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2017 Australian Grand Prix – Opens Tournament

Drama is probably the best way to describe the Australian Grand Prix 2017.
A late switch of venue, events during the Open competition, some classic encounters, a female competition for the first time, and the presence of representatives of 11 of our club, combined to make this the most dramatic Australian Grand Prix.

The dinner and draw on the Friday night, so ably MC’d by Geoff Sirmai, and catered brilliantly by our own Fabrizio Coco, resulted in some fascinating pairings in the groups of the Open.

In Group 1, Peter Thomas (MTFC) dominated, but one of the two Cherrybrook ‘prodigal sons’ — Nick Brill raised lots of eyebrows with his comeback performance after 20 years out of competition. In his first up match, using Toccers he faced Peter and came away with a credible 6-2 loss, before smacking Kosta Barbaris (Sydney) 6-0.

In Group 2 there was a big surprise when Giuseppe Tardiota (Brisbane) beat Eliot Kennedy (Falcons) 1-0. Yago Dzelalija (Canberra) made his ATFA debut, getting a credible 1-1 draw against Giuseppe, and a 0-0 with Jeremy Simpson (Hipfingerz) before succumbing to the raw power of Eliot 5-0.

In Group 3, Ross McNulty (Perth) threw caution to the wind in his opener against Steve Dettre (Falcons), and despite Steve twice taking the lead, Ross pegged him back — the second being an absolute screamer. But in the second half, Steve’s accuracy wore Ross down, scoring three unanswered goals. Fabrizio won the group after a 1-0 win against Steve.

Group 4 featured the bravest individual of the weekend. Despite suffering from the effects of a brain tumour, Harley Ullrich (Falcons) turned up on both Friday night and Saturday: “I wasn’t going to let anyone down. People were expecting to play, and I was going to be there.” He lost 3-0 to Benny Ng (MTFC) and then 2-0 to Rik Bland (Brisbane) before sharing the spoils in a pulsating 3-3 draw with Tony Credentino (Sydney).

Benji Batten (MTFC) made a spirited start to his title campaign with three wins in Group 5, ahead of Jon Ball (Falcons), another debutante in Terry Koutzas (Sydney) and Chris Thorn (Perth).

Hermann Kruse (Falcons) caused a boilover in Group 6, topping the table after playing some of the best table football he’s shown in the last two years. He held Adrian Elmer (Parramatta) 0-0, then Todd Giles (Newcastle) 1-1, before whipping three past another returnee, Richard Wilson (Cherrybrook). Todd had quite literally come straight off the boat, after a night shift in the navy, but lack of match practice took its toll.

In Group G, Paul Mercer (MTFC) topped the table, with Hugh Best (Perth) squeezing through in second place.

The barrage round threw up some of the biggest scores of the weekend. Rik could do no wrong as he beat Hermann 5-1, while Fabrizio went on a rampage against Jon, winning 5-0, and Benny beat Hugh 6-0. But the big surprise was Steve’s 7-1 thumping of Giuseppe, with every shot being an unstoppable meteor. Nick caused the biggest boilover when he beat Paul Mercer 2-0 to progress to the quarters.

Peter Thomas threw everything at Steve in the first half of their Quarter Final clash, with only Steve’s goalkeeping forcing him into the match. In the second half, a lightning attack by Pete broke the deadlock, and we progressed with a 2-0 win. Eternal rivals Benji and Benny faced off in their quarter, with Benji loudly proclaiming his 2-1 victory in a controversial climax to the game! Fabrizio comfortably moved past Rik 3-0, but Eliot had to battle all the way to sudden death extra time — at one stage being down 0-2 — before he could beat Nick 3-2.

In the Semi-finals, Eliot seemed to be inspired — or maybe just spurred into action — and put on a great performance to beat Fabrizio, while Peter turned on the style to beat Benji 3-0.

In the final, some unbelievable defensive flicks from both players kept the game scoreless until Peter wove his magic to claim his second AGP in three years.

Tournament report by Steve Dettre

For more photos, click here.

For full results, click here.

