Raymond Keene plays simultaneous at Bangor Club

On Thursday April 9th Raymond Keene faced 19 players at Bangor Chess Club. Organized by James O'Fee. The event kicked off with speeches the new Mayor of Ards and North Down Alderman Alan Graham welcoming Raymond and the choice of such a beautiful location for such an important chess event. James introduced the events Sponsor David Lyle, of LyleBailie and then James gave us plenty of interesting background to our esteemed Grand Master opponent Raymond Keene OBE, who is the most published chess writer, chess correspondent for the Times, Sunday Times and Spectator, and top organizer of chess events including World Chess Championship finals matches. Raymond then thanked James and expressed his appreciation for being invited to such beautiful part of the World.

The event attracted good publicity with a full page in the (click here for more details) County Down Spectator.

After the speeches play started. Raymond circled the group quite quickly. Coffee and refreshments were supplied and everyone set down to enjoy the chess.

If was good to see so many players from different clubs, all enjoying the atmosphere and the chess.

Players fell slowly one loss following another. Then Gabor Harvorth (current Ulster Champion) was the first to win followed by Stephen Morgan. Then both Mark Newman and Ross Harris also achieved that esteemed one point. Chris Armstrong played well to achieve a drawer. Raymond gave signed books to the winners, signed the scoresheets and posters. Having won 14 Games against very stiff opposition it was a good night for all. A very enjoyable evening and some fun chess a brilliant event. Many thanks to Raymond Keene and James O'Fee.