Current news in Ulster Chess
Poles Position
This season's NICS Grand Prix kicked off with their first Lackadaisical Rapidplay; 6 intense matches on Sunday afternoon. Great to see so many new faces and, as some wag noted, folks with strong links to Poland monopolised the honours!
The underdogs bite back
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 8) This week saw Ballynafeigh 1 and Belfast South 2 extend their leads in their respective divisions, but the big story was the success of Craig Kelly (895), Ross Smith (983) and Owen McEvoy (1066) against significantly higher-rated opposition.
Rookie Speaks Out
After losing 6-1 to Muldoon's last time around, Belfast South's A-Team played above their rankings. Meanwhile, on Wednesday night, Kelly's Heroes stride ahead in division 2 as the pun count rockets.
Ballynafeigh 1 power ahead
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 7) With one-third of the season gone, the league tables are beginning to take shape. Lindores 2 and Belfast South 2 are gearing up for a tight battle for the John Strawbridge Cup, while Ballynafeigh 1 are pulling away in the race for the Silver King.
Alan Burns Grand Prix
The Alan Burns Grand Prix series kicks-off on 14th December. Now in its second year, the Lackadaisical Rapidplays offer the chance for an excellent Sunday lunch followed by an afternoon of entertaining chess.