Camborne Chess Club - News Archive

This combines a number of the tournaments played at the club, including the club championship. The winner for the third year in succession was Philip Williams. Final standings and list of included events are here

Congratulations to the new club champion, Jamie Morgna. This is his second win in three years. Richard Humpleby won the Philip Williams Cup for players rated under 1600. Final standings are here.

The third Kerrier Cup since the resumption of OTB chess after the Covid pandemic was played on 19 March 2025 as the Camborne club rapidplay championship. It was a five round Swiss at a time control of 12 minutes for the all the moves with increments of 5 seconds per move. 10 players entered. The winner was Philip Williams on 4½ points, followed by Colin Sellwood and David Jenkins on 3½. Round by round results and final standings here.

Ian George

As last year, the annual festive tournament followed the normal format of a 5 round rapid play Swiss played at Bickford Smith bowling club, Tuckingmill with 16 competitors. The winners with 4½ points Colin Sellwood. In accordance with a long-dtanding tradition, Debbie Smith provided the refreshments which were appreciated by everyone as the highlight of the event. A good time was had by all and more than 25 "prizes" were distributed to players and non-combatants alike, with nobody going home empty-handed. The remainder of the items generously donated by several people were given to the food bank at Centenary chapel.

The final standings were as follows:

• 4.5: Colin Sellwood
• 4.0: Richard Smith
• 3.5: Philip Williams, Percy Gill, Jeff Nicholas
• 3.0: David Jenkins, Philip Spargo, Rafferty Renshaw
• 2.0: Richard Humpoleby, Ian Renshaw, Andy Hunt, Peter Doubleday
• 1.5: Bryan Jones, Tom Jefferson
• 1.0: Ashley Jones
• 0.0: Nick Green

Ian George

This combines a number of the tournaments played at the club, including the club championship. Ian George or Philip Williams will finish in 1^st place, depending on Philip's outstanding club championship game against Jamie Morgan. Final standings and list of included events are here

Congratulations to the new club champion, David Jenkins. Final standings are here.

The second Kerrier Cup since the resumption of OTB chess after the Covid pandemic was played on 13 March as the Camborne club rapidplay championship. It was a five round Swiss at a time control of 12 minutes for the all the moves with increments of 5 seconds per move. 13 players entered. The winner was Ian George on 4½ points, followed by Jeff Nicholas and Percy Gill on 3½. Round by round results and final standings here.

Ian George

As last year, the annual festive tournament followed the normal format of a 5 round rapid play Swiss played at Bickford Smith bowling club, Tuckingmill with 16 competitors. Joint winners with 4 points were Philip Williams, Percy Gill and Hugh Brown. Debbie Smith provided the refreshments. Her buffet made a welcome return and was appreciated by everyone as the highlight of the event. A good time was had by all and more than 25 "prizes" were distributed to players and non-combatants alike, with nobody going home empty-handed. The remainder of the items generously donated by several people were given to the food bank at Centenary chapel.

The final standings were as follows:

• 4.0: Philip Williams, Percy Gill, Hugh Brown
• 3.5: David Jenkins
• 3.0: Richard Smith, Colin Sellwood, Richard Humpoleby
• 2.0: Rafferty Renshaw, Ian Renshaw, John James, Peter Doubleday
• 1.5: Philip Spargo
• 1.0: Pat Scully, Baoye Liang, Angus Banks
• 0.5: Ashley Jones (2 rounds)

Ian George

Prior to the full return of the county team competitions in 2023/24, reduced versions of the Cornwall League and Quickplay League were arranged. We came first in the County League. In the Quickplay Cup, the final against Bude will be played in June. Home matches were played at Camborne Community Centre.
Results and league tables

The overall winner was Philip Williams with 970 points. Richard Humpleby won the Under 1750 section (850 points) and Ben Barnett the Under 1300 (597 points). The junior prize went to Ben Palmer. Standings, prize list and list of included events here.

The first Kerrier Cup since the resumption of OTB chess after the Covid pandemic was played on 15 March as the Camborne club rapidplay championship. It was a five round Swiss at a time control of 12 minutes for the all the moves with increments of 5 seconds per move. 14 playrs entered. The final outcome was a three-way tie between Ian George, Robin Kneebone and Philip Williams on 4 points. As they all were also level on sum of progressive scores tie-break, they share the title. Round by round results and final standings here.

