Report: Federal Bank- Greycells Open Quiz

The second Open quiz organised by Greycells in association with Federal Bank, was a huge success!The event witnessed an increase in participation as well as prize money. Over 50 teams turned up for the event and the competition was closer than the first edition. Thanks to a generous Rs. 12,000 sponsorship from the Federal Bank, the prizes were on par with the top quiz tournaments. Winners took home Rs 4000, while the rest of the finalists received Rs. 3000, 2000, 1000,1000,1000 respectively.
The quiz masters were two battle hardened veterans: Anil Raghavan, one of the best quizzers in the Kerala circuit and a regular at quizzes in Bangalore, Hyderabad etc joined hands with Dr. S. Nagesh, one of the legends of Kerala quizzing. The QMs unleashed a barrage of questions which often left the best minds in Kerala raking their brains for precious points.
Manu Sudhakar of Govt Medical College, TVM who partnered Vishwas Viswam of St. Joseph's college, Devagiri and two school students, took the lead initially, with the team featuring Rajesh Mohan-Lloyd Colopilly(the quiz masters in the first edition) also matching them. The winners of the first edition(Hrishi Varma, Arun A S and team) looked out of the race in the first stage. But they soon bounced back with a splendid performance in the theme round. The team of Raziman T V and Jyothi E K also put up a spirited chase. A new team from Calicut featuring Mr. Balu of SBI and his wife Usha Devi, sprang a surprise in the prelims by outwitting seasoned quizzers. Their presence was a welcome change in the kerala quizzing scene, traditionally dominated by professional quizzers. Along with Ashwin and Aravind, two school students, they enjoyed their moments on stage. Going into the penultimate round, almost 5 teams stood a chance of finishing as winners.But in the end , it was the team of Sarin P , Vijayanath Vishwanath and co, who prevailed thanks to their vast experience. The eventual winners took an almost unassailable lead going into the last round.
The quiz drew praise for the splendid organisational efforts of Sarin and his colleagues at Calicut Medical College. The commitment showed by some of the volunteers was truly inspiring for the rest of the organisers. Snehaj organised an impromptu quiz for school students during the break and was well received. Overall, the quality of the venue management and participation was extremely good and the prospect of open quizzing establishing a firm foothold in Kerala, looks all the more real.
If more sponsors like the Federal Bank and institutions/quiz clubs like Calicut Medical College offer their support, bigger things are surely on the horizon.

-Greycells Team.

Final Standings:
1. Dr.Sarin P, Dr.Vijaynath V and team.
2. Manu Sudhakar, Viswas Viswam and team.
3. Arun A S, Hrishikesh Varma and team.
4. Jyothi E K, Raziman T V and team.
5. Lloyd Colopilly,Rajesh Mohan and team.
6. Mr. Balu, Ms. Usha Devi, Ashwin, Aravind.


The organisers take this opportunity to express their sincere gratitude to the Federal Bank for their valuable encouragement.