Karina Kruk “steals” the limelight

It’s been an eventful few days in Ulster chess-where do I begin? Last weekend at Stormont, Karina Kruk “kruised to a krushing konquest” in winning the Henderson Cup on 5/6, a half-point ahead of joint seconds Martin Kelly and newcomer Ross ”Rolf” Harris. Cathal Murphy was consistent again, picking up the grading prize on 4/6, despite losing the first game below against Martin Kelly.

Rumours that Karina might not have won if she had to play Kelly are unfounded surely? Incidentally, it appears that Karina might also pip Martin for the season-long Tom Clarke Grand Prix by 44.5 points to 40.5, though the latter might have the consolation of winning the Junior Grand Prix like last year.

At the same time and venue, Dubliner Gordon Freeman won the Nemtzov Cup on 5/6, a point clear of Michael Waters in second, with Mark ”Paul” Newman getting the grading prize on 3.5 points. Interestingly, Ryszard Kaczorowski lost his game when his mobile phone went off under new FIDE rules. He did not try to make “phoney” excuses and the other players gave controller David McAlister a “ringing” endorsement of his decision.

QUB might propose the above-named Gordon be made a “freeman” of the city after helping them beat Fisherwick 6-1 at Queen’s on Tuesday night to clinch league division one for the third consecutive time but runners-up RVH Hawks might not agree. Firstly, he was parachuted in midseason from Dublin and secondly there is still a dispute about one of the QUB players using a computer while playing a league game earlier this year. This may well be brought up at the UCU AGM at North Belfast CC, Antrim Road, on Wednesday 2nd June. at 7.30pm. Get there early to avoid the crowd-the AGM should prove “a gem”!

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UCU LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

TEAM	PL	W	D	L	PTS	%
QUB	16	14	0	2	82.5	88
RVH HAWKS	16	12	1	3	81.0	78
FISHERWICK	16	7	2	7	57.0	50
THE AWAY TEAM	16	3	2	11	33.0	25
LAGAN	16	1	1	14	26.5	9

Anand on top of the world

Yesterday, World Champion Anand retained his world championship crown in Sofia, beating Bulgarian challenger Topalov in game 12 to win 6.5-5.5. For Viswanathan, ”nothing” was too difficult - if an “and” was expected at this point of the sentence, you’re not getting one because this is the end of the sentence!

Don’t forget the City of Belfast Championships this Saturday and Sunday, 15-16/5/10, at Maynard Sinclair Pavilion, Stormont.over six rounds. It is split into the Nemtzov Cup for those 1600 and over and the Henderson Cup for those under 1600. For more details, ring David McAlister at 92638857 - remember it’s free for females, under 18s and newcomers - which reminds me of last year’s prizegiving for the Henderson Cup where I beat Karina Kruk in the last round to deprive her of the cup as we finished joint second behind William Storey (but that’s another “storey”) .I announced then:”I didn’t want a “kruk” winning the tournament”!

Finally, Queen’s University play Fisherwick next Tuesday, 18/5/10, at QUB Students Union, knowing a win would win them their third consecutive league division one title. Anything less will hand the title to RVH Hawks. May the best team win!

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“Oils well” that ends well for Malone

In view of the recent Gulf of Mexico disaster, I shouldn’t use any “slick” puns about Malone plucking victory from defeat last week against Bangor Wannabees to win the UCU league division two title, but I couldn’t help it! In the end, it all hinged on the excellent game below, where Ruben’s technique was as skilful and beautifully crafted as any of his namesake’s oil paintings. Perhaps this will be the “platform” for greater success next season. I hope I’m not being a “bore” but I hit a rich “vein” of humour! When Derek Truesdale won a 1980’s game, I said in the “Irish News” that “Derek lifted his game”-get it (Derek=derrick)!

Don’t forget the Summer Tournament every Wednesday starting tomorrow night at 7.45pm and the City of Belfast Tournament from Saturday May 15thto Sunday May 16th,both at Maynard Sinclair Pavilion, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast. Contact Mark Newman (tel.no.91-456638) and David McAlister (tel.no.92-638857) respectively for more details.

Finally, Anand leads Topalov 4-3 in Sofia after 3 consecutive draws-The first to 6.5 points wins the World Championship.

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