Stopgap became huge success

THE North East online chess league programme finished last week. It was designed and promoted to fill the gap created by the closure of the club venues caused by the lockdown restrictions.

It started as two divisions of six teams and ended as five divisions accommodating 26 teams in total.

Prompted by requests to keep this venture going, Tim Wall, who initiated this venture and managed the programme, is looking at the dates April 26 to June 27 as possible opportunities.

Watch this space!

Now a quick review of Divisions 1 and 2. All fixtures were honoured – a total of 30 matches involving 120 games. Well done to Durham City Chess Club for winning both divisions – a terrific performance against very competitive opposition.

Durham Chess Club has a wealth of talent, both in ability and reliability.

A big surprise in Division 1 is the relegation of Forest Hall A, who were one of the favourites to win the championship, a result partly explained by the loss of some of the three hospital medical staff in their squad for some of the games.

South Shields were fairly reluctant entrants but rose to the challenge and were unbeaten, finishing second – another excellent performance. In Division 2, to confirm the dominance of the Durham clubs, the Durham University team finished second.

Great credit should go to all of the clubs honouring all of the fixtures. Of the 120 individual games only one was defaulted. A word too in recognition of the support given by The Chronicle, which has publicised chess and prompted more players to become involved. Thank you!