ANTWERP – In a great ambiance, with nearly full stands in the Lotto Arena in Antwerp, the World championship three cushion has been launched today. Two Belgians and Dutch players met each other on the opening day. The still reigning world champion, Eddy Merckx, opened the event in the spotlights and beat his young compatriot Peter Ceulemans 40-24 in 34.
Dick Jaspers and Jean Paul de Bruijn, the two orange players at this Worlds, battled for the first group win. Jaspers, triple world champion, defeated his friend 40-28 in 27.
On this first playing day, players had to tackle the conditions: new, very fast cloths and unpredictable way the ball reacts to the cushions. Eddy Merckx felt some stress as well: ,,You try to not think too much about it, but of course, playing a World championship for your home audience is something special. Most of all when you are the world champion and defend your title.''
The Belgian left Peter Ceulemans, the rookie in Antwerp, far behind from the start. Ceulemans tried to look for an excuse desperately: ,,We all know how difficult it can be with the new tables, but now, I really couldn’t handle with it.’’
Dick Jaspers made a promising start in his group, for Jean Paul de Bruijn, whom he defeated, it’s going to be very hard to stay in the tournament.
The clash between the only two Dutch at the World championship, which are divided in the same group of three, turned out into a relatively easy victory for Jaspers 40-28 in 27 (1.481/1.037).
That means for the next round, that Jean Paul de Bruijn will face Czech Martin Bohac as first tomorrow (Thursday) and Jaspers plays the decisive group match against Bohac on Friday.
The match between the two Dutch lacked any tension, because Jaspers quickly attacked to a 11-3 lead in the ninth and he still was on the lead 24-10 in the fifteenth inning.
After two rounds - and eight matches - Jung Han Heo was one of the best and finished in the same innings as Jaspers. Jef Philipoom, who arrived a bit rattled in the tournament hall, because his mother had past away one day before, nevertheless made a strong impression against the Egyptian Khaled Salem (40-28 in 30). In this preliminary round group Marco Zanetti is the third player.
The Lotto arena was the podium for an almost full house on this first day, with about eight hundred spectators. For the next few days there are still tickets available.
Kozoom is broadcasting all the matches live.