Dani Sánchez is out for the title in Spain

MADRID - On the first day at the Spanish three cusion championship, after four days of pre-rounds, the undisputed favourite Dani Sánchez was eliminated by an outsider. The 59-year-old Rafael Garrido, president of the Madrid Billiard Federation, had a magical day and outplayed the four-time world champion Sánchez 40-24 in 24 innings. The best Spanish player ever is out for the title which he won eighteen times. David Martinez was last year's champion in Spain. Rafael Garrido is not unknown in Spanish billiards. He was runner-up in 2012 and third in 2001.

The sixteen seeded players came into the title race for the first time. Two other players from the list lost in the first round: Jesús Jiménez (loss against Valentin Andaluz) and Joseba Escribano (loss against Rubén Fernández).

Antonio Montes was the best average of the day. He defeated Martínez Fresneda 40-15 in 19 innings (2.105). The Catalan also scored the best run of the day with 15. Other good starters were Javier Palazón (1.818), José María More (1.739) and David Martinez (1667).

The matches for the eighth finals:

10 am:
Ricardo García - Rubén Legazpi
David Martínez - Jordi Garriga
Enrique Peñalva - Alfonso Legazpi
Carlos Crespo - Alfonso Legazpi

12.00:
Javier Palazón - Raúl Cuenca
Antonio Montes - Rubén Fernández
Rafael Garrido - Jaime S. Faraco
José María Más - Valentín AndaluzDani

Antonio Montes, best player on the opening day with 2.105 and 15-run