[the phantom]

The Game Within The Game
The Phantom, "The Downer" Sporting News

We all know what is going on in the Arda Cup, so I won't waste any time writing about that. It's only the biggest sporting event in Middle Earth! It's receiving plenty of coverage from fine journalists. What I want to talk about is a game within the game that has been going on here on the Downs. I'm talking about the Arda Cup Phantasy Competition.

If you haven't checked the standings lately, guess who's back on top? None other than the winner from three years ago- Gwathagor. He has always sworn that he would win another title, and here he is threatening once again. If you'll recall he was also sitting in first place at this stage last year, but couldn't hold off the late charge of Boromir, and ended up in a jumble with Nog, Skip, and Nerwen in the final standings.

But this year he has a bit more of a cushion and will be more difficult to catch without help from pre-tournament predictions. Yes, don't forget those! They are worth a potential fifty points, so the championship is still wide open!

The ever competitive Nog is sitting in second place currently. He's been a hard-luck case in years past, always in the hunt but never on top at the end. Will luck be with him this year?

Next is Boro, who is looking to become the first ever repeat winner, and if anyone can mount a furious prediction-fueled comeback we know it's him.

Just behind him is Nilp and Eomer, who have been charging hard the past couple rounds. Watch out for them- they're on a roll.

A couple points down from there is the ever dangerous Skip, who is another one that has a reputation for strong finishes.

The next group down will have a bit more trouble coming back (they need pre-tournament predictions to hit for them), but they're all bunched tightly and there is pride at stake and no doubt they wish to at least beat those around them- Nerwen, Morm, Kuru, Shasta, and Galadriel. Bringing up the rear is Sally and Inzil, who are anxious to put on a spurt and send some of the group above them to the bottom of the standings. They are also keen to break the 200 point mark, as that would put them solidly ahead of last year's rear group and give them confidence for a change in luck next season.

And as a special treat, here is a brief statement from each of this year's participants.

Boro (They Have a Cave Troll): Guess who's within striking distance people? Ha ha- the comeback king, me! That trophy is going to stay in my living room this year.
Eomer (Bletherin’ Blellums): I had the most group prediction points, and you watch- I'll gain the most pre-tourney prediction points too. And combined with this nice run I'm having... This thing is mine.
Galadriel (Unnamed Horror): This is my first ever try at this and I'm probably going to finish in the top half. I'm a natural, aren't I? After I get some experience the rest of you won't stand a chance.
Gwath (The Lynch Mob): Guess who's sitting on top again? It's- no! Not Boro, it's- No! Not Skip or Nog either. I was implying that- NO! Not Saucepan Man! It's ME!! GWATH is on top! You need to give me my proper respect.
Inzil (Inzil’s Ignobles): You mean this isn't like golf? Oh dear... I've got some ground to make up then. No matter- with a late charge I will relegate someone else to the bottom. Simple as that.
Kuru (Kuru's Scrubs): I'm just not cut out for a long competition like this. I'm more of a natural sprinter.
Morm (Wrath of the Monkey): Six people ahead of me in the standings, six people behind. *sigh* Always mediocre.... Grrr! But I will change my fortunes with a strong finish!
Nerwen (Notorious Nerwenites): I seem to be a bit off my game this year. But it's not completely out of reach. I'll give it my best, and at the least I'll beat that blasted Shasta.
Nilp (The Numbering Horde): Oh yeah! On a hot streak! Just gotta keep it burning and I'll shoot past Boro this round, Nog in the next, and pass Gwath on the final turn. Boo-yah!
Nog (Noggportunistics): Always a bridesmaid never a bride, right? But sooner or later my superior strategies will pay off, I'm certain.
Sally (The Cupkicks): Without Wilwa here who am I supposed to be competing with? Meh- at least I have the coolest name.
Shasta (Wolf Pack): Well curses! That last round did not go as planned. But hey, everyone has one bad round. From here on out I'll be good. And at the least I'm going to beat my nemesis, Nerwen.
Skip (The Klong Toey Soi Dogs): Those guys in front of me are looking at each other and playing accordingly. Perfect... Just forget about old Skip here. Pay no attention. I'll just close the gap nice and innocent like, and then BANG! They won't see it coming.