Spanish dream has already come to an end

SAN JAVIER - The Spanish fury has been tamed, long before the showdown in the World Championship for juniors. Two Koreans, one Turk and one Colombian will batlle for gold, silver and bronze this afternoon in the semis (15.30 Spanish time) and later in the final match at 18.30.

The current champion Haeng Jik Kim will meet the strong Colombian José Garcia. Juntae Kim, the other Korean faces Ömer Karakurt. And the Spaniards, at the start with two favorits for the title, were down for the count and only played the second fiddle.

Who could previously expect such a final day.

Yes of course: Haeng Jik Kim shows his mettle and his world class again after his three titles in recent years. Juntae Kim, just 18, was already in the final match last year and surely has been further developed.

Ömer Karakurt and Jose Garcia are the revelations of the tournament. The Turk had a poor start but is performing better now. He kicked off the tournament in a t-shirt and still is not playing in official dress, because his suitcase with his cloths has not arrived after the flight from Turkey.

Jose Garcia, who plays with a few plasters on his head, because of a bump with an obstacle, comes from a country where three cushion is immensely popular, so it is not so surprising that Colombia has beautiful young talents.

But still ...

He had his red letter day, played a crushing match in the second session of the quarterfinales against local hero David Zapata and beat him with a brilliant score: 35-27 in 23 innings (1.521 against 1.173 average).

Ömer Karakurt won his match with less effort against the Dutchman Raymon Groot, in 23 innings: 35-16.

Juntae Kim knocked down the other Spaniard, David Martinez and won when the match sprang to life in 30 innings (35-26).

Haeng Jik Kim, who grows in the tournament and seems to be stronger each round, was the best of all once again with his victory over Joao Ferreira: 35-27 in 19 innings (1.842 against 1.,421).

Semifinals without Spaniards so.

Haeng Jik Kim will play later this afternoon at 15.30 against Jose Garcia and Juntae Kim meets Ömer Karakurt.