LOMMEL – Jef Philipoom’s run of 10 in his match against Frédéric Caudron (40 -38) had even more value than the run of 10 made by Frédéric Mottet in his match against Luc Salvo(40-36). These were the first two runs, in 4 days of billiards, that sponsor Ferre van Loco could reward with 5 bottles of excellent wine.
Jef Philipoom closed the gap with Caudron, from 26-18 to 26 - 28. Frédéric Mottet ‘s 10 gave him a big lead against Salvo. Unfortunately, he used a few too many innings to close out the match.
Jef Philipoom’s misfortune in four out of the last five Superprestige tournaments can no longer happen this year: being sent home with 4 matchpoints. He is now certain of a spot in the quarterfinals.
Frédéric Caudron and Frédéric Mottet are both on 2 matchpoints, and they play each other in the last session of the evening, making it impossible that they both end ahead of Philipoom.
,,This is a relief, although beating Caudron is not that unusual for me'', said Philipoom, who needed to dig deep at the end of the match. ,,I think I have won half my matches against Caudron, in my career.''
The world’s nr. 1 hung in there until 34 – 35, saw Jef run a 3, fought back to 38 – 38, but saw his opponent finish: 40 – 38 in 24.
Frédéric Mottet beat Luc Salvo 40-36 in 33, and now needs to climb a mountain: he must beat Frédéric Caudron to qualify.