Seaton player Jon Underwood took part in the 25th Dorset rapidplay championship earlier in March, before coronavirus cancelled everything.
Despite many late withdrawals the field was still a strong one with three players rated over 200 headed by British top ten player and Grandmaster Matthew Turner. At the half way stage Jon was on 2.5/3, just half a point off the lead, but his next opponent was Harry Grieve (213). Jon managed to win a wild game with the black pieces, and so had to face Ian Thompson (208) in the fifth round, again with black. Another draw left him in overall second, but unfortunately his final round opponent was to be Matt Turner who was leading with 5/5.
Somehow Jon managed to defend a very awkward endgame, earning his first ever draw against a grandmaster in the process. It was only good enough for fourth place overall, but still the best performance of his chess career.
Seaton entered two teams into the Devon Team Quickplay that took place on the 22nd Feb 2020 at the America Hall in Pinhoe, Exeter.
This event comprised 10 teams of 4, playing over 6 round with 10min + 3sec/move increment for each game.
It is a pleasure to announce that Seaton's 'The Flying Dutchmen' tied joint first with a formidable Exeter team and Seaton's 'The Flying Dustmen' won the best U450 trophy (pictured being collected by Hazel).
Wed 29th January 2020
open to all members and non-members
to be held at
Seaton Chess Club
Town Hall
Fore Street, Seaton
EX12 2LD
Rate of play
7 min + 3 sec increment per player for all moves
6 rounds
6.45pm – 9.15pm
Entry Fee: £3 (£2.00 juniors) on the evening
Prize for winner
and grading prizes
to enter contact
Paul Hampton
email:
Tel: 07711 519655
A great performance from Jon Underwood saw him come 1st= with Jos Haynes to share the Plymouth Rapidplay Trophy scoring 5/6. Steve Dean also played well and received a grading prize.
Jon collecting the Tony Tatam Trophy
Steve picking up his grading prize.
Full results can be found here.
Another great evening of fast paced chess with Jon Underwood winning the tournament with 5.5/6.0
There were lots of prizes for those placed 1st and 2nd in the grading section.
