Jamie Brotheridge versus Peter Miitel was an important showdown for the title race. Another Benko Gambit by Black, White was gradually squeezed until he lashed out in an attempt to gain counterplay. It simply gave Black a winning advantage and high quality technique hauled in the full point.

Tournament leader Joel Beggs faced Chris Segrave, still searching for his first points. A Caro-Kann Defence, Black held on for some time with careful play but found himself in time pressure and fell apart. Another good win for White.

Bill Coutts versus Michael Schreenan was played earlier (see Rd. 6).

John Abson versus Boris Skontra and Kevin Perrin versus Patrick Cook were postponed.