CongressNews No. 4
The First Prize Giving Ceremony
It is almost seven o'clock. She fills in the last dame point. They count the game; it's close, one point on the board but she receives the komi. She wins! Four points out of five games - hurray! A prize! For the first time in her ten years a real prize by herself! With her boyfriend she has won pair go prizes but this time by herself! Next time 10 Kyu. She is hungry, very hungry. But she wants to wait for the prize giving ceremony, of course! She calls home to tell her mother that they arrived all right in Abano and that she has four wins out of five!
She is not the only one. A large group of Dutch compatriots is there to receive their prizes. The cameras are prepared. At last "the priza givinga isa start”.
First, the pair go with three 3rd places, 2nd place, 1st. The team tournament: Every player a mug - and the smallest girl gets the champagne. Ah, the weekend tournament, Rob van Zeijst, again, is called to the front first. Hm, probably the Italian way to start with the top players. Then up to Lee Hyuk from Korea, the winner! And that was it, the table was empty…
Disappointment, with a capital D. Booh! No money prize, OK, we can understand that. But at least a handshake at the podium. Luckily Alan Held had a personal kiss as consolation.
(The Boyfriend)
