Belfast holds one of 8 qualifiers for the UK Open Blitz 2018

The ECF have organised a new exciting format for the UK Open Blitz. With 8 qualifiers run on the same day. Each of the same format - 15 rounds and the results published as the rounds are over. The top 2 placed winners gaining a place in the finals on the 1st December. Ross Harris coordinated with the ECF to organise Belfasts qualifying tournament. Initially with 2 top Belfast players Michael Waters and John Cairns entered we were hopeful of a good turnout. But with a week to go there were still not many players entered. On the day we got a fantastic mix of players. Joining Michael and John at the top of the rating list we had Polish Brothers from Derry Kamil Marchlewicz (2068), Damian Marchlewicz (1907) and from Belfast Kaczorowski Ryszard (1733). A top tough tournament of 15 rounds of all play all ensured with plenty of exciting games and complicated positions.

full results at : http://chess-results.com/tnr376198.aspx?lan=1&art=1&flag=30

EFC website : https://www.englishchess.org.uk/uk-open-blitz-championship/

Kamil Marchiewicz won the competition with 13 out of 14 points only drawing against brother Damien and against Ryszard.

Michael Waters came a close second followed in third place by John Cairns.

The grading prize went to Micheal Sheerin.

Thanks go to Ross Harris for organising. To the ECF for giving us the opportunity of running this event - we hope to repeat this event next year.

We will be following closely the Belfast representatives when they play in the final on 1st December.

Final Ranking after 15 Rounds