Suffolk Chess

The new FIDE Rating list for March has just been published.   The following players currently rated over 2000 are eligible to represent Suffolk as they live in the county.   Others, including Adam Taylor (Manningtree) and Mike Harris (Bury St Edmunds) live outside Suffolk but are still eligible through membership of their respective clubs (unless they already play for their 'home' county).

No.	Name	Rating
1	Adam Hunt	2435
2	Justin Tan	2351
3	Dagne Ciuksyte	2348
4	Alan Merry	2316
5	Ed Player	2247
6	David Spence	2222
7	Shaun Munson	2165
8	Tim Lunn	2057
9	Steve Ruthen	2052
10	Steve Gregory	2046
11	John Feavyour	2045
12	Mike Cook	2039
13	Phil Hopkins	2022
14	Ian Wallis	2019

The March list includes one new entry - 9-year old Anita Somton.   Her first FIDE rating has been set at 1470, which is outstanding for one so young.   Not only is she the highest-rated English Under 10 Girl, but also the highest-rated Under 11 and Under 12 Girl.   She is also ranked at number 58 amongst all active English women and girls.

The photo below shows Anita (Bury's youngest member) facing Chas Szentmihaly (Bury's oldest member) before a match in the Bury Area Chess League last Thursday.