The Consell de Ibiza has hosted today the presentation of the Ibiza Island International Open of American pool, 9-ball modality, which in this edition will feature a new format and a wide international participation. Players from Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Spain, Philippines, Morocco, Paraguay, Romania, Ukraine and Venezuela will compete in the Ilusions Pool Café room, an already usual space for the tournament. The press conference was attended by the island’s Councilor for Sports, Salvador Losa, the Councilor for Sports of the City Council of Ibiza, Catiana Fuster, and the president of Club Billiards Ibiza, Manuel Rubio.
Emerging sport with local and international talent
During the presentation, Salvador Losa stressed the importance of supporting growing sports and highlighted that Ibiza has references such as Jonás Souto, who is at the top of the world ranking, and Felipe González, a promising 17-year-old who is already rubbing shoulders with national level players: “This tournament shows that in Ibiza billiards not only has elite representatives, but also young people with a future that will take the name of our island to the top of the sport”. For her part, Catiana Fuster stressed the attraction that this event represents for the Ibizan capital in the months of lower tourist influx: “This type of tournaments in low season allow us to attract visitors and take advantage of the pleasant climate of the island. We want events like this to add value to Ibiza in months like November and December”.
A renewed tournament and candidates for victory
Manuel Rubio, president of Club Billiards Ibiza, explained the change of format in this edition, which goes from an initial system of 64 players to one in two phases: a first phase with 16 competitors and a second with 32, designed to promote the quality and enjoyment of the players. “With this format, the competition becomes more mature and allows players to enjoy the experience more. This change ensures a more dynamic tournament, where the favorites can stand out,” Rubio said. Among the favorites to win the title, Rubio highlighted European champion Francisco Díaz as the main contender, along with other names such as Ruslan Ostroskiy from Ukraine, and Catalans Quique Escudero and Iván Belmonte, who also have great possibilities. Although Jonás Souto will not participate this year due to commitments in the international circuit in Morocco, Ibiza will count on the promising young Felipe González, who in his first season has already reached third place in the Spanish Absolute Championship.
