Erich Hinkelmann winner in Steinabrückl

On Thursday six players competed in a league format in Steinabrückl, lower Austria. There were good and fair games but the level was very high. Erich Hinkelmann won the tournament, finishing on top of the league while Stefan Sandner was runner-up. A good day was had by all. Huge thanks to Alexander Haas for making things happen under WASPA banner.

The final standings were as follows:
1. Erich Hinkelmann
2. Stefan Sandner
3. Manfred Pawlica
4. Alexander Haas
5. Robert Lenz
6. Christian Blümel

Pretoria Cup & Plate event provides great action

Saturday 05 May 2018, Pretoria, South Africa : 
The 3rd edition of the Pretoria Cup & Plate Event attracted a field of 12 players - the players were divided into two separate sections to compete for
the Cup & Plate honours respectively.

A Section - Cup Division Summary
A tough, competitive field with Chessray Jooste and Jayden vd Merwe setting the early pace in Round 1 & Round 2 action to lead the standings. Bevin Reed then recorded a hard fought 2-1 win over Chessray in Round 4 to claim 2nd place overall by virtue of the "head to head" ruling. Jayden then scored 3 brilliant goals to dispatch of Julian vd Merwe by 3-0  to go top of the standings by himself, and in so doing Jayden claimed his 14th WASPA title to date.

List of Pretoria Cup winners :
2016 - Bevin Reed
2017 - Chessray Jooste
2018 - Jayden vd Merwe

B Section - Plate Division Summary
An equally competitive field as the Cup division. Marlin Boyd grabbed everybody's attention with a convincing 3-0 Round 1 win over Gary Downs, and Marlin actually held the top spot for the remainder of the day. Conway Julie constantly found himself in the top 3 positions all afternoon. Stanton Nortjie was lingering within touching distance of Marlin all day, and when Stanton beat Imtiaz Ahmed by 2-0 in Round 4 action, it was Stanton who temporarily went top of the standings. Gary was staging a comeback after his opening defeat and recorded 3 wins on the trot - actually knocking Conway out of contention in Round 4 by way of a 1-0 win. When Marlin dispatched of Rowin Wilson by 1-0 in Round 4, the event was pushed into a final play-off match between Marlin Boyd and Gary Downs. That match ended 0-0 and we needed penalty shots to decide the winner of the Plate. Gary raced into a 2-0 lead during the shoot out, but Marlin clawed his way back to take the shoot out by 3-2.

List of Pretoria Plate winners :
2016 - Kegan vd Merwe
2017 - Stanton Nortjie
2018 - Marlin Boyd

The day's individual acknowledgements :
"Goal Blitz" - Jayden vd Merwe ended the day as the overall top scorer
"Player of the day - one to watch" - once again Gary Downs showed great resolve to bounce back from an opening Round 1 defeat to force his way to a play-off spot.
"Tough as nails" - Osvaldo van Niekerk displayed great goalkeeping skills again to eventually concede and suffer a 1-0 loss to Bevin in Round 1.
"Moment of the Day" - a great second goal for Stanton Nortjie in his Round 4 victory over Imtiaz to end the day with a glimmer of hope in an attempt
to defend his Pretoria Plate title.

As always, a big thank you to all who attended to make the day a great success.

The PFC website & facebook page will be updated shortly with photo's & news content at :
http://pfctest.leaguerepublic.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PFC-SA/519566284755728

(report by Julian vd Merwe)

Davide Visani wins in Firenze

On Monday, the 6th tournament of the season in Firenze, Italy had an impressive turnout of 21 players. Besides 20 italians, Serbia's Milan Knezevic wasthe special guest of the evening. As always, there was a group stage and then games in knock-out. Davide Visani defeated Luca Pini in the final (1-0) while Matteo cherici and Marco Bonciani made it to the semis. Alessio Riccio won the games for the 9th place and Mirko masini the games for the 13th place. Congratulations to the club of Firenze!

Kenny Beggs wins Derry International tournament

 

Kenny Beggs and Mickey Bradley

The first ever Derry Open international Tournament took place this week-end in Northern Ireland. "We had a fantastic event with 24 players from 5 nations taking part. We had coverage on the BBC news and a trophy presentation by Mickey (My Perfect Cousin) Bradley of the Undertones. Spread over 2 days we had an individual event on Saturday 5th May and a team event on Sunday 7th. The Saturday saw an amazing all Ireland final played out between Mark Farrell and Kenny Beggs. An impressive performance from both saw them draw 1-1, with Kenny Beggs taking the win in a sudden death shoot out", reported organizer Martinog Bradley.

