A Recap of the 3-Cushion World Cup in Egypt 2024
The 3-Cushion World Cup in Egypt was an incredible week of top-tier billiards, where the world’s best players showed off their skills in a game that demands precision, focus, and strategy. Held in the stunning city of Sharm El Sheikh by the Red Sea, this tournament had it all: epic matches, shocking upsets, and unforgettable performances.
The Venue
The tournament took place in a modern venue with state-of-the-art equipment. Everything, from the tables to the lighting, was designed for perfect play. Fans packed the seats, cheering loudly, especially for Egyptian player Sameh Sidhom, who was the crowd favorite.
Round of 32: A Prelude to Excellence
The Round of 32 served as the stage for early drama and standout performances. Each match brought a mix of tactical exchanges and high-scoring runs, as players sought to establish dominance.
Dick Jaspers entered the tournament as one of the favorites. In his first match against Javier Vera, Jaspers completed a stunning victory with a 2.353 average, finishing in just 17 innings. His ability to execute complex patterns with precision made him an instant crowd favorite.
Jaspers’ subsequent matches against Thai H.C. and Tran D.M. further demonstrated his consistency. Against Tran, he recorded a 2.105 average over 19 innings, earning him a spot in the next round with one of the highest group-stage averages.
Torbjörn Blomdahl, delivered great performances in the group stage. His highlight came in a match against Legazpi R., where he achieved an astonishing 2.667 average over 15 innings, finishing the game in record time. Blomdahl’s aggressive yet calculated style reminded fans why he remains one of the most decorated players in 3-cushion history.
In Sameh Sidhom’s group-stage match against Tayfun Tasdemir, Sidhom posted an impressive 2.353 average, securing victory in 17 innings. His tactical brilliance and ability to navigate challenging positions earned him widespread admiration.
Young Stars Shine
Emerging talents such as Tran T.L. and Cho M.W. made their mark in the early rounds. Tran’s dominant win over Ayman M. with a 2.353 average showcased his potential, while Cho’s consistent scoring under pressure hinted at a promising future.
Round of 16: The Battle Intensifies
The Round of 16 brought thrilling matches and top-tier performances. With higher stakes, every point mattered as players fought hard to earn their place in the Quarterfinals.
Marco Zanetti vs. Jérémy Bury: Zanetti triumphed 50-48 against Bury with a 1.667 average, in a match that went down to the wire. Zanetti's calm under pressure proved decisive.
Frédéric Caudron vs. Glenn Hofman: Caudron advanced with a consistent performance, defeating Hofman 50-46. Both players demonstrated exceptional control, with Caudron's average at 1.667.
Torbjörn Blomdahl vs. Kim Jun Tae: Blomdahl continued his stellar form, winning 50-39 with a 2.083 average. His aggressive yet precise style overwhelmed Kim.
Berkay Karakurt vs. Peter Ceulemans: In a closely contested match, Karakurt defeated Ceulemans 50-46, with averages of 1.613 and 1.484, respectively.
Sameh Sidhom vs. Tran Quyet Chien: Egypt’s own Sidhom dazzled the crowd with a 2.381 average, securing a decisive 50-27 victory and keeping local hopes alive.
Eddy Merckx vs. Tayfun Tasdemir: Merckx displayed his legendary skills, overcoming Tasdemir 50-35 with a stunning 2.273 average.
Cho Myung Woo vs. Tran Thanh Luc: Cho delivered a masterclass, defeating Tran 50-22 with an incredible 2.632 average, the highest of the round.
Thai H.C vs. Dick Jaspers: In a thrilling encounter, Thai upset Jaspers 50-42 with a 2.273 average, proving his mettle against the world number one.
Quarterfinals: Pressure Peaks
The Quarterfinals saw the best of the best clash in matches that highlighted the artistry and strategy of 3-cushion billiards.
Marco Zanetti vs. Frédéric Caudron: Italian maestro Marco Zanetti continued his steady rise, defeating Caudron 50-48 with a well-executed strategy. His average of 1.471 reflected his careful and methodical approach, which proved effective in neutralizing his opponent’s aggressive style. Zanetti emerged victoriously in a hard-fought battle.
