Kevin Perrin took on Clint Stewart's Dutch Leningrad. In a quiet positional struggle, White obtained a firm grip on the game and methodically converted this to a win in a fine example of excellent technique.

John Abson met Michael Schreenan who ventured a Petroff Defence. White snatched a pawn in the opening which Black eventually regained. By then, however, White had set up a direct attack on Black's King which culminated in a neat checkmate in the middle of the board.

Jamie Brotheridge faced Tim Commons in a 4 knights game! After declining Black's 5 th move draw offer, White quickly won a pawn and broke open his opponents King's position. Tim did well to survive the initial onslaught, but White simply increased the pressure, won 2 pieces, as was not troubled thereafter.

Patrick Cook met Rob Loveband in a Queens Gambit Declined. The defending champion drifted into a bad position and was quickly overwhelmed by Black's focused play. 2 losses in a row for the soon-to-be ex-champion!

James Eldridge versus John Frangakis and Scott Stewart versus Rob Bailey were postponed.