Ginger GM Simon Williams topped the table as our big Summer Chess League launch party blitz competition went off with a bang last night.

The YouTube star finished on 5.5/6 ahead of IMs Richard Bates and Simon Ansell and Battersea Chess Club‘s top two Adam Bukojemski and Ali Hill.

GM Simon Williams at Battersea Chess Club
GM Simon Williams at Battersea Chess Club

The night also saw a surprise visit from England’s number 2 GM David Howell who is celebrating entering the 2700-club of Super GMs.

David didn’t play in the blitz, but he did find time for a battle with Simon afterwards.

The Summer Chess League
The Summer Chess League

A total of 57 players took part in the event, but it was Battersea member Martin Devenney who posted perhaps the most impressive result.

Despite having a rating of 118, he finish an incredible 8th with 4.5/6 beating Adrian Somerfield (179) and Tommaso Penna (176) along the way.

IM Simon Ansell, GM Simon Williams and Leon Watson
IM Simon Ansell, GM Simon Williams and Leon Watson

Jagdip Patel (155) finished an impressive 5th with a +10.8 score.

The full results table is below.

 

Earlier the two Simons had the hall enthralled with a Simon Says chess lecture and gave away a stack of free DVDs.

Players were also given five devilish chess puzzles to complete – see if you can solve them here.

[table id=3 /]