EKLENT KAÇI KNOCKED OUT AS LAST 64 CONFIRMED FOR 2024 EUROPEAN OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Eklent Kaçi suffered a shock defeat on the third day of the 2024 European Open Pool Championship in Fulda, Germany, while defending champion David Alcaide remains undefeated as he advances into the Last 64 stage. 

World Pool Championship runner-up Eklent Kaçi exited the tournament after shocking back-to-back losses to Emil-Andre Gangflot and Fitim Haradinaj on the third day. Kaçi is joined by other top players heading home, including last year’s European Open runner-up Anton Raga and UK Open semi-finalist Pijus Labutis, both of whom were knocked out by Max Lechner in the Losers’ Qualification round.

David Alcaide continues his title defence, entering the Last 64 with an undefeated streak after defeating Adjin Piknjac 9-4. Alongside "El Matador" is Shane Van Boening, who sent snooker champion Gary Wilson to the Losers’ Qualification round with a tight 9-7 victory.

Wilson went on to redeem himself against Liu Ri Teng, starting strong with a 7-3 lead. However, the Chinese Taipei cueist mounted a dramatic comeback, forcing a hill-hill decider. Fortunately for Wilson, he regained control in the final rack to secure his spot in the next stage.

World Champion Fedor Gorst made light work of the Albanian Besar Spahiu to secure his place in the Last 64, meaning he will surpass $400,000 in ranking points across all events this year so far.

Hanoi Open champion Jayson Shaw also advanced to the Last 64 after winning the ‘Battle of the Brits’ against Darren Appleton, taking an early lead to finish the match 9-3. Alongside Eagle Eye Shaw, all three Ko brothers progressed to the next stage, each remaining undefeated in the tournament.

In a shocking turn of events, Joshua Filler was dealt a heavy blow by rising star Mustafa Alnar, who took complete control with an early 6-0 lead. In the seventh rack, Filler attempted to get on the board but missed the 9-ball, allowing Alnar to snatch yet another rack. Alnar reached the hill after Filler failed to execute a kick shot on the 6-ball.

Despite Filler's efforts to rally, taking three racks after capitalising on Alnar’s miss of the 1-ball in rack nine, another error from the German allowed Alnar to claim the win. Fortunately for Filler, he managed to redeem himself in his second match, securing his spot in the tournament after defeating Kostas Kouiadakis 9-5.