The Belfast and District League is back - and better than it has been in a long time. Twenty teams, the most since the '90s, will do battle over the next six months for the Silver King, John Strawbridge Cup and Division 3 Plate. These include three teams from QUB, making a welcome return to the league after their withdrawal last year, but one major name is missing - that of the Silver King holders, Muldoons. After five seasons at the Corporation Square establishment, they have upped sticks and headed south to the Northern Lights bar on the Ormeau Road. Not only that, but with a number of key players departing - such as Gareth Annesley to Belfast South and Steven Eachus to Bangor - they have scaled back to a single team in Division 2.

Among the favourites to fill the gap are former champions Ballynafeigh 1 (with 12 Ulster Championships between their top two boards, David Houston and Steve Scannell), Strand 1 (with current Ulster Champion Thomas Donaldson set to feature on an occasional basis and Ireland's Glorney Cup hero Daniil Zelenchuk) and the Fruithill Hawks (benefitting greatly from the return of the likes of John Cairns and Ryszard Kaczorowski as they aim to take the Silver King to West Belfast for the first time since the heyday of the old RVH club). Civil Service have also been boosted by the arrival of the 1852-rated David Blair, while Belfast South's first team will be known as Kelly's Heroes this season. Ballynafeigh 2 and QUB 1 complete the line-up.

As previously mentioned, Northern Lights are not quite the force that Muldoons were, but with Nicholas Pilkiewicz and Stephen Wood on boards 1 and 2 they are the early favourites to take the Strawbridge Cup. The B Team, as Belfast South's second team, are effectively the defending champions, but will face a tough task to retain the Strawbridge Cup - not only the aforementioned Northern Lights, but Strand 2 and a resurgent Bangor, with Steven Eachus as their new board 1, all have stronger squads on paper. QUB 2, with five players within 41 rating points of each other, will be a serious headache to prepare against thanks to the 100-point rule, and could spring some surprises. The Fruithill Falcons are the rank outsiders of the division, but with a line-up including Tony Parker and Ulster Junior Champion Gatis Barbals they cannot be ruled out either.

In what may be a first for Division 3, Ballynafeigh 3 are headed by a FIDE-titled player as WFM Karina Kruk is listed as their regular board 1 - indeed, their squad would look more at home in Division 2, with four players rated over 1200. Even with the new rule stating that Division 3 sides may only field two such players in any one match, they are still the clear favourites. Bangor have a second team once again, with Bangor Grammar School pupils set to feature heavily, including Peter and Samuel Todd, backed up by experienced Bangor stalwarts such as Gary Johnston, Mark Seidman and Walter Wilson. The Fruithill Ravens are also expected to be among the challengers for the Plate - with their top five players all within 100 rating points of each other, they will certainly not be easy to prepare against. QUB 3 are another tough side to predict, with a university being an ideal environment to unearth talented players, as has been shown before. Plate holders Strand 4 are not widely expected to repeat their heroics this season, but with numerous improving juniors on the panel anything can happen. Strand 3 and Ballynafeigh 4 round out the division.

Full squad and fixture lists can be found at http://www.chessni.co.uk/belfastleague2018to2019.html. Here's how the first week of league action panned out:

Division 1

• Fruithill Hawks 2-3 QUB 1
• Ballynafeigh 2 1.5-3.5 Civil Service
• Kelly's Heroes 2-3 Strand 1

Civil Service are the week 1 leaders after beating Ballynafeigh 2 3.5-1.5. Things started well for the home side as in the first game to finish Robert Lavery used his outside passed pawn to good effect as he defeated Danny Roberts despite being on the back foot for much of the game. James Barbour and Adrian Dornford-Smith drew on board 5 before Mark Newman levelled the match by beating John O'Doherty. For a while it seemed as if Paul McNaughton might escape with a draw despite being two, then three, then four pawns down against Paul McGuigan, as he rattled off check after check against McGuigan's exposed king. Once McGuigan found shelter for his king, though, that was that. By this point, a tense blitz finish was brewing on board 2 between Karina Kruk and David Blair. Blair had not played a competitive game of chess since 2006; nevertheless, he held his nerve as Kruk uncharacteristically allowed a mate in one with just seconds on the clock for each player. QUB 1 marked their return to the league with an excellent win over the Fruithill Hawks. Cathan Gormley (1459) pulled off the upset of the week against Stephen McCann (1748), while Sergio Esteve Sanchez and Callum Ormerod also won for the visitors. Strand 1's strength in depth was key against Kelly's Heroes; Daniil Zelenchuk fell to defeat against Gareth Annesley on board 1, but with draws on boards 2 and 3 and wins against lower-rated opposition on 4 and 5, the Holywood Road side secured the bonus points.

Division 2

• Northern Lights 3-2 Fruithill Falcons
• QUB 2 3-2 Strand 2
• Bangor 1 3.5-1.5 The B Team

Bangor 1 lead the division after a 3.5-1.5 win over The B Team, but will have wanted a more convincing result against a team who were a player short and were over 200-point-per-board underdogs. Sam Moore (1478) was held to a draw by Martin Kelly (1330) and Albert McCarter (1452) was beaten by Paul Hanna (1250). Steven Eachus and Alan McConnell proved to be too strong on boards 1 and 2, however. Northern Lights claimed a narrow win over the Fruithill Falcons. Nicholas Pilkiewicz and Stephen Wood prevailed on boards 1 and 2, as expected, while Paul Logan won for the visitors on board 5 and boards 3 and 4 were drawn. Last but not least, QUB 2 came out on top in an evenly-matched contest against Strand 2.

Division 3

• Fruithill Ravens 1.5-3.5 Ballynafeigh 4
• Bangor 2 3.5-1.5 Strand 4
• QUB 3 5-0 Ballynafeigh 3 (forfeit)

QUB 3 are top of Division 3 without playing a move as Ballynafeigh 3 were unable to put out a team for their opening match. In contrast, Ballynafeigh 4 had a much better time, beating the Fruithill Ravens thanks to wins from Derek Truesdale, Mitch Kee and Andy Boal. In the Bangor 2 vs Strand 4 match, Tim Morrison was too good for Ben Toogood as he won for the visitors on board 5, but the home side's Peter Todd, Jonny Brown and Gary Johnston all won to claim the bonus points for Bangor 2.

Standings

• Ballynafeigh 1 3-2 Kelly's Heroes
• QUB 1 4-1 Civil Service
• Strand 1 3-2 Fruithill Hawks

QUB 1 lead Division 1 after beating Civil Service 4-1. Stephen Rush, Sergio Esteve Sanchez, Callum Ormerod and Cathan Gormley all won to ensure the bonus points; David Jackson was the sole point-scorer for the visitors. Strand 1 are just behind them after a closely-fought win over the Fruithill Hawks. Daniil Zelenchuk's win over John Cairns was decisive as the other four games were drawn. Ballynafeigh 1 defeated Kelly's Heroes, but will be somewhat disappointed with the 3-2 result. Steve Scannell and Karina Kruk both won, but David Houston and Ian Woodfield were both held to draws by Gareth Annesley and John McKenna respectively and Damien Cunningham was beaten by John Bryars.

Division 2

• QUB 2 3-2 The B Team
• Bangor 1 1-4 Northern Lights
• Strand 2 4-1 Fruithill Falcons

Northern Lights secured a big win over Bangor 1 to take the lead in Division 1 thanks to wins from Nicholas Pilkiewicz, Stephen Wood and Martin Donaghy. QUB 2 are right behind them after beating The B Team. Clark Rodriguez, Daniel Diaz-Roncero Gonzalez and Rian Mellotte (in the upset of the week, the 1171-rated Mellotte beat Abraham Lorber (1434)) won for the home side while Neil Green and Craig Stevenson won for The B Team. Strand 2 beat the Fruithill Falcons in the week's other match.

Division 3

• Fruithill Ravens 2.5-2.5 Strand 4
• Ballynafeigh 4 1.5-3.5 Ballynafeigh 3
• Bangor 2 4-1 Strand 3

Bangor 2 are the clear leaders of Division 3 after a comfortable win over Strand 3. Jonny Brown, Gary Johnston, Samuel Todd and Ben Toogood all won for the home team, with Taufik Kamal spoiling the whitewash by defeating Owen Wilson. Ballynafeigh 3 defeated Ballynafeigh 4 with wins from Tyrone Winter, Paul Anderson and James Shaw, while Andy Boal (817) did well to beat Pawel Otocki (990) and David Seaby drew with James Barbour. In the week's other match, the Fruithill Ravens drew with Strand 4.

Standings

There are sections for Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, Under 16, Under 18 and Under 21. To play at the London tournament the players Under 14 have to qualify in a qualifying tournament - by gaining a set number of points. Older youngsters can enter and play without the need to qualify.

The format of the tournament is set by the LJCC organisers. A six round swiss with 30mins on each of the players clocks. With if possible the tournament split into age group sections depending on the numbers.

With the start of the new academic year we also had a new venue to play in at Methodist College - The Middle Gym. Myself and Geoff Hindley and James Fairley arrived early to put up arrows to the new room (our previous venue is part of the school being renovated). With the room set a couple of new players arrived early.

We soon had 13 players. With a mix of age groups we decided to have one section and a second tournament with adults to give James Wong a good competition and so that he wasnt playing with the younger students and thereby taking points off them! So Geoff Hindley, James Fairley, Michael Wong, Ross Harris and myself played an all play all with James Wong. We set our time to be 10mins each so it only had a minimal impact on the main tournament.

Off course we had our puzzle competition which is a brilliant way of talking chess. Students setup the positions and discussed them and worked out the solutions.

We had trophies donated by an anonymous donor - many thanks.

In the challenging puzzle competition - Conor Boyle won the Secondary Schools section and Adam Fitzsimons won the Primary Schools section.

