Greenisland FC Chess Summer Scorcher Blitz Tournament

Greenisland FC Chess Club hosted a successful hugely successful blitz tournament on the afternoon of the 18^th July 2021. Just like the weather, the chess was scorching with three sections and 32 players competing to take away the trophies. This was the largest tournament since the onset of the pandemic and Covid Safety Protocols were applied throughout.

In the Senior Section Mandar Tahmankar took first place with a blistering 7 wins out of 7. In second and third place were Gareth Annesley and Nick Pilkiewicz. It was great to see players of this level compete at Over the Board Chess again.

The under 1400 grading prizes went to newcomer Sanket Sawant and the ever more fearsome Ethan Cole.

In the Intermediate Section, GFC Chess’s own Matthew Moreland came first with an undefeated 7 wins out of 7 games. In second place was Strand Chess Club’s Blake Harris. Peter Murphy from GFC Chess came in third. Best newcomer went to Rueben McBurney from Bangor.

The most competitive section was undoubtedly the Junior Section with 10 players fighting it out over 9 games. The parents were more exhausted than the kids at the end. This was an amazing achievement by all the players on a very warm day, and especially as it was the first tournament for nearly all of them.

The winner was Max Hudson with 7 points out of 9, in second place was Leon Gourley, with Jake Duddy in third place. The best newcomer award went to Alfie Moffett. GFC Chess took a clean sweep in this section. But every player deserves massive credit in playing 9 games against very tough opponents.

Overall it was a great day with everyone enjoying themselves and their chess. A big thank you goes out to all the players, to the parents and grandparents from bringing the kids hanging around and supporting them. Also thank you to FIDE Arbiter Adrian Dornford-Smith for providing expert advice and direction throughout.

GFC Chess will meet on the 23^rd July from 7pm to 8:30pm for learners and from 8:30pm till late for those of all ages and abilities who want to come and play and learn. We are taking a two week break and will be back on the 13^th August. Watch the social media channels for updates. If you want to know any more about the Chess Club email Chris Dorrian at greenislandfcchess@gmail.com.