Tahmankar wins Ulster Rapidplay Championship

Ulster Rapidplay Championships, 15 April 2023

Organiser/Chief Arbiter: Brendan Jamison (FIDE)

Location: Bangor Chess Club, Groomsport

At the beginning of the tournament, just before Round 1, IM Mark Orr was awarded a silver plate, engraved with a special honorary lifetime membership of Bangor Chess Club. Now aged 67, Mark joined Bangor as a teenager half a century ago and went on to win the Ulster Championship 4 times, as well as being crowned Irish Champion and represented Ireland all around the world on the Irish Team. He then won his title of International Master in his 30s. He is the most decorated former player from Bangor Chess Club. His legendary status gave a huge buzz in the playing hall. And in a surprise visit, Mark’s father John called in to watch his son playing in this year’s Ulster Rapidplay. John Orr was a co-founder of the club, 58 years ago in 1965 so it was wonderful to meet him!

The tournament was held as one open section with rating bands to determine the Intermediate and Junior prize-winners. It was FIDE-rated and held over 8 rounds of 20+0. Two £30 GM simul tickets were up for grabs, along with 10 engraved shields.

10 prize-winners:

Champion: Mandar Tahmankar (7.5/8). TPR = 2168. Winner of a £30 GM Simul ticket for February 2024

2nd: IM Mark Orr (7/8). TPR = 1957

3rd: Ben McIlroy (5.5/8). TPR = 1775

Intermediate Champion: Adam Rushe (5/8) TPR = 1772. Winner of a £30 GM Simul ticket for February 2024

Intermediate 2nd: Tom Grey (5/8). TPR = 1636

Intermediate 3rd: Matthew Moreland (5/8). TPR = 1657

Female Champion: Jade Sandrey (4.5/8). TPR = 1519

Junior Champion: Gerard McIlroy (4.5/8) TPR = 1655

Junior 2nd: Mikolaj Liszewski (4/8). TPR = 1454

Junior 3rd: Amol Thoke (4/8). TPR = 1521