He just needed one more point for the qualification, but Dion Nelin missed the very important ball by a millimeter in his match with Glenn Hofman. The Dutchman took his chance after the miss of his opponent and won the match this afternoon 50-49 in 35 innings. The climax tonight must decide who will go to the final round.
Filipos Kasidokostas is almost certainly in the finals, based on his high average (2.069), because Sung-Won Choi was beaten by Roland Forthomme and Dion Nelin still needs a tough fight with the Korean player. The winner of that match is advanting the finals, in case of a tie, Nelin is seeded based on the match points.
The 34-year-old Dane lost his unbeaten status in the afternoon round in a thrilling finale. He and Glenn Hofmann went together to the finish, with scores of 40-40, 43-43, 46-46 and 49-49.
When Nelin was going to the table for his last point, he seemed so close to qualifying. ,,I took my time to estimate the position. My cue ball was to the cushion and I needed a hard shot'', he said. Nelin missed the carom on a millimeter and saw Hofman finish on 50-49 after a timeout.
For Hofman it was his second victory in this Agipi round after beating Roland Forthomme last night. ,,My tournament is successful'', he said after his last performance. ,,I knew that I just had a little chance to qualify, because my average was lower than Choi and Nelin.
The Dutch junior nevertheless has shown to be a strong rival in the company of these purified players.
Roland Forthomme today took his first win in this group. He defeated Sung-Won Choi, 50-44 in 29 innings, without playing a great match. The Belgian raised his average to 1.446, with two match points, but cannot he's almost out of the game with one match with Kasidokostas to play.
The Korean Choi still can qualify, but only if he beats Nelin tonight. Then he gathers four match points, as much as Nelin and his average is higher. Filipos Kasidokostas only must ensure that his average (2.069) is maintained in his match with Roland Forthomme.