25/05/2026
More huge congratulations. This time to Vlad Drabych. Winner of a tremendously strong Perth Major Championship (u1800), with an unbeaten 6/7, a full point clear of the field.
Technically more a Castlehill Chess Club Dundee player, but a Dundee Chess Club member too, and as he said, we can certainly claim him as a Dundee City double along with Ansh. Vlad's feat is illustrated by his tournament performance rating of 2029. Well played young man 🤗
A very special mention also to everyone's favourite, Katarina Tanzerova. Kat actually started the tournament as top seed, with a (as she readily points out) somewhat artificial FIDE rating of 1908. But her start to the tournament made that look like an under-rating. She soared to 4/4 early on, with wins against players rated from 1600 to 1840, before falling back to an eventual 4½/7, just a half-point away from the prizes. Kat has roared back from a horrible accident during the Glasgow congress, which has left her on crutches since, but has been magnificent in fighting her way back, playing at Aberdeen, SNCL, club tournaments and matches, and now here, and is happily well on the way to full recovery 🥰
Well done also to Keith Emery, Senior Grading Prize winner in the Major, on 4/7.
Well played to everyone who came, saw, conquered or just took part. Another fabulous Perth Congress, thanks to the Salutation Hotel, Director David Clayton, arbiters John McNicoll, Andy and Karen Howie, and all the many assistants who are the backbone of all congresses. Many Thanks to you all 😊
