News Archive

2012-3 season news

Louth win National Minor Club championship

25 Aug Julie Johnson reports. The Midlands was assured of a winner as both finalists were from the MCCU area. Louth (Lincs) defeated Fenton(Staffs) 3 -1 in a match at Syston, Leics. The full result was (Louth players' names first): (1) John Grasham 1 - 0 Rob Taylor; (2) Ian Scott ½ - ½ Steve Emmerton; (3) Gary Scott ½ - ½ Neal Davies; (4) David Scott 1 - 0 Mike Smith.

Midland parents at UK Chess Challenge Terafinal

18 Aug. Sam Milson (Louth, Lincs) won the major tournament for parents and Jim Friar (Kidderminster, Worcs) shared second place. For junior successes click on the "juniors " button above.

Midlanders' results at the British with Marple players to the fore

12 Aug. GM David Howell won the championship with 9½ points a point-and-a-half clear of the best Midlands players GM Mark Hebden (Leics) and GM Stephen Gordon (GMC). GM Gawain Jones also shared in second. Ameet Ghasi (Warks) and Daniel Fernandez (Marple, GMC) scored 7 points. Sarah Hegarty (Marple, GMC) won the British Women's Championship. Keith Arkell won Think Drink's Champion of Champions title for his combined scores in the British, the Bullet Chess Challenge and the British Team Blitz. David Anderton (Staffs) shared second prize in the British Seniors Tournament, Robert Taylor (Ashfield, Notts) 2nd= in the u150 Seniors, and Graham Shepherd (Church Stretton, Shrops) was first in the u130 Seniors' Tournament. Nic Fallowfield (Stourbridge, Worcs) shared 2nd in the u180 championship; Robert Willougby (West Notts) shared 1st= in the British u140; and Stephen Crockett (Redditch, Worcs) shared 1st in the u120 championship; and Daniel Abbas and Mitchell Burke (both 3Cs, Oldham, GMC) shared 1st in one of the 5-day Open tournaments.

Sharon Daniel is first Midlands player to gain a title at Torquay

6 Aug. Sharon Daniel (Worsley, GMC) was crowned British Under-11 Girls' Champion. See junior news for other midland juniors' results

4 Aug. Daniel Abbas and Mitchell Burke (both 3Cs, Oldham, GMC) shared first place in the first week Open tournament; Graham Shepherd shared second place in the Soanes u150 weekender; Richard Leaper (Westminster, Birmingham) shared second place in the Yates u125 weekender. Midlands players from Greater Manchester dominated the top end of the second Rapidplay with Dan Fernandez (Marple), Andrew Horton (3Cs, Oldham), and Mike Surtees (Bolton)sharing second place. In the first Rapidplay GM Mark Hebden (Leics) shared second place.

Check your new grade

29 Jul. The new ECF grading list is out. The site has been redesigned making it simpler to check your results. The help file on the site states: "Players are advised to check that their current-season results (as published on this site) are correct. Please check as the season progresses: don't save everything for the July/August logjam. Remember, however, that games will not appear at once. Leagues usually report only twice a year, and congresses vary in promptness. In the case of incorrect or missing results, your first contact should normally be with the organisers of the event. The ECF can only grade what organisers send. But it will always correct errors which can be confirmed by the organiser, by the local grader, or indeed by the opponent. There will be cases where it is best to contact the Grading Administrator direct.

MCCU players at the Britsh

28 Jul Mick Norris & Ray Collett report. Midland GMs and IMs at the British are Keith Arkell (Worcs), Stephen Gordon (GMC), and Mark Hebden (Leics) and IM Dan Fernandez (GMC). Other leading Midlands players include a strong contingent from Greater Manchester: Ameet Ghasi (Birmingham), Sarah Hegarty (Marple, GMC), David Coates (Lincoln), Andrew Horton (3Cs, Oldham, GMC), Ali Jaunooby (Denstone, GMC), Steve Jones (Padgate, GMC), Alexander Longson (Marple GMC), Don Mason (Shirley & Wythall, Birmingham), Richard Weaving (Solihull, Warks), Peter Mercs (Gambit, Notts), Mike Surtees (Bolton, GMC). The webeditor and Mick Norris have spied our junior organiser, David Levens (Nottingham), and the following midlanders playing in the British Seniors: Paul Timson (Heywood, GMC), David Anderton (Walsall Kipping, Birmingham) and Jim Nicholsdon (GMC). Pete Mulleady (Gt Lever, GMC), Daniel Abbas and Jamie Horton (both 3Cs, Oldham, GMC), Tim Hilton and Francis Moan (both Denton, GMC), Phil Olbison (Chorlton, GMC), Mark Wtitehead (Rochdale, GMC) play in the Major Open. Please let me know of other Midlands players, especially juniors at Torquay.

