In recent years, Amy Byrne has usually put on the Spring Matchplay event over May Day Bank Holiday. For 2019, she teamed up with Nicky Huitson and Peter Thorpe to keep things SIMPLE, hosting Scottish International Matchplay Live in Edinburgh, at a once familiar location that had played host to many ABSP rated events in years gone by. The triumvirate hoped to attract a strong international field, and substantial sponsorship, delivering on both counts as well as attracting universal positive comments from those who took part.
In total 64 entrants contested the 2 divisions, with a third of all players taking home a cash prize. In addition, there were a number of special prizes available to be won, and all entrants received a Passport with discounts on local activities, food and drink and attractions. NSC 2018 champion Ed Martin led the early charge averaging 500+ to top the standings on day 1, but most of day 2 was dominated by close friends and rivals Brett Smitheram and Dave Koenig. Brett would hold a two game cushion overnight, with Craig Beevers moving up to third.
I don't know if Brett was "wild and wired" on day 3, and he was probably speaking more than the "language of love" but some other lyrics of his entrance song "The Best" by Tina Turner did prove prophetic as his lead was soon enough unassailable and his 9th Major was secured. Dave Koenig held on for 2nd place with a rallying Ed recovering from any day 2 blip to finish 3rd. Special mention must also go to Ahmed Khan who finished 4th despite being ranked only 17th and Steve Perry who denied his D classification (ranked 26th) to finish 10th.
In the Rated division, there was a similar story. Tom Wilson led the early pace, despite being ranked only 12th, but ultimately was overhauled by Hong Kong's Jason Tsang Wai Yin, now studying in Brighton. In the end, it was an equally dominant display by the youngster, only losing 3 of his 22 games on the route to victory, and recording a 171 tournament rating. Terry Kang Rau finished in 2nd place with Caroline McLaughlin 3rd. Tom was the top B class player in 5th place, with other impressive showings above rating from Margaret Harkness, Caroline Foy and Maria Marczak. Both division winners are pictured here.
There are many individual reports to be found on social media and Lewis Mackay will also be uploading some annotated games onto Cross-Tables. A fuller report from Nicky Huitson will also appear in the next edition of Onboard. It's not clear yet when SIMPLE will return to the tournament calendar, but it's sure to be a popular addition when it does.
Reflecting on the 2019 event, Brett said "SIMPLE was the kind of tournament that brought me to love Scrabble - fun, well-run, friendly and in surroundings that you could enjoy outside of the hard work of actual playing! My opponents were of top quality and the play was outstanding. I'll be back, as I'm sure everyone else will."