Inspired by the WBL Billiards Matchplay Championship, the world championship in the points format, the inaugural Austrian Billiards Matchplay Championship was held this year. The title at the premiere event was claimed by Patrick Stegmeier from ABC Vienna.
The 2011 Austrian Billiards Champion secured his victory with a 4-2 win against his longtime rival and competitor Carl Walter Steiner (HSEBC Vienna).
Patrick Stegmeier, final referee Christian Fock, Carl Walter Steiner; © ÖSBV/fbruckner
Both Stegmeier and Steiner will represent Austria at the upcoming World Matchplay Championship, which will take place in Carlow, Ireland, from April 4 to 11, alongside the Irish Open. The final match was officiated by the President of the Austrian Snooker & Billiards Association, Christian Fock, who will also be part of the Austrian delegation in Carlow.
Patrick Stegmeier, Carl Walter Steiner; © ÖSBV/fbruckner
Bronze went to Christian Pleschko (PSSC Wels) in an Upper Austrian duel, as the current vice-national champion edged out his clubmate Patrick Russ with a close 3-2 victory.
Patrick Russ, Christian Pleschko; © ÖSBV/pstegmeier
With his triumph at the Austrian Billiards Matchplay, Patrick Stegmeier has now directly qualified for the upcoming National Championship, which will be held in January 2026 as part of the ÖSBV Finals.
Cover photograph: Patrick Stegmeier; © ÖSBV