This was held from 30/03/2018 to 01/04/2018, at the Ukrainian Social Club, 99 Castle Street, Bolton BL2 1JP, and attracted a number of Yorkshire players, some of whom won prizes. There were 82 participants in the main sections, discounting withdrawals by two who had entered. 73 players participated in the Saturday afternoon 8-round “Blitz”.

In the Open section (22 entrants), the first three places were shared by Lancastrians Ali Jaunooby (Denton), Joseph McPhillips (Bolton) and Mike Surtees (Great Lever), all on 4 points out of 5. Robert Starley, who is currently doing a PhD at Leeds University (having graduated from Emmanuel College, Cambridge), shared 4th and 5th places with Donald Mason (Shirley) on 3½ points. Tim Hilton (Denton and Calderdale) finished 19-20= on just 1 point.

In the Major section (U-170, 29 entrants), Dave Patrick (Calderdale) and Mark Whitehead (Rochdale and Calderdale) were among those sharing 1st to 4th places with 4 points out of 5. Among the six players sharing 11-16= on 2½ were Clive Davies (Rose Forgrove), Dean Hartley (Clay Cross in Sheffield League), and Richard Desmedt (Barnsley). Finishing 21-25 on 1½ points was Bill Tait (Ilkley). Finishing 17-20= on 2 points was Robert Clegg (Halifax Courier). Managing only 1 point from the four games he played was John Brooke (Bradford).

In the Knights section (U-135, 33 entrants), the highest placed Yorkshire player was Paul Gelder (Alwoodley) with 3 points. Keith Wicks (Sheffield Nomads) finished 20-23= on 2 points.

The “Busy Persons’ Blitz” held on Saturday afternoon attracted 73 entrants. Joseph McPhillips and Mike Surtees shared first place on 7 points out of 8. Tom Leah (York) shared the 166 to 185 grading prize with 2 other players on 6 points, while Keith Wicks (Sheffield Nomads) won the 106 to 125 grading prize on 4 points.

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