2009 European Play offs and European Champs

[Monique]

Why is there a second very simillar tournament to the one thats just gone

What does Drago gain by competing in this one when he's already won a main tour place ?

No it's not the same competition. This is the European Championship: Men, Ladies and Veterans, thus a triple competition. The Men's winner get a MT place.
Both comps are organised by EBSA at the same place and consecutively. Drago could not be certain to win the previous one, so he entered both. BTW, Jimmy Robertson is here aswell ... probably because entries were made before he secured his place on MT aswell. Luca Brecel is there also.

I wouldn't say the competition is similar: this one lasts untill June 13... slightly longer format and many more competitors.

[dannyd0g]

I see. I think. Thanks Monique.

[Omehenk]

when stolk was on the main tour how did he do? Was he outplayed in the qualifying matches or were they close?

[dannyd0g]

when stolk was on the main tour how did he do? Was he outplayed in the qualifying matches or were they close?

i believe he didnt win a single match in the whole season that he was on the main tour.

[rivercard]

when stolk was on the main tour how did he do? Was he outplayed in the qualifying matches or were they close?

I'm not sure how close his matches were, but I think he won one match in the Round Robin stage of the Grand Prix but finished bottom of the group nonetheless, and he won a prelim round match in the WC qualifiers against one of the WSA coaches and that was it. I think he made 1 century as a pro, not great, but better than a few (former) pros did last season.

[madman]

Drago's success in the event he won for his main tour place, was for all European countries, excluding those from Great Britain and ireland. The Euro play-offs. This guarantee's that at least one European player will get a main tour spot.

[Forman]

I've been following the european champs and the group play is just about finished, luca brecel and David grace have qualified 1st equal both only losing 3 frames in their 6 matches.

C'mon Luca!!! make it 2 main tour qualifying event wins this year

[Matt_2745]

I'd like to see someone like Patrick Einsle or Lasse Munstermann make it, would be nice for the German fans to have a player to follow.

[rivercard]

I've been following the european champs and the group play is just about finished, luca brecel and David grace have qualified 1st equal both only losing 3 frames in their 6 matches.

C'mon Luca!!! make it 2 main tour qualifying event wins this year

Yes, and he just beat Jimmy Robertson who will be on the Tour next season by winning the English Pro Ticket Tour 4-2. Will he be eligible to turn pro next year? It would be a shame if he had to wait 2 more years.

[Matt_2745]

Not until he is 16 and they are strict on that as Michael White found out back in 2007/8.

[rivercard]

Not until he is 16 and they are strict on that as Michael White found out back in 2007/8.

So 2 more years then? He's probably the most exciting snooker talent mainland Europe ever produced, so the WSA might want to consider making an exception if Brecel can qualify for the Tour next year as well. Would be good for snooker..

[Goldspark]

So, with Brecel and a few others who've already qualified, chances are that this is only going to leave yet another wildcard.

[Sigm@]

I'am pretty sure that Brecel will be on the Main Tour next year

[Monique]

I'am pretty sure that Brecel will be on the Main Tour next year

I don't think so... he will still not be 16.

[Forman]

I don't think so... he will still not be 16.

how strict are world snooker on the gotta be over 16 rule? have they ever made an exception for someone under 16 in the past?

I think anyone who manages to qualify for the main tour while their under 16 should automaticly be awarded a wildcard once they turn 16, i seems unfair that they would be made to qualify again once their over 16.