Sunday I played the Antwerp Open 2018. Another new venue this year. In a little place called Putte in Belgium.
Fun getting there on the Sunday morning as the Belgian Championship Cycling was taking place in the same area.
Luckily I always leave fairly early in case something unexpected (like this) happens. Police everywhere, detours, closed roads etc. But, after a detour of 20km I managed to get to the location.
Lots of people had the same issue as nothing was announced by the organisation until sometime early in the morning on FaceBook. Now, no offense... But I don't check FB while driving.
Anyway, we all got there eventually and they delayed the start of the tournament by 30 minutes for this.
My first game was on board 39 at 1220H. The game eventually started later because the first game on that board had started later due to the marker not showing up on time and well.... I know they did their best, but the control desk was a bit chaotic.
I really struggled in my first game. I couldn't find the 20, let alone the trebles. I had already switched back to the set I always play with as the other one just didn't feel "right".
All the while I kept thinking "Switch to your 19's Kath, switch to your 19's" But no... I had to be 2-0 down before I did that. Stubborn as I am. :)
That's what "saved" me from a first round exit. I won the game 3-2 by the skin of my bloody teeth as they say. Sweating profusely as if it wasn't warm enough in the venue already.
Second game was at 1315H on board 40, but that was running behind so we ended up starting at 1335H with a volunteer marker as ours never showed. Kind of what tends to happen when the loser has to mark the next game.
I started on the 19's but had to switch back to my 20's after 2 legs. I won 3-1.
Third game was at 1430H. Goes without saying that this also started later. It was hot and humid in the venue and even though it was a good game I struggled. I won 3-2, but man.... It was close.
Down to the last 16 by now and I lost 3-1. Didn't play well at all. Nothing went in this game; ot the 20's and not the 19's. But nonetheless; happy with the result. 9th place. Scored a few points.
Kim Janssens vs Kathy Geeraerts 2-3
Daphne Bloetjes vs Kathy Geeraerts 1-3
Els Verpoorten vs Kathy Geeraerts 2-3
Tricia Wright vs KAthy Geeraerts 3-1
9th place and 12 points :)
The 2018 Antwerp Open Ladies Champion is Casey Gallagher. Tricia Wright is runner-up.
The 2018 Antwerp Open Men's Champion is Wouter Vaes. Mario Vandenbogaerde is runner-up.
The 2018 Antwerp Open Boys' Champion is Daan Bastiaansen. Owen Roelofs is runner-up.
The 2018 Antwerp Open Girls' Champion is Layla Brussel. Joella Verhagen is runner-up.
All in all I'm content and I am looking forward to the next comp.