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BGonline.org Forums
European Championship vs. European Pro Championship
Posted By: Bill Riles In Response To: Response to Mochy (who has insights) and to some other Texans (who have no insight but hastive judgements) (Chiva Tafazzoli)
Date: Tuesday, 3 May 2011, at 3:04 a.m.
Color me cynical, but I don't think you're being honest with us, or perhaps even with yourself, regarding the selections of the name and the date of your tournament -- I think there is far more to it than your description.
Velden, Austria is in Europe -- some may rightfully say Central Europe. A "European Championship" should rightfully be held in Europe and, I would think, would generally be attended by 'Europeans'; though, obviously, participants other than 'Europeans' would be welcome.
Apparently there is some debate, according to my research, as to whether Cyprus is in Europe or in Asia. Without debate, Cyprus is much more proximate to Asian countries than to European countries. Most of the traditional backgammon countries you named, and from which, apparently, many, if not most, of your attendees originated, are in Asia, not Europe -- Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Iran, and Georgia. Perhaps "European Pro Championship" is not at all appropriate and/or accurate; nor is the title, in my opinion, coincidental.
I think the title of your tournament was intended to confuse some players and I think the date of your tournament was intended to harm the long-standing, existing tournament. I do not know the competitive relationship between you and Mr. Fornasir as 'European' directors (in fact, I do not know nor have I ever met Mr. Fornasir); however, I think your intent, in this instance, is rather obvious.
"Piggybacking" dates with established tournaments such as Monte Carlo and the Nordic Open is entirely different than selecting competing dates with an established tournament. I find it a benefit to international players, some of whom have travelled great distances, and to the international tournaments to provide players the option of playing in major tournaments in consecutive weeks -- a service and benefit to the players and, likely, to the directors. Competing dates is precisely the converse -- it provides no such option; it serves no one well, players and/or directors.
Chiva, I have nothing against you personally -- you are a likeable guy. You do a lot for the game by promoting tournaments in various venues. There is also the potential that you can damage the game by petty disputes and confrontational competition with other directors. That is unfortunate. As you well know, I am candid, outspoken, and opinionated; I very much do not like and am offended by spin -- which I characterize as false explanation in the promotion of an agenda, idea, policy, etc. In this instance I feel you are telling us our feet are getting wet from the rain, when actually you are pissing on our boots.
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