Norway's greatest in Sweden

by Pom Mickelsson

The 26th Swedish Open finished late on the Sunday after a tough weekend. On Friday,  the backgammon tournament started with a social event which was followed by a Consultation Double, with 39 pairs. They played in the round robin on the first day with the three National Team members. Norway won by  4-2.

The main events began on Saturday with 101 players in the three classes. Unfortunately, fewer players than previous years participated. The free Youth Class started on Saturday with 10 players below 18. Youngest backgammon player, Lukas Sevelin, six year, was stopped in the second round by Erik Fröschl10. The winner was Rikard Åkerlund. 

Atle Von Der Fehr, Norway, won against the former chaiman of the Swedish federation. Rikard Åberg. Manoucher Parchami and Michael Löfblad. Manoucher lost against Swedish player, Michael Löfblad. Hans Liby, Norway, won against Timo Väätainen and the highest rated Swede Per-Ola Valfridsson lost against his league team pal, Henrik Hartman.

The popular Re-Buy Blitz took place on the Sunday. It was a lengthy event as players refused to give up. Loui Westin, a recent player who we expect to see much more of, won the semi finals. Tomas Walter, who came all the way from Berlin won the Advanced class.

The Norwegians were favourites in the Champion class, leaving the Swedes to fear a non-Swede final. Atle Von Der Fehr won against Manoucher Parchami. Henrik Hartman, the "Swedish hero" beat Hans Liby. The final was broadcasted on commented by the Swedish Backgammon Federation’s Chairman, Lars Degerman.

The final match played by Norway and Sweden was won by Norway. Per-Ola Valfridsson left the tournament with a win after his match against Hans Liby. Lars Degerman managed to win against Atle which resulted in a tie. Last out was Thomas Rönn against Sondre Rikke. The match went on to DMP and Thomas was favourite. Sondre hit and Norway won. The super jackpot ended up in a split between Robert Lindbom and Pavel Bielewicz.

Double consultation had three Persians and a lady. Muhammad “Omid” Badiei/Jamshid Arani beat Shahin Azami/Ingrid Söderstjärna.

All results will be presented at www.sbgf.se/so/  The DVD will be for sale for 200 SEK including the postage. Save up some money and come to Swedish Open next year that probably will be earlier on the fall.