Just getting to Wellington proved challenging on a stormy Thursday, when many flights had to abort approaches into the airport and divert to Christchurch, and other flights were simply cancelled. Luckily for us our flight made it in on a rather exciting first approach.

I opted not to practice in horizontal rain. Friday we drove up the coast to two of the remote venues where I will play during the block stage. With five venues in use, some of them an hour away from the city, the tournament organizers have a big job ensuring players without cars get where they need to be on time. We have a car, so our challenge is navigating Wellington's narrow and winding streets.

As usual there are 80 players, fighting for 32 spots in the knockout. As in 2016, Robert and Malcolm Fletcher have withdrawn for work reasons, leaving the tournament with only five of the world top 10.

2018 AC Worlds Results | AC Worlds Articles

SATURDAY VENUES

Blocks A and B - Kelburn
Blocks C and H - Waikanae
Block D - Plimmerton
Block E - Paraparaumu
Block F - Wellington
Block G is split- Players 2,4,7, & 10 are at Plimmerton, players 1,3,5,6,8,&9 at Paraparaumu