The fourth Grand Prix of the 2024 Austrian Snooker League confirms a trend that has been ongoing since 2019. When national champion Florian Nüssle (Snookerbulls), who aspires to join the Snooker Main Tour, competes in a top-tier Austrian tournament, there is no getting past him.
The 22-year-old continued his impressive series at the meticulously organized venue in Heidenreichstein, Lower Austria. Nüssle advanced to the semifinals with two 4-0 victories over Richard Kornberger (TSG) and Patrick Russ (PSSC). He then qualified for the final without a contest due to a walkover in the semifinals.
In the final, Nüssle faced Maximilian Pfleger, a clubmate and the surprise performer of the last elite snooker event before the summer break. Pfleger secured his place in the final with solid play, narrowly defeating youngster Lukas Stötzer (PSSC) 4-3 in the round of 16, and then decisively beating Mike Busse (PBSCE) 4-0. In the semifinals, Pfleger, considered the underdog, went up against former Austrian national champion and Stötzer’s mentor Paul Schopf (PSSC). Pfleger started strong, quickly gaining a 2-0 lead, which Schopf managed to level by the midsession interval. However, Pfleger then turned the match around again, securing a 4-2 victory and his first Grand Prix final since 2011, where he lost 1-4 to Schopf.
Florian Nüßle (left), Paul Schopf
The final, officiated by referee Christian Fock (Vienna), saw tournament favorite Nüssle take a swift 3-0 lead. Pfleger, demonstrating his ability to handle pressure, won both the frame before and after the midsession interval. However, Nüssle clinched the sixth frame with a decisive 71-point break, earning his 28th Grand Prix title.
Nüssle also achieved the tournament’s highest break, a century break of 106 points, in the fourth frame of his quarterfinal match against Patrick Russ.
Paul Schopf secured third place without contest after Emil Becker (HSEBC) withdrew on the final day due to illness.
The tournament was expertly managed by AtCal-Heidenreichstein club owner Günter Kaschmitter, who, along with his wife Elisabeth, ensured a well-maintained, professional, and hospitable atmosphere. Thanks are extended to them on behalf of all Grand Prix players and the ÖSBV.
We look forward to the fifth round of the 2024 Austrian Snooker League on September 14th and 15th at the shared Grand Prix in Wels (PSSC) and Salzburg (Bulls).