3-Cushion
LOMMEL – His career looked stranded, because Jef Philipoom was no longer to be found in the main draw of World Cups, had dropped out of the top – 12, and frankly he no longer had it in him to pay for all those travels to the major tournaments. “That’s it for me, no more World Cups”, he said at the end of the last season.
How quickly things can change: Jef Philipoom, former world champion in three cushion, started the qualifications of the Superprestige in Lommel this evening, and let the news out before his first match: “I have found a private sponsor, who will pay for my trips to the World Cups”.'
This unexpected mecenas drastically changes the plans for “Jefke”, as the Duvel from Pulderbos is often called. That’s an offer I can’t turn down”, he said smiling. The World Cup in Korea comes too early for me, but I will travel to Hurghada, Antalya and Porto.''
Who knows, maybe this will boost his morale, certainly when he manages to qualify for the later stages of the Superprestige this evening. In his first match, things almost went wrong: Philipoom had an early lead (23 – 12), lost it (34 – 34), and it went neck and neck to the finish line.
Philipoom made his 40th point: 40 – 37. Mottet made the break-off, produced his second point and looked in position for the equaliser. He then directed the second ball into the trajectory of the cueball and got kissed out. An important victory for Philipoom: 40 – 39 in 32 innings.
In the second round, Jef will play Caudron, who beat Luc Salvo 40 – 16.
The player/initiator, last year’s winner also, said he felt tired because of the preparation and the opening of his Billiard center Salpho. ,,But I had a good feel at the table nevertheless'', he said. ,,That is why it is strange that it did not turn out to be a really good match”: 40 in 27 innings.
And Frédéric Mottet? The narrow loss in a crucial match hit him hard. ,,I hear Luc Salvo lost his tip, and does not have a replacement shaft. So he’ll probably lose to Jef and myself, but that will not change the positions in the group. I will have to beat Caudron to qualify. Once in my career have I played a draw against him. And to be honest: I’ve had two practice matches with Forthomme, won both. Before today, I’ve practised 1 hour, so I can hardly expect to beat Caudron here today”.