Ulster Chess Yearbook

On a scale of 1 to 10 I'd give the Moscow Olympiad about 7. It lost marks for food, playing conditions and weather but gained for being an interesting place to visit, for team spirit amongst the Irish Contingent and for the relatively good placing of the Irish teams. Dubai is still my favourite (10/10).

I was involved in a number of well-played games in Moscow but unfortunately all by my opponents. In fact going into the last round my score was Played 7 Won 1 Drew 2 Lost 4. On the way down from my room on the 23rd floor to ground level in the hotel just prior to the last round match I suddenly realised I was standing next to the world champion, so close in the crowded lift that I could feel his breath on my neck. I remember thinking that maybe some of his magic would rub off on me and help me against my opponent. Well maybe it did or maybe not but this is what happened .....

Played after long thought, but it looks better to hold onto the knight.

Better is 37...Re6 and if 38.Rh3 then Kf8.

If 39...d5 40.Qh8+ Ke7 41.Qf6+ Kf8 42.e6+-

If 40...Kf8 41.e6 fxe6 42.Qh8+ Ke7 43.Rh7+ Kd8 44.Qf6+ Re7 45.Qxe7#

Not a classic game but the result (coming in the important last round), the move 37.Qh1 and Kasparov's breath on my neck will be cherished memories for a long time.

I would like to thank the UCU for its contribution, combined with the ICU funds it exactly paid for my London Moscow fare.

In one of the finest performances at the Olympiad Ulster schoolboy Brian Kelly won the gold medal for best performance on board five in the tournament and was presented with his medal by World Champion Gary Kasparov.