Jamie Brotheridge versus Patrick Cook was the traditional showdown between these two great rivals. A Queen’s Indian Defence (yet again!), the first 15 moves were played quickly before the players settled down to an intense positional battle. White gained a lot of pressure and might have had a winning position, but Black did just enough to survive and a draw was the result.

The other pairings had to be rearranged to accommodate absent players.

From round 4, Michael Schreenan faced Tim Commons in a Ruy Lopez. Black won a pawn in the opening and established a firm grip on the position before ending the game with a stylish mating combination .

Also from round 4, Swytzar Swytzer faced Chris Segrave and surprised him with the Scotch. Showing his recent improved play, White built up a good position and then converted it into a winning position with an excellent combination. He took some time to finish off the Reserves champion, but the result was never really in doubt..

Sharjeel Ansari met Rob Bailey who tested White’s knowledge in the Sicilian. A sharp tussle ensued, typical of the Defence. White gradually obtained the initiative, then won a pawn. Turning down Black’s optimistic draw offer, White cleverly won another pawn before breaking into the Black King’s position. An excellent positional crush.