3-Cushion
MADRID - Two veterans, Ricardo Garcia and Alfonso Legazpi, a young, talented guy, David Martinez and the multiple champion Dani Sánchez go into the battle for the first Spanish trophy this year, the victory in the Open Madrid tournament.
Ricardo Garcia impressed in the eighth finals when he beat Jose Maria Mas 40-33 in 29 innings and in the second round of the knockout Javier Palazón 40-34 in 31. Because of these two prestigious victories, the Sants player returns to the elite group.
Alfonso Legazpi is another veteran on the stage thanks to victories vs Rafa Garrido (40-12 in 20) and the Catalan Armando Moreno (40-34 in 31) . Legazpi therefore successfully defends his second place at the Spanish league table.
The youngster David Martinez, former European junior champion, climbs the rankings thanks to his place in the semifinals. He defeated Sergio Jimenez in the penalty shoot out after 40-40 in 27. The match against Xavier Yeste had another exciting outcome: 40-37 in 35.
Dani Sánchez, recovered and topfit, again demonstrated his very high level on the second day, first by a victory vs Jaime Faraco 40-32 (21) and in his next match against Jesus Jimenez from Murcia he entertained the audience with a gorgeous match 40-17 in 18 innings.
The semi-finals :
Dani Sánchez - David Martinez
Ricardo Garcia - Alfonso Legazpi
Finale is at 12.15.