Round 1

Results

No Name                Feder Total  Result   Name                      Feder Total

 1 Eoin Boyle          U12   [0]      1:0    Karthikeya Karpagavinagam U8    [0]  
 2 Umai Karpagavinagam U12   [0]      0:1    Conor Boyle               U14   [0]  
 3 Adam Fitzsimons     U10   [0]      1:0    TJ Macartney              U14   [0]  
 4 Reuben Magill       U12   [0]      1:0    Jasper Grady              U12   [0]  
 5 Blake Harris        U8    [0]      1:0    Katy Thornton             U14   [0]  
 6 Peter Wong          U8    [0]      0:1    Taufik Kamal              U12   [0]  

by Swiss Perfect (TM)  www.swissperfect.com

Round 2

Results

No Name                      Feder Total  Result   Name                Feder Total

 1 Blake Harris              U8    [1]      0:1    Eoin Boyle          U12   [1]  
 2 Conor Boyle               U14   [1]      1:0    Reuben Magill       U12   [1]  
 3 Taufik Kamal              U12   [1]      1:0    Adam Fitzsimons     U10   [1]  
 4 Jasper Grady              U12   [0]      0:1    TJ Macartney        U14   [0]  
 5 Karthikeya Karpagavinagam U8    [0]      1:0    Peter Wong          U8    [0]  
 6 Katy Thornton             U14   [0]      1:0    Umai Karpagavinagam U12   [0]  

Eoin Boyle and Conor Boyle go into the lead with 2 out of 2. Will they meet and who will win? Taufik Kamal also shares first place with 2 points.

Round 3

Results

No Name                Feder Total  Result   Name                      Feder Total

 1 Eoin Boyle          U12   [2]      1:0    Conor Boyle               U14   [2]  
 2 TJ Macartney        U14   [1]      0:1    Taufik Kamal              U12   [2]  
 3 Adam Fitzsimons     U10   [1]      1:0    Karthikeya Karpagavinagam U8    [1]  
 4 Reuben Magill       U12   [1]      0:1    Blake Harris              U8    [1]  
 5 Peter Wong          U8    [0]      0:1    Katy Thornton             U14   [1]  
 6 Umai Karpagavinagam U12   [0]      0:1    Jasper Grady              U12   [0] 

Eoin beats his older brother and goes into round 4 unbeaten, sharing first place with Kamal. The competition is tough.

Round 4

Results

No Name          Feder Total  Result   Name                      Feder Total

 1 Taufik Kamal  U12   [3]      1:0    Eoin Boyle                U12   [3]  
 2 Conor Boyle   U14   [2]      1:0    Blake Harris              U8    [2]  
 3 Katy Thornton U14   [2]      0:1    Adam Fitzsimons           U10   [2]  
 4 Jasper Grady  U12   [1]      1:0    Karthikeya Karpagavinagam U8    [1]  
 5 TJ Macartney  U14   [1]      0:1    Reuben Magill             U12   [1]  
 6 Peter Wong    U8    [0]      1:0    Umai Karpagavinagam       U12   [0]  

Round 5

Results

No Name                      Feder Total  Result   Name            Feder Total

 1 Conor Boyle               U14   [3]      1:0    Taufik Kamal    U12   [4]  
 2 Eoin Boyle                U12   [3]      0:1    Adam Fitzsimons U10   [3]  
 3 Blake Harris              U8    [2]      0:1    Jasper Grady    U12   [2]  
 4 Karthikeya Karpagavinagam U8    [1]      1:0    Katy Thornton   U14   [2]  
 5 Reuben Magill             U12   [2]      1:0    Peter Wong      U8    [1]  
 6 Umai Karpagavinagam       U12   [0]     .5:.5   TJ Macartney    U14   [1]  

Round 6

Results

No Name                      Feder Total  Result   Name                Feder Total

 1 Adam Fitzsimons           U10   [4]      0:1    Conor Boyle         U14   [4]  
 2 Taufik Kamal              U12   [4]      1:0    Umai Karpagavinagam U12   [.5] 
 3 Katy Thornton             U14   [2]      0:1    Eoin Boyle          U12   [3]  
 4 Karthikeya Karpagavinagam U8    [2]      0:1    Reuben Magill       U12   [3]  
 5 Jasper Grady              U12   [3]      1:0    Peter Wong          U8    [1]  
 6 TJ Macartney              U14   [1.5]    0:1    Blake Harris        U8    [2]  

Standings

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

 1-2  Conor Boyle               U14   5        15.0  20.5   17.0
      Taufik Kamal              U12   5        10.5  16.0   19.0
 3-6  Eoin Boyle                U12   4        14.0  21.0   16.0
      Adam Fitzsimons           U10   4        13.0  19.5   15.0
      Reuben Magill             U12   4        10.5  16.5   12.0
      Jasper Grady              U12   4         7.5  12.0   10.0
  7   Blake Harris              U8    3        14.0  20.5   11.0
 8-9  Karthikeya Karpagavinagam U8    2        14.0  19.0    7.0
      Katy Thornton             U14   2        10.0  14.5    9.0
 10   TJ Macartney              U14   1.5      15.0  20.5    6.0
 11   Peter Wong                U8    1        12.0  17.5    3.0
 12   Umai Karpagavinagam       U12   0.5      12.5  18.5    1.0

The Winners.

With only one under 19 we decided to setup an  impromptu  all-play-all and give James Wong a challenging afternoon of chess. We cut the time down to 10mins each and played each other when it was convenient. A good tournament ensured with plenty of good chess. The results of each round:

Adult - Round 1

Results

No Name          Total  Result   Name          Total

 1 Geoff Hindley [0]      0:1    James Wong    [0]  
 2 Ross Harris   [0]      1:0    Michael Wong  [0]  
 3 Mark Newman   [0]      1:0    James Fairley [0]  

Adult - Round 2

Results

No Name          Total  Result   Name          Total

 1 James Wong    [1]      1:0    James Fairley [0]  
 2 Michael Wong  [0]      0:1    Mark Newman   [1]  
 3 Geoff Hindley [0]      0:1    Ross Harris   [1]  

Adult - Round 3

Results

No Name          Total  Result   Name          Total

 1 Ross Harris   [2]      1:0    James Wong    [2]  
 2 Mark Newman   [2]      1:0    Geoff Hindley [0]  
 3 James Fairley [0]      0:1    Michael Wong  [0] 

Adult - Round 4

Results

No Name          Total  Result   Name          Total

 1 James Wong    [2]      1:0    Michael Wong  [1]  
 2 Geoff Hindley [0]      0:1    James Fairley [0]  
 3 Ross Harris   [3]      1:0    Mark Newman   [3]  

Adult - Round 5

Results

No Name          Total  Result   Name          Total

 1 Mark Newman   [3]      1:0    James Wong    [3]  
 2 James Fairley [1]      0:1    Ross Harris   [4]  
 3 Michael Wong  [1]      1:0    Geoff Hindley [0]  

Standings

Place Name          Score

  1   Ross Harris   5    
  2   Mark Newman   4    
  3   James Wong    3    
  4   Michael Wong  2    
  5   James Fairley 1    
  6   Geoff Hindley 0   

With the tournament covering the full day we also managed to get a few rounds of Battle chess. This gives the players an opportunity to show their skills at the endgame. Each player gets 4 pawns and a King - they hide their half of the board using another board or piece of card and place their pawns and King on their half of the board. The King isn't allowed to be placed on the 4th row (as it could be in check) and the pawns aren't allowed on the first row. Once both players have placed their pieces the divider is removed and play is continued with White playing first and normal rules. The Winner is first to checkmate.

For each round the players played each other twice once as White and then a return game as Black.

See you at our next tournament on November 3rd a Half day Childrens Chess tournament registration from 12:30pm at Methodist College.

BattleChess - Round 1

Results

No Name                      Total  Result   Name                Total

 1 Conor Boyle               [0.0]  0.0:2.0  Umai Karpagavinagam [0.0]
 2 Karthikeya Karpagavinagam [0.0]  0.0:2.0  Eoin Boyle          [0.0]
 3 Adam Fitzsimons           [0.0]  2.0:0.0  TJ Macartney        [0.0]
 4 Reuben Magill             [0.0]  1.0:1.0  Jasper Grady        [0.0]
 5 Blake Harris              [0.0]  1.0:1.0  Katy Thornton       [0.0]
 6 Peter Wong                [0.0]  1.0:1.0  Taufik Kamal        [0.0]

BattleChess - Round 2

Results

No Name                Total  Result   Name                      Total

 1 Eoin Boyle          [2.0]   .5:1.5  Adam Fitzsimons           [2.0]
 2 Umai Karpagavinagam [2.0]  2.0:0.0  Blake Harris              [1.0]
 3 Jasper Grady        [1.0]  1.0:1.0  Peter Wong                [1.0]
 4 Taufik Kamal        [1.0]  2.0:0.0  Reuben Magill             [1.0]
 5 Katy Thornton       [1.0]  0.0:2.0  Conor Boyle               [0.0]
 6 TJ Macartney        [0.0]  0.0:2.0  Karthikeya Karpagavinagam [0.0]

BattleChess - Round 3

Results

No Name                      Total  Result   Name                Total

 1 Adam Fitzsimons           [3.5]  2.0:0.0  Umai Karpagavinagam [4.0]
 2 Eoin Boyle                [2.5]  0.0:2.0  Taufik Kamal        [3.0]
 3 Conor Boyle               [2.0]  2.0:0.0  Peter Wong          [2.0]
 4 Karthikeya Karpagavinagam [2.0]   .5:1.5  Jasper Grady        [2.0]
 5 Reuben Magill             [1.0]  1.5:.5   Katy Thornton       [1.0]
 6 Blake Harris              [1.0]   .5:1.5  TJ Macartney        [0.0]

BattleChess - Standings

Place Name                      Score M-Buch. Buch. Progr.

  1   Adam Fitzsimons           5.5       2.5   8.0   11.0
  2   Taufik Kamal              5         2.5   7.0    9.0
 3-4  Umai Karpagavinagam       4         4.0  11.0   10.0
      Conor Boyle               4         2.0   7.5    6.0
  5   Jasper Grady              3.5       2.5   7.0    6.5
 6-8  Eoin Boyle                2.5       5.0  13.0    7.0
      Reuben Magill             2.5       3.5  10.0    4.5
      Karthikeya Karpagavinagam 2.5       2.5   7.5    4.5
  9   Peter Wong                2         4.0  12.5    5.0
10-12 TJ Macartney              1.5       2.5   9.5    1.5
      Katy Thornton             1.5       2.5   8.0    3.5
      Blake Harris              1.5       1.5   7.0    3.5

Adam Fitzsimons wins unbeaten with 5.5 out of 6. points.

