On Saturday 19 September, more than 100 players gathered at Fulham Pier for Chess on the Thames. The setting was magnificent, the chess was fiercely contested, and the atmosphere showed what a club tournament can become when it brings players, spectators and the wider community together.
The tournament was a seven-round rated rapidplay, with 15 minutes per player and a five-second increment. After five hours of play, FM Jonathan Ady, CM Mikhailo Kapechun and Alistair Hill shared first place on 6/7. Jonathan took the title on tiebreak.
Alistair was also the leading Hammer, with a superb 6/7. Tony Niccoli, Peter Finn, Meet Shah and Luke Lau produced strong performances too. A special mention goes to Hammer junior Patrick Bao, who scored an outstanding 4½/7 from a rating of 1324.
The response from players was so positive that we shall have to do it again.
What makes the day particularly satisfying is that the Hammers brought it together in just over six weeks. Working with the brilliant team at Fulham Pier, we secured a wonderful venue and introduced chess to more people in the south of the borough. Chess.com brought prizes, expertise and worldwide reach; Westgate Installations Ltd sponsored the event; and DGT boards allowed many more people to follow the games online. GM Daniel King brought his customary insight and warmth as presenter, while arbiters Adam Raoof and Lance Leslie-Smith of Chess England kept the tournament running smoothly.
My thanks to Duncan, Sorrel and all the staff at Fulham Pier; to Daniel, Adam and Lance; and to everyone at Chess.com and Westgate Installations. Thank you, too, to our remarkable Chair, Adam Cranston, and to Jenny Mulholland, Richard Thursby, Fran Zacek, David Steyn, Diana Andrade, Stephen Bleach and every Hammer who helped make the day happen.
When people come together, great things can happen. Bring on the next one.
John White