And not only the World Champion, but also the top two World Backgammon Giants, Mochy (L) and Michy (R).
We are immensely proud to announce that not only will the amazing Akiko Yazawa (current World Backgammon Champion) be playing in the 2014 UK Open, but also the top two Backgammon Giants, Masayuki Mochizuki (“Mochy”) and Michihito Kageyama (“Michy”) as well! Japanese Backgammon Giants seem to have something in common with London buses. You wait patiently for one to confirm his attendance at the UK Open, and then suddenly three decide to come all at once!
Anyone who has either played her, or who watched the nail-biting world championship finals streamed from Monte Carlo, will know that Akiko Yazawa is a formidably strong player – whatever the pressure. The tension of the final was bad enough for me, a mere internet spectator, as Akiko fought back in the deciding match only to find herself in a miserable, busted 2-point game at DMP. From a position in which she had only 5% winning chances she staged a thrilling, dramatic recovery to add the world crown to her growing list of tournament victories.
Mochy hardly needs an introduction. Probably the best known professional player on the world backgammon circuit and currently ranked #1 player in the world, he is a great ambassador for the game and has won far too many titles to list here, including becoming World Champion himself five years ago. Mochy will be presenting his 4th Backgammon Exam and subsequent seminar at the UK Open. More information on this will follow when available.
Michy is also a professional backgammon player and is currently #2 in the world, with a string of tournament successes including World Championship finalist in 2012. Just two weeks ago, Michy claimed top place in the 9th Portuguese Open with an impressive 9 wins from 10 matches.
We are hoping to stage an exhibition match between our guest team of “Japanese Giants” and the strongest UK team we can assemble! At the time of writing we have been presented with the challenge but as yet nothing has been firmly arranged. However, if you want to witness this gladiatorial spectacle at the appropriately-named Ricoh Arena you would be well-advised to arrive early on Friday afternoon!
(undefeated bracket)
If you haven’t yet registered for the UK Open please do so NOW by emailing contact@ukbgf.com. Please supply your full name and state which flight you wish to enter (Championship, Intermediate or Beginners). Full details of the UK Open are available here.
Please note that hotel availability is now very limited. Updates will be posted under the Venue/Accommodation section of the UK Open page. If you do not wish to play, or are unable to commit, you are welcome to visit the event as a guest in order to experience the atmosphere of a big tournament. Once again, please email contact@ukbgf.com to let us know you are coming.
What are you waiting for? Do it now!
With reference to Martin’s comment above, I lost to Akiko AND Mochy at the London Open
I’m not sure whether I should be looking for revenge or my entry fee back!
Great to hear that the strongest japanese players are coming!
I lost to Akiko in the quarterfinal at the World Championships – maybe I can take revenge in Coventry?! 🙂
Peter, a great article !!! I am a free-lance writer based in Tokyo. Lately, I am writing about Backgammon and most recently Akiko. Great that media attention is rising in Japan as a result of Akiko’s recent victory. You can find me at Facebook Ken Katsumi. Thanks again for your write-up !!!
Great news for everyone including the UK open. When I saw mochys post on FB saying they were all going to the Geogian and UK open I was indeed impressed. Lovely people who I have come across pretty regularly and recently on my backgammon travels and will be great to see them in gladiatorial bg combat and for me to finally take part in one of mochys exam and seminars. Well done all concerned.
Excellent news!!! Not only are they the best in the world as players, they do a great deal to actively promote our game, which can only be a good thing for us all.