The 2023 Eastcoaster Swiss Pairs was held at the Eastcoaster Resort in Orford on the weekend of 19-20 August. This event was started last year, and it was great to see it grow by 8 tables this year with 48 pairs competing. The field included a strong contingent from the north of the state. Many people stayed overnight at the Eastcoaster and there was an event dinner on the Saturday night at the Eastcoaster's restaurant.
The field covered the full range of experience, with some people playing in their first Swiss Pairs competition. The field played nine matches of nine boards across three sessions, two on Saturday and one on Sunday morning. Prizes were awarded for the overall field and for novice and restricted categories (less than 25 and 150 masterpoints respectively). Pleasingly all players earned some red masterpoints for their weekend's efforts.
The winners overall were Tania Lloyd and Hugh Grosvenor. Jeremy Reid and Chris Girvan came second. Third were Mardi and John Grosvenor.
Winners of the restricted category (and 9th overall) were Julia Johnson and Sharn Davies. Second in the restricted category were Engelina and Graeme Poulton. Winners in the novice category were Penny Padgett and Sue Millar. Second in the novice category were David Blackburn and Ian Ritchard (no photo available).
Full results for the event are available here.
Many thanks to the Eastcoaster for their generous support of the event, and for all of their efforts in making the weekend a success. The Eastcoaster donated a free accommodation package as a lucky door prize, which was won by Engelina Poulton. Thanks also to the Tasmanian Wine Centre for providing prizes.
Thank you to Erica McCoull for a massive effort as event convenor. A special thanks to Jenny Adey and Jegs Nuttall for stepping in at the last minute to replace a pair who had to withdraw. Thanks also to Simon Edler for directing. And, of course, thank you to everybody who played ...
