Steve Mellor Wins City Blitz

Worcester City Blitz Tournament saw Secretary Steve Mellor confirmed as the club's best player. After the tournament proper, three players shared first place on 6 points: Ray Collett, Jim Keene, Steve Mellor. Tournament controller Andrew Farthing ordered a 3-way play-off to determine the club's blitz champion. Steven easily annihilated Ray Collett using a snide discovered attack to win the queen. The final was a high quality game with equal material until the minor piece ending. With seconds to go, Steve forced the win of a pawn and exchanged minor pieces to give a won king and pawn ending. It was at this stage only that Jim Keene's flag fell signalling a loss on time.

Left: White's flag has just fallen and White concedes.

Jim Keene (right) in action against tournament winner Steve Mellor in the play-off final Pictures: Ray Collett

Results of the tournament were: 1st Steve Mellor, 2nd Jim Keene, 3rd Ray Collett after the play-off finals. Fourth placed was John Clark on 5 points and 5th placed new member Phil Smith on 4 points.