Weymouth chess player beats Grand Master
12:30pm Monday 23rd April 2012 in News
CHESS ace Allan Pleasants from Weymouth caused a ‘sensational’ upset when he beat a Grand Master at a tournament.
Mr Pleasants, 52, who plays for Weymouth and Wimborne, beat Grand Master Keith Arkell at the Bournemouth Grand Congress 2012.
The weekend tournament at the Carrington House Hotel had a £1,000 first prize, drew 150 entrants including four Grand Masters, and was praised for its smooth organisation.
Mr Pleasants said: “It’s my first win against a Grand Master – I am over the moon.”
Organisers of the tournament hope it will become the biggest weekend chess congress in the country – and lead to Bournemouth hosting the British championship.
Phil Taylor-Bowd, 44, from Alderholt, chairman of Bournemouth and District Chess League, said: “It has exceeded our expectations and Allan’s win was a sensation.”
Play started on Friday night and the fifth and final games were held last night.
Source: http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk
Impressive.
More impressive still when you consider that GM Arkell had been dominating the British circuit up until that point.