Glasgow won the team event

The team event saw Glasgow TSC retain their Interclub Invitational title for the second year running. DCTFC made impressive improvement at this years event, taking runner up over London Road and Wolverhampton subbuteo clubs.

WASPA standings of April 2018

Dear friends,
you will find in the attached files the monthly standings of the WASPA circuit after all events held in April.

You will find the details about the circuit in the attached files:
- the season results (PDF);
- the rankings and statistics (Excel).

We have added many tournaments in the records: 33 regional events, 6 promotional tournaments, 1 tournament with old rules, 1 tournament with advanced rules, 3 more days of the NETFA mini-leagues.

The first gathering under WASPA banner in Peru

As the WASPA circuit is still growing, this month we had the pleasure to see the first events in Russia and Peru. We are aware that these nations are starting from nothing so any help will be more than welcome. Anyway, having games under WASPA banner in these countries is a huge achievement for the whole table football community.

We are also pleased to see the first event run by the Greek club of Olympia. The tournament was a success with 27 players taking part.

Amazing work with the youth in Sydney, Australia

England was very active in April with 8 different tournaments. Kent Invicta had several events and Harrow had a successful event with 12 players.

Action in Russia

The work together with FISTF was positive with WASPA games played during the Grand Prix of Austria (huge thanks to TSC Royal 78) and the Satellite of Sydney (huge thanks to Sydney TFC).

We with good luck to the Farrer Park Flickers, which is the new name of the Jurong Central Subbuteo Club. The Singapore guys have a new venue as well and will remain a very active club in the WASPA circuit.

New name and new start for Singapore's top club

The "youth in action" program is also a success. We are glad to see nations such as Australia putting a lot of energy to have Junior tournaments. That's the way to go.

Some words about the rankings:
- we are glad to have 139 players in the junior ranking. Maybe some names are missing so if you know some players born in 2001 or later who are not involved, please send the player's birthdate.
- we have 28 "top clubs" and it's great to see Lincoln (England), Sydney (Australia) and Ebenfurth (Austria) added in the list.
- right now we have 17 clubs involved in the "ranking of junior clubs". It's great to see some smaller clubs involved like Castle Newham (England), Cardiff (Wales), Mostoles (Spain) and Kaiserau (Germany) and maybe that will be an incentive for these clubs to be more involved in the WASPA circuit in the future.

Amazing turnout of 27 in Greece

Congratulations to England and Australia for reaching the amazing number of 200 regional tournaments. That's a great achievement.

Once again, thanks to all organizers and players for contributing to make the WASPA circuit always more attractive.

Please also make sure tournaments are announced a few days in advance. Please send your dates and tournament details to vincent.cop@rsca.com

Well, that's all for now. Please remember you only need 3 players to register your tournament. Don't be scared to join. It's free and tournament requests can be sent by e-mail to vincent.cop@rsca.com

Keep an eye on the WASPA blog at http://waspa-circuit.blogspot.com as there are updates almost every day.

Kent Invicta players in action

Please invite your friends to join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/waspasubbuteo/
We also have a WASPA page here: https://www.facebook.com/WASPA-World-Amateur-Subbuteo-Players-Association-231789816834700/

Keep in mind WASPA is also looking for partners. If you know any company ready to support us (we don’t ask for money but we want some win-win agreements so that we can promote each other), don't hesitate to contact me at vincent.cop@rsca.com

Ideas to develop the WASPA circuit, to get new clubs/nations involved or to make things more attractive are always welcome. We stay at your disposal for more info.

Yours sincerely,
Vincent Coppenolle

Peter Alegi wins Flicko de Mayo

Chris Sweetland vs Joe Legatz 

Alegi, 2018 Flicko de Mayo winner

The 7th annual Flicko de Mayo tournament was played on May 5, at The Summit Sports Complex in Lansing, Michigan. Participants came from Iowa, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and, of course, Michigan.

The first round of group play featured some exciting games. Erik Haefke held Alegi to a fiercely contested 1-1 draw, while Chris Sweetland scored the only goal against Paul Pate in a crucial head-to-head match. IIias Gikas bounced back from two early losses with a string of impressive wins. Alex Galarza and Joe Legatz put in solid performances as well.

