Agency steps in to save top level chess contest

Nov 28 2007 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

THE staging of Europe’s most prestigious chess championship in Liverpool next year, which was under threat, has been secured.

The European Individual Chess Championship, due at St George’s Hall in September 2008, had been in danger of cancellation after the Liverpool Culture Company reneged on a funding deal.

The Northwest Development Agency has stepped in with £150,000 to ensure it goes ahead.

Last night chief organiser Prof David Robertson accused the Culture Company board of “blundering”.

Labour leader Cllr Joe Anderson said: “It’s a sad state of affairs that we have to rely on government funding for this, and that the Culture Company does not recognise what’s beneficial to the people of the city.”

Steve Broomhead, chief executive of the NWDA said: “The rationale behind us funding this is that it is a big international event that will attract tourists to Liverpool, which I think is very important. Quite why decisions were made [to cut funding] I do not know.”

Last night Prof Robertson said: “The NWDA recognises the strong economic case for high skills activities like chess. It understands how important it is that Liverpool should present itself to a global audience in these terms.

“The benefits to business, education and civic reputation will be enormous. The Culture Company board blundered when they cut funding.”

The European Individual Championships will be held in September, and the British Championships in July and August.

The Culture Company’s funding cut had threatened the European competition, which is expected to be attended by about 200 players, with about 20m internet viewers.

The cost of the tournaments is around £160,000, although £60,000 of that is for St George’s Hall for the European championship.

Bernice Law, chief operating officer at the Liverpool Culture Company, said: “We have worked closely with partners to secure funding for the Chess Championship, and we are delighted it will go ahead as planned.”

davidbartlett@dailypost.co.uk