Ian George

This year's festive quickplay was played at the the club's former venue, Bickford Smith bowling club, Tuckingmill. There were 15 players, competing in a five-round rapid play Swiss. Joint winners with 4 points were David Jenkins and Colin Sellwood. Unfortuntaely Debbie was unwell and unable to provided the buffet that everyone always looks forward to

The final standings were as follows

• 4.0: David Jenkin, Colin Sellwood
• 3.5: Robin Kneebone, Jamie Morgan
• 3.0: Philip Williams, Jeff Nicholas, Bryan Jones, Ian Renshaw
• 2.5: Philip Spargo, Percy Gill
• 2.0: Richard Anthony, Hugh Brown, Pat Scully
• 1.0: Ashley Jones, Isaac Anthony
• 0.5: Pat Scully

Ian George

Following the cessation of official chess activity in Cornwall on March 16, only three rounds of the club championship were completed. Table and results after three rounds

After 3 last minute drop-outs, 13 players braved the elements, including Mr Secretary Smith's daghter, Phoebe, who showed impressive commitment by flying over from Australia to play in the event. The tournament consisted of a five-round Swiss under the Fischer time control system of 8 minutes each with 10 seconds added after every move. The opening for each round was drawn by lot from a list of 23 gambits. This format ensured that most of the players (except the Camborne secretary, of course!) were soon out of their comfort zone. As last year Madam Treasurer Smith provided a substantial and tasty buffet which was much appreciated by everyone, the star of the show this year being the delicious sausage rolls.

With one round to go Ian George led by a ½-point ahead of a group including Jeff Nicholas. Ian and Jeff met in the last round with Jeff as black facing the Morra Gambit against his Sicilian. An exciting game ensued in which Ian sacrificed a piece for an attack which met with a stout defence from Jeff who eventually won the game for victory in the tournament, a good display from him given that gambits are not usually his favoured style of play. Ian was 2^nd= along with Richard Smith and Ian Renshaw with grading prizes going Richard Humpleby (U140) and Maria Evdokimova (U100). Maria's son, Ivan, had a very good tournament, scoring 3/5 and winning the junior prize.

The openings were:

• 1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 (King's Gambit)
• 1.e4 e5 2.f4 d5 (Falkbeer Counter Gambit)
• 1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Nf3 g5; 4.Bc4 g4 5.O-O (Muzio Gambit)
• 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 cxd4 4.c3 (Scotch Gambit)
• 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 dxc3 (Morra Gambit")

The fimal standings were as follows, Falmouth/Truro players marked with an asterisk

• 4.0: *Jeff Nicholas (1^st £30)
• 3.5: Ian George, *Ian Renshaw, Richard Smith (2^nd £10 each)
• 3.0: Percy Gill, Richard Humpleby (U140 grading prize £10), *Ivan Gerasimenko (Junior prize £10)
• 2.5: Colin Sellwood
• 2.0: *Bryan Jones, *Hugh Brown, *Maria Evdokimova (U100 grading prize:£10), Philip Spargo
• 1.0: Phoebe Smith

Ian George

This year's festive quickplay was our most successful yet. 24 players, 13 form Camborne and 11 from Falmouth/Truro, competed in a five-round Swiss. Joint winners with 4 points were Robin Kneebone, Percy Gill and Tom Oates. The highlight of the evening was the munificent and varied buffet laid on by our treasurer, Debbie Smith, who also provided a constant stream of liquid refreshment with the assistance of Tracey Oates. Everyone seemed to have a good time and more than 50 prizes were distributed to players and non-combatants alike with nobody going home empty-handed.

The final standings were as follows, Falmouth/Truro players marked with an asterisk

• 4.0: *Robin Kneebone, Percy Gill, Tom Oates
• 3.5: Jeff Nicholas, Colin Sellwood, Martin Pope
• 3.0: Richard Smith, *Toby Willis, *Boris Kostadinov, Colin Gardiner
• 2.5: Philip Spargo, *Bryan Jones, Colin Long, Bryan Atkinson
• 2.0: David Jenkins, *Ian Renshaw, *Hugh Brown, *Maria Evdokimova
• 1.5: *Jamie Packham, *Ivan Gerasimenko, *Ray Proost, *Tamara Burgess
• 1.0: Rebecca Gardiner
• 0.5: Pat Scully

The evening was enlivened by the presence of a time traveller in Wild West dress.

