3-Cushion
MANIZALES - The Grand Prix in Manizales, Colombia, turned out into a final with two Colombian star players: Henry Diaz and Alexander Salazar closed the tournament with the battle for the gold medal. The famous Grand Prix was played with a lot top players from the South American countries, who performed for a full house in the final days. The final was won by Henry Diaz, who was also the winner last year.
Alexander Salazar, semi-finalist at the World championships in Antwerp last year, won the first set 15-5 in 10 innings. Diaz then took the initiative and won successively 15-2 (5), 15-7 (9) and 15-4 (4), 1.852 and 1.000 average .
The two Colombians reached the finals by victories against two countrymen: Julian Torres and Andres Naranjo. Diaz defeated Torres 15-13 and 15-7, Salazar lost his first set against Naranjo 15-8, but then triumphed in the next sets 15-7 and 15-7.
Andres Naranjo outplayed one of the stars earlier in the tournament. Huberney Catano signed for the best match against Francisco Suarez in the final stage. He won 15-5 (8) and 15-1 (5), averaging 2.308.
Alexander Salazar finished 1.335 overall, the winner Henri Diaz 1.245.
The final score with the prize money (in Colombian pesos)
1 Henry Diaz 8.000000
2 Alexander Salazar 4.000000
3 Julian Torres 1.500000
4 Andres Naranjo 1.500000
5 Luis Martinez 600.000
6 Lizarazo 600.000
7 Piza 600.000
8 Victor Olarte 600.000 + Fair Play
Total prize money 22.500000 Colombian pesos, 11.500 dollars.