Eliot Kennedy did it again at the AGFA Cup

We had a great table football event: the 24th AGFA Cup, with Eliot Kennedy claiming his 7th AGFA Crown, beating Fabrizio Coco 2-1 on shots in a tense final.

Of special note, young Aidan Wilson claimed the Junior AGFA, beating off challengers from Katelyn Grunbach and his younger brother Owen, making his competitive debut. It was fantastic to see them all in action, and also great to see older players refereeing them and providing coaching advice along the way.

The competition was affected by a few late withdrawals, and we wish all the lads the best in their recoveries from injuries and illness.

We had the usual mix of scores as befits the AGFA, and a few surprises.

Giuseppe Tardiota came from Brisbane for his second AGFA appearance, and recovered from being 0-2 down to draw 2-2 with Adrian Grunbach. Adrian then held Eliot to a 1-1 draw, drawing a few odd looks from the Barbie gathering with his loud, Batten-esque cry after he scored!

In Group 2, Steve got his first of 4 draws, with a 0-0 against Fabrizio, while Louie continued his hex over Adrian Elmer, also with a 0-0 draw.

Louie resisted desperate attacks from Steve to hold on to a 1-0 win, while Franck gained a morale boosting 2-1 win over Adrian E. Adrian's hopes of a semifinal place evaporated when he was held 0-0 by Steve, while Richard drew 1-1 with Fab.

Thanks to everyone for coming, for assisting with the fast set-up, and to Louie for helping me put everything away.

And also to Pino for continuing to be a great supporter of the Sydney scene.

(Article by Steve Dettre)

Ashley Tan wins Kebun Baru tournament

The Kebun Baru Doves club held their "May 2024 WASPA tournament" on May 9. 6 players competed in a league format and Ashley Tan took the honors after being unbeaten.

Final table:
1. Ashley Tan  (Singapore Lions)
2. Tan Kok Wee  (Singapore Lions)
3. Shiong Bock, John Ho  (Singapore Lions)
4. John Edwards (Kebun Baru)
5. K.S. Bavasuryan (Kebun Baru)
6. Nagulan (Kebun Baru)

April and May 2024: results from around the world

WASPA event are played in many countries. Sometimes there are small tournaments but players are always happy to take part in an international circuit. Here is a brief summary of results from several events played in Northern Ireland, England, Belgium, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Wales and Austria.

Derry, Northern Ireland, April 23, Group format

1. Martinog Bradley
2. Oisin Mór
3. Frankie Connolly

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/DerryCityTableFootball

Dagenham, England, April 24, Swiss system

1. Adam Jackson
2. Stephen Moreton
3. Jonathan Beales
4. Gary Gladwell
5. Ben Torr
6. Samantha Levy
7. Michele Claydon

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/314595413269756

Worthing, England, April 25, Swiss system

1. Malcolm Jamieson (Solent)
2. Ian Maskell
3. Steve Taylor
4. Dave Cope
5. Nathan Holley
6. Nigel Pestelle
7. Chris Stapleton

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/worthingfivestar

Gillingham, England, April 28, Consolation tournaments of the FISTF Satellite.

Final: Joe Harrington - Mike Williams 1-4
Final 3-4: Dave Cope - Gerry Harrington 1-3
Final 5-6: Thomas Lacey - Nigel Morgan 3-0

B category (Group format)

1. Kyle Jamieson
2. Dave Hunter
3. Phil Davis
4. James McCormick

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/KentInvictaTFC

Brisbane, Australia, April 28, Group format

1. Gus Gillespie
2. Giuseppe Tardiota
3. Gareth Whalley
4. Wayne Miller

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/brisbanesubbuteoclubinc

Firenze, Italy, April 29, Swiss system

1. Marco Bonciani
2. Luca Pini
3. Stefano Barducci
4. Gabriele Casati
5. Tiberio Becucci
6. Marco Trevisan
7. Gabriele Allegria

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/894913724019874

Milton Keynes, England, April 29, Group format

1. Ian Aggett
2. Mark Green
3. John Cooper
4. Greg Lickorish

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1526416458124954

Templeuve, Belgium, April 30, Swiss system

1. Geoffrey Marain (AS Hennuyer)
2. Matthias Averlant (AS Hennuyer)
3. Sébastien Rochez (Templeuve)
4. Vincent Coppenolle (Templeuve)
5. David Sardi de Letto (Wattrelos)
6. Michaël Dupret (MT Tournai)
7. Franck Santer (Templeuve)
8. Benjamin Marain (AS Hennuyer)
9. Marc Sceraert (Eugies)
10. Olivier Bodelle (Wattrelos)
11. Eric Caillaux (Templeuve)
12. Sébastien Sorge (Wattrelos)
13. Thibaut Marville (Wattrelos)

