2005 Siva Sivani Carrom Tournament, Vizag, India
Report by Jayadev Suryadevara, USCA:
Total of 168 games were played comprising of 1200 boards (sets) in
little more than two days. There was no single dispute which had to be
addressed by the chief referee, which shows the extreme friendliness
and professionalism with which the games were played. This is
positively different from the usual in a typical match environment in
India where there are referees for all the matches and also many
disputes which reach the chief referee.
The quality of games was extremely high which is shown by the fact
that there was only one match that hit the 40 minute buzzer in a 45
minute game. There were 5 slams altogether which is very good on the
boric powder. All the matches were played on 20 new precise elegant
tournament boards. For the first time here in India women got the
opportunity to play in the same league as men. 2 of the 7 women that
participated in the tournament have earned a place in first 8 rankings
out of a total of 40 players for singles. This was an eye opener for
the carrom circles that was used to think different from reality.
Accommodation, food and entertainment were provided at the venue so as
to eliminate transportation and timing in-conveniences to the players
and the organizers. The main theme of the tournament was "AUTOMATION"
of tournament management and "PLAYER IS THE KING" during a tournament.
This theme had been well covered in the press and media channels. All
scores and schedules had been automated and generated using the
software made by United States Carrom Association. Tournament
officials were minimized and were totally relegated to the background
only to support the tournament and the players. The officials were
specially instructed to treat the players politely and respectfully in
every aspect during the tournament. Alcohol, tobacco chewing and
smoking had been banned during the tournament days - this had received
great appreciation from the locals as well as carrom associations. CDs
with Carrom software was donated free of cost to Hyderabad, Andhra and
Visakapatnam carrom associations on behalf of United States Carrom
Association. Trophies were presented in a press meet cum prize
distribution ceremony. As mentioned earlier Carrom Associations were
partnered with for selection of players however the tournament was
totally organized by Dr Neeraj and I. That way we minimized the so
called non-playing carrom officials and focused more on the players
and the game itself. Such a shift was well received by the Hyderabad
and Andhra carrom associations. This effort not only will continue in
the coming years but we have plans to increase the coverage of the
tournament from a invited players' geography perspective.
Results and other details :
Chief Guest: Dr G.D.Mogli ( consultant to WHO) - strict adherence to
banning of alcohol, tobbaco chewing and smoking had been well
appreciated by the chief guest.
Singles First: L.Suryaprakash (Hyderabad)
Singles Second: Ajay Musid (Visakapatnam)
Singles Third: S.Sagar (Hyderabad)
Doubles First: L.Suryaprakash and S.Sagar (Hyderabad)
Doubles Second: Madan Raj and S.Ramesh (Hyderabad)
Dboules Third: M.Shankar and E.Ahok (Hyderabad)
Best Women's player: Swarupa Rani (Hyderabad) - younger sister of
Suvarna the best women's payers in the U.S Cup in Atlantic City.
Promising talent: Naga Jyoti (Hyderabad)
