Historic Spanish Success for Sanchez Ruiz

Francisco Sanchez Ruiz created history as he became the winner of the first Spanish National Snooker Championship.

Held at the Club Billar Valencia Snooker venue, this three-day event featured a double elimination qualifying format that progressed into quarter-final knockouts. Sanchez Ruiz – perhaps better known for his achievements on the pool table – emerged from the losers’ section following a loss to Aleix Melia in the winners’ qualification round.

Having seen off Oliver Rodriguez to secure his place in the last eight, Sanchez Ruiz eliminated World Cup of Pool teammate and 2017 World Pool Masters champion David Alcaide 4-2. He repeated that scoreline over Daan Leyssen in the semi-finals and then gained revenge for his earlier setback by getting the better of Melia 5-2 in the final.

As well as the title and trophy, 26-year-old Sanchez Ruiz also receives an invitation to the 2019 EBSA European Snooker Championships.

Article written and published by Michael Day on the 9th December 2018.