Gosforth charity blitz aids Alzheimer’s Society

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(Newcastle Chronicle, 8 March 2024)

Sunderland chess legend David Mooney showed he can still beat the best at quick time limits, winning Gosforth Chess Club’s charity blitz tournament on March 2.

Mooney, who has played for South Shields since returning to over-the-board chess in 2018, was the region’s top player for two decades in the 1980s and 90s, playing at International Master strength without losing a league game in several seasons for Sunderland YMCA.

The charity blitz raised a total of £430 for the Alzheimer’s Society and attracted a total of 36 players to Gosforth Empire Club for the six-round Swiss tournament, with a time control of 10 minutes per player.
Participants came from Gosforth, Forest Hall, Jesmond, Newcastle, Newcastle University, South Shields, Tynemouth and Tynedale chess clubs.

Mooney beat tournament leader Andrew Dunn (Ashington) in round six to overtake him and take the Open trophy.
Final leading scores were: Mooney 5.5/6, Dunn, Andrew Burnett and Tim Wall (both Newcastle) 5.

The Under 1800 trophy went to Marco Checchi and the Under 1400 title was won by Jere Koskela.

In the Northumbria League, promotion and relegation battles are producing excitement. While Newcastle A (18 points) are already Division 1 champions, at the foot of the table Tynemouth (4) need to overtake Jesmond (5) in the last round to avoid automatic relegation.

In Division 2, leaders Gosforth Salters have stumbled, suffering a surprising 0.5-3.5 defeat against Forest Hall Foxes to finish on 15 points from 10 matches. Newcastle University A (12 from seven matches) can overtake them, while Gosforth Salters would face a playoff match against Jesmond or Tynemouth.
At the bottom of Division 2, South Shields B (2 points) look set for relegation, while Forest Hall Foxes (6) are likely to face a playoff match.

In Division 3, the title race is between Tynemouth B and Gosforth Centurions (both 15 points), but Tynemouth have a game in hand.
Lower down, Forest Hall Woodpeckers (1) are certain to be relegated to Division 4, with Morpeth B (4) likely to face a playoff.

Division 4 is between Gosforth Hawthorns (16) and Leam Lane Bullets (14, with a game in hand), while Forest Hall Squirrels and Morpeth C (both 2) are battling it out to avoid the drop.

Newcastle University B lead Division 5 with 16 points (with two matches to play), followed by Forest Hall Owls (10, with four matches left).
Leam Lane Comets (4) are likely to be relegated, while Alnwick B (7) look set for the playoffs.

In Division 6, Newcastle B lead with 12 points (and three matches to play), ahead of Alnwick C and Tynedale A (both 9, with two matches to play).

PUZZLES

Puzzle A: Tim Wall (Black) to play.

Puzzle B: Andy Burnett (Black) to play.

Puzzle C: Richard Rapport (Black) to play.

Puzzle D: Parham Maghsoodloo (White) to play.

Answers:

A: 1…Qh1+ 2 Kf2 Rf3 checkmate.
B: 1…Rxb3+! 2 axb3 Qa1 checkmate.
C: 1…Be6! 2 Rxa8 g2! 0-1.
D: 1 Re4! (preparing 2 g4, trapping the queen) 1…Nxe4 2 Rxe4 g5 3 g4 Qxh4 4 Nxh4 White wins.