VILA NOVA DE GAIA – The career balance, said Eddy Merckx after having won the semi-final of the WC, is still in Caudron’s favor. The Belgian clash between two world class players is always fascinating, often attacking in character and a joy to watch.
In the gallant Yeatman hotel in Villa Nova de Gaia, where they met this afternoon in the semifinal of the WC, Merckx came out victorious (40-30 in 19 innings), mostly because his opponent, in the crucial moments, lacked the killer-instinct he is so feared for.
Eddy Merckx will meet Sung-Won Choi in the final. The Korean beat Marco Zanetti in a see-saw match, 40-37 in 27 innings.
Frédéric Caudron, leader on the world ranking and extending his lead after this tournament, this year has often found Eddy Merckx on his path. The cool finisher from Schelle won the Belgian title this year, was the best in the final of the Superprestige two weeks ago, and once again triumphed in the World Championship semifinal.
Frédéric Caudron said afterwards: ,,I am missing energy these past days, I do not have the concentration to play on the highest level. That is why I miss on crucial moments. The top form is just not there.''
Eddy Merckx has heaps of it, he is bursting with confidence. Even Caudron’s sprint that took him to a 28 – 22 lead did not affect the imperturbable Merckx.
He got back into the lead 29 – 34, ran a five to get close to the finish, and closed the deal one inning later: 30 – 40.
The other semifinal, between Marco Zanetti and Sung Won Choi, saw both players take over the lead several times. Zanetti had his best phase when he ran a nine in the twelfth inning, to go from 16 to 25. The Korean was like a cyclist, he found Zanetti’s wheel and did not let go. Zanetti had de beste chances until it was 36-32. In the 27th ining he missed a 7-cushion shot that left Choi with a perfect position. The run that resulted from it instantly decided the match in Korean favor: 40-37.