• Ballynafeigh 1 2.5-2.5 Ballynafeigh 2
• Civil Service 1-4 Strand 1
• Kelly's Heroes 2-3 Fruithill Hawks

With QUB 1 not in action this week, Strand 1 are the new leaders after a dominant performance against Civil Service. Calum Leitch, Ross Harris and John Bradley all won to secure the bonus points for the visitors, with Danny Roberts drawing against Daniil Zelenchuk and Adrian Dornford-Smith drawing against Colin Burcombe. Ballynafeigh 1 were unexpectedly held to a draw against Ballynafeigh 2. Chris Kelly beat Joe Connolly on board 5 and boards 3 and 4 both resulted in draws, but Ballynafeigh 1's big guns, David Houston and Steve Scannell, were expected to hit the target and deliver the bonus points. Scannell saw off the challenge of Robert Lavery on board 2, but on board 1 Eoin Carey (1685) was giving three-time Ulster Champion David Houston (2142) some serious questions to answer. As the time scramble approached, it seemed as if Houston had successfully navigated the complications, but an uncharacteristic slip allowed Carey to nick a half-point by perpetual check. After a poor start to the season, the Fruithill Hawks claimed their first win of the season against Kelly's Heroes. John Monaghan (1084) achieved an unexpected draw for the visitors against Bobby Thompson (1474), only for Neil Green (1418) to do the same against Stephen McCann (1748) on board 4. John Bryars beat Ciaran Marron, but John Cairns and John Masterson secured the win for the Hawks.

Division 2

• Northern Lights 4.5-0.5 Strand 2
• Fruithill Falcons 2-3 The B Team
• Bangor 1 2.5-2.5 QUB 2

Northern Lights extended their lead by thrashing Strand 2. Nicholas Pilkiewicz, Stephen Wood, Martin Donaghy and Bernard McCaughey all won, with only Pat McKillen's drew with James Wong spoiling the whitewash. The B Team narrowly beat the Fruithill Falcons thanks to wins by Bernard Jaffa, Paul Hanna and Abraham Lorber, and Bangor 1 and QUB 2 shared the points after Steven Eachus beat Clark Rodriguez, Cathan Gormley beat Mike McKimm and the trhree remaining games were drawn.

Division 3

• Ballynafeigh 3 2-3 Strand 4
• QUB 3 4.5-0.5 Strand 3
• Bangor 2 1-4 Fruithill Ravens

QUB 3 lead the division after a thumping win over Strand 3. Unrated players Peter McFarland, Conal Boyle and Andrew Sammon all performed well, Robert Clarke beat Ciaran Rowan and Rian Mellotte drew with Ranjit Singh. Ballynafeigh 3 had a no-show on board 5 and lost 3-2 to Strand 4 as Garhy Aboelsoud, making his debut for the Holywood Road side, beat James Barbour on board 1 and Aaron Wafflart beat Paul Anderson. Vincent O'Brien and Pawel Otocki won for the home side. The Fruithill Ravens easily beat Bangor 2 despite being out-rated by nearly 150 points per board. The match was exmplified by the board 3 encounter between Evan Elwood (995) and Gary Johnston (1218); in the upset of the week, Elwood defeated his Bangor counterpart.

Standings

The first of the Childrens Chess series that will end in an Elite Tournament hopefull at Stormont for the top four players from the sections Upper Secondary, Lower Secondary and Primary and the top Secondary and Primary Puzzle solvers. ( click here to see the report on last years prize giving).

Our regular players are improving all the time. With the brilliant Ross Harris and Brendan Jamison running the Childrens Chess Club at The Strand theres even more opportunities for youngster to play chess - playing at the Strand on Sundays at the club and playing in the Ulster Chess Union League in the Strand Team. Likewise we have the Bangor Club running a junior team. and with all this chess we are seeing Youngsters playing in our weekend tournaments and taking points off our regular players - a fantastic time in Ulster Chess.

For details of the Stand Club Click here. For Bangor Chess club contact :  For the Ballynafiegh chess Club. All have talented groups of young players.

As is usual we had a puzzle solving competition running throughout the afternoon. The students being given a challenging sheet of some 22 puzzles.

The winner of the Secondary Schools Puzzle Competition was Calum Glendinning.

The winner of the Primary Schools Puzzle Competition was Dexter Harris.

Here are some of the puzzles for your solution. The solutions are provided at the end of this article.

These are taken from the book - Tactics Time! 1001 – Tim Brenan & Anthea Carson.

The board is orientated according to whose move it is - so you are seeing it from the movers perspective. ( usually White is moving up the board).

Above photos of focused concentration on the puzzle sheets.... the problems lead to plenty of chat on possible solutions. The solutions can be very elegent and satisfying to solve. A good way to improve your chess.

Round 1

Results

No Name                      Feder Total  Result   Name              Feder Total

 1 Dexter Harris             P6    [0]     .5:.5   Aaditya Singh     P5    [0]  
 2 Peter Wong                P2    [0]      0:1    Louie McConkey    F4    [0]  
 3 Adam Fitzsimons           P6    [0]      1:0    Cian Suitor       P5    [0]  
 4 Blake Harris              P4    [0]      0:1    James Wong        L6    [0]  
 5 Taufik kamal              P7    [0]      1:0    Skyla McConkey    P4    [0]  
 6 Karthikeya Karpagavinagam P5    [0]      0:1    Calum Glendinning F3    [0]  
 7 Anjali Singh              P7    [0]     .5:.5   BYE                          
 8 Eoin Boyle                P7    [0]     .5:.5   Conor Boyle       F1    [0]  
 9 Calvin Patterson          P7    [0]      1:0    BYE                          

by Swiss Perfect (TM)  www.swissperfect.com

Aaditya Singh get a good result against one of the favourites Dexter Harris. We had a couple of late arrivals so brothers Eoin and Conor Boyle played each other - they had been travelling for a couple of hours to play. Its good to see Calvin Patterson playing again.

Round 2

Results

No Name              Feder Total  Result   Name                      Feder Total

 1 Louie McConkey    F4    [1]      0:1    Taufik kamal              P7    [1]  
 2 Calum Glendinning F3    [1]      0:1    Adam Fitzsimons           P6    [1]  
 3 James Wong        L6    [1]     .5:.5   Calvin Patterson          P7    [1]  
 4 Conor Boyle       F1    [.5]    .5:.5   Dexter Harris             P6    [.5] 
 5 Aaditya Singh     P5    [.5]     0:1    Anjali Singh              P7    [.5] 
 6 Peter Wong        P2    [0]      0:1    Eoin Boyle                P7    [.5] 
 7 Cian Suitor       P5    [0]      0:1    Karthikeya Karpagavinagam P5    [0]  
 8 Skyla McConkey    P4    [0]      0:1    Blake Harris              P4    [0]  

Kamal Taufik proves hes on form by beating Louie McConkey. Adam Fitzsimons wins over Calum Glendinning. Conor Boyle and Dexter Harris draw. Plenty of tough games.

Round 3

Results

No Name                      Feder Total  Result   Name              Feder Total

 1 Adam Fitzsimons           P6    [2]      0:1    Taufik kamal      P7    [2]  
 2 Eoin Boyle                P7    [1.5]    0:1    James Wong        L6    [1.5]
 3 Calvin Patterson          P7    [1.5]    0:1    Louie McConkey    F4    [1]  
 4 Dexter Harris             P6    [1]      0:1    Calum Glendinning F3    [1]  
 5 Karthikeya Karpagavinagam P5    [1]      0:1    Aaditya Singh     P5    [.5] 
 6 Blake Harris              P4    [1]      0:1    Conor Boyle       F1    [1]  
 7 Cian Suitor               P5    [0]      1:0    Peter Wong        P2    [0]  
 8 Skyla McConkey            P4    [0]      0:1    Anjali Singh      P7    [1.5]

The leading players face each other. Kamal winning goes into the next round leading the competition. Closely followed by James Wong on 2.5 points.

Round 4

Results

No Name                      Feder Total  Result   Name            Feder Total

 1 Taufik kamal              P7    [3]      0:1    James Wong      L6    [2.5]
 2 Anjali Singh              P7    [2.5]    0:1    Louie McConkey  F4    [2]  
 3 Aaditya Singh             P5    [1.5]    1:0    Adam Fitzsimons P6    [2]  
 4 Calum Glendinning         F3    [2]      1:0    Conor Boyle     F1    [2]  
 5 Calvin Patterson          P7    [1.5]    1:0    Eoin Boyle      P7    [1.5]
 6 Karthikeya Karpagavinagam P5    [1]      0:1    Dexter Harris   P6    [1]  
 7 Blake Harris              P4    [1]      1:0    Cian Suitor     P5    [1]  
 8 Peter Wong                P2    [0]      0:1    Skyla McConkey  P4    [0] 

James Wong takes the lead. Followed closely by Louie McConkey and Kamal Taufik..

Round 5

Results

No Name                      Feder Total  Result   Name              Feder Total

 1 James Wong                L6    [3.5]    1:0    Calum Glendinning F3    [3]  
 2 Louie McConkey            F4    [3]     .5:.5   Aaditya Singh     P5    [2.5]
 3 Taufik kamal              P7    [3]      1:0    Calvin Patterson  P7    [2.5]
 4 Anjali Singh              P7    [2.5]    0:1    Dexter Harris     P6    [2]  
 5 Adam Fitzsimons           P6    [2]      1:0    Blake Harris      P4    [2]  
 6 Conor Boyle               F1    [2]      1:0    Cian Suitor       P5    [1]  
 7 Eoin Boyle                P7    [1.5]    1:0    Skyla McConkey    P4    [1]  
 8 Karthikeya Karpagavinagam P5    [1]      1:0    BYE 

Aaditya Singh gets a good draw against Louie McConkey. Whilst James Wong increases his lead.

