SEOUL - 30-year-old Spaniard David Martinez has won his third event in the PBA cycle and celebrated the success together with his Spanish wife Ana Cristina. In the final, Martinez defeated 47-year-old Korean Young seob Kim, in the semi-final, Martinez was the better of another PBA star: 54-year-old Belgian Frédéric Caudron. David Martinez earned 73,000 euros with his victory and is now third in the ranking of big money makers in three years of PBA competition. Caudron tops with 585,000 euros ahead of David Zapata with 473,000 and David Martinez with 285,000 euros.
David Martinez had to make a hefty effort to get past Korean Young seob Kim in the final, as he had to overcome a 3-1 deficit after 1-0, 1-1 in a match that went to four sets won. The Spaniard had a superb final, winning the three decisive sets 15-5, 15-8 and 11-7. It was his third win, having achieved his second PBA success over a year ago.
Of the other Europeans, Javier Palazón was the best, reaching the last eight players. David Zapata, Birol Uymaz and Eddy Leppens went out in the first round, Filippos Kasidokostas in the next.
The stretch of victories took Martinez past young Japanese Yusuke Mori in the Huons PBA tour in the final stage, in the best match of the tournament. In that match, Martinez won sets of 15 in 2, 4 and 5 innings and achieved an overall average 3.400. He then beat Ki-ho Park in the last eight, Si-yoon Ju in the quarter-finals and Frédéric Caudron in the semi-finals.
Kozoom had a short interview with David Martinez after the tournament.
Kozoom/Frits Bakker: You won easily against Frédéric Caudron, who was not at his best, but then the final against the Korean was a tough match.
David Martinez: It wasn't a best Caudron, that's true, but we all know he can come back any time, so I was happy with my win. The final match was very difficult because I was down 3-1. Fortunately, I started playing well after that start and I still was able to win the trophy. This was my fourth final, he might have been influenced by that.
Kozoom/FB: Have we seen David Martinez in his best form in this first part of the new season?
David Martinez: I always try to be in my best form. Before the PBA tour started, I didn't play well in the Spanish league, but because of that I was more focused on the PBA start.
Kozoom/FB: You are among the big players in the PBA cycle now. Many top European players say: I don't want to live in Korea. How do you feel there?
David Martinez: It was quite a difficult situation, but now it's different. We can come here, play and go back home without the COVID quarantine. Only because of the team league, we have to stay a little longer.
Kozoom/FB: Have you been living there all the time with your wife Ana Cristina?
David Martinez: My wife came this time for this tour and the next team event in 10 days. She liked it in Korea, which is why she travelled back here now. Nice that I could win with her in the crowd.
Kozoom/FB: The stories from the PBA are, that some European players want to make money there for two, three years and then return. Have you made any plans yourself?
David Martinez: No, I just want to enjoy my time here, my billiard life in PBA, gain experience with my friends and get stronger.
Kozoom/FB: The advantage is that you are there with a nice group of Spaniards.
David Martinez: Yes, that's right we are a good team with friends since many years.
Kozoom/FB: You feel happy as a billiard player in this PBA world.
David Martinez: I feel happy, especially now, after this win, but I know I have to keep working and training to be with the top.
Kozoom/FB: Suppose, if the UMB said: David Martinez, you are among the best PBA players now, you can compete in the UMB World Championship. What would you do?
David Martinez: Difficult situation, playing a world championship is always special, but we have our own championships here. And I would like to stay here.
Kozoom/FB: How is your Korean after those two years?
David Martinez: It's getting better, but still very little.
Kozoom/FB: What do you prefer: Korean food or Spanish?
David Martinez: No doubt, Spanish.
Kozoom/FB: What is the best feature of Korean culture for you?
David Martinez: The good characteristic of the Koreans is that they always want to improve, to do better.
Kozoom/FB: How did you celebrate your championship?
David Martinez: With the Spanish friends who are still here. We went somewhere for dinner, because I was very hungry.
Thank you David for the interview.
David Martinez, happy winner
David Martinez and lady winner Ga-young Kim