Latest news with #Cornishman
United News of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- United News of India
Michael Adams wins his ninth British Chess Championship
Liverpool, Aug 10(UNI) Michael Adams, the king of British chess, won his ninth national title today in a sensational three-way playoff finish to the 111th British Chess Championships in Liverpool. The 53-year-old Cornishman, nicknamed 'The Spider', showed all his class to win the rapidplay tiebreaker ahead of International Master Peter Roberson and Grandmaster Stuart Conquest, the 2008 champion. All three had tied on 7/9 during the regular nine-round championship at Liverpool's magnificent St George's Hall. Adams, who led throughout, takes home £5,000 and the British Crown Trophy he first won in 1989 from the English Chess Federation organised event. Meanwhile, Lan Yao and Elmira Mirzoeva, both WGM title holders, were crowned joint 2025 British Women's champions. Lan drew in the final-round while Mirzoeva won to finish level on 6/9. It was Lan's fourth title in a row and Mirzoeva's first. Roberson and Conquest, the winner the last time the British was in Liverpool 17 years ago, both had an incredible championships. The playoff format dictated Roberson and Conquest fight it out for the right to play Adams over two 10+5 games. The 58-year-old Conquest, affectionately known as 'The Fox', rolled back the years to emerge with a 2-0 win and get a chance to take the crown. But, in a battle of the golden oldies, the overwhelming favourite Adams was too strong and claimed the 2025 title. Adams is now behind only Jonathan Penrose, who won 10 titles between 1958 and 1969, in the all-time list of British champions. More than 1,000 chess players from across the UK, including the best of Britain's grandmasters and child prodigies, had descended on Liverpool to take part in a series of tournaments and wider chess events held over nine days. The final round of the elite nine-round Swiss championship started on Sunday with six players locked on 6/8. Any one of three grandmasters in Adams, Nikita Vitiugov and Conquest plus three International Masters in Roberson, Richard Pert and the Pole Maciej Czopor could have gone on to win. It was tense. First, Roberson downed Pert to go ahead before Adams won his final game to force a playoff with a trademark grinding win over Czopor. Conquest, who was in also fine form throughout, then won his place in the playoff by sensationally downing England's current number-one Vitiugov. 'I don't think we've seen the best yet of Vitiugov, I'm pretty certain of that,' Gormally said. 'He will national titles, there's no question about it. He wasn't at his best in this tournament.' Shreyas Royal, England's youngest ever grandmaster, had challenged until the eighth round when a loss to Conquest ended his chances. The 16-year-old was then beaten at the last by 22-year-old International Master Jonah Willow. However, Royal's strong showing demonstrated his time will come. Another youngster who put in an impressive show was 11-year-old Supratit Banerjee who finished on 6/9 having beaten two grandmasters and sealed his first IM norm. Gormally tipped the youngster as a shoe-in for a future British champion. Gormally also heralded the performance of 10-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan who turned around a losing position in the final round to beat the experienced Grandmaster Peter Wells. UNI RKM
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Cornwall chocolate box village named among England's best
Mousehole, which is known for its "picturesque" harbour and narrow streets, was highlighted as one of the best in England. It was among a selection of spots curated by Independent Cottages, which was aiming to find the most beautiful villages in the country. They compared many places against a list of criteria to come to their conclusions, which were: The number of historic buildings, showing the architectural heritage that gives each village its character The oldest recorded existence of the village, demonstrating its depth of history Whether each village is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), recognising its natural surroundings and protection status How many people search for the village online, indicating public interest and recognition How many TikTok posts feature each village, showing how visually appealing they are Introducing the list, they wrote: "There are lots of things that make England special: castles, stately homes and national parks. But what makes it especially charming is the hundreds of little chocolate box villages scattered across