September 2010 The ESOB London Open, UK

2009 Champion:                Uli Koch, Germany

2009 runner-up:               Julian Fetterlein, UK

Around 100 of the world’s top players competed to be crowned the first ever London Open champion in 2009. For its second year, the event, held on the south bank of the River Thames will join the ESOB Tour.

Three separate competitions are open to players of Championship, intermediate and casual standard, with side-game jackpots, blitzes and chouettes running throughout the weekend.  Although competition promises to be among the toughest of any of the ESOB’s tournaments, the action itself takes place in the relaxed environment of the venue’s outdoor terrace, overlooking the City’s most famous landmarks across the river.

German Uli Koch won last season’s inaugural London Open, beating Julian Fetterlein in a tense final.

The event was an unprecedented success and attracted a high quality of competitors, with players from as far afield as Japan, Romania and the United States competing in the 56-strong Championship flight. A further 30 players participated in the intermediate and casual competitions and the total prize fund exceeded £12,000.

Mike Main, Director of event organisers Backgammon in London, said, “The quality of play and a gorgeous setting made it a truly fantastic weekend and produced one of the most exciting events I can remember.”

Tournament Details

Dates:                  24th - 26th September 2010

Venue:                 Doggett’s Coat & Badge, 1 Blackfriars Bridge, London  SE1 9UD

Format:                Knockout

Website:              www.backgammoninlondon.com