Billiards player Therese Klompenhouwer: ‘It’s nice that I can provide something extra at major tournaments’

‘For the first time I was on the shortlist for the Sportswoman of the Year election. Billiards is a smaller sport than skating or cycling, but there are not many people who can say that they have become world champions five times and European champions nine times. It really felt like a recognition that I am seen. Also by NOC-NSF.

“I am in TeamNL, I receive a financial contribution for international tournaments through the billiards association. It is difficult for our sport to be Olympic, there are too few countries where three-cushion is practiced, especially for the ladies. It would be great if our discipline were recognized at the World Games. That is the only one still on my wish list. This is the case for the men, Dick Jaspers won gold this year.

“The level of women has improved over the past ten years, also in Europe. The European association will organize grand prix tournaments from next year and there will be a European Championship for national teams. The semi-finals and finals of the last world championship were broadcast live on Ziggo. That motivates everyone to go a step faster and do even better. I will also focus more on the international women’s tournaments in 2023.

“I became European champion in Belgium this year. There I played a world record in the final: thirty caroms in nine innings. My record was thirty in twelve. I was 15-2 ahead after eight turns and I went out with fifteen caroms. Only the thirteenth ball of that series went a little differently than expected, the rest went perfectly. There were so many difficult balls, but I felt that I was doing something special. I would have liked to continue playing, because my highest run in a match was already fifteen. That sixteenth carom was there, but I have no idea whether I would have made it because of the tension. That record added extra luster to the title, I can only lose at a tournament like that. I have won all the official European Championships.

“The World Cup was special because I became world champion in my own country for the first time. My parents were there, they don’t often have the chance to come and watch, because I play abroad a lot. My girlfriend was there every day, my brother, friends, many acquaintances. I set another world record, this time with overall average. Over six matches I had an average of just under 1,400. It’s nice to notice that I can always deliver something extra at major tournaments. While I don’t do much else in the preparation. Two or three weeks in advance I train a little more. I have played so much billiards in my life, it is a matter of keeping a competitive rhythm.

“Billiards is super difficult. You have to be fit, otherwise your brain will work less well. Your takeoff has to be right, your arm has to feel good. You are also dependent on how the balls are on the table, what your opponent leaves behind. I know exactly what I need to do, but there are still times when I can’t do it properly. It comes in waves. Sometimes it is also in your head. If you become insecure, it is difficult to play a good match. Years ago I already had help with this from a sports psychologist. I now know what to do when my heart starts beating faster or when I become restless. Then I pay attention to my breathing and continue to think positively. That doesn’t always work, of course. I also play against men, but at a women’s tournament I am very mentally strong. That’s where I feel at my best.

Billiards is super difficult. You have to be fit, otherwise your brain will work less well

“The competition mainly comes from South Korea. There are 10,000 competition tables in Seoul alone, which we can’t even achieve in Europe. Those girls spend all day together in the billiards center. If I want to play with others in a good location, I have to drive sixty kilometers. I have to watch out for all the Korean players, they are very disciplined. I have a lot of experience, I can still gain from that. I am also a little stronger in terms of playing strength. But they are getting closer, on a bad day I can lose to them.”

To share





Email the editor