Wrekin Congress 2007

Martin Mitchell (Blackpool) is this year’s Premier winner with 4/5.

With his nearest rivals only drawing in the last round it left Martin only needing a draw to secure the victory, which he duly achieved.

Colin Eckloff (Whoberly) won the major with 4/5.

It may only have been half a point better than last year

but as the table shows half a point makes a big difference in the Major.

David Hollands (Telford) scored a perfect 5/5 to win the minor.

Despite previously being graded above the grading limit David is now ungraded (having not played in the league for a decade). Being a bit rusty he didn’t have high expectations and was allowed to enter the minor.

Beware anyone playing him when he is back to his best!

Wrekin Congress 2007 Results
	Premier		Major		Minor
1st	Martin Mitchell	4	Colin Eckloff	4	David Hollands	5
2nd	Russell James Jane Richmond Alan Byron Andrew McCumiskey	3.5	Steve Tarr Craig Whitfield Keith Tabner Derek Perks	3.5	Andy Tunks	4.5
3rd					Simon Jones David Molineux John Simmons	3.5
Grade	U 170 David Cooper	3	U130 Graham Shepherd Mike O’Mahoney Andrew Moore Windsor Peck	3.5	U85 David Buckley	3.5
Grade	U160 David Everington David Jameson Brian Gosling	2.5	U120 Chris Lewis	3.5	U70 David Lovegrove	3
Top Junior	Gavyn Cooper	2.5	Chris Lewis	3.5	Ieuan Fenton	3.5
Junior 50%			Craig Whitfield	3.5	Alex Taylor	3
			Henrik Stepanyan	2.5	Athar Mehmood Harinder Dhesi	2.5

There were 105 entries this year, which is about the same as last year. The layout of the room was the same as last year (although it looked a bit different on Friday night). The lighting improvement last year has been complimented by air conditioning this year. (Perhaps a summer event should be considered). There was a slight panic about Gareth’s whereabouts just before 9am but as the question was asked he walked through the door. The room was ready on time and after the welcome but unexpected late entries had been sorted out the congress got started a few minutes later than planned. Dave had few major problems. Ieuan’s attempt to win with a Knight and pawn v Bishop could have presented a problem but his opponent found the right defence and a draw was agreed without Dave having to decide whether progress could be made. Saturday went well until about 7p.m. (Liverpool lost) this was compounded at about 9pm by a member of staff coming over to me to say “sorry to bother you but you do know the centre is closing now.” After a bit of grovelling she agreed to stop until we had finished (about 10:30)! Sunday started on time (although the tea urn had a lie in) and the rest of the day went smoothly. The Prize fund was increased this year and we have made a reasonable profit. Thanks to everyone who helped in whatever capacity (see below). I hope to see you all next year. Colin Roberts

Pictures from the congress

Thanks go to Controller Dave Thomas, Assistant Controllers Keith Grice and Ieuan Fenton.

Gareth Ellis from Chessmaze Int. who supplied the clocks, sets, scoresheets, pairing cards as well as the bookstall.

Mandy, Annie, Kay, Tab as well as the girls (Kirsty and Emma) who provided the refreshments.

To everyone who helped set up / tidy up before during and after the event especially Windsor and Iain

The Court Centre for the ever improving venue and their staff who were excellent.

To all those who gave a donation/sponsor

and finally for everyone who played without whose support the congress would not exist

Reports from previous years:-2006 2005, 2004