Mariusz Skoneczny emerged victorious at the 2025 Dynamic Billard Best of the East – Ajara Cup 9-Ball, held in Batumi, Georgia. The event, jointly organized by Mak Marketing and the East European Billiard Council (EEBC), featured 88 players and concluded with podium finishes for Polish and Slovakian athletes.
Competitors from 10 countries participated in the three-day tournament. While Georgia had the largest representation, significant contingents also came from Azerbaijan (13 players) and Poland (12 players). Additional participants hailed from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Belarus, China, Iran, and Northern Cyprus.
The opening two days consisted of group-stage matches in a round-robin format across 22 groups. Only the top two players from each group advanced to the knockout stage, which took place on Sunday.
In the semi-finals, Slovakia’s Jakub Koniar defeated compatriot Köles Balazs 7–3, while Skoneczny secured a 7–5 win over fellow Pole Dominik Jastrząb. The final was closely contested, with Skoneczny eventually prevailing 7–5 to capture the title. He also took home the top prize of €1,200 and a Cuetec cue valued at €750.
“Every time I’ve played in Georgia, I’ve managed to win,” Skoneczny said after the final. “I wanted to continue that streak at this year’s Best of the East. It wasn’t easy, but I’m glad I came and managed to win again. Georgia is a beautiful place with welcoming and hospitable people. I will definitely return.”
EEBC President Marcin Krzemiński praised the event and its local organizers:
“The hospitality in Georgia has been outstanding. I’d like to thank Temur Kakhidze, the Georgian Billiard Federation, and all the sponsors for their contribution. Their support was evident throughout the tournament and during the live broadcasts. We hope to continue this successful partnership in the future.”
Temur Kakhidze, representing the host city of Batumi, reflected on the tournament’s growth:
“In past years we held events here, but combining the Ajara Cup with the Best of the East series has helped elevate its status. We’re proud to have welcomed participants from 10 countries. Although our local players didn’t make it to the podium, we’re optimistic about future editions. We look forward to organizing another event in 2026 with the EEBC.”
During the tournament, Kakhidze was honored with the “Friend of the East European Billiard Council” badge. The event was also attended by local officials, including Irakli Abuladze, Deputy Minister of Education and Sports for Ajara, and Irma Nizharadze, Head of the Sports Department.
The tournament concluded with a celebratory dinner hosted by the organizers in a traditional Georgian restaurant. Players and officials gathered for several hours of food, music, dancing, and camaraderie.
🏆 Full Prize List (Total Prize Fund: €5,500)
- 1st – Mariusz Skoneczny (POL): €1,300 + Trophy + Medal + Cuetec Cue (€750)
- 2nd – Jakub Koniar (SVK): €900 + Medal + Cuetec Cue Case (€400)
- 3rd – Dominik Jastrząb (POL): €680
- 3rd – Köles Balazs (SVK): €680
- 5th–8th – David Avakian, Maciej Trudzowski, Bilge Alacam, Jerzy Regieli – €350 each
- 9th–16th – Martin Pastula, Kristián Mrva, Azhdar Nasirov, Tomasz Malinowski, Timothei Furko, Mark Szabo, Giorgi Dimitradze, Nodar Bakradze – €100 each
The next stop in the Best of the East series will be the Polish 9-Ball Open, scheduled for August 16–17 in Kielce, Poland.
Media coverage: www.cksport.pl
Live broadcasts: TVsports.pl on YouTube
Media partners: AzBilliards (USA), 77.billiards (Philippines), alison-chang.com (Taiwan), Radio Rekord (POL), Echo Dnia (POL)
Series Sponsors: Dynamic Billard, Iwan Simonis, Kamui, Aramith, Cuetec
