Balk-Line 71/2
EVIAN-LES-BAINS - Bernard Villiers had conquered his third French title in balk-line at the Masters in Evian-les-Bains: he took the title in 71/2 this weekend after titles in Belfort in 2004 and Saint-Maur in 2013. The Ronchin player has a total of seven Masters titles now: the other four in one cushion. In the 71/2 final Villiers defeated Pascal Dessaint 200-188 in eleven innings, despite Dessaint's run of 114.
The champion started with a win against the defending champion Benoît Legros in seven innings (200-81), then lost to Pascal Dessaint in 3 innings (200-108), but forced the qualification for the semis against Fabio Venditelli, 200-28 in 6.
In the semi-finals Villirs showed his best against another Ronchin teammate, Brahim Djoubri, whom he defeated in four innings (200-23) with the best tournament run: 142.
In the final, Villiers was facing Pascal Dessaint, chasing for his first Masters victory after losing the final one cushion against Alain Remond. Villiers had a promising start and led 173-68 when Pascal Dessaint found his rhythm with a run of 114 (182-173), but in a difficult final phase, Villiers showed his experience and took the win 200-188.
The four players on the stage of 71/2, were all Ronchin players.
Bernard Villiers finished with the best average 29.29, Dessaint with 26.26, Jean-François Florent 21.81 and Brahim Djoubri 24.88. Djoubri scored the highest run: 187.
Jean-Francois Florent grabbed the title in 47/2 on the day before against Willy Gerimont 250-54 in 9 innings. In the semi-final Gerimont defeated Djoubri (250-176 in 4) and Florent took the win against Johann Petit 250-57 in 3. The highest run was made by Florent in that match: 227.
Aurore Bellens, also Ronchin player, became the women champion after she defeated Brigitte Gaultier in the final 132-90 in 30 innings. Bellens also recorded the highest run of the tournament: 41.
Aurore Bellens champion in free game for women, Jean-Francois Florent takes title in 47/2