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The final entry of
162 represented a modest increase on last year’s disappointing figure,
but still leaves much room for improvement.
Of particular concern was the failure of the top two tournaments to
sustain acceptable numbers. Last
year’s experiment with changing the boundary of the Major Tournament had
the desired affect, but it appears that the side affects may be at least
as bad as the original problem.
Much thought will be given to format for next year, with regular
participants being invited to contribute their views.
On the positive
side, the revamp of the premises that had occurred the previous summer
came as a pleasant surprise to the players.
The old Examination Hall has been converted to laboratories, so we
had to move downstairs into the gymnasium.
Previous experience downstairs had been of a cold and stark room.
However, the new cushioned floor, new glazing and slightly more
room made for an excellent venue.
Upstairs, the renovated Senior Library and associated areas were
absolutely wonderful. Many
players offered their thanks for a very enjoyable weekend.
A number of strong
players that I would regard as regulars were missing from the Premier
Tournament, and one of my tasks before next year is to establish whether
there was anything that I could have done to influence that.
Last year’s winner, Grandmaster Peter Wells, got off to a
definitely shaky start, but he rallied to share first prize at the end.
James Mansson, who had won the Major Tournament the previous 2
years, promoted himself to the Premier this year and acquitted himself
quite well by sharing a grading prize.
The Major
Tournament was a very close race, finally won by Michael Rabbitt from
Swindon
. There were at least
half a dozen players in the Premier who could have moved down to the Major
with a good chance of winning it.
The higher number
of players in the Minor Tournament meant that the result went to the last
round, but Talal Shakerchi from Ashtead looked solid throughout and
emerged the winner by half a point.
The only 100% score
of the weekend was achieved by Thilagini Anandajeyarajah from
Richmond
who won the Novices Tournament.
She is only 13, and definitely one to watch for the future.
The News trophy for
the best performance by a local player was awarded to Humphrey Lwambula
who lives in
Fareham
.
Pat McEvoy,
Director
PRIZEWINNERS
PREMIER
=1st
P Wells, IGM (Portsmouth) 4.5 / 6 £400.00
F Rayner (St Leonards) 400.00
=3rd
J Lappage (Swindon) 4 140.00
T Weber (Brighton) 140.00
=5th
R Webb, FM (Yateley) 3.5 30.00
J Radovanovic (Surrey) 30.00
U180
G Lock (Crawley) 50.00
=U175
R Almond (St Leonards) 2.5 17.00
J Mansson (Billingshurst) 17.00
W Purkiss (Eastleigh) 17.00
MAJOR
1st
M Rabbitt (Swindon) 5.5 / 6 150.00
2nd
M Cutmore (Ashford) 5 100.00 (42 players)
=3rd
M Ashdown (Ryde) 4.5 45.00
H Lwambula (Fareham) 45.00
U150
B O'Gorman (London) 3.5 25.00
=U140
S Pride (Cambridge) 3 9.00
J Peet (London) 9.00
G Banda (Trowbridge) 9.00
MINOR
1st
T Shakerchi (Ashtead) 5.5 / 6 120.00
=2nd
A Waldock (Guildford) 5 75.00
N Cannon (Beckenham) 75.00
4th
D Halley (Swanley) 4.5 30.00
=U120
J Taylor (New Milton) 4 13.00
J Burgis (Brighton) 13.00
=U100
H Gold (Coulsdon) 3 5.00
M Periasanymanjula (Ashtead) 5.00
M Kaye (Weymouth) 5.00
D Black (Portsmouth) 5.00
D Brooks (Brighton) 5.00
NOVICES
1st
T Anandajeyarajah (Surbiton) 6 / 6 60.00
=2nd
C Winter (Crowthorne) 4.5 22.00
D Burt (Poole) 22.00
A O'Hara (London) 22.00
V Agius (Havant) 22.00
R Ward (Portsmouth) 22.00
The
News Trophy for the best performance by a local player was awarded to
Humphrey Lwambula of Fareham. |
