Fresh from taking second place in Leamington, Steve Crocket went one better last Saturday (15th) by finishing joint first in the U130 Docklands Rapidplay before going one better again the next day by winning the U100 section of the Richmond Rapidplay outright.
Steve scored 4.5/6 at Docklands to share first place with Tony Bynnersley of West London. Any tournament win is one to celebrate, but to win an U130 tournament with grades of 97 and 113 for Steve and Tony respectively deserves attention. Steve lost the individual encounter between the two champions but did claim a victory over Richard Leaper of Mutual Circle, alebit in somewhat fortuitous circumstances when Richard's time expired with Steve's king facing imminent execution! He also scored a victory over young star Iyessa Bin-Suhayl. Aged just eight, Iyessa is already graded 124 in rapid chess and scored 5/6 in a previous tournament at Richmond in July before following it up with 3.5/6 in the U150 section of the Essex Rapidplay . It is great to see such interest and a young talent at chess, although that may be tempered with heartbreak for older and more experienced players who've had to sit there while he's outplayed them!
After seeing his rapid grade plummet from 122 to 97 in July, Steve himself acknowledges he's undergraded at rapid chess and Sunday's tournament at Richmond certainly didn't disprove that as Steve romped home with a score of 5.5/6. The only blemish on Steve's card came with a draw against youngster Stephen Darby, but Steve later took it out on Stephen's father - over the board of course! Steve also beat (yet another!) young star in Benjamin Headlong. As impressive as last weekend was for Steve, one can only hope he doesn't singlehandedly discourage juniors!
Redditch commence their team matches this season on Tuesday with both Birmingham teams in cup action. Redditch 2 are away against Olton 2 as they look to improve on least season's semi-final exit in the Terrill Trophy, while Redditch 4 commence their defence of the Townshend Trophy at home against Lichfield 6.
Closing thought: "The highest art of the chessplayer lies in not allowing your opponent to show you what he can do." - Garry Kasparov
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