LUXOR - There was some promising news to start the day at the World Cup in Luxor. The Turkish federation had made a serious request to organize a World Cup in Istanbul, October this year. There is a good chance, normally, that the WC circuit will be expanded with another, sixth tournament. The Turkish federation has made a serious request to organize a World Cup in October in Istanbul. Farouk Barki, the sports director inside the UMB, couldn't confirm for 100 percent: ,,I expect the official confirmation today.''
The other starting shot of the day came from the cue of Roland Forthomme. The Belgian launched his match against Adnan Yüksel from Turkey with a run of 15 in the third inning and a 21-1 lead at the break.
The rocket start was actually expected in the match between Torbjörn Blomdahl and Nikos Polychronopoulos, two players who are known for their explosive style of play and quick, high scores. The score at the break was slightly at odds with that: the Swede was leading 20-14 in 14 innings. Nikos' attack came at a good moment (ten to a lead with 24-20), but when the Greek again stopped scoring, Blomdahl knocked him down 40-36 in 26.
HaengJik Kim was the best winner in this first session for the eighth finals. The 40-29 victory in 22 was never in danger because Jérémy Bury played as a slow starter on cruise control in the first part (14-5 in 6, 19-8 in 8 and then even 26-14 in 12). Haeng Jik Kim is waiting a serious clash in the quarters against Sung-Won Choi.
The world champion was facing Jean Paul de Bruijn in this round. The Dutchman, who after his spot in the final at the World championships in Lugo 2005 was in the world's top twelve for a long time, is back at a privileged position after the World championship in Seoul last year (bronze) and the new rules with the ranking points. He could not keep up in his pretty poor battle with Sung-Won Choi. The Korean dominated from the start and sent De Bruijn home with 40-23 in 29 innings.
Roland Forthomme after a great start to beat Adnan Yüksel
Roland Forthomme, the last player in the top twelve, has a good chance to survive there. He was better before the break in his match against Adnan Yüksel than after the stop: six innings for 21 caroms, then 24 points for the last 19. It was nevertheless good to advance to the next round pick: Adnan Yüksel couldn't threaten (like Basegmez the day before) the Belgian giant: 40-31 in 30. Forthomme shows up for the quarters against Torbjörn Blomdahl.
Torbjörn Blomdahl is facing Forthomme in the quarters.