PRESS RELEASE

WORLD CIRCULAR CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 1999 Sponsored by Lindum Group Ltd

On Sunday 16 May 1999 the World Circular Chess Championship was held at Lincoln Castle. In an incredible feat Francis Bowers from Spalding (England), the defending champion, again withstood the challenge from around the country to take the £200 first prize and trophies.

The champion, a former normal board county champion who runs a chess supplies business, did not have an easy passage. He faced strong opposition in every round and in several games had to dig deep into his reserves of determination, experience, and skill to grasp survival from the jaws of defeat. In the penultimate round the Hertfordshire County Champion, Paul Byway, could not force home an overwhelming attack and the seemingly defenceless Bowers escaped with a draw. Both players went on to win their last round matches with Francis beating hot favourite Neil McInnes to set up a tie break.

The tournament was settled in a stunning fifteen minute play off between Bowers and Byway. Under intense pressure both players showed their class. Bowers set up a massive attack which threatened to annihilate his opponent. With some top quality defence work Byway fought back, turning the tables to give him the scent of victory. With both clocks poised to drop the tension became unbearable. The game finished amidst a furious flurry of moves when Byway’s time ran out, leaving Bowers the victor by a matter of seconds.

Francis said ‘I am surprised and delighted to have won the title again. This year’s competition was really tough and how I scraped through so many tight spots I’ll never know. ‘

Paul Byway picked up a cheque for £50 for second place. A special award for competitor of the day was made in memory of founder member Harry Cornish from Devon. An engraved Circular Chessboard was presented to the under fifteen Australian representative Max Brewer, who competed valiantly in his first such tournament achieving a notable victory against the Scottish representative.

Information packs are available from the Society (send an A4 sae to the above address).

For further information please contact:

• Mike Sedgwick Tel 01522 533063.
• Rob Stevens (Chairman) Email: (email removed contact us for address) .com.
• Dave Reynolds (Secretary) Tel 01522 887666.
• Eamonn Hunt Tel 01522 525174.
• Or write to: 1 North Parade, Lincoln LN1 1LB, UK.