading with one rack, not more. That changed in the 14th rack. Stepanov broke and pocketed the 1-ball.

He missed the 2-ball but left a difficult shot for Chama who answered that with a good safety shot. Stepanov then hit the 2-ball but left a shot for Chamat. So Napoleon had the first chance in that rack. But missed a makeable shot and Stepanov went to the table, cold as ice and ran the rack, taking an 8:6 lead over Chamat. The pressure for Marcus was on. However, he answered that with an excellent break and run, made the score 8:7 for Stepanov and handed the pressure back to the Russian. Stepanov accepted the challenge and played a superb break and run himself. 9:7 was the final score in favour of Stepanov.
Other notable results include Ortmann ousting Gray with 9:7 in the 4th loser’s round. Andreas Gerwen (SWE), a regular on the Euro-Tour, eliminated “The Kaiser” Ralf Souquet (GER) with 9:8 in the same round. Karol Skowerski (POL) ended the hopes of 10-ball World Champion Huidji See (NED) with 9:6. Croatian Karlo Dalmatin sent Sandor Tot (SRB) home, winning 9:7 over him. The draw for the final round today will be done after the conclusion of the current round. At 21:00 local time, 32 remaining players will battle in a single elimination format for their survival in the event.
The event is hosted by the European Governing Body for Pool, the European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) and organized by International Billiard Promotion (IBP). For further information and reference please go to the federation website www.eurotouronline.eu , follow us on twitter @EPBF_News or contact our press office.