Darlington hosts summer events

/in

(Newcastle Chronicle, 18 April 2025)

As summer approaches, the chess action switches from weeknight league matches to weekend tournaments.

The Durham Congress is at Darlington’s Dolphin Centre from May 11-13. It includes Open, Major and Minor tournaments, plus a one-day junior event on Sunday 13.

Top players include Alnwick Grandmaster Danny Gormally, Newcastle FIDE Master Andy Burnett and Ukrainian junior Maksym Larchikov. To enter online, go to: https://durhamchesscongress.co.uk.

There are several junior tournaments around the region this summer. The UK Chess Challenge’s Teesside MegaFinal is at Yarm School, Stockton-on-Tees, on Sunday May 4, and Northumbria MegaFinal at Royal Grammar School, Newcastle, on Saturday June 14. To enter, go to: https://delanceyukschoolschesschallenge.com.

The North East EJCOA Qualifier is at Jesmond Library on Sunday 25 May, from 12 noon to 4:00pm, with Under 10, Under 14 and Under 18 sections. To enter, go to: https://ejcoa.co.uk or https://northumbriamasters.com, or contact the organiser, Tim Wall, at: timpeterwall@gmail.com.

The Northumbria Masters is at Darlington’s Dolphin Centre from August 20-25. Along with Open, Challengers and Major tournaments, the congress includes an outdoor chess festival on Saturday August 23. For full info, go to: https://northumbriamasters.com.

Some of the Northumbria League divisions have already been decided.

In Division 1, Newcastle Dragons (17 points, one match to go) look set to claim their second title win in two seasons after they pulled ahead of Gosforth Empire (also 17 points, all matches played). Leam Lane Aces (3) are relegated, while a dogfight between Gosforth Salters (8) and Jesmond Monarchs (7) will decide the second relegation spot.

In Division 2, South Shields Arbeians (15, two matches to go) and Gosforth Regents (15, all matches played) are promoted. Gosforth Centurions (4) are relegated, along with either Morpeth A (10) or Alnwick A (8).

Promotion favourites in Division 3 are Gateshead and Leam Lane Bullets (both 14), while only one of Gosforth Hawthorns, Forest Hall Titans and Morpeth B (all on 8 points) will escape relegation.

Newcastle Jesters (20) have wrapped up the Division 4 title, ahead of Forest Hall Phoenixes (19), who are also promoted. At the foot of the table, Alnwick B (4) are relegated, along with either Gosforth Jedis or Tynemouth C (both 7).

With two matches to play, the top two Division 5 teams are promoted: Jesmond Knights (22) and South Shields Sand-dancers (19). The scramble to avoid relegation centres on Alnwick C (5), Forest Hall Griffins (8), Morpeth C and Forest Hall centaurs (both 9).

In Division 6, both Gosforth Siths (21) and Newcastle Cavaliers (19) are safely promoted.

PUZZLES

Puzzle A: Anton-Plat, 2024. White to play.

Puzzle B: Del Rio-Troncosco, 2024. White to move.

Puzzle C: Edouard-Vlachos, 2024. White to move.

Puzzle D: Kantor-Starosta, 2024. White to move.

ANSWERS:

A: 1 Rxf7+! Kxf7 2 Qf6 mate.
B: 1 Rxc8! Raxc8 2 Nef5+! gxf5 3 Nxf5+ Kg8 4 Qxf6 Qf8 5 Nxh6+ Qxh6 6 Qxh6 wins.
C: 1 Rxe7+! Rxe7 2 Qxg6+ Kh8 3 Qxh5+ Kg8 4 Rg3+ Rg7 5 Rxg7+ Kxg7 6 Qh7 mate.
D: 1 Rxf7+! Kxf7 2 Rc7+ Kf8 3 Qd6+ Kg8 4 Qxe6+ Kf8 5 Qf7 mate.