News
Northern Irelands Top Young Chess Talent
The top young Northern Ireland Chess talent gathered on Saturday March 14th at Methodist College for one of their regular opportunities to play their favorite game. With youngsters as young as P3 and up to Sixth Form.
"Kelly's Heroes" secure Strawbridge Cup
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 20) The new home of the John Strawbridge Cup was confirmed this week as Belfast South 2 defeated their nearest rivals Ballynafeigh 3. They will (barring any changes in league structure) swap divisions with Fruithill, whose 5-0 defeat at the hands of Lindores 1 consigned them to last place in Division 1.
Ballynafeigh 1 finally beaten
(B&D League 2014/15 Week 19) It came too late to alter the destination of the Silver King, but champions-elect Ballynafeigh 1 fell to defeat against Lindores 1. In Division 2, "Kelly's Heroes" continued their march towards the John Strawbridge Cup with victory over QUB.
Monday Tournament Races to a Close
With only a few weeks to go the tournament is reaching a climax, as players not only have to play a minimum of 10 games but also play at least twice in the last 3 weeks.
The Alan Burns' Series of Tournaments Continues
On March 1st the Second tournament of the Alan Burns' series took place. 15 players gathered with ratings ranging from 800 to 1877.
An evening of exciting Chess with Grand Master Nigel Short
Nigel Short faced 39 chess players varying from hardened club players to younger chess enthusiasts. All hoping to get a point off this World Class player.
February's Childrens Chess - an opportunity for fun.
These events are always fun to be at, there is a friendly atmosphere that between rounds leads to a buzz of discussion. Followed by silent concentration as the games begin. Calling all keen young chess players here's an event you would enjoy...
Ballynafeigh 1 win Silver King
(B&D League 2014/15 Week 18) The Silver King's destination was settled on Thursday night as leaders Ballynafeigh 1 defeated Bangor while in a rescheduled match from earlier in the season, second-placed Muldoons 1 were beaten by Lindores 1. In Division 2, although Ballynafeigh 3 made some inroads into Belfast South 2's lead, it looks like too little, too late.
Top young chess players enjoy afternoon of chess
The series of monthly Belfast Chess tournaments continued on January 17th at Methodist College. With pupils ranging from P3 to Sixth Formers. Playing some brilliant chess.
Success for Ulster players at Bunratty
Over 30 Ulster players travelled to Co. Clare to compete in the world-famous Bunratty Chess Festival. Three of them returned with prizes, and several others put in good performances.
Ballynafeigh 5 win - cue the flying pigs
(B&D League 2014/15 Week 17) At the 17th attempt, Ballynafeigh 5 finally win a match as they defeat Ballynafeigh 4. In Division 1, Fruithill improve their survival chances with a win against Bangor.
Ulster Rapidplay and City of Belfast Championships
Both the Ulster Rapidplay and the City of Belfast Championships will take place in the month of April
Ballynafeigh 1 hand on the Silver King
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 15) Ballynafeigh 1 were the only one of the top three sides to win this week - surely they cannot be caught now? "Kelly's Heroes" are also a step closer to the John Strawbridge Cup despite a surprisingly unconvincing win over Ballynafeigh 5.
NICS Intense Rapidplay #2
The Alan Burns Grand Prix series continues on 1st March. Now in its second year, the NICS Rapidplays offer the chance for an excellent Sunday lunch followed by an afternoon of entertaining chess. Next up is an Intense tourney with as many games as we can manage in an afternoon.
A fruitful night for Ballynafeigh 1
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 14) Despite conceding a surprise draw on board 1, Ballynafeigh 1 extended their lead to 20 points as the Belfast and District Leagues reach the two-thirds mark. Meanwhile, Belfast South 2 edged further ahead in Division 2.
"Kelly's Heroes" keep their noses in front in Strawbridge chase
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 13) The big story of the week was in Division 2, where Belfast South 2 left Ballynafeigh Community House on Tuesday night with their five-point lead (and match in hand) intact, but it could have been different as Ballynafeigh 3 squandered opportunities to close the gap.
Ballynafeigh 1 increase the gap
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 12) Ballynafeigh 1 took advantage of Muldoons 1's slip-up with victory over Lindores 1, tightening their grip on the lead in Division 1. In Division 2, Ballynafeigh 3 have "Kelly's Heroes" in their sights after a convincing win over NICS.
Lavery Snaffles "Best Game" Prize - Again
Robert Lavery was awarded the "Best Game" prize again after this season Autumn series in the 3rd Belfast South Monday Tournament. Controller Neil Green reports...
A happy new year for Ballynafeigh 1
(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 11) League leaders Ballynafeigh 1 got 2015 off to a good start as they duly defeated Bangor, extending their lead to 13 points as Lindores 1 had a free week. However, third-place Muldoons 1 kept the leaders within sight with a whitewash of Ballynafeigh 2.
Christmas Double for Horvath as he lands Williamson
The Williamson Shield was held on the weekend of 3rd and 4th January at the Maynard Sinclair Pavilion and saw 38 players contesting over two sections.
