Horsham Grand Prix, Farlington School, 22nd November 2009

Another fantastic turn-out for the third grand prix of the season - for some of our youngest children this was their third tournament in as many weeks.

Thanks to Joy Baggs, Headteacher of Farlington Prep, for the spacious venue; and to the Farlington girls who swelled the ranks of the U11 tournament and whose behaviour, cheerfulness, effort and perseverence were a credit to the school. Special thanks to Charlotte and Lucy Hourihan who - arriving in good time - were 'rewarded' with the task of helping to set the tournament up; which they embraced enthusiastically.

We are very grateful to family unit Chris and Sue Howell for the smooth running of the pairings, and to Ed Gooda who stepped in to help with the cross tables at short notice. Also to the regular arbiters, Brian Stockham & Dave Graham. Catering, as usual, was heroically held together by Mandy North, ably assisted on this occasion by Derek Ferguson and Lesley Simpson.

There were many good performances; but the prize for unluckiest contestant has to go to Freya Finnegan. Freya consistently performs to a high standard, and is always impeccably behaved. Today, she scored an excellent 4.5; yet not only missed out on 3rd place, but also on the U9 age-group prize, both on progressives.

Latest Grand Prix placings are available HERE.

Click HERE for a photo gallery from the day.

Cleck HERE for analysis of some king and pawn endings from games played at the tournament.