Round 6

Results

No Name              Feder Total  Result   Name                      Feder Total

 1 James Wong        L6    [4.5]    1:0    Louie McConkey            F4    [3.5]
 2 Conor Boyle       F1    [3]      0:1    Taufik kamal              P7    [4]  
 3 Dexter Harris     P6    [3]     .5:.5   Adam Fitzsimons           P6    [3]  
 4 Calum Glendinning F3    [3]      1:0    Aaditya Singh             P5    [3]  
 5 Calvin Patterson  P7    [2.5]    0:1    Anjali Singh              P7    [2.5]
 6 Cian Suitor       P5    [1]      1:0    Eoin Boyle                P7    [2.5]
 7 Blake Harris      P4    [2]      1:0    Karthikeya Karpagavinagam P5    [2]  
 8 Skyla McConkey    P4    [1]      1:0    BYE             

Round 7

Results

No Name            Feder Total  Result   Name                      Feder Total

 1 Anjali Singh    P7    [3.5]    0:1    James Wong                L6    [5.5]
 2 Taufik kamal    P7    [5]      1:0    Calum Glendinning         F3    [4]  
 3 Louie McConkey  F4    [3.5]    0:1    Dexter Harris             P6    [3.5]
 4 Adam Fitzsimons P6    [3.5]    0:1    Conor Boyle               F1    [3]  
 5 Aaditya Singh   P5    [3]      1:0    Blake Harris              P4    [3]  
 6 Skyla McConkey  P4    [2]      0:1    Calvin Patterson          P7    [2.5]
 7 Eoin Boyle      P7    [2.5]    1:0    Karthikeya Karpagavinagam P5    [2]  
 8 Cian Suitor     P5    [2]      1:0    BYE                              

James Wong completes his round not having lost a game with 6.5 points out of 7. No mean feat with such a good cast of players.

Primary 4 and below

Winner:: Blake Harris        Second: Skyla McConkey

Primary 5

Winner: Aaditya Singh      Second: Cian Suitor

Primary 6

Winner: Dexter Harris       Second: Adam Fitzsimons

Primary 7

Winner: Taufik Kamal       Second: Calvin Patterson

Form 1

Winner: Conor Boyle

Form 3

Winner: Calum Glendinning

Form 4 and above

Winner: James Wong     Second: Louie McConkey

Next  month we have the Ulster Championships.

Thanks go to all the volunteers. the excellent venue of Methodist College. Thanks also to the provider of our trophies.

Standings

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

  1   James Wong                L6    897  6.5      17.5  26.5   25.0
  2   Taufik kamal              P7    820  6        18.0  26.0   24.0
  3   Dexter Harris             P6    1026 4.5      18.5  24.0   15.5
 4-6  Calum Glendinning         F3    779  4        22.0  30.0   18.0
      Conor Boyle               F1    900  4        18.5  27.0   15.5
      Aaditya Singh             P5    723  4        17.5  23.5   15.0
7-11  Louie McConkey            F4    984  3.5      21.0  29.0   17.5
      Calvin Patterson          P7    892  3.5      20.0  28.0   15.0
      Adam Fitzsimons           P6    903  3.5      19.5  28.0   17.0
      Anjali Singh              P7    732  3.5      18.5  26.5   16.5
      Eoin Boyle                P7    900  3.5      12.5  20.5   13.5
12-13 Blake Harris              P4    343  3        15.5  23.5   12.0
      Cian Suitor               P5    344  3        15.0  20.5    8.0
14-15 Karthikeya Karpagavinagam P5    300  2        18.0  25.0    9.0
      Skyla McConkey            P4    320  2        16.5  24.0    6.0
 16   Peter Wong                P2    400  0         6.0  11.0    0.0

The prize winners.

The puzzle solutions - how did you do?

• Ballynafeigh 2 1-4 QUB 1
• Civil Service 2-3 Kelly's Heroes

QUB 1 produced a dominant performance against Ballynafeigh 2 to return to the top of Division 1. Sergio Esteve Sanchez, Cathan Gormley and Ting Yan Lee won for the visitors, while Callum Ormerod drew with John O'Doherty and Samuel Ngieng drew with Chris Kelly. Kelly's Heroes won their first match of the season against Civil Service. Gareth Annesley defeated Ulster Masters winner Danny Roberts while the other four games were all drawn. The scheduled match between the Fruithill Hawks and Ballynafeigh 1 was postponed.

Division 2

• QUB 2 4-1 Northern Lights
• The B Team 2.5-2.5 Strand 2
• Bangor 1 4-1 Fruithill Falcons

QUB 1 overtook Northern Lights at the top of Division 2 with a fine victory over the Ormeau Road side. Clark Rodriguez (1456) scooped the upset of the week with his win over Stephen Wood (1722), while there were also wins for Daniel Diaz-Roncero Gonzalez, Rian Mellotte and Peter McFarland. Nicholas PilkieWicz was the sole point-scorer for the visitors as he beat Ram Rajan. Bangor 1 gave chase to the leading duo with a 4-1 win over the Fruithill Falcons, but will be disappointed not to have secured the whitewash as Steven Eachus (1743) and Alan McConnell (1632) were held to draws by Frank Carrothers (1209) and Gerry McCartney (provisionally 1250) respectively. The B Team went into this week level on points with Strand 2 - and that's how it stayed, as the teams fought to a draw. Chris Armstrong and Norman McFarland won for The B Team, Pat Coleman and Jake Patterson won for the visitors, and Bobby Thompson drew with Michael Sheerin on board 1.

Division 3

• Fruithill Ravens 3.5-1.5 Strand 3
• QUB 3 3-2 Ballynafeigh 4

QUB 3 maintained their lead in Division 3 with a narrow win over Ballynafeigh 4 thanks to wins from Robert Clarke, Jamie Corscadden and the unrated Andrew Salmon. Close behind are the Fruithill Ravens, who beat Strand 3 3.5-1.5. Pearse O'Brien, Evan Elwood and Ross Smith secured the win for the Andersonstown Road side, while John Monaghan drew with Dexter Harris and Adam Fitzsimons won for the visitors. The scheduled match between Bangor 2 and Ballynafeigh 3 was postponed.

Standings

Hosted by Bangor Chess Club and facilitated by Brendan Jamison. We had 34 players of all ages and skills. With one large love for the game of chess.

Below are photos from the event and the rounds of the tournament.

Blitz is a game of time and speed - its like superfast instinctive moving. So easy to get a won position only to loose it in the thought of how to win!

With 3 minutes and 2 second increments it was planned to have 12 rounds.

A plenty was set for the first illegal move - Brendan would pause his clock and reset the clocks. For a second illegal move the game was lost.

Round 1

Results

No Name             Rtg  Total  Result   Name             Rtg  Total

 1 Martin Moorcroft 1732 [0]      1:0    Walter Wilson    1107 [0]  
 2 Mike McKimm      1015 [0]      0:1    Danny Roberts    1731 [0]  
 3 Brendan Jamison  1697 [0]      1:0    Aaron Wafflart   977  [0]  
 4 Michael Wong     973  [0]      0:1    Michael Sheerin  1691 [0]  
 5 Albert McCarter  1588 [0]      1:0    Brian Fitzsimons 932  [0]  
 6 Alwyn Pollock    930  [0]      0:1    Alan McConnell   1579 [0]  
 7 Steven Eachus    1533 [0]      1:0    Cian Suitor      888  [0]  
 8 Owen Wilson      759  [0]      0:1    Ian Woodfield    1516 [0]  
 9 Mark Seidman     1509 [0]      1:0    Rachel Eachus    476  [0]  
10 Sam Bowman       200  [0]      0:1    Ken Browne       1402 [0]  
11 Mark Newman      1332 [0]      1:0    Callum Magennis  200  [0]  
12 Skyla McConkey   200  [0]      0:1    Gary Johnston    1311 [0]  
13 Adam Rushe       1274 [0]      1:0    Richard McClean  200  [0]  
14 Ben Toogood      200  [0]      0:1    James Wong       1203 [0]  
15 Adam Fitzsimons  1171 [0]      1:0    Zach Williamson  200  [0]  
16 Peter Wong       200  [0]      0:1    Samuel Todd      1165 [0]  
17 Louie McConkey   1135 [0]      0:1    Gary Zachary     200  [0]  

by Swiss Perfect (TM)  www.swissperfect.com

The first round went to rating. Apart from Gary Zachary (unrated) beating Louie McConkey.

Round 2

Results

No Name             Rtg  Total  Result   Name             Rtg  Total

 1 Ken Browne       1402 [1]      0:1    Martin Moorcroft 1732 [1]  
 2 Danny Roberts    1731 [1]     .5:.5   Mark Seidman     1509 [1]  
 3 Gary Johnston    1311 [1]      0:1    Brendan Jamison  1697 [1]  
 4 Michael Sheerin  1691 [1]      1:0    Mark Newman      1332 [1]  
 5 James Wong       1203 [1]      1:0    Albert McCarter  1588 [1]  
 6 Alan McConnell   1579 [1]      1:0    Adam Rushe       1274 [1]  
 7 Samuel Todd      1165 [1]      0:1    Steven Eachus    1533 [1]  
 8 Ian Woodfield    1516 [1]      1:0    Adam Fitzsimons  1171 [1]  
 9 Gary Zachary     200  [1]      0:1    Mike McKimm      1015 [0]  
10 Rachel Eachus    476  [0]      0:1    Louie McConkey   1135 [0]  
11 Walter Wilson    1107 [0]      1:0    Sam Bowman       200  [0]  
12 Aaron Wafflart   977  [0]      1:0    Skyla McConkey   200  [0]  
13 Callum Magennis  200  [0]      0:1    Michael Wong     973  [0]  
14 Brian Fitzsimons 932  [0]      0:1    Ben Toogood      200  [0]  
15 Richard McClean  200  [0]      0:1    Alwyn Pollock    930  [0]  
16 Cian Suitor      888  [0]      1:0    Peter Wong       200  [0]  
17 Zach Williamson  200  [0]      0:1    Owen Wilson      759  [0] 

In Round 2 Mark Seidman gets an excellent result a draw against one of the tournament favourites Danny Roberts. James Wong beat Albert McCarter and unrated Ben Toogood beat Brain Fitzsimons. The rest went to rating.

