The Northumbria Summer Handicap groups have produced a bevy of dramatic last-round matches, with both Forest Hall teams qualifying for the Cup semi-finals, while two Gosforth teams have made it through into the Plate semi-finals.
Northumberland’s long journey to the Counties Championship Final ended as they were outgunned 10-6 by Surrey at Newark-upon-Trent last Saturday, despite valiant efforts against a higher rated team.
As any England football fan can tell you, the final matches of group stages in knockout competitions are when things get really tense. In the Northumberland Chess Association Summer Cup and Plate, the group stages are now nearly concluded.
The annual Northumberland and Durham Rapidplay Championships attracted a strong field last Saturday, with players of all ages and strengths taking part.
Northumberland have qualified for the equivalent of the FA Cup Final of chess for the second time in the county’s history, thanks to a thrilling win over higher-ranked Kent.
Whether it is the football Euros or the T20 Cricket World Cup, the group stages of any sporting competition are all about the hope and the glory. The underdogs hope of qualifying, while everyone wants the glory of ultimate victory.
Handicapping in sports, from pro-am golf tournaments to spread betting, has traditionally been used to make events between stronger and weaker competitors more interesting for participants and punters wanting to bet on the outcome.
The fickle English summer can throw a spanner in the works of even the best-laid plans, with downpours from the heavens disrupting everything from an election launch to cricket matches. Thankfully, indoor chess events cannot be rained off, and the summer months are a popular time to stage all kinds of tournaments, from one-day rapid and blitz events to long-play international congresses.
For the third year running, the County Durham Chess Congress hosted a maximum capacity of 162 entries at Darlington’s Dolphin Centre last weekend.
The 2023-24 George Sell Trophy, an annual competition run for Under 2000-rated players by the Northumberland Chess Association, is set for a tantalising four-way shootout after the tournament ended in a tie.