11 July 2007
The 2007 Festival of Backgammon on Zakynthos
The 2007 Festival of Backgammon took place on the Ionian island of Zakynthos in Greece. It was the sixth year of the event, and according to the organisers' report the participants called it the best edition so far. Players came from several countries: one travelled from Crete, another reached the island after a long tour through many European cities, and new arrivals joined the field on almost every day of the week.
Format and atmosphere
The week arrived together with a heatwave, and temperatures climbed to 42 degrees. The playing area was shaded and a steady breeze kept conditions comfortable. A tournament was held every day after lunch, and with a full draw each participant got plenty of games.
As in earlier years, the festival was built around friendly competition in a relaxed, house-party style. The tournament director did not have to make a single ruling during the whole week. At the final prize giving, Malcolm Robertson received the annual Spirit of Backgammon trophy for his good grace at the board, although he insisted he did not deserve it.
Results
- Overall winner of the week: John Hurst, a previous winner who has attended every edition of the festival
- Runner-up: Mick Vacary
- Doubles (14 pairs): Ann Pocknell (Canada) and Leroy Brown (New Zealand), after a close final
- Spirit of Backgammon trophy: Malcolm Robertson
Away from the board
Between rounds the group went windsurfing and water skiing, played tennis and table tennis, and took speed boat trips to tavernas along the coast. On one trip the boat found itself in the middle of a shoal of leaping tuna and dolphins, a sight the local boatman said he had seen only twice in six years. Some participants also hired cars and visited the neighbouring islands of Cefalonia and Ithaca.
The festival kept to its original idea of a holiday with backgammon, and every participant provisionally booked a place for the following year. The 2008 festival was scheduled for June 21–28.
More reports from clubs and opens are collected in the latest news.