BCA – Bringing Chess To Visually Impaired People

Phil Gordon wins the 2025 Chairman’s Cup!

2025 Chairman's Cup Trophies

The prize giving at the Chairman’s Cup was a joyful occasion! The prizes were presented by arbiter Gerry Walsh and organiser John Jenkins.

The final scores were as follows:
Phil Gordon 6.  Phil won 1st prize and the 2025 Chairman’s Cup!
Phil Gordon (right) - Winner of the 2025 Chairman's Cup
Phil Gordon (right) – Winner of the 2025 Chairman’s Cup
In joint 2nd place were Brandan Read and Ian Blencowe on 5.5.
Ian Blencowe (left) and Brandan Read (right) - joint 2nd place
Ian Blencowe (left) and Brandan Read (right) – joint 2nd place

The highest placed player in the Challengers was Desmond Masterson on 5, who won the Challengers 1st prize and U1300 trophy.

Desmond Masterson (left) - Challengers 1st prize and trophy
Desmond Masterson (left) – Challengers 1st prize and trophy

On 4.5 points Neda Koohnavard and Stan Lovell.  Neda got 2nd prize in the Challengers and won the Ladies trophy, named in honour of our late honorary member, Julia Scott, who raised many thousands of pounds to help the BCA.

Neda Koohnavard (centre) - Challengers 2nd prize and Ladies Trophy
Neda Koohnavard (centre) – Challengers 2nd prize and Ladies Trophy

On 4 points, Mark Kirkham, Mark Hague and Simon Highsmith.  Simon won 3rd prize in the Challengers.  Mark won Rating prize B.

Simon Highsmith (left) - Challengers 3rd prize
Simon Highsmith (left) – Challengers 3rd prize
Mark Hague (centre) - Rating Prize B
Mark Hague (centre) – Rating Prize B

On 3.5 points Mahendra Galani, George Phillips, Gary Wickett, Steve Bailey and John Jenkins.  George and John shared Rating prize A.

John Jenkins (left) and George Phillips (right) - joint Rating Prize A
John Jenkins (left) and George Phillips (right) – joint Rating Prize A
On 3 points Gill Smith, Voldi Gailans and Marilyn Bland.
On 2.5 points Dan Rugman, Abi Baker, Tony Lawton, Lea Ryan and Peter Walker.  Tony, Abi and Peter shared Rating prize C.  Lea won Rating prize D.
Tony Lawton (left) and Abi Baker (centre right) - joint Rating Prize C
Tony Lawton (left) and Abi Baker (centre right) – joint Rating Prize C
Lea Ryan (centre) - Rating Prize D
Lea Ryan (centre) – Rating Prize D

On 1 point Anthony Wilcox and Richard Harrington.

Congratulations to all the prize winners!
Anthony Wilcox made a speech

Anthony Wilcox made a speech

Newcomer Anthony Wilcox didn’t win a prize this time.  It was his first ever tournament!  However, he did make a speech about how nervous he’d been beforehand and how warmly the members had welcomed and encouraged him.  He’d made new friends and had a lot of support to help him improve his chess.  He got huge applause!