Speed Chess Winners at Groomsport monthly rapidplay

Our intrepid Chess organiser and journalist Brendan Jamison gives us the lowdown on the Groomsport Rapidplay...

Speed Chess Winners at Groomsport

Last Thursday (28 March), 11 local chess players scooped awards at the monthly rapidplay at Bangor Chess Club.

QUB law student Michael Sheerin was crowned champion with the perfect score of 6/6. He delivered a tournament performance rating (TPR) of 2094 and will play a simultaneous match at Bangor Chess Club on Thursday 4 April.

James O’Fee, rated 1705, was the number 2 seed in the competition and finished in second place with 5/6. He delivered many high standard performances against some very tricky opposition.

3rd place was won by Newtownards player Gary Johnston with 4/6, while his travelling companion from Ards, Walter Wilson, won the Intermediate Championship. Bangor 1 Team Captain Mike McKimm was second in the Intermediate, with returning veteran Ken Browne finishing 3rd.

Meanwhile, in the Junior band, Sam Bowman continued his award-winning season, crowned champion with 3.5/6 and an excellent TPR of 1225. Owen Wilson from Donaghadee delivered some excellent wins to take 2nd place with 3/6 and Richard McClean scooped his first ever tournament award as he came 3rd.

The youth wing of the club were only able to play in the first 5 rounds of the tournament, but nevertheless enjoyed the night of speed chess. 12 year old Ben Toogood from Bangor Grammar was awarded ‘Top Newcomer’ with 3/5 and a TPR of 1042. Meanwhile Regent House Grammar School saw their star chess pupil Callum Magennis take ‘Best Schoolboy’ with a TPR of 993.

The chess season is almost over, with the club finishing in May so if you live in the area, pop along on a Thursday night to visit the club. Whether you are 8 or 98, everyone is welcome and the club actively tries to attract players of all abilities. Chess enthusiasts gather every Thursday from 7:45pm to 11pm at Groomsport Parish Halls.