ANTALYA/ISTANBUL - The Turkish billiard federation is facing the start of a very busy calendar year next month. The intensive marathon of events is launched by the European championship three-cushion for ladies in Antalya (11-13th of February), followed by the European team championship from 13 to 16 February and concluded by the World Cup in Antalya from 17 to 23 February.
Also will be competed for the Turkish Cup and the championship for ladies, juniors and veterans between 15th February and 1st of March.
The Turkish women to represent the country at the European championship are Gülşen Degener, Aysegul Fendi, Güzin Mujde Karakaşlı Arzu Gök and Selma Sahin. The national men's team consists of Semih Saygıner and Murat Naci Coklu. In the second team will play Can Çapak and Tayfun Taşdemir.
Before the World Cup, which will be held in Antalya from 17 to 23 February, there are preliminaries in the Max Hall in Istanbul on 4 and 5 February.
Turkish president Ersan Ercan announced: "We have been meticulously prepared for this long marathon, which will last 21 days in 2 hotels with a total of 46 tables."
In addition to these big tournaments, the clubs and federations have organized workshops in Ankara from 13 to 17 January. Furthermore, regional championships are organized at all levels with a massive participation. The championships are held in 81 provinces up to 26 January.
Turkish star Semih Sayginer, among the contenders at the World Cup and in the European team championship with Murat Naci Coklu
Gülsen Degener, leading lady of the Turkish delegation at the European championship