BLANKENBERGE – At the Multi championships in Belgium, Eddy Merckx lost his title, Roland Forthomme was eliminated, and Peter De Backer defeated Patrick Niessen in one cushion. The three-cushion billiards tournament continues tonight, Saturday, at 9:00 PM at the Casino in Blankenberge with the quarterfinals, where Frédéric Caudron, Peter Ceulemans, and Ronny Brants are now the main contenders. The other disciplines will also reach their climax on Saturday and Sunday.

The provisional titles go to Peter Debacker in one cushion, Maarten Janssen in 47/1, and Patrick Niessen in 47/2. Peter Debacker defeated Niessen 120-57 in one cushion. Maarten Janssen defeated Patrick Niessen in 47/1, 150-66 in 7 innings, and Niessen himself defeated Janssen in 47/2, 250-73 in 3 innings.

The round of 16 in three-cushion produced exciting battles. Ronny Brants defeated Eddy Merckx, with whom he is playing for Belgium at the World Championships in Viersen, 40-38 in 32 innings. Peter De Backer won 40-38 against Roland Forthomme in 28 innings. Peter Ceulemans narrowly defeated Francis Forton 40-39 in 32 innings. The other winners were Frédéric Caudron and Thomas Broux, 40-23 in 18 innings, the best winner on average. Steven van Acker also defeated Bart Ceulemans 40-28 in 36 matches, Kurt Ceulemans defeated Davy van Havere 40-30 in 38 matches, and Andy de Bondt defeated Philippe Vandendriessche 40-29 in 43 matches.

The matches for Saturday evening at 9:00 PM are:

Brants-Kurt Ceulemans, Caudron-Van Acker, De Bondt-Peter Ceulemans, and De Backer-Wuyts.

In the women's event, Jaimie Buelens, Marie-Rose Rouffa, and Karolien Matthys will compete for the championship. Peter Debaes has four match points in the 5 pins, with Patrick Engelbos following on three. In the artistic event, Erik Vervliet leads Bart Rossel, Tim Janssens, Steve Wilms, and Erik van den Zegel. Toon Bollansee is the top contender in the under-25 juniors, with Nick Rosier following on two match points.