3-Cushion
AMSTERDAM - The lack of competition, because Jean van Erp isn't playing in the Dutch league this year, doesn't stop him to shine in the third Elite Ranking tournament in Osdorp. The winner of the previous edition had a strong showing this afternoon. He defeated Martien van der Spoel in a great match 50-43 in 23 innings.
Jean van Erp attacked between the sixth and ninth inning with runs of 5, 1, 6 and 11 to 30 caroms in nine innings. Martien van der Spoel seemed absolutely hopeless against such violence, but he fought back admirably, only in the final stages he couldn't respond to the endrush of his opponent.
The averages of Jean van Erp and Raimond Burgman (2.173) were the best of the eigth finals. Barry van Beers signed for the highest run of thirteen, he made that run in the 30th inning of his match against Huub Wilkowsky, one inning before reaching the finish line.
Raimond Burgman had two very strong parts in his match against Jeffrey Jorissen and put his opponent at a disadvantage. Just before the finish Burgman made two runs of nine in his last four innings.
Dick Jaspers' average was not so far below. De World and European champion bested Frans van Schaik 50-34 in 27 innings with very regular series of three, four and one of seven. Jaspers seems ready for a coup in this Grand Prix, but the competition is fierce.
Tonight he will find Jean Paul de Bruijn on his way, who also demonstrated a good form, beating Tom Beemsterboer 50-21 in 34 innings. Barry van Beers excelled in his match against Huub Wilkowski, Jan Arnouts caused much excitement in the billiardroom by winning his match against Rob Lamboo with a difference of only one carom.
The big surprises came from Herman Slikker (win against Dave Christiani) and particularly Therese Klompenhouwer. The European women champion defeated the European junior champion 50-44 in 48 innings. The leading lady in three-cushion had a much better finish with small runs of two, two and six where Hofman closed the match with some misses. He couldn't show his best form: Hoffman was pained with a lot of bad positions and had 26 misses in 48 innings.