Rhyl Congress...

[David Pardoe]

It was the Rhyl Congress last weekend, which unfortunately clashed with some big football games.
Anyone know the results from this event, or have any comments on the action...

Did 4NCL get any exposure at this event... it would be very good if our new 4NCL Northern League included an entry from the North Wales/Cheshire borders next season, following its launch this year...and the promotion of two of its top sides, following the highly successfull Finals w/e at Hinckley a couple of weeks ago.
Yes. more Northern entries for this competition would be great boost for what is an excellent competition, played at some very good Northern venues...for teams of 6 players. Read more about it on the 4NCL website...see results tables, pictures, and reports from Jon Carleton to get a flavour of these events. Has your local area got a team....its a great chance for Northern teams to meet up in FIDE rated competition, and enjoy some really good chess playing conditions in good class venues, which are offering good discounts on rooms....not to mention the social & cameradery...

[Steve Lloyd]

I was at Rhyl and took the score cards home to grade. There were 1st and 2nd prizes plus Grading prizes, however I don't remember any of the GP

OPEN (21 players)

1st = Richard Dineley (Wrexham), M Paul Townsend (York) 4.5/5
3rd = Raymond Illet (Peterborough), Edward Keogh (Preston) 3.5/5

MAJOR - U151 (48 players)

1st Nathanael Paul (Coddon) 4.5/5
2nd = Dean Hartley (Amber Valley), Paul Smith (Brighton & Hove), Matthew Fanning (Atherton), Trevor Blower (Barrow) 4/5

MINOR - U101 (22 players)

1st = Phillip Winstanley (Wigan), Mike Friel (Penyffordd), Johann Power (Grappenhall), Gerry Whitehead (Salford) 4/5

I'm told Mike Friel had a clear win against Johann Power in the final game but offered a draw when Johann began to cry.

Best Junior - Matthew Fanning
Best Female - Syringa Turvey-Cross (2.5/5 in Major)
Best Team - Chester 7.5 points

Compared to last year there were 23 in the Open, 38 in the Major and 22 in the Minor
in 2009 9 Major, 35 Inter, 28 Minor
in 2008 12 Open, 40 Major, 48 Minor
in 2007 13 Open, 42 Major, 43 Minor

Rhyl always seems to clash with the FA Cup final. There was no mention of the 4NCL northern.

[Andrew Camp]

It was a fantastic tournament as always.