The Irish chess year sprang to life over the weekend, with a large number of events at the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan, including an International Open, a GM norm and an IM norm event, the Irish 50+ and 65+ championships, a blitz, and the Leinster Junior Championships in six age categories.
For the Irish 50+ Championship, defending champion and top seed Jonathan O’Connor successfully recorded his second consecutive victory, with an unbeaten 5½/7, ahead of Oscar Culbeaux Tello, who finished half a point behind, after losing to Jonathan and also Anthony Fox. Fox tied for third with the visiting Ragnar Holm of Norway.
John Delaney reached 3½/4, but withdrew and did not play in the last three rounds.
Congratulations to Jonathan; here is a photo of him with the trophy.
For some reason, participation was down markedly over last year’s event, with only 15 this time compared to 29 last time.
A full report has been added to the tournament pages here.
The last round game between Culbeaux Tello and Paul Ward saw a neat combination.
16… ?
In the diagrammed position, Black’s best (really, only) chance is 16… Nf3+!? 17. Qxf3 Bxf4, but then White has 18. Nxe6! with a very strong attack.
In the game, Black played 16… Nc4?, after which 17. Nxe6! was overwhelming.