4th Yateley Manor International (YMI)
24-26 January and 1-2 February 2003
Last Edited:
Friday May 2, 2003 2:41 PM
Ray Clark reports: YMI claims to be unique in the UK as
it is made up of 9 rounds over two weekends - no need to take time off
work / studies - and prizes include a paid place in the main event at
the Smith & Williamson British Championships. This year's YMI attracted
players from England, Ireland, Jamaica, Mexico and Zimbabwe. In all there
were 19 rated players, with 7 rated over 2200 including 2 IMs and 4 FMs.
Of the 34 who played, 11 were juniors under 18 years, and 5 were female.
The event was won by FM John Cox (2289, BCF 205) improving on his 3rd
place in 2002. IM Colin Crouch (last year's winner) led 5/5 at the end
of the first weekend but slipped to 2nd place after drawing with both
FM Peter Sowray and Thomas Sharp, and losing to 16-year-old Thomas Rendle
in round 7. However, Colin still increased his total YMI winnings to £740
having played each of the last four years. Meanwhile, both FM Craig Hanley
and IM Robert Gwaze missed too many games to score highly.
The organisers awarded a merit prize to 14-year-old Thomas Sharp (2079).
In addition to his draw with Crouch, Sharp won against Craig Hanley FM
(2359). In fact he lost only to John Cox - the eventual winner.
Click here
for a crosstable showing Elo ratings and here
for a crosstable showing BCF grades.
The prize winners at this year's events were :
1st FM John Cox 7½/9 (£250 plus qualification place at the
Smith & Williamson British Championships 2003)
2nd IM Colin Crouch 7 (£120)
3rd Andrew Greet 6 (£50)
4th Ben Savage 6 (£30)
Merit: Thomas Sharp 5.5 £30
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