3-Cushion
CALI – These are not easy days, months and years in the world of Dick Jaspers, in the sport in which he used to be a winner. The World Games, where he was in the final three times in a row and the winner four years ago, were intended as a turning point, a new highlight, but after the world title, the European title that he both lost two years ago and the Dutch title last year, Jaspers is also conceded his chances for a victory at the World Games in Cali.
Glenn Hoffman, his 25 years younger compatriot, known as a player with lots of talent and bravado, prevented his Dutch friend’s illusions. We can’t say that Jaspers failed, for sure not: he shone his high class again, after the break, with a come-back run of sixteen, the highest so far. Therefore he fought back to 24-24 in eight innings.
But as so many times in these years, Jaspers encountered an opponent who suddenly showed his very best form and was, when the tension was growing, the better attacker and finisher in the grueling final innings. Jaspers’ chances turned out into a pipe dream.
The highly select group of four, with Eddy Merckx, Marco Zanetti, Kyung-Roul Kim and Glenn Hoffman will battle for gold, silver and bronze medals later (11.00 and 13.30, 18.00 and 20.30 CET time).
Belgian Eddy Merckx and Italian Marco Zanetti are known as typical winner types. The world champion (Merckx) already since his entry into the international circuit, the European champion (Zanetti), especially this year, reaching the absolute peak in his career. He not only took the European title, but also won the Agipi Masters and the Lausanne Masters.
Both players are double world champions: Eddy Merckx took the title last year in Porto for the second time in a final against Sung-Won Choi. Zanetti’s last title was in 2008.
Marco Zanetti is the oldest of the four players in the final. The Italian turned 51 this year, Eddy Merckx is 44, Kyung-Roul Kim 33, Glen Hofman 33.
Eddy Merckx was the best in average over two rounds (eighth finals and quarter-finals). The Belgian made his 80 points in 35 innings, averaging 2.285. Kyung Roul Kim 1.666, Marco Zanetti 1.600 and Glenn Hofman 1.379. Eddy Merckx also signed for the best match (11 innings against Taylor), Dick Jaspers played the highest run against Glenn Hoffman (16).
The World Games are an amazing experience for the players and spectators. The players were welcomed on their arrival as true top athletes. The matches are played in a full house with an enthusiastic home crowd.
Today are the semi-finals, in the late evening session the match for third and fourth place will be played.
Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the final at 13.00 (CET time 20.00).