Jérôme Barbeillon to his first French title

OZOIR-LA-FERRIERE - Jérôme Barbeillon has won the French championship three cushion for the first time in his career. The 37-year-old Andernos player dominated the final and surprised Jérémy Bury, the world topclass player, 50-45 in 33 innings.

The strong start opened the way to the title. Barbeillon took a 29-14 lead in twelve innings and then resisted the pressure of his opponent. He won the match with a lead of five caroms at the finish.

Jean Christoph Roux, from the Agipi team, played the best match against Xavier Clausse (50 in 24 innings) and finished with the best general average 1.557. He was third before Jean Reverchon. Barbeillon averaged 1.142, Bury 1.339.

Pierre Soumagne from Laxou was crowned champion of free game after his final win against Emmanuel Lefranc from Schiltigheim 400-0 in 1 inning. Soumagnes overall average was 106.66. Jérémy Picart from Andernos finished third with 64.35 average. He missed six points in his duel with Soumagne to play the final.

Steve Dorard (Faches-Thumesnil) lost in the semifinal of 400-383 in nine innings against Lefranc.