3-Cushion
ANDERNOS - The European number two Andernos has launched the team competition in France with a 7-1 victory over newbie Rouen. The Normans showed themselves a tough opponent despite the high score (one time 50-50, twice 50-49), but could not strike at the decisive moments.
Roland Forthomme was the excellent leader of the team in this first league match and made a strong impression after Andernos led 3-1 at the break. Forthomme bested Javier Palazón 50-18 in 22. The Belgian attacked from the gun and ran away to 33-11 (15) including a run of eleven. The world's number nine never got into trouble and finished 2.273 average.
Jérôme Barbeillon also had a superb start as well in his match against Ruben Legazpi (30-17 in 15) and still led by 43-34. The Spaniard fought back well in the match, but was one carom down for a draw: 50-49 in 33.
Before the break, Andernos already led 3-1 after the encounters between Marc Boignères and Vincent Facquet and Francis Connesson who faced Michael Devogelaere. Connesson came into the match after a quick backlog and caught up at 30-29 at 34. In the thrilling final phase, De Vogelaere missed twice for the last carom and Connesson could take the win 50-49 in 54.
The scenario in the other match was similar. Facquet got the best out of the starting blocks, but couldn't convert his leading scores (45-38 and 47-43) into a victory. When Boigneres closed the match, Facquet could only equalize with one.
Andernos takes the lead in Group B with a 1.212 team average, Rouen played a 1.006.
The other matches in this group is on November 5 between Laxou and Gravelines.
The Rouen team with its Spaniards Ruben Legazpi and Javier Palazón