THE European Mahjong Association (EMA) has awarded the United Kingdom the right to stage the next European Riichi Mahjong Championship in preference to rival bids from, among others, St Petersburg in Russia.

The event will be staged in the Great Hall of The Maltings in Farnham, from October 7 to 9.

The real game of mahjong originates from China and has retained a massive and consistent following throughout the East, but it has also enjoyed a significant renaissance of popularity in Europe over the past decade with a busy programme of national and international tournaments.

The ‘Riichi’ variant is the one popularised by the Japanese. One-hundred-and-twenty-eight of the best mahjong players from every major country in Europe will convene for the fourth European Championship of this complex sport of the mind.

Along with invited representatives from USA, Japan and China to decide who will succeed Martin Divis of the Czech Republic as European champion.

Organising committee chairman Peter Langford said: “We are delighted to have won the bid to host what is the most important event in the European mahjong calendar.

“The hard work required is well under way to meet our promise to the whole of Europe to deliver the best championship yet.”