SIXTEENTH TOURNAMENT REVIEW:

Doc Shakib became Mega Drive Champion for the second time, as he scrapped ahead of Lord Dilks by a single point, his title secured after a 2-0 victory over Lieutenant Gareth on Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - a game that ironically also relegated his opponent. Although Lieutenant Gareth led Division One at the quarter way point, his form slumped and he went six games without a win, a consolation victory over Captain Maltby on Super Street Fighter 2 ended this dismal run, but by that point it was too late to salvage anything and Lieutenant Gareth's spell in Division One ended after just two tournaments. Captain Maltby had an equally unimpresive run of form, however, won two of his final three games in order to secure his place in the higher league. Commander Graham won the Second Division when Baron Von Hooton fell at the final hurdle of Streets of Rage 2 against Professor King. Baron Von Hooton had lead the Second Division for the majority of the competition. Professor King went on a four game winning streak to earn a third-place finish. Earl Holbrook finished second from bottom for the third successive tournament, however, his points tally was greatly improved on the previous two occasions. Old Spice Lock once again ended up at the foot of the pile after failing to score a single point. With the departure of Mr Smith from the competition, Lord Dilks became the only tournament member to have played in the top-flight at every tournament.

THE TOURNAMENT KNOCKOUT:

KNOCKOUT REVIEW:

Captain Maltby began the defence of his Knockout title against Lord Dilks on Road Rash 3. In what is a very unpredictable game, these two men gave a flawless account as they both successively negociated the perils of the Kenya course. It was, however, Lord Dilks who won the tie of the round, as, on the final corner, he drew level with Captain Maltby (who held the advantage since the start) and, following a brief altercation, edged into the lead. His opponent in the semi-final was Baron Von Hooton and in a repeat of their Challenge Trophy match, earlier in the tournament, Lord Dilks won 2-0. In his last tournament competition, Mr Smith defeated Doc Shakib in Round Two, on Sonic 3, before swiftly beating Lieutenant Gareth on Columns in order to take his place in the final alongside Lord Dilks. The duel on Golden Axe 2 was a fitting end to Lord Dilks and Mr Smith's long running rivalry, as it is a game neither man had been able to dominate since its introduction at the Second Tournament. The final score was a narrow 1-0 victory for Mr Smith who won his second Tournament Knockout.

CHALLENGE REVIEW:

Pre-tournament favourite, Lord Dilks, was beaten by Doc Shakib in Round 2 in an awesome display of resolve that saw Doc Shakib snatch away the victory when he had been balancing on the brink of defeat for long periods of the match. Lord Dilks went on to play Baron Von Hooton for third place and won their game on Eternal Champions very convincingly. Commander Graham had beaten Baron Von Hooton in Round Two of the Eternal Champions section in order to qualify for the final. The final itself was a close affair but with both players refusing to punch or pull off any special moves it lacked some of the sparkle that was present at the Fifteenth Tournament Challenge Trophy Final. Commander Graham's Chun-Li took the first victory with a decisive head-stomp and ¼ bar of energy still remaining. Round 2 saw Doc Shakib pushed to the edge of defeat before he found his resolve and took away ½ of Commander Graham's remaining life metre without being hit himself. Doc Shakib initially dominated the Final Round, however, a series of tactical low kicks defeated the leaping Doc and scored Commander Graham his first Challenge Trophy victory.

CHANGES FROM THE FIFTEENTH TOURNAMENT:

• Division Two Cup competition introduced
• 3D Ballz removed from the tournaments
• NHL '97 replaces NHL '96 as a Division Two and Knockout game
• Primal Rage is added as a Knockout game
• Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles - Tournament Fighters is added to the Tournament Knockout game pool
• Wayne Gretzky is introudced as a Knockout Only game