BERLICUM – The supremacy in the final was never seen before at the Masters. Dick Jaspers crowned himself Dutch three-cushion champion in Berlicum this Sunday for the 23rd time. The champion's supremacy and high class margin towards his competitors were never so impressive on the final days. On Saturday and Sunday, Jaspers successively beat Adrie Demming 40-19 in 14, Barry van Beers 40-22 in 16 and, finally, Jean van Erp 40-17 in 11 innings: good for 2.926 on average in the knock-out phase. The highlight on the final day: the final runs 10 and 11 in the last final part when he clinched the title.
The multi-champion and world number 1, who turns 60 this year, made it clear all days at the Masters that he wanted the title back after an unusual break. Jaspers said a fortnight ago after a brief promotional tour to Mexico, that he was going for hard trainings in the days leading up to the 2025 Masters, because the Dutch three cushion top has become stronger and wider again. The eagerness and willpower radiated from his game on the final days at the championship. In front of his own audience, with full stands, Jaspers was really unbeatable.
He had enjoyed his game, he said afterwards, because he felt so strong, could play high averages match after match and had been an impregnable barrier for all his opponents. ‘’I enjoy the atmosphere among the player in the Netherlands,‘’ Jaspers also said. ’’We fight hard against hard in the matches, but outside the we get along very well. I know that it’s a challenge for the new generation to beat me, but for now they rarely succeed.‘’
The entourage in the Masters, with many Jean van Erp fans, was an inspiration to play well. ’’I see it when I play, of course, but they are all very respectful. They’re cheering when Jean makes a point, they are quiet when I go for a shot. I started well in the final, Jean came back well, but in the end I was supreme. Just like in my previous matches. Only when I played Sam van Etten, I had to struggle seriously, but I managed to win in the end.‘’
The masterful knockout stage in the championship made him happy to win another title. ’’I like to win big tournaments and titles are important to me. And sometimes I think: how long will I keep that up? The end, of course, is getting closer, but I still feel very well and energetic. I use to say to myself: another five years, until I am 65, still I have to keep it up. But quitting definitely hasn't crossed my mind yet.‘’
With three Brabant players from the region and one Hague man, it went to the climax at the Masters on Sunday. Dick Jaspers won in the semi-finals against Barry van Beers thanks to runs of 7 and 8 in the 5th and 6th innings and finishing 5 for 40-22 in 16 (2,500 average). Jean van Erp, at his best all matches, did not face the best Glenn Hofman in the other semi-final and won 40-19 (2.105 against 1.056). The final podium was then set by Jaspers' brilliant final sprint.
The Masters received more audience than ever in this edition, according to Harry Mathijssen, the organizer. ‘’The event is unique, it’s growing bigger than it has ever been.‘’
Dick Jaspers and Jean Paul de Bruijn will be the national team for the Netherlands at the World championship for nation teams in Viersen as a result of these Masters.
The Dutch top 4 at the ceremony
Dick Jaspers, satisfied and happy with the high level in the finals
Jean van Erp, the local hero at the Masters
The podium of the Masters and the top eight:
1 Dick Jaspers
2 Jean van Erp
3 Glenn Hofman
3 Barry van Beers
5 Adrie Demming
6 Raymund Swertz
7 Erwin Kivits
8 Sam van Etten.