Glenn Hofman shows his two faces in Colombia

BOGOTA - ,,The quiet blonde kid turns into a predator, once he starts to circle a billiard table.'' This is how Dutchman Glenn Hofman is described by Colombian Kozoom correspondent (Vandenver Reina) shortly before the main tournament of the Festival de Verano in Bogotá. 32 players qualified for the final draw, with Glenn Hofman seen as one of the title contenders.

The Dutchman stays in Colombia for three months, living in his girlfriends parents' house. The Colombians are well aware that he was one of the world's best juniors for a few seasons, and is currently one of the best in his home country.

,,I live about an hour away from the venue, and I can use Andrea's dad's car'' says Glenn. ,,So that is perfect, to play the tournament this way. Also, there is some money to be made. There is 2000 Euro for the winner, and it goes down from that amount. But all matches are to 30 points, so the danger of elimination is very real.''

The reporter speaks his mind: ,,The Dutch should be proud of this young player, who represents his country internationally and is a good person as well. He is the epitome of modesty and professionalism.''

The young Dutchman, who earlier this year signed a contract with Buffalo and is already in their catalogue with his new cue, has two faces, if you can believe the Colombians. He's a likeable, modest guy who turns into a coldblooded animal once he steps up to the table, just one mission: to destroy his opponents. He is a ruthless carom machine.''

As thunder and lightning hit Bogotá, Hofman played his first match. He immediately showed his class, when faced with Orlando Gonzalez (30-22 in 18, 1.667 average) and Edison Arias (30-19 in 23, 1.304).

Eddy Leppens qualified for the final rounds with victories over Julian Torres (30-25 in 24)' and Andres Gonzalez (30-20 in 20).

The junior world champion, Jose Juan Garcia, started off with wins in 23 and 29 innings, 1.304 and 1.034.
The main tournament starts today. Not only Hofman and Leppens are in the main draw, also Luis Aveiga from Ecuador has made the trip.

The groups in the final qualifications were:

Group A: Glenn Hofman - Edisson Arias - Orlando Gonzalez
Group B: Eddy Leppens - Andres Gonzalez - Julian Torres
Group C: Pedro Gonzalez - Bryan Medina - Maicol Aristizabal
Group D: Jose Juan Garcia - Alejandro Romero - Milton Escobar
Group E: Huberney Cataño - Harold Candela - Nicolas Rojas

Today will be played:'

Group F: Luis Martinez - Harry Reyes - Daniel Morales
Group G: Andres Naranjo - Janer Gracia - Wilson León
Group H: Alexander Salazar - Arley Montoya - Alex Rubiano
Group I: Eleazar Ramirez - Arley Montoya - Milton Baquero
Group J: Jaime Montoya - Andres Lizarazo - Miguel Poveda
Group K: Luis Aveiga (ECU) - Fredy Lesmes - Sergio Granados
Group L: Robinson Morales - Edgar Cerquera - Juan Cardenal
Group M: Henry Diaz - Arley Galeano - Mario Amaya
Group N: Josue Torres - Heriberto Aristizabal - Jose Ruiz
Group O: Carlos Villegas - Felipe Cepeda - Miguel Romero
Group P: Jeferson Peña - Cesar Garzón - José Gómez.