(David Causier, right, with WBL Director Aonghus McAnally)
Champion: David Causier
Runner Up: Rob Hall
World champion David Causier was brilliant in Bruges as he defeated Rob Hall 1421-650 in the final to win the 2023 European Open and retain his crown.
Held at The Trickshot, it was the second leg of a big World Billiards double-header at the venue. Last weekend Hall was victorious in the Belgian Open.
A level 5 world ranking event, world number one Causier began the tournament in typical fashion, breezing through his group, winning all four of his matches to make the knockout phase.
Whilst sealing qualification, the relentless Teessider hit a staggering 13 centuries – three of which being over 300. During his match against Australia’s Russ Delahunty, Causier compiled a 614 and a 361 unfinished – the former effort would stand as the highest break of the event.
Causier’s ridiculous scoring power continued into the knockouts as he eliminated Daniel Locke 1486-117 (breaks of 210, 199, 166, 121) and Barry Russell 1746-273 (297, 203, 187, 147, 131, 115) to set up a semi-final showdown with the experienced Martin Goodwill in a repeat of last year’s final. His toughest assignment of the event, so far, Causier didn’t have it all his own way, but aided by runs of 354, 226 and a 115unf, he still had plenty of change to spare in a 1108-629 win.
Coming through the other side of the draw was fellow Englishman Hall. The in-form Lincoln cueist was looking to complete a unique title double following his exploits a few days earlier. He too made it to the title match with a 100% record, recording a thrilling 610-573 last four victory over four-time world champion Peter Gilchrist – the man he defeated in the Belgian Open final.
Causier was in no mood to go home empty-handed, though, as with breaks of 373, 217, 159, 120 and 118 he successfully defended the title and added yet another accolade to an extraordinary career CV.
Report published by the WPBSA.
You can see a full list of the results & breaks here.