The Mill Hill Backgammon Club hosted its annual Christmas Open on Sunday 8th December. Here is organiser Mark Driver's report and some photos...

Sunday the 8th of December and the heat was on. As bush fires ringed the city suburbs, backgammon players reveled in the fire of Christmas competition inside the Mill Hill Hotel. The main 32-player field (with limited buybacks) was split wide open after the surprise early knockouts of heavy-weight contenders including last year's victor, Mick (The Monster) Dyett, finalist Alex Falon, and Newcastle Open reigning champion Ian Dunstan. Throughout the day lively chouettes sprung up across the room providing a comforting haven of side action for the tourney victims. As the dust settled on the main battlefield four players emerged from the carnage with a guaranteed share of the prize money and their sights firmly set on the winner's trophy. The semi finals witnessed a solid duel between Mill Hill regulars David Reitzin and Marijo Udovicic, whilst Stefan Post struggled to retain an early match lead against Sydney veteran Eva Bittel. Eva, who is no stranger to clenching a post-Crawford victory from the jaws of defeat, fought hard to come from behind but was let down by her dice in a close race to the finish the line.

Stefan and Marijo shook hands and took their seats for the ultimate eleven-point match. Throughout the match Marijo exuded confidence only pausing to ponder the odd bear-off or bear-in condundrum. On the other side of the board, under relentless pressure, Stefan wrestled with every decision and fell further and further behind under the ruthless onslaught from Marijo's hot dice and punishing cube action. Less than 30 minutes after the opening roll, Marijo leaned back in his seat and allowed a big smile to crack across his face. He had secured the winners trophy, the bonus pool and even managed to win a lucky random draw prize, so setting the scene for a very Merry Xmas.

Congratulations were also due to the winner of the Intermediate event Alex Ivanovski and to runner-up and first-time tourney entrant, Kim Valentinsig whose recent backgammon lessons from partner Ian Dunstan proved to be fruitful. Alex and Kim were also the lucky and 'unlucky' (depending on your perspective) winners of the 'First backgammon-score in the tournament'. Many thanks go out to all participants, and the staff of the Mill Hill Hotel and Bistro for making the day a big success.

*Photos courtesy Mark Driver

Christmas Open - December 8th 2002

	Winner "Super" Marijo Udovicic
	Runner Up Stefan Post
	Intermediate winner and runner up Alex Ivanovski (r) and Kim Valentinsig (l)