The postponed games were finally dealt with, some them being crucial to the final standings in this dramatic tournament.

From round 7, Swytzar Swytzer versus Jamie Brotheridge was a Sicilian that gave Black no problems. His superior technique and experience resulted in a comfortable win.

The round 2 game, Kevin Perrin versus Patrick Cook was a French Defence, exchange variation. Both players needed to win to maintain realistic chances of winning the tournament, although a draw raised the interesting possibility of a three-way tie! The usual drawish opening gave rise to a subtle positional game, with Black picking up an exchange and, declining several draw offers, ground out a good win in 67 moves. So the top seed finished with an unbeaten 7 1/2/9.

Rob Loveband versus Kevin Perrin, from round 3, was also important. If White could win he would catch up with Patrick Cook, and a play-off would decide the title. The game was something of an anti-climax. A Slav Defence, White built up a dangerous attack before Black realised the peril he was in, and subsequently won a piece and Black resigned.

John Frangakis, psychologically shattered by his disastrous run of losses, forfeited his last 2 games against Swytzar Swytzer and Rob Bailey.

After all games had been finalised, Patrick Cook and Rob Loveband tied for first and will play-off for the title of Ballarat Chess Club Champion 2008.

Chris Segrave, unrated and playing his first Ballarat tournament, had a great result and won the Murray Byrne shield as Reserves champion.

THE PLAY-OFF

The play-off is the best of 2 games at championship time controls. Patrick Cook drew white for the first game and played a Catalan system. A careful manoevering game ensued until Black saw an oppurtunity to harass the White King, only to discover that he had trapped a piece. White made no mistake in hauling in the full point thereafter.

Game 2 was a Slav Defence; White needing to win threw everything at the Black position, sacrificing a piece to expose the King. Black defended well, but at a crucial moment was overanxious to simplify and gave back the piece to reach an ending a pawn to the good. He discovered too late that he had simplified into a passive, lost ending and Black was merciless in leveling the score. So 2 more games were required.

Game 3 was a Queen's Gambit Declined and Black set out from the start to draw the game, even at the cost of a pawn. This proved a mistake, as White demonstrated high-class technique in winning a rooks and pawns ending.

Game 4 was a Nimzo-Indian Defence, and once again White was in a must win situation. Inspired by Jamie Brotheridge's enterprising style, he launched another sacrificial attack. Black kept the piece and carefully defended against the mate threats, before reaching a won position. White resigned a hopeless position and congratulated his opponent.

This gave Patrick Cook his 7^th Ballarat Chess Club chapionship title, equalling Kevin Perrin's all-time record.