3-Cushion
ROSMALEN - He sounded as if it was his first, but Dick Jaspers had actually just won his 57th Dutch Grand Prix. ,,I am really happy with this win, because it is far from easy for me to win tournaments in my own country'', he said only minutes after the final in De Hazelaar in Rosmalen, where he had beaten Jean Paul de Bruijn 40-27 in 24 innings.
It was Jaspers' first Grand Prix win of the season, the second of the cycle. Jean Paul de Bruijn had won the first, in Vlaardingen. The fact that he was once again in the final shows how much stronger the player from Hulst has become, in all aspects.
Dick Jaspers played his best match by far in the semi, when he beat Raimond Burgman 40-19 in 9 innings. ,,The best match I've played in the past few months'', said Jaspers. ,,I have hardly made a mistake, solved many difficult positional problems, I was strong from start to finish.'' It was that match that gave him confidence for the final against de Bruijn.
Jaspers never lacks respect for his opponents: ,,They are exceptional players, both of them: Raimond Burgman and Jean Paul de Bruijn. Strong both technically and tactically, they are always dangerous even when you have built up a good lead. You must always expect them to counter, and I did that.''
In the final, Jaspers made the difference in the ninth inning with a run of 10 (23-9). "From then on, I had some difficulties. The balls did not roll well, and Jean Paul is capable of making a big run and getting back into the match. But luckily, I could finish it off and win another final. I have lost quite a few lately. Those were World Cup finals, which is different. But nevertheless, I am happy whenever I am in a final and win it.''
Next Tuesday, Jaspers will leave for the World Cup in Vietnam. ,,That is quite a trip'', he sighs already. ,,Two consecutive seven hour flights, with a stop in Dubai. I should just look at it from the bright side: I don't have to do anything, just sit and read.''
The final four of the Rosmalen Grand Prix were Jaspers, de Bruijn, Burgman and Tijssens, who celebrated his comeback to the circuit with a (shared) bronze finish. Jaspers had a tournament average of 2.130. Dave Christiani, Jeffrey Jorissen, Glenn Hofman and Jean van Erp were the four losing quarterfinalists. The best play was to be seen in the semifinals: Jaspers beat Burgman 40-17 in 9, De Bruijn beat Tijssens 40-14 in 18.
Final ranking of the Rosmalen Grand Prix, average and high run:
1 Dick Jaspers 2.137-13
2 Jean Paul de Bruijn 1.658-12
3 Raimond Burgman 1.496-8
4 John Tijssens 1.391-9
5 Glenn Hofman 1.651-10
6 Jean van Erp 1.483-9
7 Jeffrey Jorissen 1.355-8
8 Dave Christiani 1.265-7
9 Barry van Beers 1.514-13
10 Therese Klompenhouwer 1.417-9.