British Championships Underway

The 2009 British Chess Championships is underway in Torquay.  This huge event features over 800 competitors in total, taking part in opens, junior championships (for every age from 16 down to 8!), and many other competitions, with the National Championship being the showpiece.

The major British heavyweights i.e. Mickey Adams and Nigel Short are sitting this year out, so top seed is 18 year-old David Howell (pictured), rated 2614 Elo.

The first round of the championship was the scene of a major upset when last year's winner, GM Stuart Conquest (2572 Elo) lost to David Eggleston (2341 Elo).

Live games and more information can be found at the official website.