The first edition of the tournament, organized by the Balkan Billiards Association, took place on 08/09.04.2023 in Skopje, North Macedonia. The host venue was “Grand Club.” The tournament featured 75 participants from Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Greece, and Serbia. The winner was Kledio Katsi from Albania, who triumphed over Labinot Markaj from Kosovo with a score of 9:2. Despite his youth, Kledio demonstrated impressive skills, a strong mentality, and proved that he won’t be overshadowed by his brother, Eklent Katsi, who is a World Champion. Kledio even has ambitions to surpass him.
The third-place went to Dilyan Tiklev from Bulgaria, who lost to Kledio Katsi with a score of 4:9. In the other semi-final, Serbian star Dejan Stankovic lost to the powerhouse from Kosovo, Labinot Markaj, with a score of 7:9.
The four spots for the awards ceremony were claimed by Valon Gashi from Kosovo, who lost in the quarterfinals to Dejan Stankovic with a score of 4:9; the veteran from Skopje, Alexander Bosevski, who lost to Labinot Markaj with a score of 2:9; Thanos Pantazis from Greece, who lost to Dilyan Tiklev with a score of 6:9; and Daniel Todorov from Bulgaria, who lost to the champion Kledio Katsi with a score of 2:9.
Valon Gashi and Labinot Markaj from Kosovo secured a free slot for participation in the Euro Tour as members of the BBA.
The next round will take place in Pristina, Kosovo, on 24/25.06.23. The host will be Shooter’s Club.