Facebook links: https://www.facebook.com/groups/25637672693 & https://www.facebook.com/TempleuveUnited

Leicester, England, May 1, Swiss system

1. Ian Aggett (Milton Keynes)
2. Richard Roper (Pedmore)
3. Martin Holmes (Kettering)
4. Mark Weaver (Leicester)
5. Andy Henly (Leicester)
6. Paul Taylor (Leicester)
7. Martin Hill (Kettering)

North Shields, England, May 3, group format

1. Chris Kaberry
2. Rob Heseltine
3. Nigel Lamond

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/northshieldssubbuteotablefootball

Vienna, Austria, May 5, group format, consolation of the Baumfalken Cup

1. Marcus Tilgner (Germany/Sparta Spreeathen 74/82)
2. Alfred Strommer (Austria)
3. Reinhard Schöberl (Austria)
4. Marian Flemer (Germany/Sparta Spreeathen 74/82)

Auckland, New Zealand, May 6, Swiss format

1. Mark Rossi
2. Conrad Mudge
3. Richard Edeson
4. Andy Shearer
5. George Miller
6t. Andy Miller
6t. Craig Wright

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4898270816916585

Stembert, Belgium, May 7, group format

1. Noah Janssens (Wamme)
2. Lucas Père (AS Hennuyer)
3. Noah Dirick (Wamme)
4. Aurélien Feye (Stembert)
5. Mélina Scheen (Stembert)
6. Pascal Scheen (Stembert)

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1527136117349276

Cardiff, Wales, May 6, groups in 2 rounds

Winners group

1. Phil Dacey (Cardiff)
2. David Lauder (Cardiff)
3. Darren Barnes (Cardiff)
4. David Samuel (Cardiff)

Consolation group

1. John Lauder (Cardiff)
2. Alan Hounsell (Cardiff)
3. Stuart Briffett (Bristol)

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/978571135493228

WASPA rankings of April 2024

Dear friends, you will find here the updated WASPA rankings after the 41 tournaments played in April.

Excel file (rankings and statistics)

PDF file (results)

First tournament in Haidari, Greece

Western Sydney flickers in Australia

Great fun in Auckland, New Zealand

Good turnout in Antwerp, Belgium

Action in Edinburgh, Scotland

Subbuteo action in Germany with players from Hannover and Berlin

Tournament in Johannesburg, South Africa

Rudi Peterschinigg winner
in Haverhill, England

Once again we had an amazing number of great tournaments played in many different countries and 31 players competed for the first time in a WASPA event.

We are pleased to see the first tournament played in Haidari (Greece) and to have the Milton Keynes club (England) entering the Conference League.

England is doing an amazing job and reached the number of 100 regional tournaments since the beginning of the season.

All clubs in the WASPA "top clubs" and "Development league" sections have already scored points this season and we are happy to have an impressive number of 27 active clubs in the "Conference League", which is some kind of "3rd division" for new and smaller clubs.

Just a quick note about stories on the blog. We don't often receive stories and pictures of tournaments. It's much easier for us to get a few lines about tournaments and at least one picture to make a post on the blog. Help from the organizers is always welcome!

We still receive requests from interested groups of players who are thinking about joining the WASPA circuit and it's always nice to see growing interest from many different places.

If your club is not yet involved in the WASPA circuit, don't be scared to join as our doors are open to all kind of players!

Keep on flicking!

Vincent Coppenolle, WASPA organizer

Please send your tournament requests and results to vincentcoppenolle@gmail.com

First WASPA tournament in Haidari

Our friends in Greece keep on doing a great work to promote the game. For the first time a tournament was held in the Lyceum of Haidari. The tournament was organised by the athletics professor Antonis Krysilas and tables and equipment were donated by Flaming Flickers to help the promotion of the game.

Congratulation to Antonis for introducing the game to the kids and to all the players for their effort and nice games! We await their next events!

The winner was Ioannis Fakyriades (Inter Milan), runner-up was Petros Gioulis (Borussia Dortmund) and the third place was for Elias Chronis (Panathinaikos).

Trophies for Eliot Kennedy, Paul Mercer and Alan Kimber

Australia is one of the most active nations in the WASPA circuit. We are glad to receive results of tournaments held in different cities by Western Sydney, Melbourne TFC and subbuteo Perth.

Eliot Kennedy wins 2024 ANZAC Cup

Thursday, April 25, 2024, 2PM
The Clubhouse, Toongabbie

A glorious autumn afternoon saw 9 players line up for the 2024 ANZAC Cup at The Clubhouse. The random draw for the opening round saw Imojjen take on Franck, where Franck was able to ease to a 2-0 victory. Eliot opened his scoring account within the first 30 seconds against Tim and then went on to record a 3-1 victory. Adrian had a tough time getting past John's stubborn defense but finally got the single, decisive goal, about 3/4 of the way through the game.