Round 3

Results

No Name             Rtg  Total  Result   Name             Rtg  Total

 1 Martin Moorcroft 1732 [2]      1:0    Alan McConnell   1579 [2]  
 2 Brendan Jamison  1697 [2]      0:1    Ian Woodfield    1516 [2]  
 3 Steven Eachus    1533 [2]      1:0    Michael Sheerin  1691 [2]  
 4 Mark Seidman     1509 [1.5]    0:1    James Wong       1203 [2]  
 5 Albert McCarter  1588 [1]      0:1    Danny Roberts    1731 [1.5]
 6 Mike McKimm      1015 [1]      1:0    Ken Browne       1402 [1]  
 7 Mark Newman      1332 [1]      1:0    Aaron Wafflart   977  [1]  
 8 Michael Wong     973  [1]      0:1    Gary Johnston    1311 [1]  
 9 Adam Rushe       1274 [1]      1:0    Alwyn Pollock    930  [1]  
10 Adam Fitzsimons  1171 [1]      1:0    Gary Zachary     200  [1]  
11 Owen Wilson      759  [1]      0:1    Samuel Todd      1165 [1]  
12 Louie McConkey   1135 [1]      1:0    Cian Suitor      888  [1]  
13 Ben Toogood      200  [1]      1:0    Walter Wilson    1107 [1]  
14 Skyla McConkey   200  [0]      0:1    Brian Fitzsimons 932  [0]  
15 Richard McClean  200  [0]      1:0    Rachel Eachus    476  [0]  
16 Sam Bowman       200  [0]      1:0    Zach Williamson  200  [0]  
17 Peter Wong       200  [0]      0:1    Callum Magennis  200  [0]  

Some upsets at the top with Ian Woodfield beating Brendan Jamison and Steven Eachus winning against Michael Sheerin.

Round 4

Results

No Name             Rtg  Total  Result   Name             Rtg  Total

 1 Ian Woodfield    1516 [3]      1:0    Martin Moorcroft 1732 [3]  
 2 James Wong       1203 [3]     .5:.5   Steven Eachus    1533 [3]  
 3 Danny Roberts    1731 [2.5]   .5:.5   Brendan Jamison  1697 [2]  
 4 Michael Sheerin  1691 [2]      1:0    Adam Fitzsimons  1171 [2]  
 5 Alan McConnell   1579 [2]     .5:.5   Louie McConkey   1135 [2]  
 6 Samuel Todd      1165 [2]      1:0    Mark Newman      1332 [2]  
 7 Gary Johnston    1311 [2]     .5:.5   Mike McKimm      1015 [2]  
 8 Ben Toogood      200  [2]      0:1    Adam Rushe       1274 [2]  
 9 Ken Browne       1402 [1]      0:1    Mark Seidman     1509 [1.5]
10 Cian Suitor      888  [1]      0:1    Albert McCarter  1588 [1]  
11 Walter Wilson    1107 [1]      1:0    Owen Wilson      759  [1]  
12 Aaron Wafflart   977  [1]      1:0    Sam Bowman       200  [1]  
13 Gary Zachary     200  [1]      0:1    Michael Wong     973  [1]  
14 Brian Fitzsimons 932  [1]      0:1    Richard McClean  200  [1]  
15 Alwyn Pollock    930  [1]      1:0    Callum Magennis  200  [1]  
16 Rachel Eachus    476  [0]     .5:.5   Peter Wong       200  [0]  
17 Zach Williamson  200  [0]      1:0    Skyla McConkey   200  [0]  

The lead starts to begin - Ian Woodfield takes the lead with 4 out of 4. Would he maintain it especially as we all get tired with  so much chess. Its easy to make a slip...

Round 5

Results

No Name             Rtg  Total  Result   Name             Rtg  Total

 1 Steven Eachus    1533 [3.5]    1:0    Ian Woodfield    1516 [4]  
 2 Martin Moorcroft 1732 [3]      1:0    James Wong       1203 [3.5]
 3 Adam Rushe       1274 [3]      0:1    Danny Roberts    1731 [3]  
 4 Samuel Todd      1165 [3]      0:1    Michael Sheerin  1691 [3]  
 5 Brendan Jamison  1697 [2.5]    1:0    Louie McConkey   1135 [2.5]
 6 Mike McKimm      1015 [2.5]    0:1    Alan McConnell   1579 [2.5]
 7 Mark Seidman     1509 [2.5]    0:1    Gary Johnston    1311 [2.5]
 8 Albert McCarter  1588 [2]      1:0    Aaron Wafflart   977  [2]  
 9 Mark Newman      1332 [2]      1:0    Alwyn Pollock    930  [2]  
10 Adam Fitzsimons  1171 [2]      0:1    Ben Toogood      200  [2]  
11 Michael Wong     973  [2]      1:0    Walter Wilson    1107 [2]  
12 Richard McClean  200  [2]      1:0    Cian Suitor      888  [1]  
13 Callum Magennis  200  [1]      0:1    Ken Browne       1402 [1]  
14 Sam Bowman       200  [1]      0:1    Brian Fitzsimons 932  [1]  
15 Owen Wilson      759  [1]      0:1    Gary Zachary     200  [1]  
16 Peter Wong       200  [.5]     0:1    Zach Williamson  200  [1]  
17 Skyla McConkey   200  [0]      0:1    Rachel Eachus    476  [.5] 

And the lead changes Steven Eachus now leads with 4.5 - with some good players chasing.

Round 6

Results

No Name             Rtg  Total  Result   Name             Rtg  Total

 1 Danny Roberts    1731 [4]      1:0    Steven Eachus    1533 [4.5]
 2 Michael Sheerin  1691 [4]      1:0    Martin Moorcroft 1732 [4]  
 3 Ian Woodfield    1516 [4]      1:0    Alan McConnell   1579 [3.5]
 4 James Wong       1203 [3.5]    0:1    Brendan Jamison  1697 [3.5]
 5 Gary Johnston    1311 [3.5]    1:0    Mark Newman      1332 [3]  
 6 Michael Wong     973  [3]      0:1    Adam Rushe       1274 [3]  
 7 Richard McClean  200  [3]      0:1    Samuel Todd      1165 [3]  
 8 Aaron Wafflart   977  [2]      1:0    Ben Toogood      200  [3]  
 9 Louie McConkey   1135 [2.5]    1:0    Mark Seidman     1509 [2.5]
10 Walter Wilson    1107 [2]      1:0    Mike McKimm      1015 [2.5]
11 Alwyn Pollock    930  [2]      0:1    Albert McCarter  1588 [3]  
12 Ken Browne       1402 [2]      1:0    Zach Williamson  200  [2]  
13 Brian Fitzsimons 932  [2]      0:1    Adam Fitzsimons  1171 [2]  
14 Gary Zachary     200  [2]      1:0    Rachel Eachus    476  [1.5]
15 Cian Suitor      888  [1]      0:1    Sam Bowman       200  [1]  
16 Callum Magennis  200  [1]      0:1    Owen Wilson      759  [1]  
17 Skyla McConkey   200  [0]      0:1    Peter Wong       200  [.5] 

Danny Roberts, Michael Sheerin, Ian Woodfield jointly lead with 5 points going into round 7. Adam Fitzsimons beats his dad Brian. Gary Johnston has a good score with 4,5.

Round 7

Results

No Name             Rtg  Total  Result   Name             Rtg  Total

 1 Ian Woodfield    1516 [5]      0:1    Danny Roberts    1731 [5]  
 2 Brendan Jamison  1697 [4.5]   .5:.5   Michael Sheerin  1691 [5]  
 3 Steven Eachus    1533 [4.5]    1:0    Gary Johnston    1311 [4.5]
 4 Martin Moorcroft 1732 [4]      1:0    Adam Rushe       1274 [4]  
 5 Albert McCarter  1588 [4]     .5:.5   Samuel Todd      1165 [4]  
 6 Alan McConnell   1579 [3.5]    1:0    James Wong       1203 [3.5]
 7 Mark Seidman     1509 [2.5]    0:1    Michael Wong     973  [3]  
 8 Walter Wilson    1107 [3]      1:0    Ken Browne       1402 [3]  
 9 Mark Newman      1332 [3]      1:0    Gary Zachary     200  [3]  
10 Adam Fitzsimons  1171 [3]      1:0    Richard McClean  200  [3]  
11 Mike McKimm      1015 [2.5]    1:0    Aaron Wafflart   977  [3]  
12 Owen Wilson      759  [2]      0:1    Louie McConkey   1135 [3.5]
13 Sam Bowman       200  [2]      0:1    Alwyn Pollock    930  [2]  
14 Peter Wong       200  [1.5]    0:1    Brian Fitzsimons 932  [2]  
15 Rachel Eachus    476  [1.5]    0:1    Cian Suitor      888  [1]  
16 Skyla McConkey   200  [0]      1:0    BYE                        

Brendan challenges for the top and knocks Micheal Sheerins lead by taking 1/2 point. Danny Roberts increases his lead. Samuel Todd gets a good result against Albert McCarter.

Round 8

Results

No Name             Rtg  Total  Result   Name             Rtg  Total

 1 Danny Roberts    1731 [6]     .5:.5   Michael Sheerin  1691 [5.5]
 2 Martin Moorcroft 1732 [5]      0:1    Steven Eachus    1533 [5.5]
 3 Samuel Todd      1165 [4.5]    0:1    Brendan Jamison  1697 [5]  
 4 Gary Johnston    1311 [4.5]    0:1    Ian Woodfield    1516 [5]  
 5 Louie McConkey   1135 [4.5]    0:1    Albert McCarter  1588 [4.5]
 6 Alan McConnell   1579 [4.5]    1:0    Adam Fitzsimons  1171 [4]  
 7 Michael Wong     973  [4]      1:0    Mark Newman      1332 [4]  
 8 Adam Rushe       1274 [4]      0:1    Walter Wilson    1107 [4]  
 9 James Wong       1203 [3.5]    1:0    Mike McKimm      1015 [3.5]
10 Ken Browne       1402 [3]      0:1    Brian Fitzsimons 932  [3]  
11 Aaron Wafflart   977  [3]      1:0    Gary Zachary     200  [3]  
12 Alwyn Pollock    930  [3]      1:0    Mark Seidman     1509 [2.5]
13 Rachel Eachus    476  [1.5]    1:0    Owen Wilson      759  [2]  
14 Peter Wong       200  [1.5]    0:1    Sam Bowman       200  [2]  
15 Cian Suitor      888  [2]      1:0    Skyla McConkey   200  [1]  

Michael Sheerin keeps his challenge going with a draw against the leader. Steven Eachus gets a result against Martin Moorcroft. Adam Fitzsimons has a good score of 4. Micheal Wong gets an excellent point of Mark Newman and goes into the next round with 5.Brian Fitzsimons gets a good point off Ken Browne.

