Prize Night Tournament - Handicap Lightning
Prize Night
The night commenced with the presentation of prizes to tournament and trophy winner for 2005. Phillip Kirkman collected more trophies than was his fair share, although Mark seemed the happiest trophy collector on the night, picking up the Handicap Trophy.
<Link to photos from tonight’s action>
Handicap Lightning Tournament
The Handicap Lightning tournament started tonight with a preliminary round in 2 groups. Once again there were 12 entrants, as coincidentally there have been in every year since 2000. The groups were drawn at random. The top two in each group progressed to the semi-finals.
The handicap system is based on a system of handicaps awarded on playing strength. The handicaps are determined by rating, with 1700+ players having a zero handicap (‘playing off scratch’), 1600-1699 having a ½ point handicap, 1500-1599 1 point etc etc, down to a player under 999 has a 4 point handicap. Before each game the difference between the 2 players’ handicaps is calculated, with the lower rated player having 5 minutes in the game to make all moves. The higher rated player is allocated 5 minutes minus the handicap difference. For example, if the difference is 1.5 then the higher rated player will receive 3.5 minutes to make their moves.
|
Group A |
POINTS |
Handicap |
|
Phillip Kirkman |
4 |
0.0 |
|
Andrew Robinson |
3 |
1.0 |
|
Peter Hiller |
3 |
3.0 |
|
Mark Taylor |
3 |
4.0 |
|
Brian Willcock |
2 |
2.5 |
|
James Hiller |
0 |
4.0 |
Play-offs: Andrew Robinson – Mark Taylor 1-0; Andrew Robinson – Peter Hiller 1-0
Mark would have gained a semi-final place if he had won his final game against Peter Hiller. When he didn’t a three way tie-breaker ensued with the result that Andrew reached the semi-finals for the eighth time in the past nine years. The biggest upset was Mark’s defeat of Phil. It should be noted that Phil only had one minute to make all his moves and was in a strong position when he ran out of time. However Phil won his other games to progress to the semi-finals.
|
Group B |
POINTS |
Handicap |
|
Harvey Quaresmini |
4 |
1.5 |
|
Debbie Jenkins |
3 |
1.5 |
|
Tim Johnson |
3 |
4.0 |
|
Cameron De Vere |
3 |
3.0 |
|
Stuart Wilson |
1 |
4.0 |
|
Mick Waters |
1 |
2.5 |
Play-offs: Cameron De Vere – Debbie Jenkins 0-1; Debbie Jenkins – Tim Johnson 1-0
Several games were decided on time against players who had overwhelming positions on the board. First Cameron fell victim to Harvey. Then later Debbie fell victim to Cameron. Stuart provided the biggest upset by toppling Harvey. Harvey achieved checkmate long after his flag had fallen and Stuart had failed to call it. The players ended up having a gentleman’s agreement that Stuart should be credited with the win. Harvey won his other games, while Debbie also reached the semi-finals after winning the play-off round with Tim and Cameron.
Semi Finals
Phillip Kirkman – Debbie Jenkins 0-1
Harvey Quaresmini – Andrew Robinson 0-1
Both semi-finals were won by black in convincing over the board performances.
Third Place Match
Harvey Quaresmini – Phillip Kirkman 0-1
Final
Andrew Robinson – Debbie Jenkins 0-1
The final was won surprisingly early after white badly misjudged a direct attack on the kingside by a queen and bishop combination. Debbie had continued drinking while Andrew had stopped an hour earlier – a sign to all of what achieves results in this tournament!
Congratulations go to Debbie for her first tournament win (not including the trophies she has won in the Maiden & Handicap). Maybe now she will forsake her criticism of quick chess and become the “Lightning Queen”?
CONSOLATION MATCHES
5-8 Classification
Semi-F Peter Hiller – Cameron De Vere 0-1
Semi-F Tim Johnson – Mark Taylor 1-0
5-6 Match Cameron De Vere – Tim Johnson 1-0
7-8 Match Peter Hiller – Mark Taylor 1-0
9-12 Classification
Semi-F Stuart Wilson – James Hiller 1-0
Semi-F Brian Willcock – Mick Waters 1-0
9-10 Match Brian Willcock – Stuart Wilson 1-0
11-12 Match Mick Waters – James Hiller 1-0
The consolation games confirmed exceptionally high finishing positions for Cameron and Tim. James continued his luckless run. Stuart won two games in a lightning tournament which should rate as a wonder of sorts!
Further information:
Past winners of the Handicap Lightning tournament (with index to past tournaments)
Results of tonight’s tournament in are presented here in detail.
Lightning Tournament
No action tonight, however the field is now reduced to 11 with the confirmed withdrawals of Harvey and James. Tony Howes has confirmed that he will be participating.
Lightning 2006: Current standings
All players to play 20 games
|
No. |
NAME |
POINTS |
PLAYED |
|
1 |
Brian Thomas |
15 |
16 |
|
2 |
Andrew Robinson |
14 |
16 |
|
3 |
Phillip Kirkman |
9½ |
12 |
|
4 |
Brian Willcock |
5 |
12 |
|
5 |
Debbie Jenkins |
4 |
10 |
|
6 |
Marty Chadwick |
3½ |
12 |
|
7 |
Peter Hiller |
3 |
8 |
|
8 |
Tony Howes |
0 |
0 |
|
9 |
Tim Johnson |
0 |
4 |
|
10 |
Mick Waters |
0 |
6 |
|
11 |
Mark Taylor |
0 |
12 |
Lightning Tournament 2006 results in detail
Quote of the night
“Illegal move. I win” – Brian very much to the point when dispatching Andrew in their group stage match.