Worcester & District Chess League

2009-10 Bennett Cup

Malvern's Brian Turner Retains Bennett Cup

In an exciting game Brian successfully defended his guardianship of the Bennett Cup. Download and play through the game here.

Semi-Finals

The winner of the triangular tournament who qualified for the last remaining semi-final place was Glenn Cox. Following a random draw for colours, the draw for the semi-finals was follows (player with White named first) : Robert Mitchell - John Varilone; Brian Turner - Glen Cox. Robert Mitchell beat John and Brian Turner beat Glen so the final was Robert Michell, who was also a finalist in the Ball Cup, against Brian Turner, the defending champion.

Runners' up triangular stage

The three runners-up in the qualifying stages played each other in an all-play-all triangular tournament . The game between Robert Bricknell and David Richardson was not played because Glenn Cox's first position was assured.

Qualifying Stage Results

Pool A report. Based on grade, this was a triumph of the underdogs. In a very tight group, all games had been drawn with just the clash between John Varilone and Maurice Bissell to be played. Under the tie break rules, Maurice had to win in order to qualify. John's resistance proved too good in the end, and in pressing for the win, Maurice had to concede defeat. The second qualifying place goes to Rob Bricknell on the final tie break method, namely he is the lower graded of the tied players. Automatic Semi-Final place: John Varilone. Next stage qualifier: Rob Bricknell.

Pool B report. This was a smaller group because John Clark unfortunately had to withdraw for personal reasons. Last year's champion, Brian Turner, maintained his winning ways. As in Group A, the final game was crucial. Needing to win with black against David Richardson, Andrew Farthing failed to make an impression and pushed for an advantage that wasn't there. In the end, Andrew's position was so bad that even the generous gift of a piece from David Richardson couldn't alter what was in the end a fair result. Automatic Semi-Final Brian Turner. Next stage qualifier: David Richardson.