Will Anand “topalov” chess throne?

After defeat in round one of the world chess championship in Sofia, Bulgaria last Saturday (see game below), it appeared Topalov had the “Indian sign” over the world champion, but on Sunday Anand fought back to win the second game - so expect exciting times over the next fortnight or so!

I was very busy last weekend, playing in the Phillip Hogarty Memorial Rapidplay in Dublin on Saturday and the QUB Blitz at the Parlour Bar, Belfast on Sunday night. The Dublin event was won by Kilkenny’s Ryan-Rhys Griffiths on 5.5/6, a half-point ahead of Colm Daly, Oissine Murphy and Stephen Moran (the latter beat me in round one). The Ulster scores were: G. Annesley and D. Mallaghan (3.5), P. Morrison (2.0) and M. Kelly and C. Murphy (1.5). The David and Goliath prize of 50 euros went to our own Phillip Morrison (1051). He was able, wearing his red beret, to “beret” his opponent, Dubliner Jack Killane (1860)! Gareth “Ainsley Harriot” Annesley acquired his new nickname after the controller misprinted his surname on the results sheet!

Stephen Scannell and Lukasz Kwiatek scored 4.5/5 at the QUB Blitz on Sunday, a point clear of Eamonn Walls. Scannell was lucky to beat Kwiatek in the playoff as the latter’s flag fell when a queen up! Shane Keers (3 points) said “cheers” when pipping Martin Kelly and Karina Kruk on tiebreak for the under-1600 grading prize, while Pearse O’Brien and Chris McDonald took the under-1200 and best newcomer prizes respectively (“old McDonald had a form” advantage over his opponent in the playoff!).

Finally, here are details of two tournaments coming up soon. First, contact Vincent Bissett at 00 353 16903195 about the Malahide Millenium Tournament at the Hilton Dublin Airport Hotel on May 1-3. (website www.malahidechessclub.com). Secondly ring Mark Newman at 91-456638 to enter the Summer Tournament at Civil Service C.C., Maynard Sinclair Pavilion, Upper Newtownards Rd., Belfast running on Wednesday nights from 5/5/10 to 29/9/10.

Rookie