the countryside. "Thatched cottages lining cobblestone streets, church bells marking the time and quaint pubs with roaring fires welcoming locals and travellers alike, just as they have for centuries." The full list of England's best chocolate box villages can be found on the Independent Cottages website here. What makes Mousehole one of England's top 'chocolate box' villages? In terms of how it stacked up against other chocolate box villages, Mousehole is said to have dated back to 1286 and has 124 listed buildings. The village is also located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has had 1,305 TikTok posts made about it. Located fairly close to Penzance, Mousehole is a historic fishing village which has retained its "original character, charm and beauty". Visit Cornwall adds: "Its picturesque harbour is surrounded by narrow streets and lichen covered houses, which huddle together creating a stunning location." You can easily lose yourself for a couple of hours navigating these little lanes, discovering cafes, restaurants, galleries and more. The tourism website says: "With the tide out the harbour becomes a safe sandy beach, popular with families, whilst the sea wall is a great place to promenade and take in the views across to St Michael's Mount." If you're a keen swimmer, then Mousehole Rock Pool, which is a natural tidal pool, would be the ideal spot for you. Meanwhile, Cornwall Guide praised the village for its cottages "built from finely grained Lamorna granite". Recommended reading: It adds: "The area is protected from the force of the sea by two sturdy breakwaters. "Dylan Thomas described the village as the loveliest in England, but there are many Cornishman who would dispute that this part of the world can be classed as England!" Have you explored Mousehole? Let us know what you think of this chocolate box village in the comments below.
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
I'm an English golfer who's famous in the US but unknown back home
English star wants more UK fans to know his name as he brings US form to Scotland Hot Harry Hall wants some spotlight and UK fans to know his name. Victory in the Genesis Scottish Open and a place in Europe's Ryder Cup would make sure that happens. Hall has been in tremendous form on the PGA Tour and is now transferring his work across the pond. Nonetheless, with spending most of his time playing in the States, the 27-year-old is still not an instantly-recognisable figure to the casual fan on these shores. As Hall walked up the final hole of his Friday 64, one Renaissance spectator pointed and said: 'There's that guy with the cap.' The Cornishman understands the situation, but isn't happy to just fly under the radar as he said: 'I don't know if I like it. I want to be one of the best and that comes with being in the spotlight and, when you're not, you've just got to get motivated to keep going. 'I think I'm probably more known in the US now just from being on the PGA Tour, but hopefully, I can play good golf when I come back here and people will know my name. 'I'm playing really nicely. I think everything in my game is in a good spot and I'm looking forward to the weekend. 'The last couple of months, I've worked on every aspect of my game a little bit more and I'm feeling really comfortable. Just getting a little bit better, a little more clear on the golf course.' Exactly 12 months ago, Hall wasn't even in the Renaissance field. He played the opposite-field event on the PGA Tour and won the ISCO Championship. Fast forward a year and he was out alongside Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald and that fact was not lost on him. Hall was placed right under the skipper's nose for a close-up look over days one and two and didn't shy away by going through their 36 holes together in nine-under par. The English star admitted: 'I mean, he was focused on his own game, but I think he probably made that pairing himself. We've got a long way to go until the Ryder Cup, so I've got to keep doing my thing. 'I'd say if I keep up playing the way I am, then I've got a pretty good chance to maybe be a pick and, hopefully, I can even qualify if I finish the job off this week. "I'm in The Open next week, so I think you never know until you're in that top six. I think it's too early for anybody to talk about it, in a way.' Success in Scotland would do Hall's chances the power of good and have his name alongside elite recent winners as he added: 'Obviously, they've had great champions the last few years in Xander [Shauffele], Rory [McIlroy] and Bob [MacIntyre], so it'd be nice to join them.'
