3-Cushion
BLANKENBERGE - Two wise men at one table, together just under 150 years old with a stunning history into and outside billiards. Raymond Ceulemans is talking about the wonderful days he and his wife had with the family during Christmas and New Year. Reginald Depoorter looks and listens, especially when the conversation turns to wines of exceptional quality.
It is a break between two sessions in the Multi's in Blankenberge. Raymond, the eternal figurehead, waits to see his grandson Peter, who's soon coming to the table, Reginald, the Belgian president and organizer of the championship, receives his company with all possible deference, like the charming chairman always does.
,, We have built up a lot together huh,'' he says with a little pride. And later, passing the crisis center of Kozoom: ,,Many people again today, boys.'' Yes, indeed, many poeple in the VIP boxes, many in the stands, many friends of billiards, from Belgium of course, from the Netherlands, because it's only one or two hours driving, from French too, like Alain Remond, who was watching the games.
Were there any surprises on the second day? Not really, especially not in three-cushion, on which was the main focus. Peter Ceulemans defeated Alain Clabots 15-8, 15-10, 15-6 in the late evening with an excellent average 1.800. Jef Philipoom and Eddy Merckx did slightly less (1.500), but also with conviction against Ronny Daniels and Patrick Kestens. Francis Forton remains in the tournament thanks to a 3-1 victory against Michel van Camp.
Eddy Leppens closed the evening with a tun of 33 in 47/1 against Patrick Niessen, although he needed some difficult solutions at the end of his match. The victory was nonetheless not in danger, Leppens had a great start: 200-96 in seven innings.