Saturday 24 September 2022
Colchester Junior Chess September Grand Prix
It was our privilege to have organised the first tournament of the season, which was also the first Grand Prix competition in Essex.
The different sections were amalgamated for the pairings, which led us to the categories of U11, U18 Minor and U18 Open. The entrants who participated were mainly Essex Juniors, but we also attracted players from as far as Kent and Leeds.
With 51 players in the playing hall, the competition was very intense throughout. Most players in the Open, including the top boards in each section, used their time in each game up to the last seconds, trying to earn or not lose the full point. We also had a few players attend their first tournament, who were rather inspired than discouraged from the games they played. All these are just wonderful and breathtaking.
Congratulations to the winners and all the players. No matter how tough the tournament was, we finished each game with something learned and how to be better on the next one.
Thank you to all the volunteers, arbiters and parents who made this another fantastic event to remember.
Very grateful to Melinda Wilde, who catered for our stunning photos of the event. A selection of photos can be found here.
Tournament results can be found here
See you all for the upcoming event, the Chelmsford tournament.
Best wishes on behalf of the Colchester Junior Chess Club Committee,
Michael Catabay
Colchester Junior Chess Club Chair