Day 6 - Sunday.
THE FINAL(S) DAY
ERGIN ONGEL WINS WORLD CUP CHALLENGE
CONGRATULATIONS TO Ergin Ongel the first Turkish player to win the tournament, breaking the stranglehold of the Germans and Swedes. He beat Karsten Bolge of Denmark in an exciting 23 points final 23-19. The match was wittily commented on by Abe Mosseri. For the many Turks there cheering on their man there was a simultaneous translation - what a cacophony of sound!
The final match wasn't of the highest standard, according to Abe, but it didn't matter to the Turks, they were cheering Ergin when he got good rolls or made good plays and then they were moaning and despairing when the reverse happened. If you closed your eyes you'd swear you were watching Galatasaray beat Man U, not a backgammon match. I'll say one thing for the Turks; they know how to enjoy backgammon.
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| How Michael feels ...
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Due to the fact that I have an early taxi to the airport this report is not as detailed or as long as I'd like, but, I do have to sleep. Because of this the results are slightly short of complete, but, the main ones are recorded in the Results Table. If I don't get at least 4 hours sleep a day I start to look like Sylvester Stallone on a bad day; eyes slanting down at 45 degrees.
It all happened at once today, you name a final, it was being played. The crowds around the tables were so thick that someone as short as me (Tom Cruise is bigger) just couldn't get a look in, even on the large screen; but, my friend Harald Johanni was faithfully recording it and I am hoping he'll give the MSO permission to publish it later.
I have been asked how do I record a match, well, it's a simple system that I use (I think it is) based upon what point number checkers were moved from and not to. I also use a shorthand method of annotation, e.g. the farthest checker from home is always a runner; no matter what point he occupies and I designate this as R; the 13-point is known as M for mid-point and the bar-point . . . yes, you're with me now, it's B.
If a point is made with the roll I don't record what points the checkers were moved from but just the fact that a point has been made thus, 4P for the 4-point. So, there it is, simple ... so if it is so simple why do I make so many mistakes? I make mistakes because I'm only human; Harald is the recording robot!
THE WINNERS
I shan't bore you with lots of names here, if you want to know the full results check out the tables listed on the right.
It seems that the late nights and change of water have finally got to me, I'm not feeling too well at the moment. I went out for some fresh air but it made no difference; I need to rest and not to wander to far from the loo - It's looks as if I will miss the cocktails again (I missed the welcome one's too, what luck eh?), but in my present state I would not be good company.
So it's "iyi aksamlar and allahaismarladik, Turkei," goodnight, and goodbye, Turkey.
- Michael Crane
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