69 Blitz it out in UCU’s first online event

On Wednesday 1 April, we had 69 locals battling it out in the Ulster Cyber Blitz Championship #001. While the overwhelming majority were from Northern Ireland, we also invited some special guests from the Irish Chess Union, WFM Diana Mirza streamed the event live on her Twitch Channel and her boyfriend Jonathan Pein bedazzled the opposition with exceptional quick-fire play! It was a powerful field with CM Gabor Horvath being crowned champion, Michael Waters (ManFromMars) came 2nd and Kamil Marchlewicz (szakalDerry) was 3rd. The event also saw some great displays from speed wizards Stephen Morgan, Nicholas Pilkiewicz, Daniil Zelenchuk (7th), Mikhail Pavlov, Sergio Esteve-Sanchez, James McDonnell, Modestas Razbadauskas and Michael Sheerin.

Two of our local teenagers finished in the top 10, very well done to Adam Rushe (8th) and James Wong (10th). The youngest entrant was primary school player Ethan Cole. Other young stars from our regular youth rapidplays at MCB were out in force too , it was great to see teenagers Callum Glendinning, Ben Toogood and Calum Magennis all up for the challenge! And on the university front, we had students Eddie Khanzharov, Matthew Dougherty, Cathan Gormley and Jake Patterson, all enjoying the two hours of blitz fun.

One final mention to Adam Rushe, UCU Vice-Tournament Director. He delivered an excellent running of the tournament chat room. This Friday (3rd April) will see the Ulster Open Bullet from 8pm to 9pm. This is open to players from all around the world so no password is required. You can join the tournament at this link:

https://lichess.org/tournament/4x3kWxhz

For those wanting a slower tournament, join us for the Ulster Cyber Rapid Championship #001 on Sunday 5 April from 6pm to 9pm. Time control is 10+5 and you will need a password for this event. Contact Brendan Jamison or Adam Rushe

https://lichess.org/tournament/0PaldEoo

Report by Brendan Jamison, Ulster Chess Union Tournament Director