The tournament was originally devised to provide rated slow games over the Summer when alot of chess clubs close. Starting after the league completes and finishing just before the new season starts. People running it include the fantastic Alex Beckett - from whom I learnt the format. Alex was a great gentlemen and organiser - who was a key organiser in Ulster Chess and ran alot of Ulster Chess events for years.

The evening started with a fun tournament. A handicap where the higher rated player gets less time according to the difference in the ratings of the two players. We owe thanks to David Seaby for the idea of this tournament and for the table of time differences. Sadly David passed away on the 30 Sept. He will be missed by the Ulster Chess World - we enjoyed his company, his excellent conversations and his fun chess.

	David Won the lower section of the Summer Tournament in 2012.

The  Handicap table we use:

A table of clocks was available with them set to various settings from the above table. Players registered and paid the entry fee of £2 which was placed in envelopes for the winners.

The draw was made and people stood at the wall with the draw and the above time differences. Working out their times. This took quicker than I expected and players were soon ready with their clocks set to start round 1.

and they were off. Silence and thought filled the room.

In amoungst the players we were honoured to have both the Irish Champion and the Ulster Champion. Adam Collins and Ethan Cole. A tough tournament was about to happen....

Time Handicap Civil Service Sept 2026 - Round 1

Results

No Name              Rtg  Total  Result   Name               Rtg  Total

 1 Adam Collins      2087 [0]      1:0    Cathal Murphy      1601 [0]  
 2 Owen Dumigan      1599 [0]      0:1    Ethan Cole         1922 [0]  
 3 Caleb McClean     1880 [0]      1:0    Ashish Shambharkar 1576 [0]  
 4 Stewart McConaghy 1539 [0]      0:1    Ben McIlroy        1872 [0]  
 5 Mark Newman       1786 [0]      1:0    Geoff Hindley      1401 [0]  
 6 Geoff Browne      1400 [0]      0:1    Shane Keers        1744 [0]  
 7 David Corr        1669 [0]      1:0    Trevor Eagleson    1400 [0]  
 8 Reuben McClean    1400 [0]      0:1    Bobby Thompson     1667 [0]  
 9 David Blair       1666 [0]      1:0    Schlok Thoke       1400 [0]  
10 Peter Ward        1400 [0]      0:1    Amol Thoke         1634 [0]  
11 David Ruben       1618 [0]     .5:.5   Ayush Shambharkar  1350 [0]  

by Swiss Perfect (TM)  www.swissperfect.com

One of the players noticed that here we have all the games going to rating. Which does suggest the handicap system wasnt being reflected in the results. Higher rated players were still winning! On the bottom board we did get an upset. Ayush Shambharkar drew against higher rating David Ruben.

Time Handicap Civil Service Sept 2026 - Round 2

Results

No Name               Rtg  Total  Result   Name              Rtg  Total

 1 Shane Keers        1744 [1]      0:1    Adam Collins      2087 [1]  
 2 Ethan Cole         1922 [1]      0:1    David Corr        1669 [1]  
 3 Bobby Thompson     1667 [1]      0:1    Caleb McClean     1880 [1]  
 4 Ben McIlroy        1872 [1]      1:0    David Blair       1666 [1]  
 5 Amol Thoke         1634 [1]      1:0    Mark Newman       1786 [1]  
 6 Cathal Murphy      1601 [0]      0:1    David Ruben       1618 [.5] 
 7 Ayush Shambharkar  1350 [.5]     0:1    Owen Dumigan      1599 [0]  
 8 Ashish Shambharkar 1576 [0]      0:1    Reuben McClean    1400 [0]  
 9 Trevor Eagleson    1400 [0]      1:0    Stewart McConaghy 1539 [0]  
10 Geoff Hindley      1401 [0]      0:1    Peter Ward        1400 [0]  
11 Schlok Thoke       1400 [0]      1:0    Geoff Browne      1400 [0]  

David Corr gets a win against Ethan Cole and opens up the competition. Whilst Adam Collins continues to win. Amol Thoke gets a good win against Mark Newman.. Reuben McClean wins against Ashish Shambharkar.

Time Handicap Civil Service Sept 2026 - Round 3

Results

No Name               Rtg  Total  Result   Name              Rtg  Total

 1 Adam Collins       2087 [2]      1:0    Ben McIlroy       1872 [2]  
 2 Caleb McClean      1880 [2]      1:0    Amol Thoke        1634 [2]  
 3 David Corr         1669 [2]      1:0    David Ruben       1618 [1.5]
 4 Reuben McClean     1400 [1]      0:1    Ethan Cole        1922 [1]  
 5 Mark Newman        1786 [1]      1:0    Schlok Thoke      1400 [1]  
 6 Owen Dumigan       1599 [1]      1:0    Shane Keers       1744 [1]  
 7 Peter Ward         1400 [1]      1:0    Bobby Thompson    1667 [1]  
 8 David Blair        1666 [1]     .5:.5   Trevor Eagleson   1400 [1]  
 9 Ashish Shambharkar 1576 [0]      0:1    Ayush Shambharkar 1350 [.5] 
10 Geoff Browne       1400 [0]      0:1    Cathal Murphy     1601 [0]  
11 Stewart McConaghy  1539 [0]      1:0    Geoff Hindley     1401 [0]  

Several games go against ratings. Owen Dumigan wins against Shane Keers, Peter Ward wins against Bobby Thompson, Trevor Eagleson draws against David Blair and Ayush Shambharkar wins against his father Ashish Shambharkar.

Time Handicap Civil Service Sept 2026 - Round 4

Results

No Name              Rtg  Total  Result   Name               Rtg  Total

 1 David Corr        1669 [3]      0:1    Adam Collins       2087 [3]  
 2 Ethan Cole        1922 [2]      1:0    Caleb McClean      1880 [3]  
 3 Ben McIlroy       1872 [2]      1:0    Mark Newman        1786 [2]  
 4 Amol Thoke        1634 [2]      0:1    Owen Dumigan       1599 [2]  
 5 Ayush Shambharkar 1350 [1.5]    0:1    Peter Ward         1400 [2]  
 6 David Ruben       1618 [1.5]    1:0    David Blair        1666 [1.5]
 7 Trevor Eagleson   1400 [1.5]    0:1    Shane Keers        1744 [1]  
 8 Bobby Thompson    1667 [1]      1:0    Stewart McConaghy  1539 [1]  
 9 Cathal Murphy     1601 [1]      1:0    Reuben McClean     1400 [1]  
10 Schlok Thoke      1400 [1]      1:0    Ashish Shambharkar 1576 [0]  
11 Geoff Hindley     1401 [0]      0:1    Geoff Browne       1400 [0]  

Owen Dumigan continues to win and beats Amol Thoke. The rest of the games go to ratings. With Adam Collins win against David Corr and the chasing players results leading to Adam leading the tournament going into round 5 with a full score.

Time Handicap Civil Service Sept 2026 - Round 5

Results

No Name              Rtg  Total  Result   Name               Rtg  Total

 1 Adam Collins      2087 [4]     .5:.5   Ethan Cole         1922 [3]  
 2 Caleb McClean     1880 [3]      1:0    David Corr         1669 [3]  
 3 Owen Dumigan      1599 [3]      0:1    Ben McIlroy        1872 [3]  
 4 Peter Ward        1400 [3]      0:1    David Ruben        1618 [2.5]
 5 Mark Newman       1786 [2]      0:1    Bobby Thompson     1667 [2]  
 6 Shane Keers       1744 [2]      1:0    Schlok Thoke       1400 [2]  
 7 David Blair       1666 [1.5]   .5:.5   Amol Thoke         1634 [2]  
 8 Ayush Shambharkar 1350 [1.5]    0:1    Trevor Eagleson    1400 [1.5]
 9 Stewart McConaghy 1539 [1]      0:1    Reuben McClean     1400 [1]  
10 Geoff Browne      1400 [1]      0:1    Ashish Shambharkar 1576 [0]  
11 Geoff Hindley     1401 [0]      1:0    BYE           

The final round. A draw on the top board and Adam is the Champion. Bobby Thompson wins against Mark Newman and Reuben McClean wins against Stewart McConaghy.

Standings

Place Name               Rtg  Score M-Buch. Buch. Progr.

  1   Adam Collins       2087 4.5       9.5  16.0   14.5
 2-3  Caleb McClean      1880 4         8.5  13.0   13.0
      Ben McIlroy        1872 4         7.0  12.5   12.0
 4-5  Ethan Cole         1922 3.5      10.0  16.5   10.5
      David Ruben        1618 3.5       7.5  12.0    9.5
6-10  David Corr         1669 3        11.0  18.0   12.0
      Owen Dumigan       1599 3         9.0  14.5    9.0
      Shane Keers        1744 3         7.5  13.0    8.0
      Bobby Thompson     1667 3         7.0  12.0    8.0
      Peter Ward         1400 3         7.0  11.0    9.0
11-12 Amol Thoke         1634 2.5       8.0  14.0    9.5
      Trevor Eagleson    1400 2.5       6.5  10.5    6.5
13-17 David Blair        1666 2         8.5  14.5    7.0
      Mark Newman        1786 2         7.5  12.0    8.0
      Reuben McClean     1400 2         6.5  11.0    5.0
      Cathal Murphy      1601 2         5.5  11.0    3.0
      Schlok Thoke       1400 2         5.0   9.0    6.0
 18   Ayush Shambharkar  1350 1.5       8.5  13.0    5.5
19-22 Stewart McConaghy  1539 1         7.5  12.0    3.0
      Ashish Shambharkar 1576 1         5.5  10.5    1.0
      Geoff Hindley      1401 1         5.5   9.5    1.0
      Geoff Browne       1400 1         5.5   9.0    2.0

Champion: Adam Colins

2nd: Caleb McClean

3rd: Ben McIlroy

4th: Ethan Cole

After the awards were given for the fun tournament we moved to the main awards - for the long tournament - the Summer Tournament.

We use the UCU ratings for our draws. When well into the tournament we split the it into 3 sections. Top, Middle and Lower or 1, 2, 3. Throughout the tournament an effort is made to draw pairings of players with similar ratings.

The rules of the tournament are :( these havent changed much over the years ).