23 Jul Ray Dolan, CEO reports. Ali Jaunooby (Denton, GMC) receives the MCCU bursary for playing in the British and Mitchell Burke (3Cs, Oldham, GMC) as the highest placed in the GP who does not already have a place in the British has been nominated to receive the MCCU place.

Wolverhampton's Chess in the park

21 Jul, Ray Dolan reports. Ray, MCCU CEO, wowed the crowds at the Wolverhampton Show playing members of the public at the club's stand organised by Paul Walters. Visit Wolverhampton Club's website for pics of Ray with Dominic Holmes, Staffs under-8 champion. Dominic started playing 3 years ago after visiting Wolverhampton CC's stand at the show.

Midlands youngsters on way to Terafinal

13 & 14 Jul. In the Delancey UK Chess Challenge, forty school children from the Midlands book their tickets to the Terafinal and an equal number qualify for the plate competitions at Loughborough, Leics in August. See junior page for more news.

Leamington win National Intermediate Club Championship

14 Jul, Julie Johnson reports. In spite of the teams being very evenly matched in terms of grades, Leamington trounced Maidstone for the Intermediate championship 3½ - ½. The winning team was Steve Burnell, Ben Graff, Tom Darling, and Andy Collins. The Midlands is assured a second championship team in the postponed Fenton (Stoke-on-Trent) versus Louth final for the Minor club championship to be played on 25 August. For results of other National club championship matches, visit the ECF website.

Shropshire and Staffs win county titles

13 Jul Alex Holowczak reports. Midlands interest in the counties' championships was focussed on the u140, u120 and u100 events. The Midlands were assured of at least one title because Warks played Staffs in the u120 with Staffs coming out clear winners 7½ - 4½. Shropshire secured a splendid 9 - 7 win against Kent in the u140, while Notts went down to Essex 7 - 5. The 2013 county champions are Surrey. See county national stage 2012-3 page for full results of these matches and ECF website for other matches and games.

Peter Sherlock new County Team controller

10 Jul, CEO Ray Dolan reports. Peter Sherlock (Lincs) has accepted an invitation to fill this important role in addition to continuing his role as Director for Grading.

Manchester and Bolton juniors win school trophies

9 Jul, Andrew Martin reports. The ECF National School under-19 national champions are Manchester Grammar School. In the final they comprehensively beat Reading School 5 - 1. Their 6-board team sported Dan Fernandez on board 1 and their lowest graded player was 166. Bolton Girls School claimed the under-11 girls title with 13 points. For further details visit the ECForum.

GM Arkell wins blitz at Purley

30 Jun ECF website reports. Leading Midlands player Keith Arkell shared first place with Alex Longson in the Big Slick blitz tournament. In the tournament proper, Keith was behind teenager winner Yang-Fan Zhou.

Northants juniors win under-13 Minor Counties trophy

30 Jun, from Yogesh Jina on ECF website. Northamptonshire juniors scored 15½ points and were 2½ points clear of runners-up Kent and Sussex in the ECF National under-13 team Championships held at Elstree. The best performing Midlands county in the under-18 team event was Greater Manchester on 12 points who ended in mid-table. Greater manchester were also best Midlands team In the Open under-13 championships, where they were tenth on 5½ points.

Nottingham Rapidplay winners

23 Jun, Robert Richmond reports. Stoujan Ivanov (4½ points, Bulgaria) was ahead of Midlands players David Coates (Lincoln)and Samuel Milsom (Louth, Lincs) on 4 in the Open. Janos Wagenbach (Mansfield) won the Major; Jonah Willow (W Nottingham) the Intermediate; and Peter Housden (Bedford) the Minor. Just under 100 players competed in this event organised by Robert Richmond.

