Patrick Cook faced the feisty Tim Commons who side-stepped a planned Catalan by launching an immediate assault on White’s castled King. To relieve the pressure, White gave up a piece for 2 pawns and gained a dangerous counterattack. Black blundered a piece in the process and went down rapidly from there.

Michael Schreenan versus Sharjeel Ansari, from round 2, was a Ruy Lopez. The game was played at lightning speed with White holding his own for some time, but Black’s superior technique gave him a comfortable win in the end.

Jamie Brotheridge versus Chris Segrave was an Open Sicilian. Black got tangled up in the opening and gave away a pawn. White quickly built up an attack and soon won a piece, and then the Black Queen as well, before finishing off his opponent with a checkmate.

Also on the night, the round 3 game Tim Commons versus Chris Segrave was played. Another Open Sicilian, once again White gained an advantage from the opening, establishing a firm grip on the game. Black’s efforts to wriggle out were fruitless and White won a good game.