Round 9

Results

No Name             Rtg  Total  Result   Name             Rtg  Total

 1 Steven Eachus    1533 [6.5]   .5:.5   Brendan Jamison  1697 [6]  
 2 Danny Roberts    1731 [6.5]    1:0    Alan McConnell   1579 [5.5]
 3 Michael Sheerin  1691 [6]      1:0    Ian Woodfield    1516 [6]  
 4 Albert McCarter  1588 [5.5]    1:0    Michael Wong     973  [5]  
 5 Louie McConkey   1135 [4.5]   .5:.5   Martin Moorcroft 1732 [5]  
 6 Walter Wilson    1107 [5]      0:1    James Wong       1203 [4.5]
 7 Samuel Todd      1165 [4.5]    0:1    Gary Johnston    1311 [4.5]
 8 Mark Newman      1332 [4]      1:0    Adam Rushe       1274 [4]  
 9 Adam Fitzsimons  1171 [4]      1:0    Alwyn Pollock    930  [4]  
10 Brian Fitzsimons 932  [4]      0:1    Aaron Wafflart   977  [4]  
11 Mike McKimm      1015 [3.5]    1:0    Cian Suitor      888  [3]  
12 Gary Zachary     200  [3]      0:1    Ken Browne       1402 [3]  
13 Sam Bowman       200  [3]      1:0    Rachel Eachus    476  [2.5]
14 Mark Seidman     1509 [2.5]   .5:.5   Peter Wong       200  [1.5]
15 Owen Wilson      759  [2]      0:1    Skyla McConkey   200  [1]  

Round 9 and still we have 3 more rounds - plenty of chess for possible upsets. Louie McConkey gets a brilliant point off Martin Moorcroft.

Round 10

Results

No Name            Rtg  Total  Result   Name             Rtg  Total

 1 Gary Johnston   1311 [5.5]    0:1    Danny Roberts    1731 [7.5]
 2 Michael Sheerin 1691 [7]      0:1    Albert McCarter  1588 [6.5]
 3 Alan McConnell  1579 [5.5]   .5:.5   Steven Eachus    1533 [7]  
 4 Brendan Jamison 1697 [6.5]    1:0    Martin Moorcroft 1732 [5.5]
 5 Ian Woodfield   1516 [6]      1:0    James Wong       1203 [5.5]
 6 Mark Newman     1332 [5]      0:1    Walter Wilson    1107 [5]  
 7 Aaron Wafflart  977  [5]      0:1    Adam Fitzsimons  1171 [5]  
 8 Michael Wong    973  [5]      0:1    Louie McConkey   1135 [5]  
 9 Mike McKimm     1015 [4.5]    0:1    Samuel Todd      1165 [4.5]
10 Alwyn Pollock   930  [4]      1:0    Ken Browne       1402 [4]  
11 Adam Rushe      1274 [4]      1:0    Sam Bowman       200  [4]  
12 Rachel Eachus   476  [2.5]    0:1    Brian Fitzsimons 932  [4]  
13 Skyla McConkey  200  [2]     .5:.5   Mark Seidman     1509 [3]  
14 Cian Suitor     888  [3]      0:1    Owen Wilson      759  [2]  
15 Gary Zachary    200  [3]      1:0    Peter Wong       200  [2]  

Walter Wilson gets a win over Mark Newman - a good result possibly not impacting the final standings. Danny Roberts maintains his lead. Albert McCarter dents Michael Sheerins score.

Round 11

Results

No Name             Rtg  Total  Result   Name            Rtg  Total

 1 Adam Fitzsimons  1171 [6]      0:1    Danny Roberts   1731 [8.5]
 2 Albert McCarter  1588 [7.5]    0:1    Brendan Jamison 1697 [7.5]
 3 Steven Eachus    1533 [7.5]    1:0    Louie McConkey  1135 [6]  
 4 Alan McConnell   1579 [6]     .5:.5   Michael Sheerin 1691 [7]  
 5 Walter Wilson    1107 [6]      0:1    Ian Woodfield   1516 [7]  
 6 Martin Moorcroft 1732 [5.5]    1:0    Samuel Todd     1165 [5.5]
 7 James Wong       1203 [5.5]   .5:.5   Gary Johnston   1311 [5.5]
 8 Brian Fitzsimons 932  [5]      0:1    Mark Newman     1332 [5]  
 9 Adam Rushe       1274 [5]      1:0    Aaron Wafflart  977  [5]  
10 Alwyn Pollock    930  [5]      0:1    Michael Wong    973  [5]  
11 Sam Bowman       200  [4]      0:1    Mike McKimm     1015 [4.5]
12 Ken Browne       1402 [4]      1:0    Rachel Eachus   476  [2.5]
13 Skyla McConkey   200  [2.5]    0:1    Gary Zachary    200  [4]  
14 Mark Seidman     1509 [3.5]    0:1    Cian Suitor     888  [3]  
15 Peter Wong       200  [2]      0:1    Owen Wilson     759  [3]  

Second to last round and Danny Roberts can still be caught. Adam Fitzsimons has done brilliantly to play on the top board and challenge Dannys lead - Danny commented that it was a good game and Adam is definitely a player to watch. Another player in the top 3 tables Louie McConkey challenges the top players.

Round 12

Results

No Name             Rtg  Total  Result   Name             Rtg  Total

 1 Danny Roberts    1731 [9.5]    1:0    Martin Moorcroft 1732 [6.5]
 2 Brendan Jamison  1697 [8.5]    1:0    Alan McConnell   1579 [6.5]
 3 Mark Newman      1332 [6]      0:1    Steven Eachus    1533 [8.5]
 4 Ian Woodfield    1516 [8]      1:0    Albert McCarter  1588 [7.5]
 5 Michael Sheerin  1691 [7.5]    0:1    Adam Rushe       1274 [6]  
 6 Gary Johnston    1311 [6]      1:0    Walter Wilson    1107 [6]  
 7 James Wong       1203 [6]      1:0    Michael Wong     973  [6]  
 8 Louie McConkey   1135 [6]      1:0    Adam Fitzsimons  1171 [6]  
 9 Samuel Todd      1165 [5.5]    1:0    Cian Suitor      888  [4]  
10 Owen Wilson      759  [4]      0:1    Mike McKimm      1015 [5.5]
11 Gary Zachary     200  [5]     .5:.5   Sam Bowman       200  [4]  
12 Brian Fitzsimons 932  [5]     .5:.5   Mark Seidman     1509 [3.5]
13 Ken Browne       1402 [5]      1:0    Skyla McConkey   200  [2.5]
14 Rachel Eachus    476  [2.5]    0:1    Alwyn Pollock    930  [5]  
15 Aaron Wafflart   977  [5]      1:0    Peter Wong       200  [2]  

The final round and the top rated players face each other Martin v Danny - Danny is still reachable but only if he looses - he wins. on 10.5 points - unbeaten.

standings

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

  1   Danny Roberts    1731 10.5     73.0  86.5   65.5
 2-3  Brendan Jamison  1697 9.5      74.0  90.5   58.5
      Steven Eachus    1533 9.5      72.5  87.0   63.0
  4   Ian Woodfield    1516 9        73.0  87.5   60.0
 5-6  Michael Sheerin  1691 7.5      74.0  90.5   57.5
      Albert McCarter  1588 7.5      70.0  84.5   51.0
7-10  James Wong       1203 7        70.5  84.0   48.5
      Gary Johnston    1311 7        70.0  82.5   47.5
      Adam Rushe       1274 7        62.0  77.0   44.0
      Louie McConkey   1135 7        59.5  71.5   44.5
11-14 Martin Moorcroft 1732 6.5      75.5  92.0   51.0
      Alan McConnell   1579 6.5      75.5  92.0   49.0
      Samuel Todd      1165 6.5      64.0  75.5   45.0
      Mike McKimm      1015 6.5      59.0  73.5   38.5
15-21 Adam Fitzsimons  1171 6        64.5  80.0   42.0
      Mark Newman      1332 6        63.0  76.5   42.0
      Michael Wong     973  6        63.0  74.5   41.0
      Walter Wilson    1107 6        62.5  75.5   41.0
      Aaron Wafflart   977  6        56.5  68.0   37.0
      Alwyn Pollock    930  6        55.5  65.5   35.0
      Ken Browne       1402 6        49.5  58.0   34.0
22-23 Gary Zachary     200  5.5      49.5  58.5   32.5
      Brian Fitzsimons 932  5.5      48.5  58.0   32.5
 24   Sam Bowman       200  4.5      53.0  62.0   26.5
25-27 Mark Seidman     1509 4        53.0  65.5   30.5
      Cian Suitor      888  4        50.0  61.5   24.0
      Owen Wilson      759  4        49.0  60.0   23.0
28-29 Richard McClean  200  3        28.0  37.5   12.0
      Ben Toogood      200  3        25.0  37.5   11.0
30-31 Skyla McConkey   200  2.5      48.5  57.5   11.5
      Rachel Eachus    476  2.5      47.0  56.0   17.5
32-33 Peter Wong       200  2        45.0  53.5   13.5
      Zach Williamson  200  2        16.5  24.5    5.0
 34   Callum Magennis  200  1        22.0  30.0    4.0

Thanks go to Bangor Chess Club. Also to Brendan Jamison for controlling and organising the clocks and sets.

A big thankyou to all the players for so much fun.

The Winners:

• Fruithill Hawks 3.5-1.5 Civil Service
• Ballynafeigh 2 1.5-3.5 Strand 1

QUB 1's match with Ballynafeigh 1 was postponed, giving Strand 1 a chance to return to top spot in Division 1. They ran out 3.5-1.5 winners, but only just as James Barbour (1192) appeared to have Ross Harris (1698) well and truly beaten - but in the crucial time scramble it was Barbour who blinked first. Civil Service were a player short and lost 3.5-1.5 to the Fruithill Hawks, but Adrian Dornford-Smith (1183) claimed the upset of the week with a fantastic win over Stephen McCann (1748). John Masterson and Ciaran Marron won for the home side.

Division 2

• The B Team 1-4 Northern Lights
• Bangor 1 1-4 Strand 2
• Fruithill Falcons 1-4 QUB 2

QUB 2 maintained their lead in Division 2 with a 4-1 win over the Fruithill Falcons. Daniel Diaz-Roncero Gonzalez defeated Ulster Junior Champion Gatis Barbals on board 1, while Clark Rodriguez and Rian Mellotte also claimed victories. Close behind are Northern Lights, who defeated The B Team by the same score with wins from Nicholas Pilkiewicz, Stephen Wood, John Wood and Martin Donaghy. Cathal Murphy was the sole point-scorer for The B Team, beating Paddy Maguire. Strand 2 were heavy underdogs against Bangor 1, but some excellent performances from Michael Sheerin, James Wong and Adam Rushe, all beating players rated over 200 points above them, secured the win for the Holywood Road side.

