National Chess Week Children's Competitions
Methodist College Belfast 25th October 2003

Barnardo's, The British Land Company PLC and Chess Academy joined forces to launch the first ever National Chess Week, beginning on Monday 20th October 2003. The aim was for more than half a million children and young people throughout the UK to have the opportunity to play at least one game of chess during the week and raise £500,000 for Barnardo's at the same time.

The Ulster Chess Union in association with Methodist College, Belfast organised a rapidplay tournament for National Chess Week on Saturday 25th October with all proceeds going to the charity. A total of £500 was raised on the day.

There were three separate competitions. Numbers were boosted by a large contingent from Londonderry organised by Mr Allan Turnbull. Cairnshill Primary School had the most entrants from any Belfast school with 16.

There were 67 entrants. There were 5 rounds and the children played their opponents with both the White and Black pieces, giving each player a total of 10 games. Winner was one of the Derry players, Leon Hulleman with 9 points from his 10 games. Second was Rory Hopkins from Cairnshill Primary with 8.5, and third (on tie-break) with 8.0 was Conchobhar Kerr, another Derry player.

This was for children in Forms 1 to 3 (Years 8 to 10) and 17 took part on a 6 round Swiss system format. Winner was Anandagopal Srinivasan of Methodist College with 6 wins from his 6 games. Second was Daniel Quigley (Derry) with 5.0 and third on tie-break was Eimear Kerr (Derry) with 4.0.

This was for those in Form 4 (Year 11) and above. 6 players competed in an all-play-all format and 3 players finished level on 3.5 points. On tie-break Richard Morrow (Campbell College) was declared the winner with Chris Millar and James Wu (both Methodist College) respectively second and third.