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Chess mourns death of British master

3/ 1/2001

THE Advertiser's chess correspondent Vic Knox has died, aged 56. Darren McElvenny presents his tribute ...

I first met Vic Knox through work. He was project manager for an IT project for which I was his main customer. I hadn't realised at first that he was THE Vic Knox who was a FIDE and British Master who was well known on the Manchester and Cheshire chess scene.

I happened to explain to Vic that I was in the process of establishing, together with long-time Worsley resident Brian Rhodes, a new chess club in my home town of Worsley.

Vic was immediately interested and supportive of the idea. He immediately offered his services to help launch the club by volunteering to give a simultaneous display.

This was as recently as September 2000. Needless to say, Vic was undefeated - I was the recipient of one of a few generous draws that he conceded. He and his good friend Ray English organised a 10 minute tournament the following week. The club was up and running!

I was delighted when Vic, Ray and his son David agreed to join the club. Not only that, Vic agreed to captain our team that had entered the Bury and Rochdale League.

As usual during the course of the season, Vic put the results of the team before his own personal results.

Nevertheless, he had said to me at the start of the 2000-01 season that he was determined to get his grade above 200 again.

Vic and his team's performance were first class. The team won both the Bury and Rochdale League and the Cup that season. Vic remained undefeated winning six games and drawing three. He thus achieved his aim of ensuring that his grade was above 200.

Sadly, Vic's illness prevented him from fulfilling his role as team captain this season. During our frequent conversations, he kept me informed of just when he expected to be back captaining and playing. Unfortunately, it was not to be.

During last season, Vic also held several coaching sessions for the younger and less experienced members at Worsley, and I know these were exceptionally well received.

His time with Worsley was all too short. I will miss Vic as a work colleague, fellow chess player, but most of all as a good friend.