MEZZ CUES BALTIC POOL LEAGUE 2024 STAGE FOUR FINISHED
MEZZ CUES BALTIC POOL LEAGUE 2024 STAGE FOUR FINISHED
The Mezz Cues Baltic Pool League fourth and final qualification stage took the event to the amazing Uptown Billiards club in Vilnius, Lithuania. There were many exciting events and matches throughout the weekend, so a lot of excitement for the spectators. The open division was won by Denis Grabe (Estonia), women’s division by Anna Prisjaznuka (Latvia), and the senior division best was Maciej Trudnowski (Poland). The always spice adding pro and mini events were won by Kestutis Zadeikis (Lithuania) (pro) and Saulius Vaitukaitis (Lithuania) (mini).
Experience vs Youth
One of the greatest Baltic players and current WPA ranking third Denis Grabe proved his worth again as he won the Open event. On his way to the win, he was among others better of two of the world upcoming youths. In the semi-final he won 8:4 against youth world champion Karl Gnadeberg (EST) and in the close final against the youth world silver medallist Walter Laikre (SWE) 8:6. In his semi-final Laikre was better of Kasparas Budnikas (LIT) 8:4.
Anna or Anna
Barely returning from her almost back-to-back European Snooker Champion title Anna Prisjaźnuka had to defend another gold medal. This time it was Mezz Cues Baltic Pool League stage title and it was all about Anna or Anna, as she faced Anna Grintśuk (EST) in the final. Yet again she showed class as she won the final 7:4 and in her semi-final against Diana Jelinskiene (LIT) 7:1. The second semi-final between Grintśuk and another legend Agne Jarusauskaite (LIT) turned out a real game of nerves as Grintśuk managed to win the hill-hill match and claim 7:6 victory.
Back-to-backTrudnowski
As Prisjaźnuka in the women event Maciej Trudnowski did defend his last stage title as well. After the exciting day he triumphed against Aivars Girts (LAT) in the semi-final and against Gintaras Sulzickas (LIT) in the final. In the other semi-final Gintaras Sulzickas had to give his all to win over Joonas Saloheimo (FIN) as in the end of the match the scoreboard showed 8:7.
Źadeikis best of the pros
The exciting Pro event was full of great players including two world youth champions, WPA ranking third, and the best of Lithuania, Latvia and Slovenia. Therefore, the stage was set for a great event. For the enjoyment of the home crowd Kestutis Źadeikis clinched the title as he was better of legendary Mark Mägi (EST) 8:5. In his semi-final Źadeikis won against Karl Gnadeberg 8:4. Mägi, however, had to overcome in his semi-final the Open event winner Grabe which he did quite comfortably by a score 8:3.
Lithuanian dominance in side events
Lithuania got another gold and dominating the MINI side event as three of the last four came from the hosting country. This time the winner was Saulius Vaitukaitis who was better of Kasparas Budnikas by a score 4:1. In the semi-final he won against young Sander Tamm (EST) 4:2. Budnikas on the other hand was great in his semi-final as he won 4:0 against Justas Jelinskas.
Uptown Billiards and lovely Vilnius
The players love to visit the great Uptown Billiards. The high quality tables and nice atmosphere, and to add the lovely staff in the pool hall and in the gorgeous city of Vilnius it really is another great place to visit for the players. Therefore, a very big thank you to all the staff and management of Uptown Billiards and everyone involved in another nice event.
In total there was 138 (women, men, seniors, mini and pro in total) players taking part in the event which is a fantastic number. Additional gratitude to Estonian Billiard Federation, Finnish Billiard Federation, Latvian Billiard Federation and Lithuanian Pool Federation for their constant support and cooperation. Last but not least a big gratitude goes out to all the sponsors – Mezz Cues, Holly Case, Mirai, Aramith, Iwan Simonis, Kamui, Aveiras, Turtle Rack Sheet, Arena Billiards Club, Black Ball Billiard Club, Bams Pool House, Hill-Hill Pool Club, and Baltic Billiard Development Union.
The next event which is the Grande Finale is scheduled to be held from 8th till 10th of November in Hill-Hill Pool Club, Tallinn, Estonia which will offer players the brand new Mr. Sung tables for the perfect playing experience. For further information please visit our Facebook www.facebook.com/balticpoolleague.