2017 Australian Grand Prix – WASPA Consolation Tournament

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Ross Mcnulty celebrates his victory

After the drama of the knockout stages in the AGP17 the 3rd and 4th players in the group of four advanced into a WASPA Knockout Tournament that ran alongside the Knockout stages of the AGP17. In a thrilling competition full of incidents and some truly special goals Mcnulty clinched victory to head 4,000 miles back to Perth with another title in the bag.

In the first of 2 Elimination play offs to make the Quarter Final Chris Thorn turned on a spectacular display too dispose of local junior, Andrew Kuany, in emphatic style with a 3-0 win. In the 2nd Elimination Play Off Yago Dzezlalija also put on a superb display in a 3-0 win against another local junior, Othniel Antwi, in a gripping match that really showcased the beauty of Subbuteo in its finest essence.

In the first of the Quarter Finals Ross Mcnulty came up against Jeremy Simpson and his dangerous Leicester City Tokas. After an even start, Mcnulty began to dominate play and took the lead just before half time. Simpson tried his all and cannoned a shot against the post but Mcnulty broke quickly and rasped a fine strike past the helpless keeper to go 2 up with 5mins left. Simpson did his all but could not break down the organised defence of Mcnulty’s Manchester City Tcha Arrows team and another goal was added to complete his advance into the Semi Finals. Chris Thorn took on Kostas Barbaris In the 2nd game of the Quarter finals and yet again remained water tight at the back. The veteran 74yr old dominated and took the lead just before half time with a wonderfully constructed goal of sheer patience that paid off. In the second half Kostas put Thorn under pressure but could not break down the defence and half way through the half Thorn added another beauty to join his club mate Mcnulty in the Semi Finals. In the 3rd game of the Quarter Finals, local Greek-Australian lad, Terry Koutzas, faced Melbourne girl and current Ladies No 1, Beth Eveleigh. Again another very tight match was played out with Beth remaining extremely organised at the back and they headed into half time at 0-0. Koutzas finally broke away after a sustained period of pressure midway through the second half and although Beth rallied she could not equalize, Koutzas advancing into the Semi Finals. In the 4th and final Quarter Final Richard Wilson was pitted against Yago Dzelalija and another classic encounter was evident with the first half ending 0-0 with each player going close on numerous occasions. In the 2nd half, Wilson and his dangerous Tokas smashed in an unstoppable shot that nearly took the net out and Yago crashed out after such a valiant effort in another cracker.

Chris Thorne buries his first in his semi final shootout against Terry Koutzas

The first Semi Final pitted Chris Thorn against the local Terry Koutzas and after both defences were so organised the game headed into extra time, again they could not be separated and the game headed into shots. After the required 5 shots each, scores were tied at 3 each, so they went into sudden death. Thorn missed his first and Koutzas made no mistake to propel himself into the Final and deny Thorn of a possible show down with other Perth local Mcnulty. In the 2nd Semi Final Mcnulty faced Richard Wilson and his ever dangerous Tokas and after a fine quick counter attack a shot was placed into the top corner from the right too put him 1 up at half time. Wilson really went for it in the 2nd half and duly snatched a deserved equalizer with minutes left on the clock after a great strike. Into extra time and again it remained deadlocked at 1-1 and so the 2nd Semi Final was to be decided on penalties. At 2-2 after 4 penalties each Mcnulty tucked away his 5th and Wilson missed to go out after such a terrific display in the tournament.

The Final was a game littered with quick break aways and tight defensive discipline between Mcnulty & Koutzas but ultimately Mcnulty began to break down The Sydney TFC player and went in 1 up at the break. In the 2nd half Koutzas attempted to get back on level terms but a second and final killer goal landed Mcnulty his first title away from Perth.

report by Ross Mcnulty

SYDNEY AGP2017 WASPA TOURNAMENT

ELIMINATION PLAY OFFS :

3 Chris Thorn *
0 Andrew Kuany

3 Yago Dzelalija *
0 Othniel

QUARTER FINALS

3 Ross Mcnulty *
0 Jeremy Simpson

2 Chris Thorn *
0 Kostas Barbaris

1 Terry Koutzas *
0 Beth Eveleigh

1 Richard Wilson *
0 Yago Dzelalija

SEMI FINALS:

0 Terry Koutzas *
0 Chris Thorn
(Koutzas wins 6-5 on Pens)

1 Ross Mcnulty *
1 Richard Wilson
(Mcnulty wins 3-2 on Pens)

FINAL:

2 Ross Mcnulty *
0 Terry Koutzas

2017 Australian Grand Prix – Womens’ Tournament

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Imojjen, Beth & Æowyn (l-r)

ATFA were very proud to play host to the first all-female table football tournament in Australia with 4 players registered to contest the inaugural title of Australia’s top female player.

