An evening of exciting Chess with Grand Master Nigel Short
This has become a yearly event. Thanks to Damien Cunningham. This was Nigels second visit to Belfast. On thursday 19th February at RBAI he faced 39 eager players.
The boards with certificate "Nigel Short - I survived xx moves"! and scoresheets waiting expectantly for players.
The room slowly filled with players a low buzz of excitement. You don't get to play a Grand Master very often. and one whos played such a fantastic part in the World of Chess even less often if never. Nigel Short was playing Chess when I was at school, on television the brilliant series "Master Game" and at the age of 14 was joint British Champion. Becoming third best in the World and playing for the World Championship in London against Kasparov. A childhood hero of mine.
Familiar faces and new faces. Well lined faces and fresh young faces. A group of brilliant people sharing a common love of a beautiful game.
The games started at 7:15. We as a group survived the first moves. Numbers only beginning to drop off after about 45mins.
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As the evening drew on more and more people lost.
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Towardsthe end of the evening the three last players.
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Nigel signed the certificates. He didnt loose a game. Winning 36 games and drawing 2 against Calum Leitch (Lindores) and Soren Jensen (Ballynafeigh).
Many thanks to Nigel for a brilliant evening. Thanks also to RBAI for the excellent facilities and to Damien Cunningham who made this event possible.
