In 18th Japan Open Backgammon Tournament Sabri Büyüksoy represented OBSS and Turkey. Competing both in the Main and Super Jackpot tournaments, he succeeded to reach to semi-finals of Super Jackpot after very close matches. Video recording of this match is provided in http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/26000487. Kenji Shimodaira won the tournament after 20 years of his first win. Overall results of the tournament is available in http://chicagopoint.com/results.html. Having an opportunity to know Japan with this tournament, Sabri Büyüksoy presents some photos and insights below:
A muscled Japanese pulls a cart for tourist ride.
We were able to take a photo of famous Sensoji Budhist Temple in a surprisingly sunny day 🙂
Keeping a fire from Hiroshima live until today, Japanese people have managed to make this grievous event remembered and forgiven.
A nice reflection from dancing flowers is a way of Japanese people showing us how to respect nature in itself but also add a human touch.
Turksih team (two Turks, one Spanish/Lebanese and one Englishman) at a sushi feast.
If we stayed a little bit longer we would be sushi ourselves 🙂
Japan Backgammon Federation tries to spread backgammon by creating opportunities for its players to play in cafes.
A little girl was competing in the tournament in the beginners category, playing in a board bigger than herself and giving her opponents very hard time 🙂
Handshaking with Akiko Yazawa prior to Super Jackpot semi-final while still being able to smile 🙂
A young player, who managed to beat Sabri Büyüksoy, gets a prize from him for something he achieved prior to the tournament.
I would like to thank my wife Şebnem, Ricardo Malas and tournament director Mochy for sharing these photos.
Sabri Büyüksoy