Ray Dolan new CEO

22 Jun. A well attended MCCU annual meeting saw changes at the top. Ray Dolan (Staffs) takes on the CEO role and Andrew Farthing (Worcs) is Chairman. Members paid tribute to the work over many years CEO Julie Johnson and Events Director Cyril Johnson (both Leics), who are retiring.

Left: New CEO Ray Dolan with Eunice. Right: Retiring CEO Julie with retiring Events Director Cyril.

Leek Rapidplay winners

16 Jun, Roger Edwards reports. Oliver Jackson, Alex Richardson, and Glenn Halfpenny shared first prize in the Cheddleton (open) tournament with 5 points from 6 games. In the St Edwards tournament (under-150) Richard Leaper (Westminster, Birmingham) and Graham Shepherd (Church Stretton) were first on 5½ points. Just under 100 players took part in this tournament organised by Roger Edwards. Full results are on the Tournament Director website.

MCCU annual meeting agenda and papers

14 Jun. The agenda and most director's reports have been distributed by Julie Johnson, CEO, to officers and delegates. They are available here.

Three Midlands teams through to national finals

8 Jun. Shrops u140, Warks u120 and Notts u100 teams make it through to their finals at Warwick. Lincs in the Minor and Warks u160 lost. Quarter final results from Notts u160 and Staffs u120 are awaited.

MCCU annual meeting on 22 June at Lichfield

3 Jun. The annual meeting of county delegates is on Saturday 22 June at The Bowling Green, Friary Road, Lichfield Staffs WS13 6QJ starting at 2pm. Individuals who want issues discussed should contact their county secretary or delegate. Anyone who would like to be considered for roles in the MCCU, please contact Julie Johnson. One of the items likely to be discussed is MCCU's recommendations for restructuring the County team Championship tournaments.

MCCU Director publishes detective novel

2 Jun David Levens reports. David Levens, MCCU Director for Junior Chess, has just published Death of a Woman Master. The book, the first in a planned series, is structured around a real game. The book is currently available as an e-book for Kindle from Amazon and paper publication is planned for September.

Seven Midlands teams in counties' semi-finals

18 May. In the senior tournament, Staffs lost to Kent despite Lawrence Cooper's fine win against GM Neil McDonald. In the other competitions the Midlands are represented by Lincs in the Minor; Notts and Warks in the u160; Shrops in the u140; Staffs and Warks in the u120 and Notts got a free ride into the u100 semi-final. For detailks see ECF website.

Super Saturday for Midlands UK Chess Challenge coming

Four UK Chess Challenge Megafinals coming on Saturday 18 May with a further event on Sunday. Nearly three thousand competitive games will have been played in the Midlands by the end of the weekend!

Staffs player claims world record

16 May. At 4:21 am Matthew Carr (Cannock & Rugeley) and Frazer Greenroyd (Uckfield) claimed the Guiness World Record for continuous chess play. Play started on Monday and continued for over 41 hours and 2 minutes. This world record was sponsored by Keele Economics and Finance Society.

Nottinghamshire Juniors 4th in final

11 May. In the English Primary Schools Chess Association under-11 finals, Nottinghamshire were fourth. Winners were Sussex. See more on the junior news page.

Ashwin Kayana gets Ritson Morry prize

1 May, Stewart Fishburne reports. Birmingham & District Chess League have awarded Ashwin Kalyana (Halesowen, Worcs and Warks) the prestigious Ritson Morry Junior prize for 2012-3. Well done, Ashwin!

Notts u180 and Shrops u140 teams through to quarter-finals

27 Apr. The only two Midlands teams with a preliminary round match in the county championships get through.

Ali Jaunooby leads Midlands Grand Prix

27 Apr. With results now in from all congresses, Ali Jaunooby (Denton, GMC) leads the pack followed by Mike Surtees (Bolton, GMC) and Anthony Hynes (Warks). Results are subject to checking and verification by the Events Director. There were seven congresses and five players participated in three or more events. See detailed scores...

