On the 3rd of February, Jukka Aalto paid his first visit to the Mill Hill Backgammon club and soon became a regular fixture of the weekly Tuesday tournaments.

During the second season, local players started to take notice as Jukka emerged from under the radar with an impressive string of victories to place second behind season champion Ryan Jones. Jukka's performance lifted further throughout the third season as he edged out Ian Dunstan to take the trophy and the end-of-season value-added tournament.

At the beginning of the final season, Ian Dunstan, incumbent player of the year (2003) enjoyed a slim two-point lead in the battle for Master Points and looked all set for victory as his Finnish rival went bush on a 5-week tour of the outback. But, as any experienced player knows only too well - in backgammon nothing is certain; and it ain't over til' its over.

During Jukka's absence, chaos reigned on the tournie front as Ian managed only a single win allowing Marijo Udovicic to eventually emerge as final season's champion. Upon his return Jukka eased into top gear securing sufficient Master Points to equal his rival by the final night of play. Ian and Jukka were eliminated during the early rounds of the end-of-season tournament producing a tie in the Master Points dual for Player of the Year. In true competitive style they agreed to play a decider match to seven-points from which Jukka emerged with honours as the Mill Hill Backgammon Club Player of the Year 2004.

Sydney Backgammon and the Mill Hill Club extend their appreciation to all players; old and new; regulars and visitors, whose participation made 2004 a success.