2001 Northland Open

The 2001 Northland Open was a paintball tournament held on 25 February 2001 at Jubilee Park in Whangārei, New Zealand. Ten teams competed in a seven-player, two-flag format. Saints won with 900 points, followed by Phantom and Phoenix. Tag n' Release finished fifth overall and won Division Two.[1]

Organisation and venue

Brent of Strategy Tag organised the tournament, with Crisis providing the marshalling. The event returned to the rugby ground used for the 2000 Northland Open. A temporary field was built from plywood and loading pallets, with a nearly symmetrical layout and flag stations in opposite corners. The centre contained more cover than the previous year's field.[1]

Public advertising attracted spectators, who could watch from the grandstand. The contemporary report also recorded problems with children approaching or reaching beneath the safety netting. One child was struck on the cheek by a paintball, and officials repeatedly instructed spectators to remain behind the marked safety line.[1]

Tournament

Saints defeated Phoenix after a closely contested opening six minutes. They also recovered to beat Tag n' Release after losing three players in the opening two minutes, and defeated Katipo.[1]

Phoenix and Tag n' Release both defeated Extreme X. Phantom defeated Katipo after completing a flag pull and hang.[1]

The Havoc–Tag n' Release game ended with one player remaining on each side. Havoc's Ange retrieved the opposing flag, eliminated the final opponent and completed the hang. The game received a standing ovation, and Ange was awarded Player of the Match.[1]

Results

The final standings were:[1]

Position	Team	Points
1	Saints	900
2	Phantom	755
3	Phoenix	730
4	Extreme X	595
5	Tag n' Release	585
6	Katipo	558
7	Warp Speed	295
8	Havoc	250
9	Solidaire	220
10	Insane	60

Tag n' Release received the Division Two trophy.[1]

See also

• Northland Open
• 2000 Northland Open

References

1. Rob Maddox, The 2001 Northland Paintball Open. Paintball.co.nz; archived 2 March 2001.