WELSH KO CUP ( Finals Day – Sunday 29th June, 2008) The Welsh Chess Union Finals Day was held at Briton Ferry Constitutional Club ( Home to Briton Ferry Chess Club) on Sunday 29th June, 2008. The Open Cup Final was displayed simultaneously in the lounge below for comment and analysis by Wales’ No1 player IM Leighton Williams with demonstration boards. AM Peter Black ( South Wales West) was invited to hand out the trophies at the end of the day.Approximately 70 people turned out for the occasion ( inclusive of 48 players) and a fine day was had by all. Many thanks to David Merryweather and the committee of the Constitutional Club for all their efforts in setting up the venue, Eric Blackwell and Brian Morris who also helped set out and put away the equipment and IM Leighton Williams who worked tirelessly for over 4 hours analysing the positions. For 90% of this match, it looked as if finally Cardiff was about to break their jinx on this tournament and win the Cup, but hard earned wins by Howard Williams and Iolo Jones,swung the match in Cardigan’s favour. This match was dependant on the bd2 encounter between Nigel Ralphs and Gwynfor Rees – Nigel blundered when slightly better and handed the plate over to Caerphilly. Bridgend cleaned up on the top boards, winning convincingly. Comprehensive win by Aberdare who thoroughly deserved their success. Castell Nedd outplayed Newport on the top three boards to convincingly win the u15oo Cup. Comprehensive wins on the bottom boards for Barry, ensuring an easy win. Glyn Sinnett ( Controller) |