SIEBENGEWALD - The top Dutch classical specialists will battle it out for the title in balk-line 71/2 this weekend. Michel van Silfhout is the defending champion in this discipline in Siebengewald, where 't Topke is the organizer on Thursday 24, Saturday 25 and Sunday of 26 February. He won the championship last year in the final against Micha van Bochem. Raymund Swertz, the top favorite, was eliminated in the last eight by Micha van Bochem 150-51 in 3 innings.
For this year's final, 24 players have registered, divided into six groups of four. They will meet in matches to 150 caroms in the preliminary rounds and 200 in the knock-out phase. Michel van Silfhout became last year's champion with 19.81 on average and a best run of 92, Micha van Bochem, the number two, finished with 26.50 and a highest run of 145. Erick Dericks finished third, Patrick Janssen fourth in the final standings.
This year's participants are:
Group A: Raymund Swertz, Matthijs Bakker, Sven Nabeurs, Harrie van den Boogaard
Group B: Leo Koomen, Jordy Kanters, Lyon Megens, Gert van Beek
Group C: Micha van Bochem, Willy Rooijendijk, Roger Schinning, Mike Hofland
Group D: Dennis Timmers, Martijn Egbers, Patrick Janssen, John van der Stappen
Group E: Michel van Silfhout, Hans Klok, Roland Deelen, Paul van de Wouw
Group F: Germ Bot, Wiel van Gemert, Eric Dericks, Ales Ulijn.
Chairman of the organization and sports director is Toon van Heesch.