Change at the top - Reg Bamford is number 1

[<<] [>>] by Chris Williams
11th April 2001 (Other News)

Despite winning 6 games out of 6 at Southwick last weekend Robert Fulford has slipped to number 2 in the World Rankings, for the first time since November 1997, behind Reg Bamford of South Africa. Robert's index has still not recovered from his 3-0 defeat to Stephen Mulliner in last years Open Championship and so it was only a matter of Reg or Robert playing some more games for their positions to be reversed at the top. Robert's grade is still slipping as he struggles to get his index back above his grade.

All results from the Australian Championships have now been included and as a result of her win in the Australian Open, Helene Thurston has risen to number 16 in the world.

Virtually all of the events in the southern hemisphere summer have now been included. Chris will try and produce ranking lists during the northern hemisphere summer once a month, usually after a major or regional championship. The next list will be out after the Western Championships at the start of May. Obviously interest will be great this year with the forthcoming World Championship. It is looking like it will be the most interesting season in the UK for a few years with a number of the overseas visitors players playing warm up tournaments such as the Men's and Women's in June.