Balk-Line 47/2
OEGSTGEEST - Henri Tilleman (45) has won the Dutch championship balk-line 47/2 and equaled former top player Hans Vultink as the record holder title wins in the Netherlands. Both are in the book of records now with 44 national titles on their name. The career of Henri Tilleman, who won the titel 47/2 in Oegstgeest this weekend, is far from over. ,,I will probably win at least one more title to be the only record holder'', he said.
Tilleman was already a phenomenon in the balk-line types, in which he has specialized. On the way to his historical win in the 47/2 final against Michel van Silfhout, he remained unbeaten and finally played himself in the Dutch record books. Tilleman took his first title in Drongen, in 1990, where he won the Dutch championship free game. Twenty-three years later he added the 44th to his resume. Most of his titles, Tilleman has won in Wijchen and Haarlo.
,,It's more difficult to win now'', he admits. ,,Two years ago I won three in a row, last year nothing at all. And everyone was talking about that record. Now that I took it, I'll get rid of the tension.''
The 'Drontenaar', who played his first tournament at the age of 14 for the Dutch federation, has dropped his training hours in recent years. ,,I can only beat the young players, who're practicing much more, on my routine.''
Henri Tilleman was a farmer for many years in Dronten, he still lives on the farm, but sold the land. ,,We now keep a dog walking service, De Racing Rakkers. I 'm so busy with that, that there is very little time for practicing.''
,,I was a bit lucky in some matches'', he assured after the ceremony in Oegstgeest. ,,Raymund Swertz, the title defender, whom I considered as my main competitor, was not on his best. And a few matches, which were close to a draw, I could only win by some misses of my opponents.''
Michel van Silfhout, Gert Jan Veldhuizen and Ian Krieken took the lead on the first day, when Tilleman tied in the opening round against Peter de Bree. Then, after the start, he slowly worked his way up to an uninterrupted series of victories. With the last two, against Raymund Swertz (200-103 in 2 innings) and Michel Silfhout (200-63 in 2) he took the gold medal.
Michel van Silfhout finished second ahead of Raymund Swertz, who had a poor start and eventually started the race that brought him on stage.
Peter de Bree, who is the four time winner in a row of an invitational tournament in this location, was fourth on the ranks.
The final result of the Dutch 47/2 (match points, average, high runs):
1 Henry Tilleman 13-56.00-200
2 Michel van Silfhout 10-67.22-200
3 Raymund Swertz 9-50.86-193
4 Peter de Bree 8-37.83-144
5 Gert Jan Veldhuizen 6-49.90-200
6 Ian van Krieken 6-25.22-103
7 René Luijsterburg 4-32.20-151
8 René Tull 0-14.17-71.