The Top 8 Kick-Off tournament took place in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin 4. Defending Champion Roman Pszonka was the only player to emerge undefeated over the weekend, with a 4-0 record, and is well-positioned to gain a spot in the title match for the Championship. Claas Roever and Noel Mitchell finished with three wins, Claas losing to Roman, and Noel falling to Justyna Kleczar in a tight 1.5 point game in the final round. Noel’s third round match against James Hutchinson was broadcast to an appreciative audience of thirty on KGS by Marek Gutkowski.

The full standings can be found on the Top 8 page. The remaining games must be completed by the Irish Go Congress in the first weekend of March.