More than 100 competitors from all over Ireland and abroad took part in the Limerick Open in the West County Hotel last weekend. The tournament was run in 2 sections The Philip Hogarty Open and the Major (U1400). Both tournaments finished in a two-way tie for first which necessitated blitz playoffs to decide the champions.
In the Philip Hogarty Open, Blair Connell defeated CM Shane Melaugh in the last round to finish on 4.5/5 and he was joined by Limerick Chess Clubs James Naughton who defeated IM Oleg Gubanov to reach the same score. The blitz playoff was played at 3|2 time control and was decided on the best score from three games. The first two games were drawn and James won the third to take the title.
Philip Hogarty Open Prizewinners
1/2 J, Naughton (wins tournament in blitz playoff), B. Connell 4.5 from 5
3/4/5 K. Weih, FM R. Quinn, A. Collins 4 from 5
Grading Prizes in the Open
K. O’Brien (U1700), C O’Reilly (U1400), A. Brennan (Unrated) all 3.5 from 5
In the U1400 Ennis chess clubs Roy Marshall finished in joint first place with Gabriel Mirza both on 4.5 from 5. In the blitz playoff Gabriels experience won out as he won the first two games to take the title.
Major Prizewinners
1/2 G Mirza (wins tournament in blitz playoff), R. Marshall 4.5 from 5
3/4 S. Loughlin, S. Fitzgerald 4 from 5
Grading Prizes in the Major
A. O’Rourke, A Newaskar, A. D’Souza all 3.5 from 5
Full results and standings for both tournaments are available on chessresults.com
Ennis Chess 