3-Cushion
ZUNDERT - The audience in the billiardroom, where the BHV Christmas three-cushion tournament in Zundert is played, was already treated to a demonstration of a top talent. The nineteen-year-old Korean Haeng Jik Kim defeated in his first group match the former world champion Jef Philipoom with a score that was undoubtedly the best in the first round.
The triple junior world champion was rapidly adapted to the material, the entourage and the public in Den Hoek, where the tournament started today. He had a shining warm-up and swept his Belgian opponent off the table: 50-32 in 21 innings. The average of the Korean (2.380) and his high run (11), with which he took a definite lead, made a huge impression.
Haeng Jik Kim is the leader of his group after this match. The other players in this group are Eddy Leppens, Harrie van de Ven and Jef Philipoom, the two first in the rank seed for the next round. Eddy Leppens was the other winner in the first session: he beat Harrie van de Ven 50-40 in 34 innings.
Frédéric Caudron, the defending champion in the tournament, was never in danger in his winning match against Glenn Hofman (50-34 in 26), although he needed five innings more than Haeng Jik Kim in the other group. The Belgian can be satisfied with his start, later he will meet in his group Barry van Beers and Gerwin Valentijn. Van Beers won his first match in this group: he defeated Valentijn 50-43 in 37 innings.