Invasion of Ukraine

All possible measures should be taken against the Putin regime to express revulsion against its brutal invasion of Ukraine, which threatens the peace of the entire world, and here sport can play its part. Football is the most popular world sport, and UEFA and (belatedly) FIFA have decided to exclude Russian teams from all competitions until further notice.

Chess is extremely popular in Russia, and FIDE, the International Chess Federation, has decided to strip Moscow of the World Olympiad which it was due to host in the summer. But we consider that this is not going far enough – like their football counterparts, Russian teams should be barred from taking part in all International and European competitions. We call on the English Chess Federation to demand this as a matter of urgency.

DCCA Congress Update

A recent update from Mick Riding, the Congress Director:

Hi,
Am hoping this mail is finding you well and itching to play your next OTB Tournament!
Approaching 50 entries now for May 6 – 8 with some additional prizes to advise you of: 
1) DCCA have kindly approved funding for a Fred Stobbart trophy to respect the efforts this lovely man made in keeping the congress alive for so many years and,
2) Equally kindly Darlington Chess Club have committed £100 towards two special junior prizes.
These supplement the existing NCCU Championships, special awards for local players and £2,500+ prize money on offer. So as payday approaches am hoping Durham Chess 2022 is near the top of your budget outgoings list 🙂
Durham Chess Congress
Very best – Mick