3-Cushion
The European title in 2011 will definitively end up in the prize cabinet of a veteran. Dick Jaspers (Ned), Frédéric Caudron (Bel), Eddy Merckx (Bel) and Torbjörn Blomdahl (Swe) (each of them in possession of several major titles) reached the semi finals without too much struggling. Except Dick Jaspers, who beat Daniel Sanchez in 5 sets, they all had an apparently easy win during the quarterfinals. Bookmakers are unable to predict the outcome of this European Championship and therefore give each player 25% chance to win, according to fellow players Caudron is the man to beat.
Frédéric Caudron beat Jérémy Bury (Fra) in straight sets. Bury, appointed as favourit by many people, was not able to counter his Agipi teamcaptain's attacks. Torbjörn Blomdahl dictated the game against Jef Philipoom (Bel); throughout the end Philipoom started to play better and got plenty of chances to close the gap but after six missed matchpoints by the Sweed he released the sympathic Philipoom out of his misery. Eddy Merckx played almost faultless against Martin Horn (Ger) and scored easily. Later on Horn got some chances to get back into the game but failed during his attempts, the conclusion was a clean 3-0 win by the Belgian former World Champion.
The World Champion, Daniel Sanchez (Esp), was facing the defending European Champion, Dick Jaspers. The Dutchman started great by taking the first set in only 4 innings. Sanchez immediately answered by putting some pressure on Jaspers by winning set 2 and 3. Finally the Ranking leader stood up and showed his eagerness to retain his title, set 4 and 5 both went to Jaspers in 6 innings.
Jaspers will face Caudron in the semis and people who saw their last confrontation (35-50 in 11) will be dissappointed that this event is not broadcasted LIVE. Merckx and Blomdahl will be a great battle for sure as well.
Tomorrow the first Semi Final will start at 10:00 (GMT+1), the second one at 12:00 (GMT+1)
The Final is scheduled for 17:00 (GMT+1)