Enniskillen Rapidplay Championships 2019

Tournament Report by Brendan Jamison

Held at the luxury 5 star Lough Erne Resort, home to the G8 Summit of 2013, the Enniskillen Rapidplay Championships proved very popular with locals and the many visitors, with some travelling as far as 100 miles. 7 Enniskillen entrants were joined by a large contingent from Omagh Chess Club, combined with players from Donegal, Derry, Hillsborough, Belfast, Downpatrick and Bangor.

The inaugural Enniskillen Rapidplay was officially opened by Howard Thornton, Council Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. He delivered a short witty speech and enjoyed watching the round 1 games. Then the highly acclaimed local newspaper, the Impartial Reporter, arrived to take photos for next Thursday’s edition.

Players ranged in age from 8 year old Cian Suitor to 81 year old Dr.John Phillips. 27 players in total, 12 in Senior, 15 in Junior. At the awards ceremony the tournament organiser extended his gratitude for all the work done in the background to secure the excellent venue, only made possible thanks to the efforts of Tom Johnston, Charles Boyle and John Bradley.

Prize-winners:

Champion: Gareth Annesley (5.5/6) from South Belfast Chess Club.

2nd Place: Mark Newman (5/6) from Civil Service Chess Club, East Belfast.

Under 1400 Grading Prize: Adam Rushe (3.5/6) from Bangor, playing for Strand Chess Club.

Junior Champion: Ciaran Rowan (5/6) from Downpatrick, playing for Strand Chess Club

Junior 2nd Place: Paul Anderson (5/6) from East Belfast, playing for Ballynafeigh Chess Club

Under 1000 Grading Prize: Anthony White (4.5/6) from Omagh Chess Club

Under 900 Grading Prize Charles Boyle (3/6) from Enniskillen Chess Club.