British
Championships 2005
The 92nd BCF Congress took
place in Douglas, Isle of Man from 31st July - 13th August. The leading
contenders were reigning champion Jonathan Rowson (2599g, SCO), John
Emms (2509g, ENG), Stuart Conquest (2503g, ENG), Chris Ward (2485g,
ENG), Simon Williams (2461m, ENG), Gawain Jones (2442m, ENG), Andrew
Greet (2425m, ENG) and Richard Pert (2424m, ENG) in a field of 46.
Jonathan Rowson successfully defended the title he won last year in
Scarborough. This makes him the 7th player to win the title two years in
succession (after Atkins, Yates, Sultan Khan, Winter, Penrose and
Hodgson). Congratulations to him. Leading scores: 1 J Rowson
(SCO) 8½/11; 2-3 S Conquest, S Haslinger 8; 4-5 J Emms, R Pert 7½, 6-7 S
Gordon, A Greet 7.
Download
all 253 games in pgn format (rds 1-11). Details of all results and
events
here.
The event was held at the
beautifully refurbished
Villa Marina, one of the
best venues ever used for the British Championships with splendid
facilities and panoramic views across Douglas Bay. I was lucky enough to
spend two weeks there playing firstly in the U175 championships and in
the second week, the week 2 open. This page will just give you an idea
of what it was like. I hope the British returns to the Isle of Man some
time soon, it's a beautiful place with outstanding scenery and friendly
people.
GM Jonathan Rowson, British Champion 2005
Villa Marina front entrance with balcony cafe.
The lawn area at the front of the Marina bathed in warm sunshine.
Villa Marina front lawn with bandstand and views of the harbour.
The Minister for Tourism Hon. David Cretney MHK (far left) opened the
event.
Round 1. GM John Emms starts the clocks v Charles Tippleston.
Round 1: GM Stuart Conquest (dark blue shirt) pondering his first move.
Round 3. Don Mason and Steven Gordon (centre) about to start play.
Round 3: GM John Emms (black pieces) in play against Martin
Mitchell.
Round 3: In the background (dark blue top) IM Stewart Haslinger.
Round 4: IM Simon Knott (foreground) starting play against Don
Mason.
Round 5: Conquest v Gordon. A win for White in 38 moves.
Round 5: IM Paul Littlewood (foreground) preparing to play Tim
Woodward.
Round 5: IM Richard Pert (left) v GM Chris
Ward. White lost in 16 moves!
Round 7: Last minute swotting from the
congress bulletin.
The famous horse drawn trams on Douglas
promenade.
On the middle Sunday we travelled to Port
Erin by steam train.
The engine that pulled us from there and
back.
View from the train towards the south of
the island near Stanton Station.
Port Erin harbour. Faint outline of
N.Ireland can be seen in the distance.
Hotels along the front at Port Erin. Port
Erin is the splendid venue of the
annual Monarch Assurance Tournament.
One of the oldest houses in Port Erin
circa. 1734.
View from the harbour wall.
Douglas to Laxey electric train.
The famous Laxey Wheel.
Panoramic views from Snaefell summit.
Looking North towards Ramsey.
Looking South.
Round 8: IM Andrew Greet v Stuart Conquest.
Round 8: IM Stewart Haslinger prepares his
scoresheet.
Round 11: Last round starts dead on 2.15pm.
Round 11: GM Rowson v GM Emms. A quiet 14
move draw claims the title.
Douglas Harbour clock
Picturesque Douglas town centre.
Sunset on board Super Seacat II on our
return home.
