The very hard-fought 10th South Wales International Open finished with four players at the top of the standings on 7/9. Craig Hanley and Jonathan Hawkings, both from England, shared the first prize with two Bulgarians, Vladimir Petkov and Marijan Petrov. All of them got 450 Euros for their efforts.
Petkov arrived as the sole leader to the last round, but only scored a draw against Keith Arkell, who coincidentally is exactly 100 points lower rated than the Bulgarian.
The other three players that ended up sharing first place won their games with white to catch up with Petkov.
The Open took place on 14-19th July at the Penarth Conservative Club, 15, Stanwell Rd, Penarth, South Glamorgan.
Prize winners:
1st= £1000 Craig Hanley (England) 7 £450
£500 Jonathan Hawkins (England) 7 £450
£300 Vladimir Petkov (Bulgaria) 7 £450
Marijan Petrov (Bulgaria) 7 £450
Best non GM Titled player £250 Andrew Greet (Scotland) 6 £42
Olaf Steffans (Germany) 6 £42
Carl Strugnell (France) 6 £42
Ioan Rees (Wales) 6 £117 (Best Welsh)
Paul Cooksey (England) 6 £80 (Best English)
Glenn House (England) 6 £80 (Best English)
Best non titled 2300-2001 £150 Tim Kett (Wales) 6 £125 (Best Welsh)
Martin Brown (England) 6 £87.50 (Best English) British Qualifying
Justin Horton (England) 6 £87.50 (Best English)
Best non titled 2000-1900 £150 Alex Bullen (Wales) 5.5 £75
Richard Bryant (England) 5.5 £75
Best non titled Under 1900 £150 Rhys Bennett (Wales) 5.5 £125 (Best Welsh Junior)
Thomas Thorpe (Wales) 5.5 £125 (Best Welsh Junior)
Best non FIDE rated £150 Sam Jukes (Wales) 3.5 £75
Thomas Turton (Wales) 3.5 £75
Best Welsh U2300 £150 See Above
Best English U2300 £150 See Above
Best non Welsh Junior £100 (Only one) John Hughes (Ireland) 5.5 Free Entry
They should get $1 million.