Carom
After two weeks in which Frédéric Caudron lost the final of the World Cup in Hurghada to Filippos Kasidokostas and in the French league to Roland Forthomme, last night it was time for a victory. In the semi finals and the final of the VES tournament in Sint Niklaas he showed himself again the untouchable master. Caudron won his semi-final against Roland Forthomme (40-29 in 23 innings) and then defeated Eddy Merckx in the final 40-33 in sixteen innings after a 18-16 score in two innings.
The final day in Sint Niklaas, where the second VES tournament of this season was played, started very spectacularly for the public. Eddy Merckx made in his semifinal against Kurt Ceulemans a marvellous run of seventeen and won the match 40-28 in 25 innings. ,,I was 10-7 ahead in nine innings and then the beast broke loose'', Kurt said after the match. ,,My defense was very good so far, but give Merckx one chance and you see what happens.''
Caudron got on the other billiard revenge for his defeat at Forthomme in Andernos.
Caudron and Merckx also were opponents in the final of the first VES tournament Eeklo this year. Merckx won the final there, now Caudron was the first who crossed the finish line in a strong match. Both players had a highest run of ten.
In the ranking Caudron had a top average of 2.222, Merckx averaged 1.849, Forthomme 1.575, Kurt Ceulemans 1.153, Peter Ceulemans 2.220 and Francis Forton 1.340. Forton shined with the highest run of the tournament, he made 21 against Johan Loncelle.