Horsham Chess Club

Following the Quickplay last week,last night serious chess returned to the club with the first round of the Knockout.

Some of the winners included Chris Heath, Mick Harris , James Mansson, Richard Moorhouse and Ian Comley. Some of the greatest upsets came in the form of draws.

Lucy Bennet-Stevens held Anthony Higgs to a draw despite a 26 grade difference. On a neighbouring board Julie Denning drew with Paul Taylor overcoming an even more impressive 33 points!

A great start to the season for the ladies particularly as the all play alls begin next week.

Last night I presented trophies and shields to the winners in last season's junior competition...

Horsham Junior Chess Club will return the week after the AGM on Tuesday 12th September at the usual time of 6:25pm. We will be presenting the trophy and shields from last year so hope to see you there!

Just a few days to the AGM on Tuesday ... I can hardly wait!

The summer is nearly over! Our new season begins with the AGM on Tuesday 5 September...see you there.

The Weald Congress took place last weekend and is an excellent event which I would recommend to more Horsham players.

Gavin Lock was playing in the Open tournament which was won by Richard Bates (231) and Nick Pert (250). Gavin scored a very creditable 3.5/5 and came fifth.

Lucy Bennet-Stevens won the Anne Gammans cup in the Major for the best female Under 18 performance with a score of 2.5/5. I'm afraid I took a point off her in our encounter as I started well with 3/3 but couldnt play in the final day - there is always next year!

A glance at the website revealed I hadn't posted a report for the final match of the season vs Worthing 2 which confirmed Horsham 1 in second place in Div 1. So here is the scorecard and a puzzle...

The season ended on Tuesday - another fun season with so much more to look forward to next year.

We have our traditional rest over July and August and will meet again on 4 September - see you then!

The well established Weald Congress is coming up shortly - the details can be found at www.wealdchesscongress.org

Every year there is a strong contingent of Horsham players so you will be amongst friends!

As well as the Open competition there is also the Major (under 175), Intermediate (under 140), Minor (under 110) so there is good scope for games around your level

It is a 5 round Swiss tournament with all moves in 80 minites.

Congratulations to Matthew Forster for winning the Knight trophy with a very impressive score of 86% (6 out of 7).

As a club we scored 102 points from 210 games in the MSL leagues and KO which represents 49% .

I have circulated the full results by email but have copied all those with over 50% in the picture. Please remember that those with fewer than 4 games are not eligible for the Knight (hence the shading).