February Blitz Results

The February blitz, held on Thursday 21st, was again marked by the absence of our long-standing regulars; indeed, the only such people present were our ever-enthusiastic juniors, and the ever-diligent organizer. Maybe holding it the day before the start of Bunratty proved not to be a very bright idea. Fortunately there were a fair few newcomers (and relatively new comers) so that the numbers were just about respectable. Just to show that the juniors don’t yet have it all their own way, the tournament was won by Pete Morriss with seven straight wins. Our juniors came second, third, fifth and sixth – the interloper being our star junior of some fifteen years ago, Dara Murphy. The best of the juniors on the night was Denis Ruchko, who came second with 5½ points. The rating prize was awarded to the highest performer who does not yet have a rating, and was shared by Yuliya Makarenko and Shane Murray on 3 points.