In the semifinals, Haefke fought off Gikas’s comeback and Alegi took care of Sweetland. Alegi’s shooting touch was on fine display in the final, which he won 5-1 over Haefke.

In the last event of the day, Chicago TSC defeated Grand Rapids TSC 2-1 in the Great Lakes Cup (Team Challenge).

Chicago TSC, winners of the 2018 Great Lakes Cup (Team Challenge)

Thanks to all participants for the good competition and camaraderie. See you in 2019!

Alekos Apatzis king of old rules

The club of OSC Kallithea Flame held a WASPA tournament with old rules on April 28 and there was a good field of 12 players. it was already the 13th tournament with old rules in Greece. the winner was Alekos Apatzis who defeated Giannis Mpougiouris (2-0) in the final. The event was played in a good spirit and with old equipment, which made it was a special day for everybody!

Nicky Chappell wins in Gillingham

8 players played some entertaining games in the Kent league this week as Nicky Chappell took the win in the final with a 2-0 victory over Terry Arnold. Current League leader Kye Arnold and Terry both won their groups before Nicky edged Kye 1-0 in a very close semi-final whilst Terry beat Rob McCormick 2-0 in the other Semi. The 3rd/4th playoff saw Kye beat Rob with a solitary goal in sudden death shots with Paul Frank taking 5th with a 2-0 win over Mel Stanford. Simon Keane then grabbed a fantastic 2-0 win over Tony Whitelock in the final round to finish 7th with Tony in 8th. The Kent League will continue through May at Playfootball in Gillingham.

Final Placings:-
1. Nicky Chappell
2. Terry Arnold
3. Kye Arnold
4. Rob McCormick
5. Paul Frank
6. Mel Stanford
7. Simon Keane
8. Tony Whitelock

Western Flickers TFC Present the Victorian Championships 2018

The Victorian Championships returned for its 2018 version with The Ngs, Benny and Benjamin, looking to retain their Open and Junior titles. They were joined by 9 other Open players and 7 other juniors making 18 players in total at the Coburg Athletics Track clubrooms.

The Open players were split into 3 groups. Group A comprised defending champion Benny Ng, Kevin Grant and Anthony Madiona from Western Flickers. With Benny defeating both players, it was left to the other two gentlemen to provide the game of the tournament. Anthony swiftly took a 3 nil lead, but true to the form of the Liverpool team he plays with, he choked and by half time Kevin had pulled back 2 goals. The 2nd half promised so much and delivered a tighter contest with neither player able to add to their first half tally. Thus Benny advanced to the semi finals and Anthony to the Barrage, with Kevin going to the Plate.

Group B comprised Luke Radziminski from Melbourne TFC, Christos Garagounis from Northern Phoenix and Arjuna Hanafi from Western Flickers. As with Group A, Luke won his 2 games advancing to the semi finals. Arjuna and Christos battled for 2nd place in the group and another tense battle ensued. However, neither player could break the others defence down and a 0-0 result meant that Christos advanced to the Barrage based on his 1-0 loss to Luke.

Group C was a 4 person group with seeded Simon Briffa, Steve Wright and new lady Juliette Littlewood from Western Flickers and Beth Eveleigh from Northern Phoenix. 6 games, 6 results, 4 by the narrow 1-0 score line.  At the end of the group Simon and Steve progressed with Simon topping the group courtesy of a 1-0 win over Steve. Beth finished 3rd and Juliette in only her 2nd tournament performed admirably with some really close games.

The Barrage round was set with Simon against Anthony and Christos against Steve. Simon cruised to a 2 nil victory, while Christos and Steve played a tense 0-0 draw that could not be settled after a further period of extra time.  A controversial shot shootout ensued which Steve eventually won 2-0.

The competition moved into semi finals. Luke outclassed Simon 4-0. Steve took a 2-1 half time lead but could not hold on in the second and Benny came from behind for a 3-2 win.

The final was another tight affair, with both Luke and Benny having their chances. However, Benny managed to take 2 of his and ran out as a 2-0 winner and secure his 2nd consecutive Victorian Championship.

The 8 junior players were split into 2 groups of 4. In group A, Benjamin secured 3 wins to top the group without conceding a goal. Billy started with a 2 nil win over Liam and a 2 nil loss to Benjamin. With Liam defeating Jayden 1 – 0, it left Billy needing a point with Jayden to secure advancing to the semi finals and he achieved that with a dramatic goal. Newcomer Liam secured his first win in a WASPA and played well in his other games.

