Andrew Selby writes…
Sold out within two days, a full field of 128 players participated in Backgammon London’s annual end of season event.
Sponsored by P-40, who generously provided three boards, and GammonVillage, who likewise provided three boards for the runners-up, the event as ever ably organised by David and Jill, produced a wonderful weekend of tournament backgammon amid great sportsmanship – all highlighting the wonderful community we have, appreciated by us all in these trying times.
UK backgammon is seeing a resurgence online, and the live streaming of The Players Championship, hosted by Julia and myself, and wonderfully supplemented by lead commentary from Julian Fetterlein, Tim Cross, Jon Barnes, Chris Bray and Geoff Hall, has to date achieved a combined viewing total well over 1,500!
With so many prizes on offer, an illustrious field competed in this unique “double-eliminator” style qualifier – with the final 32 reaching a knock-out on the Sunday, and the remaining players fighting for two equal Consolations.
With Shakespearean irony, the ultimate winner of the Main Event, and The Players Champion for 2020, was our very own site host on Studio Heroes – Terje Pederesen, who defeated Lawrence Powell in the final.
The respective Consolations were both closely contested and saw Neil Webb defeat Steve Carder, while Martyn Hamer defeated Len Brown.
A huge congratulations to all our Champions, no mean feat in such a strong field – boards on their way from “across the pond” as I write.
As ever, on behalf of both David and me, huge thanks to you all for your continued support in 2020, and we wish you all a Happy & Healthy New Year!
Looking forward to seeing you next year, initially online at The Memorial Event in February…and thereafter at some live events ….we hope !!
The Scores are In
Format : 10
Playing Platform : 10
Organisation : 10
Entertainment : 10
Commentary : Galactic
Julian Fetterlein’s Commentary is without doubt the best I have heard ! He is the only one who can fit in what he needs to say between rolls. He automatically knows the stats and explains why. It was an education listening to his commentary throughout. Basically a talking XG ! I’m guessing Julian does not get paid for commentating. I think the years of work and learning he has put in should be rewarded. I would quite happily pay a contribution fee towards him commenting in future tournaments. Maybe others who like to watch and listen to his commentary would be willing too. Easy to set up when registering for an event. Optional donation for JF’s commentary. Streaming and Commentary at major tournaments makes all the difference. Julian is an absolute treasure in our backgammon world ! Top Top commentator !
Thanks Sean…I’m sure that Julian, Andrew, David, Jill and all the commentators will appreciate this ‘New Year’s Honours’ vote .
For anyone who hasn’t experienced the expert commentary on this event by Julian Fetterlein and the other commentators, all the streamed matches can be accessed via the UKBGF Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ukbgf
Alternatively here’s a direct link to the videos: https://www.facebook.com/ukbgf/videos/?view_public_for=510300799062334