Burnett wins Nottingham Congress

22 Apr. Jim Burnett (Mansfield, Notts, pictured on the right) was first in the Open on 4½ points followed by Mike Surtees (Bolton, GMC) and Claudio Maglione (Grantham, Lincs) on 4. Dragoljub Sudar (Gambit, Nottingham) won the Major on 4½ points and John Mckeon (Milton Keynes) the Intermediate also on 4½. Andrew Sutton (Nottingham Central) and Anthony Welch (Rolls Royce, Derby) shared first in the Minor tournament. One hundred and fifty players took part, the Midland's largest weekender controlled by Neil Graham and organised by Robert Richmond.

Consultations on county team championship rules

22 Apr Julie Johnson reports. Julie asks county team captains to let her know what points you would like made at the 14 May teleconference between the national and union controllers about proposed changes to rules in item C18.17.

MCCU annual meeting in June

22 Apr. The annual meeting of county delegates is on Saturday 22 June at The Bowling Green, Friary Road, Lichfield Staffs WS13 6QJ starting at 2pm. Individuals who want issues discussed should contact their county secretary or delegate. After many years service, Julie is retiring from the positions of CEO and county team controller. Cyril Johnson is also retiring from his roles as Events Director and Chairman. Anyone who would like to be considered in these soon-to-be-vacant roles, please contact Julie.

Mark Hebden wins British Bliz Championship

20 Apr. GM Mark Hebden (Leics) scored 9½/11 to win the championship held in Birmingham. Second was IM Petro Golubka on 9 and third were: GM Keith Arkell (Worcs) IM Thomas Rendle, and IM Ameet Ghasi (Warks) and Junior winner Marcus Harvey all on 8 points. The tournament controller was Alex Holowczak and full results are on the ECForum.

Mark Hebden wins Staffordshire Open

14 Apr. GM Mark Hebden (Leics) on 4½ points was ahead of second placed Ali Jaunooby (Denton, GMC) 4 points and third placed Tomasz Sygnowski (West Bromwich, Staffs) on 3½. In the Major (u160) Ian Emory (Warley Quinborne, Birmingham) shared first with Robert Clegg (Courier, Huddersfield, Yorks) on 4 points. The Minor (u120) was won outright by Adam Bennett (W Nottingham) with 4½ points. Full results are linked from the Staffs CA website. The tournament was controlled by Matthew Carr.

Midlands county team nominations for national stages

5 Apr. At the end of the Midland Counties stages, the following Midlands sides go into the national stages: Open - Staffs & Warks; Minor - Derbys & Lincs; u180 - Notts & Warks; u160 - Notts & Warks; u140 - Shrops, Warks, & Staffs; u120 - Worcs, Warks & Staffs; u100 - Leics & Notts. Default dates for the preliminary, quarter and semi-finals are 27 April, 18 May and 8 June. The finals will be played at the Trident Centre, Warwick on 13 July - in spite of this webmaster falling for the SCCU 1 April message! - thanks Alex and Mick Norris. Click for updated ECF 2012-3 rules.

One event to go in Midlands u-150 Rapid Grand Prix

2 Apr. After the Manchester results, Steve Crockett (Redditch, Worcs) still leads, but Philip Shaughnessy (Urmston, GMC) is second within striking distance as are joint third placed Sam Beardmore (Cheddleton, Staffs) and Robert McClean (3Cs, Oldham, GMC). There is one more event to come, Nottingham on 23 June.

Dramatic final round favours Carlsen

1 Apr. Carlsen won the candidates' tournament in London and the right to challenge Anand to the World Championship. See details.

Ali Jaunooby wins Bolton Easter Egg

31 Mar. At the Bolton Easter Congress, Ali (Denton, GMC) was placed first in the Open with 4½ points from 5 games. The Major (u170) was won by Adam Tyton (Bolton, GMC) and Robert Taylor (Preston); and the Knights (u135) tournament by James Moreby (Jesmond). Alan Walton (3Cs, Oldham, GMC) won the Busy Person's Blitz on 8½ points outright. Other winners and details on the ECForum.

