Carom
BERKELLAND – The accent gives away his descent, the passion with which he speaks about his sport is endearing. Hans Klok (57) from Berkelland once won the Dutch title in the free game with a great run, to deny – amongst others – the now legendary Henri Tilleman. He is back in the picture, as the driving force behind a new top team in the 'eredivisie'. Hans Klok returns to his old stomping ground. In 1988, he was the co-founder of the team that had its glory days as 'Hans Vultink Speelautomaten'. It later moved from Borculo to Haarlo, and became internationally famous as Etikon.
Hans Klok moved away from the spotlights about ten years ago, but now he is back in Haarlo. ,,I heard that Etikon was leaving from Dinand Prinsen’s placen. I thought it was such a shame, because HCR Prinsen was and is an institution in billiards. I have spoken with Dinand, and we got to business right away.''
The result: on Monday 1 September at 19.30, the new team will be presented. It will be called Topteam Berkelland, and play in the highest league in classic disciplines. The regular players are Hans Klok, the team captain, the French 1-cushion specialist Alain Remond and the Czeck balkline player Marek Faus.
Hans Klok says: ,,It all went really quickly, once Dinand and I had met. We only had ten days to get a team together, but luckily we had that license to play. I have first called Alain Remond, a good guy and a real crowd pleaser, who in Borculo in 2003 played a super tournament, with almost 20 average in 1-cushion. He loved the idea. Then we approached Marek Faus, who did not get many chances to play in Arnhem. We offered him a full schedule. That gave us a good foundation. I took the 47/2 position myself, and Axel Busscher and Brian ter Braak are available as substitutes.''
Hans Klok wants to share all his expertise with this team. The man from Berkelland is known for his vast knowledge of technique and mental coaching. He gives clinics, and can make his vast experience useful for this team. ,,We were able to line up this team, because four people guaranteed that the costs would be covered. We should really take a page out of Horna’s book, because in Hoorn they really educate their young players. That is where we want to go, but so far we have no promising youngsters. This team can hopefully attract younger players to the game.''
Hans Klok: ,,We can further offer the hospitality of Dinand Prinsen, a great guy who gives us a splendid home. And we have already found our first sponsor,: Jan Palmen, the shoe supplier of Johan Derksen from VI (Football International). He has a store in the famous PC Hooftstraat in Amsterdam, but through contacts we were able to bring him in as a sponsor. We will be playing in purple shirts, donated by Dinand himself. Also, we will wear purple shoes and a purple belt, donated by Jan Palmen. It will be an ultra modern outfit, it will add color to our sport.''
Wat will happen on Monday 1 September in HCR Prinsen, a room that also has a 3-cushion team in the highest league this year?
Hans Klok: ,,The alderman for sports will open the evening, there will be interviews with the players, and the businessclub Berkelland will be launched, which is interesting for entrepreneurs who can turn our home games into a networking opportunity.''
There will be an open 3-cushion championship of Haarlo, and an Open House for the public and all those who want to meet Alain Remond and Marek Faus.
Hans Klok warmly invites everyone to attend this evening.