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BRITISH OPEN

Main (114)
What a great turnout; for the third time we had an entry of 114 players; the two other occasions being 1996 when it was won by Stephen Turner and 1999 when one of the top players in the world, Neil Kazaross, won it. Tournament sponsor, Amico Drinks in the guise of Andrew Sarjeant had hoped to break the record but it seems we're stuck on the 'Groundhog Day' one hundred and fourteen!

Andrew's generous prize fund of £600 was very welcome, and, with it being pitched towards encouraging new players to enter by offering cash prizes to the Main Top Intermediate and Main Beginner and prizes for the Last Chance and Sad Losers (Andrew's choice!), it was extremely successful inasmuch as Biba gained a dozen new members.

Defending champion, Rachel Rhodes made it into the last sixteen, as did two other female players, Sarah Rosich and Helen Helm-Sager (Brighton 2001). Unfortunately Rachel was knocked out by Stuart Mann and failed to make the last eight; Sarah went out at the same time to new-comer, Chris Rogers who, thanks to this victory went home with the Top Beginner's prize of £100; well done, Chris. Helen faired a little better (by one round) but went out thanks to Steve Hallett.

Chris Rogers - Top Beginner

I was unable to watch this match myself but by all accounts it went down to the wire and could have gone either way; and it went Stuart's way, robbing Dave of being the first player to win it twice.

	So, the final: Steve Hallett vs. Stuart Mann. You couldn't find two more contrasting players if you tried; Steve is so hirsute that before the filming of the final (yes, at last I've managed to capture another on video!) he combed his hair and beard - but forgot to do his arms! Stuart, on the other hand is the complete opposite of Steve, with a head as bare as a babies bum - which caused problems with glare with the overhead camera each time he leaned over the board!
Stuart Mann		Steve Hallett