Past Tournament Reports

A bumper entry of 156 competitors took part in the above event, an increase of 18% on the previous tournament held in 1998.

In the OPEN section (20 competitors) IM Nick Pert of Ipswich won a decisive last round encounter to claim first place with 5/6. Three players shared second place on 4.5/6, including IM James Sherwin.

The MAJOR section, for players graded below 155 (54 competitors) saw a close contest throughout but in the end Brian Thompson of Consett emerged victorious with 5.5/6. Jim Nicholson of Melton Mowbray finished a clear second with 5/6, and five players came equal 3rd with 4.5/6. Encouragingly, both grading prizes in this section were shared by local players

In the STEVE HOUSEGO MEMORIAL section, for players graded below 110 (82 competitors) two players went into the last round with perfect scores, and Martin Rogers of Kilburn emerged victorious to win the event with a perfect score of 6/6. Lincoln White of Kynoch came second with a score of 5.5/6, and two players shared 3rd place with 5/6.

Prizes in this section were presented by Mrs Audrey Housego, mother of Steve.

The event proceeded very smoothly and avoided the problems encountered at the previous event, for which thanks are due to the entire controlling team (John Robinson, Tony Wright, Mike Barnes, Brian Hayward, Gill & Peter Turner) and to the caterers. Thanks are also due to Mike Barry of Long Eaton, who assisted with the distribution of entry forms.

It is hoped that the event will take place on the equivalent date next year.

A late surge of entries brought the total number of competitors at the event to 140, slightly fewer than last years total but good none the less.

In the OPEN section (14 competitors) Mark Hebden was the only titled player competing and after an early scare went on to dominate the event , winning with 5.5/6. Three players shared second place with 4/6 (John Molyneux, Breadsall; Jason Dailey, Grantham and Stewart Haslinger or Formby) and the two grading prizes were won by Alan Byron of Wigston and Isaac Iglesias of Belper.

The MAJOR section, for players graded below 155 (42 competitors) saw a close contest throughout and in the end two players, Peter Mcintosh of Cowley and Ray Forey of Derby/Mickleover shared first place with 5.5/6. Five players came equal 3rd with 4.5/6 and they shared both third place and both grading prizes between themselves.

In the MINOR section, for players graded below 110 (84 competitors) two players went into the last round with perfect score, and a quick draw ensured that Luke Williams of Bottersford and Mathew Palmer of Louthshared first place with 5.5/6. Indicating the closeness of the competition, five players finished just half-point behind on 5/6, sharing the remaining prizes between themselves.

Once again, a representative of the sponsors, Nelsons Solicitors, was present to present the prizes and Ray Dolan, MCCU Publicity Officer was also on hand to take photographs of the various prize winners. The event proceeded smoothly throughout and now seems to have established itself on the local chess calender . It is hoped to hold the event at the same venue next year to attract an even larger entry.

An excellent entry of 135 took part in the tournament making its return after three and a half years absence, which made for closer competition in all three sections.

In the OPEN (13 players) International Masters Matthew Turner and Geoff Lawton were the top seeds and took control early. A quick draw between them in round 4 ensured they shared first place with 5.5/6. Encouragingly, local players won all the remaining prizes in this section.

In the MAJOR (Under 155 – 42 players) three players went into the last round on 4.5/5. The only winner was G. Chisango of Chorlton who thus claimed the first prize of £75. Three players shared second on 5/6, indicating the closeness of the competition.

The STEVEN HOUSEGO MEMORIAL (Under 110 – 80 players was the most strongly contested of the three events, as is shown by three players (G. Walker of Loughborough, Luke Williams of Bottesford and Matthew Tapp of Solihull) all sharing first place with 5.5/6. The prizes in this section were presented by Mrs Audrey Housego, mother of Steve, and she very generously donated a plate, which will be engraved and presented to the joint winners shortly.

Despite a few technical problems, the event can be considered a success. It is hoped to improve both the organisation and the prizes (especially in the lower sections) for next year’s tournament.

Home | Email Me | Entry Form
Tournament Details | Tournament Directions