Round 2 saw the arrival of the Ridger family to fill up the pitches. Michael took on Adrian but Adrian's experience helped him to a 1-0 victory. Youngest son, Alex, played his first ever competitive match and came away with a very admirable 1-0 loss to John. His older brother, Samuel, faced John's son, Tim, in a match where Time came away with two goals and the points. In the top of the (swiss) table clash, Eliot was too good for Franck, also claiming a 2-0 victory.

Those results pitted Eliot against Adrian. Both players created multiple chances in an open game, but a late goal was enough to win it for Eliot, though a shot on the run at an unguarded goal with 5 seconds left on the clock had Eliot's heart in his mouth. The ball slid centimetres wide and Eliot held on. Michael gave his youngest son, Alex, a bit of a lesson with a 3-0 win. Samuel used some good defensive flicking to hold on for a goalless draw against Imojjen. Meanwhile, Franck eased to a 2-0 victory over John.

Eliot's final match came against Michael, and a 2-0 victory gave him an unassailable lead at the top of the table. Adrian's frustrations at his goal misses in the previous game were taken out on Franck where, in place of the usually close fought contests between the two, Adrian ran out a decisive 3-0 winner. Tim and Imojjen renewed their rivalry and neither could get on top in a 0-0 draw, while the Ridger brothers went head-to-head competitively for the first time, older brother Samuel emerging victorious 1-0.

The final round mopped up all the games for players who had sat out for byes during the afternoon. Imojjen put 2 goals past Alex, but Alex' on-the-run commentary throughout the game kept all spectators (and, indeed, opponents) highly amused. John picked up his second victory of the afternoon with a 1-0 win over Samuel. Tim finished his final game, against Michael, with the same result.

That win pushed Tim up into third place on the final table, behind Eliot and Adrian in 1st and 2nd, respectively. Franck snuck ahead of John, courtesy of his head-to-head victory in their game, while Imojjen was close behind the two. In the quest for Ridger family bragging rights, Samuel came out on top of the three. Great to have yet another new member of the Western Sydney clan in the shape of Alex, and some promising signs for a second wave of junior players for our club.

Well done to all for an excellent afternoon and congratulations to Eliot on his victory.

Final table:

1. Eliot Kennedy
2. Adrian Elmer
3. Tim Phokos
4. Francis Cozzarin
5. John Phokos
6. Imojjen Elmer
7. Mike Ridger
8. Samuel Ridger
9. Alex Ridger

(Report by Adrian Elmer)

Western Sydney Subbuteo: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1379501845629782

Paul Mercer EIBC Cup

Melbourne TFC held a WASPA tournament at East Ivanhoe Bowling Club with 8 players from 3 different clubs taking part. Nathan Urbaniak did a great job running the day with Paul Mercer. The final was very tightbetween Luke Radziminski (Melbourne Table Football Club) and Paul Mercer (Northern Phoenix Table Football Club). Paul won the final on shots!

Semi-finals: Luke Radziminski - Anthony Madiona 2-0 ; Paul Mercer - Nathan Urbaniak 1-0

Final: Luke Radziminski - Paul Mercer 1-1*

Consolation final: Christos Garagounis - Kevin Grant 3-0

Melbourne TFC: https://www.facebook.com/groups/359073844214135

Northern Phoenix: https://www.facebook.com/groups/780610992079187

Alan Kimber winner in Perth

The month WASPA tournament in Perth was played by five players who met in a League format. Alan Kimber finished the day with 3 wins and a draw, which was enough to win the tournament. 

Final table:

1. Alan Kimber
2. Ross McNulty
3. Noel Mani
4. Chris Thorn
5. Ron Byrne

Subbuteo Perth: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1233903783292458

South Africa: 2024 Johannesburg Open

Easterns TFC had the honour of hosting The 2024 Johannesburg Open on Saturday 20th April.

Unfortunately, a late cancellation resulted in a change of format from 2 groups to a round robin system.

The league winner would claim top prize with a second placing as well, while the 5th placed player would take away the Shield / Plate award.

Fernando Rodriquez and Carl Bollweg represented ETS, joined by 5 players from Easterns TFC.

The tournament was dominated by draws with a mixture of poor finishing and good defending, seeing to that.

Father and son duo, Christopher Paolini and Keegan Paolini were also making their inter club debuts and although being new to the game are showing early signs of promise.

The fight for the Shield/Plate Section was tight with Carl taking the honours by virtue of goals scored.

Ian Clarke took top honours with Rui Dos Santos taking second place with his consistent play. Ian took the title with 6 wins from 6.

