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12th Monarch Assurance Isle of Man International
27 Sept - 5 Oct 2003

Last updated: Wednesday, August 23, 2017 7:15 PM

The Monarch Assurance PLC 12th International Chess Tournament is taking place at the Ocean Castle Hotel, Port Erin, Isle of Man, from Saturday 27 September to Sunday 5 October 2003. It is a 9-round swiss tournament and is FIDE-rated. There will be £16,500 in total prize money.

This is the official home page for the tournament   
The Ocean Castle Hotel, Port Erin
The Ocean Castle Hotel
(Just visible: TD Dennis Hemsley)
Simen Agdestein receives the 2003 winner's trophy
from Mr Patrick Taylor, MD of Monarch Assurance

The 2003 line-up is phenomenal - as regards titled players, there are 27 GMs, 16 IMs, 2 WGMs, 9 FMs, 1 WM and 1 WFM representing 31 countries in all. Amongst these are one former world championship finalist, Nigel Short, plus two former Monarch winners - Mark Hebden (2000) and Vladimir Epishin (2002). It makes it one of the strongest international tournaments to be held in the British Isles.

FINAL... Agdestein first on tie-break from Smbat Lputian - both scored 7/9
Major (Final Scores) • Minor (Final Scores) • Background Info

 

R.I.P. Tony Bridson

Tony Bridson and Dennis Hemsley at the 2001 Monarch prizegivingSome desperately sad news: Tony Bridson, marketing manager of the Cherry Orchard Hotel and one of the driving forces behind the Monarch Assurance tournament died today (2 October) at 6.00am, after a long illness. He had been in a coma for the last week and the end, when it came, was not unexpected. But such was the incredible energy and fortitude of Tony that, despite his long-term illness and severe pain, he had been at his desk organising this tournament until only about ten days ago. Anyone who knew Tony - and he seemed to know everyone - will testify to his larger than life personality and irrepressible good humour, as well as his tremendous contribution at the Cherry Orchard, to the Monarch Assurance tournament and to the promotion of tourism in the Isle of Man. Tony wasn't a chess player, but he did more for chess than thousands of us who play the game. It didn't end with this tournament; he had other big plans for the game over here and was still working on them at the time of his final illness. He will be sorely missed. A minute's silence was observed for him at the start of round six, and his great friend and colleague Dennis Hemsley paid a moving and eloquent tribute to him. "He was my right-hand man". I'm sure everyone who knew him will join me in paying tribute and sending condolences to his wife and family. Tony, you were the best. JS (photo: Tony receiving a present from Dennis Hemsley at the 2001 Monarch Assurance tournament prize-giving)

Open: Prizes - 1st £2,500 and nine more prizes from £1,500 to £200. Five rating prizes - £200 each, plus £200 best score by non-rated player, £200 each for best veteran, lady, junior and Manx. Entry Fee £20, Ladies & Juniors £10. (BCF Direct Members deduct £2). Free entry for titled players and those rated 2300 or over. FIDE-rated 9-round swiss open. Rate of Play: 40 moves in 2 hours, then 20 moves in 1 hour, then remaining moves in 30 minutes. Venue: the Ocean Castle Hotel.

Major (for players graded 175 BCF, 2000 elo, and below): 1st £600, 2nd £500, 3rd £400, plus five grading prizes of £150 each. £200 each for best veteran, lady, junior and Manx. New in 2003 is a £150 best game prize given by 'Mann on the Ground'. Entry Fee £15, Ladies & Juniors £7. (BCF Direct Members deduct £2). Club teams of three - no entry fee - save up to £45. Team prize for the best aggregate score. Rate of Play: 40 moves in 2 hours, then all the moves in 1 hour. Venue: The Cherry Orchard Hotel.

Minor (for players graded 120 BCF, 1560 elo, and below): 1st £400, 2nd £300, 3rd £250, plus five grading prizes of £150 each. £150 each for best veteran, lady, junior and Manx player. New in 2003 is a £100 best game prize given by 'Mann on the Ground'. Entry Fee £9, Ladies & Juniors £5. (BCF Direct Members deduct £1). Club teams of three - no entry fee - save up to £27. Team prize for the best aggregate score £200. Rate of Play: 40 moves in 2 hours, then all the moves in 1 hour (note - this has changed from 2002). Venue: The Erin Arts Centre.

Part of the BCF Grand Prix. Game fee registered. The Open is a Smith & Williamson British Championship qualifier.
Arbiters: Richard Furness, John Robinson
 

Additional Information about the Tournament

Tournament Director:
Dennis Hemsley

Webmaster:
John Saunders


Main Sponsors

Monarch Assurance







As well as Monarch Assurance plc, the Tournament is sponsored by The Isle of Man Department of Tourism, and the Port Erin Commissioners.