ExcitingGames British Open. 31 March - 1 April 2007
Report by Michael Crane

(photos online courtesy of David Startin)

Small (compared to other years), but perfectly formed, that describes well the Main entry of sixty-four players. It would have been 65 but one player informed me of their forthcoming arrival after close of Registration and after the auction. If I start making exceptions for one then others will expect it too and before long everyone will turn up when they feel like it . . . . and that isn't going to happen!

The perfect entry meant a nice smooth ride for me, and it got off to a smooth start for the eventual winner, Brian Lever as he knocked out Ian Shaw, the 2003 winner. Rachel Rhodes was hoping to be the first to win it three times when she learned that Nigel Merrigan (two-times winner) wasn't entering; however she was thwarted by Dave Motley, who made it into the semi only to be beaten by Brian. Other past winners, Steve Hallett (2001) and Mike Greenleaf (2004) didn't get past the 1st Round, so Brian was going to be a new name on the trophy.

In the semi-finals Brian's opponent, was as mentioned above, Dave Motley; and Dave almost made it when he was looking to win a gammon when Brian turned the game around and won it himself. Ian Tarr had to fight off Gerry Enslin, fresh from his Runner-up slot in the Scottish Open in March. It was a tough match but Ian prevailed in the end and it was into the final to battle against Brian.

They might not both agree, but each of the finalists has a reputation for slow(ish) play and because of this I issued a clock to ensure it didn't overrun the allotted 2.25 hours; and I think this action lost Ian the title. He didn't seem to get into his stride at all and he only managed to win one point throughout the entire match. Brian breezed through with a combination of good dice and good play (you need both to win!) and emerged a worthy British Open champion. I have yet to annotate and analyse the match - when I have it will be announced here; and will appear on GammonVillage.

Ian & Brian

However, here's the Joker of the Weekend for you to mull over. A player came to me bemoaning his bad luck and he began to relate to me the circumstances in which he was unlucky to lose this particular game and eventually the match . . . yawn! yawn! yawn! I told him I'd heard and seen all the hard luck stories but he urged me to take a look at this one - so I did.

White rolls 66

Yep, that's bad luck! Especially after black hits and then cubes you out a roll later!

In the Consolation (60), John Slattery made it into the final after beating some of the toughest players around: Jon Barnes, Mardi Ohannessian, Sean Casey, Mark Dixon, Paul Gilbertson and Tom Duggan. The only player he couldn't beat was one as tough as himself (but a lot quieter), Lawrence Powell who emerged from the Progressive side. Lawrence took a good lead, 7-1, but Slats, ever the fighter, took it to DMP but just couldn't manage that final point.

Consolation - Lawrence & Slats	Last Chance - Giorgio & Stephen

The Last Chance (64) open draw was a long hard slog for the finalist that entered into the bottom half of the draw, but Giorgio Castellano was hungry for a another trophy to add to his consecutive list of Jarvis Main, Scottish Open Consolation; the British Open Last Chance would give him three out of three. Hoping to stop him was Stephen Drake - but the lure of 3-out of-3 was too much and Giorgio happily made the hat-trick.

With everyone tied up in the previous three elements I decided the make the Open Sesame a thirty-two draw. Mark Heidenfeld was looking to add another 3-pointer trophy to his Bright 'n' Breezy 2007 one and he set his sights on the final. He made it only to face Rachel Rhodes - but he came out on top with the Open Sesame trophy and a big smile!   Open Sesame - Rachel & Mark

Going back in time to the Friday 500 (22), it was a good start to the weekend for Ed Turner when he beat Ray Tannen in the final. This win placed him at the top of the list, toppling Mardi from 1st Position (positions here). The 500 looks to be a success and I'm sure the competition will hot up when players are trying to make the last sixteen and a shot at the £500 first prize. With seven more Fridays to come there's still plenty of time for others to qualify - and even win the £100 cash for being Number One.

The £50 Jackpot (8) was shared between old hand, Mardi and the 'returning' Ramsey Jamil. Organiser, Nicky Check fell at the first fence after losing to Sean Casey.

In the Doubles (4) we went for quality rather than quantity! A Cake of Cheese saw off Mann & Buoy after going down 4-0 - a great bit of team effort to pull that one off, I can tell you! Their next encounter was the sinking of A Pair of Christmas Anchors - and what a pair of anchors they were. Finally, they made easy meat of Blind Squirrels who had beaten off Chemo Savvy. It seems that A Cake of Cheese are making a habit of cashing in the doubles . . . I'm pleased to say!

We had a decent turnout for the Poker (20), and I'd like to thank Mark Dixon for organising it and presenting me with a very comprehensive set of results - of which he'd placed himself at Number One! Perks of the job, Mark? I have now been able to complete the Poker Grand Prix to date and it can be seen here. It would appear that you have a better chance of topping the list if your name is Paul . . .

Before we leave the poker I have to report on the lovely trophy that Myke Wignall presented to Martin Hemming in recognition of his Biba poker efforts. I'm not too sure what the trophy says about Martin as the recipient - nor that of its creator, Myke! I think it's best left well alone!!

. . Mmm, what a lovely trophy, especially when you see it close up!

Finally.
I'd like to thank all the entrants for turning up and a special one to those that flew in from Eire and Holland - it's good to see you and I appreciate the effort you make to attend. The weekend went along smoothly and without incident - which is how I like it.