PRAGUE - The Dutch team Etikon, five-time winner of the European Cup in the classic games, has started his mission in Prague today with a loss in the group. The Germans of Bochum defeated the favorite 4-2 after two exciting matches in the disciplines 71/2 and one cushion. Henri Tilleman was the only winner for Etikon in the match against his young countryman Sam van Etten in 47/2: 250-37 in three innings with a run of 181. The European Cup final is played in Prague and organized by the title holder, Vitkov Prague.
Thomas Nockemann won the match against Patrick Niessen in 71/2: 200-184 in four innings after a run of 173 for the German. Ludger Havlik surprised in one cushion against Jean Paul de Bruijn, whom he beat 120-95 in 10 innings.
Etikon continues on Saturday morning, facing the French team of Chartres in an attempt to advance for the semi-finals. Chartres shows up with Xavier Gretillat, Willy Gérimont and Jacky Justice.
In Group A, the title holder Vitkov Prague started with a free day. Two French teams met in the first round: Ronchin bested Andernos 4-2 thanks to victories by Brahim Djoubri and Bernard Villiers. Djoubri defeated Nicolas Gerassimopoulos in 47/2, 250-175 in nine innings. Francis Connesson (Andernos) levelled the score by a victory over Jean Francois Florent in 71/2 (200-28 9).
Bernard Villiers (Ronchin) and Bernard Baudoin put up a great fight in one cushion at the end of the match, which was decided after 22 innings in favor of Villiers. The Ronchin player finished two points ahead of his opponent: 120-118.
Andernos plays in this group against Vitkov Prague in the first match on Saturday.
Bernard Villiers and Jean Francois Florent from the Ronchin team
The Etikon team from the Netherlands lost its first match
The hometeam of Vatkav Prague is starting today, Saturday