Division 3

• Ballynafeigh 3 1-4 Fruithill Ravens
• Strand 3 4-1 Ballynafeigh 4
• Strand 4 2-3 QUB 3

QUB 3 are still in the lead in Division 3 despite being a player short against Strand 4 as Robert Clarke, Conal Boyle and Mohammed Muddassir all won while Ralph Patterson defeated QUB 3 newcomer Sean Donnelly. The Fruithill Ravens are closing in after a 4-1 win over Ballynafeigh 3. The Rosses, Smith and Hume, bossed it for the visitors on boards 4 and 5, while Michael Toal and John Monaghan also claimed full points. Jim Kyle was the sole point-scorer for Ballynafeigh 3, beating Pearse O'Brien. Last but not least, Strand 3 lifted themselves off the foot of Division 3 with a fine win over Ballynafeigh 4.

Standings

The Masters is the first weekend tournament of the Chess Year in Ulster and is always a fun event. The venue was unusual - we have only played here a couple of times - but it is a well lit room with a view of the bowling green. A peaceful place to play chess - The NICS Pavillion Bowling Club.

We had two sections - the Seniors with 10 players and the Intermediates with 21 players.

The boards in the Seniors were live broadcast as was the top board of the Intermediates - many thanks to Adrain Dornford-Smith for setting this up. The live games are available to play through at : http://www.ulsterchess.net/2018-11-11/

Intermediate Round 1.

Ken Haddock gets a draw against Martin Sloan, the rest of the matches go according to rating.

Its excellent to see such a range of players and a good number of youngsters.

Senior Round 1.

Theres an immediate upset in the Seniors with Modestas beating Gabor an exciting game with both players attacking, Gabor wins a Bishop but leaves his King at the mercy of Modestas; Queen. Also Ram Rajan beats Alex Goss.

Intermediate Round 2.

Adrian Dornford-Smith gets an excellent result against Patrick Magee.

Senior Round 2.

Both Danny and Mark had a travelling bye the first round and end up drawing - Danny plays the Benko Gambit as White with a move in hand.

Modestas continues to cause upsets by drawing against Ross Harris.

Intermediate Round 3.

This round had a few travelling byes. No upsets.

Senior Round 3.

Can Modestas be stopped? he beats Mark.

Intermediate Round 4.

No upsets. John McKenna has yet to be defeated. His 1/2 point being a travelling bye.

Senior Round 4.

The top two players face off - a very exciting French Defence. Going to an endgame with Rooks Knights.

Modestas continues the upsets and beats up and coming youngster Daniil Zelenchuk.

Intermediate Round 5.

White proves supreme with all the wins. Nikolai Dimitroy gets a good win against Martin Sloan. Dexter Harris gets a good draw against Adam Rushe.

Senior Round 5.

The leading players Modestas and Danny play each other. Danny wins and wins the Championship. Ram Rajan gets a good win over Christopher Kelly.

The final positions:

Intermediate Ulster Masters 2018

John McKenna and Cathal Murphy are undefeated. Dimitrov Nikolia does brilliantly for his rating only dropping one point.

Senior Ulster Masters 2018

Danny Roberts wins without dropping a point. Modestas Razbadauskas gets a brilliant second only loosing to Danny.

The Winners:

SENIOR SECTION:

Champion:  Danny Roberts (4/5) £70 prize + perpetual cup

2nd Place: Modestas Razbadauskas (3.5/5) £50 prize

Under 1800 Grading Prize: Ram Rajan (2.5/5) £30 prize

INTERMEDIATE SECTION:

Intermediate Champion:  John McKenna (4.5/5) £50 prize + perpetual shield

2nd Place:  Cathal Murphy ( ) £40 prize

3rd Place: Nikolai Dimitrov ( ) £30 prize

Under 1200 Grading Prize:  Adrian Dornford-Smith ( ) £30 GM Simul Ticket

Under 1000 Grading Prize:  Aaron Wafflart ( ) £30 GM Simul Ticket

A brilliant weekend of chess thanks to Ross Harris and Brendan Jamison.

See you over Christmas at the Blitz and at the Williamson in the New Year.January 19th/20th - more details see the events section.

The Senior Section Standings (please note these arent in tie break order).

The Junior Section - standings (please note these arent in tie break order).

PRIZE-WINNERS:

Omagh Rapidplay Champion 2018: Robert Lavery (5/6) £45

2nd Place: Danny Roberts (5/6) £35

Under 1500 Grading Prize: Tony Redden (3/6) £20

Omagh Junior Rapidplay Champion 2018: John Sweeney (5/6) £35

Junior 2nd Place: Adrian Gilmore (5/6) £25

Under 1050 Grading Prize: Paul Anderson (4/6) £20

Under 700 Grading Prize: Dimitri Schizonikas (3/6) £20

Under 600 Grading Prize Katy Thornton (3/6) £20

Top Female: Clare Finnegan £10

• Ballynafeigh 2 2.5-2.5 Kelly's Heroes
• QUB 1 2-3 Strand 1
• Civil Service 0-5 Ballynafeigh 1

After beating QUB 1 3-2 and the Fruithill Hawks 3.5-1.5 in rescheduled matches, Ballynafeigh 1 put their rivals well and truly on notice with a 5-0 demolition of Civil Service. The Ormeau Road side, consisting of David Houston, Steve Scannell, Damien Lavery, Damien Cunningham and Ian Woodfield, were far too strong for the Stormont outfit. Strand 1 are still in the lead, but only just; their narrow win over QUB 1 keeps them half a point ahead of Ballynafeigh 1. Daniil Zelenchuk, Calum Leitch and Modestas Razbadauskas all won for the visitors, but Ross Harris (1698) and David Hill (1728) both fell victim to shock defeats at the hands of Cathan Gormley (1459) and Daniel Diaz-Roncero Gonzalez (1470) respectively. Last but not least, Ballynafeigh 2 drew with Kelly's Heroes; the home team's Chris Kelly beat John McKenna, the away team's Norman McFarland beat Vincent O'Brien, and the points were shared equally on the top three boards.

Division 2

• Fruithill Falcons 2-3 Northern Lights
• The B Team 3-2 Bangor 1
• Strand 2 3-2 QUB 2

Northern Lights are the new leaders of Division 2 despite being run unexpectedly close by the last-placed Fruithill Falcons. Nicholas Pilkiewicz and Stephen Wood did the job on the top two boards for the visitors, but Kevin Agnew and Paul Logan both achieved draws against significantly higher-rated opposition and Gerry McCartney saw off Pat McKillen. QUB 2 could only field a four-man team against Strand 2, and fell to their first defeat of the season. Strand 2's Stephen Cullen beat QUB 2's Eoin O'Neill in the battle of the newcomers, while Jake Patterson beat Peter McFarland. Clark Rodriguez and Jamie Corscadden won for the visitors, but with board 5 uncontested the bonus points went to the Holywood Road side. A fine performance from The B Team saw them beat Bangor 1. Stephen Critchlow (1336) secured the upset of the week by beating Alan McConnell (1632), while Chris Armstrong beat Sam Moore. Steven Eachus won for the visitors against Bobby Thompson, while the remaining two games were drawn.

Division 3

• Ballynafeigh 4 3.5-1.5 Strand 4
• QUB 3 4.5-0.5 Bangor 2
• Strand 3 5-0 Ballynafeigh 3

QUB 3 extended their lead in Division 3 with a fine win over a Bangor 2 side that out-rated them by over 100 points per board. Ben Campbell, Mohammed Muddassir, Mark Crawford and William Watson all won for the home side. Tony Redden was the sole point-scorer for the visitors, but despite being a nearly 400-point favourite over Rian Mellotte, he could only come away with a draw. Ballynafeigh 4 saw off Strand 4 thanks to wins from Derek Truesdale, Billy Jackson and Andy Boal, while Strand 3 whitewashed Ballynafeigh 3.

Standings

As usual we gave out chess problem sheets which the players did between rounds - a brilliant way of improving your chess and discussing chess.

The winners of the chess puzzles:

Primary Champion Puzzle Solver: Dexter Harris

Secondary Champion Puzzle Solver: Louie McConkey

Some of the puzzles with the solutions at the end of this article....

Round 1

Results

No Name              Feder Total  Result   Name            Feder Total

 1 Dexter Harris     U12   [0]      0:1    Naomi Hamilton  U12   [0]  
 2 Ben Toogood       U14   [0]      0:1    Louie McConkey  U16   [0]  
 3 Samuel Todd       U19   [0]      1:0    Callum Magennis U14   [0]  
 4 Zach Williamson   U14   [0]      1:0    Olgierd Myszor  U19   [0]  
 5 Adam Fitzsimons   U12   [0]      0:1    Conor Boyle     U14   [0]  
 6 Eoin Boyle        U12   [0]      0:1    James Wong      U19   [0]  
 7 Calvin Patterson  U12   [0]      0:1    Cian Suitor     U9    [0]  
 8 Blake Harris      U8    [0]      0:1    Kamal Taufik    U12   [0]  
 9 Calum Glendinning U14   [0]      1:0    Peter Wong      U8    [0]  
10 Caleb Carson      U9    [0]      0:1    Aaditya Singh   U9    [0]  
11 Skyla McConkey    U9    [0]      1:0    BYE                        
12 Thomas Smyth      U8    [0]     .5:.5   BYE                        

by Swiss Perfect (TM)  www.swissperfect.com

Some upsets in round 1 opens up the tournament. Naomi beats Dexter, Whilst Zach Williamson beats Olgierd Myszor.

Round 2

Results

No Name            Feder Total  Result   Name              Feder Total

 1 Louie McConkey  U16   [1]      0:1    Aaditya Singh     U9    [1]  
 2 Naomi Hamilton  U12   [1]      0:1    Samuel Todd       U19   [1]  
 3 James Wong      U19   [1]      1:0    Zach Williamson   U14   [1]  
 4 Kamal Taufik    U12   [1]      1:0    Skyla McConkey    U9    [1]  
 5 Conor Boyle     U14   [1]      1:0    Calum Glendinning U14   [1]  
 6 Cian Suitor     U9    [1]      1:0    Thomas Smyth      U8    [.5] 
 7 Callum Magennis U14   [0]      0:1    Dexter Harris     U12   [0]  
 8 Olgierd Myszor  U19   [0]      0:1    Eoin Boyle        U12   [0]  
 9 Blake Harris    U8    [0]      0:1    Adam Fitzsimons   U12   [0]  
10 Peter Wong      U8    [0]      0:1    Calvin Patterson  U12   [0]  
11 Caleb Carson    U9    [0]      0:1    Ben Toogood       U14   [0]  

Aaditya Singh beats Louie McConkey.

