
Defending Champion Krause Opens European Open with Grit
Mickey Krause, the reigning champion of the European Open Pool Championship, faced a demanding opening day during the 2025 tournament held at the Hills Hotel in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. After a nail-biting first match, Krause displayed his resilience by securing back-to-back victories, reaffirming his quest to defend his title.
Location and Broadcast: A New Chapter for the Championship
This year, the prestigious championship is making history, as it is being hosted in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first time. The event, running from March 11-16, features elite players competing in world-class nine-ball action. Fans can catch the live broadcasts through Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and on WNT TV for audiences in the USA, Vietnam, and beyond.
Tournament Performance Highlights
In an intense first match against Bulgaria's Mario Valchev, Krause achieved a narrow 9-7 victory, barely finding his footing. His subsequent match against Kalin Varbanov was a stark contrast; Krause swiftly moved on with a more commanding 9-3 win. Krause shared his reflections post-match: "The first match was rough—I came close to missing ten balls. Tomorrow, my focus is on practicing as much as possible ahead of my next match on Thursday." This highlights the mental tenacity and preparedness required at this level of competition, a crucial takeaway for aspiring players.
Rivalries and Rising Stars
Not to be overshadowed, former world champion Francisco Sanchez Ruiz also showcased his skills by overpowering Gabriel Vasilache with a decisive 9-1 victory, later defeating Mohammad Ali Berjaoui 9-5. As the competition unfolds, notable players like Jayson Shaw and Sanjin Pehlivanovic are making waves, with Pehlivanovic impressively dismantling his opponents 9-1 in both matches.
Action Continues in Sarajevo
As the tournament unfolds, anticipation builds for the remaining matches. The format involves a double elimination phase leading to the single elimination rounds, which promises thrilling gameplay filled with ups and downs. Fans are encouraged to tune into the live broadcasts to witness these top-tier players demonstrate their talents, providing invaluable lessons for both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned professionals.
For all billiards fans following this exciting event, stay tuned for ongoing updates and live scores as the 2025 European Open Pool Championship continues to showcase the best in the world of billiards.
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