Belgium’s Stéphane Lambert claimed the Japan Winter International Open tournament on December 14 and 15.
The tournament featured three categories: Open, Women, and Team events.
The venue was the Yamato City Citizen Exchange Hub “PoLaRiS”.
“PoLaRiS” is approximately a 45-minute direct train ride from central Tokyo areas such as Shinjuku and Shibuya.
“PoLaRiS” located in a quiet residential area, just a 3-minute walk from the nearest station, Chuo-Rinkan.
Podium placegetters
In the Open category, 32 players participated. Participants ranged in age from 11 to 62, covering a wide spectrum of ages.
In the semifinals, Michaël Dupret (BEL/Magic Team Tournai) defeated Taichi Kato (JPN/Yokohama OSC) 6-1, while Stéphane Lambert (BEL/Yokohama OSC) overcame Kenzo Koi (JPN/Yokohama OSC) 2-1 in extra time.
In the final, Stéphane Lambert claimed first place with a 1-1 draw, winning the shootout 2-0.
Michaël took the lead, but just before the end, Stéphane caught up, leading to extra time. The match remained undecided in extra time, so it went to a shootout.
In the shootout, Stéphane won and erupted with joy.
The Plate tournament winner was Shusuke Takahashi (JPN/TFC Kashiwa Sunrise).
Plate winner
We hope he will advance past the group stage next time.
In the Women’s category, 4 players participated.
Miwako Okamoto (JPN/Tokyo Sparkling Shooters) won the first place. It was her first title. She underwent intense training and participated in the last World Cup. The experience in the World Cup led to great results.
Women’s contestants
In Team event, 4 teams participated. Yokohama OSC, OSC Yamato Wild Blue, SC Reeds, Maradona Tokyo. Yokohama OSC claimed first place with a perfect record, reclaiming the title.
Team winners
2nd place is OSC Yamato Wild Blue.
Many players from clubs north of Saitama and Chiba participated in this tournament. In particular, two players came all the way from Fukushima to take part.
We would like to once again express our respect for their passion for table football.
All Team event players
JTFA