BWCA National Girls' Championships & Women's Rapidplay 2008

Nine new champions emerged at this year’s National Girls’ Championships held by the British Women’s Chess Association in the unique Art Nouveau surroundings of the Elmbank Hotel in York on the 9th and 10th February.

Opened by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Irene Waudby, the championships were hard-fought. The atmosphere was concentrated yet sociable, many girls making new friends and gaining from the coaching provided by WGM Jovanka Houska and WFM Sabrina Chevannes. The BWCA Women’s Rapidplay proved a challenging tournament on Sunday, 10th and on Saturday a more relaxed Friendly Tournament was held for parents and brothers or sisters of championship competitors. The whole event ran smoothly thanks to the professionalism of International Arbiters Lara Barnes and Alex MacFarlane. Others contributing to the success of the weekend were Christine Emms, Arne Hagesaether, and Peter and Claire Cloudsdale.

Prizes were presented by BWCA President Jovanka Houska for the younger age-groups and by ECF Manager for Finance and Management Services, Cynthia Gurney, for the older age-groups and women. ECF President, Gerry Walsh, said a few words at both prize-givings.

The BWCA would like to thank all those whose help and generosity made this event possible, including York Junior Chess Club, the English Chess Federation, Chess Scotland, the john Robinson Trust, Bettys and Taylors Group Ltd., Chess Direct, Fulprint Ltd and the Elmbank Hotel.

Preparations are already under way for next year when we look forward to welcoming new and returning players. Congratulations to all those who did so well this year, especially the winners and Champions.

Susan McFarland
BWCA Chief Executive

Winners & Champions

Women’s Rapidplay: 1st = Sarah Hegarty and Amy Officer

Under 21 Champion: Sarah Hegarty
Under 16 Champion: Amy Officer
Under 14 Champions: Evie Hollingworth and Abigail Pritchard
Under 12 Champion: Jennifer Ehr
Under 11 Champion: Phoebe Price
Under 10 Champion: Katherine Shepherd
Under 9 Champion: Fiona Howard
Under 8 Champion: Rebecca Swestun

Friendly Tournament 1st: Gordon Stables