South Wales Argus
25-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
How Newport County's 2024 leavers fared last season
The Exiles have important work to do in the transfer market but it probably won't be as busy as last summer when there was dramatic change. Eleven players left County after the 2023/24 season, plus loanees left. Here is how they have fared since... JOE DAY The goalkeeper left the Exiles after spending a season on loan at Woking and then Yeovil. Day enjoyed a reunion with Michael Flynn at League Two Cheltenham as player-coach but the experienced stopper was between the sticks a lot more than had been expected. The 34-year-old made 44 appearances in all competitions and will be back for more. EXPERIENCED: Scot Bennett moved to Cheltenham from County (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency) SCOT BENNETT Another player who made the short trip to Whaddon Road after only being offered a low one-year contract by County. The 34-year-old Cornishman made 29 appearances in all competitions for Cheltenham and his experience was invaluable off the pitch. Versatile Bennett operated mainly as a centre-back and finished the season with an average rating of 6.69 on a solid score that only eight County players beat. Will be back for another season in the fourth tier. FRUSTRATED: Omar Bogle suffered with injuries in his first season in Crewe (Image: Martin Rickett) OMAR BOGLE The striker was released by County and then spent the summer staying fit under the Professional Footballers Association's scheme for unattached players. Eventually earned a deal with Crewe but had a mixed campaign due to injury, making 32 appearances (13 starts) and scoring six goals. Under contract at Gresty Road for next season. HARRY CHARSLEY The midfielder's season is over because of injury but he will hope to celebrate promotion from the National League at Wembley with Oldham. Moved to the Latics on a two-year deal after turning down a fresh County offer but made 11 appearances because of injury issues. RETURN: Ryan Delaney took on County with Swindon (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency) RYAN DELANEY The Irish centre-back was also offered fresh terms by County but turned down the offer in favour of a move to League Two rivals Swindon. Initially struggled with the knee injury that ended his 2023/24 early but ended with 25 appearances for Ian Holloway's side, who went from being a basket case club to a team that will start as one of those fancied for a promotion push. Delaney, 28, is under contract at the County Ground for next season. DECLAN DRYSDALE The central defender from Birkenhead earned a one-year contract with his hometown club Tranmere but suffered injury misfortune, which won't be a surprise to County fans. The 25-year-old was limited to 10 appearances and also managed to get sent off for two yellow cards in successive games in January. On the hunt for a new club again. JAMES WAITE Signed for National League South Weston-super-Mare, where he previously played on loan while on the books of Cardiff. However, the midfielder suffered a serious injury in August that sidelined him until March and limited him to 12 appearances. Will be back at Weston next season. OFFRANDE ZANZALA The striker, like Bogle, stayed sharp with the PFA last summer before earning a deal with Fylde. Made 12 appearances in the National League but then moved down a level with Torquay in February. Finished with two goals in 12 outings for the Gulls and is on the hunt for a new club after being released. SAM BOWEN After a season on loan at Wealdstone, the midfielder stayed in the National League with Solihull Moors after leaving County. The 24-year-old made 32 appearances for the West Midlands side and scored four goals. HARRISON BRIGHT The right-back from Blaenavon initially left for National League South Salisbury but ended up at Barry Town United in the Cymru Premier, where he had previously played on loan. The 21-year-old ended the season with 15 appearances and two goals for the Jenner Park club. JONNY MAXTED The experienced goalkeeper signed for Brackley in National League North, a return to Northamptonshire for a former Cobblers player. The 31-year-old made 44 appearances and helped them win the title and earn promotion to the National League. DEPENDABLE: Adam Lewis (right) featured prominently for Morecambe (Image: Martin Rickett) THE LOANEES… Defender Matt Baker returned to County on a permanent deal and was one of the best performers in a disappointing campaign. Seb Palmer-Houlden was sent out for another loan spell by Bristol City and the striker scored nine goals in 39 appearances for Scottish Premiership Dundee. He will now move to Gillingham on a permanent deal. Adam Lewis was released by Liverpool and signed for Morecambe, making an impressive 52 appearances in all competitions as the Lancashire club suffered relegation from League Two. The left-back, who had two loan spells with the Exiles, has been offered a fresh one-year deal by the Shrimps. Right-back Lewis Payne was loaned to Cheltenham by Southampton and gave away a penalty against County on his debut. Made 22 appearances before returning to Saints in January, making the shortlist for the Premier League 2's player of the month for April. Matty Bondswell was released by Newcastle and the left-sided defender/midfielder made one appearance in the National League for Hartlepool before signing for Peterborough Sports and making 12 outings in National League North.
