Frédéric Caudron for his 10th victory

ZUNDERT - Frédéric Caudron wants to close one of the best years in his career with his 10th win in the Christmas tournament in Zundert. The world's number one and world champion defeated his countryman Eddy Merckx in last year's final ( 50-47 in 20 innings) and ended up with a new tournament record 2.172.

Dutch champion Jean Paul de Bruijn, who won the tournament in 2006, makes his comeback in Biljartcentrum Den Hoek in Zundert after an absence for some years. The tournament is held from 27 until December 30 in Zundert. Jean Paul de Bruijn is linked in the draw to Frédéric Caudron. The other players in the group of four are Raimond Burgman and Martin Spoormans.

Turkish player Tayfun Tasdemir has been invited as a guest player for the traditional Holland-Belgium. He already played the semi finals last year, like Roland Forthomme did in his home club. Tasdemir was finalist in the Hurghada World Cup, where he lost against Eddy Merckx two weeks ago.

Dave Christiani is one of the Dutch contenders, although he suffered a nerve inflammation in his shoulder. He seems to be on the way back as he showed on Monday in the Belgian league with a win over Eddy Leppens.

The group format for the Christmas tournament:

Group A: Roland Forthomme, Frans van Kuyk, Jean van Erp, Dave Christiani.
Group B: Tayfun Tasdemir, Eddy Leppens, Barry van Beers, Glenn Hoffman.
Group C: Frédéric Caudron, Raimond Burgman, Jean Paul de Bruijn, Martin Spoormans.
Group D: Eddy Merckx, Jef Philipoom, Peter Ceulemans, Gerwin Valentijn.

All matches will be broadcast live on Kozoom.