BLANKENBERGE - Patrick Niessen has won his second titel in het Belgian championship not without any luck. That's why he showed a subdued joy after he was waiting for the ceremony this evening. ,,He felt a little happy, but not that much. ,,I cannot say that I played very well in this tournament. That's the same feeling I had nearly all the year. My game has too many ups and downs, I can't explain the reason.''
The specialist however gathered his ninth title in the 47/2, after he won the free game earlier today. ,,It has been some years ago since I won two titles in a championship,'' he said.
The final stage in the 47/2 in fact was closed with an unexpected winner. Patrick Niessen knew it himself as well, because Eddy Leppens suffered a curious loss against Philippe Deraes last night and also spoiled his last game against Johan Claessen. Therefore the man had been started so well in the tournament, put himself out of the game.
Patrick Niessen grabbed the main prize before Philippe Deraes and Johan Claessen. Niessen defeated Johan Devos in his last match in a contest in which he could not find his rhythm and painfully passed the finish line. Nevertheless: he could pick up the gold medal.