3-Cushion
VIERSEN - The question to Dick Jaspers was: how do you like the Double Scotch? The Dutch number one in the world was thinking for one second and replied: ,,First of all it's entertainment, it's very special, but we may not forget that there is a world title at stake. Who doesn't want to win that?'' And the question to Martin Horn: ,,How important is team spirit in this system? The German home favourite: ,,The main thing if you want to win here. We are able to deliver a great team effort with the support from the German fans.''
The high five after every point, the applause of the German fans and the joy after the match gave the World team championship a new start on the second day. The first performances of the reigning champion, the Netherlands, of Germany, Belgium, Turkey and Spain increased the level and the atmosphere in the stands. The tournament is really launched today, on the way to two days of entertainment and top sport. The Swedish multi winners at this championship, with Torbjörn Blomdahl and Michael Nilsson, showed that in the last evening session. The golden duo from the previous years, bested Spain in the best match so far, 40-19 in 17 innings (2.353 average).
,,The winner of this World championship will be a team with two very strong players'', said Blomdahl in his commentary. ,,We have those players, so we are one of the contenders to take the title.'' Michael Nilsson, asked whether the magic is back in the Swedish team? ,,Why not? The system is exciting and thrilling and I have a great partner.'' Moreover, Michael Nilsson is still able to grow to his best in the tournament where he achieved his greatest successes, as he showed this Friday night.
Dick Jaspers, about his feelings after one day: ,,We have seen last year what happens when you come home as two world champions. And whether it is individually or by team: Jean van Erp and I were the world's best when we were back home. For me, of course, the World Cups and to win an individual title is more important, but I give my very best at this World championship. And yes, many people need to get used to the system. I told my father when I left home, with a smile: don't expect too much. My best run will not be more than one, because every time I score, the other player comes to the table.''
The World championship of entertainment and top sport... that's how most of the players and spectators give their comment. Marco Zanetti's tactic was an example on the first day, gradually followed by other teams. The Spanish, the Dutch, the Germans, the Egypts and other teams often speak together about the positions on the table. The magic word, like Martin Horn said, is team spirit.
Two contenders for a place in the quarter-finals, South Korea and Egypt, showed how high the tension can grow in their decisive match. The score was 37-37 in the final part, then Korea led 38-37 (great shot Jae Guen Kim), then by 39-38 and finally 40-39 for Egypt. The equalizer by Sung-Won Choi was the last chance to survive for Korea. The former world champion scored from the break and happily fell into the arms of his teammate.
There were no very high averages and high personal scores until the Swedish team entered the arena. The only thing that counted was the team win and the honour of the country. The main favourite for the title didn't step up until now. The best team score is still for Colombia with 1.818. ,,They are a dangerous outsider'', knows Jaspers, who meets the South Americans in the final group match on Saturday.
Which teams may return home after two days without a win?
The Peruvians (with 1.076), the Austrians (1.043), the Portuguese (0.978), the German B-team (0.854), the Swiss (0.754), the Argentineans (0.683), Luxembourg (0.618) and the Hungarians (0.543). The first winners met on Friday to come to the first four quarter-finalists. The other four are from the last four preliminary round matches on Saturday.
South Korea made it thanks to a draw against Egypt and a better average in their first match against Hungary. The Netherlands made the gap against Japan at half time, ran out to 33-21 and kept scoring on the decisive moments and defend well. ,,Yes, to play well as a team and leave easy shots for your team mate, that's the point'', concluded Raimond Burgman. Barry van Beers: ,,The game can not be compared with normal billiards.'' In other words: like Usain Bolt running the steeple chase. But anyway, says the Dutchman, it's very nice to make part of the show.''
The Swedish couple joined the Netherlands B and South Korea as the third quarter finalist after the stunning win over Spain. And in the last match of the evening, France and Denmark battled it out until the end. The French, with Jérôme Barbeillon and Cédric Barbeillon, were leading 38-32 in the final stage. Tonny Carlsen and Allan Schröder balanced the score (38-38), but Cédric Melnytschenko remained cool and finished with a great bankshot.
Michael Nilsson, great performance with Torbjörn Blomdahl
The French team bested Denmark to the finish
Dick Jaspers and Jean van Erp, focused on the last points, in the race to defend their title
Martin Horn and Ronny Lindemann, high-five at the end of the match
Frédéric Caudron and Roland Forthomme, a warm-up against Luxemburg
Tayfun Tasdemir and Can Capak, win over Peru, Italy's waiting for the third group match