First trophy for Ivor Morgan

Five players attended the "promotional tournament" organized by the Lincoln Flickers on wednesday evening. The turnout was a bit disappointing but on the bright side the competition was won by one of the two newcomers. Ivor Morgan, who is almost 70 years old and used to run a club in Lincoln decades ago, was attending his first tournament since then. John Devaney was second, Michael Hardy third, Ian Johns fourth, Peter Warner fifth.

Simone Trivelli on top of the WASPA Lazio League

On October 29th, the second of the eight tournaments of the WASPA Lazio League 2013-14 was played in Rome (Italy). As usual the swiss system in four rounds was played with 11 players including rookies (first WASPA tournament) Massimiliano Lazzaretti and Alessandro Matrullo.

As always there were many close games and in the last round of games six players were still in competition to win: Simone Trivelli (9 points), Patrizio Lazzaretti, Paolo Barone, Gianmarco Del Brocco, Stefano Tagliaferri and Filippo Iacovacci (6 points).

The Swiss formula offered a thrilling last round of play: Gianmarco Del Brocco and Paul Barone beat respectively Iacovacci and Tagliaferri (3-1 final score in both games) , rising to 9 points and hooking Simone Trivelli, which however, drew (0-0) with Patrizio Lazzaretti and lonely reached 10 points, enough to win the tournament.

At the finish line, Trivelli is first, Paolo Barone and Gianmarco Del Brocco ex-aequo seconds (the two opponents bear the same ratio of 25 -> for the WASPA ranking Barone has a better goal-difference) and Patrizio Lazzaretti 4th.

Then come Stefano Tagliaferri, Claudio Paolino, Filippo Iacovacci, Gianluca Morelli, Sergio Sassi, Alexander Matrullo and Massimiliano Lazzaretti.

In General Classification remains in command Gianmarco Del Brocco (47), who shakes off Lazzaretti Patrick (43), reached second place by Simone Trivelli (43). Fourth place goes to Paul Barone (38), closely followed by Stefano Tagliaferri (36), with Claudio Paolino (26) that stands in sixth place, followed by Filippo Iacovacci (22) and then, gradually, from all the others.

(report with the help of Stefano Tagliaferri)

Monticelli and Cavallo are the winners of the two tournaments in Pescara

The club of Arabona held a tournament in Pescara (Italy) last sunday. There were two different events as two sets of rules were used during the day. The tournament with the old rules attracted six players and Gaetano Monticelli came on top of the group stage with 13 points while Pierpaolo Bucci had 12 points. Fabrizio Di Sipio was 3rd, Salvatore Rapino 4th, Giovanni Favetta 5th and Marco D’Alanno 6th.

The younger players played with the FISTF rules and the tournament was counted as a "promotional event". Maurizio Cavallo won the group of 4 while Lorenzo Chirileison was second, Emanuele Di Francesco third, Nicolò Di Francesco fourth.

Nuno Noronha wins in Oeiras

The second WASPA tournament of the season in Portugal took place last saturday in Oeiras with 20 players in the entry list. After the group stage (5 groups of 4), there were many close games between the final between Tiburones players Nuno Noronha and Ruben Português. This time Nuno won the sudden death to claim the title. Manuel Santos and Ricardo Pavão reached the semi-finals. Afonso Pereira won the consolation tournament.

Well done Japan

The city of Yokohama was the home of a FISTF Future on october 20th. 15 players were competing, including 7 U12s. Many players were taking part and were representing the clubs of Yokohama, Tokyo, Yamato and Osaka. Well done Japan and hopefully there will also be a WASPA tournament over there in the near future.

Brodyn Sexton wins in Hamilton

The latest tournament of the Hamilton club took place on October 6 and had a good turnout of 14 players, including three newcomers. For the first time since the launch of the club, Peter Sexton didn't make it to the final as he lost to Stephen McNab in the semi. Stephen lost the final to Brodyn Sexton (0-1). It's the second WASPA title for Brodyn and the 30th tournament win for a Canadian player in the WASPA circuit.

