TALLINN, JULY 31, NOYAN TAPAN - ARMENIANS TODAY. Ararat Armenian Cultural company's first official open championship of long backgammon took place in Tallinn on July 25. After the elimination tournament four best participants became semi-finalists, Albert Stepanian, Grigor Hayrapetian, Andranik Alexanian, and Avetik Hayrapetian. According to the Yerkramas Russian Armenians' newspaper, the semi-finals and finals proceeded with strong struggle where the winners and the leader of the company were defined with final decisive throwing of dice. As a result, Albert Stepanian became the champion of Ararat company's long backgammon. The winner was awarded a cup, a gold medal, 4500 Estonian kroons (300 euros) monetary prize, as well as other prizes given by the sponsors. Grigor Hayrapetian won the silver prize (a medal, 1500 kroons, prizes of the sponsors). The third prize was Andranik Alexanian's (a medal, 1000 kroons). Avetik Hayrapetian was also awarded a medal (4th place). Nina Dmitrievich (the best result among the women) and Ruben Hayrapetian (the best result among the lads) were awarded special prizes.

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