The first North London mahjong tournament was held in Cheshunt on 3rd and 4th November. Masterminded by Michael Donaghy, and with the assistance of some willing helpers, the tournament was a great success and attracted 36 players from 7 countries and all parts of the UK (including the Shetlands!).
The location was the Lee Valley YMCA which provided an excellent playing room, and a very good location with on site accommodation, and good communications – the coffee and wine were good too!
The pattern of the tournament was set very early on with Aidan Robison scoring 76200 on the very first Hanchan, and Russell Chan 2nd at that stage with 50000. These two, along with Anthony EA, were near the top of the rankings throughout, and it was Aidan who emerged triumphant after the 8 hanchans with a total score of 143000, followed by Russell (who won 5 of his tables) with 129000 and Anthony with 114400. It was very pleasing to see that the only other player with a score over 100000 was Tom Wood who has been supporting the UK tournaments (travelling from Manchester) since he was in short trousers!
It is also pleasing to see that there is a growing number of players around the North London area, and it is to be hoped that we shall see a 2nd North London tournament shortly – perhaps even in 2019.