John Nunn's 60th Birthday Blitz

by ChessBase
4/27/2015 – Sixteen players, most of them with GM titles, gathered together in the splendid Home House in London's West End to play a blitz tournament. This was to celebrate the 60th birthday of one of their most esteemed colleagues, Dr John Nunn, mathematician, former top world class GM, author, problemist. We wish John a very happy birthday with this big pictorial report.

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John Nunn's 60th Birthday Blitz

For his 60th birthday on April 25 John decided to celebrate by having a blitz tournament with some of his chess-playing friends. The event was held in Home House (above), a private club situated in London’s West End. It provided a splendid venue for a tournament which was conducted in a good-humoured atmosphere.

Practically all the top British players participated, except for Nigel Short and Michael Adams, who were playing elsewhere at the time. The eventual winner was Gawain Jones, who defeated his closest rival Luke McShane in their individual encounter. Yasser Seirawan finished third and was the top performer from the "older generation".

Former World Championship candidate GM Jon Speelman

GM Jonathan Mestel, now a professor at Imperial College, London

Dr John Nunn, now 60 years old

GM Keith Arkell

GM Yasser Seirawan, not so active these days but still a very good blitz player

Yasser doing battle with GM Matthew Sadler

Stephen Gordon, one of the younger grandmasters taking part

GM William Watson, now a partner at international law firm Slaughter and May

IM Ali Mortazavi, Chief Executive of drug development company Silence Therapeutics

Gawain Jones and Luke McShane enjoying their game, which proved decisive for the final standings

GM Gawain Jones, the winner

GM John Emms

Final cross table

Click to enlarge

John Nunn presents first prize of £1000 to winner Gawain Jones

GM Matthew Sadler, happy with his fourth place

The players enjoy a well-earned drink after the event

Yasser Seirawan chats with the winner Gawain Jones

John Nunn cutting his birthday cake

Yasser Seirawan entertains with a short speech at the prize ceremony

Chess wives and players Petra Nunn and Yvette Seirawan

All photos by John Saunders

John Nunn on his 60th birthday – picture by Petra Nunn at their home

The celebration was made possible by David Norwood, Ali Mortazavi, Peter Ariowitsch and John Saunders
(who acted as arbiter and photographer), Chess & Bridge (who provided the equipment) and Home House.


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