Month: July 2026

July 13, 2026

Founded in 1866, South Shields Chess Club has spent 160 years bringing people together through chess. From the very beginning the club was intended to be a place “where learners and lovers of the game meet”, and that simple idea still sums up what we are all about today.

Thanks to support from the Dogger Bank Wind Farm Community  Fund, we were able to purchase a gazebo and additional equipment to support our outreach activities. The fund is part of Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s wider commitment to support coastal communities and local organizations that improve quality of life and encourage community participation.

The gazebo gives us a highly visible presence at community events and, just as importantly, provides welcome shelter from the wind and rain that are never too far away on the Northeast coast.

So far this year we have attended Armed Forces Day and the Monkton Relay for Life, introducing people of all ages to the game. We are also looking forward to attending the Ocean Road Mela on 9 August, where we hope to meet even more members of the local community.

A key part of our outreach work is our Play It Forward campaign. The aim is to encourage parents and grandparents to share their knowledge of chess with younger generations. Quite often, though, we find it works the other way around, with children teaching parents and grandparents how to play.

Chess is a game that crosses generations, backgrounds and social boundaries. It develops concentration, patience, problem-solving and confidence, but perhaps most importantly, it brings people together. Time and again we see complete strangers strike up conversations over a chessboard and families enjoy quality time together through the game.

None of this would be possible without the enthusiasm of our members, who freely give their time at events, teach newcomers and help spread the benefits of chess throughout South Tyneside. Their willingness to pass on their knowledge and passion for the game embodies exactly what Play It Forward is all about.

On behalf of everyone at South Shields Chess Club, I would like to thank the Dogger Bank Wind Farm Operator Fund for supporting our vision. Their contribution is helping us take chess into the heart of our community and ensuring that, 160 years after our club was founded, we continue to live up to our motto:

South Shields Chess Club – Where Learners and Lovers of the Game Meet

July 8, 2026

The event brought together a strong field featuring Grandmaster Daniel Gormally, FIDE Masters David Walker and Andrew Burnett, Arena International Master Nathan Ekanem, and a host of talented players from England, Scotland, Mexico, Nigeria, Spain and Sri Lanka. The tournament provided a fitting celebration for one of the oldest chess clubs in the world, which was founded in 1866. 

After nine rounds of fast and exciting chess, it was Gustavo Leon Cazares of Mexico who emerged as the clear winner with an outstanding score of 8 points from 9 games. Gustavo produced a series of impressive victories throughout the day to finish ahead of top seed GM Daniel Gormally, who secured second place on 7½ points. 

Third place went to Thomas Eggleston with 7 points, narrowly ahead of AIM Nathan Ekanem, who finished on the same score. 

Final Standings 

Gustavo Leon Cazares (MEX) – 8/9 

GM Daniel Gormally (ENG) – 7½/9 

Thomas Eggleston (ENG) – 7/9 

AIM Nathan Ekanem (NGR) – 7/9 

FM David Walker (ENG) – 6½/9 

FM Andrew Burnett (SCO) – 6½/9 

Several local and regional players also produced notable performances. Michael Yianni finished on an excellent 6 points, while Raj Singh, Gautham Sathishkumar, Caleb Asaolu, and Sanjay Sathishkumar all scored an impressive 5½ points against strong opposition. 

Prize Winners 

Main Prize Winners 

1st Place: Gustavo Leon Cazares 

2nd Place: GM Daniel Gormally 

3rd Place: Thomas Eggleston, Nathan Ekanem 

Senior Prize 

Michael Yianni 

Junior Prize 

Gautham Sathishkumar 

Grading Prizes 

Raj Singh 

Caleb Asaolu 

Sanjay Sathishkumar 

The performances of the younger players were particularly encouraging, with Gautham Sathishkumar claiming the Junior Prize alongside a grading prize after a mature and confident display throughout the tournament. Sanjay Sathishkumar, Caleb Asaolu and Raj Singh also achieved excellent results to secure grading prizes against a very strong field. 

The anniversary celebrations also saw the continuation of the club’s popular blitz competitions. The competition has now been running for seven consecutive years and continues to go from strength to strength. This year’s event was renamed the Paul Bielby Shield  in honour of the outstanding contribution Paul has made to chess in the Northeast over seven decades. Through his dedication, enthusiasm and service to the game, Paul has played a major role in developing and promoting chess across the region, and it is a fitting tribute that the competition now carries his name. A commemorative Shield was presented to Gustavo to be engraved and held for 12 months.  

South Shields Chess Club Chairman Eddie Czestochowski thanked all the players, arbiters, volunteers and supporters who helped make the event such a success. The tournament showcased not only a high standard of chess but also the strong community spirit that has helped the club flourish for 160 years. 

As the final games concluded and prizes were presented, the South Shields 160th Anniversary FIDE Rated Blitz proved to be a memorable occasion that celebrated the club’s rich history while looking confidently towards the future. With players of all ages competing alongside titled masters in a friendly and competitive atmosphere, the event perfectly reflected the values that have sustained South Shields Chess Club for over a century and a half.