This in from Thorin Munro:

Congratulations to WILL BLACK the new Diplomacy Champion of Sydney.

Will scored a sweeping solo victory with Germany in his 3rd game to clinch the title. He becomes the first member of 'Team ANZ', winning sponsored travel to the 2010 World Championship in The Hague.

A strong performance from second placed Leena Hu, in just her second tournament after winning best novice award at the 2009 Australian Championships.  Third place won by Liam Cosgrave, collecting two Best Country awards along the way with Italy and France.

>From a Tournament Directors view point, this event was a great success. There were 23 players over the two days, 7 high quality games, keen newcomers like Matthew Woodburn, Jason Collins, Riccardo Ingles and Matt Cobb-Clark, and a sociable and sporting atmosphere.

Special mention to youngster Charlie Akdeniz who pulled off the stab of the tournament, carrying off the box of prizes before the presentation! And I want to acknowledge his perseverence in some very tough positions. Stick at it Charlie, you've got potential!

Next stop - The DON Challenge in Melbourne, Dec 5-6th; Then onto the 2010 Australian Championship, January 23rd-25th