Published 20 Aug 2009

Report on 2009 Worcs Megafinal and Simultaneous Exhibition

Megafinal held Sunday 17 May

This junior tournament received over 160 entries and 65 of them won prizes at Worcester. Of these Worcestershire prize-winners, 34 went on to the Northern National Gigafinal where Leo Tsoi proved himself best under-11 boy. Four Worcestershire juniors also claimed second places Joseph Friar in the under-10 boys, Kaiser Malik and Chris Smith shared second in the under-17 boys and Dani Malik was second in the under-18 boys. Leo has been invited to the Terafinal stage and Joseph, Kaiser and Chris to the Terafinal Challengers being held at Warwick 22 August 2009.

The event receives significant support from the University of Worcester who provided the venue free of charge for the Megafinal. The price for community hire would be in the region of £250. The University porters, caterers, cleaners, reception and security staff also did a splendid job for the event.

The overall tournament director was Andy Moore who was assisted by section controllers: Michele and Ian Clack, Nick Comerford, Lee Davis, Andrew Farthing, Teresa and Jim Friar, Lyanne Furniss, Mark Jeffrey, Colin Reed, Clare Robinson, Tracey Snowdon, and Giles Stanton. I received administrative help before the event from Lesley and John Collett. Other help such as with setting up, clearing away, looking after our celebratory guest was received from John Clark, Lorraine and Malcolm Cooper, Jeremy Greenow, and Steve Mellor. The bookstall was provided by Mike Dagg-Jenden. The event takes place only because support from volunteers and I am very grateful to them.

Click here for links to further coverage of the Worcestreshire Megafinal winners and their progress at the national Gigafinal.

Simultaneous Exhibition held Saturday 16 May

This event was also held at the University of Worcester and took advantage of the presence of Grandmaster Keith Arkell, English Chess Champion in Worcester for the Megafinal. Fourteen players who included 5 juniors, took part. Keith completed the exhibition without loss scoring 12 wins and two draws. Peter Kitson and Steve Mellor were the only two players not to succumb. Visit the news story for pictures and further coverage of this event.