A ‘Ufo’ landed at the Wrekin Congress and carved a swathe of destruction
through the leading ranks of Shropshire’s chess players. Bel Ufodike
beat the likes of Nick Rutter, Nigel Ferrington, and David Everington on his way
to victory in the Premier, the top section of the annual tournament, the biggest
chess event in Shropshire’s calendar. A point clear, Ufodike’s win was
already in the bag when he took on Simon Fowler, Shropshire’s strongest
player, in the final round. Had 17-year-old Simon won, he would have had a share
of the first prize. But Ufodike, who plays for Whoberley (in Coventry), was
anything but wobbly.
“Away” players also won both the Major and the Minor sections, meaning a
complete shutout from the top prizes for Shropshire players. There were 103
competitors in the event held at Madeley Court Centre on Saturday and
Sunday. Toby Neal
Results
1st Bel Ufodike Woberley 4.5/5
2nd = Simon Fowler Coddon
Alex Richardson Cheddleton 3.5/5
Nigel Ferrington Telepost
U165 R K Taylor Preston
John Parrott Shrewsbury
Nick Fallowfield Stourbridge 3/5
Dave Gostelow Shifnal & Telford
1st Graham Ashcroft Preston 4.5/5
2nd Nigel Holroyd Peterborough 4/5
3rd = Francis Best Shrewsbury
Keith Tabner Telepost
George Davies Wrexham 3.5/5
Andrew Price Leamington
Robert Clegg Huddersfield
Toby Neal Wellington
U125 Phil Bull Warley Quinborne
Craig Whitfield Cheddleton & Leek 3.5/5=
Colin Eckloff Whoberley
1st = Denis Seale 4.5/5
Aled Walker
3rd Gareth Hampson Oswestry 4/5
U85 Paul Broderick Newport 3.5/5
Andy Jones Shifnal & Telford
Best Junior Aled Walker 4.5/5