Waddington Chess Club welcomes Grandmaster Keith Arkell
Published Date: 12 February 2010

Published Date: 12 February 2010

CHAMPION chess player Grandmaster Keith Arkell played a host of opponents from the newly-formed Waddington Vipers Chess Club.

Mr Arkell, who was 2008 English champion and has won the UK chess grand prix three times, took part in the “simul”, a simultaneous exhibition where one very strong player plays many opponents at the same time.

Held at Waddington Social Club, both adult and junior players, at beginner and advanced levels, played Mr Arkell, who loves playing simuls and travelled from Devon.

The event was a coup for the chess club, which was formed less than three months ago by Joe Petrie, captain of Lancashire u100 team.

The “100” stands for the chess grade – a measure of playing strength derived from your results against other players.

He said: “Of course Keith beat everybody, twice, effortlessly making his moves incredibly fast. It was great fun and a good learning experience for all.”

Mr Petrie, whose 13-year-old step-son, Aidan McCormack, plays for Lancashire u14 team, started the club as there was nowhere suitable for keen young chess players to develop their game. Mr Petrie realised this when he began coaching children at Waddington and West Bradford Primary Schools.

The club, which is grateful for support provided by Waddington Parish Council, Waddington Social Club and local businessman and Waddington resident Mark Holden, has a team in division four of the Central Lancs League which has already won its first two matches.

New members of any age and chess ability are welcome. The club meets at Waddington Social Club on Mondays at 7-15 p.m.

Source: http://www.clitheroeadvertiser.co.uk

Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Tags: