LIER - There's one Ceulemans on his way to glory, the other is on the microphone and the third not really in the mood for victory. Wherever you looked in the Mister 100 arena in the early evening session, it was the round of the Ceulemans boys. Kurt launched a spectacular final sprint and defeated Steven van Acker on one carom. Peter couldn't match at all with Eddy Merckx and Raymond, the presenter, entertained the audience between the matches. ,,What a suspense, folks. We will take a break now, clean the balls and we're back in fifteen minutes.''
Friday night at the Mister 100, the arena prepares for the first matches in the quarterfinals. Two Ceulemans players in the arena for the first session: Peter is facing Eddy Merckc, Kurt meets Steven van Acker. The chances? Merckx is the favourite to win, of course. And Kurt, the home player, wants to take his chance against one of the new stars in Belgium, the ever friendly and modest Van Acker.
The microphone belongs to Raymond, Eddy Leppens is the dj, before he has to appear himself at the billiard. The atmosphere is promising: a wonderful, professional billiards audience in the stands. And to complete the Ceulemans festival: Koen prepares the most delicious meals in the kitchen. And around the stands, Bart, the youngest, will undoubtedly enjoy the spectators with his big smile.
The starting phase of the two opening matches are in balance. Eddy Merckx is the first to attack, just before the break against Peter, with eight to 20-10 in 11 innings. Steven van Acker reacts at the other table just after the break to run eight for a 26-20 score. Peter is no longer able to respond and is finally beaten by a twelve of Merckx to 38-12 in 14. Kurt reacts well: first with a five and even after a six of Van Acker (34-31), the tournament boss refuses to capitulate.
And while the imperturbable Merckx finishes the job at 40-13 in 15 (2.667 to 0.866) the suspense is coming up at the other table of which Raymond will speak later. Steven van Acker is facing his first match ball in the 20th inning, but he misses. Four next zero's allow Kurt first to approach to 37, one inning later to 38, and finally, in the 24th after another mis-hit of his opponent to 40: the final score: 39-40 in 24 innings.
That means for tomorrow, in the semifinals, already one stunning billing: Merckx-Ceulemans. The other has yet to be decided, tonight in the second session: Jef Philipoom against Peter De Backer and Eddy Leppens against Kenny Miatton.
The Mister 100 arena (by Kurt Ceulemans)