You are invited to use your skill and judgment to identify this person. Was it:

• "Buffalo Bill" Cody
• Hopalong Cassidy
• Colin Sellwood, the "Clijah Kid"
• Wyatt Earp
• Jack Palance playing gunfighter Jack Wilson in "Shane"

Ian George

James Hooker is the new club champion on 4½, 1½ points ahead ahead of the players tied for 2 place. There were 11 entries. Bryan Jones (Carrick) won the Under 125 champioship on sum of progressive scores tie-break and is the first winner of the Philip Williams cup. Round by round results and final standings here.

James Hooker (Club Champion) and Bryan Jones (Under 125)

Ian George (Controller)

Held at Centenary Methodist church, 14 players entered, including 2 from Carrick. Grant Healey had to take a bye in round 1 and proceeded to win four in a row to take a well-deserved first prize of £50 Philip Williams, in a welcome appearance shared second prize with Jeff Nicholas (£20 each) U130 and U110 grading prizes of £20 each went to Tom Oates and Colin Gardiner.

Once again the fabulous buffet laid on provided by Debbie was the highlight of the event.

Final Standings

• 4½: Grant Healey (CAR)
• 3½: Jeff Nicholas, Philip Williams
• 3 : Colin Sellwood, Thomas Oates
• 2½: Philip Spargo, Colin Gardiner, Richard Smith, John Wilman
• 2 : Colin Long, Hugh Brown (CAR), Anton Barkhuysen
• 1½: Craig Fenwick
• 0: Rebecca Gardiner

Ian George

Our annual Christmas quickplay attracted 18 players this year, 9 each from Camborne and Carrick. First equal were Colin Sellwood, Robin Kneebone and Grant Healey with 4/5. The junior prize was won by Tom Oates and grading prizes went Boris Kostadinov, Philip Spargo and Hugh Brown. In Addition all present (including non-players) went home with a "prize".

As usual the substantial and delicious refreshments provided by Debbie, assisted by Sonia and Tracey, were the highlight of the event. Many thanks to all the players who brought one or more items for the prize-giving, ensuring that nobody went home empty handed.

Final Standings

• 4 : Colin Sellwood (CBN), Robin Kneebone (CAR), Grant Healey (CAR)
• 3½: Richard Smith (CBN)
• 3 : Boris Kostadinov (CAR), Colin Long (CBN), Philip Spargo (CBN), Thomas Oates (CBN)
• 2½: Martin Pope (CBN), Bryan Jones (CAR), Hugh Brown (CAR)
• 2 : Craig Fenwick (CBN), Rebecca Gardiner (CBN)
• 1½: Tamara Burgess (CAR), Ian Renshaw (CAR)
• 1 : Colin Gardiner (CBN), Ivan Gerasimenko (CAR)
• ½: Ray Proost (CAR)

Ian George

A significantly increased entry saw 15 players contest a five-round Swiss using the time control under the Fischer system of 10 minutes each with 20 seconds added after every move. The opening for each round was drawn by lot from a list of 20 gambits. This format ensured that most of the players (except the Camborne secretary, of course!) were soon out of their comfort zone. As last year Debbie provided a substantial and tasty buffet which was much appreciated by everyone.

The convincing winner, with 5/5 was Jeremy Menadue with Robin Kneebone and Richard Smith 2^nd= on 3.5. Grading prizes were won by Bryan Jones (U140) and Ian Renshaw (U105)

The openings were:

• 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 cxd4 4.c3 (Scotch Gambit)
• 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.f4 (Vienna Gambit)
• 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5 3.dxe5 Ne4 (Fajarowicz Gambit)
• 1.f4 e5 2.fxe5 (From's Gambit)
• 1.e4 e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.e5 c5 4.b4 ("Simon Bartlett Memorial gambit")

Final Standings

• 5: Jeremy Menadue (CBN),
• 3½: Richard Smith (CBN), Robin Kneebone (CAR)
• 3: Ian George (CBN), Colin Sellwood (CBN), Bryan Jones (CAR), Toby Willis (CAR)
• 2½: Boris Kostadinov (CAR), Colin Long (CBN), Ian Renshaw (CAR)
• 2: George Black (CAL)
• 1½: Hugh Brown (CAR), Craig Fenwick (CBN)
• 1 : David Jenkins (CAL), Brent Cole (CBN)

Ian George

Club Championship

Ian George won the club championship. There were 16 entriies. Results and final standings here

Ian George

Ten players braved the wintry conditions for a five round Swiss in which the opening for each round was drawn by lot from a list of 14 gambits. This format gave rise to many exciting games. The buffet provided by Debbie was much appreciated by everyone.