Rules
1. Players must complete 10 games to be considered for prizes.
2. If a player does not play in two of the last three rounds they will be assumed to have played and lost 2 games. If they play only one then they will forfeit one game.
3. However if a player has played 14 or more games then they are exempt from rule 2.
4. Scores will be calculated on a percentage basis.

The final results with % and calculated last 3 weeks penalties:

Top Section

Middle Section

Lower Section

The full results are on our site : https://www.ulsterchess.org/competitions/competitions/comp-3032/cvt_event/standings/944#tabhead

The dates for our events - click on links for more details: ( to register for any of these email mark.chris.newman@googlemail.com )

Geoff Hindley and Amol Thoke were my helpers for the day - many thanks to both, as without their help these events wouldnt be possibe. Geoff put the arrows in the car park to point to the Chess Rooms. The sets were setup in 2 class rooms. One of the younger players and one for the older. As for the qualifier we split the ages that need to qualify - as qualification is on the points you score and its fairest if you are only playing those competing for the same qualification age groups.

We had 5 under 10 plays and 7 under 12 players. So the Under10s played a 5 round all-play-all, followed by a manual draw for round 6 ( where players played a player that had already played). The Under 12 was played as a 6 round swiss. The clocks were set to 25mins each. But we informed parents that we would run each round once the previous round had finished.

As usual we gave out puzzle sheets to give a fun activity for players between rounds and to discuss chess, with certificates and trophies for the best solutions. We collect sheets at the start of round 5, mark them and allocate certificates and return them in the prize giving. I think the puzzles are one of the highlights of the day.

The Under 12 puzzle results.

Under 12. Puzzle Champion : Kia Jahandiz

The Under 18 Puzzle results

Under 18 Puzzle Champion : Aharshi Banerjee

To share the beauty of the puzzles here is one side of the puzzle sheets. Have a go trying to solve them - the answers are at the bottom of this page.

I looked after the Under12 and Under10 sections. The Under18 were in another room under the watchful eyes of Geoff and Amol.

With the starting of the next round shortly after the end of the last one - as we didnt wish to keep the younger players hanging around between rounds until 5:00pm, we shortened their chess day, with the agreement of the parents. The U10 and U12's finished early at about 1:20pm. Having said that we did stress at each round the need to play slowly....

With everyone arrived we did the draws and play started. A hush focused silence fell upon the chess rooms. The sound of thinking!

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U10 - Round 1

Results

No Name                     Feder Total  Result   Name            Feder Total

 1 Sanvi Ashish Shambharkar U10   [0]      1:0    Kriyansh Shukla U10   [0]  
 2 Corey Castillo           U10   [0]      0:1    Rizwan Arshed   U10   [0]  
 3 Bye                      U10   [0]      0:1    Alexander Davis U10   [0]  

by Swiss Perfect (TM)  www.swissperfect.com

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U10 - Round 2

Results

No Name                     Feder Total  Result   Name            Feder Total

 1 Kriyansh Shukla          U10   [0]      0:1    Alexander Davis U10   [1]  
 2 Rizwan Arshed            U10   [1]      1:0    Bye             U10   [0]  
 3 Sanvi Ashish Shambharkar U10   [1]      0:1    Corey Castillo  U10   [0]  

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U10 - Round 3

Results

No Name            Feder Total  Result   Name                     Feder Total

 1 Corey Castillo  U10   [1]      1:0    Kriyansh Shukla          U10   [0]  
 2 Bye             U10   [0]      0:1    Sanvi Ashish Shambharkar U10   [1]  
 3 Alexander Davis U10   [2]      0:1    Rizwan Arshed            U10   [2]  

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U10 - Round 4

Results

No Name                     Feder Total  Result   Name            Feder Total

 1 Kriyansh Shukla          U10   [0]      0:1    Rizwan Arshed   U10   [3]  
 2 Sanvi Ashish Shambharkar U10   [2]      0:1    Alexander Davis U10   [2]  
 3 Corey Castillo           U10   [2]      1:0    Bye             U10   [0]  

At the start of round 5 we collect in the puzzle sheets for marking so I am afraid no photos after here.

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U10 - Round 5

Results

No Name            Feder Total  Result   Name                     Feder Total

 1 Bye             U10   [0]      0:1    Kriyansh Shukla          U10   [0]  
 2 Alexander Davis U10   [3]      0:1    Corey Castillo           U10   [3]  
 3 Rizwan Arshed   U10   [4]      1:0    Sanvi Ashish Shambharkar U10   [2]  

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U10 - Round 6

Results

No Name            Feder Total  Result   Name                     Feder Total

 1 Bye             U10   [0]      0:1    Kriyansh Shukla          U10   [1]  
 2 Alexander Davis U10   [3]     .5:.5   Sanvi Ashish Shambharkar U10   [2]  
 3 Rizwan Arshed   U10   [5]      1:0    Corey Castillo           U10   [4]  

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U10

Standings

Place Name                     

  1   Rizwan Arshed            U10           6      
  2   Corey Castillo           U10           4       
  3   Alexander Davis          U10           3.5       
  4   Sanvi Ashish Shambharkar U10           2.5      
  5   Kriyansh Shukla          U10           2       

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U12 - Round 1

Results

No Name          Feder Total  Result   Name            Feder Total

 5 Kia Jahandiz  U12   [0]      1:0    Nathan Johnston U12   [0]  
 6 Abhiram Ganja U12   [0]     .5:.5   Tanish Thoke    U12   [0]  
 7 Jatin Jakati  U12   [0]      1:0    Rishi Sharma    U12   [0]  
 8 Pranav Pandey U12   [0]      1:0    BYE                        

by Swiss Perfect (TM)  www.swissperfect.com

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U12 - Round 2

Results

No Name            Feder Total  Result   Name          Feder Total

 5 Pranav Pandey   U12   [1]      0:1    Kia Jahandiz  U12   [1]  
 6 Tanish Thoke    U12   [.5]     0:1    Jatin Jakati  U12   [1]  
 7 Nathan Johnston U12   [0]      0:1    Abhiram Ganja U12   [.5] 
 8 Rishi Sharma    U12   [0]      1:0    BYE    

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U12 - Round 3

Results

No Name            Feder Total  Result   Name          Feder Total

 5 Kia Jahandiz    U12   [2]      1:0    Jatin Jakati  U12   [2]  
 6 Abhiram Ganja   U12   [1.5]    1:0    Pranav Pandey U12   [1]  
 7 Rishi Sharma    U12   [1]      1:0    Tanish Thoke  U12   [.5] 
 8 Nathan Johnston U12   [0]      1:0    BYE                      

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U12 - Round 4

Results

No Name          Feder Total  Result   Name            Feder Total

 5 Abhiram Ganja U12   [2.5]    0:1    Kia Jahandiz    U12   [3]  
 6 Jatin Jakati  U12   [2]      1:0    Nathan Johnston U12   [1]  
 7 Pranav Pandey U12   [1]      0:1    Rishi Sharma    U12   [2]  
 8 Tanish Thoke  U12   [.5]     1:0    BYE                 

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U12 - Round 5

Results

No Name          Feder Total  Result   Name            Feder Total

 5 Rishi Sharma  U12   [3]     .5:.5   Kia Jahandiz    U12   [4]  
 6 Jatin Jakati  U12   [3]      1:0    Pranav Pandey   U12   [1]  
 7 Tanish Thoke  U12   [1.5]    0:1    Nathan Johnston U12   [1]  
 8 Abhiram Ganja U12   [2.5]    1:0    BYE        

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U12 - Round 6

Results

No Name            Feder Total  Result   Name          Feder Total

 5 Kia Jahandiz    U12   [4.5]    1:0    Tanish Thoke  U12   [1.5]
 6 Rishi Sharma    U12   [3.5]    0:1    Abhiram Ganja U12   [3.5]
 7 Nathan Johnston U12   [2]      1:0    Pranav Pandey U12   [1]  
 8 Jatin Jakati    U12   [4]      1:0    BYE                

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U12

Standings

Place Name            Feder Score M-Buch. Buch. Progr.

  1   Kia Jahandiz    U12   5.5      10.5  15.5   20.0
  2   Jatin Jakati    U12   5         9.5  15.5   17.0
  3   Abhiram Ganja   U12   4.5       9.5  15.5   15.0
  4   Rishi Sharma    U12   3.5      12.5  18.5   13.0
  5   Nathan Johnston U12   3        12.5  18.5    7.0
  6   Tanish Thoke    U12   1.5      14.5  22.5    6.0
  7   Pranav Pandey   U12   1        14.5  22.5    6.0

Under 10 Winners and Qualifiers.

Under 12 Winners and Qualifiers

We look forward to seeing how the qualifiers do then they get to the LJCC finals and we wish them luck. Hopefully we will publish an article about their participation. Watch this space.

The U18's take more time over their games and we had thought that they would be sticking closely to the timetable. But they did end some rounds early and we did squeeze up the timetable. Completing the tournament at about 2:30pm a very early time. I have put photos and the results below.

