Chess hopefuls battle it out in ‘magnificent’ hall
MORE than 700 talented chess players will battle it out at St George’s Hall over the next two weeks during the British championships.
The event organisers say the 105-year-old tournament has never been held in such “magnificent” surroundings.
Matches began at the weekend, and the championships were officially opened yesterday by the Lord Mayor, Steve Rotheram, city council leader Warren Bradley and Wallasey MP Angela Eagle, a former junior champion.
It is the first time Liverpool has hosted the event, part of a series of chess tournaments to celebrate Capital of Culture year.
Last year, the hall’s concert room was the site of the UK-China Summit Match and the International Open.
This September the celebration culminates with the 4th European Individual Chess Championships at Liverpool’s World Museum.
English Chess Federation congress manager Stewart Reuben said: “I have been all over the world for chess events and I have never seen chess played in such magnificent surroundings.
“St George’s Hall is splendid and the restoration fantastic.
“The programme is free to spectators. At 2.45pm Andrew Martin is giving his opinions on play, and admission to this is also free.”
Plans for the event started three years ago, when Liverpool player David Walsh was congress manager. He wanted to bring the prestigious competition to his home city as part of the 2008 celebrations.
He said: “We are in the middle of a sweep of four major events building up to the museum in September. Where better to host this event than St George’s Hall?”
A total of 11 Grand Masters are attending the event and Gawain Jones, 21, one of England’s youngest players with the title, was presented with a bursary from the John Robinson Trust yesterday as part of the celebrations.
Several titles are up for grabs during the competition, including British champion and junior champion, with prize money of up to £5,000.
Open competitions run throughout the event and there are rapid plays on Sunday August 3, which have time limits on play.
For information on how to enter, go to http://www.englishchess.org.uk/events/bc2008