Torbjörn Blomdahl vs. Berkay Karakurt: Blomdahl delivered another dominant performance, defeating Karakurt 50-9. His average of 2.381 underscored his exceptional precision and control.
Eddy Merckx vs. Sameh Sidhom: The clash between Sidhom and Merckx was a tournament highlight. In a match filled with breathtaking runs and tactical exchanges, Merckx edged out Sidhom 50-47 with a 2.381 average. The encounter was a testament to both players’ tenacity and skill.
Thai H.C vs Cho Myung Woo.: Thai secured his place in the Semifinals with a 50-28 win, achieving a 1.667 average and demonstrating why he is one of the rising stars in the game.
Semifinals and Final: The Elite Stand Tall
The 3-Cushion Billiards World Cup in Egypt 2024: Semifinals and Final Recap
The 2024 3-Cushion Billiards World Cup in Egypt was packed with some of the most thrilling and impressive performances the sport has seen in years.
The semifinals and final featured a mix of legendary players and rising stars, giving fans unforgettable matches full of skill, strategy, and excitement. Here’s a closer look at the key moments from these epic games.
Semifinal 1: Marco Zanetti vs. Torbjörn Blomdahl
The first semifinal was expected to be a closely contested battle between two titans of the sport, but it turned into a demonstration of Marco Zanetti’s absolute dominance. Zanetti, in phenomenal form, defeated Torbjörn Blomdahl with a resounding score of 50-11 in just 18 innings, achieving a remarkable average of 2.778 compared to Blomdahl’s 0.647.
Zanetti began the match with a commanding lead and never allowed Blomdahl to settle into his rhythm. With flawless positional play and consistent scoring runs, Zanetti dismantled the Swedish legend’s defenses. The match highlighted Zanetti's incredible ability to maintain focus and precision under pressure, leaving no room for Blomdahl to recover.
Semifinal 2: Eddy Merckx vs. H.C. Thai
The second semifinal featured Belgium’s Eddy Merckx against Vietnam’s rising star, H.C. Thai. This match was a much closer contest, with both players showcasing their skills in a thrilling back-and-forth encounter. Merckx eventually emerged victorious with a score of 50-39, posting an average of 1.667 against Thai’s 1.345.
Thai impressed with his composure and ability to execute challenging shots, keeping Merckx on his toes throughout the match. However, Merckx's experience and tactical acumen gave him the edge. He capitalized on key opportunities and closed out the match with a series of decisive points. Thai’s performance was commendable and cemented his status as a player to watch in future tournaments.
The Final: Marco Zanetti vs. Eddy Merckx
The grand finale between Marco Zanetti and Eddy Merckx was a fitting climax to an incredible tournament. Both players brought their A-game to the table, delivering a tightly contested and high-stakes battle that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
Zanetti emerged as the champion with a score of 50-46, boasting an average of 1.786 against Merckx’s impressive 1.704. The match saw multiple lead changes as both players displayed extraordinary shot-making and mental fortitude.
Zanetti took an early lead, but Merckx responded with a series of runs that brought him back into contention. As the game progressed, the tension rose, with each player carefully plotting their moves. In the final innings, Zanetti showcased his class with a brilliant closing run, securing the title with a perfectly executed shot that drew loud applause from the crowd.
Marco Zanetti: The Champion
Marco Zanetti’s victory in Egypt is a testament to his exceptional skill, discipline, and mental strength. His performances throughout the tournament, especially his dominance in the semifinal against Blomdahl and his composure in the final, highlight why he remains one of the greatest players in the history of 3-cushion billiards.
Speaking after his win, Zanetti said:"This was one of the most challenging tournaments of my career, but I am thrilled to have achieved this victory. Competing against players like Torbjörn and Eddy pushes me to be at my best, and I am grateful for the incredible support from the fans here in Egypt."
The 2024 3-Cushion Billiards World Cup in Egypt was a celebration of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. From thrilling upsets to breathtaking performances, the tournament had it all. Marco Zanetti’s triumph was the crowning achievement of a week filled with unforgettable moments, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next edition of the World Cup.
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