Report – Philipp Koch leads HSEBC triple triumph at first ÖSBV Champions Cup

The inaugural edition of the ÖSBV Champions Cup, the unofficial Austrian Championship in 6-Reds Snooker, produced a first-time winner with Philipp Koch from HSEBC – a player who was certainly a contender, even though he entered the tournament via a wildcard.

In the best-of-11 final against his clubmate Oskar Charlesworth, Philipp Koch managed to stay slightly ahead until the mid-session interval, consistently taking a one-frame lead, only for Charlesworth to level the score each time. At 3-3, Koch finally managed to secure a back-to-back frame win, extending his lead to two frames for the first time in the match, which was refereed by Class 1 Referee and ÖSBV Snooker rules tutor Christian Fock. This lead proved decisive: An early 32-point break in the ninth frame allowed Koch to take firm control, leaving Charlesworth unable to respond. Koch ultimately clinched a 6-3 victory, winning the inaugural ÖSBV Champions Cup title.

Philipp Koch, referee Christian Fock, Oskar Charlesworth; ©ÖSBV/pstegmeier

The bronze medal match was only balanced at the start. Tajmeet Grover (HSEBC) quickly took a 1-0 lead, which Daniel Seyser (15 Reds) immediately equalized. From then on, the match, refereed by Class 1 Referee Franz Meszaros, swung decisively in favor of Grover, who won the next four frames in a best-of-9 match to secure the bronze medal. This result also ensured a full set of medals for the HSEBC.

Tajmeet Grover, referee Franz Meszaros, Daniel Seyser; ©ÖSBV/pstegmeier

Alongside Vienna-based referees Christian Fock and Franz Meszaros, Louisa Wörthmüller from Upper Austria and guest referee Veronika Kovács from Budapest officiated matches. Their dedication and support for the athletes, ensuring competitions at the highest domestic level, were once again vital. ÖSBV Sports Director Patrick Stegmeier served as Tournament Director. The event was held at the Austrian Snooker and Billiards Academy in Vienna, jointly operated by the national federation and HSEBC, as has become common practice for recent ÖSBV championships.

An invitation to the newly introduced ÖSBV Champions Cup is best secured by winning an ÖSBV tournament in the previous season. Austrian (National) Champions and the leaders of the season’s final rankings automatically qualify, and further winners from Grand Prix, Masters, and U21 categories are added. Victories in other categories (Women’s, Doubles, Billiards, ASL Challenge) may also lead to an invitation, provided spots remain available in the 24-player field.

Champion Philipp Koch, currently ranked 24th in the Austrian Snooker League 2025 rankings, secured the title. Silver went to Oskar Charlesworth, the current number two and highest-ranked participant. Bronze went to Tajmeet Grover, ranked 62nd, making him the lowest-ranked player in the field to reach the podium.

The 6-Reds format increased the competitiveness of the event, tightening the gap between players and allowing for more upsets and surprises, even for underdogs. This format ensured a thrilling tournament.

A 2026 edition is already confirmed. Philipp Koch, who also recorded the tournament’s highest break with a 72 – just three points short of the 6-Reds maximum of 75 – can look forward to defending his title and the challenge cup next year.

Additionally, with this victory, Koch earns a direct spot in the qualification round for the upcoming Austrian Snooker Championship (ÖSTM-Qualifier) and a nomination for the EBSA 6-Reds European Championship in October 2025 in Albania.

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