3-Cushion
KAATSHEUVEL - The countdown for the Biljartpoint Masters has started. The billiards arena De Werft in Kaatsheuvel is preparing for a new entrance of the stars in the tournament for the Dutch title in three cushion. Dick Jaspers was the winner last year and is the multiple champion. The Dutchman won three of four Grand Prix tournaments and is the first seeded player.
Sixteen players show up for the final rounds of the Masters based on the results in the Grand Prix tournaments. It is expected that the tournament (from 15 to 18 January) will attract a crowded room four days longs, like last year, when the Biljartpoint Masters was held for the first time in Kaatsheuvel.
,,It was an overwhelming success'', say Harry Matthijssen and Ad Smout, the organizers, looking back to the first edition. ,,But now we face a new challenge. The objective is to lift the tournament to a higher level every year.''
The special edition of the billiards magazine 'De Biljart Ballen' gives the billiard lovers a glimpse of what the tournament has to offer.
KNBB three cushion president Santos Chocron invites billiards loving Netherlands to visit the Masters. ,,For those who are unable to move to Kaatsheuvel, there is the possibility to view the matches live on Kozoom (www.kozoom.com).
Henny Wezenbeek, the sportsdirector, speaks about the Masters as one of the crown jewels of the Section three cushion. ,,Many years ,Veghel was the home of the Masters and after stops in Nijverdal, Kapelle and Zevenbergen we have moved to Kaatsheuvel for the coming years.''
Harry Matthijssen and Ad Smout are ready for the new challenge. ,,We have done some innovations again. The important thing is that we created more seats and that there is more catering capacity. In the lobby, the visitors can see the matches on a big screen. And there are several billiard related companies with a stand.''
The entrance is free like last year. For the players, the prize money has been increased by 4.000 euro. For each run of ten there is a bonus.''
On Saturday night there is an evening program. After the semi-finals, the two losers play for 500 euro Biljartpoint carambole. Furthermore, there are interviews with prominent sportsmen in the billiard room.
Dick Jaspers is looking forward to the Masters. ,,The new venue, the new organization and the ambiance were great last year. The Masters promises to be a fantastic happening again.''
Dick Jaspers does a bid for his eighteenth Dutch title.
The participants and the groups:
Group A:
Dick Jaspers
Therese Klompenhouwer
Jean van Erp
Frans van Schaik
Group B:
Barry van Beers
Jerry Hermans
Jean Paul de Bruijn
Jeffrey Jorissen
Group C:
Martien van der Spoel
Bert van Manen
Glenn Hoffman
Wiljan van den Heuvel
Group D:
Raimond Burgman
Huub Wilkowski
Dave Christiani
Harrie van de Ven.
The schedule:
Thursday from 11.00 after the official opening ceremony, until the last matches at 21.00.
Friday from 11.00, last matches 21. 00.
Saturday: 12.30: image and sound show
From 13.00: quarterfinals
From 19.00 pm: semi-finals
Saturday: Forum with prominent sportsmen and women.
Sunday: 12:45 image and sound show
13.00: Final.
The location: De Werft, Huygenstraat 73, Kaatsheuvel.
The referees for the Masters are Eric van Thiel, Samantha Stout Paul Brekelmans, Jeannette Borst and Erik van Woerkom.
The prize money
1st Prize: 3000 euros
2nd prize 2000
3rd and 4th Prize: 1250
5th to 8th: 800.
9th to 12th: 600
13th to 16th: 450.