Challenge & Gilbey

[<<] [>>] by Joel Taylor at Cheltenham
3rd September (AC - Championships)

The Challenge and Gilbey is one of the oldest CA tournaments, first contested in 1900. 2025's iteration was played at Cheltenham over 4 days at the end of August.

The first two days --- the Gilbey Goblet --- are a national handicap championship. 16 players entered and played in four blocks with the winners progressing to a knockout on day 2. Andrew Beaumont, Mark Lansdale, Chris Donovan and Sarah Hayes were the semi finalists and after some close contests, Sarah emerged as the winner.

The final two days were a level advanced singles tournament contested by 20 players split into three classes. The A class (The Roehampton Cup) was won by local rising star Sam Cuthbert, the B class (The Council Cup) was won by Adam Moliver and the C class (The Reckitt Cup) was won by Eileen Magee.

Next year's tournament takes place at Budleigh. It is open to everyone and the handicap and class structure mean that everyone will be competitive, no matter your level, so put it in your calendar.

Special thanks to Sarah Hayes for managing the event.