Tournament Diary

[Robert]

I thought I would 'Kick Off' this thread.

Turned up late, to a hot and sweaty room full of pumped up enthusiasts. After years of playing KO2 in my own private cube, there was suddenly an oversupply of human opponents.

Thought I'd warm up with some random friendlies. Picked Riemer and Steve C. Managed a fluke win and a draw. Was surprised by the quality of the opposition. It was great to see the game alive, and so many people taking it seriously.

Progressed through group 1 stage - was crusing the group then brought crashing down to earth with a 6-1 hammering by Gianluca - he won the group and pushed me second.

Went to Dartford for a Kebab then sneaked back only to find others practising. Beat Gunther in a friendly, then pumped up with self belief, was humiliated 5-0 by Alkis. Had two shots on his goal all game. I had never played anyone this good. Much to reflect on overnight.

Group Phase 2 seemed to be over almost before it started. I was in the 'group of death' with four closely-matched players. I came out with a two narrow defeats and one very narrow win - not enough.

Sat back and watched as the tournament those who were just good made way for those who were legendary. Nazim vs Mark P was an epic. Eventually Alkis emerged as the (inevitable?) winner. I say inevitable, but do not take away from his achievement - we all have bad games except Alkis. It is this consistency that makes the difference.

Looking forward to the next tourny, and resuming in the meantime with any UK-based players, all of whom looked a bit 'tasty' at their best, but none with the consistency to go all the way.

Respect to Alkis, Gianluca and Mark P (sorry I didn't get a chance to play him) who, if we're honest, are probably at a skill level somewhere above the rest of us.

Thanks to all, and final thanks to Steve for organisation of the venue.

[VKafiris]

Delightful!
That's the least that I can say about my feelings after the tournament in a single word.
I didn't do well in the tourney, but I realy don't mind about it.
I just want to thank all of you for being so cheerful, impulsive and carefree during the weekend. That was one of my best times in all my life. Thank you people.
I'd like to give special thanks to Ely, James B., Martin B., James C. and Nazim for being such good mates.
Thank you Dutch team for the KOA and bring us all toghether.
Gracie Italiani! Io sono amico, bene? (A shameful demonstration of my italian!)
EYXARISTO ALKI!!! Thanx Alkis, for the next tourney to be held in Greece.
Congratulations to all of us!

[MrDig]

Yeah! Why didn't I played against you! <IMG SRC="/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif"> Next year maybe then.. Great tournament report Robert, you should become a football commentator.. When I played my matches I constantly heared you above all the rest <IMG SRC="/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif"> That was fun..

[VKafiris]

Thanx Mark P. for the good words!
Thanx Tim just for showing up!

[VKafiris]

Thanx Robert S. for the above post,
and for the PM data disk!

[Robert]

Dig, you mean I'm loud? I had to be my own support, as there were certainly a few people cheering for my opponents!

I'll play you next year - I think I probably missed a big defeat this time, so maybe I had a lucky escape!

[Hausmann Helmut]

So here my greatest impressions:

Klaus and I arrived around 6:30 at the 2nd nov 2001 in Dartford. We walked to the hotel from the railway station. It takes about 30 min.. When I entered the hotel I walked to the reception and asked after <i>Mr. Steve Screech.</i> The gentleman behind the reception began to <i>laugh and point</i> at a person next to me. - It was him, Steve Screech. At the evening we went into the TGI Friday's, in order to follow the <b>legendary drawing</b> of Alkis. In the later evening we began to play practises. Klaus and I lost every match. When we went sleeping we <i>feared to get the 'shirt of shame'</i>. But there are very good competitors like Alkis, Steve Screech, Choudhury Nazim, Riempie and Steve Camber.

