If you needed somebody then Help was on hand throughout the weekend… (ahem)
There were several Fide sections and other Junior events over the weekend. With over 230 entrants it was a busy schedule. In the Open section there were several G.M’s and I.M’s, with a strong field of over 50 players. The main Rapidplay Championships were held over Saturday and Sunday with 9 rounds in all sections. (25mins plus 10 sec increments).
A beautiful venue with a remarkable prize fund!
From Bristol and Bath we were represented by four juniors Oliver Stubbs (Standard 1600 section), Kandara Archarya and Samir Khan (under 12 section), Dwiti Kandara (Under 8’section).
- Oliver Stubbs 8/9 – English Rapidplay ‘Standard’ Champion (Well Done! – editors note)
- Samir Khan 4/5 – Joint 2nd Under 12’s
- Kandara Archarya 2/5
- Dwiti Archarya – 4/9 Under 8’s
It was a great event, held in a majestic venue, with fantastic surroundings.
The Open Section’s two stand out players were G.M Daniel Gormally, and I.M Ahmeet Ghasi. Both were unbeaten over their 9 rounds. Thankfully nobody was wearing shorts, and in the end D. Gormally came through to secure the Open Championship with a fine score of 8/9.
Prize giving to GM Gormally.
Top boards pondering (its a technical term)
In the Standard Section Oliver Stubbs had a great weekend remaining unbeaten over the weekend and winning his section with also of 8/9. It was a real test of endurance for Oli, and there were a few nervy moments. However, he won his last round to finish a clear winner by 1.5 points.
Oli collecting his prize (photo credit to Liverpool Chess Club)
Samir Khan had a great tournament, and his section came down to the last round where he was just pipped to the post for first place
I really recommend the event for next year. A great location, and significant prize money! All sections were very exciting with many many games coming down just to increment play…. and blunders galore !
John and Geoff enjoy a friendly on a beautiful chess set.
John Stubbs
John plays for Downend & Fishponds Chess Club. He is also responsible for reporting on junior chess for the league, running the Chipping Sodbury Rapidplay and is a regular contributor to the Bristol Chess Times.