Six players welcomed the New Year and the first round of the 2008 Maricopa Cup in Simi Valley. The field included both winners from the Bastogne Memorial Open, Wayne Smith (Open winner) and Andrea Guarducci (Mary Jane winner), and Dominic Hutchinson who has graduated from “newcomer” status to “experienced” player this year.

Smith started 2008 in the same manner he had finished 2007 finishing in first place without losing a game. Simon Hutchinson’s narrow win over Kevin Nieman was enough to give him second place. Nieman finished in third place due to his superior goal difference over Guarducci. Dominic Hutchinson finished in fifth place with one win. Adam Carlson finished in sixth with one draw.

Guarducci’s catenaccio defense, excellent flicking, and use of the Maricopa Vase rules made it too hard for the top three players to beat him. Dominic was the only person to do so, and that game was played using regular rules.

A full report and all the scores can be found here»