Manifestation 1.000 Boules in the Netherlands

10 shooters, amongst one woman, were present at the finals of the manifestation 1.000 Boules in Nieuwegein (very near to Utrecht in the centre of the country) on Saturday night, the 29th of October 2011. Amongst the players there was also Philippe Quintais, the former French world champion (12 times!) who gave a demonstration at the end of the manifestation, visited by almost 400 spectators. All players had to shoot 100 boules within 10 minutes at a distance of 8 meters.

The day before, 39 shooters had to qualify themselves in order to reach the finals. The organizing committee had decided that there must be at least one woman in the finals and also one youth player (junior or espoir). Contrary to the finals, all players had to shoot 50 boules within 5 minutes.
The winner of the first edition from 2010 was directly qualified for the finals.



Philippe Quintais is rewarded with the book 'Jeu de Boules' by Martin van der Linden, the Dutch distributor of Obut. At the background: Henry Calvetti, the initiator of the event, and Jac Verheul, the presenter of the evening.



Results of the finals:

1. Kees Koogje (20 years): 81 hits from 100, time 6:09
2. Romulo van Stockum (14 years!): 77 hits from 100, time 9:35
3. Wietse van Keulen (30 years): 74 hits from 100, time 7:41
4. Joey van Doorn (18 years): 74 hits from 100, time 8:29
5. Martin Bakker (62 years): 73 hits from, time 7:20
6. Noel Kempeneers (45 years, the winner of 2010): 71 from 100, time 8:36
7. Dirk Jan van Mourik (22 years): 64 from 8:56
8. Edward Vinke (39 years): 60 from 100, time 7:26
9. Gerard Zijlstra (59 years): 59 from 100, time 7:44
10. Katy Bosch (31 years, woman): 52 from 100, time 9:55

Average: 68,5 (2010: 66,5)

Demonstration of Philippe Quintais: 72 hits from 100, time 7:49

Philippe Quintais was not in a good shape. He suffered of some physical discomforts in his legs. He was very disappointed and said that it was one of his worst performances. He started with 19 hits, but from the 20th boule, he began to miss. Very unfortunately, Philippe, but thanks for coming to Holland!

A short impression on video by Johan Huizinga.

Legends of the photographs:


Presentation of the 10 finalists and Philippe Quintais.


One of the shooters in action.


The big screen with the results during the demonstration of Philippe Quintais.


Jan Schuler, president of the foundation SPNN which was responsible for the organisation, presents the first prize to Kees Koogje, the winner of the manifestation.


Kees Koogje, the winner of the manifestation.



All photos by Jan van Keulen