The big battle of this round saw 4th seed Jamie Brotheridge take on the player of honour 3rd seed Kevin Perrin. A non-descript queen pawn opening led to an unbalanced middlegame position similar to those arising from the Grunfeld Defence. Both players launched attacks on opposite wings with Jamie’s forces camped menacingly around Kevin’s king. Neither player gave any quarter and Kevin broke through on the queenside and was poised to deliver mate when Jamie launched his own mating combination to force Kevin’s resignation.

Joel Beggs, challenging for the title despite his unrated status, played 2nd seed Patrick Cook. An unusual line of Alekhine’s Defence, introduced to the club last year by John Lavery, was handled comfortably by Patrick and he gained the type of positioned edge he normally thrives on. But an un characteristic tactical blunder gave Joel 2 pieces for a rook and a winning position. Patrick never misses an opportunity for a draw however, and promptly offered one. Joel surprisingly accepted, citing fatigue and hunger (!). This leaves Patrick as the last undefeated player.

Tim Commons played 2 time champion Peter Miitel and was confronted by Alekhine’s Defence, this time a wild line made famous in a game between David Bronstein and Ljubomir Ljubojevic (Petropolis, 1973). Tim kept his nerve and gained an imposing looking pawn centre, whereupon Peter lost his nerve and offered a draw, which Tim accepted. A good result for the 2004 reserves runner-up.

Mitchel Bailey played club Secretary John Abson. From a Queen’s Gambit Accepted, Mitchel picked up a pawn in the early middle game and thereafter played careful, sensible chess until John gave himself enough weaknesses for Mitchel to gain a decisive material advantage.

Darren Young met reserves champion James Eldridge. As usual Darren opened with 1. e4 and was confronted by the Sicilian Defence. Like most of Darren’s games, this was a though encounter. James gained come initiative against Darren’s strong resistance and gradually built up an imposing attack against his king. A final combination played with aplomb by James, then ended the game in his favor.

Michael Schreenan versus Scott Stewart was played earlier (see round 7).

John Frangakis versus Rob Bailey was postponed, so Rob played his round 13 game versus Michael Schreenan. Another Queen’s Gambit Accepted, Rob had little difficultly in notching up his 3rd win of the event.