3-Cushion
The highest average for Haeng Jik Kim (1.852), the highest run for Roland Forthomme (9), one group is two matches on the way and basically has three candidates for two places in the next round. The other group plays two matches today and is going to be an open battle for all four players.
The first day of the Agipi Masters didn't excell in high class matches. Haeng Jik Kim was the best of eight, he leads the group which is in averages in any case much stronger than the group where Ryuuji Umeda is the leader. The Japanese gathered four match points and averaged 1.124. Two pursuers, Jérôme Barbeillon and Jef Philipoom, are very close together (two match points, Barbeillon 1.224, Philipoom 1.192), they are fighting for who may come back in the next stage.
Ryuuji Umeda meets Jef Philipoom this afternoon (17.00), Jérôme Barbeillon plays against Glenn Hoffman. The Dutchman, who was extremely disappointed after his performance (two lost matches, 0.901 average), was a little more optimistic later in the evening. ,,What if I win in twenty innings and Umeda beats Philipoom. Then I have a chance ...''
Haeng Jik Kim won the Korean match against Jung-Han Heo after an exciting battle, in which Kim had the initiative at the start, he allowed his opponent to come back in the match, but he was very strong again at the end.
Roland Forthomme prevailed at the other table against his compatriot Eddy Leppens. ,,Those matches are always special'', he concluded afterwards. ,,We came together to Agipi, we eat together after the match. I can not cheer exuberant when I win, although I am very happy of course.''
The ranking in this group indicates after one day that the four players are fairly at the same level. Kim has 1.852, Forthomme 1.613, Heo 1.556, Leppens 1.452.
The Korean-Belgian battle will be the decider today. The first matches are Leppens-Kim and Heo-Forthomme (14.00) and in the evening Forthomme-Kim and Leppens-Heo (21.00).
The matches are live on Kozoom for Premium Pass holders.