About the 1997 Congress
The Surrey Easter Chess Congress 1997 was held at the Central Library, St Nicholas Way, Sutton, from 28 to 31 March 1997.
The Frank Winter Memorial Open was FIDE-rated and attracted 101 competitors, plus one filler. The Open was won by Michael Adams of Slough with 6/7, making him the highest-rated Southern Counties Individual Champion in the history of the Championship.
The overall congress entry rose to 459 competitors across seven events, keeping Surrey among the largest weekend congresses in the country.
Dates28–31 Mar1997
Open101+ 1 filler
Total Entry459competitors
VenueSuttonCentral Library
James Plaskett withdrew through illness on the second day; with new draws held for Mark Ferguson and Adam Collinson, there was a six-way tie going into the final round before Michael Adams emerged as the sole winner.