Evidence of the growing strength of the UK’s riichi playing community was on clear display in Valencia over the weekend of 15/16 September where Nick Dyer took second place over the classic eight round event. Nick occupied a ‘podium’ spot throughout most of the tournament and was only pipped in the last two rounds by Paola Bungaro (a.k.a. Mrs Paola Dyer) in the final two rounds.
In round seven, Paola successfully brought home the rarely seen 13 sided wait for Thirteen Orphans hand (Kokoshimusou) which helped propel her into a significant lead, which she resolutely defended in the final hanchan.
This is the first time we have heard of a married couple (or even a not married couple) walking off with the top prizes in any tournament.
Unofficial sources quote Mr. Dyer as being ‘quite pleased’ with his second place!