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U18 - Round 1

Results

No Name            Feder Total  Result   Name                     Feder Total

10 Charlie Power   U16   [0]      0:1    Szymon Slebioda          U16   [0]  
11 Parker Robinson U14   [0]      0:1    Aharshi Banerjee         U16   [0]  
12 Darragh Marsh.  U14   [0]      1:0    Ayush Ashish Shambharkar U14   [0]  
13 Dean AlMasri    U16   [0]      0:1    Shlok Thoke              U16   [0]  
14 Shubham Saha    U14   [0]      1:0    Rian Anant               U14   [0]  
15 Poorva Maske    U14   [0]      0:1    Simon Murphy             U16   [0]  
16 Conal Caughey   U14   [0]      1:0    Suchita Pandey           U14   [0]  

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U18 - Round 2

Results

No Name                     Feder Total  Result   Name            Feder Total

10 Aharshi Banerjee         U16   [1]     .5:.5   Shubham Saha    U14   [1]  
11 Simon Murphy             U16   [1]      0:1    Darragh Marsh.  U14   [1]  
12 Shlok Thoke              U16   [1]      1:0    Conal Caughey   U14   [1]  
13 Szymon Slebioda          U16   [1]     .5:.5   Parker Robinson U14   [0]  
14 Ayush Ashish Shambharkar U14   [0]      0:1    Poorva Maske    U14   [0]  
15 Suchita Pandey           U14   [0]      0:1    Dean AlMasri    U16   [0]  
16 Rian Anant               U14   [0]      0:1    Charlie Power   U16   [0]  

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U18 - Round 3

Results

No Name            Feder Total  Result   Name                     Feder Total

10 Darragh Marsh.  U14   [2]      0:1    Shlok Thoke              U16   [2]  
11 Shubham Saha    U14   [1.5]    1:0    Szymon Slebioda          U16   [1.5]
12 Conal Caughey   U14   [1]     .5:.5   Aharshi Banerjee         U16   [1.5]
13 Charlie Power   U16   [1]      0:1    Simon Murphy             U16   [1]  
14 Dean AlMasri    U16   [1]      1:0    Poorva Maske             U14   [1]  
15 Parker Robinson U14   [.5]     0:1    Ayush Ashish Shambharkar U14   [0]  
16 Suchita Pandey  U14   [0]      0:1    Rian Anant               U14   [0]  

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U18 - Round 4

Results

No Name                     Feder Total  Result   Name           Feder Total

10 Shlok Thoke              U16   [3]     .5:.5   Shubham Saha   U14   [2.5]
11 Aharshi Banerjee         U16   [2]      1:0    Darragh Marsh. U14   [2]  
12 Simon Murphy             U16   [2]      1:0    Dean AlMasri   U16   [2]  
13 Szymon Slebioda          U16   [1.5]    1:0    Conal Caughey  U14   [1.5]
14 Ayush Ashish Shambharkar U14   [1]      1:0    Charlie Power  U16   [1]  
15 Poorva Maske             U14   [1]      1:0    Rian Anant     U14   [1]  
16 Parker Robinson          U14   [.5]     1:0    Suchita Pandey U14   [0]  

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U18 - Round 5

Results

No Name             Feder Total  Result   Name                     Feder Total

10 Aharshi Banerjee U16   [3]      0:1    Shlok Thoke              U16   [3.5]
11 Shubham Saha     U14   [3]     .5:.5   Simon Murphy             U16   [3]  
12 Darragh Marsh.   U14   [2]      1:0    Szymon Slebioda          U16   [2.5]
13 Dean AlMasri     U16   [2]      0:1    Ayush Ashish Shambharkar U14   [2]  
14 Conal Caughey    U14   [1.5]    0:1    Poorva Maske             U14   [2]  
15 Rian Anant       U14   [1]      0:1    Parker Robinson          U14   [1.5]
16 Charlie Power    U16   [1]      1:0    Suchita Pandey           U14   [0]  

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U18 - Round 6

Results

No Name                     Feder Total  Result   Name             Feder Total

10 Shlok Thoke              U16   [4.5]    0:1    Simon Murphy     U16   [3.5]
11 Ayush Ashish Shambharkar U14   [3]      0:1    Shubham Saha     U14   [3.5]
12 Poorva Maske             U14   [3]      0:1    Aharshi Banerjee U16   [3]  
13 Parker Robinson          U14   [2.5]    0:1    Darragh Marsh.   U14   [3]  
14 Suchita Pandey           U14   [0]      0:1    Szymon Slebioda  U16   [2.5]
15 Conal Caughey            U14   [1.5]    0:1    Charlie Power    U16   [2]  
16 Rian Anant               U14   [1]     .5:.5   Dean AlMasri     U16   [2]  

Belfast LJCC Qualifier U18 - Round 6

Standings

Place Name                     Feder Score M-Buch. Buch. Progr.

 1-3  Shlok Thoke              U16   4.5      15.0  21.0   18.5
      Shubham Saha             U14   4.5      15.0  21.0   16.0
      Simon Murphy             U16   4.5      14.5  21.5   15.0
 4-5  Darragh Marsh.           U14   4        15.0  22.0   14.0
      Aharshi Banerjee         U16   4        14.0  20.0   14.5
  6   Szymon Slebioda          U16   3.5      11.0  15.5   12.5
 7-9  Ayush Ashish Shambharkar U14   3        12.5  19.5    9.0
      Poorva Maske             U14   3        11.0  17.0   10.0
      Charlie Power            U16   3         9.5  14.0    8.0
10-11 Dean AlMasri             U16   2.5      12.0  16.5    9.5
      Parker Robinson          U14   2.5      12.0  16.0    7.5
12-13 Conal Caughey            U14   1.5      13.5  18.0    8.0
      Rian Anant               U14   1.5      11.0  15.5    4.5
14-15 Suchita Pandey           U14   0         9.5  14.5    0.0

Under14 Champion: Shubham Saha

Under14 2nd: Darragh Marsh

Under14 3rd: Ayush Ashish Shambharkar

Under16 Champion:Shlok Thoke

Under16 2nd: Simon Murphy

Under16 3rd: Aharshi Banerjee

A big thanks to all the players, to their parents, to our volunteers Geoff and Amol and to Methodist School. Many thanks. See you at our next tournament.

The solutions to the puzzles.

The UCU will pay the entry fee of €80 and offer up to €100 travel expenses for up to five interested UCU members. In return, participants are requested to sign up to be arbiter for at least one UCU event per year for the next five years.

If you are interested in taking up this offer, please contact Chris Kelly at chriskelly59@ymail.com

The funeral/service takes place friday 9th Oct at 12:30pm O'Kanes funeral home, 2 St Judes Avenue, Belfast.

Remember to register before we hit max capacity!

Bangor Classic Round 1  Classic    [Part 1 of 5]  FIDE RATED 1 round of 90+0  Thursday 1 October     Groomsport Parish Hall, County Down Details: https://www.icu.ie/events/2262

Kilrea Rapid Championship 2026            FIDE RATED 9 rounds of 10+5 Saturday 3rd October 2026             Kilrea Townhall Details and entry list here: https://www.icu.ie/events/2295

Bangor Congress Rounds 1-5  Rapid   [Part 1 of 3]  FIDE RATED 5 rounds of 10+5 Tuesday 6 October                   Groomsport Parish Hall, County Down Details: https://www.icu.ie/events/2258

Bangor Classic Round 2  Classic    [Part 2 of 5]  FIDE RATED 1 round of 90+0 Thursday 8 October                   Groomsport Parish Hall, County Down Details: https://www.icu.ie/events/2262

County Tyrone Junior Championships 2026 Rapid         FIDE RATED 9 rounds of 10+5      ***Also a separate adult section*** Saturday 10th October 2026              Washingbay Centre, County Tyrone Details and entry list here: https://www.icu.ie/events/2257 Open to players all across Northern Ireland

Bangor Congress Rounds 6-10  Rapid   [Part 2 of 3]  FIDE RATED 5 rounds of 10+5 Tuesday 13 October                  Groomsport Parish Hall, County Down Details: https://www.icu.ie/events/2259

Bangor Classic Round 3  Classic    [Part 3 of 5]  FIDE RATED 1 round of 90+0 Thursday 15 October                  Groomsport Parish Hall, County Down Details: https://www.icu.ie/events/2262

Bangor Congress Rounds 11-15  Rapid   [Part 3 of 3]  FIDE RATED 5 rounds of 10+5 Tuesday 20 October                  Groomsport Parish Hall, County Down Details: https://www.icu.ie/events/2260

Bangor Classic Round 4  Classic    [Part 4 of 5]  FIDE RATED 1 round of 90+0 Thursday 22 October                  Groomsport Parish Hall, County Down Details: https://www.icu.ie/events/2262

Bangor Halloween Blitz Blitz                                                   FIDE RATED 7 rounds of 5+5 Tuesday 27 October                  Groomsport Parish Hall, County Down Details: https://www.icu.ie/events/2261

Bangor Classic Round 5  Classic    [Part 5 of 5]  FIDE RATED 1 round of 90+0 Thursday 29 October                  Groomsport Parish Hall, County Down Details: https://www.icu.ie/events/2262 Special Halloween event over two days  All ages welcome. Primary school children/teens/adults.

Black Mountain Halloween Rapid                                FIDE RATED 12 rounds of 25+0 Friday 30 October   ROUNDS 1-6                  Saturday 31 October   ROUNDS 7-12     Black Mountain Shared Space, Belfast Details: https://www.icu.ie/events/2337 Entry fee for both days = £18  Players wanting 6 rated games are welcome to only play one day at entry fee of £12

