Weekend of Chess action at Portrush in The Atlantic Hotel sponsors of the event

Featuring three events spread over the Friday and Saturday, 41 players attended the inaugural mini chess festival at the Portrush Atlantic Hotel. We welcomed 7 females, of which 8 year old Skyla McConkey scooped a silver medal as the top female in the Friday night simul. Meanwhile, her 14 year old brother Louie McConkey was awarded a medal for ‘Last Man Standing’ after an incredible performance. The only undefeated player was 10 year old Dexter Harris who secured an impressive draw which earned him a gold medal. In the end, Brendan Jamison scored 13.5/14 but was very impressed by the standard of play, especially in terms of youth chess which is developing an at incredible pace. In particular, Steven Eachus who brought his three daughters along to compete - Rachel, Steffanie and Ellen, all of whom contributed so much positive energy and enthusiasm.

With 30 minutes on the clock per player, the intermediate championship was a closely contested battle by the under 1400 rated players. We were delighted to see Mary Dobbs win the tournament with 5/6, defeating Martin Kelly in Round 6, who also ended on 5/6 but came second on tie-breaks. Martin actually delivered a tournament performance rating (TPR) of 1825 which is quite incredible and bodes well for his upcoming league campaign as the much loved Director of Belfast South Chess Club. While Mary took the champion’s cup she kindly donated her £45 prize to be used for our expanding youth chess. Sincere thanks for this generous donation Mary! Other prizes in this section were awarded to Dexter Harris (4.5/6) for the Under 1100 Grading Prize after a TPR of 1673, John Sweeney (4.5/6) for the Under 800 Grading Prize with a TPR of 1253 and Best Newcomer Award was presented to 8 year old Cian Suitor (3/6), with a TPR of 898. Cian was bursting with happiness all day long and constantly making everyone smile in the playing hall.

Meanwhile, in the senior section, rapidplay supremo Sergio Esteve Sanchez (5/6) delivered a TPR of 1991 and was awarded the champion’s trophy after securing 4 wins and 2 draws. Second place went to Danny Roberts (4.5/6) and his team captain Mark Newman (3.5/6) won the Under 1600 Grading Prize with a TPR of 1760 and finished joint third alongside two other exceptional strong players, Ross Harris (TPR 1740) and Eamon Malone (TPR 1765).

This was run as one open section with 12 rounds. Damian Marchlewicz (1924) finished on 11.5/12 to win the little gold trophy, with his brother Kamil Marchlewicz securing second place with 11/12. John Bradley delivered an excellent performance to take 3rd place with 9/12. Nial Troughton ended on 8.5/12 to lift a gold medal as the Intermediate Blitz Champion. Congratulations to all the winners and a giant thank you to all the parents who brought their children along to compete. The buzz in the room was amazing and everyone really enjoyed the weekend.

Blitz Champion: Gold trophy awarded to Damian Marchlewicz (11.5/12)

Intermediate Blitz Champion (Under 1400): Gold medal awarded to Nial Troughton (8.5/12)

Rapidplay Champion: Blue Trophy + £60 awarded to Sergio Esteve Sanchez (5/6)

2nd Place: £45 awarded to Danny Roberts (4.5/6)

Under 1600 Grading Prize: £30 awarded to Mark Newman (3/6)

Intermediate Champion: Silver Cup + £45 awarded to Mary Dobbs (5/6)

2nd Place £35: Martin Kelly (5/6)

Under 1100 Grading Prize of £20 awarded to Dexter Harris (4.5/6)

Unrated 800 Grading Prize of £20 awarded to John Sweeney (4.5/6)

Best Newcomer Award: Gold medal presented to 8 year old Cian Suitor (3/6)

Brendan Jamison scored 13.5/14 in a 14 player simul. 8 year old Skyla McConkey was the top female player from a field of 5 females. 14 year old Louie McConkey won a silver medal for being the ‘last man standing’. 10 year old Dexter Harris was awarded a gold medal as the only undefeated player.