A Warm Welcome to Nathanael

Peter Kitchen writes.

Shrewsbury Chess Club is delighted to welcome Nathanael Paul – one of the county’s strongest players – as a new member.

Nathanael has joined the club to enable him to attempt to defend his Shrewsbury Town Championship title, which he won last Summer while registered with our town rivals Telepost.Nathanael was one of the key figures for Newport A during their recent domination of Shropshire Chess League division one, proving to be the strongest board two in the league. On current ECF ratings, he is the county’s number three player behind Nick Rutter and Nigel Ferrington with a grading of 2142.

He has been taking a break from competitive team chess this season, and there are no immediate plans for that to change.

But it is hoped he will be a welcome figure at club nights and a great player for some of the club’s less experienced members to learn from.

The latest club night at the Nerdy Cafe attracted several new faces, to the delight of club officials. We hope to welcome them back next time!

Nathanael is one of several club players who have entered this year’s town championship, which will include prizes for the highest placed players rated under 1700 and 1400.

Paul was recently presented with the trophy for last season’s tournament by organiser Paul Billington.

For more details about this year’s competition, visit www.shropshirechess.org and follow the links for Shrewsbury Town Championship, or email at p.billington1@talktalk.net