Imojjen Elmer, Beth Eveleigh and Æowyn Elmer fought out a tight group stage. A fiercely competitive spirit with equal amounts of fair play and sportsmanship were on display from the very first flick. Veteran Eveleigh played out a tense 0-0 draw with the up and coming Imojjen Elmer. Elmer displayed a deft touch and excellent defensive blocking; only lacking the killer instinct at the other end of the pitch. Eveleigh failed to break through and managed to find herself with 5 players offside (twice) whilst pressing for a goal.

Sister v Sister

Elmer senior then fought out another goalless draw with Elmer junior who has the determination and tactical brain to challenge in the future. The final group match saw Eveleigh eventually break through the defensive wall and score two goals against Æowyn, taking her into the final against Imojjen.

The final was watched by an increasingly absorbed crowd. Both players had their chances during the match but, once again a tense stalemate occurred which took Elmer and Eveleigh into 10 minutes of extra time. Then as the minutes ticked down Eveleigh found herself in the shooting area, but wide on the left flank with an acute angle on the ball. She took the shot which rocketed into the near top corner, somehow beating Elmer’s ‘keeper. ATFA President Batten noted during the following presentation that “Beth scored a golden goal worthy of winning any tournament”.

Australia’s inaugural Womens’ Champion, Beth Eveleigh

Eveleigh presented the Elmer sisters with their second and third place awards and declared the
future of the women’s game in excellent hands. Beth Eveleigh (Melbourne Table Football Club) then accepted the inaugural Women’s Championship trophy with relief! The players all left greatly enthused and determined to see future Womens’ tournaments grow.

Report by Beth Eveleigh

For full results, click here.

For more photos, click here.

2017 Australian Grand Prix

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The Australian Table Football Association is pleased to be able to announce the full details for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix.

The tournament will take place over the weekend of February 3-5. Our venue this year will be the premises of the Associazione Napoletana, found at 1A Marion St, Leichhardt, Sydney.

In a packed weekend of Subbuteo, the majority of individual tournaments will take place on Saturday, February 4, including the Individual Opens tournament and Individual Junior Tournaments in U19, U15 and U12 categories (subject to numbers). The individual tournaments will consist of a group phase with the top 2 place-getters in each group progressing to the knock-out stages. For players in the Opens Individual tournament who are eliminated early, a separate WASPA tournament will then take place.

Then, following on Sunday, February 5 will be the club teams tournament and, for the first time in Australian Subbuteo history, a FISTF Ladies Tournament. Another WASPA tournament will also be held for any players not participating in the Teams or Ladies tournament.

The Australian Grand Prix is open to all players, regardless of age, gender, experience or ability. New players are very welcome.

Pricing

For any player aged above 19 (Open age), the tournament entry fee is $30. Your entry fee covers all play for both days, including venue hire and all FISTF fees.

For Junior players (Aged 19 and Under), tournament entry is Free

Payment can be made in cash on the day though payment in advance by bank transfer is much preferred. Online payments can be made via Melbourne Table Football Club Incorporated who will be collecting the entry fees on behalf of ATFA.

Melbourne Table Football Club Inc.
B.S.B: 013 355
A/C No. 2914 879 38
(please include your name and ‘AGP2017’ with payment)

Friday Night Dinner

This year we will again be hosting a dinner on the Friday Night before the tournament. This dinner will take place at the tournament venue. The draw for the weekend’s matches will also be conducted. All players are highly encouraged to attend this dinner. Payments for the dinner will be made separate to the tournament entry fee. The price per person for the dinner will be determined closer to the event as it is dependent on exact numbers (though we are estimating $30.

Attendees will also be free to organise friendly practise matches during the evening.

Registration

To register for the Australian Grand Prix, please submit your full details below.

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