Netherlands cheers for golden duo Jaspers/De Bruijn

SINT WILLEBRORD/HULST - Dutch billiards experienced another highlight in history at the World championship for national teams. Two magnificent billiard players, Dick Jaspers (59) and Jean Paul de Bruijn (60), were crowned world champions last Sunday at De Festhalle in Viersen after a victory over Vietnam, defending champion and in a few years one of the best billiard nations in the world. The Orange team with Dick Jaspers and Jean Paul de Bruijn, cheered on by fans and friends, stood on the highest podium after the phenomenal performance on Sunday afternoon. The victory over Vietnam in the final underlined the teamwork: Dick and Jean Paul fought for every carom, propelled each other to great heights and were rewarded with the most wonderful global success for a country team.

The KNBB and Kozoom looked back on the tournament on the day after the victory with the two players, on the experience, the excitement, the support from fans and the value of this world title.

Frits Bakker: You could already see by far how elated you were with that title. How did you celebrate afterwards?

Dick: We had a nice dinner in a hotel in Venlo and then went home.

Jean Paul: We had a lovely dinner together with fans in Venlo and reviewed all our experiences. Lots of laughs!

FB: Look back on this Worlds, how strong were you both, what was the team spirit like, who were the most difficult opponents in the race to the title?

Dick: Every opponent was good and dangerous, even Cho who didn't win a single game, but he got incredibly difficult play from me, so it was also difficult to regain form

Jean Paul: In the group stage it went reasonably okay. However, against the Spanish team, Dick had to win against a strong Legazpi, as I lost to Jimenez. Quarter finals were a real thriller in the deciding set: 9-3 behind and then we answered very strongly with 6,3,3. Tension at its peak. Semi-final against Turkey again decisive, nerve-wracking set, where I had the honor of breaking up with a ‘Jaspers ball’. So than the final was against a super-strong Vietnam. After a hesitant start against Bao, I was fortunately able to turn the match around and win. Especially the moment I make my last ball and Dick only had to make 1 as well was nerve-wracking for me. So close, but nothing certain yet. In the end, Dick finishes it expertly and Bao misses in the equalizer. Wowww.... then I felt a lot of happy emotions.

FB: Were there any difficult moments when the championship was in danger?

Dick: Every time you play the Scotch Double, you are actually in danger because it is very short and because it is a snapshot.`

FB: How much tension was there in the Scotch Doubles? And is that a favorite system for you guys to decide a match?

Dick: I do like it, I like that tension, but it shouldn't be disappointing. I myself made a few big mistakes and also made strong points, so ups and downs just, but JP was great all these 4 days!

Jean Paul: The Scotch Double is a lot of fun, if you win. Nervous as a player, but for audience it gives extra depth and excitement. People also sympathize a lot more.

Frits Bakker: How did you experience the tournament among yourselves as top players and friends?

Dick: We have known each other for so long and have a lot of respect for each other. On top of that, we are both completely ourselves and we let each other free in our preparation towards the matches. We had an unprecedented team spirit and that definitely helped us! But I can also remember that in all those other years I also had fantastic teammates in Raimond Burgman, Jean van Erp, Barry van Beers, Anno de Kleine, Rini van Bracht and Louis Havermans. It was always top sport how we experienced the Worlds!

Jean Paul: In one word: Fantastic! Two months ago, we knew we could represent the Netherlands together and we clearly expressed what we expected from each other; we’re going to enjoy ourselves and give everything we have in the tank. In the end, our team spirit was decisive for our success. If one of us made a mistake during the Scotch Double, we motivated each other in the chair to forget the mistake and focus on what was to come.

FB: How important is this victory for the Netherlands and for you personally? What does it do to you, such a wonderful success, does it give you confidence for the further tournaments this year?

Dick: Yes, certainly such a success gives even more confidence but so does every other championship.

Jean Paul: Apparently (and fortunately) it means quite a lot to billiards in the Netherlands, judging by the hundreds of reactions from many billiard fans. We were also pleased that all the Dutch top players supported us before, during and after the success and showed themselves to be true supporters. Homage!

FB: Was there a lot of support from the Dutch crowd? Did that play a part in the success?

Dick: There were a lot of Dutch supporters present because it is also so close to the border. Just inspiring and nice to perform as well as possible

Jean Paul: Sure. Had a lot of support from a lot of people. Obviously starting with Anita, support and backing. Paul and Anja Brekelmans, friends, family, fellow billiard players, students and a lot of Dutch fans, whom we didn't even know, but supported us noisily in difficult moments. Seemed like we were playing at home.

FB: Does such a title mean that with all those strong countries, the Netherlands still belongs to the world top?

Dick: I dare say that the level in the Netherlands is among the strongest countries in billiards. Surely there is n group of 15 to 20 players who exude great class!

Jean Paul: Dick has been a world top player for years. I myself, in my top form, can also win against anyone, but in recent years I didn’t do it as much as as I would like. However, now everything came together that I performed at the right moments.

 FB: How were the reactions in the country: TV, newspapers?

Dick: I wasn’t able to observe everywhere yet. In BN/De Stem and PZC nice articles but I haven't read the big newspapers yet. I did receive a nice telegram from King Willem Alexander, so it is definitely being followed.

Jean Paul: A lot of reactions. Especially from billiard colleagues (also from abroad), family and friends. TV program Hart van Nederland, Omroep Zeeland and especially a congratulatory letter from our King and Queen.

Thanks for your cooperation, enjoy the great success.

Frits Bakker/Kozoom