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Backgammon NewsAugust 19, 2008Florida State Championship - Tournament Reportby Phil SimborgThe weekend of August 15-18, 2008 had many of the best backgammon players in the US show up in the very hot Ft. Lauderdale, Florida area for a great backgammon tournament. The Open Division and Masters had some of the best, including Neil Kazaross, Mike Corbett, Ed O’Laughlin, Richard Muniz, Stick Rice, Perry Gartner, Malcolm Davis, Ray Fogerlund, Petko Kostadinov, and Al Hodis, along with many others in a very strong field.Home town wonder Mike Corbett gave a lecture on his new book, Backgammon Positions, and proved that he knew what he was talking about, winning the tournament. I had a great tournament, getting to the semi finals by defeating two of the strongest players in the world, Richard Muniz and Al Hodis, and a very fine opponent from Canada, Mike Friedman. I lost in the semis at double-match-point in a very tough match against Steve Flam, and Steve game Mike a tough run for his money in the finals. Backgammon Tournament Results:In the Masters, Ray Fogerlund proved why he is one of the best in the world, defeating Alan Martin in the finals. Julie Somers won the Novice, and Neil Kazaross won the Sunshine Cup event which included the winning of a lovely new backgammon board. I also served as the auctioneer for the Calcutta, and many great prizes were given away. Thanks go to Elaine Feinstein and her staff for a great event. |