Senior 1st (and qualifier for the UK Open Blitz): Bodhana Sivanandan

Senior 2nd: Ben McIlroy

Senior 3rd: Modestas Razbadauskas

Intermediate 1st: James Wong

Intermediate 2nd: Peter Campbell

Intermediate 3rd: Robert Lavery

Qualifier for the UK Open Women's Blitz: Leah Worbey

Ranking and Games after round 17 of UK Open Blitz qualifier Belfast 2026
No.  PNo.  Name                        R1    R2    R3    R4    R5    R6    R7    R8    R9    R10   R11   R12   R13   R14   R15   R16   R17   CB Score
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.    1  Sivanandan, Bodhana          18w1   2w1   3b1   4w1   5b1   6w1   7b1   8w1   9b1  10w1  11b1  12w1  13b1  14w1  15b1  16w1  17b1    1 17.0
2.    4  McIlroy, Ben                 15w1  16b1  17w1   1b0   2w0   3b1  18w1   5w1   6b0   7w1   8b0   9w1  10b1  11w½  12b1  13w1  14b1    1 12.5
3.    9  Razbadauskas, Modestas       10w1  11b1  12w1  13b0  14w0  15b1  16w1  17b1   1w0     +   3w1   4b0   5w0   6b1   7w1   8b1  18w1    2 12.0
3.    6  Edens, Jack                  13w0  14b1  15w1  16b1  17w1   1b0     +   3b0   4w1   5b1  18w1   7w0   8b1   9w0  10b1  11w1  12b1    0 12.0
3.    3  Micheal, Alwin               16w1  17b1   1w0   2b1  18w1   4w0   5b½   6w1   7b0   8w½   9b0  10w1  11b1  12w1  13b1  14w1  15b1    1 12.0
6.    8  Roberts, Danny               11w1  12b0  13w1  14b1  15w1  16b1  17w1   1b0     +   3b½   4w1   5b1   6w0   7b1  18w1   9w0  10b0    0 11.5
6.    5  Skettos, Nicolas             14w1  15b1  16w1  17b1   1w0   2b1   3w½   4b0  18w1   6w0   7b1   8w0   9b1  10w1  11b1  12w0  13b1    1 11.5
8.   12  Wong, James                   7b1   8w1   9b0  10w1  11b1  18b1  13w1  14b1  15w0  16b1  17w1   1b0     +   3b0   4w0   5b1   6w0   -2 11.0
9.    7  Campbell, Andrew             12w0  13b1  14w1  15b1  16w1  17b1   1w0     +   3w1   4b0   5w0   6b1  18w1   8w0   9b0  10w0  11b1    2 10.0
10.   11  Lavery, Robert               8b0   9w0  10b1  18b1  12w0  13b½  14w1  15b½  16w1  17b1   1w0     +   3w0   4b½   5w0   6b0   7w0    0  7.5
10.   13  Campbell, Peter              6b1   7w0   8b0   9w1  10b½  11w½  12b0  18b1  14w½  15b1  16w1  17b0   1w0     +   3w0   4b0   5w0    0  7.5
12.   14  Gourley, Jake                5b0   6w0   7b0   8w0   9b1  10w1  11b0  12w0  13b½  18b1  15w1  16b0  17w1   1b0     +   3b0   4w0   -2  6.5
13.   10  Stinson, James               9b0  18b1  11w0  12b0  13w½  14b0  15w0  16b1  17w0   1b0     +   3b0   4w0   5b0   6w0   7b1   8w1   -2  5.5
13.   15  Worbey, Leah                 4b0   5w0   6b0   7w0   8b0   9w0  10b1  11w½  12b1  13w0  14b0  18b1  16w1  17b0   1w0     +   3w0    0  5.5
15.   17  Jakati, Jatin                2b0   3w0   4b0   5w0   6b0   7w0   8b0   9w0  10b1  11w0  12b0  13w1  14b0  15w1  16b1  18b1   1w0   -1  5.0
16.   16  Micheal, Aarin               3b0   4w0   5b0   6w0   7b0   8w0   9b0  10w0  11b0  12w0  13b0  14w1  15b0  18b1  17w0   1b0     +   -2  3.0
16.    2  Bryant, Harry               17w1   1b0  18w1   3w0   4b1   5w0     -     -     -     -     -     -     -     -     -     -     -    2  3.0
18.   18  Mannion, Cillian             1b0  10w0   2b0  11w0   3b0  12w0   4b0  13w0   5b0  14w0   6b0  15w0   7b0  16w0   8b0  17w0   9b0   -1  0.0

Pictures from the event

]]> No publisher Michael Devine 2026-09-27T21:08:02Z News Item https://www.ulsterchess.org/Members/ucu00450/2025-2026/childrens-chess-2025-26/summerschool2026/the-summer-school-2026-takes-place-at-ormeau-park-bowling-club-august-5th-6th-7th The Ulster Chess Union annual summer school saw 18 young chess enthusiasts enjoy studing chess for 3 days. That included team chess, battlechess, endgames and studying positions.  

There is nothing that beats having enthusisatic youngsters enjoying chess and learning to improve. We had 3 days, the challenge is to create activities that are interesting, enjoyable, challenging, alot of preparation goes into these 3 days.

A big thankyou to Ormeau Park Bowling Hall - provided by the Council and thanks to Damien Cunningham for enabling this. We had 18 young chess players studying chess for 3 days. With worksheets, activities and team matches. Also a big thanks to Geoff Hindley, Chris Kelly and Shannon Mckeown for vounteering and enabling this brilliant event.

The days follow a timetable of activities. Day one and a couple of worksheets. The Knight Pawn mower - a brilliant way of encouraging forward thinking - by challenging players to solve the problems without moving the pieces - these were created by GM Maurice Ashely ( https://schachtraining.de/pawn-mower-minispiele-fuer-das-erlernen-der-figuren/ ). The Bishop is stronger than the Knight? - Training Program for Juniors and 3^rd Category players – Victor Golenischev.

We paired older youngsters with younger ones and encouraged coaching - perhaps a skill more useful than chess .... !

View from the brilliant venue - a secret garden, walled bowling green - a little gem of a location.

Each day ended with a team match. Where our pairs of players played each other. Each pair had to discuss their moves infront of the opposing side. and then agree a move. - lots of chess discussion and shared decision making.

Intertwined between worksheets we have two competitions. A Swiss Chess Tournament and a Swiss BattleChess tournament ( here players played both white and black ). Battlechess is a brilliant way of setting up an endgame of Kings and pawns,

With the worksheets came worked examples on our demo board. Players came up and offered their solutions which were discussed.

We break each day for lunch - with an opportunity to socialise and play some fantastic board games - like Othello, Janga, Fanarona, Mastermind, Mancala, connect 4 among others..

The chess tournament results. Round by round.

BattleShips - Round 1

Results

No Name              Total  Result   Name             Total

 1 Thomas Hempton    [0.0]  1.5:.5   Jonah Boyd       [0.0]
 2 Nathan Johnston   [0.0]  0.0:2.0  Joshua Hempton   [0.0]
 3 Jacob Boyd        [0.0]  2.0:0.0  Rizwan Arshed    [0.0]
 4 Corey Castillo    [0.0]  1.0:1.0  Joshua Boyd      [0.0]
 5 Alex McKeown      [0.0]  2.0:0.0  Senanya De Silva [0.0]
 6 Kriyansh Shukla   [0.0]   .5:1.5  Shubham Saha     [0.0]
 7 Rian Manish Anant [0.0]  1.0:1.0  Killian McKeown  [0.0]
 8 Maximus O'Neill.  [0.0]  0.0:2.0  Razina Arshed    [0.0]

by Swiss Perfect (TM)  www.swissperfect.com

BattleShips - Round 2

Results

No Name             Total  Result   Name              Total

 1 Joshua Hempton   [2.0]  2.0:0.0  Alex McKeown      [2.0]
 2 Razina Arshed    [2.0]  0.0:2.0  Thomas Hempton    [1.5]
 3 Shubham Saha     [1.5]  2.0:0.0  Rian Manish Anant [1.0]
 4 Killian McKeown  [1.0]  0.0:2.0  Corey Castillo    [1.0]
 5 Joshua Boyd      [1.0]  2.0:0.0  Kriyansh Shukla   [.5] 
 6 Jonah Boyd       [.5]   2.0:0.0  Jason Hunt        [0.0]
 7 Rizwan Arshed    [0.0]  1.5:.5   Nathan Johnston   [0.0]
 8 Maximus O'Neill. [0.0]  2.0:0.0  BYE                    
 9 Jacob Boyd       [2.0]  0.0:0.0  BYE 

BattleShips - Round 3

Results

No Name              Total  Result   Name             Total

 1 Thomas Hempton    [3.5]   .5:1.5  Joshua Hempton   [4.0]
 2 Corey Castillo    [3.0]  0.0:2.0  Shubham Saha     [3.5]
 3 Jonah Boyd        [2.5]  0.0:2.0  Joshua Boyd      [3.0]
 4 Razina Arshed     [2.0]  0.0:2.0  Jacob Boyd       [2.0]
 5 Alex McKeown      [2.0]  2.0:0.0  Maximus O'Neill. [2.0]
 6 Rian Manish Anant [1.0]  0.0:2.0  Rizwan Arshed    [1.5]
 7 Nathan Johnston   [.5]   2.0:0.0  Killian McKeown  [1.0]
 8 Kriyansh Shukla   [.5]   2.0:0.0  BYE

BattleShips - Standings

Place Name              Feder Score M-Buch. Buch. Progr.

 1-2  Joshua Hempton    17    5.5       4.0  10.5   11.5
      Shubham Saha      13    5.5       1.5   5.5   10.5
  3   Joshua Boyd       14    5         2.5   7.0    9.0
 4-6  Jacob Boyd        13    4         3.0   8.5    8.0
      Thomas Hempton    17    4         2.5  10.0    9.0
      Alex McKeown      10    4         2.0   8.5    8.0
  7   Rizwan Arshed     8     3.5       2.5   8.5    5.0
  8   Corey Castillo    8     3         5.0  11.5    7.0
9-11  Kriyansh Shukla   8     2.5       5.0  13.5    3.5
      Jonah Boyd        11    2.5       4.0  10.0    5.5
      Nathan Johnston   11    2.5       3.5  10.0    3.0
12-13 Razina Arshed     11    2         4.0  10.0    6.0
      Maximus O'Neill.  7     2         3.0   9.0    4.0
14-15 Rian Manish Anant 12    1         3.5  10.0    3.0
      Killian McKeown   7     1         2.5   6.5    3.0
16-18 Jason Hunt        13    0         4.5   4.5    0.0
      Senanya De Silva  9     0         4.0   4.0    0.0

The top 3 players won certifcates that were given at the end of the school.

