New English IM

[John Saunders]

I have it on pretty good authority that Tom Hinks-Edwards has just achieved the rating requirement for his IM title. He already has the norms. I am afraid I don't yet have any further details.

[John Saunders]

Tom Hinks-Edwards tells me he achieved his first IM norm at the 4NCL in 1998, his second at the 2004 Paris Open and his third in 2005 in the French League. His current rating is 2393 so it was a question of pushing it over 2400 to qualify for the title. He thinks he achieved this in the first two rounds of the Czech Team League played in October and November. If you want to see for yourself, go to the Czech League website - http://www.chess.cz/db/soutez.php - click on '2.liga B', then look up Tom's club (Sokol Praha Kobylisy) on the drop-down menu headed 'Družstva'. Because league results tend to be submitted after the completion of a full year's programme of fixtures, it may yet be some time before Tom's name appears on the rating list with the letter 'm' against his name. He's been living in Prague for about 2½ years.

[Adam Raoof]

Congratulations, Tom!

[Richard James]

That's excellent news. Many congratulations to Tom.

Yet another titled ex-RJCC member and the second IM from Sheen Mount Primary School.

[Peter Rhodes]

Big grats.