Paul Willis plays Phil Brett – quarter-final. Shing-Nien Fong gets roped in to table-judge.

Mark Bathe-Taylor and Ben Whitmell – the old and the new.
Ben and Harry are two out of a group of five or six boys that regularly play at Bristol. As they are only 12, they often play in the Type 2 running alongside the main event, giving them the chance to see the good players but also to win in their own tournament. They like to come to Bristol as it has a friendly atmosphere and everyone is willing to help them out, pointing out ways to win and the suchlike, though I think their favourite thing is the traders. They both look up to multiple Pro Tour winner Kai Budde. Ben says “Definitely come” and Harry says “It’s fun, you meet new people and learn how to play better.”

George Nethercot-Evans and Harry Byrne – the younger generation are always welcome.

John Ormerod and Stuart Shinkins.

John played Goblins, developed by Kai Budde and Jon Larkin, with a few tweaks here and there. He made World’s Top 8 in 2001 and came 9^th at Pro Tour Chicago in 1999. (He is, of course, one of the most respected English Limited players, too.) He’s being playing for eight years and keeps coming back to see his friends and because he enjoys the game. Visiting this venue for the first time, he really thought the play area was good as it provided separate areas for playing the PTQ, Type 2 and drafting, as well as offering food and drink. He’s used to playing with ‘The Palace’ but thinks he may return due to the organization of the event and the atmosphere.

Stuart is one of Ireland’s top players, making three Pro Tour top 64’s, three Pro Tour top 32’s and coming 17^th at the European Championships in 2001. He played his own deck today – Mono-White Control. Although it didn’t do so well, he’s convinced it should soon be making its mark. He’s been playing for seven years, after being introduced to the game by friends. He enjoys the changing environment and the challenge that this produces. His ‘idol’ in the magic world would be Eivind Nitter, due to the fact that he’s so intuitive – either that or he can top-deck like mad! He really enjoyed his first time at Bristol as there were a lot of people present and it was relaxed and friendly. “Great, fantastic, excellent, the best thing was the people running it.” I’m not so sure about that, but thanks anyway.

Stuart Wright – Stuart is a regular Pro Tour player, and recently made top 8 at European Championships, as well as money in Grand Prix London. He played Bob Maher’s Red-White deck, altered by himself and Sam Gomersall of London. He enjoys coming to Bristol (even if he moans it’s a little far away) as the atmosphere is friendly and the PTQ’s are well organised. As with most Magic players, he looks up to Kai Budde. (Don’t we all?)

Bristol pulled 77 players for the PTQ and an extra 14 for a standard Type 2 event.

Oliver Schneider playing Tan-Tai Nguyen. Oli has been playing for nine years after being introduced to game by his brother. Since then he has been UK Champion in 1997 and English Champion in 2001, as well as being a regular member of the English Pro Tour Team. He played Bob Maher’s GP Detroit version of Red-White in the PTQ, with a few changes, of course. Although not a regular south-west player, Oli likes the venue in Bristol and appreciates a well-run event. “Claire runs very good tournaments…” Oli made top 8.