Division 1/2 2021-22

[John Moore]

Nice finish today by Peter Sowray against Nigel Povah.

[Kevin Thurlow]

"Peter Sowray against Nigel Povah."

A victory of youth over experience!

[Ken Norman]

I was amused to see that a team named Guildford Young Guns included two pensioners.
Delighted Guildford does not suffer from ageism.

[NickFaulks]

I was amused to see that a team named Guildford Young Guns included two pensioners.

Young pensioners, though.

[Paul Habershon]

At the Div 3 South chess room I thought there was a distinct absence of coughing compared with previous years. Did anyone notice this at Div 1/2?

[NickFaulks]

At the Div 3 South chess room I thought there was a distinct absence of coughing compared with previous years.

I was partially responsible for that. On Saturday morning I had an unstoppable cough, which I traced to a long and freezing bus journey on Friday with the windows fashionably open. I was fit to play and I expect it would have died off as the day went on ( and of course I tested negative for the Black Plague, though that was never in doubt ) but in our paranoid times you can't play like that, so I defaulted. I am very sorry for the opponent who had a wasted day.

After spending the day sitting at home taking medication to suppress the symptoms, I was able to make the day trip on Sunday.

[Nick Grey]

I tried to get a sub for NF was pleased to see him on Sunday. a good w/e in 3S and hope a june w/e too. 2 wins for csc2 oldies plus 1 youngster

[LawrenceCooper]

"Div 1&2 rounds 10 and 11 are confirmed for 25-26 June at Daventry Court"

[LawrenceCooper]

"The 4NCL will, in line with ECF and ECU policy, not allow players with a RUS or BLR country identification to participate after 14 March, 2022. Such players can change their affiliation to FID free of charge by contacting FIDE. Currently that change will be effective until 31 May and might apply after then too if necessary.

Captains and affected players are advised to monitor the situation with regard to future participation."

[Matt Bridgeman]

Danny Gormally suggests Blackthorne Russia will likely be getting a name change. The team was previously sponsored by a company that ran freight out of Russia.

[Roger Lancaster]

Danny Gormally suggests Blackthorne Russia will likely be getting a name change. The team was previously sponsored by a company that ran freight out of Russia.

"2.4 A fee of £100 will be payable where a change to a club or team name is made during the season".

[LawrenceCooper]

Danny Gormally suggests Blackthorne Russia will likely be getting a name change. The team was previously sponsored by a company that ran freight out of Russia.

It was changed a couple of weeks ago. Russia was removed.

[LawrenceCooper]

Dear Team Captain,

The 4NCL is reverting to its normal rules regarding teams wishing to withdraw from a weekend. Teams not competing, even if Covid 19 related, will not receive any points. Therefore, teams who wish to drop out from the forthcoming weekend should do so by midnight, otherwise the normal penalties will apply. Note that there is no Division 3N taking place.

If you are withdrawing please email me before midnight.

The draw for divisions 1/2, 3S and 3C will be published on Friday morning.

Alex McFarlane

[Jonathan Rogers]

Adams and Shirov playing today, respectively for the two favourites Wood Green and Manx Liberty. In Adams' case he is re-re-joining Wood Green, and playing black v Gawain. I believe that Shirov is making his debut for Manx, having played occasionally only for Wood Green in the past. He is playing White v Matthew Wadsworth. Brave from Matthew to play his Sicilian on this occasion but so far he is doing fine.

[Jonathan Rogers]

what an excellent game by Adair - spoilsport computer says that Speelman had his chance to wriggle out at one stage (...Ra8 instead of ...Nb8) but there really is a temptation to ignore such things when a game is played in this style.

And so, White Rose have their chances of upsetting Wood Green. Never seen so many good positions for White in matches between these two!