3-Cushion
ZEVENBERGEN – How could it turn out like this in the qualifications of the Dutch Masters. Raimond Burgman who, for the first time in 25 years, don’t show up in the quarter-finals? And Dick Jaspers, the big favorite, who really impressed with the highest average (1.932), but got away with a narrow win against Wim van Cromvoirt and even lost his duel with Jean van Erp.
The preliminary rounds of the Masters on Friday and today (Saturday) were decided in a sort of roulette. The balls rolled good at the end for Dick Jaspers, the man who defends his title, Jean van Erp, who escaped with an unexpected win against the champion, Dave Christiani, Jeffrey Jorissen, Harrie van de Ven, Jean Paul de Bruijn, Herman Slikker , Dave Christiani and Barry van Beers.
Two semi-finalists, who played the semi finals last year, were outplayed in the qualifications. Raimond Burgman due to losses against Jeffrey Jorissen and Harry van de Ven. And Glenn Hofman, albeit with four match points, was eliminated because of a minor average. Jean van Erp passed him with his victory against Jaspers (1.363 average against 1.011 for Hofman).
The final verdict has been passed in the match between two Brabant comrades, who battled for second place behind the undefeated Dave Christiani. Barry van Beers bested Jan Arnouts rather simple 40-17 in 25 innings.
The Masters 2013, in the cozy billiard room of Amorti in Zevenbergen, gets its showdown after twelve sessions of qualifications in four flights. The biggest surprise was that Raimond Burgman was sdend home. ,,That can happen if you play a bit unlucky’’, Burgman drew up the balance in the dressing room after his last match.
He was passed in the last match passed by Harrie van de Ven, who took a comfortable lead after the start. Burgman fought back with runs of ten and five in his two last innings, but then his opponent finished with a run of two.
Group A:
Jeffrey Jorissen lost his last match against Ad Koorevaar on one carom. The entertainer from Dordrecht was already eliminated after two defeats, but closed at 39-39 against Jorissen with a brilliant match ball. Harrie van de Ven climbed up to second position, as he beat Raimond Burgman 40-32 in 32 innings.
Group B:
Dick Jaspers finished as the winner of his group, despite a loss in his late Friday night match against Jean van Erp (40-34 in 19). Van Erp played an excellent final match, with a run of 11 in the first phase.
Glenn Hofmann was the victim of that victory. The ’Hagenaar’ defeated his mate Wim van Cromvoirt, but finished third in the group.
Group C:
Jean Paul de Bruijn was the sovereign leader in this group with three wins. Herman Slikker and Ruud Hölscher competed in their last game for second place. In the final innings Slikker grabbed victory. Thus he slipped in his sixth Masters tournament surprisingly to the quarterfinals.
Group D:
Dave Christiani was not unfortunate in his second match against Barry van Beers, when both played purely defensive in the final stage and Christiani could escape at 39-39 with an easy bankshot.
Barry van Beers and Jan Arnouts had to fight for the number two position. The duel between two Brabant mates ended in a simple win for Barry van Beers.
The quarterfinals tonight (Saturday):
19.00:
Jean Paul de Bruijn-Herman Slikker
Jeffrey Jorissen-Jean van Erp.
21.00:
Dick Jaspers Barry Beers
Dave Christiani-Harry van de Ven.