BADHOEVEDORP - The first major mission of Sander Jonen in the new year is the European artistic championship in Valencia, April 23 to 26. He is optimistic about his health and in a rather good shape, although still four operations are awaiting him. The world around billiards is a big part of his sporting life, he's critical as ever, passionated, and recently even member of the European players' committee which is willing, together with the CEB, to bring a new boost and new life into artistic billiards. "The only thing about now, is that we have to deal with all the fights and conflicts in our sport," Sander Jonen (46) starts his brief interview with Kozoom. ,,Let's play billiards, stop the fights.''
Kozoom/Frits Bakker: What bothers you most about all those fights and trouwble that we get over us?
Sander Jonen: I don't like it at all that it's not about billiards, but all about money and power. We, the ordinary billiard players and watchers, we want nothing to do with all that. I am a Kozoom watcher, I read all the news, always when there is billiards, Kozoom is on with us, but now it seems to turn into a fight. That is such a pity. I have been loyal to Kozoom from day one, I am grateful for what they have done for billiards. I don't want what is happening now.
FB/Kozoom: What did it do to you, all those changes. And with the atmosphere among the billiard players?
Sander Jonen: It started with the split last year, which means that quite a few strong players can no longer be seen in the major tournaments and less in the competitions. And now this conflict within Kozoom. I cannot say that I look differently at players who, for example, play for the PBA. I don't like it, but it is their choice and I hope we all will come together again. Please as soon as possible. The split was not good for the atmosphere, I don't know what it did to players, because I always distanced myself from it. The only thing is, that it's very strange and ridiculous that suspended players are allowed to participate in the competition. That concerns team qualifications for UMB and CEB.
FB/Kozoom: What is the state of artistic billiards in the countries where most of the top players come from?
Sander Jonen: On top, among the players, there is a high level of playing everywhere. And some new talents are coming. Jop de Jong is already there and a top player, in Germany they have Marvin Heinrich, who became champion in the last two years. The established order, in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Spain, remains very motivated, especially now that a European championship is coming up again and various Grand Prix tournaments.
FB/Kozoom: What are your ambitions in the other discipline that you play, three cushion?
Sander Jonen: I was unlucky that I just missed the Masters, one place down. That's why I play in the Excellence championship at the start of next month with the players who are following the top 16. I play competition in Haarlem and a few games with Bousema, but I do want a new challenge, maybe as the fourth man in the premier league.
Thank you, Sander, kozoom wishes you a successful and peaceful year.
Sander Jonen, the double world champion artistic
Sander Jonen and his billiard friend Erik Vijverberg