3-Cushion
LOMMEL - The name Steven van Acker is popping up from time to time in tournaments where his reputation is almost forgotten. The 30-year-old Belgian was a revelation in the European Cup two years ago when he defeated among others Lütfi Cenet. He was, much longer ago, second and third in the World Junior championships (2003 after Filippos Kasidokostas, in 2005 after Javier Palazón and Erick Telez) but then disappeared from the international stage.
Steven van Acker chose for his work and family, but is still playing billiards, sometimes showing his class, like in the Superprestige in Lommel, where he finished second on Wednesday close to Eddy Merckx, followed by Ronny Daniels and Kurt Ceulemans.
Eddy Merckx was the unbeaten group winner with 1.791 and a run of fifteen, Steven Acker was second with four match points and a minimal margin in average (1.742). The two group leaders join the four players that have advanced so far: Frédéric Caudron, Martin Spoormans, Marco Janssen and Jef Philipoom. Steven Van Acker was out of contention in his match against Merckx. The run of fifteen was decisive in the match in which Van Acker brought the score back to 40-35 in 23 at the end. That was a less match after victories over Ronny Daniels in 19 (40-20) and later against Kurt Ceulemans in 24 (40-37). The superior Merckx started 40-14 (in 22) against Kurt Ceulemans and finished 40-21 (in 22) against Ronny Daniels.
Steven van Acker faces a great challenge in the Dutch league this year with Dallinga, the team that lost Dick Jaspers and Eddy Merckx. The Belgian will be third player after Frédéric Caudron and Jean Paul de Bruijn. Moreover, he is a new European adventure to meet with the team. Dallinga defends the title in the European Cup final in Porto, where Caudron will not show up. Steven Van Acker will almost certainly be second man in the team of the European champion.
At the last European championship, Van Acker reached the final in three-cushion on the small table after he had defeated Birol Uymaz in the semi-finals. The Belgian battle for gold was won by Kenny Miatton, Steven van Acker took silver.
Eddy Merckx was the groupwinner after he dealt with Steven van Acker
Ronny Daniels showing his fluent style
Kurt Ceulemans is back in business after three losses: bacck to his role as entertainer
The group ranking in the Superprestige on Wednesday:
1 Eddy Merckx 6-1.791-15
2 Steven van Acker 4-1.742-10
3 Ronny Daniels 2-1.191-6
4 Kurt Ceulemans 0-1.123-7.
Tonight, Thursday, the last group matches are played with Eddy Leppens, Peter Ceulemans, Henk Blauwblomme and Marc Dellaert. The first session is at 18.00, all games are broadcast live on Kozoom for Premium pass holders.