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The 41st Thanet Chess Congress took place on the weekend of August 20th-22nd at the Christ Church University Broadstairs Campus with 120 players taking part. The Intermediate section (under 140) was the most keenly contested with 39 entries. No fewer than eleven players tied for third place with 3.5 points and the first two could not be separated: Colin Gardiner of Falmouth, a regular at the congress, tying with Derek Hadley of Greater London on four points.
The first player to win a prize on Sunday was Martin Taylor (Rainham) who needed only a draw in the final round to win the Open to add to his shared first place in 2004. 25 players entered this section and special mention should go to Paul Heaton of Writtle who came joint third with 3.5 points giving him a grading performance of 209, 42 points above his current grade of 167.
The only player in any section to win all his games was Martyn Millgate of Birchington who won the Minor (under 115) by one and a half points. Eddie Ridley (Herne Bay) was one of five players to share second place. He won his last three games to achieve a grading performance 52 points above his current grade.
31 players contested the Major (under 165) where the unluckiest player was Paul Jackson of Coulsdon. Going into the last round as leader on 3.5 points, his was the last game to finish but he was eventually overtaken not only by his conqueror, Bob Everson but also by the two young Germans, Florian Ciolek and Florian Johne. The prize money was duly divided between the three.
The congress was another resounding success but events like this do not run smoothly by accident. Many people deserve a great deal of thanks for helping in various ways: Kevin Thurlow was his usual efficient self as controller and I know he was grateful for the contribution of Ian Hames as his assistant for the weekend; John Couzens sponsored the congress again and that is much appreciated as it helps keep the entry fees down and the prize money up; Tony and Eileen Hargreaves give up a lot of time both before and during the congress taking in entries and helping with the catering and Clive Le Baigue oversees the whole operation, books the venue, collects (and returns!) the equipment and does everything else not mentioned. Thanks finally to all those who helped set up on Friday and clear away on Sunday. If I have forgotten anyone, my apologies!
The 2010 Broadstairs Blitz took place on Monday July 12th with fourteen players divided into two teams. The theme this year was the World Cup with Holland hoping to gain their revenge on Spain for their defeat in the real thing the day before. The BBC commentator during the match had described the first half as being like a game of chess but it was hard to see any similarity at the Blitz apart from those representing Holand trying to kick their Spanish counterparts under the table to stop them from playing.
Eight rounds were played – each player was given a bye – and at the end of the evening Holland had indeed gained their revenge on Spain 29-20. There were prizes for the winning team as well as a bottle of wine – South African, of course – for the player with the highest individual score. After a three-way tie between David Horton, Paul Carfrae and John Couzens with six points out of seven, the prize went to John on a tie-break.
Many thanks to all who took part, especially our guest of honour, Clive Le Baigue.
The entry form for the Thanet Congress 2010 is now available to download, Click on the ‘Downloads’ tab to find the download.
The Thanet League Committee is in need of some help with the Congress this summer.
At the moment, Tony Hargreaves is Congress Secretary, a vitally important role, but he is stepping down after this year’s congress and we are looking for someone to take his place for next season. It would be better if the new secretary could learn from Tony this year what tasks are involved and when they are required for. It is essential that this person be free for the weeks leading up to the Congress on Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd August, because that is when we get most of the entries and enquiries. They will also need to be present at the Congress for the duration.
We are also looking for some volunteers for the setting up of boards and clocks, both initially and between rounds, in the region of 60 to 70 sets each time, as well as helping clear things up at the end. Our ECF arbiter has asked us to provide an assistant to help him out with collecting results and other admin duties, so the more volunteers we get the better.
For further details, please contact either Tony Hargreaves on 01227 274885, e-mail: tony.hargreaves@sky.com or Clive Le Baigue on 01843 604124, e-mail: theclive@yahoo.co.uk.
Without willing volunteers, the Congress cannot take place.
1st Alan Atkinson 5pts. 2nd equal Bob Pooley, Oladejo Olaleye, Colin Gregory 4pts.
Grading Prizes. 1st John Clarke +25. 2nd Malcolm Snashall +21.
The first league tables are available on the downloads page. If any mistakes are noticed, please contact Keith Findley.
The results for the 40th Thanet Congress can be found on the Downloads page. A summary of winners followed by full results for each section is included.
The Walker Shield is a four board competition with a grading limit of 120. The Hargreaves Shield limit was raised to 140. Clubs can choose to enter either or both if they wish. The Shield is named after Alan Walker, who left Herne Bay Chess Club after many years as secretary.
There will be a new club joining the Thanet League this season – Seasalter. They meet on the first and third Mondays of the month in the Sportsman Public House, Faversham Road, Seasalter, Whitstable, CT5 4BP. They will be playing in the Walker Shield only, captained by Alan Evans.