There was a welcome, if brief, return to active play after four years by Philip Williams who finished 1^st= with Ian George.

The openings were:

• "Simon Bartlett Memorial gambit" (1.e4 e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.e5 c5 4.b4)
• Scotch Gambit
• Latvian Counter Gambit
• Evans Gambit
• Cochrane Gambit

Congratulations to all those who came out to play in a style not necessarily within their comfort zone. We hope for a few more when we hold another gambit tournament next season.

Final Standings

• 4: Philip Williams (CBN), Ian George (CBN)
• 3½: Colin Sellwood (CBN), Robin Kneebone (TRU)
• 2½: Richard Smith (CBN)
• 2: Jeff Nicholas (CBN), Conor Hicks(CBN), Thomas Oates (CBN)
• 1½: David Jenkins (CAL)
• 0 : Hugh Brown (TRU)

Ian George

With Richard Smith as captain (and driver!) our 500 League team won the 2017/18 competition with a 5-1-0 record and defeated Bude in the county final. As a result of his outstanding performance of 10/12 Tom Oates was presented with a player of the season award. The following players represented the team:

• Ian George (9½/12)
• Richard Smith (7/10)
• Philip Spargo (7/14)
• Tom Oates (10/12)
• Colin Sellwood (2/4)
• Conor Hicks (4/4)

Left: Richard Smith presents Tom with his trophy
Right: Richard Smith, Ian George, Philip Spargo, Conor Hicks, Tom Oates. Not present: Colin Sellwood.

Ian George

Our annual Christmas quickplay was held this year on 15^th December, controlled by Ian George. The winner was Colin Sellwood with 4½/5. There were 16 players.

As usual the delicious refreshments provided by Debbie were the highlight of the event. Many thanks to all the players who brought one or more items for the prize-giving, ensuring that nobody went home empty handed.

Final Standings

• 4½: Colin Sellwood (CAR)
• 4 : David Saqui (PEN), Jan Rodrigo (PEN)
• 3½: Jeff Nicholas (CBN)
• 3 : David Jenkins (PEN), Martin Pope (CBN), Thomas Oates (CBN)
• 2½: Anton Barkhuysen (CBN), Hugh Brown (CAR)
• 2 : Philip Spargo (CBN), Richard Smith (CBN), John Wilman (CBN), Rebecca Gardiner (CAR)
• 1 : Tamara Burgess (CAR), Colin Gardiner (CAR)
• 0 : Ray Proost (CAR)

Ian George

Club Championship

Congratulations to Colin Sellwood on winning the club championship after many years of trying. He did it the hard way with a victory against the county champion in the last round. There were 16 players. Crosstable here

Our popular festive Christmas quickplay was held this year on 16^th December, ably hosted and controlled by Richard Smith and Robin Kneebone. Robin Kneebone and Colin Sellwood were joint 1^st with 4/5. There were 18 players.

Seasonal refreshements were enjoyed by all courtesy of Debbie and the vast array of prizes was supplied by contributions from the club and players.

Club Championship

David Saqui was outright winner with 4½/5, 1 point ahead of Robin Kneebone (4½)

Father and son, Kenton and 11 year old Harvey Richings both finished on 4/5 in the Under 125 Championship result. Kenton won the tie-break with the higher sum of progressive scores.

There were 8 players in each competition. Final standings and scores here.

Our annual Christmas rapidplay tournament took place on 18^th December with 22 players taking part including several players from other clubs.

The winner on 4½/5 was Percy Gill (Penwith), a former member of the club making a welcome return to local chess. David Saqui (Penwith) and artin Pope finished on 4 with Robin Kneebone (Carrick), Jeff Nicholas and Martin Pope 4^th= on 3½.

Once again thanks to Debbie and Sonia for maintaining a constant supply of seasonal and other refreshments, to Robin Kneebone for acting as controller and to everyone who generously contributed prizes.

