It’s been a great couple of days and I’m afraid staying glued to the live stream has taken priority over writing about it! A fuller report of the event will come later, but for now, here’s the headlines:
Chris Rogers wins the individual event
A straight knockout with some of the strongest players in Europe, so no room for error, Chris was the only UK Player in the draw. That prize in the background works out as about £8500…
Team UK are runners up in the European Team Championship
Having qualified for the last four on Friday, Croatia were sent on their way with a 3-1 win and so we progressed to the final against hosts and favourites Denmark:
Denmark had already proved their strength sweeping aside Hungary 4-0 and sadly we got the same treatment – four tough matches all of which went the Danes’ way. None of that should detract from a fine performance – you’ve done us proud!
Congratulations to the UK team for such marvellous performances! They were very gallant losers to the hosts Denmark who had six Grandmasters in their squad of seven players. More kudos still to Chris Rogers for his brilliant performance in becoming European Champion competing against a very strong field of players, whilst achieving world class PR performances. The UK are increasingly gaining worldwide respect and for all the best reasons. Big congratulations to Tim Cross, team captain and UK selector, for maintaining and promoting top quality team spirit and team performances at all times.
Ha ha, thanks for the beard compliments but I am taking CJs advice and it is coming off at Christmas. It was a great few days and team spirit was first class. It feels slightly unfair to single anyone out but I must mention Eric McAlpine who was originally selected for the final but gave his place up when I decided to try and take advantage of Chris Rogers excellent form by playing him in the final, an excellent example of putting the team first, thanks Eric.
Eric is a truly great sportsman and player and a genuine example to us all. I still want to get him the nickname ‘the finger’ for the way he forcefully, and with complete dignity and fairness corrected his opponent in MC who did not share Eric’s discipline and fair play when rolling the dice! Well done Eric. Team before self is a measure of the man.
Great achievement, well done and you are wright about Tim’s beard Eric
Great job guys, you’ve done the UK proud!!
Fantastic – was following it online – wish I could speak Danish! Well done guys
Great achievement from the team . And well done Chris . Excellent !
Fantastic news – congrats everyone! Strålende!
Fantastic…. Well done!
Congratulations to the whole team and specially to Chris
Wow, fantastic achievement guys, hats off!!
(and Tim, looking good with a beard! 😉 )