CURTC’s 2016 Russian Christmas Tournament was played with an even more devious combination of matches of various formats which the organizer had come up with in attempt to overcome some fairly obvious problems with the first version. While undoubtedly devious it would require a (not really that) fiendish algorithm to determine the winner unless someone (but only one someone) won all the matches they played. Fortunately, Gary Weller was on supreme form and proved to be that ‘one someone’ winning his four Singles and two Doubles. Joint Runners-up, Rich Wainwright and Michael Firth were close but both ended-up 4 games short of their maximum.

Many thanks to Scott and Peter for handicapping and, particularly Peter for his Trophy arrangement. Frankly it was pretty exhausting but all 9 of us made it through to the end fortified by fish pie and chocolate cake. So, Congratulations, Gary, and many thanks for saving me from having to explain how the results would have had to be adjusted if you had not been such a clear winner!

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