Tuesday night’s first round of the annual Blitz Tournament ended with a clear winner: Duncan Kerr with 8/9.
He was followed by Emil Todorow with 7.5/9. Third place saw a tie between new lad Shreyas Royal and our own Denis Dupuis each with 6/9.
Others from last night with commendable scores were Domenico Amabile with 4.5/9 and Joel Morales with 4/9.
There was no time for Denis and Shreyas to play a decider and therefore on this occasion four players will go forward to the final on 31st July.
This will make no difference to the second round set-up. Two places in the final will still be available to the top scorers in the second round – when it takes place.
A word on this latter subject: last night was interrupted once or twice by roar after roar from the bar area sending players and spectators alike scurrying to the bar for the latest developments in a certain football match.
Amid wild scenes sometimes of jubilation sometimes of despair it was hard for the chess players to maintain concentration and the play was not always of the highest quality.
More than one queen was left en pris.
Arnold
