Hastings Grand Prix, 2nd January 2011

The Hastings tournament is always timed to coincide with it's big brother - the prestigious Hastings International Chess Congress. At 73, this year saw one of the biggest entries for several years, and would have reached 80 if the traditional Christmas illness hadn't struck some families. It was very pleasing to see over 20 entrants in the Under-18 section.

There are many people to thank for the success of this event:

Catering: Ed Gooda & Debbie Forster
Pairings & Results: Chris Lear
Arbiters and board stewards: Brian Stockham, Tim Woods, Dave Graham, Gary McCulloch

We would also like to acknowledge the support of our parents for giving up their lie-ins to support their children's interest. This was a theme expanded on by English Chess Federation President (& TV 'Egghead') C J de Mooi who took time-out from the adult congress to drop-in to the event and speak to parents.

Chess-wise the standard was very high, with many children hoping to impress the County team selectors. In particular, the U11 Major was very closely fought, being populated with experienced tournament players. In the end only half a point separated the top 6 players with the prizes having to be awarded according to tiebreak rules.

As usual, there were some lovely moments;

• Jonathan attempted to encourage the less experienced players to take more time over their moves by stating that there had never been a loss on time in the U11 Minor......only to proved wrong the very next round!

• 4 year old Laura, youngest of the Borland dynasty, playing her first ever tournament

• 8 year old George Neale choosing to spend his birthday competing

• Callum Brewer proving he has the temperament to become a grandmaster by objecting to some of the pieces in his set because they weren't the right height

Finally, the icing on the cake was a visit from Sussex Grandmaster Stuart Conquest who presented the prizes before returning to the adult congress, where he had won the Weekend Open event, to collect his own prize.

Headline results below, cross tables here, updated Grand Prix placings here, and more photos here.

SJC Chairman Brian Stockham welcomes ECF President and TV 'Egghead' CJ de Mooi, and Stewart Reuben, ECF Director of Marketing.

GM Stuart Conquest presents the prizes