3-Cushion
SCHILTIGHEIM - The top five in the Agipi Masters finals is what remains for Dick Jaspers and Eddy Merckx. The Dutchman defeated Filipos Kasidokostas (50-45 in 28) in the second losers round, Eddy Merckx had won his match against Dani Sánchez on Friday.
With the current and a former world champion at the table, the atmosphere was twofold: Jaspers said after the match that it was hard to find the focus when you're outplayed for the main prize in the tournament. His Greek opponent was particularly looking for a revenge for the sensetive loss against Torbjörn Blomdahl.
,,I played to win my match, of course'', said Jaspers, who once again recalled his match against Martin Horn in the quarterfinals. ,,I was a little unlucky and Martin, who was exceptionally strong, had some lucky shots at decisive moments.''
After the win against Kasidokostas he said: ,,The main goal was to make a short match and high runs.'' The world champion made one over ten: twelve in the 14th inning, followed by seven in the 15th.
Within five innings, Jaspers took a 36-28 advantage, but Kasidokostas could fight back to 41-39. It was his last twitc: Jaspers seemed to ran out in the 26th inning, but he missed at eight for his last point. Two innings later he closed the match.