31st Welsh Open has X Factor!

On 28th and 29th June, Barmouth's Dragon Theatre was again the venue for the Welsh Open. 43 players - 13 up on 2024 - took advantage of the two-day tournament - a rarity on the BGA calendar. The higher numbers enabled the hiring of a separate room, where many reviewed their games and non-players could relax and mingle. A standout feature for 2025 was that no fewer than 10 players were from the Welsh clubs of Cardiff (9) and Aberystwyth (1) - surely a record?

The weather was mixed, but there were chances to climb the cliffs for views of the town, its wide bay and the start of Snowdonia National Park's scenic mountainous region. It was great to see old faces and new, as it was also to attract 15 players in the 10k to 24k range. Former winners returning were Alistair Wall (2 wins) and Richard Hunter.

In a tight contest, top winner was the young and very strong Chenhe Yuan (5d No Club) winning 5 out of 6 games. He won on the SOS tie-break (20 to 16). He was duly presented with his prize and the Brian Timmins Plaque, on which his name will duly be engraved for posterity. Brian's daughter Helen (and also her own daughter) kindly attended prizegiving, to present these.

Second place went to Jake Game (4d Swindon), also on 5 wins. Finishing third was Mingda Li (5d, Cardiff), on 4 wins. The prize for 5 wins out of 6 went to the youngest - indeed school-aged - contestant, Joshua Fai (13k No Club). A prize for winning 4 out of 5 went to Cat Maciver (18k No Club). Monetary prizes went to the top three and two others. Pleasingly everybody won at least one game, and a number of players - greater than each of the previous two years - used the event to join the BGA. Results

The organisers - Martin & Helen Harvey - thanked all for coming, and various people including: Pat, Bob S, Peter & Kieran for arranging tables, boards and clocks; Colin, Tony and Toby for transporting Go equipment; several people who washed/wiped some mugs.

We look forward to welcoming back many players - and newcomers of course - to next year's event at a similar time.

Photos: Martin Harvey awarding prizes to Chenhe (with Helen), Jake, Mingda, Joshua and Cat.