2006 Spielvogel Memorial - Round 4
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After some lively discussion among the players concerning the draw, the games finally got under way. Co-leader Jamie Brotheridge faced Shane Sporle who played a "sort-of" Benoni Defence which gave him a very uncomfortable position. After giving up a piece for 2 pawns , black was able to offer come spirited resistence, but eventualy succumbed to Jamie's relentless pressure. The other 2 co-leaders met each other. Peter Miitel essayed his usual London system against Patrick Cook who gained a slight positional edge which proved insufficient for more than a draw. This left Jamie Brotheridge as outright leader. Rob Bailey ventured the primitive, but dangerous, Centre Game (1. e4 e5 2. d4!? ...) against Darren Young. Darren preferred to play a solid defensive game and turned it into a Philidor Defence. Despite Rob's determined efforts, Darren resisted long into the night and was justly rewarded with a draw. Joel Beggs also faced a Philidor against John Abson. This time white quickly gained the upper hand, nabbing 2 pawns and setting up a viscious attack on black's king. After sidestepping some inventive swidle attempts by John, Joel zeroed in on mate and picked up the full point. Michael Schreenan faced James Eldridge's Petroff Defence. Clever play early on gave Michael 2 bishops for a rook and he made full use of this advantage to win an excellent game, contributing another upset result in a tournament that has seen several already. Gene Bell, the hero of round 3, met Tim Commons and once again ventured the peculiar 1. e3 opening. A wild game ensured with chances for both sides, until Gene's king was trapped and mated on an open board.
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