3-Cushion
MANIZALES - Robinson Morales from Colombia is the winner of the Feria de Manizales tournament in his country. The tournament is known as the most attractive and exciting three-cushion event in Latin America. Robinson Morales, nicknamed Robin Hood, defeated Arley Montoya in the final 3-0 in sets. The closing day was attended by some 1000 spectators. From Monday to Wednesday, 160 players, divided into 40 groups of four, played for qualifying. Then the knockout started with 40 players.
The main table consisted of the top 20 qualifiers and sixty players who payed to enter the main draw. The final phase was played with 48 players in groups of three, of which 32 finalists remained. Surprising in that round was the elimination of Luis Aveiga.
The marathon day with 32 players started with the best match of Daniel Morales (1.765). In the second round, Luis Martinez, last year's winner, showed his high class in a match against José Juan García, the former junior world champion, with a 2-0 win in sets and 30 points in 11 innings (2.727).
The round of the eighth final had consequences for other big names. Huberney Cataño was eliminated by Pedro González. Henry Diaz left the tournament by a loss against Julian Torres. The best run in this round was from Mauricio Grajales (12). Nevertheless, he could not prevent a loss against Robinson Morales.
The reigning champion stumbled in the quarterfinals over Robinson Morales 2-0 in sets. Arley Montoya, the later finalist, was in an exciting match slightly stronger than Heriberto Aristizábal: the third and deciding set ended in 15-14.
The two semi-finals showed spectacle in both matches. Julián Torres won his first set against Robinson Morales (15-12 in 9), but Robin Hood turned the match into his advantage with 15-12 in 15 and 15-11 in 8.
In the other semi-final, Pedro Gonzales started from the break with a winning set (15-8 in 10), Arley Montoya was the better finisher with 15-12 in 12 and 15-11 in 7.
The final was dominated by Robinson Morales from the start. The Colombian maestro started with a run of 7 in the first set and eventually won 15-3 in 5, 15-14 in 14 and 15-9 in 14.
The champion said in front of the Kozoom cameras: ,,I am very happy with the victory. It is the first time that I am on the highest podium in this tournament. I am especially satisfied for the regularity I have shown. My year 2017 was spectacular with eight finals and important achievements. This is a great start in 2018, winning in Manizales.
The final ranking:
1 Robinson Morales 1.350
2 Arley Montoya 1.172
3 Pedro Gonzalez 1.279
4 Julián Torres 1.333
5 Daniel Morales 1.317
6 Heriberto Aristizabal 1.271
7 Julio Ayala 1.084
8 Luis Martínez 1.368
9 Henry Diaz 1.296
10. Huberney Cataño 1.360.
Robinson Morales showing the trophee
The score after the final match: Morales-Montoya 3-0
Robinson Morales (right) celebrating the victory with friends and fans