3-Cushion
The 3-Cushion team from 1. BC Magdeburg played against BSC Merzenich for promotion (there was an additional license available) to the German Premier League, the so called "Bundesliga". The strong German team, which consists of Dick Jaspers, Dion Nelin, Markus Schönhoff, Christian Zöllner, Bernd Riedel and Frank Eder finished the competition in the 2nd League at spot number 2. Luckily the DBU (Deutsche Billard Union) announced the possibility for two teams who ended up as runner up in their division to organize a Play Off, the winner of this match was allowed to start on the highest level in the next season.
1. BC Magdeburg took this chance with two hands and prepared themselves well, with one of the world strongest players in their team (the Dutchmen Dick Jaspers) this could not go wrong....
Both teams had to play a double confrontation, on one location and on the same day. During the first confrontation the Magdeburger team didn't had a good start, the first two matches were lost instantly. But Dick Jaspers and Markus Schonhoff kept the dream alive by overpowering their opponents with a big difference. So, the score was in balance and 1. BC Magdeburg scored more total points.
The second confrontation was excited again, Zöllner and Friedel were not able to win what put some pressure on Jaspers and Schönhoff. Jaspers, of course used to play important matches/finals during his great career, didn't had any mercy with his opponent and reached the 40 points in 18 innings. At the same time it was Schönhoff who had to win as well, and how ! Under pressure Schönhoff played one of the best matches in his life, under these crucial circumstances he managed to win in only 21 innings and was therefore heavenly involved in the promotion of 1. BC Magdeburg to the German Premier League.
"We did it !, this day was one of the most important days in the history of 1. BC Magdeburg and never a former East German team had been able to promote to the "Bundesliga", Bernd Friedel announced.
1 BC. Magdeburg wants to thank all sponsors, supporters and volunteers who have been of great value during the season.
Both teams posed just before the matches started.