Newport Congress

21-23 August 2026

Defending champion Aron Saunders who plays for Downend & Fishponds was back to see if he could retain his title, starting the event as top seed ahead of veteran Welsh FM Peter Varley, who comes from Chepstow and has in the past played Bristol League matches for Thornbury.

The tournament finished better than could have been expected from Bristol's point of view, with first place in the Open and second in both of the other sections.

TOP BRISTOL RESULTS (50% or higher)

(Full tables can be seen on Chess Results)

Open

Aron Saunders (Downend) 4½/5 1st

Andy Hill (Horfield) 3

Judd Chidwick (Horfield) 2½

Major

Lawrence Northam (Yate) 4/5 2nd=

Dillon Rock Cooper (Clevedon) 3½

Patrick Bourne (North Bristol) 2½

Alan Papier (Downend) 2½

Minor

Bob Radford (Grendel) 4/5 2nd=

Shaun Walsh (Downend) 2½

Any errors or omissions please notify using this email bristolchess@gmail.com