Kevin Perrin took on John Abson in an Italian Game. White’s logical development saw him win a pawn in the opening phase, then pick up a piece in the early middle game to have a commanding position. He then organized a winning attack at his leisure and efficiently finished off the game.

Rob Loveband met Michael Schreenan, fresh from his excellent play the previous round. A Queen’s Gambit Accepted resulted in sharp opening play. Black dropped a piece for a pawn in the middle game, giving White the opportunity to relentlessly build up an attack against the Black King. White soon broke through for a fine win in 21 moves.

Patrick Cook met the tough John Frangakis and played a careful Catalan type opening. White slowly increased the pressure against Black’s passive defence to reach a winning position. Black then overlooked a mate to hand White a splendid win.

Jamie Brotheridge met Chris Segrave and surprised his opponent with the Trompowsky Opening (1. d4  Nf6 2. Bg5 ). A complex positional game ensued with Black holding his own for some time before going down to superior play by the (now) top seed.