Good entry checks in for chess
LAST month's Borders Chess Congress saw players coming from as far afield as Orkney and Somerset, all vying for a share of the highest ever prize pot at a Scottish weekend event.
The tournament saw Somerset's Matthew Turner – a Grandmaster and full-time professional – being installed as favourite to lift first prize in the Findlay's Open and he did just that by outplaying all his opponents for a 100 per cent score.
A relaxed and happy Matt was presented with a 1,000 cheque, the Borders trophy, a bottle of Turnbull's whisky and a Lindsay Grieve champion haggis. Second prize was shared between Martin Mitchell of Blackpool and Newcastle's Charlie Storey.
There was success for the Borders in the Turnbull's Major section with Jannic Konarski's welcome return to form after a lukewarm 2007-08 season. Jannic is too good a player to be out of the prizes for long and a triple-tie gave the Galashiels man a third of the 570 prize fund, plus 30 and the Hamish D. Smith cup for best Borders player.
The Cash Connection Minor was very keenly contested and in the end the 400 prize went to David Cubitt of Edinburgh.
All in all it was a successful and enjoyable weekend, with the friendly but competitive atmosphere being helped along enormously by Simon Findlay's catering and Turnbull's bar facilities.
Complementing the chess tournament was the popular Our Borderland art exhibition, put together by Artbeat, and consisting of around 50 works by local artists which sparked great interest among competitors and visitors.
The special weekend came to a close with an informal concert by local musicians such as Debbie Lyons, Shankend Mac and young fiddler Louise Douglas – all of whom made it a great night which was thoroughly enjoyed.
Local organiser Stephen Palmer Douglas commented: "It was a great weekend and plans are already in place for next year. It was well supported and we attracted 61 chess players."
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Weather for Hawick
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 5 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North east
