Press Release

95th British Chess Championships

It was announced today the 95th British Chess Championships celebrating the contribution by Mike O’Hara to British chess administration will take place in St George’s Hall, Liverpool Sunday 27 July to Saturday 9 August. The showpiece of this event, which will attract about 900 entries, is the British Championship. The English Chess Federation has decided to make funds available for start money for the leading players.

President of the English Chess Federation, Gerry Walsh, said today ‘commemorating Mike O’Hara is particularly apt. He was an extremely active organiser in the North-West and treasurer of the event for many years. Much of the true wealth of English chess lies in the many administrators in chess who give up their time voluntarily.

The provision of fees for the grandmasters and leading women players is very welcome news. This will mean the British Championship will be an event worthy of the magnificent St George’s Hall and be a major part of the 08 Liverpool European Capital of Culture. Other chess activity in Liverpool this summer includes the Glorney/Faber Cup in July, which was the first-ever international junior chess team championship, and the European Union Individual Championship in September. We will be able to witness a truly exciting chess festival in a truly exciting city.’

Further details: http://www.englishchess.org.uk/events/bc2008/index.html 01424 775222 or

Stewart Reuben
Manager of Congress Chess