TURNHOUT – The winter title in the Belgian team competition is almost certain for Biljart Express team. Before Eddy Merckx, the best in average across all World Cups this year, heads to Sharm El Sheikh for the final World Cup in 2025, the team capatain and Biljart Express won 6-2 against Kortrijkse this week, taking his team to the top of the table, one point ahead of Op de Meir and two ahead of T's Place. Biljart Express' final match is on Wednesday, December 17th, away against Mister 100 2, a match that should normally be good enough for an outright victory.
Eddy Merckx once again showed his excellent form against Kortrijkse, defeating Ronny Brants 40-22 in 20 innings. Frans van Kuyk and Martin Spoormans secured the other two victories against Philippe Vandendriessche and Frédéric Beghin in 27 and 32 innings, respectively. Martin Ravestyn was the only Kortrijk player to win, defeating Gerwin Valentijn 40-37 in 31 innings. The chasing teams weren't entirely successful, as Mister 100 and Op de Meir drew. That match was evenly matched, with victories for Peter Ceulemans and Jerry Hermans on the home team and Barry van Beers and Wesley de Jaeger on Op de Meir. Berry van Beers won the match in 19 innings against Kurt Ceulemans, who was left without a chance with 17 points. Peter Ceulemans defeated Jef Philipoom 40-37 in 25 innings, and Wesley de Jaeger had a strong victory against Bart Ceulemans 40-29 in 24 innings.
BC T's Place moved up to third place with an 8-0 victory over Mister 100 2. Peter De Backer continues to score high, defeating Tom de Ruyter 40-20 in 19 innings. Berry Dallinga was a substitute for T's Place and the team's only loser, with a loss to Erwin Hens 40-34 in 43.
BC De Leug finished with the maximum score at home against De Ploeg. Jeffrey Jorissen was a strong winner against Dustin Jäschke 40-21 in 19, Therese Klompenhouwer defeated Eddy Willems, Andy de Bondt beat Johan Claessen, and Mik Durwael the better of Toon Bollansee. Herstalien returned with a 3-5 victory from the away match in Bruges, where Henk Blauwblomme was the surprise for the home team, defeating Roland Forthomme 40-29 in 23. Koen Saver held Thomas Broux to a draw in 33 innings. Zevenbergen raked in another valuable point against De Witte Molen. There, Jean van Erp was the best player for the Sint Niklaas team, defeating Tom Persyn 40-19 in 19. That was the best match win of this round. Francis Forton won against Rudy de Laet in 21 innings.
The standings after 10 rounds with one round remaining before the short winter break:
- Biljart Express 10-16
- Op de Meir 10-15
- T’s Place 10-14
- Herstalien 10-13
- Mister 100 10-13
- De Leug 10-12
- De Witte Molen 10-11
- Zevenbergen 10-8
- Brugse 10-7
- Kortrijkse 10-6
- Mister 100 2 10-3
- De Ploeg 10-2
Next round, December 15, 16, and 17.