Champion : Joshua Hampton 2nd : Shubham Saha 3rd : Joshua Boyd

Summer School 2026 - Round 1

Results

No Name              Total  Result   Name             Total

 1 Joshua Hempton    [0]      1:0    Jonah Boyd       [0]  
 2 Nathan Johnston   [0]      0:1    Thomas Hempton   [0]  
 3 Jacob Boyd        [0]      0:1    Rizwan Arshed    [0]  
 4 Corey Castillo    [0]      0:1    Joshua Boyd      [0]  
 5 Alex McKeown      [0]      1:0    Senanya De Silva [0]  
 6 Kriyansh Shukla   [0]      0:1    Shubham Saha     [0]  
 7 Rian Manish Anant [0]      1:0    Killian McKeown  [0]  
 8 Maximus O'Neill.  [0]      1:0    Razina Arshed    [0]  

Summer School 2026 - Round 2

Results

No Name            Total  Result   Name              Total

 1 Shubham Saha    [1]     .5:.5   Joshua Hempton    [1]  
 2 Thomas Hempton  [1]      1:0    Rian Manish Anant [1]  
 3 Joshua Boyd     [1]      1:0    Maximus O'Neill.  [1]  
 4 Rizwan Arshed   [1]      0:1    Alex McKeown      [1]  
 5 Geoff Hindley   [0]      0:1    Jason Hunt        [0]  
 6 Razina Arshed   [0]      0:1    Corey Castillo    [0]  
 7 Jonah Boyd      [0]      1:0    Kriyansh Shukla   [0]  
 8 Killian McKeown [0]      0:1    Nathan Johnston   [0]  
 9 Jacob Boyd      [0]      0:0    BYE      

Summer School 2026 - Round 3

Results

No Name              Total  Result   Name             Total

 1 Alex McKeown      [2]      0:1    Thomas Hempton   [2]  
 2 Joshua Hempton    [1.5]    1:0    Joshua Boyd      [2]  
 3 Jason Hunt        [1]      0:1    Shubham Saha     [1.5]
 4 Rian Manish Anant [1]      0:1    Rizwan Arshed    [1]  
 5 Corey Castillo    [1]      0:1    Jonah Boyd       [1]  
 6 Nathan Johnston   [1]      1:0    Maximus O'Neill. [1]  
 7 Kriyansh Shukla   [0]      1:0    Razina Arshed    [0]  
 8 Killian McKeown   [0]      1:0    BYE                   
 9 Jacob Boyd        [0]      0:0    BYE      

Summer School 2026 - Round 4

Results

No Name             Total  Result   Name              Total

 1 Thomas Hempton   [3]      0:1    Joshua Hempton    [2.5]
 2 Shubham Saha     [2.5]    1:0    Joshua Boyd       [2]  
 3 Jonah Boyd       [2]      0:1    Alex McKeown      [2]  
 4 Rizwan Arshed    [2]      0:1    Nathan Johnston   [2]  
 5 Maximus O'Neill. [1]      0:1    Rian Manish Anant [1]  
 6 Killian McKeown  [1]      0:1    Corey Castillo    [1]  
 7 Kriyansh Shukla  [1]      0:1    Jacob Boyd        [0]  
 8 Razina Arshed    [0]      1:0    BYE  

Summer School 2026 - Round 5

Results

No Name              Total  Result   Name            Total

 1 Joshua Hempton    [3.5]    1:0    Alex McKeown    [3]  
 2 Nathan Johnston   [3]      0:1    Shubham Saha    [3.5]
 3 Corey Castillo    [2]      0:1    Thomas Hempton  [3]  
 4 Jacob Boyd        [1]      1:0    Jonah Boyd      [2]  
 5 Joshua Boyd       [2]      1:0    Killian McKeown [1]  
 6 Rian Manish Anant [2]      1:0    Kriyansh Shukla [1]  
 7 Razina Arshed     [1]      0:1    Rizwan Arshed   [2]  
 8 Maximus O'Neill.  [1]      1:0    BYE       

Summer School 2026 - Standings

Place Name              Feder Score M-Buch. Buch. Progr.

 1-2  Joshua Hempton    17    4.5      10.0  16.5   13.0
      Shubham Saha      13    4.5       8.0  13.5   13.0
  3   Thomas Hempton    17    4         9.0  15.5   13.0
 4-8  Alex McKeown      10    3         9.0  15.5   11.0
      Rizwan Arshed     8     3         9.0  12.5    9.0
      Nathan Johnston   11    3         8.5  13.5    9.0
      Joshua Boyd       14    3         8.0  13.0   10.0
      Rian Manish Anant 12    3         5.5  10.0    8.0
9-12  Maximus O'Neill.  7     2         8.5  12.0    6.0
      Jonah Boyd        11    2         8.0  13.5    7.0
      Jacob Boyd        13    2         7.0  11.0    3.0
      Corey Castillo    8     2         5.5  10.0    6.0
13-16 Killian McKeown   7     1         8.5  13.5    3.0
      Kriyansh Shukla   8     1         8.0  13.0    3.0
      Razina Arshed     11    1         6.0  10.0    2.0
      Jason Hunt        13    1         1.5   7.0    2.0
17-19 Senanya De Silva  9     0         3.0   3.0    0.0
      Geoff Hindley           0         3.0   3.0    0.0

The top 3 players recieved certifcates on the final day.

Champion : Joshua Hampton 2nd : Shubham Saha 3rd : Thomas Hampton

A brilliant event - all attendees recieved a certificate with photos from the event.

The Summer Tournament has been run for years - originally introduced to allow players an opportunity to play slow chess over the Summer months when most clubs close. Previously run by the brilliant Alex Beckett and Sam Moore.

There are 3 rounds remaining  of the tournament and then on the following weds (30 Sept) we have a fun quickplay tournament with times dependent on the difference of players ratings (David Seaby is to be thanked for this format) and an award ceremony. Players are to bring £2 cash to enter the fun tournament.

Players please note the special rule 2. Kicks in for these last 3 rounds: 2. If a player does not play in two of the last three rounds they will be assumed to have played and lost 2 games. If they play only one then they will forfeit one game.

Rules
1. Players must complete 10 games to be considered for prizes.
2. If a player does not play in two of the last three rounds they will be assumed to have played and lost 2 games. If they play only one then they will forfeit one game.
3. However if a player has played 14 or more games then they are exempt from rule 2.
4. Scores will be calculated on a percentage basis.

The full results are on our site : https://www.ulsterchess.org/competitions/competitions/comp-3032/cvt_event/standings/944#tabhead

We are fortunate of have some top players in the tough top section. Currently lead by Ethan Cole on 78.57%  (who is also leading the overall competition) with Gareth Annestley second 71.43% both players are yet to attain the necessary 10 games. Andrew Campbell is chasing on 70%.

A big congratulations to Ethan Cole for becoming the youngest Ulster Champion over the weekend of August 29th to 31st - absolutely fantastic.

Top Section

Current leader of this section is Owen Dumigan on 66.67% followed in second place by Ahish Shambharkar on 62.5%

Middle Section

Stewart McConnaghy leads the lower section on 72.73% (and is 2nd in the overall competition) chased by and fighting for 2nd place Schlok Thoke on 68.75% and Paul O'Connor on 67.86%.

Lower Section

Details of next round : https://www.ulsterchess.org/Members/ucu00450/2025-2026/summer-tournament-2026/the-summer-tournament-weds-9th-sept-at-civil-service

Photos from the weekly rounds:

WIth the start of the Chess season on us. The annual Belfast Qualifier for the UK Open Blitz Championships will happen on Saturday 12th Sept 2026.

More information about this event…

Rank  Seed  Name                         R1    R2    R3    R4    R5    R6    Score

  1.    3  Cole, Ethan                  13w1  20b½   7w½  11b1  10w1   5b½    4.5
        5  Hughes, Padraig              15w1   4b½   8w1   7b½   1b1   3w½    4.5
  3.    8  Roberts, Danny                  +   1w½   5b0  12w1   4b1   2w½    4.0
        1  Allen, Keith                 11w1   8b½  20w½   4b1   5w0  10b1    4.0
        2  Tahmankar, Mandar            12b½  10w½  13b1   9w½   6w1   8b½    4.0
        9  Micheal, Alwin               18b½  16w1   6w½   2b½   7w½  15b1    4.0
       17  Razbadauskas, Modestas          -  13b0  14w1  18b1  20w1   7b1    4.0
  8.    6  Landmark, Sneavar               =  12w½   9b½  16w1   2b0  19b1    3.5
  9.    7  Campbell, Andrew             16b½  18w1   3b½   5w½   9b½  17w0    3.0
       20  Sandrey, Jade                   +   3w½   1b½  10w0  17b0   4w1    3.0
       10  Edens, Jack                  19w1   2b½   4w½  20b1   3b0   1w0    3.0
       16  Corr, David                   7w½   9b0  19w1   6b0  11w1  12w½    3.0
       12  Jeffers, David                2w½   6b½  11w½   8b0  13w1  16b½    3.0
       15  Lavery, Robert                5b0  11b0  18w1  14b1  19w1   9w0    3.0
 15.   11  Logan, Tony                   1b0  15w1  12b½   3w0  16b0  18b1    2.5
 16.    4  Scannell, Stephen P.         14b1   5w½  10b½   1w0   8w0  20b0    2.0
       19  Spackman, Conor              10b0  14w1  16b0  13w1  15b0   6w0    2.0
 18.   14  Wong, James                   4w0  19b0  17b0  15w0  18w½  13b1    1.5
 19.   13  Barbals, Gatis                3b0  17w1   2w0  19b0  12b0  14w0    1.0
       18  Hill, David                   9w½   7b0  15b0  17w0  14b½  11w0    1.0

Ulster Championship 2026 Intermediate

Rank Seed  Name                          R1    R2    R3    R4    R5    R6    Score

  1.   15  Smylie, Sam                   2b0  18w1  10b1  12w1   6b1   8b1    5.0
  2.    8  Brady, John                  20b1   2w1   4b½   6w1  13b1  15w0    4.5
        3  Keers, Shane                 17b1  12w½   5b1   4w0  21b1   1b1    4.5
  4.    6  Davey, Finn Patrick             +  13w1  21b1   8b0  15w0   4w1    4.0
       13  Murphy, Jay                     +   6b0  19w1  16b1   8w0  17b1    4.0
        5  Campbell, Peter              18b½  14w1   3w0   7b1  16w½  12b1    4.0
        1  Leitch, Calum                14b½  10w1  12b½  21w1   4b1   3w0    4.0
  8.    4  King, Daniel                 16w1  11b1   8w½   3b1   1w0   6b0    3.5
        7  Crothers, Toby                  =  21b0  18w1   5w0  14b1  16b1    3.5
 10.   12  Glendinning, Calum              +   3b½   1w½  15b0  19w1   5w0    3.0
       19  Dimitrov, Nicolai               -  22w1  13b0  14w1  12b0  10w1    3.0
 12.   21  Dumigan, Owen                 9b1   7w1   6w0   1b0   3w0  18b½    2.5
       16  Stinson, William              4b0  20w1   2b1  13w0   5b½   7w0    2.5
       18  Hill, Daniel                  5w½  15b0   7b0  10w½  20b1  21w½    2.5
       17  Murphy, Peter                 3w0  24b½   9w0  22b1  11b1  13w0    2.5
 16.   10  Armstrong, Chris                =   1b0  15w0  18b½  22w1  19b0    2.0
        9  Dorrian, Christopher         21w0     -  17b1  11w1     -     -    2.0
       20  Banerjee, Aharshi             8w0  16b0  22w0  24b1  18w0  11b1    2.0
       22  O'Hannaidh, Conn             11w0  19b0  20b1  17w0  10b0  14w1    2.0
 20.   14  Magee, Paddy                  1w½   5b0  24w1  19b0   7w0  22b0    1.5
 21.    2  Todd, Andrew                 15w1   8b0  16w0     -     -     -    1.0
       11  Mayrs, Richard               22b1   4w0     -   9b0  17w0  20w0    1.0
 23.   24  Bradley, Paul                   -  17w½  14b0  20w0     -     -    0.5

We had 39 players gather to play rapidplay chess - with 5 rounds and a time control of 12 minutes each. Players include - Ulster Champion Mandar Tahmankar who played in the recent British Championships 2026 : https://www.chess.com/events/2026-british-chess-championships-championship Young top players, Alwin Michael and Andrew Campbell. An excellent group of players of all ages and skills.

