Artistic
DOETINCHEM - Two times, French warrior showed his teeth, twice as he came out as the winner. Jean Reverchon reached the semi-finals of the European Grand Prix in Doetinchem after two tough fights. Dutchman Martin van Rhee was outplayed 3-2 in the eight finals, Belgian Walter Bax in the quarters with the same score: 3-2.
Jean Reverchon plays in the semi-finals today (11.00, De Veemarkt Doetinchem, Netherlands) with the Turk Baris Cin, Dutchman René Dericks and the second Frenchman Michael Hammen. Two of those four come from the qualification: René Dericks and Baris Cin. Top favorites like Eric Daelman, Serdar Gümüs, Bernd Singer, Erik Vervliet, Kevin Tran and Erik Vijverberg were eliminated in the run-up to the finals. Erik Vijverberg was severely punished by his country man René Dericks, who won 3-1 and sets scores 49-34, 44-29, 30-50 and 31-13.
Jean Reverchon survived in a stunning battle with Walter Bax in the quarters. The Belgian won the first set 49-29, lost the second 50-38, won the third again 46-31, but ultimately was bested by the Frenchman with a clearcut victory 49-32 and 50-42. That was the most exciting game in the semifinals, where Michael Hammen showed his supremacy against Xavier Fonellosa (3-0, 69-50, 50-49, 69-51) and Baris Cin was a way too strong for Thomas Ahrens (3-0, 50-23, 45-40, 49-46).
The European champion Eric Daelman was the unlucky loser in the eighth finals against Thomas Ahrens. The German won 3-2 and scored 221 points out of 338 attempts, his opponent took 220 points also out of 338 attempts.
Rene Dericks bested in that session Bernd Singer (3-0), Serdar Gümüs, the still reigning world champion, was outplayed by Xavier Fonellosa (3-0) and Walter Bax beat Kevin Tran 3-2 (247-228).
Jean Reverchon recorded the best percentage in the eighth finals (78.504) and is a favorite for victory.
The semi-finals:
Jean Reverchon-Michael Hammen
René Dericks-Baris Sin
