(email sent 9.30pm, 25/2)

Kia ora tatou,

Welcome everyone to the inaugural Canterbury GC Open.This email is just to give people an update on the format for the GC singles competition on Sunday 28 Feb, adding to the event information Claire has already distributed.

With 15 entrants and 4 lawns available, we're going to go with a Flexible Swiss format. This is a less structured event format than some of you will be used to, however it is also the best to optimise numbers of games, and ensure people largely play against those who have had similar win records - independent of handicap.

Play will begin at about 8.30, you can practise until 8.20 from when your lawn is set and available, but no hard hoop running (i.e. don't hit the ball at hoops such that if the hoop was not there the ball would travel in excess of 7m) - with a bit of luck the hoops will survive all day!

To qualify for any event prizes, you will need to complete at least 5 games PLUS you will need to be available to start a game after 3.30pm. Winner determined by: percentage wins, with most games played as first tiebreaker, followed by average quality of opponents.

No games starting after 4.30 will count towards the tournament results, and hopefully we'll have prize giving around 5.15-5.30.

As well as the CCA's cash prizes, there will be tasty awards for those who complete the most games, and who gain the most index points during the day.

When you finish a game, come in, report your score, and advise if you are ready to play again straight away - chances are you will have only a very short wait until your next game. If you want a break, just check in when you're ready to play again. I'll keep the leaderboard up-to-date so you can keep an eye on your progress.

We will be double-banking throughout the event, with 'second' games starting when the first game is through hoop 2. Please be considerate of others on the lawn and be mindful of injury risks.

There will be no time limits.

Singles Event Referee: Lesley Smith, ref of tournament for the day: Jenny Clarke (I won't be refereeing on the lawn, but will be available to hear any appeals). 

Round 1 order of play (lawns to be advised):
Duncan v Owen
Logan v Gaylene
Josh v Flynn
Levi v Sue
John Borner v Reece
Myles v Mark
John Yarrall v Carolyn

First game on for round 2: Claire Horncastle vs first available player on 0/1

Croquetscores has been updated with this event format, and I'll copy this email onto the Commentary section.

The weather forecast is great, which bodes well for an excellent event.

Jenny (manager)