R.G.Jones

Robert G Jones 1945-2013

Robert Jones, a member of Walsall Kipping Chess Club for over 40 years, died peacefully on 3rd April, after suffering from a protracted and debilitating illness. He was a longstanding player in both the Wolverhampton and Birmingham Leagues. For 20 years Rob captained a variety of Walsall's teams; and for more than 10 of them he captained the club's WDCL Division 1 side, successfully leading them to the Championship in the 1994-95 season. He was a strong club player, and supported many of the local tournaments, as well as being a County (Staffs) player. He won the Bidgood Trophy in 1971, and was runner up in the Rock Cup of 1986, beaten only by a future IM. In 1997 he won the club's (KO) Championship. In a simultaneous display given by GM Alexei Suetin in 1992 as part of the club's Jubilee celebrations, Rob not only provided him with the stiffest opposition, but was able to engage him in a discussion of the game in Russian afterwards!

Rob was a cheerful and valued member of the club, and never happier than when talking up his favourite opening the More Gambit! He will be sorely missed.