President Ross Harris Delivers Chess Simultaneous
Report from our top chess reporter Brendan Jamison.....
Last Thursday (14 March), the President of the Ulster Chess Union, Ross Harris, delivered a special simultaneous match at Bangor Chess Club. While he won all his games, he was still very impressed by the level of newcomers and awarded three prizes at the end of the night.
The ‘Top Female Player’ went to Rebecca McClurg after playing an excellent defence and keeping material even until the endgame. She finished third.
In second place, the ‘Top Male Player’ was 13 year old Callum Magennis from Regent House. A promising young player who’s been scooping up lots of awards during the first quarter of 2019.
In first place, the ‘Last Player Standing’ was awarded to 16 year old Ellen Eachus from Mallusk. With great improvement this season, she has been a welcome addition to the club. Her dad Steven is one of the top players in Northern Ireland and has made a significant difference to the Bangor 1 team this year. Ellen couldn’t wish for a better chess coach!
Meanwhile, at the other end of the playing hall, Division 3 league leaders Bangor 2 beat Strand 3 to extend their lead at the top of the table. On Board 1, 17 year old Ciaran Rowan from Downpatrick secured an impressive draw against veteran Ken Browne, with a rating difference of over 300 points. Boards 2-4 were won by Bangor players Mark Seidman, Gary Johnston and Ben Toogood. On Board 5, the 10 year old speed wizard Adam Fitzsimons from Hillsborough took the sole victory for the Strand team.
