Sussex U9 & U11 Championships - November 2003

Sussex U11 Championship (29 Nov)

59 players competed for the Sussex closed U11 championship.  With 5 of the players in the competition having achieved either full qualification or half qualification for the England trials next year, this was always going to be a keenly fought championship.

The championship culminated in the final round with David Grant and Rhys Cumming, both on 5 points battling for the championship.  After a long fought match which saw Rhys's down to the last minute on his clock, the two players agreed a draw, and shared the title.  George Salimbeni defeated Ben Blundell on board 2 to secure second place, also on 5.5 points and Farris Ziyada took third place on 5 points, squeezing out Christopher Linnett on progressive scores.

The Schools title was taken by Hellingly, with Great Walstead in 2nd place (following a recount!). 

Sussex U9 Championship (15 Nov)

Only 22 players competed in the Sussex closed U9 Championship, but this did not detract from the quality of the tournament, with over 10 players having a realistic chance of winning.

In the end Dehlia Alimbetova, from Cottesmore school (originally from Khazakstahn) won with 5.5, ahead of Joseph Quinn (Dorset House) and Ben Rudling and Tristan Andrews (both Ditchling), all on 4.5.