Dick Jaspers: victory, trophy, then up to the world's
Posted by Frits BAKKER on November 17, 2019
LAUSANNE - Two born winners in a final match is usually a guarantee for an attractive battle. Dick Jaspers and Eddy Merckx faced each other in the Lausanne Masters on Sunday in the low-country fight for the highest podium. The Dutchman, who lives less than an hour away from his Belgian rival, claimed sovereignly his 3rd victory in the Lausanne Casino: 40-30 in 21 innings. The regularity is remarkable: Jaspers won these three Masters in the last odd-numbered years: 2015, 2017 and now 2019. ,,This is a perfect moment for me: the World championship is coming up, this victory gives me confidence.''
Dick Jaspers dethroned the title holder, Eddy Merckx, after the Belgian showed a rarely thrilling end rush against Dani Sánchez in the run-up to the final. Dick Jaspers came in the final battle by a victory over Myung-Woo Cho, the strong debutant in the Lausanne Masters. The statistics in advance indicated an advantage for Dick Jaspers, who won four of his five last matches against Merckx. Two runs, of 7 (3rd inning) and 8 (11th) were decisive for the match win. The Dutch world champion ran away from 16-15 to a small lead and from 30-25 to the victory with 40-30. The carpet was rolled out for four players on stage: Jaspers, Merckx, Sánchez en Cho.
Jaspers analyzed: ''I was a little lucky that Eddy Merckx, a world class player pur sang, did not reach the level he played in his previous games. Therefore, I could maintain that ten point lead at the end. This is great for my confidence. I felt a little invisible in recent months with somewhat lesser matches in the competitions. The World championship is coming up, where important points can be won. Of course I want to peak there. That is why this victory comes at a perfect moment."
''There are no points to earn here in Lausanne, but I am very motivated to win here. Diane Wild has a fantastic tournament. We play with 9 world-class players and it is really an honor for all of us to be invited. I like to be there: a nice match room, a good hotel near the room, everything is perfect. I'm going home tonight with a very happy feeling."
Eddy Merckx, who had to hand over his title to Jaspers, said: ,, I certainly did not give up in the final, even though it was not my match. The only thing I could do was keep trying to turn around the match, but unfortunately that didn't work.''
Diane Wild, chairman and organizer of the Masters, spoke in her closing speech, among other things, about the amount for the charity goal: 8,450 Swiss francs for patients suffering from MS. Martin Horn also donated 1 Swiss Franc for the caroms he had made: 145, raised to 150. Ms Wild assured to be proud of this year's field of participants with Therese Klompenhouwer as the first lady in the Masters and two young talents, 21 year old Myung-Woo Cho and Maxime Panaia (18). ,,We will certainly continue our goals to promote billiards for women and juniors.'' With even more new sponsors, the Lausanne Masters is heading for a new organization next year.
Lausanne, November , 13th 2019
The best players in the world are back in the Olympic capital for the 7th edition of Lausanne Billiards Masters. With another exceptional participation: • The best players in the world ranking • The world champion • The female world champion • The U22 World champion • The European U21 champion.
The organizing committee has made every effort to offer competitors with optimal conditions and an atmosphere conducive to exploits.
We hope you will keep all, players and spectators a memorable memory of this competition.
Thanks to the various public institutions and sponsors as well as to the people who have supported us so much financially as well as through their voluntary work and without that nothing would have been possible.
Enjoy your stay in Lausanne!
The billiard stars are in Lausanne, an event not to be missed!