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!