3-Cushion
MARXUQUERA - Frédéric Caudron played like a champion on the first of four days in the Challenge, Dick Jaspers could only watch, most of the time sit on his chair, making to many misses and think about next day. Two sessions, with a total of 120 points for the best starter, showed that the Belgian looks very relaxed, played some excellent runs and demonstrated that he started the big match in a great form.
His opponent was desperately looking for the good feeling, but for the time being has a substantial 121-73 backlog in 46/45 innings. The conclusion after one day and two sessions may be that Caudron already gave a demonstration of his high class and Jaspers looks eager, but also showed with his facial expression that he backed away for the strenght of his rival.
Maybe Jaspers for the moment lacks the confidence of his opponent. Frédéric Caudron won in his last performances with Agipi the European cup and the French championship and in Spain with Gandia Cafemax the Spanish title. Dick Jaspers, normally one of the most stable players in the world and a specialist in playing high averages, has lost his European title to Filippos Kasidokostas and could not shine with his teams on a the highest level.
That has led, obviously, to a kind of form crisis in the months before the Challenge with Caudron, however Jaspers of course is capable to turn the match. He will not surrender until the last point has been made. ,,I must admit that Caudron was by far the best on this first day,'' said the Dutchman tonight after the drubbing in the second session, which was dashed of by Caudron in 21 innings.
,,He was the better player and has benefited from my mistakes. I have made some difficult balls, but missed too many easy positions. That has been punished perfectly by Frédéric.''
The Belgian was not even optimally satisfied with his match. ,,This morning I felt better than now, because I broke down a few runs, of eleven and seven, on positions which I may not miss'' he said. And about big margin on the score board (49 points) he concluded: ,,There is still a long way to go and I'm not fixated on this score. Tomorrow the match can turn and can be quite different.''
The score in the second session:
Caudron-Jaspers
Score after first session: 61-45 in 24/25 innings.
28th inning: 69-50
32nd inning: 75-54
38th inning: 87-65
40th inning: 99-65
44th inning: 105-73
46th inningn: 121-73 (Jaspers 45 innings).
Averages: Caudron 2.630, Jaspers 1.587.
Highest runs: Caudron 16, Jaspers 6.