100 + Again
RA broke the century mark for the fourth straight time and
saw an increase in attendance for the third straight year as
121 would-be pharoahs vied for the coveted Sceptor of Power.
We had a consistent field for each heat as there were 10,11,12,
and10 tables respectively for a total of 35 different winners.
Carol Haney, Winton Lemoine, Michael Nickoloff, Carmen Petruzzi,
Brad Sherwoood and Bobbi Warczak won two each while Alex Bove
became the top seed heading into the semifinals by winning in
three of the four heats. With nine no-shows, it took at least
one victory in the heats to advance. One heat winner appearing
for the semi's was denied entry as only the top 25 were allowed
to advance.
Only Alex Bove of the afore mentioned multiple heat winners
won his semifinal to advance. One other semifinal of note matched
defending champion Steve Scott at the same table as two-time
champion Tom Dunning, assuring the Final one less past champion.
Tom RA'd out early and held on for a 7-point victory over Steve.
Who would prevail in the finals? Would it be multiple champion
Tom Dunning or this year's hot hand, Alex Bove who had been near
unbeatable in winning four of five contests with the only blemish
being a 2nd in a two-point loss. With two such great players,
it should come as no surprise that they tied 45 all. As Tom turned
over his 15 sun for the tiebreaker I was about to congratulate
him on winning yet another championship when Alex declared he
had the 16 sun. What a great finish to a fine tournament as Alex
Bove wins his first RA Championship.
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