What the papers are saying

Duncan Malcolm vowed early in the campaign that he would win the Troon Chess Club Championship to celebrate the arrival of his third grandchild. It seemed a wild aim as he is ranked sixth in a quality field but he explained he had previously succeeded to honour his two grandsons, Calum and Andrew in earlier years. He had reached a total of five points from seven games in January and had to wait until other matches were completed. To quote Victor Hugo ‘There is nothing so strong as an idea whose time has come’ and it seemed predestined when in an exciting climax to the season Tommy Barrett had to settle for a draw against John Calder when he needed a win to force a play-off. On that same evening Duncan managed to triumph in the final of the Dodds Cup against John Shankland to add to his haul of trophies. Len Weir took the Radford Trophy ahead of Jim Wainwright while Clive Baird won the ‘A’ team player of the year with the ‘B’ team award going to Jimmy Reid.

On Wednesday 13th May the final of the Coronelli Trophy will be staged at the Railway Club with a demonstration board relaying move to the audience. Visitors are welcome to watch two top players, Robin Templeton and John Calder contest this knock-out trophy. Beginning at 7.30 it promises to be an intriguing match.

Proud grandfather Duncan Malcolm said in September he would win the Troon Chess Championship to honour his unborn grandchild. It was no idle prediction as on the two previous times Duncan has been champion his daughter, Susan has marked the event by producing a grandson. This time it seemed a higher mountain as he had slipped to fifth in the club ranking but on Wednesday he drew with defending champion, Tommy Barrett to take his tally to 5 points from seven games. Barrett can still catch him as he sits with two points from four games but one of his remaining games is against John Calder who is on 4 points from 6 games. Both players are very evenly matched and as the draw eliminates both from the title chase a storming game is predicted

Troon ‘B’ kept up their impressive push for the Ayrshire Chess League Third Division Title with a comfortable away win against Greenwood Bishops. Wins from Sandy Gibson, Jimmy Reid and Alex Smith ensured the win. Stephen Taylor fought hard for the home team’s consolation point defeating on form Stuart Lampard.

Troon’s Tommy Barrett secured a share of second place in the Ayrshire Individual Championships scoring 4.5 from 6 games. Billy Kelly of Ardrossan shares that total but there are some games which are adjourned particularly the Joe Parks(Kilmarnock) 4 against Elliot Frew (Greenwood and defending champion) 4.5. Elliot needs only a draw to retain the title while Joe could claim the honour for the first if he can create a win. Also able to share second place are Kilmarnock pair Kenny Malkin and Jim Kleboe. Duncan Malcolm finished well on 3.5 points while Alice Lampard was most impressive in her first try at the age of twelve to finish on 3 points.

In The JBW Robertson Cup Arthur Katte defeated Alex Smith of Troon to post a leading score of 4.5 but the match between Brian Millward ( Ayr 4) and Eric Bomphray (Troon 3.5) had to be postponed and will have significance determining the outcome of this competition.

Troon ‘A’ did not get the emphatic result needed against a plucky Irvine ‘B’ side in the first division of the Ayrshire Chess league but they got a victory and set themselves up for a tilt at leaders Prestwick in two weeks time. After a superb 12 move game by Clive Baird had put Troon into an early lead a succession of draws from Robin Templeton, John Calder and Mike Chapman saw the state of the game delicately poised at 2.5-1.5 to the home team. Somehow in a game which looked destined at best a draw Len Weir conjured a win and all eyes focussed on Stuart Lampard’s game at board six. Playing Willie Douglas it developed into an almighty time scramble as both players had only seconds left when the Irvine player played an illegal move. Rule books were called for but in a spirit of sportsmanship both players decided on a draw leaving the final score at Troon’A’ 4 Irvine ‘B’ 2

Troon ‘B’ maintained their good form with a win over Greenwood Bishops 2.5-1.5. Victories came from Stuart Lampard and Jimmy Reid while Sandy Gibson got a draw. This hoists Troon ‘B’ to the top of the league at the halfway stage.

Troon ‘A’ arrested their losing streak in the first division of the Ayrshire League with a battling draw against Irvine ‘A’. Early successes went to Irvine who had Tommy Barrett, the Troon chess club champion, clinch a point over Robin Templeton at board one. Phil Walsh also obliged for Irvine at two against John Calder but Clive Baird at four halted the slide with a win over Drew Thomson. Then the ever-reliable Mike Chapman drew with Troon club member, John Shankland, who also plays team chess for Irvine. With two games remaining Len Weir had an obvious draw with Graeme King but seeing that Troon were likely to draw at board five with Duncan Malcolm the Troon player through caution to the wind and went for the win. It looked to have rebounded on him when King seized the initiative but in a breathless ending with both players in time trouble Weir secured the win and the final score was Troon3 Irvine 3 .

