The inaugural edition of the Isle of Wight Chess Congress is heading to Ryde this April, it has been announced. The event, which is to take place at Ryde Castle Hotel between Friday 19th and Sunday 21st April 2024, will be made up of The Open (ratings above 1800), the Championship (ratings below 1900) and the Challenger (ratings below 1400). Some of the best players around will battle it out including former English Champion GM Keith Arkell. FM Jonathan Pein also joins the competition, with many more incredible players set to be announced in the coming weeks. Shohreh Bayat will be the Chief Arbiter overseeing the FIDE-rated Open and ECF sections, held in 5 Round Swiss format. 
“Wightlink Ferries are delighted to support the Isle of Wight Chess Congress this April. “The Congress is shaping up to be a superb event, with interest from many high level UK competitors. “We very much look forward to this being a successful Congress putting the Isle of Wight on the map as more than just a wonderful holiday destination”
For more information and to register head to https://www.iowchess.com/iowchesscongressapril24.
Not a single comment. Obviously because the intellectual level of islanders is far below grasping the rules of chess.
Been a while since I played regularly. I would have attended but away on business those days. Well done to the sponsors for making this happen.