Thanks to all who attended and to Easterns TFC for hosting another top event.

Final table

1. Ian Clarke - Easterns
2. Rui Dos Santos - Easterns
3. Gary Downs - Easterns
4. Fernando Rodriquez - ETS
5. Carl Bollweg - ETS
6. Keegan Paolini - Easterns
7. Christopher Paolini - Easterns 

(Report by Gary Downs)

Matthias Averlant takes honors at the Tournai tournament

Last Friday the Belgian club of Magic Team Tournai held a WASPA tournament with 10 players taking part including 4 French players. There were well-known players but also some old faces like Raphael Dhondt who played his first tournament for over 30 years.

Players also had the visit of Gaëtan Dussart who is a local legend known as the best player in the area in the early 90's.

After many close games, Matthias Averlant was the winner of the night while Sébastien Rochez, who is probably the most improved player in the area, was runner-up and local organizer Michaël Dupret took the third spot.

There will be a tournament in Templeuve on April 30, games start at 6.30 pm. Everybody's welcome!

Eyes wins Maryland April Challenge Cup

6 players attended an event hosted by the Maryland Subbuteo Club. A round robin tournament resulted in the following standings:

1. Paul Eyes (Black Rose Roma)
2. Daniel Cranston (Black Rose Roma)
3. Mikey Kimack (MSC)
4. Claudio Santos (MSC)
5. Tyler Reddy (MSC)
6. Tom Sherrow (MSC)

Key results included Paul Eyes defeating Daniel Cranston 1-0. Mikey Kimack finished third but went undefeated in the event, with a 2-2 tie with Eyes, and a 1-1 tie with Cranston.

Maryland Subbuteo Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284657468410496

Trophies for Ian Aggett, Kyle Jamieson and Malcolm Jamieson in England

England is still the most active nation in the WASPA circuit. Over the last few days more great tournaments have been held in Chesterfield, Solent and Andover under WASPA banner.

Ian Agget ttakes the Spring Cup

 

The Chesterfield Spring Cup was played on Sunday with an amazing field of 21 players, which included newcomers Christopher and Amos Heydon (Chesterfield) and Doncaster's Ian Jopling.

Ian Aggett (Milton Keynes) was the only player to win his four games and claimed the trophy while Jeff Parsons was runner-up with 3 wins and a draw and both Colin Tarry (and Jason Christopher ended the day with 9 points.

Thanks to Andrew Forster-Fake and the Chesterfield guys for an amazing event.

Final table:

1. Ian Aggett (Milton Keynes)
2. Jeff Parsons (Darlington)
3. Colin Tarry (Chesterfield)
4. Jason Christopher (Solent)
5. Nick Pearson (Yorkshire)
6. Tom Heslop (North Shields)
7. Brian Kinrade (IOM/Chesterfield)
8. Ian Sharp (Yorkshire)
9. Rob Paterson (TSPA White Star)
10. Graham Harwood (Pedmore TFC)
11. Andrew Forster-Fake (Chesterfield)
12. Max Starkey (Yorkshire)
13. Brett Price (Chesterfield)
14. Mark Weaver (Leicester)
15. Christopher Heydon (Chesterfield)
16. Trevor Allen (Chesterfield)
17. Paul Taylor (Leicester)
18. Ian Jopling (Doncaster)
19. Andy Boyer (Yorkshire)
20. Dale May (Yorkshire)
21. Amos Heydon (Chesterfield)

Kyle Jamieson winner in Solent

In Solent the monthly WASPA event was played last week with 11 players taking part. Congratulations to Kyle Jamieson on taking the April "Solent Table Soccer & Subbuteo Club Open WASPA" title, winning 1-0 against Connor Gregory in the final. Congrats to Robert Piggott on winning his first trophy after only a couple of weeks, beating Chris Burford 4-3 on shots after a 1-1 draw in the plate final.

Malcolm Jamieson wins Andover tournament

Monday night The Andover Subbuteo Club held its end of season presentation night. 

The night included the final stages of the League Cup too and congratulations to Malcolm Jamieson on winning the trophy after beating Steve George on shots in the Quarter Final, Nigel Morgan in the Semi Final and then a titanic battle with Steve Wonnacott in the Final which ended 0-0 and once again Malcolm came through on shots to lift the League Cup.

The nights awards include the converted League trophy which Steve George was presented with after pipping Jason Christopher by a point.

Other award went to Steve Wonnacott on being voted the most improved player of the season and Christopher Paul Burford was presented with the Players player of the season award.

Jon Willing picked up the Rowland Lyons memorial trophy for all his hard work supporting the club and Chris during the season.

A big thank you to everyone who made the league season successful.

(Report by Chris Burford)