Club Championship

Mark Watkins and Robin Kneebone finishd equal 1^st on 4½/5, drawing their game and winning the rest. As they could not be split on the sum of progressive scores tie-break, they were declared joint club champions.

The inaugural Under 125 Championship result in a convincing win for Richard Humpleby a 100% score.

There were 10 players in each competition. Final standings and scores here.

Camborne won the trophy after several near misses, defeating Bude by 3½-½ at the Liskeard club venue.

The final between Camborne and Truro, played on 16^th February, was tied on 2½ each with Truro winning on board elimination.

Our annual Christmas rapidplay tournament took place on 19^th December with 19 players taking part with several players from other clubs including a contingent from Liskeard.

The winner was Colin Sellwood with 4½/5 with David Saqui (Falmouth) runner-up on 4. There were particularly fine performances from the two juniors present. Richard Stephens (Falmouth) scored 3½ and won the under 16 prize while Harvey Richings finished on 3, winning the under 11 prize.

Once again thanks to Debbie and Sonia for maintaining a constant supply of seasonal and other refreshments.

The Annual General Meeting was held on Friday 12^th September. 15 people attended including 2 new members as well as a familiar returnee, David Burleigh.

The following decisions were made:

• Inauguration of an Under 125 Championship to run alongside the Club Championship. This would give give juniors and other players who would not usually enter or expect to feature in the top half of the championship something to compete for.
• It would be club policy to include, wherever possible, at least 2 juniors in the teams for home matches of the "B" team in the Roberts Cup and both 500 League teams.
• Fees payable: £10 entry fee for the Club Championship and Under 125 Championship (£5 for juniors). Board fee of £2 per player for all home matches.
• Christmas quickplay to be held as in previous seasons. An evening rapidplay to be organised as part of the Cornwall Grand Prix.

After the meeting club and county champion, Mark Watkins, took on 10 opponents in a simultaneous display scoring 8 wins, 1 draw (Philip spargo) and 1 loss (Colin Sellwood).

Ian George

Club Championship

Once again this was a six-round Swiss tournament played over the whole season with a strong entry of 16 players including a few who play for other clubs in the leagues. The early leader was Colin Sellwood with 4/4, including wins against Robin Kneebone and David Saqui, while defending champion, Mark Watkins was held to a draw by James Hooker in he first round. Mark went on to beat Colin in round 5. In the final round he was paired against Ian George, who was a half-point behind and the only other player who could win the championship. This resulted in a draw as a result of which Mark finishes with 5 points and retains the trophy for another year. The game can be replayed here. Ian finished on 4½ with Colin Sellwood, Martin Pope and David Saqui sharing 3^rd place on 4.

Final standings and scores here.

Open Quickplay - Friday - May 16

There were 17 entries for the open event which was a five-round Swiss with 15 minutes each for the whole game. Equal 1^st with 4/5 were Grant Healey (Falmouth), Jeremy Menadue (Truro) and David Saqui (Camborne). Hugh Brown (3½) won the under 130 grading prize while Matthew Jilbert (Camborne) and Richard Stephens (Falmouth) shared the junior prize with 3.

Four players contested a separate under-12 section which was played as a double-round all-play-all. This was won in convincing style by James Ackerley (Trewirgie School, Redruth) with 5½/6. My thanks to Kenton Richings for running this section.

Ian George

Christmas Quickplay - December 20

A record 23 players entered the open section of this annual festive event. Robin Kneebone (Falmouth) was on fine form, winning all 5 games. Grant Healey (Falmouth), Jeremy Menadue (Truro) and Philip Williams (Camborne) finished in second place on 4. The junior prize went to Harvey Richings (Marazion) who showed great promise against experienced opposition, winning one game and putting several of his opponents under pressure.

The junior section was a four player all-play-all and was won by Ned Lester-Smith (Perranporth) and Neo Guyett-Browne (Camborne)

Thanks to Debbie and Sonia for the continuous supply of refreshments and to David Jenkins for running the junior section.

Ian George

Annual General Meeting

At the Annual General Meeting on 6th September we welcomed several new members and made the following decisions:

• All officers were re-elected with the exception of the 500 League team captain who is now Philip Spargo.
• Club fees were amended to £10 entry fee for the club championship (open to ECF members only). Members of any other club in the county welcome to enter. Board fee of £2 payable for home matches only.
• Consideration would be given to organising a "Stars-barred" tournament to start in the new year and run alongside the club championship.