LOMMEL - The starring role was for Frédéric Caudron and Martin Spoormans on the second day of the Superprestige in Belgium, Roland Forthomme couldn't show his best weapons and the young talented Kenny Miatton was left in the waiting room. The level of playing was by far higher than on the first day: the group winner Caudron finished 2.105 average, the wonderful public face Spoormans 1.750. The point blank encounter between the two finalists was the evening's highlight, as in the 2014 Superprestige, when Spoormans first bested Caudron in the preliminaries 40-30 in 25 and Caudron beat Spoormans in the semi-finals 40-39.
And again, in this year's edition, the two matadors put up a thrilling match. By an early attack with a twelve-run, Caudron took advantage and left Spoormans far behind, but in the fifteenth inning, the old master suddenly showed his unpredictable high class. He scored a flawless fourteen, came back to 29-27 down, then even took a small lead and could finish on 39-39 by a long angle shot. In the heat of the match Spoormans missed and Caudron took the win 40-39 in 20.
The result was decisive for the group win by the defending champion, who showed a great form in his three matches: 40-20 in 24 against Forthomme, 40-15 in 13 against Miatton (3.076).
The allround champion was happy to play in the great atmosphere in the room where he already showed so many fantastic performances. ,,I'm tired of all the traveling, but I was well focused, played with a good feeling and mentality. I wanted to show my best to the crowded house.''
Caudron said he had a very busy, : Estrenuous summer behind. ,,It was tough with all the traveling and playing matches. And moreover it was hot everywhere, even in the billiard halls.'' The Superprestige is the start of another peak in this season. ,,The Dutch league starts on Sunday, we are not so far from the national competitions in Belgium, in Germany, the top team league, the World Cup in Guri. But luckily, next week there are five days off.''
Martin Spoormans, the second in the group, recovered rapidly from his unfortunate loss against Caudron, showed how important experience and routine are against Kenny Miatton (40-15 in 20) and finally had to deal with Roland Forthomme for a place in the quarterfinals.
The two former teammates in the Dutch champion team Ockenburgh played an all-or-nothing match: the winner advanced to the quarters, Spoormans could get through by a draw.
The veteran was launched by an early run of eight and built up a lead. Forthomme mainly fought against himself. The giant, unable to shine with his feared high runs, only came close at the end of the match when Spoormans needed three efforts for his last carom. In the equalizer Forthomme made the three for the draw, but it was only for the statistics: Spoormans advanced to the quarters as second Caudron.
Caudron admitted: ,,Spoormans was super strong this evening. People always say that he's lucky (and I can say it's true, haha), but when he is focussed, like this evening, he can beat all the top players.''
Caudron had the best average and showed his great form
Roland Forthomme could not find his best form
Kenny Miatton (r) not in a main role between the star players
The group ranking:
1 Frédéric Caudron 6-2.105-12
2 Martin Spoormans 3-1.750-14
3 Forthomme 3-1.234-8
4 Kenny Miatton 0-0.983-8.
Today, Wednesday, in the arena as of 18.00: Eddy Merckx, Kurt Ceulemans, Steven van Acker, Kurt Ceulemans.