ANTWERP - The Korean world champion Sung-Won Choi was voted best player of the year at the Supergala in Antwerp on Saturday night. Frédéric Caudron won the Supercup in the crowded billiards arena of the Hilton hotel. The Belgian winner of the World Cup defeated Sung-Won Choi in a match with ultrashort sets 4-1.
The return of the Super Cup Gala in Antwerp, on the initiative of the great inspirer Ludo Dielis, was a great success. The three best players in three cushion set to do battle for the prestigious prizes. The evening at Hilton Hotel, broadcast live by Kozoom and three television stations, including the Korean tv, attracted more than 350 spectators, who were treated to top billiards, in a combination with music and entertainment. The spectacular show of Semih Sayginer, master of trick shots, was one of the highlights.
Frédéric Caudron and Sung-Won Choi started the gala with the match for the Supercup, which was good for a 5000 euros main prize. The Belgian showed himself superior from the start in the race to win four sets of seven points. Caudron opened the gap with his opponent quickly to 3-0, the third set in one inning 7-0. Choi could hit back only once, in the fourth set with a seven-run that brought him to 3-1, but was then trumped 7-4. The averages: Caudron 1.867, Choi 1.385.
Frédéric Caudron finished the match with a fist pump and said afterwards that he had practiced hard and well in the week before the gala. ,,I felt very strong all week, but in such a short match, you never know. I really felt a good form from the start, with a 2-0 advantage, a set in one. I made a few nice balls and could defend well, so I'm very satisfied.''
The Belgian now has a few days to prepare for the World championship in Viersen, where he and Eddy Merckx are the title holder and the big favourites. ,,Two very busy months are coming up now,'' Caudron said. ,,My form is good, but it is also a survival race. In March and April, there are just a few days of rest: a marathon of playing matches and traveling.''
The scores in the match for the Supercup:
Caudron-Choi
1st set: 7-2 (5 innings)
2nd set: 7-2 (4)
3rd set: 7-0 (1)
4th set: 0-7 (1)
5th set: 7-4 (4).
Three players were nominated for the election Player of the Year by the countries that are members of the UMB, the three confederations and the fifty best ranked players in the world.
Sung-Won Choi won the prize worth 5.000 euros and a trophy encrusted with over 600 diamonds worth 50.000 euros, which has to be won three times in five years. The Korean took 216 points, ahead of Frédéric Caudron 190 and Torbjörn Blomdahl 171 points.
The Korean showed his joy and happiness with his trophy: ,,I already had a dream year with the victory at the World championships in Korea, the first in my own country. This award makes it unbelievable and unique: being the world champion and best player of the year. I am proud and happy for myself and for my country.''
