The Welsh Chess Union has received an invitation which is open to all its members to compete in this event, the Entry Form for which can be found here.
Last year, the 2018 Northumbria Masters was a great success, featuring a very strong field of 7 GMs and 11 IMs in a total of 50 players.
This year there is more space at a superb new hotel venue, Novotel Newcastle Airport, where the players and their families can stay and relax. Because of the new, bigger venue, there are no rating restrictions – in fact, there are three FIDE-rated sections (Masters- open to everyone), Challengers (Under 2050) and Major (Under 1850) running from 23-27 August, over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Starting on the morning of Friday August 23, there is also a one-day FIDE-rated Junior Rapidplay, with Under 11 and Under 14 sections.
Our partners Guaranteed Events Ltd have arranged a special room rate of £69 per person (single occupancy), and £79 per person (double occupancy) at Novotel Newcastle Airport. Please note: This is only available when booking through their dedicated website.
The hotel has 126 very comfortable rooms, has a spacious playing hall accommodating up to 120 players, a stylish restaurant and bar, and secluded outdoor picnic area. There is ample car parking at the hotel, which is free for all competitors, accompanying persons and spectators. It is also very convenient to get to: literally 300 metres from the A1(M) in Newcastle, just 3 miles from Newcastle Airport, and 4 miles from Newcastle Central railway station.
We aim to provide an enjoyable chess holiday experience for all participants and their families. With this in mind, players can order up to 3 half point byes in Rounds 1-8, and half-day excursions are being organised to the North East’s most iconic tourist destinations: The castles of Northumberland (Alnwick, Lindisfarne & Bamburgh); Exploring Hadrian’s Wall and the Segedenum Roman Fort museum; and a trip to the historic city of Durham, including its Castle and Cathedral.
As the Northumbria Masters is designed to provide title norm opportunities, special assistance to titled players is being offered. Entry for GMs, WGMs, IMs & WIMs is free, and free accommodation is being offered to a number of these players with local chess players in their homes.
(For these and other conditions, titled players are requested to contact the organiser personally).
The organiser is
Tim Wall
Tournament Director
Northumbria Masters
Tel: 0750 372 2366
Website: https;//northumbriamasters.com
Twitter: @NorthMasters
Facebook: 2019 Northumbria Masters
Accommodation with local hosts will be made available on a first come, first served basis.
