“That was the most competitive tournament we have had here (in Southern California) since the 1999 Western States Open” was how winner Wayne Smith characterized the event.  This was Smith’s seventh Open win in California since 2000.

Players came from as far as Laguna Niguel in Orange County, the San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks to participate.  With 60 goals being scored in 20 games there was plenty of action for the spectators to enjoy. 

Smith went through the initial round robin section wining all five games of his games, and without conceding a goal.  Competition was fierce between the other five players, with four of the games ending in ties, as they fought out who would qualify for the Open semi finals.

“I was disappointed with my performance today.”  Simon Hutchinson said. “Having been 2-0 up at half time in my first two games both of my opponents managed to equalize with just two minutes left.” These ties combined with two defeats consigned Hutchinson to the ‘Mary Jane’ along with John Saucedo.

John Carroll, Kevin Nieman, Smith, and Steve Tucker advanced to the Open’s semi finals. 

After Nieman’s 0-4 defeat at the hands of Smith in their semi final Kevin explained that his success on reaching them was due to “changes in strategy”.

“I was feeling confident going into the semi final against Wayne.  He did not let up and crushed me.” Nieman said, echoing the sentiments of many of Smith’s opponents.

After beating Carroll in their semi final Tucker faced Smith in the final. “Losing 4-1 was not a reflection of the final.”  Tucker said of the game that was tied at half time.  “Sometimes you make mistakes and you are punished for them.  I came close, but just could not finish it off.”

In the Open’s Third Place play off Carroll defeated Nieman.

In the ‘Mary Jane’ final Hutchinson beat Saucedo. Saucedo is a number of upcoming players who started playing Subbuteo this year.  This was his first appearance in an Open, and his ability to flick showed that once he understands the rules and the tactics of the game he will able to play at the same level as the others.

Tucker summed up the day. “It was a great tournament, the most competitive to date. I had a lot of fun today.”

A link to the photographs of the tournament can be found here»