THE HAGUE - The full house in Biljartcafé Jorissen had expected another victory in the play-offs of the league, but roles were reversed. Buffalo.nl was defeated by A1 Biljarts 6-2 in the home match. The victory in the away match, two days ago also 6-2, was decisive because of the caroms advantage (43 in Barendrecht, 21 in The Hague), so Buffalo.nl reached the final.
Herman van Daalen, in the previous match they only player that lost, was the only winner now. Therefore he was the match winner for Buffalo.nl. The Hague painter defeated Henk Blauwblomme, who was much too strong in the away match, 50-39 in 44 innings. That victory before the break eventually helped the team into the final.
Jeffrey Jorissen was defeated by Martien van der Spoel in the first stage by Martien van der Spoel 50-44 (44), but thanks to Herman van Daalen, there was a 48 caroms advantage after two matches.
The second half was therefore basically a formality, although the Hague team gave it all in the last two matches. Eddy Merckx, however, demonstrated against Glenn Hoffman that he was out for revenge for the previous loss match, played an excellent game, led 25-3 in 8 and won 50-33 in 25 innings. Raimond Burgman was the very best in the return in his match against Jean van Erp: the Masters winner sparkled with a run of fifteen at the end after Van Erp started with 26-10 in 6 and 35-25. Then Burgman ran fifteen and won 50-41 in 19.
Tomorrow, Thursday, the second finalist will be known when MCR/De Uitspanning plays at home against STZ Zundert after MCR's 6-2 victory in the away match.
The final of the play-offs is on 7 and 8 May with a home and away match for the finalists.