Germany makes short work of Serbia in World Cup of Pool

Ralf Souquet. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Ralf Souquet bucked a case of food poisoning as defending champion Germany hardly broke a sweat in defeating Serbia, 8-1, in the opening match of the 2012 World Cup of Pool at the Robinson’s Mall in Ermita.

Souquet, who had to take IV shots Tuesday morning at the Cardinal Santos Hospital, hasn’t eaten anything besides a slice of loaf.

“Compared to the circumstances I think I played all right,” said Souquet.

But teammate fellow world champion Thorsten Hohmann thinks differently. “I think he played great. I think I did more decision-making mistakes,” admitted Hohmann.

The two weren’t pleased with their performance despite a convincing win.

“We won 8-1 but there wasn’t any rhythm,” said Hohmann.

Germany got off to a fast start and led 3-0 before an unforced error allowed the Serbians to take the fourth rack.

“Maybe against a stronger pair it would’ve been a closer match,” Souquet added.

Souqet and Hohmann moved on to the second round of the $250,000 tournament and will face the winner of Finland-Korea on Thursday.