Albert’s Christmas Cracker

It would be a shock win at any time. But after Albert Chacko had gone through a demoralising run of 11 losses it was just A.M.A.Z.I.N.G as Strictly’s Craig Revell Horwood would no doubt have said. Far from being demoralised by a total collapse in form after a brilliant start to the season Albert defeated Mircea Mesesan, hot favourite to win Lichfield’s Chess Club’s acclaimed ECF-rated internal tournament.

The competition is now entering its fourth round and all the matches bar one have been individually arranged at a time and venue – Guildhall or Kings Head – to suit the participants.

It is hoped and expected that the Newcomers’ Trophy tournament which is due to start any time soon will prove equally successful, see below.