Troon ‘B’ are romping along in the Third division and continued their fine form with a 3-1 destruction of Ayr ‘B’ who did themselves no favours by being a man short allowing captain Alex Smith to chalk up an early point for the visitors. Two draws came from Stuart Lampard and Jim Wainwright leaving Jimmy Reid to claim the glory with a fine win at board three. Troon ‘B’ have now gone two matches without dropping a game point.

Eleven year old Alice Lampard has made her debut on the international field being selected to represent Scotland in Montenegro at the European Youth Championships. She is part of a seven strong team consisting of two girls and five boys. Alice scored 3 points from the nine rounds with two draws in the total. The Scotland team gained in experience and although they did not figure among the winners their seven players earned respect from countries such as Russia who entered 130 players.

Another emerging talent, although of an older vintage is Eric Bomphray. Having won the Gardiner Cup he has been promoted to the Club championship and in his first match of this seven round contest produced a shock result defeating Len Weir who was champion in 2007.

Troon ‘A’ saw off the threat of Carrick to overtake them in the Ayrshire first division and lead 3-2 through wins from Stuart Lampard, Eric Bomphray and Len Weir. John Calder had been excused team duty to try to catch up on his championship games which meant all players moving up one board. Alice Lampard’s game looks like being a draw when she invoked the draw rule which means a player can claim a draw despite running out of time. A decision is awaited from Ayrshire League’s governing body as to whether the correct procedure has been followed.

The club championship this year looks like heading to Tommy Barrett after his draw with John Calder leaving him a point clear of his nearest rival defending champion Len Weir but the two have still to meet in the final round. The Gardiner Cup has a leader in newcomer Eric Bomphray with Alex Smith and Sandy Gibson in hot pursuit.

The Junior Club closed for the season with the Pairs competition being won by Andrew Hinson and Tom Laing.

Strange times in the world of chess as the Ayrshire League nears completion. Troon ‘A’ were away to relegation doomed Largs ‘A’. Upon arrival Largs captain Bob Simpson confessed to being one player short. Stuart Lampard gets a point for Troon without pushing a pawn. Troon start without top board John Calder who is posted ‘missing in transit’ John was to arrive later having followed instructions to the Largs home venue from the Chess Scotland official website which had not been up-dated to this season’s venue. So Largs get an equalising point. Things were not looking good for Troon at this stage as Len Weir had managed to get his queen trapped in the early stages of his board two game against Bobby O’Brien. The two captains, Duncan Malcolm , in Troon’s case agreed a draw. Then a glimmer of hope as the ever-reliable youngster Alice Lampard scored a win at board five. Board four saw Mike Chapman nearly lose on time having omitted to press his clock but he added to Troon’s win tally. Meanwhile the game on board two had incredibly swung Troon’s way leaving the final score Largs’a’ 1.5 Troon ‘A’ 4.5. Can the excitement get any higher in the sphere of chess?

The first division of the Ayrshire League has reached the ‘break’point and Troon ‘A’ finished their programme with a narrow loss to Prestwick ‘A’. Eric Bomphray, making his return to competitive chess after nearly thirty years almost made a dream start at board six with a strong performance against David Ferguson, but failed to convert the win. Stuart Lampard, deputising for his talented daughter, Alice, had the result of the night holding captain Gary McPheator to a draw at board five, the normally reliable Mike Chapman and Duncan Malcolm could not add to the points tally but Len Weir managed a draw against Iain Fraser at two and on the top board John Calder showed the impressive form which he has displayed in congresses recently to win over Steve Hilton. End result; Troon’A’ 2 Prestwick 4

The Troon ‘B’ team struggled in sacrificing Stuart Lampard to the ‘A’ team cause but Sandy Gibson had a tousy battle with Colin Strong of the Kilmarnock Dragons, who seem destined for promotion to Division Two, ending in a draw . There was a close run thing at board two but the eventual scoreline was TRoon’B’ 0.5 Kilmarnock Dragons 3.5.

The world of chess is mourning the passing of Bobby Fischer, former world chess champion and whose outspoken antics and temerity to take on and beat the might of the Soviet school of chess focussed the world’s attention on the game as never before and never since. In the early seventies such was the clamour for chess sets that the state of ‘world shortage’ was declared. In the wake of this enthusiasm many chess clubs had new life breathed into membership and many new clubs were formed. Such was the case with Troon and Fischer’s legacy lives on with Troon boasting two teams in the three divisions of the Ayrshire League and also having a junior club. Founder member Len Weir says ‘We need the inspiration of a Fischer these days to add zest to the game’

In the more local situation of the Ayrshire League, Troon ‘A’ got their first win of the season at the expense of Largs, the basement boys of the league. Wins from Duncan Malcolm, Sandy Gibson and almost inevitably, Alice Lampard added to draws from Mike Chapman and Len Weir to give the home team a 4-2 victory

