Tournament Reports
Over 300 chess players gathered in the NBLC in Halifax for the big chess rapidplay weekend. A good preparation plus a good turnout saw a fine day of chess. ECF president and TV personality CJ De Mooi was in attendance along with the ECF’s Director of Home Chess, Adam Raoof. Both guests are playing in the event.
In the Open, the fine form of David Howell continued from last year. Although losing his queen to Matthew Payne of Worthing in Round One, David Howell won the game. Mark Hebden later lost to Gawain Jones, whilst Matthew Turner and Richard Palliser did well on the first day, despite odd draws.
David Howell only dropped half a point in six rounds (that a draw to Gawain Jones) to go in as the first day leader on 5.5 points. Gawain Jones, Matthew Turner and Richard Palliser follow on 5 points.
In other areas, the brilliant young Zheming Zhang won the England Under-11 Trial with 5.5 out of 6. The Minor/Intermediate/Major all saw fine first day tournaments. Notables on day one were Kishan Pattni in the Minor with 6 points and Pierre Weller with 6 in the Major.
Ollie Wilson won the Under-16 One Day Junior event with 6 points.
On the second day, it will be interesting to see if anyone can stop David Howell taking the title. Ironically, Mark Hebden faces David Howell first thing Sunday.
– Brent Kitson
Update: Howell continued his excellent form to score 10.5 / 11 to defend his title. The official website has not been updated since yesterday. I will post the standings as soon as they are available.
Official website: http://www.british-rapidplay.org.uk
What’s the time control?