News

Poland 1 defended its European Team title after a dramatic comeback to defeat Israel 5:4. Mateusz Baranowski and Antoni Kowalski were trailing 1:4 and were a pot away from losing the finals but snatched a victory from the jaws of defeat to win the gold medal.

The comeback started in the sixth frame doubles. Israel, comprised of Shachar Ruberg and Eden Sharav was two pots away from the gold but Ruberg was short going from blue to pink and Sharav’s attempt didn’t threaten the pocket. Poland 1 cleared to force a seventh frame.

With only black on the table Ruberg had a difficult pot from the top cushion to the middle that was undercut. Baranowski potted to black to cut the deficit to 3:4.

Shellshocked Sharav scored just a point in the eighth frame to force a “winner takes it all” ninth. Safter a pep talk from Ruberg the Israeli started strong but broke on 30. Baranowski and Kovalski constructed a beautiful 72 to clinch it and secure the gold.

Poland 2 (Tomasz Skalski/Marcin Nitschke) and Poland 3 (Michal Kotiuk/Jakub Chromy) got the bronze.