ALPHEN / Rhine, the Netherlands - Jelte Rep is one of the founding fathers of organized mahjong in the Netherlands. Not alone did he write several books about his favorite pastime, he also designed the first Excel spreadsheets to keep up the scores easier during tournaments, he organized a number of tournaments in his residence Hilversum (the Dutch ‘Radio City’), he teaches mahjong at the ‘Peoples University’ and he was an important source of inspiration for the founding of the Dutch Mahjong League.

But not until today at the Dutch town of Alphen, Mr. Rep (now 76), won an official tournament. Of course in his favorite type mahjong, Dutch Tournament Rules, the local variant of the old-fashioned classical Chinese game. He was the number one player after four sessions of the ‘Green Heart Tournament’. This tournament, by the way, was organized by the Green Heart Mahjong Club, which was founded at the little town of Alphen aan den Rijn, after ‘Dr. Mahjong’ had given a mahjong course to the local mahjong enthusiasts. “A special occasion indeed”, said Jelte after the tournament.

Runner-up was Patricia Schilte, third prize went to Dennis Bruggink. In the tournament, 36 players competed, all from the Netherlands.

Final Results of the Green Heart Tournament (Dutch Tournament Rules, No MERS), Alphen

Mahjong book by Jelte Rep