The City of Sydney Masters - January 1996

The cream of Australian Scrabble gathered in Sydney this last Australia day weekend to contest one of the years prestige events, the City of Sydney Masters. The top five rated players in the country were present, including the four representatives at the WSC last year.

44 players took part, all rated above 1300. 18 games were played over two days, 45 minutes per game, single (multiple!) challenge with self-running to eliminate frivolous challenges and increase the prize pool (by not paying runners). As an incentive for lower rated players to participate, cash awards were given to players who gained the highest rating increase over the tournament.

The top placings and awards were as folows: 

1. Joan Rosenthal (NSW)         14-4    $350
2. Paul Cleary (VIC)            13-5    $200
3. Bob Jackman (NSW)            13-5    $120
4. Alistair Kane (VIC)          13-5    $70
5. Esther Perrins (NSW)         12-6
6. Jean McGiffen (NSW)          11-7
7. Roger Blom (VIC)             11-7
8. John Holgate (ACT)           11-7
9. Ivor Zetler (NSW)            11-7
10.Mary Winter (VIC)            11-7
11.Joanne Craig (NSW)           10.5/7.5

High Rating Gain: Joanne Craig  +147    $70
2nd Highest RG: Robert Tomkins  +95     $30

High Word: Bob Jackman BENZOATE 212     $50
High Game: Bob Jackman          635     $50