Alex Kent Wins Yet Another Goat Ornament

The Durham Go Tournament was again this year held in the middle of the World Heritage Site on Palace Green, overlooked by both Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, reports organiser Andrew Ambrose-Thurman.

The tournament had a large number of entrants, including two people who had not only never played in a tournament before but who had never played over the board before. They brought the total to 33, an unexpectedly large increase on last year, and playing was so crushed during Round 1 that we had to go out and obtain more tabletops before Round 2.

On the Saturday night, after Round 3, was an all-you-can-eat BBQ. Unfortunately, after a week of sunshine, the day of the tournament had been overcast - and it started to rain soon after people arrived from the tournament venue. Undaunted, people sat and ate until forced inside by the rain (as illustrated), where there was much Go playing (helped or hindered by similar quantities of sloe gin).

We continued on the Sunday with a further 3 rounds. These were only slightly distracted by the unexpected arrival of a vintage MG car rally outside the building, and by the ringing of a peal on the Cathedral bells to celebrate the Queen's birthday.

The tournament was won by Alex Kent, who was awarded the traditional Goat Ornament (joining his herd from previous years' wins), with Sandy Taylor coming a very close second (tie-breaking on SOS by two points). Prizes (various edible treats from Durham Cathedral) were also given out to the other players on 5 wins: Michael Kyle (14k Manchester) and Joshua Kent (9k No Club).

The tournament had two side events - Lightning and Small Board - both of which were won by our youngest entrant, Edmund Smith (8k).

Results

Durham Go Tournament 2017 will return next year at about the same time.