IM Al-Saffar wins Strand Blitz Championship 2022
26 players gathered for the FIDE-rated Strand Blitz Championship, held on Friday 8th April, from 7-9:45pm.
The competition was 8 rounds of 5+3 with 5 shields up for grabs. Congratulations to 2316 rated International Master Araz Al-Saffar from Iraq, crowned champion with a score of 7/8. His only loss was on time to Cathan Gormley who came second on 6/8. Third place went to Mandar Tahmankar on 6/8.
The Grading Award was won by Andrew Campbell of Greenisland, with newcomer Ashish Shambharkar winning the Junior Grading Shield. It was such a great night of chess and everyone enjoyed the buzz of having an IM in the room!
Report - Brendan Jamison
