Annesley wins Kilkenny Major

Kilkenny used to be the biggest annual congress in the whole of Ireland, but in recent years it has ceded that title to Bunratty. Indeed this year only 205 competed in Kilkenny's four sections, quite a bit down on the usual numbers - signs of the credit crunch biting? Still there was still a good sprinkling of GM talent in the Masters, won by English GM Tony Kosten.

There were two Belfast players in the 44-player Major for those rated between 1600-1999. Gareth Annesley (pictured left) started the final round half-a-point behind the leader Liam Porter but then beat him to secure undisputed first place with five points from his six games. Danny Mallaghan failed to repeat his 2006 victory in this event, losing his final two games to finish on 2.5.

The only other Northern raider was Cathal Murphy, competing in the under 1200 Challengers. He finished on four points, with both his losses being against two of the joint-winners.

You can find a report on the event and crosstables for all four sections at the Irish Chess Union website.