Joseph McPhillips wins Manchester Rapidplay

17 Mar, Mick Norris reports. The young Bolton player scored 5 from 6 games to win the Open section. Tim Hilton (Denton, GMC) won the u160 Tournament; Kevin Ye and Robert McClean (both 3Cs, Oldham, GMC) shared first place in the u130 tournament; and Jack Healings (Cheddleton, Staffs), Tom Green (GMC Juniors) and Jack Mundy (3Cs, Oldham, GMC) shared the lead of the u100 tournament. The event at the City of Manchester Etihad Stadium was opened by Tony Lloyd, GMC Police Commissioner, and Elain Boyes, Lord Mayor, Manchester presented the prizes. Controllers were Rod Middleton, Julian Clissold and Fiona Green.

Three share Warks Open

2 & 3 Mar ECF website reports. Don Mason (Shirlkey & Wythall, Warks), Henrik Stepanyan (Sutton Coldfield, Warks), and Akito Oyama (Cambridge) were first in the Open on 3½ points. Robert taylor (Preston) and Brian Macreamoinn (Wilton) were first in the Major; Sam Herring (Oundle, Northants) Rick Weston (Witney) and John Manger (Blaby, Leics) shared first in the Intermediate on 4 points; and Stephen Crockett (Redditch, Worcs), Jason Madden (Leamington, Warks), Harunbu Oyama (Cambridge) and Alan Woollaston (Mutual Circle, Birmigham) shared the first prize in the Minor, all on 4 points. Leaminton and Mutual Circle clubs shared the team prize and James Kearney won the junior prize.

Ankush Khandewal win gold medal at BUCA championships

16 Feb. Ankush took the individual gold medal at the British University Chess Association's congress in High Wycombe, Bucks. His team, Warwick University, were just pipped to the post by Imperial College and had to settle for the silver medal in the team competition. Seventeen teams competed in this event organised by Alex Holowczak and David Welch. See the BUCA website for game scores and full results.

Joseph McPhillips' lifetime best at Bunratty

9 Feb. Joseph, Bolton's Wunderkind, was placed 4-5th with 4½/6 behind winner GM Michael Adams (5½/6), GM Short and IM Richard Bates. Staffs' IM Lawrence Cooper finished mid-table. Midland GM Mark Hebden won the Bunratty Classic. More results on the Chessdom.com website.

Steve Crockett extends lead in Rapidplay GP

7 Feb. The Stockport RP results are now in and Steve Crockett (Redditch, Worcs) has extended his lead over Philip Shaughnessy (Urmston, GMC). Sam Beardmore, the junior from Cheddleton & Leek, Staffs is third.

Bloxwich Juniors give ECF President hard time

2 Feb. Roger Edwards vetured into the lions den of Bloxwich, Walsall juniors for simultaneous display. Roger took on 17 players with grades going up to 170. Roger won 9 drew 4 and lost to 4. Read more...

Alex Longson wins Stockport Rapidplay

27 Jan. The Open was won by Alex Longson (3Cs, Oldham, Gtr Manchester) with 5 points. Dean Hartley (Amber Valley, Derbys) won the Major and Angelica Dean (3Cs, Odham, Gtr Manchester) the Intermediate. In the Intermediate, talented junior Robert McClean (3Cs, Oldham, Gtr Manchester) triumphed. In spite of snow, numbers were up. The event was controlled by a team led by Rod Middleton.

Draw for national stages of county championships out!
County finals to be played in Warwick

27 Jan. Mick Norris' eagle eyes have found a copy of the draw for 2013. Please note the correct postal address and code for the final's venue on 13 July is: Trident Centre, Warwick CV34 6SW.

GM Stephen Gordon wins Shropshire Congress

6 Jan. Stephen Gordon (Wood Green, London) took first place in the Open on 4½ points. he was followed by IM John Cox (Cavendish, London and a Shrops Lad at heart) and Iolo Jones (Wales) on 4points. Toby Neal (Wellington, Shrops), Nigel Holroyd (Peterborough) and junior Ashwin Kalyana (Checkmates, Birmingham) shared first prize on 4 points in the Major. Matthew Best (Shrewsbury) and George Viczokai (Priors Lee, Shrops). For full results visit the Shropshire CA website. Over players 130 competed. The tournament was controlled by Dave Thomas and organised by Francis Best and Steve Rooney. Francis Bowers provided the bookstall.

