Kirin Corx Grand Master Championships

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The search for the Grand Master began with the launch of the competition at Yo! Below in Farringdon, London on 21 November.

A packed bar watched 32 players play Corx. With the DJ's playing an eclectic mix of music people warmed up for their matches with a few bottles of Kirin and some practise games of Corx with friends before moving to the two competition tables for the matches.

Click thumbnail images to enlarge
Pictures Leo Wilkinson

The atmosphere was relaxed, but there was a good natured competitiveness. People crowding round and cheering (or laughing at) their friends was spontaneous, but didn't disrupt or intrude on the general atmosphere of the bar.

Each match in the early rounds played to the best of three games of Classic Corx (1st player to 21 points). There was a lot of laughter at some of unusual playing styles on show. There were squeals of delight, YeSSSS, Noooo, ums and aahs (sounds like an orgy) as players won or lost matches. A few early doubters about the skill element of Corx witnessed players throwing down double black after double black to prove that this is not just the emergence of a new skilled and exciting competitive table sport, but also a fun way to spend an evening.

However, Corx isn't about hours of practising - it's a simple concept and some people are naturally good at Corx.

The eventual winner Steve Fischer had never played before, but tuned in quickly to the skill required. With an unusual warm up style of staring out his opponent at close quarters, Steve then locked out all distractions from those around him and tuned in to the Corx. He gave occasional psychologically intimidating expressionless glances at his opponent in between drops. The technique obviously worked.

As the photos clearly show, Steve Fischer delighted in beating fellow photographer, friend and experienced corx player David Titlow.

In the semi finals and final matches were played to the best of five games.

In the first semi final, Michael Smith despatched Alan Cobb to confirm his status as pre-match favourite, whilst Steve 'the natural' Fischer beat Nigel Sharman.

So the final was to be between dotcom boy and seasoned Corx player Michael Smith vs photographer and novice Corx player, Steve Fischer.

By this time Michael was wise to Steve's ploys and after allowing him his pre-match stare refused to glance up at Steve during the matches.

With Michael's mates yelling 'you're a machine' (is that a compliment?!) Michael robotically and methodically (now I see what they mean) dropped double black after double black whist staring intently at the table. Steve didn't buckle and the score went tensely to two games each.

Steve trailed 18-20 in the final match. He needed two clear points to win - and only a double black would do. Despite the major pressure, Steve kept his calm, seemed to hold the Corx forever as he stared and prepared his height and angles as the venue fell silent. If ever you were going to get the shakes, it would be now - but he dropped the required double black - finishing 22-20 - and the room erupted.

Both finalists secured a place in the Kirin Corx Grand Master Championship Final where they could win an all expenses paid trip for two to Japan. Steve had the added pleasure of winning the launch night prize of Kirin beer for a year.

All back to yours then Steve?

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