“Queen” Sissy is the winner of the first “Major” of the season. On Sunday, she won Game 14 to finish the first-to-6 series and successfully defend the title she had won last November.

Under severe pressure by Nici‘s three remaining pawns, Sissy fourth black pawn miraculously survived seven missed championship points.

Harry had his remaining pawns on the track and would have had good chances to draw level with Sissy if Nici had managed to kick Sissy’s fourth black pawn off the track.

But after 2:42 hours of fierce play, Sissy finally ended her third winner round on a “1” to win yet another piece of silver ware and her fourth “Major” title in as many tournaments.
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The 2024 World Masters is scheduled to start this weekend with Game 1 on Saturday and Game 2 on Sunday.

While Sissy will be trying to defend the trophy she lifted only last November, Nici and Harry are both eying their first “Major” titles.

Due to restructuring and starting this season, the World Masters shall be the first “Major” of future seasons.

The World Masters will be played under 3T+ rules and at a distance of “first-to-6 wins”. The tournament will mark the climax of the Masters sub-season.

The winner will score a total of 27 ranking points (3×7 tournament points plus 6 winner points) for the World Rankings and the Medal Race.
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