Q: Let's get right to it. Why was it so important to have an Israeli Open?

A: It was quite important to have an Israeli Open so we can play in an Open Tantrix Tournament without flying somewhere else.

Q: Very practical. So why are you referred to as the 'Father of the Israeli Open'? Are your parents concerned about you being a father at such a young age?

A: It's because I was the one who suggested to have the tournament. That was about my only part in organizing it.

(Editor's note: This is false modesty. Reliable sources have reported that Omer put in many hard hours pestering people unmercifully until the Israeli Open was a certainty.)

My parents weren't concerned about it, because in Hebrew the one that "suggests" having the tournament, isn't called the "father" of that tournament.

Q: How did you do in the tournament?

A: I actually did quite well. I stayed in the top five most of the tournament. The last round wasn't very good for me and also other players did very well on that round so I fell to 6th place.

Q: Why did half the entrants have the last name Chor? Is this legal?

A: First of all, we were 3 Chors and 2 Shors (the name has changed for historical reasons). I think it must be legal and it's better than having a tournament with 9 only entrants, right?

Q: How long have you been playing Tantrix?

A: Our family has played Tantrix since our visit in New Zealand in 1999. We saw it in a shop (I don't remember where), and bought it. I started playing online in 2002. I didn't play much at the beginning, but now I play almost every day.

Q: If you could go to any other Open which one would it be?

A: I think I would go to any tournament with lots of players, for example the Hungarian open. I think it could be nice to meet alot of players.

Q: What makes Yoseph so good? Do you you believe the rumors that he sleeps upside down so more blood goes to his head?

A: Yes!

Q: Which player surprised you the most?

A: The player that surprised me the most was definitely Ido (Choob). He was seeded 11th but he was the only one who managed to beat Yoseph. He also managed to close two 50 point loops against two different players - which is amazing.

Q: What was your favorite moment of the tournament?

A: Lunch time.

Q: Did everyone go out to eat together?

A: No, we ate sandwiches that Zafrir and Tali made. They were yummy.

Q: Do you think you will have another Open next year?

A: Yes. I hope it will be two days and that we will have some visitors from other countries.

Q: Any final words?

A: I'd like to thank Zafrir (Kaz) and Tali for organizing the Tournament so well (and the sandwiches). Of course, thanks to Galina (Galca) for helping "behind the scenes" - without her we wouldn't have had the tournament.

Back to previous page