KK Bílá Hora players dominated the 100th tournament

Because this is a tournament played in black Kladno, hosted by an African team, the badges also referenced the colour black. And a dozen big names did not miss the tournament, lending it the proper hallmark of a milestone event. Besides the traditionally strong squad of the home team—Kaadya, Zamunda and Badu—representatives of the Czech cat from KK Bílá Hora also arrived in good number: Katarinátor, Glide and Jooki. The Canadian and Nepalese teams each sent two players as well. For the maple leaves it was the traditional participants Augustyn and Niti, while from the Himalayan range came Marge and Chandra. The sole representative of the USA was Cdr. Riker, who did not arrive in an American Ford but in a Japanese Honda—surprise! The dozen was rounded out by the captain of Mongolia’s Dashinchilen, Kocour, who played here without any claim to potential points.

Since the entered players are without exception professionals, they observed the tournament’s rules and play began almost on time, within the academic quarter-hour. And lest you think African teams aren’t progressive, the seating of players at the tables in the first round was determined by artificial intelligence. The players themselves then drew lots for their order within each table. 

(Monte) Negro

The first round didn’t suit Nepal’s representatives—both Chandra and Marge were the first to be sent off from their tables. And no wonder: Kladno’s altitude of 400 m above sea level is not their natural environment. But Canada’s representatives didn’t acclimatise any better. After the first round, Niti and Augustyn also moved over to the table of dropouts, followed by Katarinator of KK Bílá Hora and last year’s winner Kaadya of the home Black Dogs.

The home favourite Zamunda, on the other hand, played a superb run of games, picking up her first letter only in the 21st game—and that thanks to an unlucky renege that threw off her concentration, so she then collected two more letters in a row, but even so it was enough for a comfortable advance into the final six. Advancing to the final alongside her were her life partner, the Ghanaian crusher Badu, the stars of the world cat from Bílá Hora Jooki and Glide, the American Cdr. Riker and the Mongolian captain Kocour.

Niger

The final table looked like an advertisement for Smoking Cat. Big names, brilliant exchanges, professional performances. The first to bow out from the table was the Ghanaian duo—Badu took the sixth position and Zamunda took fifth place. For a long time it looked as though Kocour would carry off AfroCat, but the superb teamwork of the Czech lads ultimately propelled Jooki to the top spot, and Kocour had to settle for silver. Jooki’s teammate Glide nestled into a lovely bronze position. For Cdr. Riker, the representative of the American cat, the fittingly leftover potatoes remained.

AfroCat also serves as the Ghana Championship, and traditionally the best player of Ghana is honoured here after the Nationals tier has been played out. This year 5th place was enough for the title, so the black queen Zamunda can rejoice in the title of Master of Ghana.  

Thanks to the sponsors, the organisers were also able to provide dignified refreshments and prizes befitting a milestone tournament. And we thank the sponsors as well as the production team—Paczessa (referee), Jája (price designer), Chandra (photography) and Zhaf (players food&beverage assistant).