The tournament was FIDE rated and run in one section. With the final standings being split into Top 3, Top 3 under 1700 and Top 3 under 1500.

Pairings round 1 (Thursday, 30 July 2026)

Generated by Swiss Master for Windows 5.7 build 8 on 16-08-2026 at 16:46

The top boards down to board 14 where Shay Donnelly got a good win against David Corr.

Pairings round 2 (Thursday, 30 July 2026)

Shay Donnelly continues with a good draw against Karthikeya Karpagavinayagam.

Pairings round 3 (Thursday, 30 July 2026)

Gatis Barbals upsets on board 2 beating the second cede Alwin Michael. Whilst Shay Donnelly continues to do well winning against David Hill. Also doing well are Chris Neill beating David Jackson and Michael Wilson winning against the young Darragh Marsh.

Pairings round 4 (Thursday, 30 July 2026)

Mandar Tahmankar ( the defending Champion), Gatis Barbals and Andrew Campbell continue winning going into the next round on full points. Shay Donnelly finally meets his match and looses to top player Gatis Barbals, but playing on board 3 on the fourth round is a brilliant result in its self.

Pairings round 5 (Thursday, 30 July 2026)

With 3 players on full points. Its an exciting finish. Mandar wins against Gatis and successfully defends the title - winning with 5 out of 5. Andrew draws against Alwin and gains an unbeaten 4.5 out of five and second place.

Final

Tournament Champion : Mandar Tahmankar

Tournament 2nd : Andrew Campbell

Tournament 3rd : Jack Edens

Under 1700 1st : Sanket Sawant

Under 1700 2nd : Finn Davey

Under 1700 3rd : Peter Campbell

Under 1500 1st : Conor Aspell

Under 1500 2nd : Shay Donnelly

Under 1500 3rd : Michael Wilson

Many thanks to all the players and the organisers - a brilliant evening of chess and £430 raised for USPCA. See you next year.

The timetable for the morning :

Time    Description

10:00    Arrival

10:15    Welcome.

10:30    Tour of Stormont

11:00    Chess Tournament, coffee and tea served.

12:00     Principals alternative arrival time.

12:40    Award Ceremony: Ms Naomi Long MLA

13:15    Farewells

Myself, Geoff Hindley and Karina Campbell arrived early and setup the Long Gallery for the event, with chess sets, the trophies and a large chess set.

Youngsters, parents and school Principals and teachers started to arrive.

At 10:15 Mark Newman Welcomed everyone and explained the timetable for the morning.

We were then taken on a brilliant tour of this historical and beautiful building. The elegent marble work done by Italian experts, the symmetry of the building, the golden chandalier borrowed from Windsor. Then we went to the two debating chambers. An excellent and fascinating tour. Many thanks to our tour guide.

Returning to the Long Gallery. The youngsters were split into their age groups and played in chess tournament. Whilst this was taking place the adults mingled and enjoyed tea, coffee and biscuits.

We had 6 players who had won awards that didnt match our tournaments. So we had as in previous years run an extra tournament - The Stormont Elite Chess Tournament – Exceptional Young Player. We played a 5 round all-play-all with a shorter time limit of 8mins each.

Exceptional Elite Stormont - Round 1

Results

No Name                       Result   Name             

 1 Shreyas Chandra Marrivada    0:1    Abhiram Ganja    
 2 Aarin Micheal                1:0    Sanvi Shambharkar
 3 Corey Castillo               0:1    Rizwan Arshed    

by Swiss Perfect (TM)  www.swissperfect.com

Exceptional Elite Stormont - Round 2

Results

No Name               Result   Name                     

 1 Rizwan Arshed        0:1    Shreyas Chandra Marrivada
 2 Sanvi Shambharkar    0:1    Corey Castillo           
 3 Abhiram Ganja        0:1    Aarin Micheal            

Exceptional Elite Stormont - Round 3

Results

No Name            Result   Name                     

 1 Aarin Micheal     1:0    Shreyas Chandra Marrivada
 2 Corey Castillo    1:0    Abhiram Ganja            
 3 Rizwan Arshed     1:0    Sanvi Shambharkar       

Exceptional Elite Stormont - Round 4

Results

No Name                       Result   Name             

 1 Shreyas Chandra Marrivada    1:0    Sanvi Shambharkar
 2 Abhiram Ganja                0:1    Rizwan Arshed    
 3 Aarin Micheal                0:1    Corey Castillo   

Exceptional Elite Stormont - Round 5

Results

No Name               Result   Name                     

 1 Corey Castillo       1:0    Shreyas Chandra Marrivada
 2 Rizwan Arshed        1:0    Aarin Micheal            
 3 Sanvi Shambharkar    1:0    Abhiram Ganja  

Exceptional Elite Stormont - Standings

Place Name                      Score

 1-2  Rizwan Arshed             4    
      Corey Castillo            4    
  3   Aarin Micheal             3    
  4   Shreyas Chandra Marrivada 2    
 5-6  Abhiram Ganja             1    
      Sanvi Shambharkar         1   

As part of the prize giving we had Principals, Teachers, Founder of the Tournament Graham Murphy and Ulster Chess Union President Martin Thompson form a line of honour.. The pupils on recieving their trophies and certificates then went down the line of honour shaking hands with the teachers who congratulated them.

We had representatives from most of the schools of the pupils - its brilliant to see the schools supporting their pupils:

John McCloskey (St Brides PS), Clare Stewart (Moira PS), Sophie Young (Harmony Hill PS), Graham Bennett (Newtownards Model PS), Mr Corbett (Gilnahirk PS),

Michael Johnston (Methodist College) Simon Cardwell (Royal School Armagh), Dermot Madine (St. Mary’s PS Belfast).

Stormont Elite Chess Tournament – Primary 2026

4 players all-play-all:

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Standings

Stormont Elite Chess Tournament – Secondary Lower

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Standings

Stormont Elite Chess Tournament – Secondary Upper

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Standings

Once the tournaments had completed the results were recorded and certificates organised.

Naomi Long MLA our host arrived and chatted to the youngsters about their love of the game and wether it was important to them to play or to win! Naomi enjoyed the various answers some liked to play. some to win and some both.

After a full year of monthly chess competitions held at Methodist College we have winners of our Grandprix system. The system works on the top 3 scores over the 5 Childrens Chess tournaments.

Grandprix: points – Players positions in their section are taken. Their best 3 grand-prix scores over the 5 tournaments are added together.

We have 3 age group sections and 2 puzzles sections.

James Fairley Shield: Primary School Championship

William McGrattin Shield: Lower Secondary School Championship ( Form1 to Form 3)

Damien Lavery Shield: Upper Secondary School Championship ( Form 4 and above)

Edward Whiteside Shield: Primary Puzzle Solving Chess Champion

Fergus O’Neill Shield: Secondary Puzzle Solving Chess Champion

There are also 2 shields one for younger players who havent won a prize but have played exceptionally well during the year. The other for players who do exceptionally well at tournaments outside of our series of tournaments, playing in the league, in other tournaments and if they represent Ireland.

The Belfast Scholastic Henderson and Dawson Shield.Exceptional Young Chess Player

The Belfast Scholastic Top Young Player (League/Other Competitions/Overseas Representation)

The final positions over the year:

The Belfast Scholastic James Fairley Shield. Primary Chess Champion

The Belfast Scholastic William McGrattin Shield. Lower Secondary Chess Champion

The Belfast Scholastic Damien Lavery Shield. Senior Secondary Chess Champion

The Belfast Scholastic Edward Whiteside Shield. Primary Puzzle Solving Chess Champion

The Belfast Scholastic Fergus O’Neill Shield. Secondary Puzzle Solving Chess Champion

The Belfast Scholastic Top Young Player (League/Other Competitions/Overseas Representation)

The Belfast Scholastic Henderson and Dawson Shield.Exceptional Young Chess Player

Noami Long MLA end of Event Speech Noami recognised the childen for their talent the parents and teachers for their support of the youngsters. The benefits of chess for planning/strategy and allowing people to move away from impulsive behavour. The game was being used in local prisions in a very positive way. Naomi wish players well in their chess and to possibly see them here again next year. A big thankyou to Noami Long MLA for hosting our event.

Some of the history of this form of chess: https://www.fide.com/history-of-chess960/

Extracts from an article by Susan Polgar....

"The concept of random chess, also known as shuffle chess, was first proposed by the Dutch chess enthusiast Philip Julius van Zuylen van Nijevelt (1743-1826). In his renowned treatise on chess, La Supériorité aux Échecs, published in 1792, Van Zuylen van Nijevelt articulated his disdain for the repetitive patterns often found in standard chess openings. He proposed the idea of randomizing the starting positions of the main pieces to create a vast array of unique starting positions, eliminating the possibility of pre-game memorization or extensive opening theory. This early conception of random chess by Van Zuylen van Nijevelt laid the foundation for Chess960.

.....

Bronstein and Benko’s support

Just as the Dutch inventors of Shuffle chess back in the 18th century, World Champion Challenger David Bronstein promoted the same idea in the late 1940s, and then later Pal Benko in the 1970s. .....

They referred to it by various names such as: Placement Chess, Pre-Chess, Shuffle-Chess. In the variant promoted by Bronstein and Benko, the game starts with white and black pawns set as usual, but the initial position of other pieces is selected by the players.