In Group B, The Briffa brothers once again met in the qualifying rounds and they played out a 1 – 1 draw. With Charlotte losing to Alex 1-0 and both players defeating Crystal, it left Alex qualified and Charlotte needing to beat Harrison to advance to the semi final. Despite a tense game, she was unable to break the deadlock and Harrison advanced. Crystal managed goals against her two brothers and played really well and is developing her game.

Semi finals matched Alex and Billy and Benjamin and Harrison and both group winners eased through 2-0. The final was another tense affair with many chances but no opportunities taken. A 0-0 result meant that the game went to sudden death extra time, first goal wins, and after about 2 minutes, Benjamin managed to craft himself an opening and take the game with a 1-0 win.

So both father and son Ng managed to defend their Victorian Championships in 2018 and we await another exciting chapter next year.

I must thank the following for their assistance in running the championships; Kevin for his tireless efforts with boards and Tony for bringing mini-Anfield; Arjuna and Kevin for the interval BBQ; Simon for getting the trophies and Adrian for organising the schedule. And thanks to the three Victorian clubs for being represented and making the Championships a success.

Subbuteo Parramatta Autumn Junior WASPA Tournament Report

It has been exactly one year since Good Games Bella Vista played host to Subbuteo Parramatta for the first time. Before the store was even officially opened, it enthusiastically let the club hold a Junior WASPA tournament during the April school holidays. And, so, one year on, the Junior players were back for an anniversary tournament. With 8 players in attendance, the tournament was the largest Juniors only tournament the club has held to date.

The Northern Falcons brought along a strong contingent to join some of the Subbuteo Parramatta regulars and a couple of new players. Oliver and Æowyn were the highest two ranked WASPA players and so took the seeded positions in each group. The other 6 were then drawn randomly into the two groups.

Round One saw Oliver battle his sister, Hermine, the far more experienced older brother taking the honours 3-0. Meanwhile, their club mate Jonas played brand new Subbuteo Parramatta player, Ethan, in his first ever tournament. Ethan put up an excellent showing, but Jonas pipped him 1-0. In Group 2, none of the four players could find the goal. The Elmer sisters hadn’t played since their outing in last September’s Sydney International Open and it was showing as relative newcomer, Angela, playing her second ever tournament, and youngster Moritz, were both able to hold them to scoreless draws.

The second round was a repeat performance in Group Two, with different player combinations. This time, Imojjen and Æowyn played out a scoreless draw, as did Moritz and Angela. In Group One, Hermine put in an excellent showing, also holding Jonas to a scoreless draw. Tournament favourite, Oliver, put 2 goals past Ethan, the result showing that Ethan was picking up the finer points of the game very quickly.

In the final round, Group One took its turn to go entirely without troubling the scorer as 2 very close games ended in 0-0 draws. Organisers were sweating over some results in Group Two, however, as further draws could have led to a 4-way shootout to determine group positions. In the end, however, both Moritz and Imojjen were able to slip goals past Æowyn and Angela respectively to make the table clear cut.

In the Semi Finals, Moritz played well against Oliver but Oliver’s finishing proved the difference with 4 unanswered goals. Meanwhile, Jonas managed a solitary goal against Imojjen to take his place in the Grand Final. The lower placed players also enjoyed consolation friendlies against each other, with all 4 tables in constant action.

In the 3rd/4th Place Play-off, Moritz and Imojjen played out another 0-0 draw, both agreeing their play had taken a turn for the worse as the day was fading. They were declared equal 3rd place getters. After their goalless draw during the group stage, the Grand Final between Oliver and Jonas was shaping up as yet another close affair. Midway through the first half, Oliver took a lead after dominating much of the play. However, Jonas took this as his cue to renew his efforts and began to carve out chances for himself. Over the course of the rest of the game, both players had a few chances to score but couldn’t dominate. In the end, the early goal proved to be the difference, with Oliver taking the title.

Many thanks again to Good Games Bella Vista for their hospitality, and to Hermann Kruse from the Northern Falcons for bussing the Junior Falcons across the extreme reaches of Sydney and refereeing at the tournament. Well done to all the players who all performed with the camaraderie and fair play that they have come to be known for.

(report by Adrian Elmer)