3-Cushion
SCHILTIGHEIM - On the day of his departure from Schiltigheim, where Ryuuji Umeda couldn't show his best form in the final qualifying rounds of the Agipi Masters, he told some details about the World championship for ladies in Tokyo. The Japanese, who looked tired at the billiard, but beyond he was cheerful as ever, told us during the breakfast in the Ibis hotel that the date has been changed: the tournament will be helt from 21 to 23 November. The news will be announced soon by the UMB and the organizer.
Ryuuji himself had a few bad days in Agipi. Four matches lost, not a best average, bad form. ,,I think it's because I'm tired: first the World Cup in Antalya, then here, today I fly to Barcelona for a few days with Dani Sánchez, then to Viersen for the World Championship countries. I just need a little rest now.''
The world champion 2007 in Cuenca (Ecuador), where he ended up before Dani Sánchez, Dick Jaspers and Ramon Rodriguez, couldn't continue his success, but is throughout the years a great ambassador of his country. He is now involved in the World championship for ladies, the tournament which will be helt for the first time after many years. Ryuuji's compatriot Orie Hida is the title holder, Therese Klompenhouwer from the Netherlands the favorite.
,,Orie does not play that much anymore, she currently works in a shop, but she's told me she's gonna practice to be in a good form for the championship.''
Ryuuji Umeda is one of the negotiators with sponsors and television. ,,I hope the Japanese television will broadcast the matches.''
The tournament will be played in Kasumigaseki Bil, a building complex in downtown Tokyo. The planning is to play with sixteen ladies in four groups of four: in the preliminary rounds to 25 caroms, from the knock-out rounds to 30 points.