At the tender age of 11 Shlok Maheshwari won a share of the 1st prize in the Major section of the 2026 Leyland Chess Congress. Unbeaten, with 3 wins and 3 draws, he made light of his 17th place starting rank in the tournament with an excellent overall performance rating of 1864. His progress through the ratings has been nothing short of stellar in the last 12 months and it would be remiss not to acknowledge the tremendous support he receives from his family in respect of his chess activities. Long may it continue.
At the recent league AGM it was agreed that we would be purchasing a new trophy to replace the missing Peninsular cup. As the trophy was being replaced it is being considered whether the Trophy / Competition should have a new name.
I have created a poll below for league members to vote on. The below names have been sent to me as suggestions for renaming the cup. Please vote ONCE for your preferred option! Closing date 26th June 23.59pm
A little added information kindly provided by a league member who knows the history. The name “Peninsula Cup” came from the leagues earlier link with the Peninsular Regiment ( served under Wellington in the Napoleonic Wars) which was based at the Peninsula Barracks, Warrington.
None of us we’re aware of this history at the recent AGM
The fourth edition of our now-annual Warrington Rapidplay is just around the corner, and excitement is building fast.
The event will be hosted at Bridgewater High School on Sunday, 24th May, and it has already attracted the attention of some of the UK’s top chess talent, including two world-class Grandmasters.
Meet the Grandmasters
GM Daniel Gormally
GM Daniel Gormally
Grandmaster Daniel Gormally (peak 2573 FIDE) is one of England’s top professional chess players. With a career spanning over 20 years, he has amassed an impressive number of feats in over-the-board chess. He finished clear or shared first in the 1998 Politiken Cup, the 78th Hastings International Chess Congress (Challengers section), and the 2006 British Rapidplay Championship. He also shared second place in the 102nd British Championship and the 2nd EU Individual Championship.
Nigel Davies became a Grandmaster in 1993 and has enjoyed massive success as both an author and a coach. He has published 22 chess books and actively coaches players across the globe as a FIDE Trainer through his website, Tiger Chess.
The two Grandmasters will face incredibly tough competition on the day. Last year’s Open champion, International Master Gediminas Sarakauskas, is returning to defend his title, alongside FIDE Master Paul Macklin, who is also confirmed for this year’s lineup.
Representing our local talent, Warrington and District chess player Ethan Norris from Atherton will be the highest-rated local expert competing in the field!
Sections for All Levels – Enter Now!
This event is not just for masters. There will be three graded sections running on the day to ensure competitive, well-matched games for players of all levels and abilities.
Fancy your chances, or just want to test your skills in a fantastic local tournament? There is still time to secure your spot.
