Interview with Budweiser Super Count-up Winner, Bernard Tong

Interview with Budweiser Super Count-up Winner,
Bernard Tong

Bernard Tong, with his winnings

After beating 8 opponents continuously in qualifying rounds, playoff rounds and the finals, Bernard is the second finalist of the Budweiser Super Count-Up 2007. He also won himself US$1000 cash, Budweiser premiums and a trip to Las Vegas to participate in the prestigious Medalist USA World Championship 2007 and the Super Count-Up Challenge. He will be one of two players, the other being Lawrence Lee, to represent Singapore with the very high possibility of winning the top prize of US$50,000 in the Super Count-Up event.

The selection for the 2 Singapore representatives of the Medalist World Challenge Super Count-Up event started in March 2007 and since then, there have been more than 500 entries pitting their skills against each other. Qualifying rounds run a few times a week and now, towards the end of the season, almost daily, as more and more people tried their best to get through to the finals.

The game itself is unique as anyone can win with the perfect rating and handicap system. Players get their handicap re-rated for each round that they progress. Thus, even a less experienced player stands a chance against an expert opponent.

Bernard will be joining Lawrence Lee to the tournament in Las Vegas, USA in Sept 2007.

We have a few moments to chat with Bernard, to find out his strategy.

Q: What is your strategy of winning this game?

Just keep my concentration on the game and stay very focused. During the game, there is no time to relax, I just have to concentrate and focus on the game all the way.

Q: Did you feel nervous during the game and how do you control your nervousness?

I felt very nervous, especially during the semi-final game with Tony Teo, because Tony is a very good player and I just lost to him during the semifinals of another event . But I'm very happy that I manage to win that game, I have to keep my concentration on the game and stay very focused.

Q: Some people feel that the Super Count-Up favors the lower rated player, what do you think?

More or less, yes, because if you got handicap points, you feel more stable. you don't need to panic. Of course, the more handicap points, the better but if you are a good player, even if you are giving handicap it wont cost u anything. The handicap is not much and you can still win the game.

Q: How would you encourage other new players to the game?

The new players have to focus on their game and especially on their throw. They should not just "anyhow throw". The iimportant thing is to keep focusing. I don't think they need to get a coach but perhaps get some advice from the better players.

Q: Now that you have won, what would you do with the prize money and how would you prepare yourself for the Las Vegas trip ?

Probably treat my friends and as for me, I will play and practice more to help prepare myself for the trip.