Grand Prix 4 – Hastings

Hastings Grand Prix, 2nd January 2017

88 players made the journey to St Mary Star of the Sea School in Hastings, a tournament timed to coincide with its big brother – the prestigious Hastings International Chess Congress. This year’s Congress was held in memory of Con Power, who supported SJC events and whose grandson Ben played in today’s Grand Prix.  Sussex Juniors were joined by players from the ‘neighbouring’ counties of Berkshire, Kent, Middlesex, and Surrey.

The highlight of the day for most Juniors was the presence of David Howell who presented the prizes and signed chess programmes. He also held a “Question and Answer” session for parents. David is the youngest chess Grandmaster in the UK, a title he earned when he came second during the 35th Rilton Cup in Stockholm on 5 January 2007 aged just 16. David is Sussex born and bred and not so long ago a Sussex Junior himself. David was joined at prize giving by Niloy Chakraborty, chess teacher from India, and Pam Thomas, one of the organisers of the International Congress.

The U11 Minor section was hotly contested with a good mixture of age and experience, and no fewer than 37 players. First place was shared by Ayden and Hou Ning on 5.5 ahead of Jacob on 5 in third place. These 3 players earn promotion to the Under 11 Major for the Grand Prix in Eastbourne. There were some strong and determined performances all the way through the field. Most of the day’s prize winners started their careers at the lower end of the tournament, so please persevere if that happened to you.  In the tough U11 Major tournament, Roshan visiting from London, scored 5 to finish ahead of Callum and Thomas M. The Top Girl and Top Under 10 prizewinners, Ruby and Solomon, were also from this section.

The Under 18 Minor competition was a very closely fought contest, with 3 players scoring 4.5 points, Ravi edging out Ben and Matthew to secure the trophy on progressives. This also earns him promotion to the Major section. An excellent display from newcomer Henry saw him win the grading prize.

Finally to the U18 major section, where spectators gathered round to witness some of the exciting attacking chess fitting for a section including 7 England squad members. Thomas, who drew his first round game, went on to win the next 5, beating brother Daniel in the final round, and thereby retaining the title. Calum took second place half a point behind and there was a three way tie between Batuhan, Daniel and Giovanni for third place.  Strong performances from Alexander, Daniel, Eryl and Max earned them grading prizes.

Finally, thanks to all the parents for supporting the children throughout the highs and lows of the day, and our tournament helpers :

• Entries – Anita
• Training Room – Anthony
• Tournament Control – Adrian, Andy L, Andy M, Bernard, Catherine, Dom, Jonathan, Peter
• Caroline, Debbie and Keith for their sterling efforts in maintaining the high standards of SJC catering
• Jaideep for photography

Headline Results:

Photos:
 

Crosstables:
 
U11 Minor

Index:
A = Player’s score
B = Number of graded games played
T = Tie Break using Sum Of Progressive Scores

U11 Major
 

Index:
A = Player’s score
B = Number of graded games played
C = Total grading points
D = Grading performance
T = Tie Break using Sum Of Progressive Scores

U18 Minor
 

Index:
A = Player’s score
B = Number of graded games played
C = Total grading points
D = Grading performance
T = Tie Break using Sum Of Progressive Scores                      

U18 Major
 

Index:
A = Player’s score
B = Number of graded games played
C = Total grading points
D = Grading performance
T = Tie Break using Sum Of Progressive Scores