Poster of the next Templeuve tournament

Yet another WASPA title for Brian Daley

The club of Manchester TFC organized another tournament under WASPA banner and swiss sytem. Six players were present and once again Brian Daley managed to win the title. This time it was a close win as Brian took 10 points while Danny Lilley had 8 and Algy Taylor 7. Greg Sammons was 4th, Nick Asher 5th and Connor Bowden 6th.

Danny Lilley congratulates Brian Daley

Big success for the Templeuve tournament

The Templeuve tournament held on sunday had a great field of 17 players. 16 players started the event but Damien Platteau had to leave after the group stage and was replaced in the consolation tournament by beginner Laly Ramos. There were many close games in every round. Stéphane Lambert was surprisingly out after takinf the third place in his group. In the quarter-finals, brothers Cédric and David Wienecke from from France played each other and Cédric made it to the next round before beating Vincent Coppenolle in the semi. The Frenchman was ready to make another surprise in the final, scored the first goal but Geoffrey Marain won the game (2-1). Every player was given six games and the tournament was played in a very fair spirit. Well done everyone!
Ranking of the tournament:
1. Geoffrey Marain (SC Eugies)
2. Cédric Wienecke (France/-)
3. Vincent Coppenolle (Templeuve United)
4. Pol Serwy (Brussels SC)
5. Xavier Verstrepen (Templeuve United)
6. Renald Deloose (Templeuve United)
7. Hatim Elmajd (Templeuve United)
8. David Wienecke (France/AS Hennuyer)
9. Stéphane Lambert (Kent Invicta)
10. Jean-Luc Platiaux (Templeuve United)
11. Maxime Hoguet (France/Templeuve United)
12. John Verfaillie (Templeuve United-Comines)
13. Matthias Averlant (Templeuve United)
14. Laly Ramos (Templeuve United-Comines)
15. Paola Jesus da Silva (Templeuve United-Comines)
16. Steve Debal (Templeuve United-Comines)
+ Damien Platteau (Templeuve United-Comines), gone after the group stage.

Action in the premises of Templeuve United

Laly Ramos vs Steve Debal

Maxime Hoguet vs John Verfaillie

Matthias Averlant vs Laly Ramos



Jean-Luc Platiaux vs Stéphane Lambert

Open final between Cédric Wienecke and Geoffrey Marain



Fact of the day

Fact of the day: 50, yes 50! Marco Lauretti's win in Fiumicino was already the 50th Italian victory in a WASPA tournament. There were 40 wins in Regional tournament, 1 in a Promotional event, 9 in tournaments with the old rules.

Marco Lauretti is the winner in Fiumicino/Rome

On October 16, the Table Soccer Club Black Rose ’98 Roma (www.blackrose98roma.com) organized the “Fifth Round” of the “WASPA Black League” at the “Black Rose Training Center” located in Fiumicino (Rome), Via delle Lampare, 5.

It was a very nice evening tournament. Fifteen competitors played under Swiss system so that everyone could play five games. We saw the debut of three TSC Black Rose players in the WASPA tournaments: Luca Zacchi (www.subbuteoblog.it e www.blackrose98roma.blogspot.it), Giuseppe Ferro and Paolo Cardilli (one of the TSC Black Rose founding member in 1998).
 
At the end of the fifth round three players have collected 11 points: Marco Lauretti, Giovanni Frascarelli and Enrico Guidi. The Swiss system has put them against each other and no one has been able to prevail: Lauretti – Frascarelli 2-2; Guidi – Frascarelli 2-2; Lauretti – Guidi 1-1. In this situation it was necessary to calculate the value opponents to determine the ranking order. So, the winner of this tournament was… Marco Lauretti (value opponents: 44), second place for Giovanni Frascarelli (value opponents: 40) and third place for Enrico Guidi (value opponents: 37). At the fourth place a great Fulvio Lorusso has collected 10 points. Fifth place for Andrea Strazza (9 points and value opponents: 46) and sixth place for Roberto Utzeri (9 points and value opponents: 36).

A midnight snack have closed a friendship and harmony evening around Subbuteo Tables.

