In the knock-out stage of the Club Championship 2022, four players met each other for semi-finals and finals to determine the top-3. These were Dan Pascu (Winter champion), Johan Segers (Spring and Autumn champion), and Toon Van Herreweghen and Henri Pollet, in view of their spot in the overall club championship ranking. All matches were to be played to 9 points.
In the semi-final between Dan and Johan, it was Johan who took a quick lead with 5-0. But despite advancing to 7-4, he had to let Dan come back to 7-7. In the final game, an early (mandatory) cube was given, and Dan won, to secure the first spot in the final. In the other semi-final, Toon defeated Henri. This meant that the final was to be played between Dan and Toon, while Henri and Johan would fight for the third place. In the final, it was now Dan how took a quick 5-0 lead, but Toon who made a come-back. He eventually won the match and thus the championship title, just over a month after winning the Leuven Open. Congratulations, Toon — and thanks also for the efficient administration! In the other match, Henri won and completed the top-3.
Besides these matches, a regular Leuven Monthly took place too, with nine participants. The Soccer WC2022 final at 16h meant that some players left early to watch the match and cheer for their favourite team. Nevertheless, some fun and interesting backgammon action took place in the familiar venue of the Squash Club De Vaart in Wilsele.
In 2023, the Leuven Monthly and Club Championship tournament series starts again, in the familiar format. Normally, we play each third Sunday of the month. In January, however, we play exceptionally already on Sunday, January 8, an view of the Vlissingen Masters tournament on January 14-15.
We wish you happy holidays and we look forward to resume live backgammon action in 2023!