This year’s AC World Championships are being held in West Palm Beach Florida. Only 72 players – from across the globe – take part. We almost had 3 BCC members there. Robin Brown earned a place but withdrew, Sophie McGlen got on the reserve list, but in the end only Joe King achieved the great honour of being there and representing our club.
The first stage of the competition was played in 8 blocks of 9 competitors. In such august company, Joe struggled but did manage 2 wins; against fellow Brit Stephen Allen, and vs. Jack Rush (USA). There is no shame in losing to the likes of World-ranked #4, Logan McCorkindale (NZ), who has since advanced to the Championships’ semi-finals and now takes on Reg Bamford.
That meant Joe was one of 32 players to enter the Plate competition. Here he enjoyed much greater success, winning all 4 of his block games to reach the knock-out round of 16. Further success, against Australian Michael Gidding, earned Joe a quarter-final place. But his run came to an end there, losing 2 straight games in a best-of-3 against Mexican Brian Lozano.
Well done, Joe. We hope you enjoyed the experience, and wish you – and other eligible Blewburians – even greater success next time!!
