SITTARD - The Dutch youth billiards championship, played this Saturday and Sunday 11 and 12 January at De Biljartacademie in Sittard, will be played in two classes for the first time. Five players will meet in a single roster in the under-25 class. Tom Slikker is the defending champion. Four under-17 players play a double roster: the four are 12, 13, 13 and 13 years old.
The division into two classes was made because various age classes are also played at the European championships.
Tom Slikker is competing in the highest category for the last time, Joris van ‘t Zelfden can qualify for the Under 21 European Championship in Spain for the last time. The World Under 22 Championship is in Los Alcazares this year, the European Under 17 and Under 21 Championship is in Los Alcazares in April, the European Under 25 Championship in Aarhus.
Tom Slikker would like to add another title to the three times he became Dutch champion in his career. The North Holland player is looking forward to the championship and did play a lot after the summer break. ’’I feel that I have grown enormously in recent months, not only in terms of average, also in terms of calmness at billiards,‘’ Slikker assured. ’’So I'm definitely ready for another win.‘’
Participants, Under-17 championship, De Biljartacademie, Sittard:
Joeri Wilkowski, 13 years of age, Sint Michielsgestel
Jayden van Buren, 12, Hilversum
Levi van der Hout, 13, Ridderkerk
Teun van Bokhoven, 13, Helmond
Saturday 11 January start, then 1pm and 5pm. Sunday at 14.30 last two matches.
Participants championship under 25, start Saturday at 11.00, last matches Sunday at 12.45, De Biljartacademie, Sittard:
Tom Slikker, 24, Den Helder
Joris van ‘t Zelfden, 21, Driewegen
Luca Philipoom, 16, Pulderbos
Xavier Siahaya, 23, Geleen
Gilano Vloedmans, 19, Hillegom.
12 year young Jayden van Buren