3-Cushion
VEGHEL - The illusion of a World Cup in Veghel in exactly 18 weeks is still in his mind. Harry Mathijssen of the organizing BEN still relies on a small miracle after a phone call with UMB President Mr. Farouk Barki. The Dutchman consulted the president of the world federation this morning: "I still see chances, but he could not give us much hope," said Mathijssen. ''It all depends on the European situation with the borders, whether we can fly to and from Turkey, for example, the lockdowns in the still affected countries and the worrisome conditions in America, Colombia, Mexico and other countries where players have to come from."
The World Cup is on the UMB calendar from October 25 to 31 and has not yet received the addition 'canceled', such as the World Cup in Guri (July 6-12), the World Championship for national teams in Viersen (August 27-30) and the McCreery event in USA (October 11-17). The decision for the World Cup in Veghel be made in a few weeks, because the players inscriptions have to open at the end of July. Harry Mathijssen: "Mister Barki has pointed out the global importance: all players in the world must have the opportunity to participate, because there are important ranking points to win."
The World Championships three cushion individual, which were on the calendar for October (WC for seniors, juniors and ladies) were postponed a few weeks ago and moved to Turkey in January 2021. The LGU Cup in Seoul, scheduled for September 8-11, is still open on the calender.
Harry Mathijssen and co-organizer Ad Smout have reported to the UMB for another major event. "We have told Mr. Barki that we are very interested in organizing another tournament in 2020 if the World Cup is cancelled. Why not, for example, the Continental Cup in December, or an open tournament like in Lausanne. We have the sponsors, the Dutch federation is supporting us and the UMB knows that we are ready to organize any wonderful event.''
Behind the scenes, the World Cup in Veghel is still assumed. The KNBB has given one wildcard to Barry van Beers. Today, Tuesday, the organization itself assigned the wildcard to Jeffrey Jorissen. De Hague player excelled in the national league, is a young player with a lot of progression and played himself in the spotlights in last year's World Cup in Veghel. Jorissen is very happy with his first wildcard for a World Cup.
"I think it's a reward for my results and progress," says Jorissen. ''For the first time, I was allowed to play a World Cchampionship this year, but unfortunately the tournament in Viersen, where I should have played for the Netherlands, was cancelled. That was a big disappointment. I have played World Cups in Egypt (2 times), Antwerp, Sluiskil (2 times) and my last in Veghel last year. But I never made it to a main tournament. It is still uncertain, but I really hope we will be able to play there.''