SOISSONS – The first success quickly was followed by another. French billiards club Soissons, some 100 kilometers from Paris, had two more great victories to celebrate this weekend. Mikaël Devogelaere (41) won a major national three-cushion tournament in the final against another Soissons player Kévin Vasseur. Lucie Petit (22) was the best in a women's free game event. Two other successes in the long history that the French club has been able to celebrate in its 90-year existence. The current, best-known players showing up for the team include Jérémy Bury, Eddy Merckx, Mikaël Devogelaere, Pierre Soumagne, formerly Martin Horn and, since this year, Frédéric Caudron. In the classical games, Patrick Dupont and, among the ladies, Lucie Petit are mainly successful.
The club's president is Pierre Soumagne, its main sponsor is the city of Soissons. The club has played since 2002 in the venue where it now plays, organizes many championships with many volunteers. The main successes include many victories in the French D1 team competitions three-cushion and classic games, a European junior championship in free game and individually the many victories of long-time club members Pierre Soumagne in many disciplines (European titles), Patrick Dupont (3 times French Masters champion) and Lucie Petit. As a member of Soissons, Jérémy Bury was champion of France three-cushion in 2022 and 2023, Mikaël Devogelaere won the championship in 2024.
Pierre Soumagne's titles are almost innumerable, including at European and French level. Alain Remond was European champion in one cushion, Patrick Dupont won many French championships and Lucie Petit is French ladies' free game champion. Jérémy Bury and Mikaël Devogelaere joined Soissons three years ago to play in the D1 team. The team with Merckx, Bury, Devogelaere and Soumagne is currently leading in this year's group stage.
Kozoom spoke to this weekend's two winners, Mikaël Devogelaere and Lucie Petit, about the wins, the club atmosphere, the history, the well-known members and other issues. An interview with Mikaël Devogelaere and Lucie Petit.
Mikaël Devogelaere lives near Le Mans, Lucie Petit in Soissons.
Mikaël is married to Laetitia, has been living together for 22 years has a 14-year-old daughter, Juliette, and an 11-year-old son, Pierre. ’’I am a lucky man because I was able to stop working now, at 41 years old. That's mainly because I worked in the Military Police for 22 years and joined a special unit at young age. So I got six years of bonus for my retirement, I worked a total of 28 years in military service. Now that I stop, I get a monthly pension for the rest of my life. I am very happy in this new life and supported by my club Soissons and my family. So I can focus entirely on billiards from now on.
Lucie Petit lives on her own near the billiards club. She has been working as a nurse at the hospital in Soissons for two years and makes 48-hour weeks during busy times. Lucie started her billiards career when she was only eight. ’’My grandfather, father and brother also played billiards. My brother was Master in classical games. Since I was young, I have been playing in many competitions, including the French and European tournaments. I have won some championships in my own country in free game, I’m French champion in ladies in 2023, vice-French champion several times and champion twice with my team. I train only free game now, but also want to switch to another discipline one day.‘’
Kozoom/Frits Bakker: How big, how old and well-known is Soissons billiards club, where is the club located?
Mikaël Devogelaere: With Soissons, we are among the biggest clubs in France, certainly in terms of sport. The club is located in a gymnasium, a wonderful club with 9 billiard tables including 3 match tables. We play our matches for the D1 for around 100 spectators. Only carom billiards is played at Soissons in all disciplines.
Lucie Petit: Soissons is a dynamic club with great champions, including Pierre Soumagne, its president. We are also proud of Patrick Dupont, who is a very knowledgeable and passionate trainer, who has helped many players to get much better.‘’
Kozoom/Frits Bakker: What are the ambitions for the coming year?
Mikaël Devogelaere: I still hope to make great progression, because I have loved the game since I was young. But for the last 10 years, in my years in the military, I hardly had time to play. From now on, and I am only 41, it is just great to be able to mainly play billiards. I have made progression by playing with great players and watching a lot. Javier Palazón has given me some lessons and that has helped me a lot. At home I have a match table, so I can train as much as I want. I will play all the World Cups, compete in three strong leagues in France, Spain and the Netherlands. My federation has appointed me, together with Jérémy Bury, to play the Nations World championship in Viersen and the European Championships in Ankara for teams and individuals. I hope to get as far as possible in the rankings in the coming years.
Kozoom/FB: What fascinates you most in billiards as one of the few ladies with ambitions?
Lucie Petit: We can work on patience, mental and game tactics that we can meet. I think perseverance is one of the most important aspects in this sport. This sport is very beautiful to watch and very interesting because it teaches players and lady players to train memory as well.
Thanks for the interview, Mikaël and Lucie, good luck in your careers.
Michael Devogelaere, one of Soissons great champions
Lucie Petit, playing billiards from 8 year and gaining many wins
Michael Devogelaere, victory in a French event last weekend
Best lady in a French event last weekend: Lucie Petit from Soissons