Last week was the 300th Friday Night Blitz which was meant to be a celebration of almost 6 years of amazing chess events, consistently bringing together players from all over South Africa and the world. It has been an honour to host numerous titled players from South Africa and abroad including the likes of previous winners GM Adham Fawzy (Egypt), GM Aaryan Varshney (India), GM Diptayan Ghosh (India), IM Yoseph Taher (Indonesia), FM Shabier Bhawoodien (SA), FM Banele Mhango (SA) and IM Jan Karsten (SA) who has won the most Friday Night Blitz events!!
We have been very fortunate to have regular sponsors like Rook Wear as well as numerous other anonymous sponsors over the years. These prizes assist in attracting titled and elite players locally and internationally giving South African players the opportunity to come against the top players on a regular basis.
Sadly the 300th event was marred by a junior being flagged for cheating during the event (for which the boy apologised) and many accusations of cheating towards certain players. This reflected poorly on the event, participants, sponsors and South African Chess Hub as a whole.
We are very aware of the risks of cheating online and take it very seriously by ensuring every player must register at www.chesshub.org.za thereby verifying the identity of the players, which is known to reduce the extent of cheating globally. We have further relied on the Lichess anti-cheating measures and where required, recommended to participants that if they suspect cheating, they must report the player to Lichess.
I was extremely disappointed with the event and sad for our regular honest players and amazing sponsors that have supported the event. Hosting these events has been a massive personal commitment to setup the events, promote the events and to be available each week to assist and accept new members into the team. I was so angry and hurt that I wanted to cancel all future Friday Night Blitz events.
Following careful consideration and consultation with my sponsors and my family, I have decided to continue with Friday Night Blitz but will not host major prized events in the same format. We cannot allow the actions of a small minority affect the enjoyment and legacy of this event.
I am very proud of what this has become and am very appreciative of all the support received over the years!!
List of winners: https://chesshub.org.za/friday-night-blitz-winners/
Kind regards
Paul Wilson (GrayOldWizard)
Founder of SA Chess Hub