Dick Jaspers cancels for Lausanne because of sick father

LAUSANNE - Dick Jaspers has withdrawn from the Lausanne Billard Masters. The defending champion and three-time winner of the event with almost the entire world top will be replaced by the Belgian Roland Forthomme.

Dick Jaspers already had doubts during the World Cup in Veghel about participating in the next tournament, because of problems with his 84-year old father's health. The Dutchman cancelled his participation today, Thursday.

Dick told: ,,My father is fighting now for his life in hospital. The situation is worrying and his life already suffered a lot these days. He is given the maximum amount of oxygen, but is deteriorating. I hope he will make it, but of course I want to be near him. I would like to thank everyone for the heart-warming reactions I have already received.

The Lausanne Billard Masters will start tomorrow, Friday, with the group stage. Jaspers played in a group with Semih Sayginer, Jérémy Bury and Swiss Michel Boulaz.