[<<] [>>] by Dave Kibble
23rd July 2009 (International)

Stephen Mulliner is the new German Open Champion. In a dramatic match over 3 games, he beat the holder, Colin Irwin, who has won the title 4 times in the past. Colin won the first game after Stephen played the wrong ball having completed all the peels of a QPO but the match was swiftly levelled by a 5th turn TP for Stephen in the second game. In the decisive game, Stephen failed a jump at 4-back while trying to perform the first SXP on German soil. Faced with clips on 4-back and 4-back, Colin failed hoop 1 which allowed Stephen to take one ball to the peg. Colin missed the lift but was handed a second chance when Stephen failed a long 4-back when set to finish. Colin now took a ball to 4-back and survived the lift shot. However, his attempt at a triple became steadily more delayed. Gallantly, he embarked on a straight triple but the peel ball stuck and left him with no real chance to continue. This mishap gave a short lift shot, the game and the title to Stephen.

Again the German Open proved to be the premier tournament in the country with 10 players from six countries and a special focus on the social side of the game. This year a boat trip on river Elbe was organised that was greatly enjoyed by the players and their company who also had a excellent meal while viewing the port and city of Hamburg from a special perspective.

Overall Results

1. Stephen Mulliner (ENG)
2. Colin Irwin (ENG)
3. Wolfgang Usbeck (D)
4. Martin Guntner (AUT)

No further ranking games played, plate not completed.

The next German Open AC will be played in 2011 while the German Open GC will be played in 2010.

All Results

Stephen Mulliner (ENG) beat Carlos Vieira (POR) +25
Colin Irwin (ENG) beat Karen Boswell (Australia) -26 TP
Stephen Mulliner beat Allan Morris (B) +26
Wolfgang Usbeck (D) beat John Swabey (B) +1 o.t.
Martin Guentner (Austria) beat Iris Stadie (D) +15
Alexander Kirsten (D) beat Karen Boswell (Aus) +22
Colin Irwin (ENG) beat John Swabey (B) -13 TP
Allan Morris (B) beat Carlos Vieira (POR) +13
Stephen Mulliner (ENG) beat Iris Stadie (D) +25
Martin Guentner (A) beat Allan Morris (B) +18
Alexander Kirsten (D) beat John Swabey (B) +13
Colin Irwin (Eng) beat Alexander Kristen (D) +26 TP
Wolfgang Usbeck (D) beat Karen Boswell (Aus) +19
Carlos Viera (POR) beat Iris Stadie (D) +15
Stephen Mulliner (ENG) beat Martin Guentner (A) +23
Colin Irwin (ENG) beat Wolfgang Usbeck (D) +22 TP
John Swabey (B) beat Karen Boswell (Aus) +19
Martin Guentner (A) beat Carlos Vieira (POR) +15
Wolfgang Usbeck (D) beat Alexander Kirsten (D) +19(t)
Allan Morris (B) beat Iris Stadie (D) +11 o.t.

Semifinals

Stephen Mulliner beat Wolfgang Usbeck +25 TP
Colin Irwin beat Martin Guentner +19 TP

Game for 3rd Place

Wolfgang Usbeck beat Martin Guentner +22

Final

Stephen Mulliner beat Colin Irwin -14, +26tp, +7

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