Oleksandr Matlak is the New National Master!

Last weekend, the Bristol Centenary & WECU Championship chess tournament took place in Bristol, UK. In the Open section, 63 players battled it out for the coveted title of West of England Chess Champion.

Among the strong field, which included two international grandmasters and several highly rated International masters, my friend Oleksandr Matlak (representing Wells) emerged as a true contender.

He played brilliantly and, in the end, tied for first place with Jacob Boswell from Cheddleton & Leek. Both scored an impressive 4.5 out of 5 points — what an incredible achievement! The third place went to IM Chris Beaumont (Bristol & Clifton), who finished with a full 4 points.

The tournament began with just a draw, but Oleksandr quickly found his rhythm. 

After two strong wins, he unleashed a powerful positional attack in the fourth round. It was like watching a master artist at work, creating a beautiful and deadly masterpiece over the board!

Just like that, he had three wins in a row!

But the ultimate test awaited him in the final round. His path to victory was on the line in a game against british GM Peter Wells, a player with a 2351 ELO rating.

So, what happened when the clock started?

My huge congratulations to Oleksandr Matlak for this wonderful tournament victory and for earning the English National Master title!

Full tournament results here.

Well played, my dear-dear friend!

See you again!