3-Cushion
VLAARDINGEN - The level is already stable for months, the three cushion average higher than ever. The only thing that missed on Jean Paul de Bruijn's recent palmares was a big victory. The 51-year-old Dutchman dealt with that lack this weekend: he won his first Grand Prix in Vlaardingen, his first GP in his long career. His comment: ,,I owe a lot to a Chinese who has released me from annoying pains.'' The final match in the Oogh of Vlaerding was a classic encounter: Jean Paul de Bruijn defeated Jean van Erp 40-37 in 28 innings .
He was looking for such a Grand Prix win at least twenty years and was often so close. ,,A lot of second and third places, often finals lost to Dick Jaspers, so with this first victory, I'm very happy'', De Bruijn did not hide his joy. The Chinese Ton Chan from Hulst has been of a great value. ,,I usually had pain in my neck, my shoulder and wrist, so I sometimes had to give up my training sessions. The therapist could not help me, but finally I found the right way. I am treated by the Chinese with acupuncture and now the pain is gone.''
The 'new Jeepee' has regained his fighting spirit and ambitions. ,,Such a strong year as now I've never had. My average is around 1.700 over all my matches (forty) in all the countries where I play with a team. I win a lot and I feel I still get stronger. This victory in the Grand Prix, in which my average was over 2 before the final and I finished 1.931, is the proof for that. But I dare to say, I'm not done yet!!''
The tournament went for the winner to a wonderful climax in the final days. The main competitors of De Bruijn were outplayed one by one. It started with Dick Jaspers, who was beaten by Dave Christiani in a penalty thriller (2-1, 1-1, 2-1). The Limburger himself went out in the next session against Jean van Erp. Raimond Burgman faced the surprisingly strong Huub Wilkowski, Barry van Beers lost to Martien van der Spoel, with whom De Bruijn dealt in the quarters. In the semifinals Glenn Hoffman was a tough opponent for the later champion. De Bruijn finished with six, Hofman needed five points to draw, but missed his almost impossible last shot, 40-39. Jean van Erp made it to the semifinal an ended the illusion of Huub Wilkowski (40-21 in 16).
The Grand Prix win completes Jean Paul de Bruijn's national palmares. He won two Dutch titles and recorded a lot of victories in the other disciplines. Jean van Erp, who spoiled a big lead in the final, seems ready for his next big mission: he defends the world title teams next month in Viersen with Dick Jaspers.
The end result in the Grand Prix Vlaardingen:
1 Jean Paul de Bruijn 1.931-13
2 Jean van Erp 1.486-9
3 Glenn Hofman 1.335-10
4 Huub Wilkowski 1.118-11
5 Martien van der Spoel 1.417-14
6 Raimond Burgman 1.417-9
7 Dave Christiani 1.333-9
8 Harrie van de Ven 1.202-12
9 Dick Jaspers 1.951-10
10 Roland Uijtdewillegen 1.521-10
11 Frans van Schaik 1.198-11
12 Jerry Hermans 1.160-7
13 Barry van Beers 1.156-10
14 Ruud Nieuwenburg 1.125-8
15 Therese Klompenhouwer 1.000-10
16 Sander Jonen 0.991-6.