[<<] [>>] by David Openshaw at Ripon Spa Hotel
12th September 2006 (GC - Championships)

Khaled Younis (Egypt) retained his Title at the 11th Yorkshire International Open Golf Croquet Championship with an impressive display at the Championships held at the Ripon Spa Hotel. He won his block with 10 wins from 10 games. Then beat John Spiers (recent winner of the CA Invitation Event The Musk Cup) 10-5 in the Quarter Finals. This was followed by a 10-4 win over David Openshaw to reach the final.

Dick Strover had played well to reach the final beating Roy Ware and Evan Newell (Ireland). In the semi final he took the eighteenth hoop from 14 yards when it looked as though Evan would level at 9 all.

But in the final Khaled was close to his best and won the best of three match 7-3 7-0.

Other good performances were seen from David Dray the young player from Ramsgate who won his block with 10/10. And from Sam Curry who also won her block with some very consistent play.

Twenty four players enjoyed the croquet and great hospitality of the hotel. They have three full size lawns and one half size lawn. Plans are being made for at least one more full size lawn and an expansion of croquet events. A great initiative of Sam Curry Manager of the hotel is to arrange a coaching weekend for next year with Khaled Younis. Its already almost fully booked.

The final attracted a number of spectators from clubs in the area and two travelled from the Wirral Cheshire to watch the whole event. They play a form of Golf Croquet that is new to me. They use a six hoop, two peg set up and play a 15 point game which includes points for hitting each peg. Their club has three lawns and a waiting list to join!

Results

Block A 1. Khaled Younis 2. Evan Newell
Block B 1. Roy Ware 2. David Openshaw
Block C 1. Sam Curry 2. Dick Strover
Block D 1. David Dray 2. John Spiers

Quarter Finals

David Openshaw bt Sam Curry 10-9
Khaled Younis bt John Spiers 10-5
Dick Strover bt Roy Ware 10-4
Evan Newell bt David Dray 10-9

Semi-Finals

Khaled Younis bt David Openshaw 10-4
Dick Strover bt Evan Newell 10-8

Final

(Best of three)
Khaled Younis bt Dick Strover 7-3, 7-0