The last undefeated record came to an end this round when Scott Stewart played the unbeaten 2nd seed Patrick Cook. A Bird’s opening (Scott’s speciality!), the game reached a known theoretical position rather quickly. In the early middle game, Patrick built up dangerous pressure down the only open file. Tactical operations by Scott relieved the pressure and when Patrick missed a chance to force a draw by repetition on move 21, Scott gained the upper hand when he won a piece for a pawn. Patrick’s attempts to draw by perpetual check were side stepped by Scott, who then went on to win a fine game. This was the top seeds last game and he thus finishes with 9/13.

Tim Commons met John Abson and once again a peculiar Petroff defence was played. John dropped a piece through an oversight quite early, and did not survive long, thereafter. “I was left at the barrier by Tim” was John’s laconic comment after the game.

Joel Beggs played Kevin Perrin in what was expected to be a though encounter. A main-line Sicilian, Kevin’s vast experience told, When Joel realised to his horror that he was losing a piece on move 14 and promptly resigned. A important win for Kevin who is very much in contention for the title in his 40th championship tournament!

Michael Schreenan versus Peter Miitel was a rare Alekhine line (1. e4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5). White dropped a piece for a pawn early and Peter had no difficultly in converting his advantage.

Mitchel Bailey played the struggling junior Darren Young. A queen’s gambit declined. Darren kept things tight, as he usually does, but eventually, Mitchel’s persistent pressure resulted in Darren cracking and he conceded 2 bishops for a rook and pawn. He then “fell apart” and registered his 8th consecutive loss.

The game of the round was undoubtedly Jamie Brotheridge versus Robert Bailey. A Nimzo-Indian defence (Leningrad variation), Rob handled it well and picked up a pawn in the middle game to be sitting comfortably. Jamie then launched a spectacular rook sacrifice which forced Rob’s king into the open. His follow-up seemed slightly inaccurate, enabling Rob to survive into “extra-time”, but he ultimately succumbed to Jamie’s persistence after 80 moves. A just reward for Jamie’s bravery.

Kevin Perrin managed to fit in his postponed round 3 game versus John Abson. A Scotch opening (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4), this encounter was much more dramatic than expected thanks to John’s burst of confidence following from his heroics last round. Kevin won on time!, and admitted later he was very lucky.

Tim Commons also played his postponed game versus Joel Beggs from round 4. Another Petroff, sharp opening play saw black gain a pawn. However, Tim organised his forces very well indeed to seize the initiative and regain the pawn. After reaching a queen and pawns ending, Joel resigned after the queens were traded and he saw that his position was hopeless.

John Frangakis versus James Eldridge was postponed.