Round four of the six round Ayrshire Individual Championships saw Troon players doing well with wins for Len Weir taking him to three points while Duncan Malcolm also won doubling his total to 2. Tommy Barrett had another draw taking him to 2.5 but Mike Chapman was unable to emulate his earlier rounds form and remains on three. Running concurrently is the JBW Robertson Trophy and Alex Smith, paired with fellow Troon player Alice Lampard, had the tragedy of battling into a dominant position but his deep concentration robbed him of his duty to monitor his clock and he ran out of time. This win pushes Alice into contention but she has to keep an eye open for her dad, Stuart, who also won. Jimmy Reid may have had a walk over in this round as his opponent, Peter Laing, also of Troon, failed to appear.

In league chess, Troon ‘A’ are certain to be involved in the play-offs to avoid relegation to Division Two, as they have only amassed 7.5 points and sit in sixth place in the eight team league. Four games have been played and now Troon face basement strugglers Largs(0.5 points); Carrick (5.5) and the team directly above Prestwick (17). The halfway leaders are Ardrossan (21.5); Irvine (21); Greenwood Gambits and Kilmarnock ‘A’ both on 19.5.

The first games of the new season of the Ayrshire Chess League saw Troon ‘A’ field a depleted side being without top players Gary Weir and John Calder for their match against Ardrossan who had former county champions at boards one two and three. The final score was predictable with the hosts defeating Troon 4.5-1.5 but several points gave heart to the line up from Troon. Sandy Gibson proved his worth as a potential ‘A’ team performer deputising from the ‘B’ team and recording the win, Mike Chapman performed well and comfortably drew while Len Weir and Duncan Malcolm were no pushovers for their illustrious opponents. Bizarre performance went to Mark Gibson, playing board three against Stephen Robinson and poised to record the most impressive result of his career he touched the wrong piece inadvertently and was forced to move the touched piece thereby creating a loss from a won position.

The first round of the Ayrshire Chess Championships was held in Troon at the Railwaymens Club home of the Troon Chess Club. There was an excellent turnout with a big contingent from the hosts. In the Championship Duncan Malcolm and Len Weir started their campaign with wins while Tommy Barratt had a draw. Mike Chapman has reached adjournment with a superior position over Irvine’s Robin Moore. In the J B W Robertson trophy Troon had Alice Lampard defeating holder Atholl NcGilchrist while her Dad, Stuart recorded a draw. Alex Smith lost as did Jimmy Reid and Peter Laing both of whom were playing in their first ever tournament and struggling with recording the moves. This is a six round competition with the next round due at the end of the month.

In League chess troon have the ‘A’ team in division one and the ‘B’ team figure in the third division. This starts at the end of October

The chess season is almost over and nearly all the competitions decided. The Troon Chess club Championship was won by Len Weir with 5.5 points from 6 games. He was chased all the way by the favourite, Gary Weir who finished on 5 points. This the first time since 1994 Len has come out champion.

It is also a family affair in the Gardiner Cup where youngster Alice Lampard leads her dad Stuart by a half point. Their final match will decide the outcome.

Despite having the toughest draw in the knock-out Coronelli Trophy, John Calder defended his hold of the title by a sound win over Duncan Malcolm in the final.

Len Weir also won the handicap tournament, The Radford Trophy despite a spirited finish by Mike Chapman who secured the runner up.

Alice Lampard dominated the Junior Section taking the championship ahead of Sam Gibson and in the Pairs Competiton she and her partner, Andrew Hidson had a narrow half point advantage over Rebecca Jack and Anuraj Uppal.

Troon ‘A’ finished the season with a resounding win over Carrick. Notable was the resilience shown by substitute, Sandy Gibson in securing a win despite going a queen

The Troon Chess Club Championship title this year went to Len Weir who edged out his son, Gary, by beating John Calder in a tense, hard fought game. Less than two weeks prior John had demolished Len in the semi-final of the Coronelli Trophy and seemed to be odds on favourite to repeat the medicine, but Len has been showing a resurgence in form this season as his 4.5 points from five games indicates. With Gary finished all his games on 5 points from six games and John still having the chance of runner-up all was set for a rousing contest. Playing white Len opened with the English but was soon a central pawn down. As it turned out John had lost position capturing the pawn and Len was able to mobilise his forces in advantageous attacking formation despite resolute defence from black it seemed John could withstand the onslaught until a neat knight sacrifice hastened the end and saw Len take the title for a sixth time but the first time since 1994

The Troon Chess Club Championship is nearing completion and with champion Gary Weir deciding not to defend this season the two favourites to take the title were John Calder and Duncan Malcolm. Duncan too k his tally to four points from five games with a draw with his co-favourite while John can now only equal that total. However, technically leading with four points from four games is Mark Gibson. The crunch match which will decide the destination of the title will be between Mark and Duncan. In between Mark has to play Len Weir.

