3-Cushion
PORTO - The Spanish top guns in three cushion were not even at the start in the World Cup in Porto. But already on the second day, a Spanish storm raged through the billiards arena. Carlos Crespo, David Martinez, Esteve Mata, Juan David Zapata and Jose Antonio Carrasco are among the favourites to reach next round.
The most eye-catching Spanish clash was between Esteve Mata and Antonio Montes. The specialist of the classic games (Mata) showed himself the best facing the European junior champion: 30-28 in 24.
David Martinez, who has good memories to the World Cup in Porto, also defeated a country man in the first group match: he defeated Jose Maria Mas 30-24 in 26 innings. And later on the second day, Lennart Schrauwen surprised with a win against Mas 30-27 in 26.
Ji Hun Ahn, the best player on day one, has to battle it out later this evening with Manol Minaoglu for the group win. Juan David Zapata is almost certainly to continue after the victory of Ismail El Habrouk against Gunaydin.
Jorge Bastos, the old fighter, had one of his lucky days beating the European junior champion Antonio Montes 30-25 in 35 innings. Therefore, Esteve Mata is supposed to win his group.
Michael Vink won the Dutch encounter against Jim Anneveldt 30-27 in 43, but the big contender in that group is Myung Woo Cho, who defeated Anneveldt 30-27 in 22.
Oh Bok Cho and Can Capak play for the group win, like Ilhan Ürküt and Alsushi Kiyota. Carlos Crespo needs to beat Alipio Jorge to reach the next round.
Korean player Ji Hun Ahn topped the list on day one and is again one of the contenders to continue the World Cup