Gawain Jones wins Hastings

5 Jan. For the first time in many years, a home player has won Hastings. Midlands GMs Keith Arkell and Mark Hebden scored 6 and 5½ points in the 10 rounds.

Midlands Grand Prix leaders

1 Jan. With over 50 players competing so far, Pavel Besedin (Worcester/S Birmingham) leads, but he has played in two congresses whereas his pursuers GM Mark Hebden (Leics) and Adam ashton (3Cs, Oldham, GMC) have played in one congress only. In the Rapidplay GP, Steve Crockett (Redditch, Worcs) leads over 100 players and is pursued by young Jacob Boswell (Cheddleton & Leek, Staffs). Again the leader has played in more events showing the more you play, the greater the chance of finishing top!

Midlanders at Hastings

28 Dec. GMs Mark Hebden (Leics) and Keith Arkell (Worcs) and Ali Jaunoobi and Adam Ashton(both 3Cs, Oldham,GMC) play in the Masters and five Midlands club players participate in the Christmas tournament. To see the latest results visit Hastings International Chess Congress.

Bury rapidplay results

3 Dec, Rod Middleton and Bernard Sharples report. Adam Ashton (Urmston, GMC) won the Open with 5 points from 6 games. In the u171 there was a triple tie between Brendan Brown (Clitheroe), Dominic Rabbitte (Heywood) and Neil Coward (Liverpool) all on 5 points. The u131 tournament was won by Evan Wood (Chorlton, GMC) with 5½. More results. The congress was generously sponsored by JonSimon Estate Agents.

Nottingham HS win school tournament

2 Dec, Richard Simpson reports. Visiting teams won the first two places in Birmingham & District Junior League team rapidplay tournament. Highest placed BDJCL team was King Edward's Camp Hill Birmingham. Ten school teams competed.

County match results

2 Dec. Three share the lead in the u140 championship and Leics win in the first u100 match this season.

Roger Aris wins Hereford Anniversary tournament

1 Dec. Roger Aris was placed first with 4½/5.

Happy birthdays Hereford!

29 Nov. Yes it's really plural: Hereford Chess Club celebrates double anniversaries. It's the 50th year of continuous play since refoundation in 1952 and the 200th year since there was first a chess club in the city. See Martin Smith's webpage.

PC Gibbs Correspondence Championship to be played by e-mail

18 Nov. Cyril Johnson, MCCU Events Director, invited Midlands correspondence players to compete in the 2012-13 individual tournament in which moves will be transmitted by e-mail.

Bolton rapidplay results

11 Nov Rod Middleton reports. Robert Shaw (Buxton) and Pavel Besedin (S Birmingham/Worcester) shared first prize in the Open on 5. Ali Jaunoobi (Denton, GMC) was second on 4½. Mick Connor (Great lever, GMC) won the Major and Jacob Boswell (Cheddleton & Leek, Staffs) the Knights tournament. Ninety players took part. More results.

New ECF president Roger Edwards

11 Nov. Newly elected president, Roger Edwards (Cheddleton & Leek, Staffs), in an e-mail today tells me players can get in touch with Roger "with questions/suggestions/concerns [about English Chess] I will do my best to follow them up. I may not have any success or achieve anything for them but it will give them a chance to air their views". Roger's election manifesto stated: "First and foremost, I believe that the interests of the grassroots chess players should be paramount."

Warwickshire win first Midland counties title

27 Oct. Warks beat Notts 10-6 for the u180 championship. Staffs u120 beat Notts.

Mark Hebden wins Guernsey International

21-27 Oct. The Leicestershire GM was joint first with 6 out of 7. Fellow Leicestershire player Martin Burrows was also well placed 4-9th with 5 points.

Amy Milson wins Scarborough Minor

20 Oct. Amy Milson (Louth, Lincs) was one of three Midlanders to make an impression at the annual congress at Scarborough. She won both a junior prize and shared her section prize with Michael Harper (Nottingham Gambit) and John Manger (Blaby). Full list of winners.

