Eddy Merckx winner of VES-tournament in Eeklo

EEKLO - The 41-year old Belgian Eddy Merckx is the winner of the VES tournament in Eeklo. The Belgian former world champion defeated Frédéric Caudron yesterday evening in the final: 40-34 in eighteen innings.
Jef Philipoom, one of the four semi-finalists, could'nt play in Eeklo, because he had to line up in the qualification rounds of the Agipi Masters in Strasbourg.
Frédéric Caudron defeated Luc Salvo, the substitute of Philipoom in the semifinals with 40-23 in 25 innings, Merckx on his way to the final beat Eddy Leppens with only one point: 40-39.

The VES tournament was the first of five in total. In Eeklo there were 87 participants at the start.