The Ulster Masters took place on 14th-16th October at Queens University

Round 1 saw a couple of minor suprises and good results for Rian Mellotte winning against Eric McPherson and Tyrone Winter drawing against Martin Sloan in a seriously complicated minor piece ending. The rest of the games went to rating. Martin Kelly having tight time and loosing position had a lucky escape from Ben Campbell. Ben was offered a draw from Martin twice, but he imagined an apparition of Steve Scannell saying dont accept a draw in a won position.... the wonders of the imagination will never cease.

Round 2 saw the last game between Karina Kruk (recently returned from representing Ireland in International tournament) and Cathal Murphy going to the wire each player having about a min left and there being a complicated middle game. Anything could happen. Cathal missed a forced winning combination, and seeing it a little late played it only to see that it was too late and the play was foiled. Modestas Razbadausk gave Gareth Annesley a good game and Gareth pulled out all the stops to a brilliant combination mate. Dimitry Zelenchuk obtained an excellent draw against Robert Lavery and Rian continued his success with a draw against Tyrone. Ram Rajan a pawn down with Knights – got a good drew against Martin Sloan – Ram as always kept attacking, Martin defended well.

Round 3 and the top players begin to get challenged. Karina plays Gareth and Steve plays Mikhail. Mikhail does brilliantly to get a draw. Other upsets were Dmitry Zelenchuk beating Martin Kelly. Dmitry played some brilliant games during this competition.

Round 4 Dmitry gives Mikhail a good game – a slightly exposed king for advanced pawns.....Mikhail eventually winning.

whos attack will win? Gareth attacks Steve – who defends – the exchange down but with a passed pawn on the 7^th – tension or what! Gareth ends up winning and leads the competition.

Round 5 Sunday morning and its raining hard.

Theres an early upset with Steven Rush loosing a Knight early the game against Robert Lavery. Steven resigned. As Gareth continues his unbeaten run. Goes into round 6 almost unbeatable. Who would win the under 1500 prize?

Geoff Hindley does well to draw against Martin Kelly. Rian Mellotte is well placed to win a rating prize after beating Dmitry Zelenchuk.

Round 6 Daniil plays dad Dmitry – who has an opportunity to win the u1500 trophy. There are several boards with deciding games – Cathal Murphy v Martin Sloan, Pat v Ram, with Karina fighting for second place on board 2 and Gareth v Robert on board 1

Rian although loosing to Mikhail wins the 1000 grading prize with an excellent 3.5 points and 9th position.

The positions being fought over: 1st, 2nd, The Des Forson Trophy Under 1500, rating prizes for top 1200 and top 1000.

Ram beat Pat gaining 4 points and leveling with Cathal Murphy and Eric McPerson all on 4 but the draw breaking system of medium-Buch/Buch/Progressive put Ram Rajan top and winner of the Des Forson under 1500 trophy.

Ross hands over the Ulster Championship Trophy to Stephen Rush this years Champion. (The trophy wasnt available at the tournament),

The Eddie Whiteside Chess Library - in action - we got another few members borrowing books and enjoying/improving their chess through the library.