3-Cushion
VIERSEN - The Belgian champion is not playing at the World championship for nation teams this weekend? No, Eddy Merckx is missing in Viersen, he's at home, however he won the world title four times in a row with Frédéric Caudron between 2012 and 2015. But, because Caudron was the champion in Belgium last year and Jef Philipoom came second, the Belgians play with these two players this year. And if Merckx feels it as a miss? ,,I'm always happy when I can play there in that wonderful ambiance, but it's not for now. Hopefully next year again.''
It's a kind of silence before the storm for Merckx, the number two of the last World championship and the number two of the world ranking following Caudron. The new year is coming up with many challenges for the current generation of three cushion players. There's not su much time for rest anymore. ,,We have to make sure that we stay in touch'', says Merckx, from his training room at home. ,,Most of the top players can still be part of it for some years and I'm looking forward as well to all the new challenges. Who would have expected and dared to dream that this could happen in billiards once?
Kozoom spoke with the Belgian star player, who turns 50 this year and is facing a very new period in his career.
Kozoom/Frits Bakker: How's it going to change your life, that new cycle of tournaments and that full agenda?
Eddy Merckx: We will travel around the world, be much more away from home, but we all know for what we are on the road. Yes, the private life is going to change, of course, but maybe, sometimes, we can combine holidays with tournaments far away. I also expect that most of the top players will change their life style, now that it's more attractive to take part in the professional circuit.
Kozoom/FB: What does it mean for you to change your life?
Eddy Merckx: We have to live for our sport, even more than we did, more practice, ensure that we are in the best shape. I like to go out cycling, not on a race bike, but just relaxed, with my wife Brenda. We like to be in the fresh air, only now we have to wait for sunshine and better weather. Going out for sporting, is good to relax and improves my condition.
Kozoom/FB: What is your main goal to look forward this new year when you see all the tournaments pass by?
Eddy Merckx: The new tournament in New York is very special, that's a goal where all players will be on top. If you have a good week there, it will be phenomenal. But beyond that, it will be very exciting with the new way of playing at the Masters tournaments, the Ceulemans Cup, so yes, what a wonderful year coming up.
Kozoom/FB: That full speed agenda, will it be difficult to combine with the competitions in all countries where you play?
Eddy Merckx: I will continue to play as much as possible in the leagues I play now. In Belgium, I just signed a new contract for Biljart Express after two years in Zele. And in the Netherlands, France and Germany, I will try to play as many matches as I can. But of course, I will miss sometimes, because of the foreign tournaments. The ideal is to play in a team with five, to have the possibility to change.
Kozoom/FB: The prospect of playing a lot and high prize money will give the sport a new impulse.
Eddy Merckx: Whoever had told me that two years ago, I had told him to dream on. It is a great challenge for all of us. We can now really feel that we are professional players. The best money I've earned in my career, with two world titles and World Cup victories, is 11.500 euros for a third place in a Crystal Kelly tournament. We will see what comes on our path now, but we must stay on top to be part of the game. Make sure to be on your best in these coming years.