Changes

The next day, Florent enjoyed a strong group phase showing in battle mode. For a brief moment a monumental ‘Grand Chelem’ looked liked it could be in the works, but it was traditionally disrupted by the man Florent fears most in battle, [[Drew Blumfield]]. Whereas Florent had managed to finally overcome Drew in 2014’s BM semifinal, this year things returned to normal through a 9-4 Drew victory. At the same time [[Geo]] managed to qualify for the final after a thrilling fight with gold medal favourite [[Julien Holmiere]]. Florent subsequently lost the ensuing bronze medal play-off versus a rampant [[Julien]], though for the overall rankings his lead on rival [[Geo]] was still substantial. This was also helped by [[Drew]] defeating [[Geo]] in the BM final; the American, who is a big crowd favourite, reclaimed the gold for the first time since 2010.  

The next day, Florent enjoyed a strong group phase showing in battle mode. For a brief moment a monumental ‘Grand Chelem’ looked liked it could be in the works, but it was traditionally disrupted by the man Florent fears most in battle, [[Drew Blumfield]]. Whereas Florent had managed to finally overcome Drew in 2014’s BM semifinal, this year things returned to normal through a 9-4 Drew victory. At the same time [[Geo]] managed to qualify for the final after a thrilling fight with gold medal favourite [[Julien Holmiere]]. Florent subsequently lost the ensuing bronze medal play-off versus a rampant [[Julien]], though for the overall rankings his lead on rival [[Geo]] was still substantial. This was also helped by [[Drew]] defeating [[Geo]] in the BM final; the American, who is a big crowd favourite, reclaimed the gold for the first time since 2010.  

Keeping his record breaking GP gold medal streak from 2006 to 2012 in mind, Florent was keen on restarting a streak after his victory in 2014’s GP tournament. Though his rival [[Geo]] managed to top the group stage, Florent secured a relatively calm path to the semifinals, knocking out [[Aron Langerak]] and [[Pierre Coste]] along the way. The semifinal pitted him against [[Julien Holmiere]], a duel made especially piquant by the fact that Julien had replaced Florent as the #1 on the GP150cc time ranking website (http://www.smkgp150cc.com/) just a few months prior to the event. Despite this psychological edge, Florent’s decision making, weapon usage and consistency proved enough to overpower Julien through a 4-2 victory.  

Keeping his record breaking GP gold medal streak from 2006 to 2012 in mind, Florent was keen on restarting a streak after his victory in 2014’s GP tournament. Though his rival [[Geo]] managed to top the group stage, Florent secured a relatively calm path to the semifinals, knocking out [[Aron Langerak]] and [[Pierre Coste]] along the way. The semifinal pitted him against [[Julien Holmiere]], a duel made especially piquant by the fact that Julien had replaced Florent as the #1 on the GP150cc time ranking website (http://www.smkgp150cc.com/) just a few months prior to the event. Despite this psychological edge, Florent’s decision making, weapon usage and consistency proved enough to overpower Julien through a 4-2 victory.  

Although there was still the prestigious GP final at stake versus his friend [[Geo]], Florent had at least already secured his 9th overall CDM title at this point. Florent started the match dominant, taking a 2-0 lead. At this point [[Geo]] found his fighting edge, using his fearsome arsenal of opponent hindering tricks to full effect. Florent was fully aware of the skills [[Geo]] possesses, but his level during this match might still have surprised him a little. As a result, Florent lost his footing and ultimately the match. [[Geo]] won the decisive special cup (clinching his match point to make it 5-3) mainly thanks to a superb green shell long shot on Koopa Beach 2, a move that effectively summarized the match.  

Although there was still the prestigious GP final at stake versus his friend [[Geo]], Florent had at least already secured his 9th overall CDM title at this point. Florent started the final in dominant fashion, taking a 2-0 lead. At this point [[Geo]] found his fighting edge, using his fearsome arsenal of opponent hindering tricks to full effect. Florent was fully aware of the skills [[Geo]] possesses, but his level during this match might still have surprised him a little. As a result, Florent lost his footing and ultimately the match. [[Geo]] won the decisive special cup (clinching his match point to make it 5-3) mainly thanks to a superb green shell long shot on Koopa Beach 2, a move that effectively summarized the match.  

Despite his failure to win GP, Florent expressed to be very happy with his results at this CDM, winning his first world championship title as a sponsored player.

Despite his failure to win GP, Florent expressed to be very happy with his results at this CDM, winning his first world championship title as a sponsored player.