Richard holding the trophy (and an envelope full of cash) - a well deserved win.
Richard Rhodes, Australia's number 2 ranked player, takes the win in the main event at the 2016 Batcave Masters major pinball competition.
The final, in a best of three games match, was a nail biter and a thrilling spectacle for all those who watched on in the Batcave. Peter Watt, Australia's number 1 ranked player, was Richard's opponent. Peter got to choose the first game, in which he chose Joker Poker and pulled off a convincing victory. Richard then got the choice and it was straight to Addams Family, with Richard not even thinking twice about the choice! Conversely, Richard took that win convincingly. It was down to the third game decider...
In a great show of camaraderie and respect for each other, Peter and Richard agreed before the playoff that if it went to the third game decider, Black Pyramid would be the game they would play, in order to give the crowd a great show and the best ending to the three day tournament. It was an incredible game, with Richard first putting on a big score on his first ball that would make any player concerned about their chances of catching. Peter not only caught the score on his first ball, but tripled it! Not too long after, Richard had tripled that score once more in an amazing back and forth, until it came down to Peter's last ball to continue the momentum. Unfortunately, Peter's last ball was the shortest of the match and he fell short of his goal. But both players were incredibly gracious and in good spirits, along with the crowd who got to watch a perfect example of high level play.
In a dominating performance during the three days of competition, Richard also won the Pin-Golf side tournament. One would expect him to reclaim the Australian number 1 ranked player after these performances have been recorded in the IFPA world rankings. Congratulations Richard Rhodes!
Second place went to Peter Watt, third place to Paul Jones, and fourth place to Jasen Mouritsen.
From left to right: Jasen Mouritsen (4th), Peter Watt (2nd), Paul Jones (3rd), and Richard Rhodes (1st).