|
Round 2
Plenty of drama today as all manner of upsets unfolded. Not least of which was the game on top board between number one seed John Redmond and Eduardas Rozentalis which seemed to be going ok for John from early on. Then it became clear that White was better all the way through the middlegame and endgame but the concensus seem to be that it would be a draw. Then just as I was leaving the position below was on the board -with White (John) to move.
I could harldy believe my eyes when I looked and saw the position. I just assumed that Black is lost here and its not even hard? I mean is Nh2 and Ng4 not just winning? Well anyway White instead played d3 to d4 and I wont know what the outcome was until later. I guess White is stil winning, but having not played Nh2 maybe White can still go wrong again? {subsequently a win for white confirmed}
Earlier in the day Gerry O Connell had dispatched the number two seed Mark Hebden with black in a very well played game, while number 3 seed Stuart Conquest was held to a draw by the brave and tenacious efforts of Simon Jeffares in a difficult rook and pawns endgame. Elsewhere Stephen Brady showed impressive form with a typical masterclass in grinding out a win against Gordon Freeman who looked as though he might be ok early in the game but gradually seemed to get caught in Stephens web. Brian Kelly too had a bit of work to do when he skillfully contained his opponents tactical efforts in a wild Semi Slav. My own game was a really easy and relaxing one with little effort involved after my opponent first unwisely grabbed a pawn and then allowed a back rank mate in a very difficult position.
The games from this round are now publicly available for download as pgn files. Also See games section for an idea of how this round developed.
|