Young Midlanders qualify for English Closed Under-11 Championship

Oct 14 David Levens reports. Seven Midland players qualified for places in next year’s England Under 11 Team trial: Jonah Willow (Nottingham) scored 4; Joseph Boswell (Staffs) 3½; Andrew Fergusson (Birmingham), Akilesh Huria (Nottingham), Helena Constantinou (Nottingham), Sam Smith McGloin (Nottingham) all scored 3. Some young players such as Adam Bennett (Nottingham) were too young to qualify this year neverthless scored a very healthy 4 points from 5 games. Fifty competed with a large home congingent from Nottingham of which 9 completed half-norms.

ECF delegate's report

13 Oct. Andrew Farthing, the MCCU delegate, has submitted his report of the last ECF meeting at Birmingham.

GM Mark Hebden wins Birmingham & District FIDE Open Rapidplay

7 Oct. Mark was undisputed first with 5½/6. IMs Ameet Ghasi (Birmingham) and Lawrence Cooper (Stafford) were second on 4½. Andrew Price (Leamington, Warks) and Tom Robinson (Redditch, Worcs) won the Major. Three players: Will Robinson (Bristol), Garry Evans (Olton, W Mids) and Rick Weston (Witney, Oxon) shared first in the Intermediate while James Cole (Magdalene Coll, Oxon) was first in the Minor tournament. Over 120 players took part. Full results are on links from the BDCL entry form.

ECF Chess book of the year

5 Oct. The choice for 2012 is one of the most original chess books the judges have seen for a number of years. Move First Think Later by Willy Hendriks (published by New in Chess, £18.99) More ...

GM Mark Hebden first at Leicester

30 Sep 2012. On home ground Mark (Leicester) again proved invincible in the open section with 4½ points. Ameet Ghasi (Birmingham) and Peter Mercs (Gambit, Nottingham) followed on 4 points. Alan Ruffle (4½ points, Sadlincote, Derbys) won the Major, and Toby Hoch (4½ points, Braunstone, Leics) the Minor. Over a hundred players competed, an increase on last year. Full results on Leicestershire website.

Ameet Ghasi wins Leamington Rapidplay to celebrate IM title

9 Sep. Ameet Warwickshire's newest IM amassed 5½ points to finish in sole first place displacing GM Hebden into second in the Open section. Astighik Stepanyan (Sutton Coldfield, Warks) was sole first in the Major with 5 points; Tom Darling (Leamington, Warks) first in the Intermediate with 5½ points; and Robert Ashworth (Wooton Hall, Glos) first in the Minor on 5 points. Over 100 players competed in this event controlled by Bruce Holland, Alex Holowczak, Neville Belinfante and Adrian Elwin. Full results on Leamington DCL website.

King Edward VI Camp Hill School, Birmingham mid-table in ECF Schools' rapidplay

23 Sep 2012. Played at Eton College, Berks. The only Midlands School in this competition finished on 17½ points and was placed 9-10th out of 17 teams.

Adam Ashton wins Manchester Autumn

31 Aug-2 Sep 2012. Harry Lamb reports. Adam, from 3 Cs, Oldham, scored 4½ from his 5 games to win the Open outright. Alexander Longson (Marple) and Jonathan Nelson (Sheffield N) were on 4 and joint second and Daniel Abbas (3 Cs) won the grading prize with a score of 3½. In the Major tournament, Graham Ascroft (Preston) was first on 4½. Chris Chadwick (Padgate), Adam Tyton (Bolton) and Michael McDonagh (Manchester) shared second prize with 4 points each. John Ryan (Denton, GMC) and Kassim Salman (Chorlton) were joint first on 4½ in the Knights tournament with David Summerland (Leeds) and Arjun Bolina (Chester Juniors) sharing second prize on 4 points. Over a hundred players entered. The event was organised by Harry Lamb, Rod Middleton, Julian Clissold and Chess Direct. Full report with pictures on Manchester Chess Federation website.

Leics enter new team in u100 county team competition, but no more dogfights in the u120

1 Sep. Julie Johnson Reports. There was a net decrease of two teams in the Midlands team competition entries for the 2012-13 season. Shropshire withdraw from the Minor Counties and Staffordshire did not enter the u160 and have just the one u120 team.

Archived news from the 2011-12 season