For other photos: www.blackrose98roma.blogspot.it

In the months to come TSC Black Rose ’98 Roma will organize other WASPA tournaments looking at the different needs (materials and rules) of F.I.S.T.F. and Subbuteo players.

Thanks to all the participants.
See you soon!

(report by Andrea Strazza)

Final ranking of the tournament:
1. Marco Lauretti
2. Giovanni Frascarelli
3. Enrico Guidi
4. Fulvio Lorusso
5. Andrea Strazza
6. Roberto Utzeri
7. Marco De Berardinis
8. Paolo Bartolomeo
9. Riccardo Minnetti
10. Fabio Cocchi
11. Paolo Cardilli
12. Giuseppe Ferro
13. Marco Amaricci
14. Beniamino Galasso
15. Luca Zacchi

Open of Oeiras added

There will be another tournament in Portugal on October 26. Welcome to them.

Alberto Gagliardi wins the tournament with the old rules in Macerata

The Italian club of "United Subbuteo Club Macerata" organized this sunday a tournament with the old rules in Macerata. The event attracted 11 players put in 2 categories. Alberto Gagliardi won the Open section played in a group of seven players. Marco Petrelli was second, Stefano Gambella third.

Peter Alegi wins the Michigan Cup

Peter Alegi won the 2013 Michigan Cup, topping a 9-man round robin group. He finished 7-1-0 on 22 points. 15yo Nathan Pate finished 2nd on 16 points, Mike Ewer 3rd on 15 points. A very close tournament resulted in just a 2 point split across 5 further spaces. Brad Hendricks edged out clubmate Shane McNulty from SE Indiana on goal difference for 10 points, Chris Sweetland of Chicago edged Paul Pate on 9 points, and Tim Tumminaro had to settle for 8th with 8 points. First year player Chad Idema won a STcreations66 custom team as a sportsmanship prize. A great time had by all.

(picture by Tim Tuminaro)

Jos Ceulemans wins in Hofstade-Zemst

Last monday Jos Ceulemans won the second WASPA tournament organized by SC Flanders in Hofstade-Zemst. 11 participants took part and full results are available at www.subbuteovlaanderen.be

More events in Norway and the United States

October 19 at 11.00am: tournament in Skien (Norway). It will be a "Subbuteo Retro-cup" with the basic old rules but also some special rules. Interested players can contact Thomas Flaaten Fredriksen at thomas@jegskriver.no

November 10: Delaware Valley Open/Christiana Cup in Avondale, PA (USA). Contact Andrew Zunino via Facebook or andy62269@msn.com

Another victory for Marko Karhunen

TFC Lynx organized once again a WASPA tournament. Unfortunately only Lynx players participated. Tournament was played in Raama Bar in Jyväskylä. It was a great place to play and the tournament was also very well followed by the pub customers. This time again Jani Mustonen and Marko Karhunen reached the final. Marko had a payback time from July WASPA tournament final and won the final clearly three - nil. Biggest surprise this time was Joni Karppanen's win over experienced Wille Hölttä in a group game.

Ranking of the group stage:
Marko Karhunen 15
Jani Mustonen 10
Miku Leppälä 8
Jarkko Lindholm 4
Joni Karppanen 3
Wille Hölttä 2

Places 5-6 shootout only: Wille - Joni 3-2
Places 3-4 shootout only: Miku - Jarkko 4-3
Final: Marko - Jani 3-0

Mike Parnaby wins in Thornaby

6 players took part in the latest WASPA event to be held in Thornaby, hosted by the NETFA Teesside Subbuteo Club.   Ben Staples was the surprise package on the night and he came very close to claiming his first WASPA title, only losing out on goal difference to Mike Parnaby. Andy Mill continues to improve from a standing start and it won't be too long before he gets his first point. John Bottomley was unfortunate to score in every game but only win one, but its a good sign when you can score every game! Neil Youngson was as solid as ever, but a rare defeat at the hands of Ben spoiled his night. Chris Kaberry also continues to improve and his possession play is starting to bear fruit!

