Patrick Cook played current tournament leader Joel Beggs, Joel expecting Pat’s favourite opening as white the Larsen’s had prepared but didn’t get what he was expecting. Instead, Pat played the English opening (1. c4). After some long tactical manoeuvring and trading of pieces the game came to a king a pawn endgame. Joel knowing only a draw would secure the win for the tournament attempted to lock the position up, but somehow Pat managed a king opposition move forcing Joel’s king back and giving clearance for a pawn to promote. Joel resigned after it was clear there was no stopping the advance. That’s the first loss in the tournament for the giant killer. This makes the tournament going into the last round very interesting, Joel still has the lead but by only half a point.

Jamie Brotheridge was under pressure in his game against Peter Miitel, Peter played well to create a good position in which to attack but made a blunder, JB fortunate to walk away with the win in such circumstances.

The game between James Eldridge and Robert Bailey was a French tarrash, Rob opted for centeral pawn dominance but left a flank to the king open. James started to attack around the kingside and place pressure on the uncastled king. Rob sacrificed the exchange in an attempt to counter but didn’t receive much componsation. Rob resigned after James defended with the two rooks against some rampant pawns.

Tim Commons and Anthony Reynolds had a lively game, Tim played the advance variation of the French and went on a pawn grabbing expedition with the queen. Anthony conjured up some interesting moves in order to regain lost ground but missed an exchange of pieces that lost a bishop. Tim later went on to win.

Kevin Perrin was confronted by the centre-counter by Gene Bell. Gene fell victim to a pin that lost his queen early in the game. John Frangakis won against Michael Schreenan. John Abson defeated Michael Taylor and Shane Sporle had the bye.