BLANKENBERGE - The Belgian balk-line player Patrick Niessen started his gold rush in his favorite disciplines at the Multi's in Blankenberge. With his victory over Peter De Backer in the 71/2 (200-146 in 9), Niessen remained unbeaten over three days so far. He also leads the ranking in the balk-line 47/2 after wins against Johan Devos and Philippe Deraes.
In that discipline, the match between Niessen and Maarten Janssen is decisive for the top position. Niessen also scored two wins in free game: 400 in 1 against Devos and 400 in 6 against Deraes. Maarten Janssen is his threat 1 match point behind. In 47/1, Niessen won his first game against Janssen on Tuesday evening 150-85 in 6 innings.
Two groups of four were in action in three-cushion this Tuesday. Steven van Acker and Francis Forton came away with the maximum win. Steven van Acker beat Bart Leys (40-23 in 43), Marco Janssen (40-27 in 24) and Danny Geysen (40-14 in 21). The second player in this group was Marco Janssen with two wins.
Francis Forton won the match for the group victory against Johan Loncelle 40-32 in 28. The Brussels player also beat Martin Ravestyn (40-27 in 42) and, in the late evening, Tom Persyn 40-32 in 40. Johan Loncelle goes second to the best sixteen.
Wednesday's schedule brings into the arena in three-cushion Jef Philipoom, Kurt Ceulemans, Wesley de Jaeger, Dirk Weeremans, Davy van Havere, Stef van Hees, Andy de Bondt and Frédéric Mottet. The matches start at 10.00 and can be followed live on Kozoom.