(report by Mike Parnaby)

The trophy for Mike Parnaby

The six players

WASPA monthly report file of September 2013

The WASPA monthly report of September 2013 can be found here: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4_PpphlADgVeDFLdUZ6S25DQTQ/edit?usp=sharing

Here are the news of the month:

a) Events in September 

September was a very good month with 20 tournaments taking place. For the very first time, a National Cup as played under WASPA banner. Well done to the guys in ireland and Northern Ireland for the good job. Hopefully it will help to attract more players over there.

We had the first WASPA tournament ever in Portugal with 18 players. SC Flanders (Belgium) hiosted their first WASPA tournament with 14 players in swiss system. We wish welcome to the guys from Toongabbie (Australia) ho also had their first event. The tournament in Penrith (Australia) had players travelling from Canberra, Melbourne and... Chile! Canada had two good events. Italy and England had several tournaments including some events with the old rules and advanced rules. Germany had their "Startes Cup" with players fromd ifferent cities taking part. So at the end WASPA was happy to have events in 11 different countries. Thanks everyone for the support!

Players at the "Starters Cup 2013" in Kamen (Germany)

b) Rankings

Geoffrey Marain (Belgium) is still on top of the ranking and Canada is still extending the lead in the ranking of nations while England is for the first time in the top 5. 902 players (+69) from 32 nations are ranked. There is now a season ranking as suggested by Peter Sexton to give a better idea of how many points are taken during the sports season. Ruben Português (Portugal) is the leader because the tournament in Tires was the only one to have more than 16 entries.

c) WASPA and FISTF 

There are some good news as Luis Horta has resigned as FISTF president and the new president is now Alan Collins from England. FISTF and WASPA have had very constructive talks in the last few days. FISTF will not pu any threat any more and players competitng in WASPA tournaments and nations organizing WASPA events. On the other side, WASPA will encourage the existing clubs to have tournaments also under FISTF banner. We have sent a proposal asking to create tournaments having the double status (WASPA regional & FISTF Satellite) to motivate organizers to have official events. It will hopefully boost interest in some nations (in particular Canada, South Africa and Australia as there are no FISTF tournaments there for years) and hopefully some FISTF nations (Argentina, Japan, Brazil, Denmark,...) will have a few more WASPA events.

d) Useful links 

Here are a few links to check when you have time:

the WASPA blog: http://waspa-circuit.blogspot.com
the WASPA map: http://goo.gl/maps/MP4gu
the WASPA Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/127530464069377/?fref=ts
the WASPA Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/WASPA-World-Amateur-Subbuteo-Players-Association/231789816834700
the FISTF website: http://www.fistf.com
the independant table football forum: http://tablefootball.friendhood.net/

To add tournaments or to send results, please use this e-mail address: vincent.cop@rsca.com

e) Help needed for interviews 

REMINDER:
For the future, we will try to have more interviews on the blog. If you are interested to be interviewed or if you want to interview one of your friends, you cans end a picture to vincent.cop@rsca.com and answer the following 5 questions:
- can you introduce yourself as a player? When did you start playing?
- why do you like subbuteo table football?
- what are your greatest achivements in the game?
- If you had to improve something in table football tournaments, what would it be?
- What are your thoughts about WASPA? Why do you like (or dislike) it?

f) WASPA is waiting your feedback

Any idea on how to improve WASPA is more than welcome. A new season is going to start and we are looking for ideas to get more players involved, more nations taking part and more clubs organizing events. Your ideas to improve things can be sent by e-mail to vincent.cop@rsca.com

g) If some of your friends want to receive the monthly report by e-mail, they can drop a line to vincent.cop@rsca.com to be added in the mailing list

Have a great month!

Vincent Coppenolle 

The honors for Luca Pini in Firenze

The last tournament of the month took place on monday in Firenze, Italy. The city was also under the lights of the international medias last week-end as the cycling world championships took place there but this time Subbuteo had the honors of sports fans. Ten players were playing under swiss format. After the first round of four rows of games, finals were played. Luca Pini beat Marco Bonciani (4-2) to win the title. Sergio Robertiello was third and Matteo  Cherici was fourth.