Norwood staged the third qualifying tournament of the current Backgammon Series, sponsored by the Pears Foundation, on Monday September 22 at exclusive London restaurant Sketch.
View more photos from the event.
Thirty-two players battled it out for supremacy whilst raising money for one of the UK’s leading charities supporting children, families and adults with learning disabilities or coping with social difficulties.
The event, which was one of five qualifiers, raised more than £8,000. A unique Genesis Naylor backgammon board was auctioned for £900.
The final match was won by Peter Livesey, with Michael Flesch finishing second. Third place went to David Tucker, while Peter Bennet won the consolation tournament.
“The standard of play was excellent and it was also a really enjoyable social event,” said Event Organiser Candice Mendes da Costa. “The money raised will go towards providing vital services to Jewish children, adults and families coping with learning disability and social disadvantage. Places are still available for backgammon enthusiasts who want to take part in our other qualifying tournaments, the next one being on November 24.”
For each tournament, the winner takes home £1,500, with £500 going to the runner-up and £250 to the third-place finisher. The top three winners automatically qualify for the Grand Final, which will be held in February 2009.
Results to Date
| Tournament | 19 May | 07 July | 22 Sept |
| Position | First qualifier | Second qualifier | Third qualifier |
| 1st | Irving Gordon | Mark Pollack | Peter Livesey |
| 2nd | Michael Flesch | Roxanna Maynard | Michael Flesch |
| 3rd | Hayley Allen | Michael Flesch | David Tucker |
Last year’s Series 2, which established itself as one of the leading tournaments on the backgammon circuit, raised a record total of £80,000 for Norwood.
For further information, photos and interviews, please contact Michael Siva, Public Relations Officer at Norwood, on 020 8420 6900 or email pressoffice@norwood.org.uk.
