LAS VEGAS — Past victory in the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship does not necessarily portend success in subsequent years. In fact, this proved a pretty rocky tournament for most.
Of the seven former champions, only 2007 NHC victor Stanley Bavlish advanced to Saturday’s semifinal round, landing in 15th after taking the lead midway through the day. Bavlish finished with a score of 206, with David Gutfreund leading into the final day of competition at 237 at Treasure Island. The top 63 finishers — 10 percent of the field — made it to the Semifinals, with the others eligible to play in a consolation tournament.
How past NHC winners fared after two days:
Champion, hometown (title year), 2016 position/score
Stanley Bavlish, Virginia Beach, VA (2007) 15th/206
Richard Goodall, Las Vegas (2008) 169th/138
Brian Troop, Barrie, Ont. (2010) 219th/119.10
Michael Beychok, Baton Rouge, La. (2012) 204th/122.40
Jim Benes, Countryside, Ill. (2013) 267th/107
Jose Arias, Bell Gardens, Calif. (2014) 497th/61.10
John O’Neil, Huntington Station, NY (2015) 161th/135.60