The World Billiards Open in Jersey, elevated to a prize money class five event this year in celebration of the JBSA’s 100th anniversary, concluded with a positive outcome for Martin Schmidt (HSEBC), who finished in 9th place.
The reigning national champion advanced to the knockout stage as the runner-up in his group and secured a prize money position by finishing ninth. In the round of 16 he faced the eventual tournament winner, Dave Causier from England, and suffered a significant defeat with a score of 89-1045. Such a loss against the exceptional player and professional Billiards competitor is not uncommon. Peter Sheehan (England), ranked fourth in the current WBL world rankings, also stood no chance in the semifinal against the winner of this year’s Austrian Billiards Open, losing 149-1183.
Champion Dave Causier, WBL Director Aonghus McAnally,
JBSA President Byron Le Cornu
Only Rob Hall, currently ranked third in the world, managed to put Causier under pressure at times during the final. Ultimately, the multiple world champion prevailed with a score of 619-451, continuing his impressive winning streak in 2024.
Carl Walter Steiner (HSEBC) unfortunately did not advance to the knockout stage, finishing fourth in his group. His tournament highlight was a preliminary round victory against Nicholas Boldison-Smith (310-208) from England, showcasing the skills of two-time Austrian National Billiards Championship runner-up.
The highest break of the tournament, unsurprisingly, was achieved by the 2024 Jersey Open champion, Dave Causier. Among several other high-scoring breaks, the Englishman recorded an impressive series of 686 points.
Results WBL Jersey Open 2024
World Billiards World Rankings
