Opening ceremony with lot of South American show

LIMA - With a remarkable lady speaker in the arena (July, the wife of Ramon Rodriguez), a beautifully sung Peruvian anthem, song and dance in traditional dress, many prominent people from the billiard world and a lot of South American temperament the world championship three-cushion has been opened this morning in Lima.

The audience in the Circulo Militar de Jesus Maria heard many speakers, clapped for famous players in the room, like Roberto Rojas and Semih Sayginer, but honored Raymond Ceulemans, the greatest billiard player ever, with a standing ovation.

The Belgian, who celebrates his 74th birthday today, was the figurehead of the guests of honor at the start of the championship, where Dani Sanchez defends his title and Dick Jaspers his first place in the world ranking in the next few days.

The sympathetic Portuguese Paulo Andrade has already made a strong start against Pedro Piedrabuena. At the other three other tables there will be seen hard battles to survive in the first round.

The sixteen main players in the groups will enter the tournament start tomorrow.