British Chess Championships 2024 by Barbara Farrar

British Chess Championships 2024 by Barbara Farrar.

The winner of the British Chess Champion 2024 was GM Gawain Jones who achieved 5 wins 4 draws and no losses. Gawain started the Championships in 3rd position. It was a pleasure to watch GM Gawain Jones at work playing at his finest to take 1st place. I have met Gawain and shook his hand, nice guy!!

Eccles Registered player IM Ameet Ghasi won 4 drew 4 and lost 1. Ameet drew against British Champion GM Gawain Jones. The only game Ameet lost was against the highest rated player in the Championship GM David Howell (2675). It was the longest game I had ever sat through and was totally riveted.

All Ameet needed to achieve GM status was to draw against David Howell but alas it was not meant to be on this occasion. Ameet’s GM status was within arms reach and I reach my arms out to you Mr. Ghasi for making my experience of watching you play a fascinating one! You were only 48 rating points short of reaching the required 2600 needed to achieve your third Norm and GM status. Ameet you will soon be a GM, I’m sure of it and I hope to be around when you do!!

Eccles player Ali Jaunooby took part in the Major Open. He played exceptionally well to have won 5 drew 2 and lost 2 against some fierce competition. Ali, I am so pleased you took part in the British and I was able to watch how you play!! Thanks Ali it was a pleasure to see you in action and hope see you and Leila at the next Eccles A Division League Match xx

I was thoroughly absorbed with following these players during the the Championships and how wonderful it was to watch and listen to the outcome!!

Just to say, this is my first year of properly following the British Chess Championships and I will definitely be doing it again.

Many thanks to everyone who took part in sharing my enthusiasm for the game and appreciating how great it is to watch some of the best top level chess players on the world!

CHESS QUESTION: What is wrong with this chess board that GM Gawain Jones signed and gave to a young Eccles Player Beau at the Manchester Chess Festival as a souvenir. Answers in the comments box below: