BERLICUM - The top favorite is always called Dick Jaspers, the outsiders to win the Jumbo Masters are the well-known and seasoned names from Dutch three-cushion. The tournament for the Dutch title starts this week, Wednesday (17 January) at the Benelux Theatre in Berlicum. The final day is Sunday 21 January. The Masters has been a household name for many years: all players love the championship, the system and the entourage. The final match on Sunday will be broadcast live by RTL 7 with commentary and interview. Kozoom and the KNBB asked the five Dutch players from the top of the rankings in the run-up to the popularity of the KNBB Jumbo Masters.
They are unanimously positive about one of the most wonderful tournaments in the billiard year. For example, Dick Jaspers, reigning champion and the absolute world number one in the field, says: ’’I always live towards it, because I like to become Dutch champion in a country where there are many high level players.''
The five top players interviewed according to the national rankings are:
1 Jeffrey Jorissen 636 points
2 Dick Jaspers 588
3 Jean Paul de Bruijn 568
4 Barry van Beers 480
5 Dave Christiani 436
The last five wins in the Dutch Grand Prix tournaments, counting towards the rankings, were for Jeffrey Jorissen, Dick Jaspers, Barry van Beers, Dave Christiani and Dick Jaspers.
The playing schedule, the ambiance of the Masters and the TV interest (final match two hours live on RTL7) are appealing to participants and audience alike. The top five are unanimous in their reactions. The Dutch champion emerges from the tournament, superbly organized by the Stichting Biljart Evenementen Nederland, where the 16 seeded players meet in four preliminary rounds and in the later knockouts. Matches are to 40 points, rarely does an unexpected champion appear on the podium.
Dick Jaspers has played in all the Masters in his rich career since 1987, the very first one at the Hofplein in Rotterdam. He won the Masters 21 times and once the Dutch championship, which was not yet called the Masters then. Jean Paul de Bruijn is the only one of the current top five who also won the Masters: the Zeeuw managed to do that three times during his career so far.
From the top five Dutch players in the rankings, three are full-prof: Dick Jaspers, Jean Paul de Bruijn and Barry van Beers. Dave Christiani has a 40-hour working week in a medical care company in addition to billiards. Jeffrey Jorissen is more or less semi-pro, he is booked as a ZZP'er in the hospitality industry.
Frits Bakker: What makes the Masters so attractive for you to participate in?
Dick Jaspers: I never miss, because it's such a wonderful tournament and I like to compete for the Dutch title. It’s good that the system has been changed again show the interest, so no more short sets, but longer m matches. After all, we play for the Dutch title with opponents who get stronger every year. For instance, I've had a lot of trouble beating Jean Paul de Bruijn for a few years now, Jeffrey Jorissen and Glenn Hofman have grown enormously. I will have to be top to defend my title.
Barry van Beers: There’s a very little chance that a complete outsider wins the tournament, so you have to be top to win. I wish I could win the Masters at one day after one silver and five bronze.
Jean Paul de Bruijn: I look back with great satisfaction at having been on the highest podium three times. The Masters is an annual highlight for the top Dutch players, a tournament to enjoy. With one top favorite and many outsiders with chances to win.
Jeffrey Jorissen: The Masters in sets was also a good event, because there was more tension. But it might be better the way we are playing now. I'm pretty much in a flow myself after the last Grand Prix, so I'm looking forward to the Masters. It is the apotheosis of a season, the tournament is great with always atmosphere and full stands.
Dave Christiani: The annual battle for the title, with players who know each other so very well, is a tournament you don't want to miss. I look forward to it. The top of the Netherlands is wide, but the sub-top is also dangerous. It feels great to be part of it, the organization is very good, we are heading for another great tournament.
Frits Bakker: How has the year in 2023 been for the Dutch top? And how do you look nationally and internationally to the year ahead?
Dick Jaspers: I am super satisfied after I won two more major tournaments at the end of the year and was still able to win the World Cup cycle with all the world's top players. The Masters open the new year where I want to shine again in the World Cups and the big tournaments. I have to make sure I am ready for it.
Jeffrey Jorissen: My year has not been super, although I have been stable in averages and had one highlight in a Grand Prix. I know for myself that I need to be better in the World Cups to raise my level further. I was able to qualify for the European Championship and have a good chance to play the World nations championship in Viersen. The growth towards the top has continued, I expect a great year.
Jean Paul de Bruijn: Being at the podium in the World Cup in Veghel was of course a highlight. That gives me the feeling that on a good day I can make trouble for anyone. In the competitions, I had a good first half of the year, after that it was less. Hard to explain the reason for it in billiards. Many top athletes can predict when they are top. A sprinter in cycling will never win the Tour. In billiards, it is so much different. You never know in advance when you will be top, so not even for the Masters. Lots of contenders, one top favorite, at least, that's for sure.
Dave Christiani: For me, it was a year with ups and downs. I played a nice Grand Prix in Capelle, but the focus is not constantly on billiards. I work, I have a family, the little one at home requires attention. It's sometimes good and sometimes bad, but fortunately I was able to win that Grand Prix. That keeps me fairly high up the rankings.
Barry van Beers: My year was good, one of the better ones in my career. The best example of an increasing level is that I played three games over 3 average. I have been concentrating on the competitions in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany since I quit the World Cups two years ago. So I am very much looking forward to the Masters again.
All matches, starting Wednesday 17th of January, live on Kozoom
Dave Christiani, Jean Paul de Bruijn, Dick Jaspers, Jeffrey Jorissen, Barry van Beers (collage Ton Smilde pictures)