Zalewska crowned women’s European nineball champion for first time

Poland’s Oliwia Zalewska whitewashed Ana Gradisnik of Slovenia to lift the Women’s European Championship for the first time

Poland's Oliwia Zalewska won her third European Championships gold medal, this time in the women's nineball, as she enjoyed a surprisingly easy win over Slovenian hope Ana Gradisnik, running out a 7-0 whitewash winner.

Having not really showed in the other disciplines, Zalewska saved her best till last. She lost her first match in the nineball division but battled her way through the one-loss side to reach the single elimination last 16. Wins over Silvia Lopez Fibla (Spain) and Sweden’s My Nguyen left her a semi-final pairing against Spain’s dangerous Amalia Matas. A 7-0 win put her into the championship match which she cruised through for the gold.

“During the final, I wasn’t thinking about winning the title; I’m thinking about the game and my level of playing. Of course, I love this feeling of winning and yes, the whole of the time spent practising and the emotions that go into it are all a big part of this victory,” said Zalewska.

The gold medallist is the mother of an 18-month-old child and added: “I’m sorry my baby can’t be here with me and my husband, but it would be too long to spend away from home so we will all enjoy this title when we get home.”