Round 3

Results

No Name             Feder Total  Result   Name              Feder Total

 1 Samuel Todd      U19   [2]      1:0    Conor Boyle       U14   [2]  
 2 Aaditya Singh    U9    [2]      0:1    James Wong        U19   [2]  
 3 Cian Suitor      U9    [2]      0:1    Kamal Taufik      U12   [2]  
 4 Dexter Harris    U12   [1]      0:1    Ben Toogood       U14   [1]  
 5 Zach Williamson  U14   [1]      0:1    Louie McConkey    U16   [1]  
 6 Adam Fitzsimons  U12   [1]      1:0    Naomi Hamilton    U12   [1]  
 7 Calvin Patterson U12   [1]     .5:.5   Eoin Boyle        U12   [1]  
 8 Skyla McConkey   U9    [1]      0:1    Calum Glendinning U14   [1]  
 9 Thomas Smyth     U8    [.5]     0:1    Olgierd Myszor    U19   [0]  
10 Callum Magennis  U14   [0]      1:0    Caleb Carson      U9    [0]  
11 Peter Wong       U8    [0]      0:1    Blake Harris      U8    [0]  

Samuel Todd, James Wong and Kamal Taufik take the lead with 3 out of 3 points. Samuel Todd is the defending Champion and James Wong the lower Section winner of this years Summer Tournament - both good players.

Round 4

Results

No Name              Feder Total  Result   Name             Feder Total

 1 James Wong        U19   [3]      1:0    Samuel Todd      U19   [3]  
 2 Kamal Taufik      U12   [3]      1:0    Louie McConkey   U16   [2]  
 3 Ben Toogood       U14   [2]      1:0    Adam Fitzsimons  U12   [2]  
 4 Calum Glendinning U14   [2]      1:0    Cian Suitor      U9    [2]  
 5 Conor Boyle       U14   [2]      0:1    Aaditya Singh    U9    [2]  
 6 Dexter Harris     U12   [1]      0:1    Calvin Patterson U12   [1.5]
 7 Eoin Boyle        U12   [1.5]    1:0    Callum Magennis  U14   [1]  
 8 Olgierd Myszor    U19   [1]      1:0    Blake Harris     U8    [1]  
 9 Naomi Hamilton    U12   [1]      1:0    Zach Williamson  U14   [1]  
10 Skyla McConkey    U9    [1]      1:0    Peter Wong       U8    [0]  
11 Caleb Carson      U9    [0]      1:0    BYE                      

James Wong beats Samuel Todd and leads the tournament with Kamal Taufik - both unbeaten on 4 out of 4.

Round 5

Results

No Name             Feder Total  Result   Name              Feder Total

 1 Kamal Taufik     U12   [4]      1:0    James Wong        U19   [4]  
 2 Samuel Todd      U19   [3]      1:0    Ben Toogood       U14   [3]  
 3 Aaditya Singh    U9    [3]      1:0    Calum Glendinning U14   [3]  
 4 Adam Fitzsimons  U12   [2]      0:1    Eoin Boyle        U12   [2.5]
 5 Calvin Patterson U12   [2.5]    1:0    Naomi Hamilton    U12   [2]  
 6 Louie McConkey   U16   [2]      1:0    Skyla McConkey    U9    [2]  
 7 Cian Suitor      U9    [2]      0:1    Olgierd Myszor    U19   [2]  
 8 Callum Magennis  U14   [1]      0:1    Conor Boyle       U14   [2]  
 9 Blake Harris     U8    [1]      0:1    Dexter Harris     U12   [1]  
10 Zach Williamson  U14   [1]      1:0    Caleb Carson      U9    [1]  
11 Peter Wong       U8    [0]      1:0    BYE                        

Kamal Taufik plays James Wong for the lead. A tough game and Kamal wins. Samuel Todd is still with a shout at drawing on points with Kamal. Aaditya Singh is on 4 points also within a point off the lead.

Round 6

Results

No Name              Feder Total  Result   Name             Feder Total

 1 Aaditya Singh     U9    [4]      0:1    Kamal Taufik     U12   [5]  
 2 Eoin Boyle        U12   [3.5]    1:0    Samuel Todd      U19   [4]  
 3 James Wong        U19   [4]      0:1    Calvin Patterson U12   [3.5]
 4 Calum Glendinning U14   [3]      0:1    Louie McConkey   U16   [3]  
 5 Ben Toogood       U14   [3]      1:0    Olgierd Myszor   U19   [3]  
 6 Conor Boyle       U14   [3]      1:0    Zach Williamson  U14   [2]  
 7 Skyla McConkey    U9    [2]      0:1    Dexter Harris    U12   [2]  
 8 Naomi Hamilton    U12   [2]      1:0    Cian Suitor      U9    [2]  
 9 Caleb Carson      U9    [1]      0:1    Adam Fitzsimons  U12   [2]  
10 Peter Wong        U8    [1]      0:1    Callum Magennis  U14   [1]  
11 Blake Harris      U8    [1]      1:0    BYE                       

Kamal wins the Championship with full points - a brilliant result considering the tough opposition. Eoin Boyle gets a good win over Samuel Todd. Whilst Calvin Patterson wins over James Wong. A competition of some brilliant games and fascinating positions. With complex endgames always a good measure of the quality of play.

Thanks to all the Players for an exciting days chess. Thanks to our volunteers and to Methodist College.

Standings

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

  1   Kamal Taufik      U12   6        11.5  17.0   21.0
 2-3  Eoin Boyle        U12   4.5      14.0  20.5   13.0
      Calvin Patterson  U12   4.5      12.0  17.0   13.0
 4-9  James Wong        U19   4        17.0  25.0   18.0
      Samuel Todd       U19   4        15.0  21.5   17.0
      Aaditya Singh     U9    4        15.0  21.5   16.0
      Louie McConkey    U16   4        13.0  20.5   13.0
      Ben Toogood       U14   4        13.0  17.5   13.0
      Conor Boyle       U14   4        12.0  18.0   14.0
10-14 Adam Fitzsimons   U12   3        12.5  17.5   10.0
      Naomi Hamilton    U12   3        12.0  18.5   10.0
      Calum Glendinning U14   3        11.5  16.0   13.0
      Dexter Harris     U12   3        10.5  16.5    8.0
      Olgierd Myszor    U19   3        10.0  16.0    9.0
15-19 Zach Williamson   U14   2        14.0  18.5    8.0
      Cian Suitor       U9    2        13.5  21.5   11.0
      Skyla McConkey    U9    2        13.0  19.5    9.0
      Blake Harris      U8    2        12.0  18.5    5.0
      Callum Magennis   U14   2        11.5  16.5    5.0
20-21 Caleb Carson      U9    1        12.0  18.0    3.0
      Peter Wong        U8    1         9.5  15.5    2.0
 22   Thomas Smyth      U8    0.5       2.0   6.5    1.5

The top 3 players are all under 12 Kamil Taufik the Ulster Chanpion with full points of 6 out of 6. In second place Eoin Boyle and Calvin Patterson with 4.5 out of 6.

Another player who has done well is Aaditya Singh being joint 4th and only under 9.

We were lucky to have present the Current Chair of the Ulster Chess Union (also one of the volunteers) who gave out the trophies.

The Ulster Champions:

The Ulster Champion : Kamal Taufik

The Ulster Girls Champion: Naomi Hamilton

The Under 19 Champion: James Wong

The Under 16 Champion: Louie McConkey

The Under: 12 Champion: Kamal Taufik

The Under 9 Champion: Aaditya Singh

The Under 8 Champion: Blake Harris.

The solutions to the problems

• Ballynafeigh 2 2-3 Fruithill Hawks
• Kelly's Heroes 2-3 QUB 1

The Fruithill Hawks narrowly defeated Ballynafeigh 2 on Tuesday night. John Masterson got the ball rolling for the visitors with a win over Paul McNaughton, while Tony Parker drew with John O'Doherty. Robert Lavery levelled the score by prevailing against Ryszard Kaczorowski, but John Cairns piled the pressure on against Eoin Carey and broke through. Ciaran Marron agreed a draw with Chris Kelly to secure the bonus points for the Hawks. QUB 1 could only send four players to the Quakers' Meeting Hall to face Kelly's Heroes, but that's all they needed as they won 3-2, with Stephen Rush, Callum Ormerod and Cathan Gormley all winning their games. The crunch match between top sides Ballynafeigh 1 and Strand 1 was postponed.

Division 2

• Northern Lights 3.5-1.5 Bangor 1
• The B Team 0.5-4.5 QUB 2

Northern Lights beat Bangor 1 to stay top of Division 2. Stephen Wood, Martin Donaghy and Paul Irvine all won for the Ormeau Road side, while Walter Wilson beat Bernard McCaughey and Sam Moore did well to draw against Nicholas Pilkiewicz. Their lead was cut, however, by a QUB 2 side who produced what must surely be the team performance of the season to beat The B Team, despite fielding mostly players from their third team. Not only did Robert Clarke (989) claim the upset of the week by beating Craig Stevenson (1244), they also ranked in at numbers two and three on the upset list as Rian Mellotte (1171) beat Bernard Jaffa (1411) and Ben Campbell (1044) beat Paul Hanna (1250). Vincent Crean beat Norman McFarland, while Stephen Critchlow was the sole point-scorer for The B Team as he drew with Daniel Diaz-Roncero Gonzalez. The match between the Fruithill Falcons and Strand 2 was postponed.

Division 3

• Bangor 2 5-0 Ballynafeigh 4
• Strand 3 3.5-1.5 Strand 4

Bangor 2 jumped into second place with a whitewash of Ballynafeigh 4, while Strand 3 prevailed against Strand 4 thanks to wins from Ciaran Rowan, Taufik Kamal and Ali Shahzad. The much-anticipated clash between the Fruithill Ravens and QUB 3 was postponed.

Standings