ROMANIA TO THE FORE AT WORCESTER

By Mike Snowdon and Garry Jones

The first Worcestershire Open was held at Hillscourt in the picturesque Lickey Hills over the weekend of 1st to 3rd August. Headline results are given below:

​ Serban Murgu is the champion of the inaugural Worcestershire Open, beating Radu Ciortan in an all-Romanian and dramatic final.

Serban Murgu, inaugural Worcestershire Open Champion, and finalist, Radu Ciortan

​That was followed by fellow Romanian Aniel Ciobanu winning the Rose Hill Trophy - the consolation event - in the final against Neil Young. 

Aniel Ciobanu, winner of the Rose Hill Trophy

Neil Young, Rose Hill Trophy finalist

​Meanwhile Andrew Darby triumphed in the Lickey End last chance event, with Hazel Harper the runner-up.

Andy Darby, winner of the Lickey End Cup

Hazel Harper, Lickey End Cup finalist

​And the doubles trophies went to Alex Hannam and Mike Snowdon, defeating Rowena and Stefan Paliwoda in the Saturday night final.

Alex Hannam and Mike Snowdon, winners of the Doubles Tournament

Stefan and Rowena Paliwoda, finalists in the Doubles

There were also several side events to get things going on the Friday night.  Anna Price won the speedgammon in the final against Serban Murgu, while the finalists of the Friday Night Super Jackpot, Mark Dixon and Andrew Darby shared the spoils.  In the other final match:  Mark Dixon took the winning place against Steve Carder in the Friday freeroll, and Andrew Selby just took the win at the Friday Warm Up with the crafty Rowena Paliwoda coming in runner up.  A lot of backgammon played by all!

The 80-player Open, which is part of the UKBGF tour, was held at the Hillscourt Hotel and Conference Centre.

TD Sean Jones said: “As with any tournament, there was a great deal of preparation in the lead-up to the weekend.  As this was our first Worcestershire Open and a new venue for the club, it was always going to be a bit of a nervous occasion – hoping that everything went smoothly, but everyone seemed to have a great weekend, with the facilities, accommodation, and food all fitting the bill.”

“With the ‘other’ big competition going on at the same time, players were able to keep up to date with events at Monte Carlo in between matches.  We hope to be back at Hillscourt next year.  Thanks to everyone who supported the event and all the staff at the venue.

“In particular, I’d like to thank Dave Sanders who put in so much work both before and during the event, along with Kev Jones and Sarah Jolliff who stepped in to help over the weekend.  It was very much appreciated.”

“See you next year.”
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Turning the Tables

In a packed room, Dan Rovira gave a presentation on the Sunday morning on Turning The Tables – winning from a losing position.

Dan Rovira of ‘Backgammon is Beautiful’ fame gave a very informative and provoking talk which will be available on line. For all standards of player there will be something on Dan's YouTube channel of interest including some very good interviews:
https://www.youtube.com/@BackgammonisBeautiful
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As far as the venue is concerned, the playing areas were bright and spacious, along with separate areas for players taking a break from play. Screens in the playing room along with the bar kept players up to speed with the world championships. The staff and food at the venue were excellent, but any feedback on the weekend should be sent to Sean at: [email protected]