Denis Grabe and Karl Gnadeberg, a 14-year old talent who defeated Grabe 6:7 at the latest round of the Estonian championships, are preparing for the tournament season.

Grabe told ERR of Gnadeberg: "The kid is good, he trains a lot, he has talent. He has the best conditions available, he also has coaches. If he keeps developing, he could get very far."

Grabe, who was not at his best because of issues with his father's health at the last round, is positive about the competition in Estonia. The 14-year old Gnadeberg has shined over the last two years, while competing with men.

Gnadeberg said: "I started when I was nine, when my father and his friends would play at an old billiard club. I went with them. Thanks to the coronavirus, I've been practicing more because I have nothing else to do."

Gnadeberg noted that he practices 7-9 hours a day.

Last year, Gnadeberg was 9th at the Juniors European Championship. "The most important thing is talent and I've been given the talent to play billiard well."

Information about Juniors European Championship this year is still to be announced. The regular European Championship however will take place in Turkey in November. The Estonian national team, led by Denis Grabe, will try to defend their bronze medal from two years ago.

Grabe answering a question about Estonia's competitiveness in November: "I believe our young players have developed and I am ranked third in Europe. I don't see why we couldn't beat the best. There can be no lesser goal than victory."

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