Peter Ceulemans, champion from an illustrious stronghold

BLANKENBERGE – The emotions filled the arena, the champion fought back his tears and a roaring ovation rolled from the stands. Peter Ceulemans, grandson of the greatest of all time, had crowned himself the new Belgian three-cushion champion this Sunday afternoon after winning the final against Roland Forthomme (40-25 in 32 innings). The 43-year-old champion made the last and winning carom in an ambioance where his wife Bettina, his son Jack, grandpa Raymond, brother Bart and the entire Ceulemans stronghold cheered passionately this great moment. The championship took on a touching, historic sheen. ''My bompa Raymond took his last Belgian title in 2001, 23 years ago,'' Peter immediately dug into his ready knowledge.

The phenomenon himself walked into the arena to congratulate Peter with a close embrace. The crowd in the Blankenberge arena felt the intense, sporting happiness, everything and everyone lived to the climax. ’’This is so fantastic to become champion in the midst of all those people and especially the close-knit family we are,'' Peter Ceulemans reiterated after the homage. ''We’re going to celebrate this title tonight in a good party, of course. This is the best I have ever won.'' That title marks the progression Peter Ceulemans has made in the last two years. ''And it all came together here. I felt super strong all week with 40 point matches in 17, 22, 23 innings. Only against Loncelle in the semi-final there was a dip for a while, but I managed to climb out of it with a redeeming run of 16, which brought me to two points from the end. The final against Roland (Forthomme) I started with a 9 run, I managed to keep the margin and actually felt never in danger.''

Peter Ceulemans the new champion of Belgium thus, who would have ever dared to dream. ’’I’ve been on the podium here twice, once second, once third, but today that big dream is coming true. That feels amazingly wonderful.'' The progression didn’t come out of the blue. Peter: ’’I had a great year in the World Cups: four times in the last 16, in the World Cup ranking number 18.'' The Belgian title, from the knockouts onwards, came about after wins over Philippe Vandendriessche (40-7 in 17) Thomas Broux (40-21 in 22), Johan Loncelle (40-35 in 22) and in the end Roland Forthomme, the co-favourite who had beaten Eddy Merckx 40-31 in 14 in the semi-finals.

The championship feels special in every way. Peter Ceulemans not only follows in his illustrious grandfather's footsteps. He is also one of few Belgian champions of recent decades who doesn’t have full-pro status. Peter Ceulemans still works 32 an hour at Telenet and trains in his free hours. ''As long as it is doable with national and international tournaments, I will keep doing that work,'' the Belgian champion assures. ’’My wife Bettina is always behind me, I myself know that the combination of work, family and billiards goes together. When it’s I have no longer that feeling, I must make another choice.'' 

Peter Ceulemans realizes all too well that he is privileged because of his background. When he was born in 1980, Raymond was still at the top, always building further on an improbable record. ’’I know I've had that luck, I grew up in it. But of course you must have the, that's the most important thing to grow further yourself.''

’’When I was at school, I often went to train for two hours on Wednesday afternoons with grandpa. He taught me a lot, gave me many good tips, of course. After that, I was able to develop myself, always with the support of my family. I played in teams with Caudron, Leppens and Forthomme, from whom I also learned a lot. And I am grateful: my wife is my great support, I often train at the table at home with my brother Bart, who is also getting stronger all the time and finished beautifully sixth at these Multi's. I admit, there were ups and downs all the way. I’ve had to learn to accept it in the World Cups. And now I want to see where I can do even better. I still have 10, 15 years to go, I hope. And I hope to still improve every year.''

Quarter finals Multi’s:

Johan Loncelle-Peter De Backer 40-26 in 22

Peter Ceulemans-Thomas Broux 40-21 in 22

Roland Forthomme-Jef Philipoom 40-39 in 42

Eddy Merckx-Bart Ceulemans 40-23 in 24 (na 18-2 voorsprong Ceulemans)

Semi finals:

Peter Ceulemans-Johan Loncelle 40-35 in 22

Roland Forthomme-Eddy Merckx 40-31 in 14

Finale:

Peter Ceulemans-Roland Forthomme 40-25 in 32.

Derde/vierde plaats:

Johan Loncelle-Eddy Merckx 40-23 in 20.

The final ranking at the Belgian championship

1. Peter Ceulemans 14-1.676-16
2. Roland Forthomme 10-1.301-10
3. Johan Loncelle 10-1.346-11
4. Eddy Merckx 10-1.693-10
5. Peter De Backer 8-0.906-9
6. Bart Ceulemans 6-1.226-9
7. Thomas Broux 6-1.188-6
8. Jef Philipoom 6-1.145-9
9. Davy van Havere 6-1.530-6
10. Henk Blauwblomme 4-1.225-9
11. Steven van Acker 4-1.203-8
12. Wesley de Jaeger 4-1.162-6

Peter Ceulemans in the arena with his wife Bettina and son Jack

Peter Ceulemans on top with Roland Forthomme (left) and Johan Loncelle

Peter Ceulemans celebrates his title in the arena