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European U16 Champion Vladislav Gradinari.

Vladislav Gradinari played solid snooker to take the European Title for Moldova with a 4 frames to one frame victory over a gallant Riley Powell.

It was a typical final with a lot of nerves shown by both players at times, but also plenty of quality pots too. It was the Moldovan who got the early success winning the opening three frames in this best of Seven frame decider.

Riley Powell played a good fourth frame and after a battle around the last red, it was the Welshman who prevailed to get himself back in the final.

But the final frame of this European Final was pretty decisive from Vladislav as he took control of the destination of the Gold Medal and it was a brilliant tournament performance by Gradinari to win his and Moldova’s first ever U16 European Title.

For the runner up Riley Powell he played a brilliant tournament and pushed his opponent all the way, but it wasn’t to be for the Welshman, but he will come back stronger from this. In joint third place were Mykhailo Larkov from Ukraine and Poland’s Michal Szubarczyk who also won the High Break prize with 89 points.

Now the new champion will compete in the U18 European Championships, we better keep an eye on this talented young Man. This was a very special moment for the Gradinari family which Vladislav shared with his Mother Natalia.