December Blitz results

Our Christmas blitz tournament saw the largest attendance at the club for several years, including some past members who hadn’t been seen for far too long: it’s amazing what the offer of mince pies can do! The surprise winner was Fintan Hegarty who, although rated in the lower half, scored an outstanding 6/7. He started by beating top seed Brendan Buckley; lost in round 2 to club founder Ronan Duke, who showed he is not out of practice despite not playing for several years; and then scorched through the field with five straight wins. Second equal, with 5/7, were Denis Ruchko, Brendan Buckley, Jason Rawlinson, and Fintan’s younger brother Conall Hegarty. The grading prize, for the best performance by a player in the lower half (who does not also win the tournament!) was won by young Kynesha Ryder on 4/7, doubtless the first of many prizes for her.