17/4/2005

Mark Sanger of Prestwick was the eventual winner of the Ayrshire Individual Championships when he overcame tournament frontrunner Elliot Frew forcing the Greenwood player into share of runner-up with Gary Weir of Troon, who found an amazing rescue move after adjournment with Stephen Robinson of Ardrossan,getting a draw. Gary was undefeated throughout the competition and had been the Champion in 2000.

The final team games of the season were completed last week and once again Troon ‘A’ were too strong for Second division bound Stewarton recording a 5.5-0.5 win and getting a win bonus point. Duncan Malcolm showed mercy drawing his game with Alex Goral. Troon wins came from John Calder, Len Weir,David McCafferty, Mike Chapman and Chris King. Chris has had a good season in the ‘B’ team and when asked has proved an able deputy in the top division. Sadly, he will be leaving Troon to live in Perth.

The ‘B’ team also played their final league against Greenwood Knights with honours even 2-2. Troon were minus Chris King and captain Alex Smith but Joe Pedrosa and Paul Denham were up to the task.

The Troon Chess Club closes for the summer months but the new season starts on August 31st. If you wish to sample the heady atmosphere of club chess contact Len Weir on 01292312404

17/10/2004

The Railway Club in Troon was packed last week as the first round of the Ayrshire Chess Championships got under way. Troon players were well represented in the Championship section and also the JBW Robertson Cup for players on the way up. Some favourites were to fall at the first fence. None more so than Kenny Malkin who must have thought he had an easy passage to the second round via Troon’s David McCafferty. This was not to be as the dogged Troon ‘A’ player proved his ability far exceeded his grading and proceeded to the next round with one point from one game. Another big name to fall was Ardrossan’s Stephen Brown who found Iain Muir of Kilmarnock in inspired mood. Five time Ayrshire champion Billy Kelly managed to get to adjournment against Troon’s Len Weir but will have to rely on his wealth of end game knowledge to get out of a tricky corner. Another Troon player to win was Gary Weir who won the title in 2000. Another of the club’s players, John Calder has a tricky position at adjournment. In the JBW Robertson Troon’s George Allan and Joe Pedrosa had draws but a group of other Troon hopefuls had a nervous night

04/10/2004

This year’s Ayrshire Chess Championships get under way at the Troon Chess Club’s regular meeting room,the Railwaymen’s Club in Shore Rd Troon, with the first round taking place at 7.15 p.m. on Wednesday 13^th October. The Competition is divided into two sections and while the top players dispute the title those with less lofty ideas will contest the JBW Robertson Cup. All are welcome to enter even those who don’t regularly play.

At club level the Troon club championship has got off to a flyer with Mike Chapman and Gary Weir setting the standard with 1.5 from two games. They have drawn with each other and it must leave Duncan Malcolm at one win from one eyeing the title which Gary has won ten times.

15/02/2004

To win a Chess Club Championship demands skill , concentration and a strong desire to achieve. Gary Weir displayed all these qualities when he won the Troon Chess club championship with a magnificent score of seven wins from seven games! To regular readers of this column an air of familiarity will be apparent as this is the TENTH time Gary has gained this distinction. His final game with Cameron Smith was indicative of his crushing style at the board, solid opening strategy combined with technical know-how and a merciless inevitability about the outcome. It was not such a happy event in the third division of the Ayrshire Chess League for Troon 'B' when they fell to Carrick again. Chris King had an early draw but none of his colleagues were able to build on his example and they eventually lost 0.5-3.5.

When Jonathan Rowson, Scotland's youngest ever chess grandmaster arrived in Troon it was in the midst of major engagements worldwide. He had just returned from a week in India followed by a week in England. His tussle in simultaneous competition against the best that Troon chess club could offer was i n a spare week-end spent with his family who now live in Troon and he was to jet off to Iceland for another major competition on the Monday following. But even grandmasters cannot cope with mystery viruses and it was quite obvious during the demonstration he was far from peak condition. Despite this handicap he managed to win 16 of the 18 games and conceded two draws to Cameron Smith from the Troon Club and Gordon Rattray guesting from Kilmarnock. This was in keeping with the excellent record he has established in recent times having set the European record for simultaneous exhibition when he took on a massive 150 players in Manchester. He won 140, drew 9 and actually lost one which he confesses still hurts! The Rowson visit was a mu ch needed 'shot in the arm' for the Troon club which is undergoing a re-building programme having lost several leading players for various reasons this season, however, a weakened 'A' side put up a very doughty performance in the first league match of the season, drawing at Irvine against a strong line-up. Troon's successes came from Duncan Malcolm, playing two boards higher at board one, David McCafferty and Mark Gibson.