The new season of the Mezz Cues Baltic Pool League has kicked off in the beloved Hill-Hill Pool Club in Tallinn, Estonia. Due to the uncommon situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic all over the world this event had less participants than usually as well. However, the matches were still tense and enjoyable to watch. The winners of this years inaugural event were in U16 Karl Gnadeberg (EST), Ivo Ulmanis (LAT) in oldboy’s division, Olga Mitrofanova (RUS) in women’s division and the men’s division was won by Rainer Laar (EST).

First one for Laar

It is always a pleasure when a long-time pool enthusiast reaches one of his goals. Hopefully, the gold medal from the Baltic Pool League was something that Rainer Laar was reaching for as he finally managed to win his first ever Baltic Pool League stage. In the final he was up against always strong Mark Mägi (EST). The final was indeed a strong one with Laar winning the gold by the narrowest of scores 8:7. In his semi-final Laar faced one of the rising stars of Estonian pool, Gert Maimre, who gave Laar a strong opposition, but finally had to admit Laar’s superiority by a score 8:6. Mägi, however, had a smooth sailing in his semi-final by winning Erki Erm (EST) by a score 8:2.

Mitrofanova keeps impressing

Olga Mitrofanova impressed the viewers of Baltic Pool League already during the last season and she made sure to keep this tradition up this time. Mitrofanova played very strong when she won her final 7:1 over Jana Ossipova (EST). She did not leave any chances in the semi-final for her compatriot Irina Hodareva as well when the score board showed another 7:1. Ossipova on the other hand played a very strong semi-final as well as she won her compatriot Andra King by 7:2.

Ulmanis show in Oldboys

It is a pleasure to see that another long-time pool enthusiast has secured first ever Baltic Pool League stage victory. Ivo Ulmanis (LAT) did not leave any chances for any of his opponents as during the whole event as he never was in a real danger of losing the match. Naturally, that was the case in the final as well when he won 7:3 over Petteri Karapuu (FIN). Ulmanis showed good shooting in his semi-final as well as he was better of Gatis Taube (LAT) by the same score as he won the final. Karapuu on the other hand had to pull the rabbit out of his hat to win a thrilling hill-hill match against Harry Ventsel (EST).

Gnadeberg winning the U16

One of the biggest pleasures for the event organisers is to see young and upcoming players play really well and this was the case on this tournament. Although the number of participants was low the matches were really nice to watch. Two players in the final of the U16 were Karl Gnadeberg and Sander Kont (EST). The two friends actually did share the points almost friendly with Gnadeberg winning the final 5:4. The two third places were Jokubas Silantjevas (LIT) and Revo Maimre (EST) who both gave a lot of headache to the finalists.

"It is what it is"

Regardless of the lower number of the participants the organisers were really satisfied with the event. The main objective was to hold the event as professionally as possible and for as many as possible. Organisers are really thankful to all the participants and Hill-Hill administration who understood the situation we are in and helped to hold the tournament without any major problems. Special gratitude goes out to Rafig Adigazalov junior and senior for their constant support and assistance throughout the years to develop our beloved sport. The saying for this event was “It is what it is, and let us make the most of it” and organisers believe that this was exactly what was accomplished.

The organisers thank all the athletes, volunteers, fans and all other people and companies that were part of another enjoyable event. Additional gratitude to Estonian Billiard Federation, Latvian Billiard Federation, Lithuanian Pool Federation, Finnish Billiard Federation, Belorussian Association of Billiards Sports, and Russian Billiard Federation. Big gratitude goes out to all the sponsors – Mezz Cues, Holly Case, Aramith, Iwan Simonis, Kamui, Aveiras, Turtle Rack Sheet, Arena Billiards Club, Bams Pool House, Hill-Hill Pool Club.

The next Mezz Cues Baltic Pool League event is already on 25th and 26th of September.

For further information please visit our web page www.balticpoolleague.eu and Facebook www.facebook.com/balticpoolleague