OOSTERHOUT – The Dutch women's three-cushion title has returned to Therese Klompenhouwer after a thrilling final match. The multiple national and international three-cushion champion defeated reigning Dutch champion Karina Jetten in the final this Sunday afternoon, restoring the classic standings. The two rivals fought a fantastic final, the final act could’nt been more sensational. The championship was decided by one single carom: Karina Jetten missed the winning point, Therese Klompenhouwer coolly converted the championship point at 29-29.
It was the climax of a battle between two perennial rivals, of whom Therese Klompenhouwer almost is the reigning quee, by far the most consistent player, and has now captured her 18th national title. Karina Jetten was Netherlands' best player only last year, she’s also steadily improving internationally, and was once again the only player who could threaten the reigning world champion.
Therese played a magnificent championship, one of the best in her career in terms of quality. Karina had her ups and downs, was very strong no wand then, but her performance was interspersed with a weaker match in the semifinal against Monique van Exter.
However, it was the prelude to a masterful final in the Eekhoorn arena. Therese Klompenhouwer had the much better start, taking a 15-3 lead in seven innings with a run of six. But five innings later, Jetten came back with six and took her first lead in the 14th inning, 20-19. The rest of the match was a rarely seen women's final with alternating chances. Klompenhouwer first reached 28-25, missed twice, and allowed Jetten to return to 29-27, and finally even to 29-29. The Limburg native narrowly missed the crucial final ball. The Blaricum lady player seized her opportunity, cheered on the winning ball, and was rewarded with the Dutch title.
Therese Klompenhouwer delivered a powerful performance against Sylvia Eckel in the semifinals, far outscoring the Zeeland native 30-7 in 17 innings, averaging 1.764. Karina Jetten defeated Monique van Exter 30-26 in 47 in a difficult match.
The final standings of the KNBB Diamonds final with the top 8:
1 Therese Klompenhouwer 1.309-7
2 Karina Jetten 0.881-6
3 Monique van Exter 0.648-4
4 Sylvia Eckel 0.458-5
5 Annelies Criellaard 0.427-5
6 Sabine Bakker 0.422-4
7 Andrea Hofman 0.398-3
8 Ineke Kooistra 0.351-4
The final podium with Therese Klompenhouwer, Karina Jetten, Monique van Exter and Sylvia Eckel