Spain, Germany, Türkiye and Korea will contest the final stages after a dramatic knockout day
The 17th World Championship 3-Cushion Juniors in Gradignan has reached its decisive stage. The Round of 16 and quarter-finals were played on Saturday, reducing the field of 16 to a final four representing Korea, Türkiye, Spain and Germany.
Among them, Marcos Morales continues to make the most of his unexpected opportunity in Gradignan. The Spaniard entered the championship as a reserve following the withdrawal of defending champion Ubaldo Sanchez, and has now reached the semi-finals with some of the strongest performances of the tournament.
Morales keeps rolling
Morales was already one of the players to watch after winning his qualifying group with a 1.250 general average. He then raised the level significantly in the knockout stage.
In the Round of 16, the Spaniard produced a dominant performance against Dutchman Luca Philipoom, winning 40-10 in only 25 innings for an excellent 1.538 average.
The quarter-final was even more impressive. Morales defeated Vietnam's Trong Van Dinh 40-26 in just 20 innings, reaching 2.000 average with a best run of 9.
After coming into the event as a replacement, Morales is now firmly established among the leading contenders for the world title.
Ibraimov keeps Germany in the fight
Amir Ibraimov also continues his impressive tournament.
The German, who finished his qualifying group with a 1.333 average, faced Frenchman Noah David in the Round of 16. David fought hard, but Ibraimov eventually prevailed 40-24 in 26 innings, averaging 1.538 with a high run of 9.
In the quarter-finals, Ibraimov faced Colombia's Duvan Martinez and secured his place in the semi-finals with a 40-28 victory in 32 innings, averaging 1.250.
The German is now just two matches away from the world title.
Song ends Kim's run
The opening day's leader, Hyeon Woo Kim, could not continue his remarkable start to the championship.
The Korean, who had topped the qualification ranking with a 1.538 average and a spectacular run of 11, faced compatriot Yun Do Song in the Round of 16. Song produced an outstanding performance, winning 40-27 in only 20 innings for a remarkable 2.000 average. Kim did make the highest run of the match with 12, but Song's scoring pace proved decisive.
Song continued his excellent form in the quarter-finals, defeating Colombia's David Velandia 40-31 in 30 innings at 1.333.
He now carries the Korean challenge into the semi-finals.
Özbas completes the Turkish mission
Seymen Özbas is the fourth player in the last four.
The Turkish player, who won his group on the opening day, first defeated Belgium's Toon Bollansee 40-24 in 32 innings in the Round of 16.
He then faced Germany's Jacob Ide in the quarter-finals and once again reached 40 points, winning 40-24 in 32 innings with a 1.250 average.
Özbas now has a major opportunity to take Türkiye into the World Junior Championship final.
The semi-finals are set
The final four are now known:
Yun Do Song ?? – Seymen Özbas ??
Marcos Morales ?? – Amir Ibraimov ??
It is a remarkably international final four, with four different nations represented.
One thing is certain: a new World Junior Champion will be crowned in Gradignan, and after two days of competition, all four remaining players have shown they have the level to go all the way.
Pictures: TON SMILDE
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