PERM, Russia - For the second time Perm hosted EMA riichi tournament in "Siberia" zone. Like half year ago again seventy-two players from thirteen cities of Russia competed in the first ever three-day riichi tournament. Despite the fact that 40% of players were female players all top places have been occupied by males. The winner of this twelve-session event is Vladimir Zayakin, runner-up is Kirill Penkin, 3rd place is taken by Leonid Rogozin, all players are from Perm! The best female Elena Shalimova from Perm, chief organiser of the event, is at 12th position. As a side-event EMA riichi seminar took place prior to the tournament having brought 8 new EMA certified referees to the referees pool.

Event

As in dozens of Russian riichi tournaments all scoring at Perm Haru Shanten 2018 was done via "Pantheon" system (developer Oleg Klimenko) -- no paper or tenbo sticks, login via mobiles or smartphones. 

The whole event was neatly organised by local riichi group. Since almost all the helpers could also serve as replacement players the tournament could be held with any number of players which is a big plus. Great advantage was to play at the hotel, in the evening bowling and billiards downstairs were at players' disposal. Nevertheless many players came to the nearest taproom to play friendly games including trying completely new rules: MCR and Sichuan.

Acknowledgements

To carry out flawlessly such a major tournament was an almost impossible task. Nevertheless, the organizing team did an excellent job! Many thanks to Elena Shalimova and her team. Chief referee Dmitriy Vodilov and his helper Arthur Khanafin ensured all tournament procedures were of the highest standards.

Final Results of Perm Haru Shanten 2018, Perm, RERS 3.5