AARTSELAAR - The event itself was a big success, the four players in the final of the Vinatera Open, a 3CC Survival in Aartselaar, were a reflection of the level. Eddy Merckx was the winner ahead of Francis Forton, Johan Loncelle and Jean Paul de Bruijn. The many compliments afterwards went to Mik Durwael, the initiator and sponsor with his Spanish wine house, and to Tim Gorrebeeck, who was in charge as the sports director.
The final was launched with Francis Forton as the best starter with a 49 score halfway in the first part (De Bruijn 32, Merckx 28 and Loncelle 12), which shortly afterwards went into Eddy Merckx's favor. The Belgian world class player led after 8 innings with 89 and had a 4,333 average, against 25 for Forton, 23 for Loncelle and 13 for De Bruijn.
In the second half, Merckx (highest run 13) even sprinted to a 109 score, Forton and De Bruijn were the first pursuers with 53 and Loncelle was down on 25. For the final score, Merckx was no longer in danger. He won the tournament with 98 points ahead of Forton with 58, Loncelle with 50 and De Bruijn with 34.
In the first semi final Merckx and Forton were the numbers 1 and 2 ahead of Wesley de Jaeger and Martin Spoormans. Johan Loncelle and Jean Paul de Bruijn came out of the other semi final with Davy van Havere and Vanderauwera.
The winner Eddy Merckx commented: ''The tournament was great, of course I was happy to can start again. In my opinion I played well in general. The Survival is not unknown for me, of course.''
The tournament was played in the Belgian town of Aartselaar under the name Vinatera Open. The small table tournament was won by Eddy Willems Sr ahead of French junior Tangui Duriez, who led before the break but was then passed by the later Belgian winner.
Mik Durwael, the organizer, concluded afterwards: ,,The tournament was completely new to us, but in terms of timing and organization it went perfectly. We received a lot of positive feedback. The format of a Survival was not very known in Belgium, but the audience and players were very enthusiastic. There will certainly be a sequel to this story.''
The winner Eddy Merckx in the final match