New English Chess sponsor remains anonymous as search for new major sponsor for the British championship goes on

The English Chess Federation has announced that a major new sponsor has been found for an English National Chess Championship. An initial donation of £10,000 has been paid to the federation and similar payments will be made in subsequent years. In accordance with the sponsor's wishes, £2,000 will be made available for English prizes within the British Championship (£1,500 for the highest finishing English player and £500 for the highest finishing Englishwoman) with the surplus put into a Permanent Invested Fund. It is anticipated that the English prizes will increase each year, and the sum within the Permanent Invested Fund will increase until it is sufficient for the ECF to launch a sustainable stand-alone English Championship with a significant prize fund. The donor wishes to remain anonymous, but is new to chess sponsorship. David Welch, Manager of Congress Chess, described the donation as "exceptionally generous". "This individual has committed major funds to a project which the ECF has long desired. It is fantastic news." Chief Executive Martin Regan also welcomed the sponsorship : "Although the search for a sponsor for the British continues, it is very welcome news that such a major new sponsor has been found for a future English Championship. I know the person involved and their modesty is matched only by their generosity." The search for a major sponsor for the British Championships continues, following the recent withdrawal of Smith & Williamson, who have backed the event for many years. The 94th Championships of The British Isles, organised by the English Chess Federation, takes place between Sunday, 29th July and Saturday, 11th August at Great Yarmouth College, Great Yarmouth.   E&OE