In something that constantly intrigued Highlights, there was a time when Elwein Ng went nearly three months without receiving a Challenge from anyone below him. The times they are a changin’ as somebody or other once sang and he is now the most popular Kid on the Blok.
Elwein’s seven Challenges received and successfully defended this month is a magnificent record – and there are more in the pipeline. The Challenge that really matters to him has of course yet to be played. With the #2 rung occupant, Geoff Culshaw, safely tucked away somewhere in the Sumatran Jungle, his only possible Challenge right now is that of Klaudia Djajalie. Looking forward to that one.
Three successful defences for “King Kong” last night in The Dungeon against Bill Fraser, Richard Kwan and Greg Wilcox – and dropping just one frame over that lot – to Greg Wilcox. Imperious form.
Also in the Dungeon, Toby Cokes, the Redruth Rascal, continued to play just as well as he reports badly, and moved usefully up the Tangga with a successful 3-1 Challenge of another player in good form, Richard Kwan. They then both went on to beat Challenges from Bill Fraser by the same score, 3-2. Something of a joyous occasion for Toby against his recent bete noire and he told Highlights, “I exorcised my demons!”. Probably premature, Toby, exorcising infers a degree of permanence, whereas Bill will be back to haunt you again, and probably real soon!
Michael Ha is taking his recent good fortune in rising to the #6 rung in his stride and has wasted no time in Challenging all four Players above him which, because of pink and yellow stripes, includes #1 Klaudia Djajalie, when he will be hoping to improve his current month’s disastrous P14, W2, L12 record. Good luck, Michael!
Finally. the Jakarta All Stars (JAS) committee met last night to make their selection of the 25 players to represent the City in the International Quadrangular Tournament in Bangkok in September. The final 25 will be made public next Monday we understand – and we kind of hope and expect that the Tangga will be well represented!
