WDCL Home Published 14 September 2019 Worcs Chess

Ray Collett wins 2018-9 Ball Cup

9 Aug. Collett wins Ball Cup. Malvern hosted the showdown for this competition with Brian Turner acting as Arbiter. Brian in his controller's report wrote: "John had the advantage in the early part of the game, but Ray defended strongly and eventually won a well-played ending with bishops of opposite colours".
31 Jul. Ball Cup final. In the first of two games, John Varilone (Kidderminster) playing white, won a pawn in the late middle game. Although having a good position Varilone allowed Collett to exchange down to a queen and multi-pawn ending still a pawn down. Computers claimed to see a win after about a hundred moves, but beginning to run short of time, Varilone offered a draw.
29 May. John Varilone sets up a decider final against Collett with a win against Waud.
16 May. Vernon retired from the competition because of pressure of work.
10 Jan. Collett and Waud set the Ball rolling, but chickened out with a short draw in a complex position with both players getting short of time.

Seven players competed for the Ball Cup in a six-round all-play-all tournament.

Players Club Grade RaC DW MB JV MC CV WK Total
Ray Collett Worcester 147   ½ 1 ½ 1 1 1 5
David Waud Kidderminster 133 ½   ½ w 1 0 0 2
Michael Butcher Malvern 121 0 ½   0 w + w
John Varilone Kidderminster 121 ½ 1 1   1 + ½ 5
Michael Chester Malvern 110 0 0 b 0   + w 1
Colin Vernon Worcester 95 0 1 - - -   - 1 w/d
Will Kemp Worcester u/g 0 1 b ½ b +  

Nov. New organiser and controller. Brian Turner stepped up to become the controller of the 2018-9 competition.