The two players place their pieces alternately, one at a time. White first places one of his pieces on his first rank, and then Black does the same. Players continue to alternate in this manner until all pieces have been placed, with the only restriction being that bishops must be on opposite-color squares. The game then proceeds in the usual way. Strategic chess thinking therefore begins with the first placements of pieces. Yet, the essence of the game remains the same, as the pieces move as usual as in traditional chess, and the game similarly ends with checkmate.

Fischer’s influence and the evolution of Shuffle-Chess to Chess960

The year after Bobby Fischer returned to chess in 1992 for a second match versus Boris Spassky, he moved to Budapest at the suggestion of Susan Polgar. For nearly a year, he was a regular visitor to the Polgar family. He sought the help of Susan Polgar to better the rules of Shuffle-Chess. They spent a lot of time discussing and experimenting with various versions of the rules, which at times was joined by Pal Benko. Fischer’s goal was to eliminate what he considered the complete dominance of opening preparations in classical chess, and replacing it with creativity and talent. Like others before him, Fischer believed that eliminating memorized book moves would level the playing field.

.....

In those days, Fischer and Susan Polgar initially played by the Shuffle-Chess rules promoted by Bronstein and Benko. There were three key points of debates: if the pieces should be required to be positioned symmetrically; if castling should be part of the game, and if so, in which exact form; and if Bishops can start on any square, or with the restriction of starting on opposite-colored squares.

The Final Rules by Fischer and Susan Polgar

Fischer and Susan Polgar concluded the following:

– Castling should be incorporated into the rules (by requiring the King to start somewhere in between the two Rooks), and the King and Rook would end up in their traditional castling positions.

– Bishops must start the game on opposite color squares, as in traditional chess.

– The pieces from both sides should be set up symmetrically.

Back then, it was originally known as “Fischerandom” or “Fischerandom chess”, the name given by Fischer himself.

While in Budapest, Fischer consulted mathematicians to figure out how many such piece arrangements were possible. The answer was 960, which as far as he was concerned, was enough to prevent players from planning their opening moves in advance. Hence, the name Chess960.

Fischer Random Chess was formally introduced to the public on June 19, 1996, in Buenos Aires, Argentina."

Written by Susan Polgar.

We played 7 rounds with time control of 20mins 5sec increments. This gave us plenty of games to play and a reasonably relaxed time control. Below are the results of each round and the starting position for that round. Also I have included some photos - unfortunately as I was also playing I didnt take as many as normal.

The venue Loanends Presbyterian Church Hall was new to the Ulster Chess Union - and proved to be excellent. With parking, a kitchen - so with milk and biscuits provided by Michael Devine we had a good supply of tea and coffee. There was a very large TV screen which we used for showing the draws and the positions. A big thankyou to the Church for providing such an excellent venue - we are also using it for the British Blitz Qualifier in September.

I kept the positions under wraps until the players were paired up and then I placed it on the TV screen and on a large demo board. Before the start of the first round I demonstrated and explained the castling rule - as this is perhaps the most complicated part of the game. Players often castle into the wrong position - Kings side on the Queens side. As you loose track of the Queens side! The boards setup, players shook hands and the silence of focused thought spread through the room.....we were off.

Pairings round 1 (Saturday, 13 June 2026)

Generated by Swiss Master for Windows 5.7 build 8 on 13-06-2026 at 21:10

The first round went to rating with an upset when Michael Devine drew against the defending champion Robert Lavery.

Pairings round 2 (Saturday, 13 June 2026)

The second round Ahsish Shambharkar gets a good win against Peter Campbell. Mandar Tahmankar wins against previous champion Gerard McIlroy. The battle of the brothers Shane wins against Michael Devine.

Pairings round 3 (Saturday, 13 June 2026)

An upset on the 2nd table with Robert Lavery the defending champion beating top player Danny Robert.

Pairings round 4 (Saturday, 13 June 2026)

The two top players draw, Danny and Mandar. Shane Devine gets a good win off Andrew Campbell.

Pairings round 5 (Saturday, 13 June 2026)

Games go to rating. Apart from Geoff Hindley getting a good win over Jim McLean.

Pairings round 6 (Saturday, 13 June 2026)

Pairings round 7 (Saturday, 13 June 2026)

Final

Ulster Champion 2026: Mandar Tahmankar

2nd : Danny Roberts

3rd : Gerard McIlroy

Intermediates : Under 1700.

Ulster Intermediate Champion 2026 : Ashish Shambharkar

2nd : Pat McKillen

3rd : Michael Devine

The end of a brilliant days chess. Thanks go to Michael Devine and Karina Campbell for organising the event and to Loanends Presbyterian Church Hall for hosting the event.

Previous Champion Robert Lavery passing the Trophy to the new Champion Mandar Tahmankar

The winners.

Unfortunately nos were low for todays tournament. We were forced to combine some age groups, ending with 2 sections. An under12 section with 8 players and an under18 with 6 players. With a need to play a full 6 rounds for the Under18 we played 5 rounds of all-play-all followed by a round 6 which was done manually.

As players arrived we registered them and they took a puzzle sheet and pencil - always a top part of the day is the puzzle solving. With trophies for the top solvers and a certificate for all players who hand in a sheet.

Under 12 Puzzle Champion : Kia Jahandizi

Under18 Chess Champion: Ethan Cole

Some of the brilliant puzzles that were considered and hopefully solved!

Have a go - the solutions are at the bottom of this page.

I have included some of the check-mate in 2's these are usually easier than the above puzzles. But when there isnt an obvious check to start the solution and there are less pieces on the board offering lots of choices for the moves these can be very difficult. Try these for fun - again solutions at bottom of the page.

The two sections played in different rooms. I looked after the Under12's and Geoff Hindley looked after the Under18's.

As parents registered their youngsters, I explained that for the Under 12's if a round completed early we would run the next round almost immediately and that this would mean the likelyhood of an early finish. If also lunch was going to just extend the finish time we might skip lunch. This was welcomed and infact we finished the Under 12 section at about 2:00pm much to the delight of both parents and players.

Below are the results of the rounds and photos - most of which are from my room (apologies to the Under18's - I didnt get much opportunity to get photos from their room).

We collected the puzzles at the beginning of Round 5. to give us time to mark them. So no photos for round 6.

Under12: Round 1

Results

No Name                      Feder Total  Result   Name            Feder Total

 1 Shreyas Chandra Marrivada U10   [0]      1:0    Nathan Johnston U12   [0]  
 2 Sohan Kesavarapu          U10   [0]      0:1    Alex McKeown    U10   [0]  
 3 Jatin Jakati              U10   [0]      1:0    Rishi Sharma    U10   [0]  
 4 Rizwan Arshed             U8    [0]      0:1    Kia Jahandizi   U12   [0]  

by Swiss Perfect (TM)  www.swissperfect.com

Players were given approx ratings. The first round went to rating.

Under12: Round 2

Results

No Name            Feder Total  Result   Name                      Feder Total

 1 Kia Jahandizi   U12   [1]      1:0    Shreyas Chandra Marrivada U10   [1]  
 2 Alex McKeown    U10   [1]      0:1    Jatin Jakati              U10   [1]  
 3 Nathan Johnston U12   [0]      0:1    Rizwan Arshed             U8    [0]  
 4 Rishi Sharma    U10   [0]      1:0    Sohan Kesavarapu          U10   [0]  

Rizwan gets a good win against Nathan. Kia gets a good win from Shreyas.

Under12: Round 3

Results

No Name                      Feder Total  Result   Name            Feder Total

 1 Jatin Jakati              U10   [2]      1:0    Kia Jahandizi   U12   [2]  
 2 Shreyas Chandra Marrivada U10   [1]      1:0    Rishi Sharma    U10   [1]  
 3 Rizwan Arshed             U8    [1]      0:1    Alex McKeown    U10   [1]  
 4 Sohan Kesavarapu          U10   [0]      0:1    Nathan Johnston U12   [0]  

Jatin Jakati goes into the lead winning against Kia.

Under12: Round 4

Results

No Name            Feder Total  Result   Name                      Feder Total

 1 Nathan Johnston U12   [1]      0:1    Jatin Jakati              U10   [3]  
 2 Alex McKeown    U10   [2]      1:0    Shreyas Chandra Marrivada U10   [2]  
 3 Kia Jahandizi   U12   [2]      1:0    Sohan Kesavarapu          U10   [0]  
 4 Rishi Sharma    U10   [1]      0:1    Rizwan Arshed             U8    [1]  

Jatin continues to win and qualifies.with over the necessary 3 1/2 points. The Top 3 of each age group also qualify.

Under12: Round 5

Results

No Name          Feder Total  Result   Name                      Feder Total

 1 Jatin Jakati  U10   [4]      1:0    Shreyas Chandra Marrivada U10   [2]  
 2 Kia Jahandizi U12   [3]     .5:.5   Alex McKeown              U10   [3]  
 3 Rizwan Arshed U8    [2]      1:0    Sohan Kesavarapu          U10   [0]  
 4 Rishi Sharma  U10   [1]      1:0    Nathan Johnston           U12   [1]  

Alex McKeown and Kia qualify with 3 1/2 points. Jatin continues with another victory.

Under12: Round 6

Results

No Name                      Feder Total  Result   Name          Feder Total

 1 Sohan Kesavarapu          U10   [0]      0:1    Jatin Jakati  U10   [5]  
 2 Alex McKeown              U10   [3.5]    1:0    Rishi Sharma  U10   [2]  
 3 Nathan Johnston           U12   [1]     .5:.5   Kia Jahandizi U12   [3.5]
 4 Shreyas Chandra Marrivada U10   [2]      0:1    Rizwan Arshed U8    [3]  

Jatin wins on full points 6 out of 6. Also doing well with 4 out of 6 is the young Rizwan.

Under12 - Standings

Place Name                      Feder Score M-Buch. Buch. Progr.

  1   Jatin Jakati              U10   6         9.5  14.0   21.0
  2   Alex McKeown              U10   4.5      12.0  18.0   15.0
 3-4  Kia Jahandizi             U12   4        12.0  18.0   15.5
      Rizwan Arshed             U8    4         9.5  14.0   11.0
 5-6  Shreyas Chandra Marrivada U10   2        14.5  22.0   10.0
      Rishi Sharma              U10   2        12.0  18.0    7.0
  7   Nathan Johnston           U12   1.5      12.0  18.0    4.5
  8   Sohan Kesavarapu          U10   0        14.5  22.0    0.0

Qualifiers

We have 7 qualifiers - and are looking forward to seeing them play in the next round - the Gigafinals.

