Coventry Open Tournament 2009 - Report
Peter Chan of Liverpool has succeeded Fak Laight as the Coventry Open Champion. The second Coventry Open was held on 29th November at Whitefriars Olde Alehouse. The venue dates back to 1335 so has probably seen many games of backgammon played there over the years - an apt home for the Coventry club!
Following two late withdrawls we had a turnout of 30 players from around the country - this meant byes for Andreas and Carl Dell. Carl’s prolonged wait to play after the journey from Liverpool was unfortunate - but at least it gave him the opportunity to watch part of his team’s victory in the Liverpool local derby football match in a neighbouring pub!
Peter defeated Rachel Rhodes 9-3 in the final of the main event after winning against a string of local players - Corrina Tutchings, Neil Everitt, Matthew Fisher and Eric Westbrook on the way. Rachel had some tough matches on the way to the final against Uldis Lapikens, Dorothy Lee, Robert Tutchings and Chris Evans.
Andreas from the Birmingham club took the seven point consolation title beating fellow Brummie (and Coventry club regular) Neil Everitt in the final. Martin Barkwill’s journey from Newcastle and long day’s play (almost 10 hours!) was rewarded with the last chance five point title beating another Coventry regular Eric Westbrook in the final.
Thanks to everybody for coming especially those of you who travelled from beyond the Midlands. Also thanks to Michael at Biba for the trophies (and to Peter Bennett for originally donating them to Biba), to Di for her help in administering the tournament and to the staff at Whitefriars for their support (especially Mary for producing the buffet - all were satisfied customers!).
Following Rosey Benslin’s forced withdrawal she kindly asked that her entry fee be used to fund a “Rosey’s Rollout” event as seen in the Gilbertson sponsored UK Finals. This prize was shared between Fak Laight (so a winner two years running) and Tim of the Birmingham club. Thanks also to Ron Havenhand and Daniel Tutchings for donating their entry fees back into the prize funds.
The general feeling was that it was a god enjoyable event - hopefully we’ll see everybody again next year.
Main 9pt KO 1st Peter Chan 2nd Rachel Rhodes
Consolation 7pt KO 1st Andreas 2nd Neil Everitt
Last Chance 5pt KO 1st Martin Barkwill 2nd Eric Westbrook