(More photos here)

Announcing WA’s Mahjong Champion for 2023!

More than 100 of Western Australia’s keenest Mahjong players applied for the opportunity to win the prestigious title of Western Australian Mahjong Champion 2023, held on Saturday 15 April.

When time was called at 4pm Saturday, and the scores were checked, a triumphant Jennifer Mitchell from Claremont received a standing ovation from her fellow competitors.

It was a close call, with Jennifer just one point ahead of Clancy Jarvis from Cottesloe.

The packed house event, held at the South Perth Learning Centre on Saturday 15 April 2023, included 88 players at 22 tables and was conducted to select the WA’s top player to attend the 2023 Australasian Mahjong Festival in Caloundra, Queensland in August 2023.

Although the national Festival has been held annually since 1994, Western Australia has never before been formally included.

WA Mahjong enthusiasts Ivy Branson, Anita Callander, Margaret Pereira, Lin Ang and Cheryll Williams, have been the driving force behind the WA event, working with community centres and the media to ensure players across the State had a chance to participate.

“Altogether we had 102 applicants, but as we had to cap numbers at 88 we were in the ideal situation of having a waiting list to cover last minute cancellations,” Ivy said.

“We did have some cancellations due to illness and work commitments –but the reserve players stepped in and the games began right on time.

“We had seven ladies from the Bunbury Women’s Club who travelled to Perth specially for the event and arrived in Perth the night before to ensure they were here on time,” Ivy said.

“Players also came from as far away as Quinns Rock in the north, Darlington in the east and Rockingham to the south."

The competition was lively and enjoyable and family and friends were also catered for by having the scores available on-line, in real time, so they could track players’ progress throughout the day.

“The leader board changed throughout the day, keeping everyone keen and on their game. It was a close match towards the end but Jennifer is a very worthy winner,” Ivy said.

One Perth-based contestant, Ros Kruger, known in WA Mahjong circles as an ‘influencer’, is a player and instructor who jumped at the chance to test her skills in the competition.

“I was very excited when I heard about it,” Ros said.

“It was competitive, but it was also very friendly competition and a great way to play with other enthusiasts

Ros’s son, daughter and grandson took advantage of the online scoring system to track her progress -from Perth and Tasmania.

Co-organiser, Anita Callander said the event had its logistical challenges in the beginning but came together smoothly on the day.

“We are all so glad that Western Australia will now be represented at the national Australasian Mahjong Festival event by such a worthy champion,” Anita said.