Dear all

Thank you for completing all your matches on time and well done to the Wimborne Chess Club for getting all 3 of its teams to the semi-final.

The handicap system proved particularly effective as every match was extremely close and not one of the teams that progressed through actually won their match!  I hope all your team players enjoyed their games and the format of the competition.  The handicap system does seem to be great leveller and provided great excitement in the 1st round matches!

*1st Round Results are as follows:*

Dorchester (131)  3.0 - 3.0  Wimborne B (129)  *Wimborne B win on tie-break as it won on the higher boards*
Weymouth (159)  3.5 - 2.5  Wimborne A (130)  *Wimborne A win as it only needed 2.0 game points*
Ringwood  (110)  3.0 - 3.0  Wimborne C (103)  *Wimborne C win as it only needed 2.5 game points*
Bridport    (131)  2.5 - 3.5  Southbourne (150)  *Bridport win as it it only needed 2.5 game points*

*Semi-final draw *and required scores based upon declared nominated average grades but please note penalties (see rule number 8) if your team's average grade exceeds this!:

Wimborne B (129)  v  Bridport        (131)  There is no handicap, so please be aware of the tie-break rules (see rule number 7)
Wimborne C (103)  v  Wimborne A  (130)  Wimborne A is required to win by 4.5 - 1.5

Team captains:

Wimborne A - Ian Clark
Wimborne B - Phil Wallace
Wimborne C - Norman Mackie
Bridport        - Malcolm Steevens

Unless the Bridport team is willing to travel, could the Wimborne B v Bridport match be played at a neutral venue (e.g Dorchester).

Can all matches be played by *Friday, 23rd April 2010*.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Good luck!

Martin Simons (Tournament Controller)