For the fourth time, the Stahlpalast in Brandenburg (Germany) will be the location for the largest European billiards event on the calendar. Ever since the European championships turned bi-annual in 2013, the city near Berlin has welcomed billiard players from all over Europe. All ages, genders and disciplines make the April journey in hopes of winning the highest prize our confederation can bestow: a European title.
The dates for the 2019 edition of “Brandenburg” are 25 April – 5 May. The Stahpalast is located at the Magdeburger Landstrasse 228 and can easily be reached by car or by public transport. Players, coaches, referees and staff (with accreditation) have unlimited access to trams and buses in Brandenburg.
What matters most of course, is the tournament itself. No fewer than 18 categories will be on display, and 3-cushion is the dominant discipline for the event. In no particular order, here are the 3-cushion titles that can be won:
Individual, under 17
Individual, under 21
Individual, open category
Individual, ladies
Individual, small table
Club teams, small table
National teams
Biathlon teams, under 21 (1 player 3-cushion, 1 player 5-pins)
Individual, wheelchair players (demonstration status)
In addition to this, Brandenburg will have championships in these categories:
Artistique
Balkline 71/2
Balkline 47/2
Free game, ladies
Free game, under 17
Free game, under 21
5-pins, national teams
5-pins, individual
5-pins, under 21
1-cushion
The kings’ discipline, needless to say, is the 3-cushion open category. To refresh your memory: Marco Zanetti won in 2013, Torbjörn Blomdahl in 2015 and again Marco Zanetti in 2017, which means the Italian will defend his title. The winner in Brandenburg will not only have his name in the record books forever, he is also awarded with a significant 80 points on the UMB world ranking list, and top players have a keen eye on that bonus.
CEB’s Jean-Pierre Guiraud will be the tournament director. The event will welcome 21 nationalities, be played on 18 tables and refereed by 60 men and women in black. Kozoom will provide a broadcast from the opening to the closing ceremony. Don’t miss it!
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