These take place on the dates below : for full details and entry goto the https://www.delanceyukschoolschesschallenge.com/

https://www.delanceyukschoolschesschallenge.com/gigafinals-2026/

"Gigafinals

Once again we are hosting four Gigafinals; three in-person and one online. To compete in a Gigafinal a player must first qualify via a Megafinal. Players may play in as many Gigafinals as they like, regardless of whether they have already qualified for the next stages.

Scottish Gigafinal

One boy and one girl will qualify from each section.

Saturday 21st June – Scottish Gigafinal U8s and U10s (University of Stirling)
Sunday 22nd June – Scottish Gigafinal U12s, U14s and U18s (University of Stirling)

Northern Gigafinal

We are once again holding the Northern Gigafinal at one of favourite and most popular venues, Wright Robinson College in Manchester.

Two boys and one girl will qualify from each section.

Saturday 12th July – Northern Gigafinal U8s and U10s (Wright Robinson College, Manchester)
Sunday 13th July – Northern Gigafinal U12s, U14s and U18s (Wright Robinson College, Manchester)

Southern Gigafinal

Taking place at Sandown Racecourse in Esher.

Two boys and one girl will qualify from each section.

Saturday 19th July – Southern Gigafinal U8s and U10s (Sandown Racecourse, Esher)
Sunday 20th July – Southern Gigafinal U12s, U14s and U18s (Sandown Racecourse, Esher)

Online Gigafinal

One boy and one girl will qualify from each section.

The Online Gigafinal takes part in two stages: Stage 1 is Saturday 6th September at 10am with the top 12 players in each of the 5 age sections then qualifying for Stage 2 on Sunday 7th September."

We will report on players attending to let you know how they do.

Many thanks to volunteer Geoff Hindley for looking after the Under18 section.

Under18: Round 1

Results

No Name             Feder Total  Result   Name           Feder Total

11 Logan Moore      U14   [0]      1:0    Nathan Murray  U18   [0]  
12 Matthew McColgan U14   [0]      1:0    Andrew Riddell U14   [0]  
13 Ethan Cole       U14   [0]      1:0    Shubham Saha   U14   [0]  

Under18: Round 2

Results

No Name           Feder Total  Result   Name             Feder Total

11 Nathan Murray  U18   [0]     .5:.5   Shubham Saha     U14   [0]  
12 Andrew Riddell U14   [0]      0:1    Ethan Cole       U14   [1]  
13 Logan Moore    U14   [1]      0:1    Matthew McColgan U14   [1]  

Its a fight to see who qualifies for the Under14s. Nathan Murrary will qualify as the top Under 18.

Under18: Round 3

Results

No Name             Feder Total  Result   Name           Feder Total

11 Matthew McColgan U14   [2]      0:1    Nathan Murray  U18   [.5] 
12 Ethan Cole       U14   [2]      1:0    Logan Moore    U14   [1]  
13 Shubham Saha     U14   [.5]     1:0    Andrew Riddell U14   [0]  

Under18: Round 4

Results

No Name             Feder Total  Result   Name           Feder Total

11 Nathan Murray    U18   [1.5]    1:0    Andrew Riddell U14   [0]  
12 Logan Moore      U14   [1]      0:1    Shubham Saha   U14   [1.5]
13 Matthew McColgan U14   [2]      0:1    Ethan Cole     U14   [3]  

Ethan Cole leads the tournament on 4 out of 4 and qualifies for the GigaFinals.

Under18: Round 5

Results

No Name           Feder Total  Result   Name             Feder Total

11 Ethan Cole     U14   [4]      1:0    Nathan Murray    U18   [2.5]
12 Shubham Saha   U14   [2.5]    1:0    Matthew McColgan U14   [2]  
13 Andrew Riddell U14   [0]      0:1    Logan Moore      U14   [1]  

Shubham gains 3.5 points and also qualifies.

Under18: Round 6

Results

No Name           Feder Total  Result   Name             Feder Total

11 Matthew McColgan U14   [3]    1:0    Logan Moore      U14   [2] 
12 Shubham Saha   U14   [3.5]    0:1    Ethan Cole       U14   [5] 
13 Nathan Murray   U18  [2.5]    1:0    Andrew Riddell   U14   [0] 
     

Under18: Standings

Place Name             Feder Score

  1   Ethan Cole       U14   6    
  2   Shubham Saha     U14   3.5  
  3   Nathan Murray    U18   3.5  
 4-5  Logan Moore      U14   3    
      Matthew McColgan U14   2    
  6   Andrew Riddell   U14   0    

Qualifiers

End of a brilliant day. With lots of worthy qualifiers for the next round. The Gigafinals. We will track the players and let you know how they do.

The targeted dates for next years monthly tournaments are book them in your diaries - have a brilliant summer:

Chess Events 2026/2027

Puzzle Solutions

Challenging Mates in 2

Held this year at the newly established Carrickfergus Community Chess Club, the event brought together 22 players from across the local chess scene, all of whom had earned their tickets throughout the season via performances in major UCU events including the Ulster Championships, Ulster Masters, Blitz, Rapidplay, and Summer Tournament.

Arkell arrived in Northern Ireland for the first time to glorious sunshine, with UCU organiser Karina Campbell collecting the GM from Belfast International Airport before the pair headed to Dobbins Inn in Carrickfergus to settle in ahead of the evening’s play. Rumour has it that Karina may even have persuaded Keith to enjoy a “cheeky Guinness or two” before battle commenced.

By the time the players arrived, much of the hard work had already been completed thanks to the efforts of Mark Newman, Eddie Khanzharov, and members of the Carrickfergus Community Chess Club, who had every board, clock, scoresheet and seating arrangement perfectly prepared for the Grandmaster’s arrival.

Unlike previous editions of the simul, Arkell offered players the choice of colour. Fourteen participants opted to play White, while Mandar Tahmankar boldly chose Black on board one - a decision that would ultimately pay off in spectacular fashion.

From the outset, Arkell maintained a relentless pace, moving briskly between boards and rarely lingering long at any position. Yet despite his trademark efficiency and immense experience, the Ulster contingent proved exceptionally resilient. After just over four hours of play, Arkell finished with a still-impressive score of 19/22, though the final tally only told part of the story.

Victories for Mandar Tahmankar and Edward Khanzharov, alongside hard-earned draws for Gerard McIlroy and Amol Thoke, ensured the local players could celebrate a memorable evening against one of Britain’s most respected chess figures.

The Grandmaster himself was full of praise afterwards:

“I don’t recall a more difficult simul strength-wise.”

Arkell’s résumé speaks for itself. The 2008 English Champion is also a European Senior Champion, tied for first in the 2014 World Senior Championship, British Online Champion in 2021, and has won the British Senior Championship for each of the last three years. Known internationally as a formidable endgame specialist, Arkell even has an opening variation named after him: the Arkell-Khenkin Variation.

Speaking after the event, Arkell praised both the organisation and the quality of opposition:

“Back from an extremely tough simul in Carrickfergus, wonderfully organised by Karina Campbell, who does so much for the Ulster Chess Union in Northern Ireland.

“The simul, in which I applied my trademarks of offering my opponents choice of colour, two passes each, and a finale of playing out the last four games on the clock with a 10:10 time limit, took me a full four hours - much longer than I normally take - which reflects just how strong and dogged my opponents were.”

The evening was not without its lighter moments. Early in the simul, Arkell accidentally helped himself to a player’s water bottle while his own sat nearby on the table. The Grandmaster was reportedly highly amused when Karina informed him of the mix-up later in the evening - hopefully the unfortunate player wasn’t too attached to the bottle.

Among the many competitive encounters, Arkell singled out Robert Lavery’s game as a particular standout, noting afterwards that Lavery “made him work for it.”

Following the final handshakes, players and organisers returned to Dobbins Inn for a relaxed post-mortem over a few quiet pints, joined by Chris Armstrong and Dominic Gallagher as stories from the evening quickly began to circulate.

Reflecting on the occasion afterwards, representatives from the Carrickfergus Community Chess Club described the event as a landmark moment for the newly formed club:

“Hosting the UCU Grandmaster Simul was a massive milestone for the Carrickfergus Community Chess Club. Welcoming GM Keith Arkell was an absolute privilege, and pushing him to two draws and two losses showed the fantastic calibre of the local players — including our own Aaron and Liam, who did us proud.

“This night truly highlighted the incredible spirit, talent, and community solidarity here in Carrickfergus. Huge thanks to the UCU for the opportunity!”

Karina Campbell extended thanks to everyone who attended and assisted with the event, noting that the evening had been a tremendous success for both the UCU and the newly formed Carrickfergus Community Chess Club. The feeling was clearly mutual, with Arkell stating he would be delighted to return in the future.

Thanks to Mandar Tahmankar and Eddie Khanzharov for sharing their games from the evening, which are included below.

K Arkell v M Tahmankar

E Khanzharov v K Arkell

1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e5 c5 4. dxc5 Nc6 5. Nf3 Bg4 6. c3 Bxf3 7. Qxf3 e6 8. Be3 Nge7 9. Bb5 Ng6 10. Bd4 Qc7 11. Qg3 Be7 12. O-O O-O 13. Bxc6 Qxc6 14. b4 b6 15. cxb6 axb6 16. f4 Nh4 17. Qf2 Rfb8 18. g4 h5 19. f5 hxg4 20. f6 Nf3+ 21. Kh1 Bf8 22. fxg7 Bxg7 23. Nd2 Nxd2 24. Qxd2 Kf8 25. Qf4 Rb7 26. Qxg4 Bh6 27. Qh5 Bg7 28. Rg1 Qc4 29. Qh7 Ke7 30. Qxg7 Rf8 31. Qf6+ Kd7 32. Qf1 Kc6 33. Qxc4+ dxc4 34. a4 Ra8 35. a5 bxa5 36. Rxa5 Rh8 37. Rga1 Rh4 38. Ra6+ Kd5 39. Re1 Rd7 40. b5 Rd8 41. b6 Kc6 42. Rb1 Rdh8 43. b7+ Kc7 44. Rb2 Rb8 45. Bc5 Rxb7 *

Full Simul Results