GUILDFORD - Today, it was Riichi Day in the UK. Formally, England is not yet a member of the European Mahjong Association; its membership will be ratified during the General Assembly of the EMA next month at Mestre, Italy. So far, the only activity of Mahjong UK has been the organisation of the national championship riichi mahjong. No wonder that this event draws a lot of attention from riichi lovers all over Europe.

Especially the young French, who have only just discovered the international riichi community, signed up massivily for the UK Riichi Open. One of them made it to the victory platform. However, the winner and the runner-up of the competition were all-British. Steven Chowney is the new champion (with 111,200 points), second prize was for Gemma Collinge (96,700), just before Nicolas Poilleux (92,900).

Last year's winner, Ans Hoogland from the Netherlands, ended on 22nd position (19,800 pts.). There were 48 participants: from Great-Britain, France, Finland, the Netherlands, Italy and Japan.

Final classification

(with cooperation of Ans and Cor Hoogland)