French judge André Balagourou of World Mahjong Sports Games was interviewed by the media

The 1st World Mahjong Sports Games were held from October 23 to 26 at Sanya Sheraton Hotel, and French judge André Balagourou told his story with mahjong.

Presenter: Could you tell a little bit about yourself?

André Balagourou: I’m from France and began to play mahjong since 2009.

Presenter: Which competitions have you served as a judge for?

André Balagourou: I began to play mahjong when I was in Chongqing in 2012. I won the championship of Mahjong in France in both 2014 and 2015. At present, I am the best mahjong player in Europe. Previously, I have served as the judge of many important competitions, however, World Mahjong Sports Games are definitely an event with the top specification and significance.

Presenter: What do you think are the highlights of this competition?

André Balagourou: I think the organizer really did an excellent job this time. This is the first time that I saw an automatic scoring system (competition service system). Compared with recording scores on paper previously, the updating speed of this competition’s results is the fastest. Meanwhile, I hope that the organizer can develop more innovative team competition mode and usher in a better mahjong competition in China.

Presenter: Have you encountered any problems during the competition?

André Balagourou: No, because any disputes arising can be properly handled by judges. It is hoped that our team of judges can cooperate better.

Presenter: You’re from Reunion, France, and I’ve learnt that there are many local players taking part in the competition. Could you tell me the reason why mahjong is so popular there?

André Balagourou: I’m not quietly clear about the reason behind it. It is perhaps because that there are many Cantonese in Reunion Island and people there begin to play mahjong under their influence. In fact, Reunion Island is a small part of France and many people in France are also mahjong players.

Presenter: What do you think of Sanya?

André Balagourou: This is the first time I’ve paid a visit to Sanya. It’s really genial, for I also live in a tropical island, and it is like my hometown. This competition offers me a chance to stroll here for I have no time to do so in my hometown due to busy work.