Danish championship has many candidates without Nelin

COPENHAGEN - Danish veteran Poul Bjerring from Bristol in Odense looks very strong in the prelimaniers of the championship in his country. He already has qualified for the last eight before his last group match. Bjerring defeated Thomas Andersen 3-1 and Steen Petersen 3-0.

Lars Dunch, Tonny Carlsen and René Hendriksen, all representing the organizing club BK Grøndal, also look ready for the final stages. Dunch and Carlsen are impressively strong, both averaging 1.500 for twee matches.

Carlsen was put under some serious pressure by Michael Toudahl, whose only mistake - missing the opening shot in the final set by practically nothing - was immediately punished by Carlsens high run of 11. At his next visit he finished the match with the remaining four points. A class performance by Toudahl - a terrifying performance by Carlsen.

Carlsen also beat Sören Andersson in his group by 3-0.

René Hendriksen in Group 2 showed himself to strong for Michael Madsen Sölberg (3-0) and also took the win against Jacob Haack Sörensen (3-2). Lars Dunch didn't have any problems so far, beating Thomas Knudsen as well as Allan Lys Jensen 3-0.

The group stages will be finished this afternoon at 15.00.