The pick of this round was the dramatic encounter between 2004 reserves champion James Eldridge and championship debutant Joel Beggs. James surprised Joel (among others!) by launching the venerable Kings Gambit, which Joel accepted. A tense, complicated struggle ensued, with James eventually gaining an edge courtesy of a pawn advantage. The game reached a minor piece endgame with James holding two connected passed pawns, which proved sufficient for victory in an excellent game. A setback for Joel who had started the event well.

Michael Schreenan versus Tim Commons was a Philidor’s defence (1. e4 e5, 2. Nf3 d6). Tim won a pawn in the middle game, but Michael kept the position tight to reach a double rook ending that he was just not able to hold, giving Tim his first win of the championship.

Kevin Perrin versus Darren Young was a tight game arising from the English opening. Darren won a pawn in the middle game and saddled Kevin win doubled isolated pawns to boot. He seemed headed for a major upset, but once again, carelessness cost him dearly, this time dropping a whole rook, and his chances evaporated.

Patrick Cook, quietly leading at the start of the round, met solid junior Mitchel Bailey. The two contested an off-beat Slav defence. Neither player could gain an edge in the subtle manoeuvring that followed and Patrick, in a reprise of his old habits, offered a draw on move 15, which Mitchel happily accepted.

Top seed Scott Stewart, back from a brief holiday met Jamie Brotheridge later in the week. A non-descript queen pawn game followed a similar course to the Cook – Bailey encounter and was drawn in 18 moves without any great drama.

Two time champion Peter Miitel finally got under way after missing the first 4 rounds through illness. His scheduled game versus John Frangakis has been postponed, so he played his round 2 game versus John Abson. Peter met John’s 1. e4 with the Alekhine’s defence which bizarrely metamorphosed into an advanced French (1. e4 Nf6, 2. d4? d5?! 3. e5 …). John soon lost a piece and did not survive for long after that.

John Abson versus Robert Bailey was played earlier (see round 3).