On 3rd November the games of the 4 groups with each 8 players began. The scores were written down permanent, so that everyone knew how much points he had. The atmosphere was very tense. Continuous there was a rejoicing scream, a shrill whistle of the referee, or a goal noise. I lost my important games against Gunther and Oliver unfortunately. (I will correct this in Athens 2002)

<i>My best games were:</i>
Steve Camber - Hausmann Helmut (3-3)
Lockerbie James- Hausmann Helmut (2-2)

<i>My 'shame' games:</i>
Wening Gunther - Hausmann Helmut (2-1)
Oliver Schleede - Hausmann Helmut (6-3)

I could have make the following 2 rounds, so as Klaus, but it should not be this time. I saw many <b>new techniques</b> (from mark Poelstra, Alkis Polyrakis, Riemer Poelstra,Gianluca Troiano mainly ) that I will immediately try out this weekend.

When I was today in a lecture on the technical Vienna university, I dream the whole time only at KO and the tournament. I heard still the voices (<b>shame, No need, filth</b>) and still saw the green ground with the white ball. I could not believe that it has ended now.
When I looked today at the forum, I saw that Alkis plans the next tournament in Athens. ,. YES, yes , Woow <b>*lol*</b>
So still a lot of <i>thanks to</i> all which made hardware available or which have made the tournament possible, and to all players who came. <i>I would still like to say to the end that this tournament makes the community more closely. I hope the community is remained also further so nice and friendly.</i>

I look forward to <b>KO the Gathering 2002</b>, Athens

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Hausmann Helmut on 2001-11-05 20:03 ]</font>

[Hausmann Helmut]

Oh, I thought this will be the place to put all the diaries in. This forum is now very big and shouldn't be unclear to read.(Please think about this aspect)

[Gunther]

There will be a nice in Athens then. Helmut wants to correct the score he got against me, and I need to play my Klaus Lederertrauma away. <IMG SRC="/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif">

[kofoed]

Well I arrived at the hotel at 11 am on Saturday the 3rd. Checked in, got up to my splendid room and packed up my joystick.

Then I came to the conference room, and saw a lovely sight, four amigas with screens with people playing ko2 behind. I found the listings of groups and found myself i a group together with Alkis, Nazim, Martin Beard, Steve Screech, Franco, Pim Vink and Tim.

People who had played friendlies on friday night told me about the skills of Alkis and some of the others, Steve I feared(after all he is one of the creators).

I started by winning 11-0 against Tim and
then I beat Pim vink with a second clean sheet. Then I defeated Steve S 2-1. I got some confidence after seing steves human side in his 0-8 defeat against alkis.

(I think) match was against Martin and we had a tight draw.

The game after that I suffered my worst defeat 2-8 against Nazim, wouldn't call it a shame game though 'cause he played really well.

Then I beat Franco and was through to the second group stage.

My last game in the first group stage was against the greek virtuoso Alkis. By halftime he led 3-0 but the match finally ended 3-1 after me scoring on a penalty, the only goal in second half.(So I won one half against the champion <IMG SRC="/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif"> )

In the second stage i got into a totally unpredictable group with Steve Camber, Robert Swift and the elder of the Beard Brothers, James.

I lost the first game against Steve Camber by 2-1. A close game that could've ended either way(I want to believe).

My second game was a thriller. I played Robert Swift and I lead by 2-1 and then 4-2 but he refused to give up and came back to 4-4. In the final seconds of the game I managed to score a fifth goal and so i won 5-4. My best game of the tournament(though I think i should've changed tactics to 5-3-2 when leading by 4-2)

My last game I drew 2-2 against James Beard. He had the lead for a long time with 2-1 and i finally managed to get an equalizer. I had some good chances at the end of the game but failed to use them. So James got the quarter final place on better goal difference due to his splendid 3-0 performance against Steve Camber.

My conclusion of the tournament is that i need human opposition to get a better defense.

Congrats to Alkis for him winning the tournament. and thanks for your vital contribution in the organizing of the event

Thanks to Steve for arranging the whole thing...

See you all in Athens 2002 if not earlier

[Hausmann Helmut]

Yes Gunther i will try to beat you next time <IMG SRC="/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif">, but i think you were also training and improving your Kick off gaming.