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2003 News Archive
December 24th 2003
The PTSL Winter League 2003/04 was won by Ian Roy, who beat Mike Ewer in straight games. Ian won game 1 in extra time 2-1, then won game 2 in a shootout after a scoreless 40 minutes. It completed a 6-game winning streak for Ian in PTSL play, four of which were in the playoffs.
December 3rd 2003
The decision to incorporate Canadian players in the ASA rankings is being revisited by the ASA board. Having thought things over, MiSTFA is also against the original decision which makes no allowance for Michigan players to travel to Canada for tournaments.
The ASA and CSTSA will be working together to run a continental ranking. Watch this space for the latest developments.
The ASA rankings on this site have reverted back to those containing only American-based players.
December 1st 2003
The ASA's Midwest VP Zach Walker will be spending early 2004 studying in London, and installed MiSTFA founder Mike Ewer as his interim replacement. From now until May 2004, Mike will be Michigan's voice on the ASA board. Any comments, concerns or suggestions can be directed to him at mike@mistfa.org
October 25th 2003
The 2003 Michigan Cup went to Scott Aldridge from Barrie, Ontario, who beat Marco Silva 2-1 in a tense final.
The world #54 was the only player to enter the single elimination final four with a 100% record, and he continued that form with a 1-0 golden goal win over Bruno Biasini in the semi-final. Marco, who had travelled furthest of all competitors to reach the event, earnt his #1 seed by beating the other previously undefeated player Chris Buttigieg 4-1 in the second semi-final.
Chicago's Erik Haefke and Grand Rapids' Mark Oberg were the next highest ASA players, sharing 7th spot as the 5th-8th players decided not to play out the placings.
Erik had originally qualified for the last 8 by finishing runner-up in a tight group A behind Bruno Biasini and ahead of Mike Ewer, who lost to both players by the narrowest of scorelines, 0-1.
Mark had some luck on his side in the first round, beating 10-year-old William Aldridge thanks to an own goal which was the only score of the game.
Mike Ewer won the "Mary Jane" or as it was known locally, the "Wally Round". He edged out Ian Roy, who earlier had been the first PTSL player to score on a ranked player by losing 1-2 to Nate Buttigieg, and Randy Ykema, who had given Nick Ruggiero a run for his money in a 0-2 loss. Randy was unable to complete the tournament due to personal commitments, and his 2-1 win over Mike was indicative of his play on the day.
In all, 33 matches were played on the 3 tables in dimly lit conditions. Everyone played at least 4 games. It was not a perfect venue for tournament Subbuteo but all in all everyone had a great time and got the early season rust out of their flicking.
The PTSL players, who with the exception of founder Mike Ewer have been playing for just 3 months, were all praised for their early abilities. Making his MiSTFA and ASA debut was Scott Bufé of the Traverse City area. He went scoreless throughout the tournament but made a good account for himself considering he had never played a match before the tournament.
October 9th 2003
Randy Ykema's Sylvan Krijgers fought their way through a thrilling final to lift the PTSL Summer League title 2003. Chris Haviland and his Sir Flix-a-lot team were beaten 2-1 in a nail-biting encounter.
Randy took a 2-0 lead through a fine cut and a top corner rocket, but Chris pressured him to the end and Randy hung on to his 6th straight PTSL win and earnt the #1 spot in the first Michigan state rankings.
PTSL Summer League 2003 Final Four:
1: Randy Ykema (2-1)
2: Chris Haviland
3: Mike Ewer (2-1 OT)
4: Ian Roy
October 2nd 2003
Mike Ewer's nemesis in the PTSL is apparently Chris Haviland. A single goal kept Mike out of the playoff final in this year's Summer League. Joining Chris in the final is Randy Ykema, who fought hard to win the other semi-final 2-1 against Ian Roy.
September 24th 2003
Shock result in the PTSL Summer League as Chris Haviland became the first player to beat Mike Ewer in league play since the 80s. Mike's goal came early in the second half to tie the game, but his defensive play, which has been lacking in this competition to date, continued to cause him concern. The playoff race continues to hot up with less than a week to go!
September 4th 2003
The world is coming to Muskegon!! The Michigan Masters competition scheduled within the Great Lakes Cup multiple tournament event, has been awarded FISTF Satellite status. This allows players from all over the world to compete for international ranking points here in Michigan. The top 100 ranked players at the time of the tournament are prohibited from playing, but we will still be expecting a great turnout of talent to help promote the game in the Great Lakes region. Additional events planned for the weekend at The Lakes Mall are: An open tournament for beginners (no ranking points available), a USA v Canada international team event, a Pro-Celebrity Plate, and the championship stage of the new Michigan State League. Mark your calendars now for May 29-30, 2004!
September 3rd 2003
Thriller! The PTSL Summer League heated up early in the season with an amazing game between Ian Roy and Randy Ykema. Ian took an early lead but Randy was able to claw back to lead 2-1 early in the second half. Constant pressure in the last five minutes by Ian bore fruit as he scored the equaliser with just over a minute left. In the shootout, Ian led by 2 for most of it but blew his chance to put it away with his final shot which grazed the top of the crossbar, but Randy was unable to tie it up with the final shot.
September 2nd 2003
The PTSL started a couple of weeks late, but with a brand new Woodentop Prima pitch, metal goals, and all new teams! The league members here, from left to right: Mark Oberg, Mike Ewer, Sloth, Jamie Taggart, Ian Roy, Randy Ykema and Chris Haviland. In front of them, the still under construction PenTech Field.
August 8th 2003
MiSTFA is glad to announce the first ever affiliated league in Michigan. Employees at Peninsular Technologies have begun playing the game and will be starting the PTSL around August 18th.
August 1st 2003
MiSTFA and The Lakes Mall in Muskegon reach a provisional agreement to host the Great Lakes Cup at Memorial Day weekend 2004.
July 13th 2003
Members of the Diamond State Subbuteo Club based in Delaware, and Muskegon-based MiSTFA members have agreed to play for the Essex Trophy this coming August. The tournament will most probably be held on October 25th and 26th, and will take the format of a round-robin with the best 2 players entering a final.
July 12th 2003
The second friendly between Mike Ewer and Amanda Ewer took place today, resulting in a 2-1 win for Mike. Amanda scored her first ever goal late in the game. Mike wasted a number of chances in the first half, and was glad to score 1 goal per half to seal the win.
July 5th 2003
First ever game in West Michigan with Mike Ewer beating rookie Amanda Ewer 4-0. Mike's finishing was not the best and the score could have been higher. However it was a brave attempt by Amanda in her first game.
July 4th 2003
The Michigan Subbuteo Table Football Association is formed by British-born US resident Mike Ewer. The 34-year-old played in a league in London in the 80s. His wife Amanda is the second member. We are waiting contact from Scott Bufe in the Traverse City area who previously expressed an interest.