Rob Loveband took on top seed Patrick Cook in an unusual French Defence, exchange variation (1.e4 e6 2.f4 d5 3. exd5 …). An interesting game ensued with chances for both sides before Black lost the plot with a couple of tactical oversights that cost his Queen and the game.

Jamie Brotheridge met Chris Segrave who found himself playing an Alekhine Defence via 1.d4 !! Black quickly had a cramped position and White rapidly built up a powerful attack in the early middle game. Black soon cracked under the pressure and lost his Queen before being mated.

Yu Liu versus Kevin Perrin was a King’s Indian Defence. White missed several good opportunities to gain an advantage, before dropping the exchange for a pawn, and then blundering a rook.

Michael Schreenan met Hao Zhang in a Ruy Lopez, exchange variation. White picked up 2 pawns late in the middle game and won smoothly.

John Abson had the bye.