NIJKERK - It was a season in which Therese Klompenhouwer became world champion, European champion and Dutch champion, and it is coming to a close. The phenom of ladies billiards has added another chapter to an already rich resume. Three titles in a year, you can't win more. Having also made the main draw in a World Cup (Guri).
Therese looks back on the season and says: ,,Yes, that hattrick is rather unique.''
Frits Bakker/Kozoom: What a great season for you, it is almost as if it is normal for you to win everything, but this triple makes you into a one of a kind player. Do you realize that?
Therese Klompenhouwer: Yes, I do, but I had not given it much thought until you asked me. It will not be easy to top this. The Nationals, the EC, the WC and the main draw in Guri, it was a fantastic season. I am quite proud of it.
Kozoom/FB: The world title, that was the one you wanted most. It must have taken off some of the pressure. How does that affect your European championship? You are even more confident?
TK: In the women's tournaments I do feel strong and certain of myself. It has been a long time since I've been beaten. It shows in the way I come to the table. What you have to avoid, is getting sloppy and nonchalant, because there are opponents who can play a match over 1.000 and I am aware of that, I stay focused.
Kozoom/FB: Which Therese was at the table in Brandenburg? Not a completely fit one I think, you told me you still felt some of the illness you contracted in Luxor?
TK: Yes, I was seriously ill in Luxor for a few days, and I have not been 100 % fit since. Maybe that is a coincidence, maybe it's an aftermath. But I did take a hit, there. I did not play too well, lost the last few matches in the leugues, where I had been doing really well. I was not 100 %, in Brandenburg, had been it bed with the earlier that week. Coughing, a sore throat, lack of sleep, and that affected my preparation. To be honest, I have never felt more vulnerable at the start of a major tournament. But I never talked about it or showed it, just took it one day at a time. Stay positive, play billiards. I don't feel as if I 've played well, but the average ( 1.060) was not that bad. And I was never really in any danger of losing.
Kozoom/FB: How do you look back on your season, your accomplishments, your oposition, and a new life with more working hours?
TK: The season was great. I played well, both individually and in my teams. There were some good wins in the leagues. My first world title was the high point of course, but also the Korean World Cup, that was wonderful. It was a breakthrough achievement and I look back on it with so much joy, maybe that was the best of them all. Many things have changed in my personal life. I will be working more hours, certainly in the months without billiards, as I am single again and I need to pay the bills. I will try to completely focus on billiards when it is needed.
Kozoom/FB: Is there a lot of media attention when you become European champion, or is it considered business as usual?
TK: It did make the papers, regional and national, but that is about it. That's OK, I understand. A first world title is hot news, a sixth european title isn't. But for me, it will always be something special.
Kozoom/FB: Is there a flipside to that, because expectations are always so high that you can only lose?
TK: I don't let that get to me. It is a challenge to stay undefeated for as long as I can, but I do realize that one day I am going to lose. I just try to delay that for as long as I can, haha.
Kozoom/FB: I read on the social media, someone saying that women and artistic players don't put in the practice hours, and therefore do not show the progression of the top in 3-cushion. Would you agree?
TK: Yes, but you have to be in a situation where it is possible. If I could make enough money to play billiards all year round, I could practice a lot more. For the women, there are more reasons. Some have kids they need to care for, or they have a dayjob, or they can't practice because they don't have a table at home. It is easy to criticize. Most people have no idea how much time and money it takes to become a top 3-cushion player.
Kozoom/FB: What does your sponsoring and support situation look like, Have things changed, for the better or the worse. What could make it better?
TK: I have a few important sponsors, and I am very happy with them. They support me through thick and thin, and I need that to be able to play at this level.
Kozoom/FB: Is the season over for you? What will your summer be like?
TK: There is a Grand Prix in Rosmalen in June, that's all. I will work many hours this summer, have done that for the last few years, but I will also try to get some practice hours in. In July I will go to New York, for two tournaments. I am afraid I will have to pass up on the World Cups of Porto and Vietnam.
Kozoom/FB: Where will the competition come from in the next few years? Karina Jetten, Danielle Le Bruyn, Gülsen Degener, those are rivals who can never really come close. Are there players who could pose a threat to your dominance?
TK: I can't answer that, ask them how they see things developing and what they can do to challenge me. I am practice fanatic, I am disciplined, I never settle for 99 %. I think that is what makes me strong, and what gives me an advantage over the field.
Kozoom/FB: How was the whole Brandenburg experience for you? Is it fun to play such a mega-event with players from other disciplines?
TK: I prefer the more 'intimate' tournaments. Sixteen players, all in the same hotel, that will provide more socializing and you can create a bond. In this cope it is nice to get a taste of the other disciplines, but it does not improve the atmosphere or the fun. At the last World championship, everybody stayed in the same hotel, we ate, drank and partied together! That is nice, and that is how it usually goes with the women.
Kozoom/FB: Have you watched all the events, and seen the Netherlands end as the nr.1 country? Does that paint a fair picture?
TK: Well, the number of medals does not lie. I think we are a pretty strong billiard nation with (ex) champions in various disciplines. We also had contenders who did not make it this time.