10-11
August 2002.
Held at the Marriot Hotel, Grantham.
A
disappointing turn-out all round.
The
B.C.A. Rapidplay Championship was held at the Marriot Hotel,
Grantham on 10-11 August. To provide an even number of competitors,
British Chess Federation (BCF) President, Gerry Walsh, was invited
to take part in the 5-round event. Each player had 30 minutes
to make all the moves. Graham Lilley (St. Helens) and Colin
Chambers (Cheltenham) scored 4/5, but Graham was slightly better
on the tie-break and therefore won the trophy and the title
of B.C.A. Rapidplay Champion 2002. Gerry Walsh finished third
on 3/5.
Colin Chambers verses Gerry Walsh
Just
five blind players contested the Rapid-play Championship. Why
is it that so many blind players feel uncomfortable with this
form of chess? After all, it is about the speed we would play
in a friendly in the pub! Gerry Walsh dashed the 280 miles from
Torquay, where he had been at the prize-giving for the British,
to make
up the number so we could have an all-play-all.
Graham Lilley verses Gerry Walsh
It
was no surprise that Colin Chambers and Graham shared top spot
with 4 from 5. Graham just shaded it with a better tie-break.
Gerry scored 3, Steve Thacker 2, David Hodgkins 1.5 and the
author of this report a dismal .5.
Stan
Lovell verses Gerry Walsh
What
do we do?
How
can we boost this event?
Should
we change the time of year?
Should
we invite Associate members to take part?
Weigh
in with your ideas!
Stan
Lovell Secretary of B.C.A.,
August 2002