Clifford Potter, Ashfield Chess Club player, passed away at the Sir John Eastwood Hospice on the 7th, June.
Clifford played for the Club since 1968, making his debut as a 12 year-old. He has been battling against cancer for the last year, and did not play in the 2009-10 League season.
Although not one of the strongest players at the club, Cliff was capable on his day of defeating very strong opponents. In the early 1980’s he defeated Canadian Grandmaster, Biayisis, in a simultaneous display. He showed that this was no fluke in the next year by defeating Paul Littlewood, IM and then British Champion, also in a simultaneous match.
Opponents underestimated Cliff at their peril and from time to time Cliff pulled off some startling victories.
Cliff had great enthusiasm for chess. For several years, he ran a juniors section of the club.
Cliff played in the Ashfield team which won the inaugural Handicap K.O. competition. His last game in the League came at the end of the 2008-9 season. He very nearly pulled off a surprise win against former club-mate, George Murfet, before succumbing to a narrow defeat.
Cliff was always a polite and courteous player, who thanked and shook hands with opponents even after friendly games in the club. He was a great trier, who visibly concentrated very hard to try to work out positions on the board.
Cliff maintained the same positive, battling approach throughout his illness. Cliff will be missed at Ashfield chess club. He demonstrated that you don’t have to be a top player to leave your mark in chess or to encourage and inspire youngsters.
(Phil Morgan, Ashfield Chess Club)