European ladies top for Grand Prix in Valencia

VALENCIA - The most commonly spoken language will be Dutch when the 24 ladies take on in Valencia tomorrow (Friday) for the Predator Grand Prix. That is not because Therese Klompenhouwer, the world champion, leads the field, but because nine of the 24 ladies are from the Netherlands. European ladies' director Eva Viding Bussel from Sweden (youth and ladies) arrived today and speaks about the wonderful event with maximum attendance.

It is the first of two women's Grand Prix tournaments this year in this format. The venue is the La Petxina sports and cultural complex close to Valencia's old town. The second event is in Bottrop from 23 to 25 June.

Eva Viding Bussel has the supervision in the event: ’’I have to make sure everything runs smoothly. And of course I am there for the ladies to give feedback and get ideas for next season.''

The striking number of Dutch ladies can be explained by the method of entry. The tournament is open to the first eight players in the European rankings and then goes in order of registration of ladies from other countries. Eva Viding: ’’We are happy that so many ladies are interested in the tour, we even had to close at 24 entrants. Here we will look at it for next season.''

Therese Klompenhouwer travelled to Valencia with her family, combining it with a short holiday. ''I haven't seen the other Dutch ladies yet, but we will definitely meet tomorrow before the opening.'' Therese Klompenhouwer is the big favorite for the overall win (1,500 euros) and can expect the most competition from Charlotte Sörensen, Guzin Mujde Karakasli, Karina Jetten and Steffi Träm.

Eva Viding Bussel during the last CEB event (Touch Magazine)

All matches can be seen live on Kozoom TV.

Participants (24):

6 groups of 4, group winners and 2 best second to quarter-finals

Group matches: 25 points /50 innings

Knockout 30, no turn limit

40 seconds, 2 time-outs

Prizes:

1st 1500 euros

2nd 750 euros

3 and 4 500 euros

7-8: 250 euros.

Participants:

Therese Klompenhouwer (Neth)

Charlotte Sörensen (Den)

Irena Michalkova (Cz)

Estela Cardoso (Spa)

Danielle Le Bruyn (Bel)

Karina Jetten (Neth)

Katja Titze (Ger)

Arzu Gök (Tur)

Guzin Mujde Karakasli (Tur)

Marianne Mortensen (Den)

Monika Steinberger (Aus)

Helga Mitterböck (Aus)

Yeimi Mancipe (Spa)

Monique van Exter (Neth)

Steffi Träm (Ger)

Ana Juarez (Spa)

Susana Riera (Spa)

Sylvia Eckel (Neth)

Jetty Beersma (Neth)

Pauline Beersma-Gerritsen (Neth)

Daisy Werdekker (Neth)

Mirjam Pruim (Neth)

Joke Breur (Neth)

Eva Hermida (Spa)