Year 2017 is safely tucked behind us! Now is the time to celebrate Minnesotans who have made it into the top 100 masterpoint holders as of December 31, 2017.
Our top ten players at 2017's year end are:
1. Peggy Kaplan 15856.87 442.94
2. Terry Beckman 12083.71 720.73
3. Sharon Anderson 12036.39 990.64
4. John Koch 11263.39 686.73
5. Peder Langsetmo 10357.63 70.64
6. Paul Meerschaert 9853.68 617.80
7. Jack Rhatigan 9591.85 6.21
8. Bob Balderson Jr 9342.59 165.89
9. Steven Gaynor 9169.45 429.20
10. Cynthia Balderson 9144.62 236.21
Currently, we have five Minnesotans who have reached over 10,000 points. Unfortunately, we lost another - a most treasured member of this group - who had also gone over 10,000: Larry Oakey.
But much to celebrate! This year, ACBL sent us not only a list of total points, but of points earned in 2017. Sharon Anderson had a super run! Her 990.64 was fewer than 10 points shy of 1,000! Very well done, Sharon.
Other notable hefty totals were earned by Roger Anderson, Terry Beckman, John Koch, Bjorgvin Kristinsson and Paul Meerschaert. Note that Paul is getting every closer to that 10K range; we fully expect to be reporting that he "goes over" in 2018.
We congratulate our top ten, and all the other top 100 masterpoint holders in our state, with the full list below.
Yet please remember. Fun as they are to win and collect, masterpoints are only a rough gauge of ability and achievement. Players have different commitments: family, jobs, volunteering, etc. - pocketbooks, time, health issues and so on and so forth. Some of us have smaller masterpoint totals - yet nevertheless are real toughies at the table!
In the meantime, however, please join me in celebrating the accomplishments of our Top 100! And here is to all of us having a fun 2018, filled with great bridge, friendships and adventure!