Friday 20 July 2018

Delancey UK Schools' Chess Challenge - 2018 Gigafinals

On 14th/15th July 7 players from Ulster travelled to Manchester to compete in the Northern Gigafinal and test themselves against some of the top junior players in the United Kingdom. Each player had previously taken part in a local qualifier to reach this stage. Over 40,000 children took part in this years Chess Challenge across the UK and only the top 5% reached the Gigafinal.

It was an excellent event run by Sarah Longson. There was an incredible atmosphere in the playing hall and around the venue as all the children battled over the chess board, played during the breaks, made new friends, and ultimately became much better players because of the experience. For players, parents and coaches alike it was an experience to be remembered for the rest of their lives. 

Our local players all acquitted themselves very well in this incredibly tough tournament.







Blake Harris  - U7 Boys

Points Total - 3/6






Ali Shahzad - U10 Boys

Points Total - 2/6
















Taufik Kamal - U10 Boys

Points Total - 3.5/6















Dexter Harris - U10 Boys

Points Total - 4/6






Maxim Dobrynin - U12 Boys

Points Total - 3/6










Minaahil Shahzad - U14 Girls

Points Total - 3/6











James Wong - U15-18 Boys

Points Total - 2.5/6







By scoring 4 points Dexter Harris progressed to the Challenger stage of the competition to be held in Liverpool in September. Well done all the players on an excellent weekend of chess!!









Daniil Zelenchuk stars at the Glorney Cup 2018!!

One of Ulster's brightest young talents, 15 year old Daniil Zelenchuk, was representing Ireland recently in the Glorney Cup. Daniil scored an incredible 5 points out of 5 games including wins against 3 much higher rated players - Natahn Weisman (2003), Ben Volland (1887) and Derk Kouwenhoven (1994). This performance saw him win a medal for best Irish player in the Glorney Cup.

Daniil has had a meteoric rise in Ulster Chess, gaining 750 rating points in 2 years. His recent results suggest it won't be too long before he breaks through the 2000 barrier!





Tuesday 17 April 2018

Irish Junior Champs 2018 Report

6 players from Ulster traveled down to Shannon to compete in the recent Irish Junior Chess Championships and all acquitted themselves very well in this prestigious event.






Eoin and Conor Boyle traveled down from Donegal with Eoin scoring 3/6 in the U12's and Conor scoring 3/6 in the U14's. The two brothers have made considerable progress over the last year and it's great to see their energy and enthusiasm at these tournaments.













Adam Fitzsimons continued his fine run of form by scoring 4/6 in the U10 section. This meant he finished 9th overall and was the highest scoring player from Ulster! Dexter Harris, also playing in the U10's, scored 3/6 and managed to beat the highest rated player in the section!




Louie McConkey managed to score a very credible 2/6 in a very tough U14 section. Daniil Zelenchuk scored 3/6 in the U19 event and finished 9th overall.






Many thanks to John Cassidy and everyone involved for organising this thoroughly enjoyable tournament.



Saturday 17 February 2018

Irish Junior Chess Championships

The 2018 Irish Junior Chess Championships are being held in Treacy's Oakwood Hotel in Shannon on 6th - 8th April. This is a great opportunity for all aspiring local chess players to test themselves against the best in Ireland. Details of the event can be found on the Irish Chess Union website.


Tuesday 13 February 2018

February UCU Children's Chess Event


Saturday saw another fantastic Ulster Chess Union Children's Chess Event run by Mark Newman. As usual the competition was fierce and the standard of play excellent. An excellent report and a list of the winners can be found on the UCU website.

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