Seventy four players descended on Tyneside for the 8th Newcastle Open – and it was Aniel Ciobanu who was crowned the new champion, winning the title on a four-cube game against Kev Jones.
Meanwhile, representing a strong Scottish contingent at the event, three-times champion Alastair Woods defeated Merrin Rose to win the Lindisfarne Trophy in the consolation event.
The host club – NEBA – provided both finalists in the last chance event, with Kevin Stebbing taking away the Hadrian Trophy, with Lewis Fairfax as the runner-up.
The Scottish pairing of Billy Williamson and Graeme McPhee won the doubles competition, with Sarah Joliff and Kev Jones finishing in second place. The weekend of backgammon got underway on Friday evening with the usual freeroll won by Mark Calderbank in the final against Pat Brooks.
Tournament director Keith Gill (ably assisted by Rose Gallagher) said: “Congratulations to all of our winners over the weekend, especially to Aniel our new champion.
“As ever, we’re very grateful to all the players who supported our event. We’ll be holding next year’s Open from October 9-11 and we hope to see everyone back again then.” The Open will be returning to the Gateshead Masonic Hall.
Picture gallery – the main finalists with NEBA chair Rikki Blythe, Merrin and Alastair, Kevin and Lewis, and Graeme and Billy with TD Keith Gill.
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