3-Cushion
HALLE-ZOERSEL - Was it the stress, two days before the big clash, that sticked the rhythm of Jef Philipoom in his match against Michael Nilsson? The Belgian couldn't show his normal form in the Dutch league, maybe he was already thinking about the match between De Ploeg and Biljart Express in his own country.
The former world champion is speaking for for weeks about the decisive match tomorrow (Tuesday, April 17, start at 19.00) in the billiard room of De Ploeg in Halle-Zoersel, where the home team of De Ploeg and Biljart Express will meet in the final game for the title. The winner may call himself the new champion of Belgium, Biljart Express, that's one point ahead, can afford a draw.
Jef Philipoom, an unsurpassed team player, counted the days: four to go, three, two, one... And then it's gonna happen. The billiard place, where Belgian ladies champion Danielle le Bruyn is the owner, will be filled with spectators and supporters. ,,We are very happy that Kozoom will come for live broadcasting, so supporters can enjoy the matches outside the playing room on a big scream,'' Danielle says one day before the match.
Jef Philipoom expects more than two hundred spectators, which is rarely seen in a match for the league. The showdown, therefor, will be very spectacular. De Ploeg led the league in the early rounds of the competition and seemed on his way straight to the championship. The slump in the second part brought the tension back.
Biljart Express proved to be a very solid and stable team, that took a three points lead, but that margin is back to one point now due to a defeat in Kortrijk. What could we wish more, than a dream scenario for the Belgian league with the decision on the final day. But one misstep later, the fight was open again.
What are the chances for both teams in the final battle?
If we have a look at the players lists, Martin Horn is the best over twenty matches in the Belgian league (he only missed the away match against Biljart Express). The German took 25 match points, has 1.929 average and a highest run of 24.
Jean van Erp gathered 30 points for De Ploeg out of 21 games and played 1.494 average, Jef Philipoom 29 out of 21 matches and 1.484 average and Wesley de Jaeger 25 points and 1.028 average.
The averages in Biljart Express are closer to each other. Frans van Kuyk gathered 26 points out of 21 matches with 1.491 average, Gerwin Valentijn 25 out of 21 with 1.415 average, Martin Spoormans was the main player in winning points: 34 out of 21 matches, he has 1.297 average and Guy van Litsenborg with 22 out of 19 is with 1.095 on the ranking.
The form of the day will be decisive: the audience will know tomorrow if De Ploeg will be able to catch up the current leader, if not, then Biljart Express will be crowned as the fully deserved champion.
Martin Horn is one match before the end of the league the best player of all teams in Belgium. He is even better with 1.929 average than Frédé Caudron, who took the title in second league with De Goeie Queue and will return in the highest league next year.
The top twelve ranking in averages (including the second division):
1 Martin Horn 1.929
2 Dick Jaspers 1.886
3 Frédéric Caudron 1.841
4 Eddy Merckx 1.598
5 Dion Nelin 1.546
6 Johan Loncelle 1.506
7 Eddy Leppens 1.498
8 Roland Forthomme 1.495
9 Jean van Erp 1.494
10 Jef Philipoom 1.484
11 John Tijssens 1.449
12 Raimond Burgman 1.445.
The match between De Ploeg and Biljart Express will be broadcast live on Kozoom for Premium pass holders.