6,7,8th July 2001

This year Middlesbrough College played host to the 6th Middlesbrough Weekend Chess Congress. A good turn out of approx 110 players from across the region and beyond battled it out over 5 rounds. Unfortunately there was no analysis room or canteen facilities for players but on the up side the playing hall , car parking and spacious grounds made up for it.

Lots of byes on the Friday night session and then the Cleveland County team had to take off to play in the finial of the English Counties U100 section (which they won!) on Saturday. Still lots of chess to be played as Gerry Walsh gets the Saturday afternoon session under way. Quite a few familiar faces in this picture, can you spot Ray Pallister, Dave Ross?

While I was stood outside talking I was approached by this man who told me he had just walked across a tightrope between two tree's, when I asked why he did this he said he did it for him. Wow! was this man really on this planet (I don't think so). This guy does turn up at most congress's and comes out with some of the strangest things. If you are approached try not to laugh because if you do he may just turn into a massive green blob and gunge you - you have been warned!

Just before I give you the results I would like to thank all the people who contributed to make this congress happen, because without their hard work (voluntary You know) these congress's would probably not take place. Thanks to Gerry Walsh, Karen Watts, Andrew Watts and Lucy on the tea & book stall. Who set all them boards and clocks up? - 

Here's young Andrew Watt's on Saturday afternoon after only 5 minutes of play gone - Look's as though he's going to nod off!
He did work very hard over the 3 days - thanks Andrew!

RESULTS
Open