Tim Commons took on 2nd placed Patrick Cook and surprised everyone especially Patrick, when he played the Larsen opening! Patrick found himself in a slightly uncomfortable position but declined Tim’s early draw offer. Shortly after Tim blundered a piece in a tactical exchange and resigned, leaving Patrick still within range of Jamie should he stumble in the last round.

John Abson versus James Eldridge was a Sicilian defence. Black won a pawn, then a piece as well in the middle game, setting up a crushing position which John could not survive.

Darren Young met Peter Mittel in another Sicilian, black won a pawn with aggressive middle game play and after gaining a piece as well, appeared to have the game sewn up. Darren is a fighter though and regained his piece only to lose it again in trying to hold back Peter’s passed pawns. The deficit proved fatal and Peter quickly converted his advantage.

Michael Schreenan played John Frangakis back from New Zealand sojourn. John played his favourite Scandinavian defence (1. e4 d5) and quickly gained the upper hand when white lost his queen for rook and bishop. Michael still had some sneaky tricks but John sidestepped them easily to win comfortably.

Latecomers Shane Sporle and Gene Bells withdrew from the tournament. Joel Beggs had the bye.